Virginia Snyder, author, and 38-year resident of the city of Delray Beach has just recorded an interview on 90.7 WXEL to tell all about her new book “And Justice For All: The Improbable Story of Virginia Snyder.”
The interviews were done for the "Florida Forum" weekly radio show with Ann Bocock, airing at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, and re-aired at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
Snyder, 88, was chose to be featured as WXEL’s Editors Choice Book for the first week of November.
The book follows Snyder as she started the state’s first, only-female private investigator firm in 1976. For almost 30 years, she worked to free wrongly convicted men in a series of law enforcement mistakes and governmental miscues that took place in South Florida. She also highlighted police corruption and brought new evidence into unsolved cases.

For more information visit www.wxel.org or call the station at 800-915-9935 or at 561-737-8000

Snyder’s book can be found at the Boca Raton Barnes & Noble Booksellers. For information, call 561-750-2134.

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Robert Ganger, (left), president of the Delray Beach Historical Society and longtime Delray Beach resident Robert Neff pose in front of a new historic monument celebrating the city of Delray Beach Municipal Beach.
The Delray Beach Historical Society placed a historic marker commemorating the city of Delray Beach Municipal Beach given to the city by the Hunt and Gleason families in 1895.
“This area they set aside for the municipal beach would be worth $1 billion if sold today,” Delray Beach Historical Society President Robert Ganger said.
“Sarah Gleason held the official title of the beach.”
In 1895, Gleason gave that land to the city of Delray Beach.
More than 60 people turned out to a dedication ceremony to view the large rock monument, which is east of the beach sidewalk at 200 Ocean Blvd. and Bay Street.
Robert Neff, a land developer helped the Society obtain the marker from the state. Neff, one of 60 observers at the dedication, spoke afterward about his storied past with the city.
“I came to Florida in the 1920s, battled mosquitoes in a Model-T Ford. We camped along the way to Delray Beach. I eventually settled for good at the corner of Bay Street and Ocean Boulevard in a beautiful home with a front window that overlooked the beach. I lived there for 35 years,” Neff said.

For more information on the new historic marker call 561-243-2577.

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Lucaya Management and the Delray Beach Police Department are inviting residents to a “Meet Your Neighbor BBQ” to 3:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Lucaya office, 2095 Catherine Drive.
Residents can learn about community safety, crime prevention, who to contact if you become a victim, and resident involvement. Children are encouraged to attend and must be accompanied by an adult able to show a proof of residence. Hot dogs, hamburgers, a bounce house, clowns, and face painting are just a few of the free festivities at the event.

For more information contact Renda Thomas, condo manager at Lucaya, at 561-272-5296 or Officer Pacheo with the Delray Beach Police Department at 561-322-9794.

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The city of Delray Beach "505" Teen Center will be closed on Nov. 4 for Election Day. The “505” Teen Center is an official polling site selected by the Supervisor of Elections for the general elections. The “505” Teen Center skateboard park will also be closed.

The Center will reopen at 2 p.m. Nov. 5.

For information call Recreation Supervisor III,
Danielle B. Winn at 561-243-7158 or by e-mail at winn@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

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A new historical marker was placed at the intersection of 200 Ocean Blvd. and Bay Street. The marker symbolizes the “Orange Grove House of Refuge” built in 1876 for shipwreck survivors by the U.S Lifesaving Saving Service.
Delray Beach Mayor Rita Ellis, city officials, members of the Delray Beach Historical Society, and area residents attended this free event.

For more information call the Delray Beach Historical Society at 561-243-2577.

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Delray Beach Historical Society archivist Dottie Patterson remembers vividly the day she opened at the Cornell Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave.
“It was January 1991; we’ve made great use of this room for the past 17 years,” she said.
Since Aug. 30, Patterson has been packing boxes filled with historical documents and photos, dating back to the city of Delray Beach’s inception in 1895.
The Delray Beach Historical Society Archives Room will move to 111 N. Swinton Ave. It plans to open on Nov. 15.
Merritt Transfer & Storage, a third generation Delray Beach moving company located at 190 SE Second Ave., helped the Delray Beach Historical Society with the move.
“They’ve moved historical archive sites in the past… They gave us a nice price break on the move,” Patterson said.
“At the new site we’ll have a permanent exhibit, picture rail and large portable classroom in the little 1926 bungalow just west of the new archives room, curator office, conference room and a Native Florida Everglades Exhibit,” Patterson said.
“We also have a work room for residents, and the archives storage room will withstand category five hurricanes.”

For more information call Dottie Patterson at 561-274-9578.

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Pyramid Books in Boynton Beach will be having a book signing Nov. 17 with Sister Souljah. Sister Souljah will be signing her latest book, “Midnight: A Gangster Love Story” and taking questions and answers from the audience on racially motivated crimes, police brutality and the education of urban youth.
“Born in Bronx, New York, raised in the projects, Sister Souljah is a fighter who came up from the bottom,” said Pyramid Books director Akbar Watson.
“I hope anyone in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach interested in these issues will come to this event.”
The free event starts at 6 p.m. at Pyramid Books, 544-2 Gateway Blvd. Boynton Beach.

If you wish to have your books autographed by the author, you may purchase them in advance at Pyramid Books, online at www.pyramidbooks.net or at the November event. Pyramid Books can be reached at 561-731-4422 or by e-mail at pyramidbks@aol.com

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West Palm Beach-based immigration lawyer Aileen Josephs will speak at the Nov. 11 Citizens for Social Responsibility event in Delray Beach.

The Citizens for Social Responsibility is planning a Nov. 11 event featuring immigration lawyer Aileen Josephs.

“We are pleased to have Aileen Josephs, a prominent immigration lawyer, who will speak about positive approaches to the immigrant question. She happens to be on the boards of the American Jewish Committee, the Maya Ministry Diocese of Palm Beach County, the El Sol Jupiter Resource Center and was recently named Honorary Consul of Guatemala,” said spokeswoman Bernice Bulgatz.

The South County Civic Center is located at 16700 Jog Road in Delray Beach.

Anyone interested in attending this free event should call Bernice Bulgatz at 561-736-7928.

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John J. Sottilare campaigning in Delray Beach's Pineapple Grove neighborhood.

District 86 candidate John J. Sottilare’s gray jogging sneakers are worn down to the sole after 10 months of campaigning door-to-door in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach.
“Last week I developed serious blisters walking. These shoes will hopefully make it one more week,” he said.
On Election Day, Sottilare hopes to defeat Democrat Maria Sachs.
“I’m making contact with over 2,000 people each weekend in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton,” Sottilare said.
District 86 represents an area from Miner Road in Boynton Beach, south to Glades Road in Boca Raton, and east to west from Federal Highway to Jog Road in those communities.
“The majority of my voters are in Boynton Beach,” Sottilare said.
But he was canvassing an area today on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. He hoped to talk to business owners in the Pineapple Grove neighborhood and downtown Delray Beach.
Sottilare has no party affiliation and is listed as an independent on the ballot. He has raised more than $5,000, and put together a team of 15 volunteers.
Sachs, a lawyer in Delray Beach, has raised more than $48,000 in funds.
“We can’t outspend her… but we can put in time and effort in communities she hasn’t been seen in,” Sottilare said.

John J. Sottilare has turned his truck into a mobile campaign.

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The Delray Beach Public Library will be having a special teen event Monday, Oct. 27. “Good Day Anime Halloween Party” will take place upstairs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library on Atlantic Avenue.
“It’s food, fun, and festivities. We’re having a best costume contest, art contest, and candy sushi making,” said young adult librarian Lisa Kreutter.
Next up for the teens will be a performance of “Spoken Word Poetry" with Boynton Beach-based poet DOE from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12.
The performance will be followed by questions and answers, refreshments and reading of poems from the teen audience.
For information call Lisa Kreutter at 561-819-6299 or visit www.delraylibrary.org.

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Keith Fox's Yoga Studio

The Colony Hotel and Keith Fox Yoga are having a special night of yoga Oct. 23 during the city of Delray Beach’s “Art & Jazz on the Avenue” event.

A class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will take place at the Colony Hotel, 525 E. Atlantic Ave. A staffed table and information about the Colony Hotel and Keith Fox Yoga will also be available during the event. One-time card specials of 10 classes for $100 will be sold.

“Namaste! We hope to see everyone tonight at the Colony Hotel,” Keith Fox said.

For more information visit www.YogaFox.com or call Keith Fox at 561-703-1236.

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Tom Kriete, Kevin King, and Elvis impersonator Scott Ringerson auction off an item at the third annual World Series Tailgater benefit for the Naoma Donnelley Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach.

The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Men’s Group hoped to surpass last year’s World Series Tailgate Fundraiser by raising more than $15,000 for the Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach.

“We wanted to help the club with operating costs. Specifically concentrating on fitness and recreation,” said Tom Kriete, Men’s Group committee member.

In 2006, the first year of the World Series Tailgater, they raised $6,000 for the Miracle League of Delray Beach. In 2007, they raised $11,000 for the Miracle League of Delray Beach, an organization that provides children with mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league on a specially-equipped padded field.

“This year we’re shooting for $20,000. Since the Miracle League field is about to be built we decided to fund another program in need of a shot in the arm. So we chose the Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach,” said Danny Albertis, Men’s Group president.

They reached the goal of $20,000 early last night at the event at City Limits, 19 NE Third Ave.

For more information call Kevin King at 561-455-2660 or the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce at 561-278-0424. Visit www.mydelraybeach.com/DelrayChamber.

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Delray Beach-based artist Krisy Garloff shows off a painting that will be featured on the hit TV show "College Hill."

Kristy Garloff of Delray Beach has big aspirations for her artwork. Garloff, 34, has not let a weak economy slow her down, instead she has been networking with TV executive Jeff Eyser and landed eight of her bright acrylic paintings on the hit Black Entertainment TV show “College Hill.”
“College Hill Miami” just finished filming its sixth season off of Bay Road in Miami Beach. Eyser chose eight of Garloff’s paintings to add some “interior design” to the house where young adults at historically black colleges live together for one semester during the filming of the TV show.

“I like to start with a concept and see where it takes me,” Garloff, a freelance graphic artist and photographer.

She created all eight paintings in a home studio on the border of Delray Beach and Boca Raton.

“Hopefully I get enough exposure so I can concentrate on my art full time,” Garloff said.

For more information on “College Hill Miami” visit www.bet.com.

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Anna Goldzweig has celebrated 100 birthdays during her life but none have been celebrated like her 100th where two clowns, a musician, her family and 50 friends showed up.

At Liberty Inn’s Dining Room the party was catered with fried chicken wings, pigs-in-a-blanket, fruit juice, fresh fruit, and Goldzweig’s favorite, birthday cake with creamy frosting. Fifty of Goldzweig’s Liberty Inn neighbors sang “Happy Birthday to Anna” three times. Kate Lowenthal, 110, led the singing.

“Come on everybody… Let’s sing it again!” she said.

Goldzweig was born Oct. 21, 1908 in Russia. Her daughter, Harriet Nierman-Siegel, said before 1930 Anna Goldzweig was a ballerina.

“She was a great ballerina and danced to ‘Swan Lake,’” said Nierman-Siegel, a resident of Delray Beach for the past 20 years.

Goldzweig then moved to Chicago and did catering and cooking for a temple in Skokie, Ill.

“She was a fantastic cook and baker,” Nierman-Siegel said.

Her husband, Abe Goldzweig, was a cantor in Skokie. They had two children, Nierman-Siegel of Delray Beach, and Marvin Goldzweig of Chicago. Goldzweig also has five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Marvin Goldzweig and his wife Bobby attended the celebration as well as Nierman-Siegel, two clowns from the Crackerjack Clown Club, and Lou Laino from Starlight Entertainment, who sang the classics.

“She had a great time at the party. But, she kept on asking for her husband. They were really in love,” Nierman-Siegel said.

Liberty Inn is a skilled nursing rehabilitation facility located at 5858 Heritage Park Way in Delray Beach.

Anna Goldzweig with her 100th Birthday Cake.

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Local pianist Copeland Davis will headline “Art and Jazz on the Avenue” on Thursday, Oct. 23. The free event is open to everyone and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Delray Beach along Atlantic Avenue.
For the third straight “Art and Jazz on the Avenue” New Orleans’ Second Line Band, a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, will perform. The band will perform along East Atlantic Avenue and Davis will be at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion, 51 N. Swinton Ave.
Parts of Atlantic Avenue will be closed to traffic starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.
A Downtown Roundabout free shuttle bus will run until 11 p.m. to help patrons to their cars. The shuttle travels east on Atlantic Avenue, with one starting at the Tri-Rail station on Congress Avenue, and one starting at the Delray Beach Public Library traveling to the beach and back again. Shuttles run downtown every 20 minutes.

For a complete schedule entertainment schedule, visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

For more information call 561-279-1380, ext. 3.

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Roosevelt Jones. Jr. faces four charges stemming from an Oct. 13 carjacking in Delray Beach.

The second suspect in an armed carjacking that occurred in Delray Beach Oct. 13 has been apprehended in North Miami.

According to Jeffrey Messer, spokesman for the Delray Beach Police Department, the U.S. Marshall Service and Palm Beach County Fugitive Task Force took suspect Roosevelt Jones. Jr. into custody Oct. 20 in the 1600 block of NW 123 Street in Dade County.

Messer said Jones has been charged with armed carjacking with a firearm; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; fleeing and eluding at high speed; and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Jones is in the Palm Beach County Jail awaiting first appearance.

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According to Laila Haddad, Florida's Turnpike spokeswoman, one southbound and northbound lane in each direction on the Turnpike will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Wednesday, Oct. 22, for the installation of a new median barrier wall.

Also, construction activity causing periodic 10-minute lane closures will occur on Atlantic Avenue under the Turnpike from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Oct. 23. The construction will occur at the Atlantic Avenue Interchange from mileposts 80-82.

The construction is part of widening of Florida’s Turnpike from four to six lanes between the Atlantic Avenue interchange and the Lantana toll plaza. The project also includes reconstruction of the Atlantic Avenue interchange. This project began in 2005. Scheduled completion is early 2009 and the cost is about $81 million.

For more information contact Laila A. Haddad at 954-934-1280 laila.haddad@dot.state.fl.us or at www.floridasturnpike.com

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A Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Health Care Forum intended to focus on senior issues is planned for 10 a.m. October 22 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.
The title of the event is “Health Care for All: Together we can make a difference! Health Care Forum.”
According to Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President Tony Fransetta, the forum will discuss information about health care for retired Americans.
Congressman Ron Klein, representing Florida’s 22nd District; U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler representing the 19th District of Florida; Ted Deutsch representing District 30; Florida House of Representatives District 88 Congresswoman Susan Bucher and other politicians are expected to attend.
“We want the politicians here. But, this is not a political rally. The focus is health care surrounding HR 676, a bill proposed by John Conyers, a U. S. Congressman representing Michigan’s 14th District,” said Syd Bykofsky, Delray Beach Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
Conyers bill HR 676 plans to create a national health insurance program.
“We wish to implement policies that ensure seniors and people with disabilities access to affordable health care and prescription drugs. Our main goal during this forum is to discuss single payer health care in America,” Bykofsky said.
For more information contact Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans at 561-792-8799

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The Delray Beach Orchid Society will be showcasing orchids at Old School Square Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. “Ghostly Orchids” is a judged show and sale that will take place in the Old School Square Gymnasium between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the three-day show. Admission is $5.
Old School Square is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. in downtown Delray Beach.
According to Valerie Smith, special events coordinator at the American Orchid Society, judging of orchid exhibits and individual flowers, educational displays, orchid jewelry, collectibles, a student orchid poster contest, and sale of orchids, will occur with help from the American Orchid Society during the event.
The Delray Beach Orchid Society started in 1974 with an emphasis on promoting the hobby of orchid growing.
For more information, please call 561-638-9014 or visit www.delraybeachorchidsociety.org

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John J. Sottilare is running as an independent in District 86.

John J. Sottilare, the Independent candidate for Florida House of Representatives District 86, which includes parts of Delray Beach, will be pounding the pavement in a “neighborhood canvas" meet and greet this weekend.

He said he plans to introduce himself to residents at Hamlet Country Club, 3600 Hamlet Drive; the Delray Beach Golf Club, 2200 Highland Ave.; and Lakeview Golf Club, 1200 Dover Road.

Sottilare is scheduled to speak at each community between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

For information or a schedule of Sottilare's day, e-mail John@johnsottilare.com or call 561-789-0572.

Map of District 86

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Alex Spiegelglass holds the certificate he received for 1,300 hours of volunteer service with the Citizen Observer Patrol of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Alex Spiegelglass, 95, spends three days a week volunteering his time as a member of the Citizen Observer Patrol.

He keeps his eye out for anything suspicious or unusual in the King’s Point neighborhoods of Burgundy, Monaco, and Normandy as he drives around in a COP car supplied by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

On patrol Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, Spiegelglass has accumulated 1,300 hours of volunteer time and recently was presented with a certificate by the sheriff's office in acknowledgment.

Just last week the Citizen Observer Patrol notified police of a suspicious man seen in the Monaco neighborhood. Deputies were called in; it turned out the man had an existing warrant out on him as a sexual offender in Palm Beach County.

“We’re nothing more than observers," Spiegelglass said. "We don’t pull anyone over, although we can call in license plates and anything suspicious.”

Spiegelglass said he spent 45 years working as a manager at the Florsheim Shoe Company in the Bronx. He followed a friend to Delray Beach seven years ago and has been volunteering with PBSO's Citizen Observer Patrol ever since.

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Architect George Brewer's model of "85 Plaza"

Delray Beach architect George Brewer is designing a building with the environment in mind.

His 85 Plaza project located at will conform to the “green building” point system as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council. That could land Brewer a Platinum Level LEED certification from the council.

Features of the building at 85 SE Fourth Ave. are designed to reduce dependency on utility companies, starting with the flat roof from which rainwater is collected through a drain core filter system. The rain water then would be transferred via a solar pump to rooftop tanks which supply gravity fed water pressure to the building's toilets, fire sprinklers, hoses and irrigation systems.

An on-site septic system connected to sinks and showers, reduces the amount of “gray water” that the city water department normally would treat.

Solar cells will be constructed on the roof to provide electricity. Brewer said the building's power needs have been reduced by minimizing the number of windows and designing indented shaded balconies. On-site parking garages will allow for automobile stacking.

For information call 561-272-7301

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Palm Beach County residents can vote early beginning Monday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 2 at 11 early voting locations.

While many residents look forward to voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, Dr. Arthur Anderson, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections encourages voters to take advantage of the opportunity to vote at their convenience, throughout the county.

All voters must bring along a photo ID and proof of signature. These IDs include a driver’s license, government ID or passport. Provisional ballots are provided if voters have forgotten to bring ID with them at the time of voting.

Voters can mark their sample ballots and may bring them to the polling locations to speed up the voting process.

The early voting location in Delray is at the Hagen Ranch Road Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road.

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With Major League Baseball's World Series less than a week away, members of the Men's Group of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Chamber have come up with a way to raise money for The Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach.

The World Series Tailgate Fundraiser is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at City Limits, 19 NE Third Ave. in Delray Beach. And according to Tom Kreite, men's group member, “Every dollar of every ticket sold will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach to support their sports, fitness and recreation programs for girls and boys.”

The event raised more than $11,000 last year. This year the goal is $15,000.

An auction for Major League Baseball autographed memorabilia, and prizes including rounds of golf and gift certificates to local restaurants will be raffled off at the event.

The cost is $20 for pre-sale tickets, or $25 at the door, which includes ballpark food and drink specials.

For information call 561-455-2660.

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The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce has issued a “call to artists.”

Chamber officials will choose one artist to create a commemorative poster for the next Delray Affair, scheduled April 17 to 19 in downtown Delray Beach.

“This is a three-year contract," said Nancy Stewart, director of special events for the chamber. "The artwork selected for the new poster design must represent a historical building or something that expresses the character of downtown Delray Beach.”

The application deadline is Monday, Dec. 1. Stewart said the chamber is looking for a bright and colorful presentation for the poster.

Artists can submit designs in any medium. The finished size should be 16-by-22 inches and the artwork should express the character of Delray Beach and its festivities.

A payment of up to $500 will be given to the chosen artist for signing 500 prints.

Send or deliver artwork to the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce,
64 A SE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. For information e-mail Nancy Stewart at nancy@delraybeach.com or call 561-279-0907 ext. 22.

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Tri County Humane Society is hosting Paws for the Cause, a networking event, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 at DaDa Restaurant, 52 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach.

"Captain Cartoon" Dick Kulpa will be on hand drawing pet caricatures from photos and taking orders for pet portraits. All proceeds from the event benefit the no-kill animal shelter at 21287 Boca Rio Road in Boca Raton.

“It’s a mix and mingle event, but there are no speakers. The event focuses on shelter issues and dogs under 20 lbs are also welcome,” said Tri County development director Sasha Muzzarelli.

The cost is $10 for Tri County members, $20 for guests and $35 for new members, which includes one drink and hors d’oeuvres. For information call 561-482-8110.

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A truckload of pumpkins scheduled to arrive this afternoon at Cason United Methodist Church has been delayed.

Sandstorms in New Mexico, where the pumpkins were harvested, have delayed the shipment. The arrival of more than 5,000 pumpkins has been pushed to Saturday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m.

“They have already left so we’re in good shape for Saturday,” said Becky Remmel of Evolution Entertainment, which organized the Cason Pumpkin Patch.

The truck departed from Farmington, N.M.

The Cason United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch is an annual tradition, offering thousands of large, medium and mini pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and bails of straw and wheat for sale to anyone looking for some fall spirit.

Starting Saturday, the Pumpkin Patch will be open through Halloween, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

A Fall Festival is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Pumpkin Patch site on the west side of the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave. Festivities include a bounce house, art and crafts, a costume contest, face painting, a bake sale, food and the Cason Community Garden Kick-off.

For information call the church at 561-276-5302.

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Eugene Hayes shoots pool at the September Young Professionals event.

Magic will be a major part of the next Young Professionals of Delray get-together.

Local magician Brad Barton, will entertain the YPOD members and guests starting at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Dada Restaurant, 52 N. Swinton Ave.

YPOD is an organization through which local young professionals can be a part of the growth and development plans for the Delray Beach Public Library.

Christopher Leary, head librarian at the library, encourages young business people to participate in the group's activities. In addition, tonight's event includes 2-for-1 drink specials, appetizers, a raffle and the magic show, he said.

For information e-mail Leary at christopher.leary@delraylibrary.org or call 561-819-6406.

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Lisa Kreutter, a librarian at the Delray Beach Public Library, shows off the "traveling pants."

In anticipation of the upcoming movie release of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2,” Lisa Kreutter came up with an idea that would have young women from five area libraries participating in a creative project.

A pair of blue jeans traveled to each library in the Delray Beach area for a period of time. At each stop youngsters decorated the jeans with beads, bright colors, and glitter.

“The traveling pants started and ended right here at the Delray Beach Public Library,” said Kreutter, the young adult librarian. “Sometimes they were mailed to other libraries and other times they were driven.”

The end result is a pair of blue jeans that will be on display in the library's Young Adult Section, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. The traveling pants kick off a month of activities that start Wednesday, Oct. 15. From 4 to 5:30 p.m., "Breaking Dawn," a Chocolate Fondue & Trivia Party in celebration of Teen Read Week, is scheduled at the library.

The fondue party celebrates the upcoming fourth "Breaking Dawn" book by Stephanie Meyers, Kreutter said.

For information on events at the library, visit www.delraylibrary.org.

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A police officer caught Cody Rugnetta, pictured above, stealing a catalytic converter off a van in broad daylight.

While responding to an alarm call, Delray Beach Police Officer Joe Grammatico observed a man lying underneath a white van with "The Closet Wizard Inc. of Boca Raton" painted on the side.

When Grammatico spoke to the man, later identified as 49-year-old Cody Rugnetta of Delray Beach, he appeared to be stealing the catalytic converter from the white Ford F350 parked in the 1400 block of North Congress Ave.

A search under the van revealed a clamp attached to the vehicle's catalytic converter. The suspect also allowed the officer to search the his vehicle, a Silver Buick Century parked next to the van. Inside that vehicle Grammatico found a metal saw with extra blades and three catalytic converters that appeared to be freshly cut with splinters still on the edges of the cut marks.

Rugnetta was charged with one count each of grand theft, possession of burglary tools and felony criminal mischief.

“The officer caught this suspect Cody Rugnetta in the act of stealing a converter from under a truck in broad daylight. Good police work!” said Delray Beach Police Officer Jeff Messer.

For information call the police department's Investigative Division at 561-243-7888.

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One southbound lane on Florida's Turnpike will be closed at Atlantic Avenue between mileposts 80 and 82 during work on the interchange. The lane closes tonight at 9 and is scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The reconstruction of the interchange is part of the widening of Florida’s Turnpike from four to six lanes between Atlantic Avenue and the Lantana toll plaza. The $81 million project started in 2005 and is scheduled for completion in early 2009.

For information e-mail Laila A. Haddad of Florida's Turnpike Enterprise at laila.haddad@dot.state.fl.us or call 954-934-1280.

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More than 3,000 large pumpkins will arrive in Delray Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 15, dropped off at Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave.

The pumpkins, grown on a Navajo Indian reservation, are coming in from Farmington, N.M., said Barbara Hare, coordinator of the church's pumpkin patch.

“The pumpkin patch is a gathering place where visitors are met with a smile. We see returning friends and neighbors, and new folks each year," Hare said. "The best part, the money we raise helps people throughout the year” through various ministries at the the church, including a community outreach program.

The Pumpkin Patch is open to visitors starting Thursday, Oct. 16 through Halloween. The hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The church's Fall Festival is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 25 starting at noon.

For information, call the church office at 561-276-5302.

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The Delray Beach Miracle League wants to make sure that all kids get a chance to bat on a baseball diamond behind Delray Beach’s Bucky Dent Baseball School and its replica “Little Fenway” baseball stadium.

The Miracle League's field is flat to avoid problems that come with uneven ground and mobility obstacles. The league is open to girls and boys ages 5 to 19.

The nonprofit league's Julie Kadel says every player wins. The Miracle League provides children with mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league.

Rules of the league say that every player bats once each inning, all base runners are safe, and every player scores a run before the inning is over, Kadel said. "The last batter of the inning gets a home run and each team and player wins every game.”

Children from the community and volunteers serve as buddies to assist players, she said.

Registration, for players, buddies and coaches is open for the league's 2008 fall season, which starts Nov. 1. Cost is $45 per player and scholarships are available.

For information call 561-414-4441.

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The city's TED Center is hosting a Smooth Jazz Networking Mixer today starting at 5:30 p.m. at Blue Fish Restaurant, 110 E. Atlantic Ave.

The Center For Technology, Enterprise & Development Inc. (the TED Center), 401 W. Atlantic Ave., is an economic development agency that aims to transform communities with collaborative partnerships and educational programs.

The networking mixer is scheduled the second Friday of the month in an attempt to bring together entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and sponsors, including representatives of financial institutions in an informal setting, said Seabron Smith, TED Center executive director. She reminded those attending to bring along plenty of business cards.

For information visit www.tedcenter.org or call 561-265-3790.

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Left, Brian Smith is a new librarian at the Delray Beach Public Library.

The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., recently welcomed Brian Smith, 33, as the new reference librarian. He replaces Adam Davis, who took a similar reference position at the Hagen Ranch Road Library.

Smith previously worked as a reference librarian for the Collier County Public Library in Naples. He has a bachelor of science degree in history and sociology from Central Michigan University, and a master's degree in library and Information science from Wayne State University in Detroit.

He has relocated to Delray Beach where he is enjoying bicycling to explore his new surroundings, and sports.

For information visit www.delraylibrary.org or call 561-266-9490.

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The Boca Raton Computer Society's next monthly meeting is scheduled at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road in Delray Beach.

The topic of the meeting is "Freeware - The Price Is Right" by Bob Balogh, president of the computer society. A question-and-answer session follows and the society's general meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Boca Raton Computer Society was founded in 1983. Members help one another with computer-related issues. There are more than 1,000 members of the Boca Raton Computer Society, including computer professionals, business owners, casual computer users and novices.

The group specializes in special interest classes and technology support. It also produces a monthly magazine, Boca Bits.

All meetings are open to the public. For information call Mort Mazor at 561-496-1733.

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The city is inviting Delray Beach high school students to participate in an upcoming program aimed at helping them to understand city government.

The three-week Student Academy begins Thursday, Oct. 16 and is scheduled Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the 505 Teen Center, 505 SE Fifth Ave.

The Student Academy is free and open to high school students who either live or attend school in Delray Beach. City officials will be the teachers at the academy, helping students to learn about the various departments and promoting leadership skills.

Students can receive community service hours for attending the sessions and should bring their school forms to be signed at the end of each session.

For information or to register, e-mail Janet Meeks at meeksj@ci.delray-beach.fl.us or call 561-243-7231.

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Best Kiteboarding hoped the city would approve a kiteboarding competition it proposed for Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Delray Beach Municipal Beach and Anchor Park, 340 S. Ocean Blvd. But city commissioners and staffers, as well as residents at the Seagate Club whose beach access would be compromised by the event, say they were not properly notified of the proposal.

Residents at the Seagate Club, 400 S. Ocean Blvd., were notified of the competition in an Oct. 7 letter that said the Seagate Club’s property would be used for the event, said Tony Wilson, the group's attorney.

The City Commission had instructed Best Kiteboarding to obtain a letter of approval from Seagate Club property owners. Instead, the owners intend to challenge the event. "This item should be tabled so we have more time for rebuttal,” Wilson said.

The event may happen, but it will have to be moved away from the Seagate Club's beach access, Wilson said.

Best Kiteboarding, 1305 Poinsettia Drive, says the competition would be great for the city. The Surfrider Foundation is involved and planning a “huge” beach clean-up. The event must take place in December because kiteboarding is wind-driven and the company says there is no wind in summer.

The company wants to reserve the Anchor Park parking lot and charge $5 per car during the competition. If the special event request is approved, Best Kiteboarding also will receive city assistance with lifeguards, EMS, trash pick-up and use of the small stage at Anchor Park.

City commissioners moved to have the special event request moved to the commission workshop set for Oct. 14. “I think a week is a fair amount of time for both sides to come to an agreement on access for this event,” Mayor Rita Ellis said.

For more information www.mydelraybeach.com.

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Natilya Malmihina has spent her entire life dancing to the world’s rhythms.

A professional award-winning ballroom dancer born in the Ukraine, Malmihina has spent the past eight years in the United States working as an instructor and manager with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio franchise company.

As she opens her own Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 7431 W. Atlantic Ave., Malmihina says she wants to give back to the youth of the community who are interested in dancing.

A finalist at the 2005 United States Professional International Standard Competition, Malmihina also is a seven-time champion in the Fred Astaire Naturals Competition. She is a master of Latin and ballroom dancing.

She has volunteered her time as a dance instructor at the nonprofit Milagro Center, which focuses on assisting at-risk youngsters in Delray Beach.

Malmihina donated half of all ticket sales from the grand opening of her dance studio on Oct. 11 to the Milagro Center. As a professional dancer by the time she was 11, she said she realizes how important it is to educate tomorrow’s artists today.

At the grand opening, her students danced to the cha-cha-cha, a style of Cuban dance music.

The funds provided to the Milagro Center will help support the cultural arts and education programs offered year round to elementary school students at the center, said Michelle Antonini, the center's development coordinator.

For information about the Milagro Center visit www.milagrocenter.org or call 561-279-2970.

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Left, Juan Francisco Paco takes orders for bread at the Caring Kitchen, 196 NW Eighth Ave.

At the Caring Kitchen, 196 NW Eigth Ave. in Delray Beach, the lines of needy and homeless people continue to grow as the worsening U.S. economy hits home.

The soup kitchen formerly averaged about 185 people per day, said April Hazamy, Caring Kitchen program coordinator. "Now we’re seeing close to 250 people” every day.

“The Caring Kitchen is supported entirely by congregations that range from Baptist to Jewish,” Hazamy said, and does not regularly ask for money from federal, state or local government agencies.

Juan Francisco Paco, a volunteer for the past decade who lives across the street from the soup kitchen, said "It makes me feel good to help out the people in my community.”

The Caring Kitchen staff just received a shipment of 289 lbs. of food to cook this week. The donation came from from the United Way of Palm Beach County and must stretch to make more than 1,000 meals this week.

“It gets pretty busy here," Hazamy said. "Especially lately.”

For information about The Caring Kitchen, call 561-278-0918.

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