Delray Beach Police investigate a homicide this week in Delray Beach.

Delray Beach Police are working on a slew of open cases including a home invasion that occurred April 29 on the 200 block of Northwest Seventh Avenue, just three blocks from the Delray Beach Police Department building.

The home invasion occurred at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Two unknown men in ski masks and dark clothing, kicked the door to a residence in, pulled out at least one shotgun and stole $300 from a woman's wallet.

At 10:13 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, an unknown man exposed himself to a 48-year-old woman. The woman was sitting in her car in the 300 block of Southwest Eighth Street when the man approached her car window.

Police received a report at 12:46 a.m. Thursday, April 30, that a 51-year-old paraplegic man was robbed of his bag at a city bus stop near the 4000 block of West Atlantic Avenue.

Police are investigating all three incidents as well as a homicide the happened at 3 p.m. Monday, April 27 on Northwest 15th Avenue.

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The Fabulous Fleetwoods rocking their 25-year reunion at Kevro's Art Bar.
Kevin "Kevro" Rouse's passion to bring local art to residents looking for a creative experience out-of-the-box continues.
Kevro's Art Bar, described as an "industrial chic urban arts oasis" by its owner Kevin "Kevro" Rouse, is hosting its last Burlesque Show of the season April 30 and on Saturday, May 2, 13 artists from FAU will exhibit, followed by a special graffiti event from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, May 16, featuring 20 artists painting live on site and two djs spinning eclectic sounds of music.
"Art Bar is a dynamic compound housing an art gallery, bar, outdoor painting patio and photography video studio. Like a blank canvas, feel the freedom to create your own experience. Art Bar features Kevro's personal selection of fine wine, cool beer, unique art, and killer photography," Rouse said.
Kevro's Art Bar is at 166 SE Second Ave.
For more information call 561-278-9675 or 561-274-0007.

Local poet and promoter Renda Writer performs every Tuesday night during Kevro's Art Bar open-mic night.

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State Rep. Maria Sachs, representing Delray Beach and District 86 in the Florida Senate, announced she will be hosting the H.O.P.E. for Palm Beach County Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6 at the St. Nicholas Church Hall, 5715 Lake Ida Road, in Delray Beach (between Jog Road and Military Trail).
"With financial hardships affecting families across Florida, homeowners are struggling to protect their homes from foreclosure. For over a year now, I have taken initiative to help homeowners overcome impending foreclosure by bringing the banks to the table to help consumers through the H.O.P.E. for Palm Beach Task Force," Sachs said.
The congresswoman, who is a lawyer, said she hopes to strengthen the lines of communication between banks and homeowners through H.O.P.E.
"We have spurred hundreds of modifications across Palm Beach County, ensuring the protection of residents’ livelihoods. H.O.P.E. is a foreclosure assistance group for all residents of Palm Beach County. This will be our fourth county-wide homeowner workshop bringing together bankers, mortgage lenders, financial experts, legal advisors, short sale specialists, tax and credit counselors, and more to assist distressed residents," Sachs said.
Her expertise on helping residents keep their homes is unprecedented in these dire financial times. Sachs offers the one-day program at no cost.

For information Sachs' district office at 561-266 –6645.

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Ginette Lewis, a certified nursing assistant and mother of two, is welcomed into her new home built by Atlantic Community High School Eagle Nest students.
Lewis, a certified nursing assistant, qualified today for a new home built by Atlantic Community High School, with help from the city. More than 200 people, city dignitaries, staff, architects, builders and residents showed up today to help Lewis turn the keys.
The Atlantic Community High School Eagle Nest Construction Academy built the three-bedroom, two-bath, one-car garage home at 46 NW 12th Ave. Paul Mieszczenski, a 38-year veteran teacher at Atlantic Community High School, helped the students with the logistics of the project, along with a laundry list of community support. Students did everything from lay the foundation to landscaping. They had community support and city funding but put in the labor themselves.
“It’s awesome!” student Dan Burke said.
“This experience got me into environmentally-friendly building. That’s now what I want to do.”
Many gave speeches but perhaps Vice Mayor Gary Eliopoulos summed it up best.
“The Eagle has landed and we will do this again,” he said.

Hundreds turned up at the dedication to the new home.

AHS Principal Dr. Kathy Wiegel said the work her students did gave her "goosebumps."

Former Delray Beach Commissioner Jon Levinson championed the project.

Paul Mieszczenski, a 38-year veteran of Atlantic Community High School, helped the students with the logistics and put in sweat labor before retiring after teaching building and construction at the school.

AHS student Dan Burke addresses the crowd.

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Third grader, Lily Richman, shows off her entry for the "Invention Convention," the "Dry-Ella Umbrella."

Up-and-coming inventors showed their creative side at today’s “Invention Convention” featuring three of Barbara Nestler’s
Banyan Creek Elementary School’s gifted third grade science classes.
“We have this event yearly. The students study inventors, problem solve and use critical thinking methods with the intent to invent,” Nestler said.
The end result included about 60 inventions ranging from third-grader Kensky Lajune’s “Bottle Feeder” to classmate Lily Richman’s “Dry-Ella Umbrella.”
Third-grader Danny Caruso invented the “Cool Marshmallow Roaster” allowing him not to get burnt while doing his favorite weekend activity.
“Making smores. I love making chocolate smores. But, I always get burnt while making smores. Problem solved,” Caruso said.

Danny Caruso displays the "Cool Marshmallow Roaster."

Then, Caruso answers interview questions from a fellow student.

Kensky Lajune shows off the "Bottle Feeder."

And, Michael Swope explains the "Shoe Mop."

More than 60 of Barbara Nestler's third grade gifted science students attended the event and were rewarded with prizes of Bright Idea Awards and Ingenius Inventor Awards.

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The Atlantic Community High School Construction Academy built this home at 46 NW 12th Ave.

The Atlantic Community High School Construction Academy is planning an open house for a project it started in 2005, at 46 NW 12th Ave. in Delray Beach on Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

The city, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce helped sponsor the event.
With an eagle as the school's mascot, the project was titled "Eagle Nest."

Eagle Nest is a unique residential construction project that is “student-designed and student-built," said Bito David, school district spokesman. He said with all residential construction in the city, Eagle Nest has to meet all codes and requirements. Eagle Nest is not given preferential treatment and must meet all applicable building and zoning codes.
"To a very large degree, Eagle Nest is a highly-evaluated school project and it has met and continues to meet all benchmarks required by the city. The city of Delray Beach is one of the few Florida municipalities that sponsors an education board for its schools," he said.
In 2005 Atlantic Community High School approached the city with a proposal to build affordable housing. After negotiations, the city agreed to donate a vacant lot to the program. To further support the initiative, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency would fund Eagle Nest for two years with a zero interest $150,000 construction loan. Eagle Nest agreed to sell the house to the city’s Renaissance Program for affordable housing. With the profits from the sale, Eagle Nest will repay the construction loan and retain the remaining funds. The city and Eagle Nest will continue the process with the next phase. Eventually, Eagle Nest will become a fiscally self-sufficient high school construction education program as homes are built and sold to the city.

Today, that dream is reality.

The Eagle Nest sign on the property.

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Curb repair work continues and could cause delays on Atlantic Avenue.

The city released information today on an Atlantic Avenue Lane closure until May 1.
The Florida Department of Transportation has issued the following advisory that one lane will be closed in each direction on Atlantic Avenue in between Northeast/Southeast Seventh Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 for curb repair work. One lane will remain open in each direction, but on-street parking will be affected in the work zone.
Construction on Atlantic Avenue eastbound an westbound from Northwest/Southwest Fifth Avenue to I-95 is also under construction with curb, sidewalk repair and lane work. Delays from I-95 east to the Intracoastal Waterway will be five to 10 minutes during construction times.
For more information, call Tish Burgher at 954-325-8022 or the
City of Delray Beach Public Information Office at 561-243-7190.

Closer to I-95 the construction gets heavier. This construction yard is just east of I-95 on Atlantic Avenue.

Residents will have a new curb on Atlantic Avenue when the construction is completed.

Businesses like Shuler's Memorial Chapel will instantly benefit from the new sidewalk and curb repair work.

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The Florida Women's Business Center- TED Center - is sponsoring two workshops this week. The first, "8 Elements of Entrepreneurship" is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.
"This workshop will assist new business owners in maximizing opportunities and executing the plan through innovative and novel ideas. Learn the key elements of entrepreneurship: Vision, Plan, Networking, Marketing, Budgeting & Financing, Time Management, Employee Retention and Keep the Faith," said Jennifer Brin Kovich, TED Center spokeswoman.
The event will take place at the TED Center, 401 W. Atlantic Avenue, Suite 9, in Delray Beach.
From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, the program is "Obtaining Funding For Your Business."
Both events cost $15.
"Explore creative methods to finance your business and review the intricacies involved in raising capital. Participants will learn what lenders consider when assessing risks and rendering a favorable decision, and how to start the loan process and what makes a successful loan request," Brin Kovach said.
For more information visit www.FLWBC.org or www.TEDcenter.org, or call 561-265-3790.

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Lisa King of Langton Associates, a Jacksonville-based management and consulting business, reported to Delray Beach Commissioners that they have obtained the green light on grant money for COPS programs and NOAA Dune Restoration totaling $2,067,571.
“We hope to pull down a total of $5 million in grants,” King said.
She spoke of possible money for a “Homeless Prevention Fund” and $3.6 million the firm is working on to better the city.
The money is available from a federal stimulus program passed by the U.S. Congress on Feb. 18. That federal stimulus money totals $787 billion allocated for cities across the nation.

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A 1920s-era horse drawn carriage was donated to the Delray Beach Historical Society by an anonymous donor. The carriage will permanently be parked in front of the Cason Cottage Museum at 5 NE First St. just north of Old School Square in the heart of downtown Delray Beach. In this photo the horse-drawn carriage is pulled through Pineapple Grove, Northeast Second Avenue. The carriage was pulled by Delray Beach Historical Society volunteers, staff and members, not by horses.

Stephanie Shipley (in pink), the executive director of the Delray Beach Historical Society, Lynn Rosen (in purple), a DBHS volunteer, and Blaire Jones (white), DBHS staff transport the carriage past Old School Square and the Old School Square Parking Garage on Northeast Second Avenue.

Taylor Rangel (in blue, w/ white skirt), a DBHS volunteer, and Eleeza Rex (in brown), also a DBHS, join the procession for the new home of the 1920s-era carriage.

The carriage was stored in bay in the Osceola Park neighborhood.

The storage bay was located at Merritt Transfer & Storage Co. Inc., 190 SE Second Ave., in the southwestern area of downtown's Osceola Park Business District.

(From left to right): Lynn Rosen, Blaire Jones, Taylor Rangel, DBHS President Robert Ganger, DBHS archivist Dottie Patterson and driver John Goodman, pose with the carriage at its final resting place, the Cason Cottage Museum, 5 NE First St.

The volunteers pull the one-seat carriage through Pineapple Grove.

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The city is once again focusing “promoting community unity through study circles.
“Study Circles were started by the city to address concerns involving race relations but has since evolved to include issues on building stronger neighborhood relationships. This ongoing effort strives to unify our community through small group dialogue, which allows residents to explore ways of promoting fellowship among the diverse cultures of Delray Beach,” said Public Information’s office assistant Roseanne DeChicchio.
The Study Circles is a program designed to build trust and understanding within the immediate local community. Participants meet every Monday for six weeks from April 27 to June 1, and are off Memorial Day, May 25. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave.
To enroll in the "Study Circles" program and/or receive additional information, call the Community Improvement Department at 561-243-7203 or the
Public Information Office at 561-243-7190.

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Lt. Col. Allen West was the invited speaker at the Delray Beach Public Library’s “ACT for America Symposium,” comprising local residents who are war veterans.
“Lt. Col. West has been recognized by his service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan by receiving three meritorious Service Awards, Bronze Star and Medal of Valor,” said Marc Katz, director of community outreach for ACT for America.
The event was attended by more than 350 people who listened to West's views on immigration, mainly securing porous borders, among other political issues.
“We were informed by Lt. Col. West of procedures for securing our borders, protecting Americans from terrorism and our Constitutional rights,” Katz said.
World War II veterans made up the majority of the ACT for America participation at the symposium.
For more information on ACT for America, call Marc Katz
Director of Community Outreach at 561-445-3900.

Guest speaker Lt. Col. Allen West (center) with WWII veterans at the ACT for America symposium at the Delray Beach Library.

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View image The "Livingston Township" meets before their trip to the South Florida Museum's Grossology Exhibit.
Susanna Livingston, gifted education second grade teacher at Banyan Creek Elementary School in Delray Beach, recently found about the Target field trip grant through an e-mail she received from Banyan Creek Elementary's principal William Fay. According to Livingston, Target had begun offering field trips to help educators fund programs in which students can be taught in settings other than the classroom.
"I had written a Target Grant before (not a field trip grant but for a Literacy Program for Parents and Title I families at my old school). I clicked on the link and began filling out the information. Everything had to be completed online which was a challenge but when I received an e-mail notification that I was one of the recipients and would soon receive the funding for all the second grade students at our school I was thrilled. The highest amount that the grant could be written for was $800, our grade level received the entire amount to send almost 180 students to the South Florida Science Museum," Livingston said.
She spent two of her off nights and four hours of her personal time to write the grants making it possible for the students to attend the exhibit for $1 per head rather than the original cost of $8 per head.
The Grossology exhibit will only be at the museum until May 1, the "Livingston Township" intends to attend this week in a scheduled field trip.
We will also conduct some grossology experiments when we return from the field trip. One will be creating edible poop- although sounding rather gross that is what grossology is all about- the study of things that gross you out! But let me place your fears aside- edible poop is just chocolate but it looks like real poop- you would just make strangers very nervous if you were to eat it nearby without them knowing, especially if you just picked it up off of a bench they were sitting near," Livingston said.
At the South Florida Museum large crowds are coming from all over Palm Beach County, including a Jupiter resident and her daughter.
"It's a cool exhibit about all the functions of the human body like puking, farting and snot... It's cute you'll like it. Check out the baby alligators in the exhibit," said Laura Kramer, who attended the exhibit with her daughter

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Karen Gynn, an Atlantic Community High School reading teacher, has been recognized by the state as one of three Palm Beach County teachers selected as a regional finalist for the “Just Read” award. “Just Read” is a statewide contest for Literacy Leaders of the Year, Reading Coaches of the Year, Reading Leadership Teams of the Year and Reading Teachers of the Year.
Every school district in the state was able to nominate one reading teacher for elementary, middle school and high school levels. For the high school eligibility the reading teachers grades 6-12 had to be full-time reading intervention teachers, reading coaches, or content area reading intervention teachers teaching those grades.
Gynn was one of three teachers from the School District of Palm Beach County that have been selected as regional finalists in two areas.
Her next step in order to win is a regional finalist phone interview to
determine the final winners for each category. If Gynn wins she
will receive a monetary award and will be recognized at an event, which
is being planned for this summer.

For more information, contact Sandee Fleming, Content Literacy
Administrator at 561-434-8454.

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Going “green” was a major issue in the election of the Delray Beach Municipal Election in March.
A Green Candidates Forum sponsored by the Delray Beach Chapter of the Sierra Club, grilled Delray Beach City Commission candidates on “green” issues.
“It was an informative evening that informed the public of the candidates proposed green policies,” said Jayne King, Local Steering Committee for the Sierra Club.
Included in those issues were the Green Task Force's recommendations, car-free zones, creation of a Sustainability Department, and future open green space in the city.
More than 100 people showed up at the event held at the Colony Hotel, 525 E. Atlantic Ave.
Adam Frankel defeated Joe Ferrer for Commission Seat 3, the closest of the 2009 Election races in Delray Beach. He said his focus on “green” gave him an edge.
“This may be the last opportunity for Delray to set aside open green space. While land values are low, we should be planning open space pocket parks. For example: pet parks, arts and crafts parks, and children’s play parks,” Frankel said.
That focus has spread to city staff. Richard Hasko, Delray Beach director of environmental services, wants ecological grant money.
Two of Hasko’s department heads, including city engineer Randal Krejcarek, sit on the city’s Grant Team.
“We’ve done very well with grant money. It’s important that we apply for ecological and restoration money from the federal stimulus,” Hasko said.
Hasko said he would know within a few months the extent of the money allocated to the city.

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At the April Police Advisory Board meeting, Delray Beach Police Chief Anthony Strianese released information that crime fell in Delray Beach in January and February.
"There was a 19.3 percent reduction in January and February," he said.
He stressed the most recent crimes are robbery and burglaries and that response times for priority one calls was 3.3 minutes.
Strianese said he attributes the decrease in crime to weekly meetings he has scheduled with shift commanders where they meet for one hour each Wednesday and 12-hour days being worked by Delray Beach police officers.
For more information on Police Advisory Board Meetings e-mail PoliceAdvisoryBoard@MyDelrayBeach.com or call
Venice Cobb at 561-243-7056.

Meetings take place at 5:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at City Hall, 100 NW First Ave. in the first floor conference room.

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Delray Beach Parks & Recreation is hosting a Ladies 9-Hole Night Golf League in Delray Beach.
The 9- Hole Tuesday Night Team Golf League will play at Lake View Golf Course, 1200 Dover Road. The Ladies Golf League will start in May and run through October. According to Rodger Ribeiro, recreation superintendent, the league will utilize a match play format that would consist of two rounds (over 13 weeks) and would include a double elimination tournament. A minimum of 14 two-person teams would be required to run The Ladies Golf League.
Ribiero said the match play format would feature two-person teams that would compete for a total of 27 points per match. This format would match the low handicap player of one team against the low handicap player of the opposing team for a total of nine points or 1 point per hole. Likewise, the high handicap players of each team would compete against each other for nine points meaning the remaining nine points would be determined by the each team's aggregate score for each hole.
Ribiero said the lowest team score, adjusted for handicap, will win the point or half a point if the team totals are equal. Strokes given would be based on 100 percent of the difference in handicaps as they fall on the scorecard and based on that week's handicap list. However, Ribiero said, the maximum strokes allowed will be seven regardless of the difference in the handicaps. No strokes would be allowed on par 3 holes.
Call Rodger Ribeiro at 561- 243-7256 or e-mail ribeiro@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

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McDonald's employee Jesse Aubrey gets ready to hand out sample espressos.
Three McDonald's stores in Delray Beach have launched McCafe featuring premium coffees without the premium price. McCafe coffees are made-to-order mochas, iced mochas, hot chocolates, lattes, iced lattes and cappuccinos. All are available in non-fat options.
"People want different options. At McDonald's they can get a better value and eat and drink healthy," said Brian Bohn, manager of the McDonald's at 1400 S. Federal Highway.
"It's a place where are customers can get our Internet Wi-Fi, watch TV, all the while enjoying a great tasting and affordable menu."
The first McCafe opened in Australia in 1993. Since then McDonald's has been testing coffee and espressos in anticipation of a May 4 national rollout.
"Our customers in this market are already experiencing this great new McCafe menu," said Sally Marsh, marketing and training supervisor for Melton Management.
Melton Management owns 28 locations in South Florida, including Delray Beach locations at 14529 Military Trail, 1400 S. Federal Highway and 1220 Linton Blvd.
"The company is serving more customers than ever and McDonald's is becoming a destination for visits throughout the day," Marsh said.
McCafe items range in price at the 1400 S. Federal Hwy. location from the Premium Roast Drip Coffee at $1.19, to large versions of the mocha, latte or cappuccino at $3.29.

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Congressman Robert Wexler, D – Boca Raton, hosted an Economic Town Hall Meeting April 13 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road. More than 300 attended the event to hear what Congress was doing to battle foreclosures in Palm Beach County.
“I assembled experts to educate constituents on the vast amount of resources that are now available to homeowners who may be facing foreclosure,” Wexler said.
Palm Beach County 15th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Jack Cook talked about residents' rights during a foreclosure hearing. He stressed an overlooked option most homeowners don’t use.
“Make a motion to defend in the first 20 days,” Cook said.
Then, Cook said a mediator could be brought in to boost communication between a lender, bank and the homeowner.
While Wexler strayed a bit from foreclosure talk, leaving it up to a dozen state representatives in attendance ranging from housing divisions to financial education specialists, he did speak on tax cuts, health insurance, social security, and a new housing plan aimed to help mortgages facing failure.
“Ninety-five percent of Floridians will see a tax cut in their paychecks. This tax cut actually benefits the middle class, working people. 7.1 million families in Florida will collectively receive $3.5 billion in tax cuts due to congress and President Obama’s work."
He also said a plan is in the works to have the government foot a 65 percent co-pay to COBRA insurance for nine months if a resident is unable to pay. Residents at the meeting were concerned the COBRA payments are too high. Wexler also said help in social security payments is on the way and that Obama recently introduced a housing plan with Fannie May and Freddie Mac mortgages that will help those struggling to keep their homes.

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The League of Woman Voters has begun its campaign to get more than 600,000 petition votes for redistricting on next year's ballot. The women want to make sure minorities are represented equally. From left to right: Corinne Miller, Pat Pearcy, Elaine Goodman and Pamela Goodman.

A group of local women need your help in order to help the minorities in politics. The League of Women Voters want redistricting on next year's ballet. But, they need more than 600,000 ballots signed just to get on the 2010 Congressional Ballot.
"It's very important because currently minorities aren't properly represented," said member Elaine Goodman.
The league is calling the effort a "citizen initiative."
"We need over 600,000 signatures by January 2010," said member Corinne Miller.
The league hopes the issue makes the ballot during voting season in November 2010.
"For over 25 years the League of Women Voters has been working on this," said immediate past president Pamela Goodman. "It's a bi-partisan effort."
The League of Women Voters has a predominantly Democrat membership.
For more information on the gerrymandering of districts and the redistricting of local congressional districts visit www.fairdistrictsflorida.com or contact the League of Women Voters at www.lwvpbc.org or LWV of Palm Beach County
P.O. Box 6208 Delray Beach, FL 33482-6208 or call 561-276-4898.

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The Hagen Ranch Road Public Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, is hosting the basics of the Microsoft Windows program, including how to open and move a window.
Sign up at the Information Desk. The Basic Windows (Hands-On) class begins at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.

For more information call 561-894-7500.

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Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson and artist Mark Fuller chat in front of the South County Civic Center.

A town hall meeting on local foreclosure is planned for Monday, April 13, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach.
According to WFTL 850 AM Radio in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach County ranks 20th in the nation in foreclosures.
The event is hosted by congressman Robert Wexler, D- Boca Raton, and will feature a speech by the Palm Beach County Judge Jack Cook.

For more information call the South County Civic Center at 561-351-5497.

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The city's focus on applying for federal grants hopes to make Delray Beach safer.
The city has applied for a little more than $1.8 million in combined federal stimulus and formula-based grants geared to boost police prescience.
A Grant Team has been established to identify and apply for federal economic stimulus funding that was recently approved and may be available to the city.
“We’re aggressively pursuing every grant opportunity for the city,”
Rich Reade, a member of the Grants Team and the city's interim Public Information
Officer.
Among the grants the city is applying for is two federal stimulus
grants, the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for fiscal year
2009 and the Cops Hiring Recovery Program. The Byrne Memorial
grant in the amount of $289,582 will provide funding for the Delray Beach
Police Department’s Holiday Robbery Task Force.
“The Holiday Robbery Task force is an ongoing initiative that has
been funded through grant money for years. It provides security to residents
and guests at popular shopping destinations in Delray Beach during the
holiday season,” Jeffrey Messer, Delray Beach Police public information
officer.
The Cops Hiring Recovery Program is the largest of the grants for which the city is applying. The amount of $1,360,164 will provide funding for six sworn police officer positions for three years.

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Cell phones from any cell phone carrier may be recycled at area AT&T stores including the new 520 Linton Blvd. store.
AT&T is planning to collect cell phones for soldiers and a drop-off point for consumers to recycle their cell phones.
According to Kelly Layne Starling, AT&T spokesperson for South & West Florida AT&T and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Plug-In To eCycling program, AT&T is supporting the EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling National Cell Phone Recycling Week, which runs until April 12.
“The project brings together leading cell phone manufacturers and service providers to encourage consumers to recycle used cell phones, personal data assistants, cell phone batteries, chargers and other accessories and to reduce the amount of reusable materials in landfills, especially e-waste,” Starling said.
Starling said AT&T offers two ways to donate phones. Wireless customers of any carrier can drop off used cell phones and accessories at any of the more than 2,000 AT&T stores across the U.S. They also can download free shipping labels from www.att.com/wireless and mail them to Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS), a charity that recycles used cell phones and uses the proceeds to buy free phone cards for troops overseas.
More information and partner details are available at www.epa.gov/cellphones
The AT&T store in Delray Beach is located at 520 Linton Blvd. Store Hours are Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call the Linton Blvd. store at 561-272-3811.

The new store is located in the Century Commons Plaza just east of I-95.

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View image Concerned residents packed the Delray Beach City Commission meeting not to protest an appeal of the Site Plan Review & Appearance Board's decision on the Atlantic Plaza II development or eight waiver request approvals, but to voice concerns with pedestrian safety, parking and the lack of green architecture associated with the project. The Atlantic Plaza artist renderings just in front of the Mayor's Memorial, respecting past mayors of Delray Beach.
It was slated on the regular agenda as a consideration of appeal regarding the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board’s Decisions regarding the Atlantic Plaza II development and the approval of eight waiver requests in conjunction with the project located on the north side of East Atlantic Avenue between Northeast Sixth Avenue and Veteran’s Park.
The project will encompass 7 acres and could be larger than Boca Raton’s Mizner Park or West Palm Beach’s Cityplace. Many see it as a downtown link connecting downtown (Southwest Second and Atlantic avenues to Northeast First Street and Atlantic Avenue) all the way to the Intracoastal Waterway. Atlantic Plaza II won’t break ground until sometime in 2012.
The City Commission unanimously approved the site plan appeal by developers and granted their eight waiver requests in the two votes, cast unanimously.
A dozen members of the public used their three minutes of allotted speaking time to lobby commissioners, developers and city staff to focus more on pedestrian safety, parking and asked the developer to incorporate green LEED certification, a green architecture national certification.
Andy Katz, representing the Beach Property Owners Association, spoke in support of the project and pedestrian safety at the meeting as a member of the public.
“We’re worried about the safety of pedestrians. We also want more landscaping incorporated into the site plan and more parking,” he said.
Joe Snider, a member of the city-sponsored Green Task Force, is also in support of the project. But, Snider wants the developers to act quickly on LEED certification.
“LEED is a very flexible certification… a green certification would make this project visionary,” he said.
As for parking, city commissioner Fred Fetzer joined the public concern for where all the cars will go during busy hours.
“Surface parking is a drawback. Underground and new parking technology… I’m for that,” he said.

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It’s slated as the dog event of the year in Delray Beach. This year,
canines will take center stage at the Easter Bonnet Dog Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Delray GreenMarket, located between Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave.) and Northeast Second Ave. (Pineapple Grove).
“Don't miss the fashion event of the year as canines of all shapes and sizes take center stage in the Easter Bonnet Dog Parade. Canines will show off their finery as the stylish parade concludes at Old School Square in front of the Cornell Museum where judges will award prizes based on the following categories: Most Original, Traditional and Funniest Bonnets, Most Tropical, Most Frou-Frou, Tiniest Tea-Cup and Owner-doggie Look-A-Like,” said Roseanne DiChicchio, the city's public information assistant.

Registration starts at 9:00 am and a fee of $2 per dog will be collected to benefit the Animal Rescue Force. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and the event is free to the public.

“Parade your pooch or come as a spectator. The morning promises to be a great venue for the entire family,” DiChicchio said.

For more information contact Lori Nolan, Manager of the Delray GreenMarket at 561-276-7511 or the City of Delray Beach Public Information Office 561-243-7190.

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The George Bush Boulevard Drawbridge is scheduled to close April 7 to 10, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, for bridge painting. Motorists will be detoured via Federal Highway to the major thoroughfares of Atlantic Avenue and State Road A1A, according to FDOT.
For more information about this project, call Palm Beach County Construction Services at 561-684-4000 or the City of Delray Beach
Public Information Office at 561-243-7190.

The George Bush Boulevard Bridge traveling westbound over the Intracoastal Waterway. Traffic in both directions will be closed during daytime hours during scheduled bridge painting.

A detour southbound down Federal Highway will be available for area drivers.

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Delray Beach welcomes spring with three city-sponsored events this weekend aimed at family fun.
Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11, the ninth annual Easter Bonnet Dog Parade at the GreenMarket in the Park, 51 N. Swinton Ave., will feature canines of all sizes competing in spring attire. Prizes will be awarded. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and flow from Old School Square down Northeast Second Avenue to Atlantic Avenue. All proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue League. Call 561-276-7511.
An Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Delray Beach Parks & Recreation, starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Seacrest Soccer Complex. 2505 N. Seacrest Blvd. The event is free and open to all ages. Call 561-243-7277 for more information.
On Sunday, April 12, the official Easter Holiday, the 15th annual Easter Bonnet Stroll will take over Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. with best-dressed prizes, a jelly bean contest, refreshments and live entertainment from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Call 561-276-1715.

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David Ricks, Pompey Park recreation supervisor III, has offered the use of the facility's new computer lab to C.R.O.S. Ministries' volunteers and members of the C.R.O.S. community.
According to Rosanne DeChicchio, the city's administrative assistant in the Public Information Office, C.R.O.S. Ministries is an organization whose mission is to enable people of all faiths to work together to identify unmet needs within the community and to collaborate with others to assist in creating solutions. Realizing that many of their clients were eligible for government benefits but lacked the means or knowledge to apply online, the agency contacted the city for help.
C.R.O.S. funds the Caring Kitchen, a hot meal program, and clothing source for the homeless and needy in Delray Beach, located at 196 NW Eighth Ave.
Pompey Park is just a few blocks away at 1101 NW Second St. Ricks and DeChicchio both said the city welcomes the opportunity to work with organizations like C.R.O.S. Ministries for the betterment of the community.
Ricks said those supported by C.R.O.S. and the Caring Kitchen will be able to apply online for government assistance at Pompey Park computer labs.
Each morning Monday through Friday, a computer lab teacher is available to assist.

To learn more about this program, call C.R.O.S. Ministries at 561-330-2676 or call the City of Delray Beach Public Information Office at
561-243-7190.

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Located in downtown Delray Beach, the Bethesda Bargain Box, 12 NE 5th Ave., is a thrift store full of items from the vintage to contemporary.
BY MIKE ROTHMAN
The Bethesda Bargain Box opened in 1958 and is run by the Auxiliary of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd.
Proceeds from the store help buy equipment for the hospital, provide local students with medical scholarships and support many community service projects.
The Bethesda Bargain Box is currently undergoing renovations and will have its grand re-opening April 5. The store will be closed April 2-4.
Bethesda Bargain Box manager, Michelle Esposito, said she is grateful for the volunteers who dedicate their time to the store.
Esposito said the volunteers are special people and are what drives the Bargain Box.
Kiswana Russell, Bethesda Hospital spokeswoman, said all items at the Bargain Box are marked down, including brand-name apparel, portraits and appliances. The store thrives on donations from the community.
The Bethesda Bargain Box accepts a wide variety of donations including clothing, electronics, appliances and bedding.
For information or to make a donation of furniture and appliances, call 561-278-2401.

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A hit-and-run accident occurred in the back parking lot of the Delray Beach Public Library around 12:30 p.m. April 2.
Witnesses said a vehicle pushed a Maroon Toyota Camry into a Royal Palm tree and over a steel library parking sign. The suspect, a man, got out of his vehicle, checked the damage and fled the scene. Witnesses turned the suspect's license plate number into police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Delray Beach Police Department at 561-243-7800.

The vehicle had right front bumper damage from careening off the large Royal Palm tree.

A security guard (background) looks for the suspect.

The Delray Beach Public Library is a busy place for cars and accidents.

A Delray Beach Police cruiser was quickly on the scene conducting an investigation.

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A local man was called by his personal banker after six withdraws were made from his account at an Albuquerque, N. M. Bank of America.
Jennifer Ferguson, a personal banker at Bank of America's branch at 1001 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach, called after Keith Krusell's bank accounts lost more than $100,000.
A black male posing as Krusell made several transfers from one Bank of America branch in New Mexico.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-242-2677.

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Tony Cortes with the American Red Cross of West Palm Beach debuts the "Disaster Condo Kit" available to residents for $85.
The American Red Cross wants residents of Delray Beach to "Be Red Cross Ready." The Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter has introduced the "Disaster Condo Kit" to residents for $85, which includes an emergency toilet, weather radio, flashlight w/batteries, water pouches, emergency blankets, dust masks, water safe storage container, first aid kit, rain ponchos, sanitation bags, tissue rolls, a whistle and sanitation bucket.
Each kit comes with enough emergency preparedness items for four people. All the items are included and can be transported in the clean emergency toilet bucket.
"This new emergency kit is designed to help you or your loved ones through difficult times during an emergency or disaster," Cortes said.

Visit www.redcross-pbc.org or call the The American Red Cross Palm Beach Area Chapter Headquarters, 825 Fern St. at 561-833-7711.
Disaster Condo Kit sells for $85, and includes an emergency toilet, weather radio, flashlight w/batteries, water pouches, emergency blankets, dust masks, water safe storage container, first aid kit, rain ponchos, sanitation bags, tissue rolls, a whistle and sanitation bucket.

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