Parking meters on Ocean Boulevard (A1A) will soon be phased out. The city is planning a parking meter system conversion to new Pay-N-Display machines. Fourteen pay stations will be installed where customers will receive a receipt to be placed in the driver’s side window. Coins, debit and credit cards will be accepted. Dollar bills will not.
Parking management specialist Scott Aronson said the change will offer various benefits including reduced citations issued in error due to a wrong space number being programmed into the older style meters by customers, and the fact receipts will be automatically printed providing a record of the parking transaction. In the past residents, tourists and visitors to the beach had to plug in their spot number at parking machines or force feed loose change into meters.
Aronson said the city will also release its new Smart Card Program on July 18. The Smart Card is the same size as a debit card or credit card and allows the user to replenish in 25-cent increments. Each “Pay-N-Display” machine will have the capability, thanks to a microchip in the Smart Card, to tell the user how much money is left on their Smart Card.

For more information on “Pay-N-Display” call Scott Aronson at 561-243-7196 or e-mail aronson@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

Pay-N-Display machine in the public parking lot just north of the Delray Marriott.

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A Pahokee bluesman entertains a group of fans.
Entirely devoted to a slice of life in Pahokee as the town prepared for World War II, a new photo exhibition will open July 9 at the S.D. Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. “Pahokee Prepares for War,” featuring the trials and tribulations of the people of Pahokee, an agricultural center of the Glades area in Palm Beach County, will run through Sept. 30.
The exhibition is by an unknown photographer who captured the images of Pahokee life starting in the late 1930s. Vegetable fields, black and white migrant workers who worked the fields Christmas to April, the packing plants, refrigerated train cars, stores, bars, and even gambling houses were taken by the unknown photographer.
That photographer also took photos of heightened security around Lake Okeechobee and Bahamian labor, imported to help harvest snap beans, the main crop of Pahokee at that time.
Dr. Cunningham of the U. S. Employment Service conducting registration of Bahamians as they arrive at Camp Everglades. Next to him is the Migratory Health assistant clerk.
“The Glades area has such a rich history, known for its fertile soil and corps, the stories of the people who worked and live there are just as rich. This exhibit is an opportunity to look at the community, its history and the contributions of the migrant workers,” museum educator Brandy Brownlee said.

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is at 170 NW Fifth Ave. in Delray Beach. Museum hours are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for students and members. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com

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Delray Beach resident Pat Gerretson is dedicated to giving back at the 15th annual Mark Gerretson Memorial Fishing Tournament planned for Aug. 8. Gerretson's son Mark died in 2005. He started the tournament with the dedicated involvement of the Delray Beach Jaycees.

"It benefits so many people. So many young people," Pat Gerretson said.

Programs include the Delray Beach Police Departments Holiday Toy Drive, Kids & Cops Program, Literacy Program, Adopt-A-Class, Teen Karate Class, Delray Rocks Football, Easter Egg Hunt, Annual Baseball Camp and a Jaycees $1,000 scholarship to a Atlantic High School graduate.

"It's a lot more than just a kingfish, dolphin, wahoo fishing tournament. If you don't fish come down to Veterans Park to watch the festivities and weigh-in by Delray Beach Police's Jeff Messer," Gerretson said.

A Captain's Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday Aug. 7 at the Delray Beach Elks, 265 NE Fourth Ave.

Entry fee is $175 per boat (four anglers).

As for prizes, there are $5,000 Trifecta Bonus, $200 Top Lady Angler, $200 for Largest Family Fun Fish, $200 for Largest Dolphin, $200 for Mystery Fish (decided at Captain's Meeting) $200 for Largest Wahoo and $200 for largest Kingfish.

For more information call Florida Bait & Tackle at 561-738-2246 or Jeff Messer at 561-243-7841 or e-mail buce@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

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The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is planning a trip to the Far East from Nov. 11 to 19. The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the $1,999 trip, which includes air fare, land transportation, English tour guide and guaranteed four- or five-star hotel accommodations.
Residents from Delray Beach will be traveling with North Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce members and residents of North Palm Beach.
“The Grand Junction contingent just returned from China and the response from our people was just amazing. Everyone, without exception, was impressed and excited about the experience,” President/CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber, Diane Schwenke wrote in a media release.
Representatives from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce say plenty of spots are available for residents interested in the China trip.

For more information call 561-1380, ext. 12

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City Commissioner Mack Bernard has filed for the vacancy left in the State House’s District 84 after the announcement by State Rep. Priscilla Taylor, District 84, that she would seek the office of Palm Beach County Commission, District 7.
Bernard (D) said that he plans to finish his city commission appointment until March 2010, the election for State House District 84 representative is in November 2010. Bernard was appointed to a partial term on the Delray Beach City Commission filling in for former commissioner Brenda Montague in 2008 and was elected, without opposition, in March 2009.

If elected as state representative, Bernard said his job tasks will be creating jobs, improving public education and supporting more affordable housing while keeping taxes low.

“We didn’t make this decision hastily. It was important to come out with this news today to raise money for the election, support and get my name out there,” Bernard said.
Bernard, 33, is married and has two young daughters. He’s a 23-year resident of Palm Beach County and holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Florida State University; a law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida and a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida. Bernard is an attorney and the managing partner of Bernard and Auguste, P.A. He’s also a member of the Florida Bar, admitted to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida and the United States Tax Court. Bernard is also president of Bernard Title Guaranty, Inc.

Bernard said District 84 is a Palm Beach County only, Democrat majority district that includes all or parts of Lake Park, Riviera Beach, Mangonia Park, West Palm Beach, The Acreage, Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee.

“I’ve been the second vice president in the black caucus. I’ve tackled issues and plan to address affordable housing, a rise in insurance and the rise in unemployment,” Bernard said.

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Dan Uggla signs a helmet for one of the Bucky Dent Baseball School campers.

The Bucky Dent Baseball School hosted Dan Uggla of the Florida Marlins as part of its third week of summer camp. Uggla, the All-Star second baseman for the Florida Marlins, played guest instructor at the Bucky Dent Baseball School in Delray Beach.

According to Larry Hoskin, the school's director, Uggla is a former alumni of the camp who took a short break from his back-to-back game schedule, to stop by the school and speak to the campers.

Uggla attended the Bucky Dent Baseball School back in 1993 with his hometown team from Tennessee. He said that he attended the school as a catcher and stressed the importance to the campers of being willing to play any position and to work hard every day. Hoskin said Uggla answered questions about himself and baseball, and even shared with campers that his favorite home-cooked meal is spaghetti. He also posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Hoskin said the Bucky Dent Baseball School is running training camps throughout the summer. In July, guest instructor Jeremy Hermida, left fielder for the Florida Marlins, will speak with the campers. The school is in its 35th year of operation and will be hosting camps for players’ ages 5 to 18 through Aug. 16. Space is still available.

Call Larry Hoskin at 561-265-0280, e-mail pr@buckydentbaseball.com, or visit www.buckydentbaseballschool.com.

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Fellow reporter Mike Rothman, the other half of Hometown Downtown. He's overdressed while writing a story from the beach on a 100-degree day.

I received a call from Rothman that we’d been invited to a charity fundraiser for Microgiving.com at a beachfront mansion in Manalapan. So I donned my best board shorts, a new white T-shirt and slipped into my Reef sandals. Then Rothman rang.
“Hey, the event's on Saturday and wear your best threads… There’s going to some big dogs there,” Rothman said.
I wore a nice, white long sleeve shirt and charcoal polyester pants and dress shoes. Thanks Rothman! Way out of place…Why did I listen to him?
So we met in a supermarket shopping center parking lot on the second hottest day of 2009. We waited on blacktop for a van to pick us up for the shindig at the mansion. We were driven down a few windy beach roads and arrived at the mansion. Rothman dropped our names on the list to no avail. The women were dressed in nothing but bathing suits and the men were in board shorts. Boy, we stuck out like swollen sore thumbs.
We were nicknamed the “sweat hogs” by partygoers who used us at the expense of their laughs. But, it was worth it. The party featured a gorgeous mansion poolside bar, with stairs down to the beach with a stage, another tented bar and the most amount of beach activities taking place this side of Cancun.
Money was being raised everywhere for Microgiving, an online social community that facilitates the giving of micro-donations online empowering anyone to give spare pocket change to help people or organizations.

Read more about this story in the July 1 issue of the Delray Forum.

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Delray Beach has received necessary permits from the U.S. Coast Guard for the July 4 firework show that will take place over the ocean in Delray Beach. That show will be one of four South Florida fireworks shows that will be conducted from sea barges. The U.S. Coast Guard asked that fireworks vendors involved in those shows at Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale conduct public service announcements in an effort to save endangered species and critical marine habitats that could be affected by vessels and partygoers.

According to Eileen List, spokeswoman for the Delray Beach Downtown Marketing Cooperative, an entity of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce that produces the fireworks show in Delray Beach, stipulations of that approval include special advisories.

Boaters cannot anchor on a coral reef. If they anchor in the Elkhorn/Staghorn coral critical habitat, they must do so over a sandy bottom that is free from coral or Johnson’s sea grass. List said it’s also the boater’s job to maintain a lookout for endangered species. She said they are especially concerned about sea turtles and manatees. List also said boaters are asked to proceed at a safe speed, especially at night, to avoid striking any marine mammal or sea turtle.

A federal or state agency may impose a civil fine of $25,000 and/or a criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or up to one year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by taking an endangered or threatened species or damaging coral.

“A take is defined as harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, collecting or attempting to engage in such conduct,” List said.

The special advisory also asks that any incident be immediately reported. Any collision with, injury or deaths of manatees or marine turtles must be reported to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement hotline at 888-404-FWCC for rescue and/or recovery.

Boaters are also asked to report any marine animals (most importantly sea turtles and manatees) they notice dead of natural causes on the ocean surface.

List said beach spectators can’t use flashlights on the beach during the July 4 show. Delray Beach also asks that residents don’t shoot fireworks on the beach or disturb sea turtle nests. Dispose of all trash and leave the beach at the conclusion of the firework display.

Report marine mammals to the SE U.S. Stranding Hotline at 877-433-8299

Report sea turtles to the NMFS SE Regional Office at 727-824-5312

For information call 561-279-1380, ext. 17 or visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com

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The man who committed suicide June 23 at the Delray Shooting Center has been identified as Danny Kenney, 41, of Laval, Quebec.

Delray Beach Police Department Public Information Officer Jeff Messer released the information this morning and said Mr. Kenney’s family in Canada has been notified of his death.

According to Messer, investigators are working to answer two questions: Why did Mr. Kenney take his own life? Why he would come to Florida from Canada to do so, and why he would do it in such a public place?

When that information is released Messer said the Delray Beach Police Department will share it with the public.

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Delray Beach is planning to celebrate National Clean Beaches Week, July 1 to 7, with three sponsored beach cleanup efforts. Representatives from the city's Litter Prevention Division, led by litter prevention coordinator Jennifer Buce and the Delray Beach Parks & Recreation, will sponsor a "Clean Beaches Information Booth" where litter prevention and recreational materials will be distributed with a chance for residents to obtain promotional giveaways.

Buce said information booths will be open to the public on July 1 at the Municipal Beach on Atlantic Avenue and A1A (Intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Boulevard), and again on July 2at Sandoway Park, 142 S. Ocean Blvd. Both events run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Then on Monday, July 6, Buce will conduct a beach cleanup at Sandoway Park, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., also from 9 until 11 a.m.

"Delray Beach Parks & Recreation summer camp children will participate in this effort and learn the importance of preserving our beaches," Buce said.

According to Buce, The Clean Beaches Council sponsors National Clean Beaches Week and is a nonprofit organization devoted to sustaining America's beaches by promoting public awareness and volunteer participation in sustainability while ensuring a legacy of clean beaches for all generations to come. She said National Clean Beaches Week is an annual event that draws public attention to the importance of clean beaches and celebrates a healthy beach lifestyle by swimming, playing, surfing and enjoying the outdoors.

For more information, call Jennifer Buce at 561-243-7138 or visit www.mydelraybeach.com or e-mail PIO@mydelraybeach.com

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"We offer teas from all around the world from locales like Sri Lanka, India and China. We have 54 varieties of tea," owner Mary Ann said.

The menu includes chicken salad sandwiches, quiches, turkey sandwiches, veggie wraps, soup of the day, homemade crepes, scones, homemade cookies, brownies, banana bread, other menu options and of course, tea.

Mary Ann and Chef Francis Wright prepare the food. Two seatings take place daily, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

TeaLicious Tearoom is located at 4997-B W. Atlantic Ave. Call 561-638-5155.

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A Delray Beach Police Department cruiser with hazard lights on watches over the Congress and Atlantic avenues intersection.

A line of thunderstorms knocked out the traffic lights at Interstate I-95 and Atlantic Ave. just before 10 a.m. this morning. A Delray Beach Police Department cruiser has made it to the scene. Lightning was heavy in the area from 8 to 10 a.m.

Also at Congress and Atlantic avenues, a police cruiser is monitoring a heavy traffic situation there.

Police cruisers are also strategically placed on Atlantic Avenue eastbound into downtown as the Delray Beach area continues to be blanketed with rain.

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Alan Kornblau, library director; Bonnie Stelzer, library community relations director; Rachel Van Ness; Delray Beach Police Officer John Czech; and Jeff Perlman, former mayor and celebrity chef, for the "Dine Out For A Cause" event.

Bonnie Stelzer, director of community relations, at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., said a recent “Dine Out For A Cause” event at Carolina’s Coal Fired Pizza & Pasta in downtown Delray Beach was well attended.

“More than 200 people came out to support the Delray Beach Public Library and to greet volunteer celebrity chef and former mayor Jeff Perlman. The evening was filled with good food, good wine, good cheer and good friends,” Stelzer said.

Carolina’s Coal Fired Pizza & Pasta agreed to give 10 percent of the total revenue from the evening to the library.

“The Llbrary is very grateful for their support,” Stelzer said.

Library Director Alan Kornblau echoed that sentiment.

“We will unveil the next restauarant location for the July Dine Out For A Cause as well as our new celebrity chef shortly and we hope he community will continue to support this worthwhile evening out for the library during the summer months,” he said.

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

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Stephanie Shipley, executive director at the Delray Beach Historical Society, next to an early 1900s horse carriage in front of the 1926 Historic Bungalow, one of four properties the Delray Beach Historical Society owns.

How long have you lived in Delray Beach?
“Since I was one, I’ve also lived in Gainesville and Clemson, S.C. where I attended college.”

Do you live in a historic neighborhood?
“I live in a 1940s cottage in the Vista Del Mar of Northeast Delray Beach.”

How long have you been with the Delray Beach Historical Society, and what does your job entail?
“Two years. I do everything from coordinating educational programs to staffing, work on our budget to managing the four properties that the Delray Beach Historical Society owns.”

Read more about this story in the next Delray Forum.

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Local mural artist Sharon Koskoff is hard at work with dedicated volunteers as she paints murals for an upcoming exhibit titled "Barbie's Back and She's 50!" The show is currently being setup at the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture at 50 S. Swinton Ave.

"Don't forget about Ken..." Koskoff said.

"They didn't want the boys to be left out so we have four Kens."

Koskoff and her team of a half-dozen Old School Square and Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture volunteers transformed the Jeanette & Marshall Dewitt Children's Interactive Gallery at the site into scenes of Barbie and Ken in the famous beaches of Malibu, Atlantic City and of course, Delray Beach.

Elizabeth Lord, a retired first-grade teacher, has lived in Delray Beach for three months. She wanted to help out because she thinks the museum in Delray Beach is "just wonderful."

"Even when we're in a recession... More and more people are into the arts," Lord said.

Mervyn Johnston, fresh off his daytime shifts of serving fish and chips and drafts at the Blue Anchor Pub, also stopped in to color the lines in on the mural that takes up four walls in the Jeanette & Marshall Dewitt Children's Interactive Gallery.

"I'm just here on my off time. I heard about the project and was interested," Johnston said.

Koskoff did research on Barbie style throughout history. Barbie and Ken are featured in the famous pink Corvette as well as other scenes.

"We put a lot of work into this project. I think the kids will really enjoy it," Koskoff said.

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In an effort to generate city revenue during the current recession, longtime Delray Beach resident Robert Moore opened up his checkbook and wrote a check for $1,000 to fund a contest that he hopes to generate strategies for increasing revenues in the municipality. Moore quit complaining about city economy issues, joined the inaugural group of residents in a city budget task force, and then created the “Delray Beach Residents Compete for Cash in Contest to Increase City Revenue.”
"This contest should be fun, but it will also give our politicians insight as to what our residents are thinking about budgets and what is important to them. Our ultimate goal is to get residents involved in city government,” Moore said.
The contest will give out three cash prizes for residents that come up with the best ideas to help generate city revenue. All contest submissions must not reflect for an increase in ad-valorem taxes and must be legal and non-discriminatory.
“I was one of seven residents on the budget task force. I wanted to come up with a creative way to increase revenue while keeping services and not raise taxes. I came up with the plan, was supported by my budget task force peers, and personally offered $1,000 of my own money,” Moore said.
Grand prize is $500, second prize is $300 and third prize is $200.
Entry deadline is Aug. 21, and winners will be announced in early September. Submissions should be about 500 words and should be dropped off at the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce at 6 64-A SE Fifth Ave. Entries can also be e-mailed to bwood@delraybeach.com. Budget Task Force members, city commissioners and family, city manager and judges are not eligible to participate.

For more information call Bill Wood at the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce at 561-278-0424.

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Members of the Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen, staying in Delray Beach for the early part of this summer, recently visited the Palm Beach County Juvenile Detention Center in West Palm Beach to bring joy and peace to youth behind bars.

Renalda Mack with the Florida Bar Law Education Committee and Palm Beach County Juvenile Detention Center Superintendent Anthony Flowers have made the trip possible the past three years.

"Average stay for those that are here is 12 days. Then they're either put in programs or jail," Flowers said.

"I've been here 27 years and I love every minute of it. Especially seeing the interaction of those that are here and the Israeli Scouts who bring peace and love. They're both in gangs, it's just that the Israeli Scouts gang up for peace and hope while these gang members have made the wrong choices," Flowers said

After 10 Israeli Scouts performed two songs and dance for the inmates, they then encouraged those incarcerated to join them in group circles. After the inmates finished laughing and joking over the performance they became serious with their 16 and 17-year-old peers from Israel and opened up and asked questions.

"We have drugs in Israel as well and it's illegal just like here," Israeli Scout Guy Reisler said.

"One thing you don't know about us... We automatically enter the military at 18, girls for two years and guys for three," he added.

Israeli Scout local organizer Shelly Weil said afterward that each year he's thrilled to bring the scouts that stay in Delray Beach with the caravan to the center.

"You two groups got together for different reasons. We chose to play music first because music is a common bond regardless of language. Something we can all enjoy. Then, you all opened up. The Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Geffen is a gang too. For reasons of joy and hope," Weil said.

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Delray Beach Public Library’s Director of Community Relations Bonnie Stelzer guarantees “good tastes” at “Dine Out For a Cause” a library fundraiser planned from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at Carolina’s Coal Fired Pizza & Pasta, 9 SE Seventh Ave.
“We will leave everyone with a good taste in their mouths,” Stelzer said.
Former mayor Jeff Perlman will be don the apron as celebrity chef, cooking and delivering food and making table visits.
“We raised approximately $700 last year. The money went into the General Library Fund. So far we have 50 RSVPs but I am sure many more people will just show up. Former Mayor Jeff Perlman loves our library and is a big supporter. This will support the Delray Beach Public Library and he will host an evening filled with good food, good wine, good cheer and good friends,” Stelzer said.
Carolina’s Coal Fired Pizza & Pasta has agreed to give 10 percent of the total revenue from the evening to the library.
“It is my pleasure to help my favorite library in this way and I hope that the community will come out and give their support to the library during this
fun-filled evening,” Perlman said.

To RSVP call Carolina’s at 561-278-1913. For information, visit www.delraylibrary.org or call the library at 561-266-9490.

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Radio host Joyce Kaufman, who speaks out on issues like immigration reform, respect of the flag, the right to bear arms and the stealth Jihad in America, recently addressed the Jewish War Veterans of America at Valencia Isles in Boynton Beach.
“We basically help all disabled veterans regardless of race or religion,” Senior Vice Commander Norton Morgenthal told those in attendance at the Valencia Isles Clubhouse.
Then, Kaufman took the stage at a mid-morning Flag Day, June 14, and U.S. Army event and immediately led a crowd of about 125 patriotic peers in attendance into a loud and proud, rendition of “You’re A Grand ‘Ole Flag.”
She’s heard daily on weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m. on 850AM WFTL, broadcasting to an area that spans from Goulds (south of Hialeah), to Fort Pierce, encompassing all of Palm Beach and Broward counties and slivers of Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Highlands, Glades and Hendry counties.
Kaufman’s speech focused on her involvement in anti-Hamas rallies in Fort Lauderdale, mosques being built in Boca Raton over the next year and gun control.

Before leaving Kaufman introduced Lt. Col. Allen West, who is running for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District in the next election.

For more information on Joyce Kaufman visit www.wftl.com.
Lt. Col. Allen West also attended the Flag Day event at Valencia Isles.

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Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen (Top row left to right: Stav Krayem, Idan Orlitzki, Gal Keret, Yaara Malachy and Chen Kaso. Bottom row left to right: Guy Reisler, Avi Balata, Netanel Yona, Tom Sabban and Matan Kadim.

For the past 36 years, Hamlet Country Club resident Shelly Weil has helped bring the Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan to the U.S. This year, the Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen stayed in Delray Beach from June 7 to 14, promoting peace, friendship and brotherhood, through performances in Delray Beach and all over Palm Beach County from Palm Beach Gardens to Boca Raton.
The Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen brought fish bowls to Temple Sinai in Delray Beach, performed at Old School Square and Delray Beach Sunrise Kiwanis, served meals and distributed food to the needy and performed at the Caring Kitchen and Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. They also presented shows for the communities of Del Aire Country Club, Lakes of Delray, King’s Point and Rainberry Bay.
“They are one of four caravans traveling throughout the U.S.A. The four caravans will perform in 48 states bringing a message of peace to all before returning to Israel. These students are the top scholastic ambassadors,” Weil said.
On Saturday June 13, the scouts will visit the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W.Atlantic Ave. for a 2 p.m. show. Call the library at 561-266-0194 for more information. They will also perform at Rainberry Bay in Delray Beach at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday June 14 for a 10 a.m. show at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Delray Beach.
The Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen visiting Delray Beach consists of five young women, five young men with ages that range from 16-17. A female and male leader age 23 and 24, and Weil lead the caravan. They were selected from 3,000 applicants for being high scholars in academics and superb song and dance performance.

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Teenagers will be in gear this summer on Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. until Aug. 15,
when they learn how to save money at the shop by doing basic maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, changing brake pads, radiator replacement and flush, tune ups and putting together an emergency car kit for his or her own car, with recreation supervisor Tony Chin at the "505" Teen Center, 505 SE Fifth Ave.
Also at the "505" Teen Center, the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department invites teens to join the Creative Writing Workshop every Friday during the summer starting June 19.
“Participants will have a chance to work on their poetry, short stories and lyrics. The workshop will teach techniques and exercises that will aid in any creative writing form. Participants are encouraged to show up with an open mind and ready for criticism and new ideas, as everyone will have a chance to be critiqued and will critique others,” Lance Liebl, a recreation supervisor at the "505" Teen Center, said.
All students must bring is a lined notebook and something to write with. Cost for both "505" Teen Center workshops are free for members and $5 for non-members.

For more information contact the "505" Teen Center at 561-243-7158.

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Harvey Starin, real estate agent and a 22-year Delray Beach resident.

Are you involved in any community activism in Delray Beach?
I started www.delraydogbeach.com as a friendly way to generate support and generate dialogue in an effort for city commissioners to designate a part of the municipal beach as a dog beach.

What’s the name of your dog and something neat about your dog?
My dog’s name is Max, he’s three years old and a Portuguese Water Dog. The same breed as President Obama’s new dog “Bo.”

Where do you live in Delray Beach?
I’ve lived in Pelican Harbor at the southern end of Delray Beach since 1998. It’s a nice residential community with wide paths to walk your dog. I live there with my wife.

Read more about Harvey Starin in the "On the Spot" feature in the June 17 issue of the Delray Forum.

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Kaufman (left) doesn't back down on standing up for what she thinks is right on a variety of issues at the national and local levels. Kaufman also takes political stances at local rallies on issues like anti-immigration and Rally for Israel to destroy Hamas, an Islamic Resistance Group.

A popular South Florida talk radio hosts, Joyce Kaufman of 850 WFTL of Fort Lauderdale, plans to visit Valencia Isles in Boynton Beach on Sunday, June 14 for a Flag Day Observance.

Senior Vice Commander Norton Morgenthal of the Jewish War Veterans Post 819 put together the event at the Valencia Isles Clubhouse at 11261 Valencia Isles Blvd. in Boynton Beach.

"This is just as an important for Delray Beach. Valencia Isles is really on the border of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. In fact, the majority of our members are from Delray Beach," Morgenthal said.

Morgenthal said the Flag Day Observance will take place with many veterans in attendance. He says thereafter Kaufman will take the microphone and talk to the veterans on a variety of issues.

"Joyce Kaufman fights for the people and won't back down at the local or national level," Morgenthal said.

For more information call Commander Morgenthal at 561-369-7653.

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Florida Marlins first baseman Jorge Cantu stopped by Bucky Dent's Baseball School and was happy to see his jersey out in the field.

The Bucky Dent Baseball School opened its summer camp season with a home run when guest instructor Jorge Cantu, a member of the Florida Marlins Major League Baseball Club, stopped by to speak to campers. Cantu, on a short break during the ball club’s 162 game regular season schedule, stopped by the Bucky Dent Baseball School at 490 Dotterel Road in Delray Beach to speak to all 155 campers.
“All 154 boys and one girl, listened as the major leaguer told them about the importance of working hard every day they are on the field. Cantu said he wants to encourage younger kids by his example. He told them his favorite food is pizza. Cantu answered questions, posed for pictures and signed autographs,” Bucky Dent Baseball School General Manager Larry Hoskin said.
Later this summer Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla and left fielder Jeremy Hermida will visit.
For 35 years the The Bucky Dent Baseball School year has operated in Delray Beach. It will be hosting camps for players ages 5-18 through Aug. 16.
For more information call the Bucky Dent Baseball School at 561-265-0280 or visit www.buckydentbaseballschool.com

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The 2009 recipient team for "Open Your Heart ... Open Your Closet ... Open Your Cupboard" Delray Beach's annual clothing drive: from left to right, United Storage Manager Alvise Russomanno; Redlands Christian Migrant Associations Guadalupe Ruiz and Kina Macedo; National Church of God's Millie Edwards, Deacon Ben Brewer and Elder Joe Williams.

Delray Beach with help from the Downtown Marketing Cooperative held the annual "Open Your Heart ... Open Your Closet ... Open Your Cupboard" community clothing drive from May 18 to 31. Today, members of the Caring Kitchen, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, National Church of God and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, all located in Delray Beach, picked up the goods collected by area residents during the drive.

Father Carlos Anklan of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church at 9600 W. Atlantic Ave. said the clothing his church collected will go straight to migrant workers.

"We're looking for migrant worker clothing," Anklan said.

Millie Edwards, 71, collected and transported goods for the National Church of God in Delray Beach.

"We share these goods with the community and the Caring Kitchen," Edwards said.

Kina Macedo and Guadalupe Ruiz collected goods for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

"We're really after long sleeve shirts, work shoes, anything that can protect migrant workers from the elements while they're working in the fields," Macedo said.

United Storage at 2512 N. Federal Highway in Delray Beach donated a 10-by-10-foot storage space that was filled with the goods in May,

"It's a wonderful thing," Manager Alvise Russomanno said.

For more information on the clothing drive contact the Downtown Marketing Cooperative at 561-279-1380, ext. 17.

Macedo and Ruiz load the goods into the association's van.

The storage bin halfway through the distribution.

Millie Edwards leads Deacon Ben Brewer to a trailer full of goods for National Church of God and the Caring Kitchen.

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It’s mommy time!
A new one-hour baby workout concentrating on aerobics, agility, strength and stretching will begin at Veterans Park, 802 NE First St., on Monday June 8 at 9:30 a.m.
“Yo Momma!: Not Your Mother's Boot Camp at Veterans Park” will highlight an early morning timeslot in the activities center at the park bordering the Intracoastal Waterway.
Melissa Backus, supervisor II for the Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Department, said the exercises can be done on a stroller or mat, and some of the elements of the class involve the baby getting in on the fun as well.
“We will pump your heart and muscles with some baby-incorporated calisthenics, weight lifting, yoga, dancing,and meditation,” she said.
Classes will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and end on Aug. 31. Cost for four classes is $30 for Delray Beach residents and $34 for non-residents, or $8 per class.

For more information or to register call Melissa Backus at 561-243-7350. Veterans Park is located at 802 NE First St. Melissa Backus can be e-mailed at
Backus@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

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Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief David James and Lt. Trisha Dunkelmann were already planning a community outreach workshop focused on carbon monoxide poisoning when tragedy struck in nearby West Boca.

“I was actually typing the last words in the press release when I heard that,” Dunkelmann said.

Two school girls died in that incident of carbon monoxide poisoning while they slept.

“We were focused on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning this hurricane aeason. Delray Beach Fire-Rescue has an important message for the community this hurricane season. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home,” Dunkelmann said.

Dunkelmann, also the community education epecialist for Delray Beach Fire-Rescue, is encouraging everyone that has a generator, garage where you park a vehicle, gas appliances, a lawnmower, or own any other gas-powered equipment to purchase a carbon monoxide detector with battery backup for your home.

At 10:30 a.m .On Wednesday, Dunkelmann and Steve Bayer from the American Red Cross will be at Delray Beach City Hall Chambers, 100 NW First Ave., to discuss generator safety along with a presentation about hurricane preparedness for all city employees.

Disaster preparedness/generator safety brochures are available to be picked up at fire headquarters located at 501 W. Atlantic Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For information, call Lieutenant Trisha Dunkelmann at 561-243-7400.

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State Sen. Ted Deutch states the case.

Residents in Delray Beach and Boca Raton met June 4 in disgust with paying the bill on foreclosed homes in their communities by way of increased condo assessments.
Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed the condo reform bill causing members of the Southern Palm Beach County community to hastily call a quick meeting with community leaders at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach.
State Sen. Ted Deutch representing Florida’s 30th Senate District and State Rep. Kelly Skidmore representing Florida’s 90th House District, were both on hand and both agreed that they have major concerns over Crist’s veto of the condo reform bill (SB 714) and the legislature’s failure to address an impact the foreclosure crisis happening to seniors and others living in local community associations, mainly condominiums.
Sherry Scarborough, president of the West Boca Community Council representing 200 community associations in Boca Raton, and Bob Schulbaum, president of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations Inc. representing 78 communities and 71,000 people in Delray Beach, attended. Both sat shaking their heads in disbelief of the news.
“Delinquency rates are going up and homeowners are stuck with the bill. It’s a viscous cycle,” Schulbaum said.
“Our problem is with the condominiums and insurance problems. The veto of this bill has created an immediate problem for the senior community,” Schulbaum said.
Deutch echoed the concerns as he addressed about 50 members of the public.
“Banks are not closing fast enough on vacant foreclosed property. It’s time to quit putting bad debt in form of higher assessments on the people that are in good standing,” said.“This is a quality of life issue.”

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Shelly Weil, a longtime resident and community activist, helped put a large map up in the Delray Beach Public Library showing local pinpoints of where residents are originally from.

You’ve been a member of more than a dozen clubs and committees for Delray Beach. What are you up to this summer?
“I’m really excited to be hosting the Israeli Scouts 2009 Caravan Gefen. They’re making 25 appearances at events in Palm Beach County and mainly Delray Beach Sunday, June 7 to Monday, June 15.”

Is this the first year you’ve helped out with the caravan?
“No. Actually I’ve been a part of it for 36 years. It’s one of four caravans with selected Israeli Scouts that tour throughout the country and perform in 28 states bringing a message of peace and love before returning to Israel.”

How long have you been involved in scouting?
“Since the age of 10; for the past 66 years, my life has been guided by traits of leadership and character.”

Is it giving back to the communities you live in?
“Scouting has always reminded me to continue to give back all that has been given to me through my life and others.”

What’s something people that aren’t in your immediate life circle don’t know?
“I was the founder and CEO of Miss Chocolate Company from 1967 to 1995.”

How long and where do you live in Delray Beach?
“I’ve lived in Delray for 22 years. I live in Hamel Country Club.”

What are you hobbies?
“Running marathons, cycling, golf and tennis.”

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Rick Consolo is home away from Pineapple Grove in his new storefront, Gelato at Collado's.

With recent news that Atlantic Avenue business is flourishing, just one block away at Pineapple Grove on Northeast Second Avenue business is disappearing.

Rick Consolo gave up on the Pineapple Grove Arts District as a viable business location for his Italian Gelato shop. Two months ago, Consolo packed up his two gelato machines made in Italy, and virtually everything at his business and moved into an established business at Collado's Gourmet Market at 3416 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach. While numbers haven't risen dramatically, Consolo has seen higher numbers and is optimistic about his move and leaving Pineapple Grove.

"I tried to make it. The city said the business would come. It never did," Consolo said.

Consolo, a Delray Beach resident and former radio host from Cleveland, has been making gelato for three years after a trip to Italy made him once again fall in love with the gooey, tasty ice cream-like substance of gelato. He changed the name of his failed Gelato On the Grove to Gelato at Collado's where he's home in the Italian Market owned by Felix Collazo for nine years now. His lifelong friend from Cleveland, Nick Loparo, a restaurant owner for 30 years, has joined with Consolo to work at Gelato at Collado's.

"Pineapple Grove was nightmare. It was a ghost town. We were lucky if we had one customer a night," Loparo said. "It's starting out slow here, but the customers we have love the product."

Twenty-six flavors in all from Peanut Butter Chip to Canoli and everything in between make the menu.

"We're optimistic. There's a huge development proposed to go in near here soon. We're happy here," Loparo said.

Collado's Gourmet Market owner Felix Collado agreed.

"It's a $100 million development for Levitz Plaza. I have mainly a take-out business. Once that's built I think business will definitely improve," he said.

The new Gelato at Collado's fits like a glove in Collado's Gourmet Market.

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Physical education coaches Gerrick Morris (left) and Adam Webster make up the staff at the Carver Middle School Morning Program.

Each school day morning Carver Middle School Physical Education coach Adam Webster awakes to the sound of an alarm clock at 5:45 a.m. at his Palm Beach Gardens home.

"I get ready quick," Webster said.

He has to. Webster opens the door to the gym at Carver Middle School for the Carver Middle Early Morning Program. That program just ended its first full year and was created after more than 200 students were dropped off at the school as early as 6 a.m. by parents who had to get to work. Without adult supervision, administrators at the school had to find a way to make that time a safe learning environment. Classes don't start until 9:30 a.m. at the school. Carver Middle partnered with the Delray Beach Education Board to staff and fund both Webster and Morris and their early morning positions.

"We do everything from tutoring to arts and crafts, physical fitness and complete fun activities," Webster said.

Dr. Debbie Kaiser, chairwoman of the Delray Beach Education Board, and Janet Meeks, the city's education coordinator, found ways through the city of Delray Beach, the Palm Beach County School District and Carver Middle to make the program a reality, and keep students from mischief.

This last week at the school, 30 awards were given out to students who participated and excelled because of the program. The Delray Beach Education Board sponsors the program, bought the awards and catered a small breakfast for the students during the last week of school.

"I like coming to the Carver Middle morning program because they let us have fun, do activities, play basketball and even hula hoop. Also because some of us like to read novels and we read novels all the time," sixth-grader Yazmin Gonzalez said.

Carver Morning Program focuses on the students who don't ride the bus.

The state-of-the-art gym is the first building to open at Carver Middle School in Delray Beach.

Coaches are ready to help with everything from tutoring to physical fitness for their students at the Carver Morning Program.

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The music plays on at Club 101 in Delray Beach.

Club 101 owner Kenia Reyes said Club 101 opened its doors again on Friday, May 29, two nights after FBI agents raided the club not because of violations but in search of a few criminal suspects that were part of the clientele in the establishment that night. Reyes said the front door was never locked and the music on the turntables plays on at Club 101, 101 SE Fourth Ave., in Delray Beach. The popular club was raided by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in search of the criminals on Wednesday, May 27.

"We never shut down. In fact we lost business. They came in and did their thing and it was over," Reyes said in a phone interview.

She said the incident was random and that she hoped numbers would bounce back up to normal following the news the club wasn't involved directly with the FBI raid.

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