He doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and is a philanthropist who launched a website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com that is a Google for finding charities.
No, he’s not a Jonas brother or even Mother Teresa, but Grammy-nominated artist Akon.
The hip-hop collaborator from Senegal took time off from his busy schedule to talk with Forum Publishing Group writers Mike Rothman and Dave Dipino about the Second Annual Think Pink Rocks Charity Concert coming up Oct. 3 at Mizner Park in Boca Raton.

He also discussed his inspirations, past and present, and even let the world know for the first time about his new album “Stadium Music,” set for release before the World Cup in 2010.

MR: Hey Akon, what’s going on? Where are you calling us from right now?

Akon: I’m at home in Atlanta.

MR: We just wanted to thank you for taking time out to talk with us and I am going to throw things over to Dave to get this started.

DD: With the album “Freedom” what were your goals and aspirations, and almost one year after the album’s release, do you feel like you’ve accomplished those goals?
Akon: With the “Freedom” album my goals were to expand my horizons with the Euro Market. A year later I’m very happy with the cross marketing we’ve done outside the domestic markets.
DD: Can you talk about the song “Keep You Much Longer” and where you were coming from as an artist when you wrote that song?
Akon: It’s about trying to make it [in my career] while I’m heavily involved with my girlfriend. But, there’s no time for her and eventually the tables turn and she has no time.
MR: I read on your website that you are currently working on your next album. After your last album “Freedom” in 2008 with its autobiographical, heartfelt nature, what kind of identity do you want for this album?

Akon: Every album is a different situation. This album is more experienced-based with the more experiences I have had. The album is called “Stadium Music” and I am setting this whole album up for the World Cup 2010. I’m making a bunch of crowd, stadium-type dances and anthems that will be for the soccer hype. When the World Cup in 2010 comes along, people will have that party music to dance to.

MR: You have worked with hundreds of amazing artists, including T-Pain, Eminem and Michael Jackson. Is there anyone in particular that you were extremely excited or in awe of working with?

Akon: Oh MJ, hands down. I was shocked that he even wanted to work with me. I was working my career so that I could one day work with him and then found out that he already had plans and wanted to work with me. It happened so naturally.

DD: Is there anyone you’ve yet to work with that’s on your list?
Akon: No. I’ve already covered everyone on my list. I can’t think of anyone I haven’t worked with… It’s forcing me to actually create new artists and try to find new talent.
MR: Obviously you are a very charitable person with initiative like the Konfidence Foundation and the website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com. How did you get connected with Think Pink?

Akon: A friend brought it to my attention three years ago and told me how it was for breast cancer and a good cause. I told him to just count me in.

DD: Has cancer affected you or someone you know with in your life?
Akon: No absolutely not. I was blessed actually because no one in my family has even been affected. I would like to be able to know more about it and be able to about it when it happens or if it happens.
DD: What do you hope to accomplish and what can the fans of your music expect for the Oct. 3, Think Pink Concert?
Akon: We had a great time last year. I know this year will be an incredible time. As for collaborating, we’ll see who’s down in Florida that I’ve collaborated with and ready to jump on stage with me. Kardinal Offishall always pops up when I go somewhere. He’s always there.
DD: Can you tell me about your record labels?
Akon: Kon Live and Konvict Muzik are my two record labels. Kon Live is more pop with Lady Gaga as the franchise [over there] at the moment. Of course T-Pain is on Konvict Muzik.
MR: One of your most recent single, “Sexy Bitch” has an insanely contagious beat that I have had stuck in mead head the entire morning. Thank you by the way.

Akon: No problem.

MR: With “Sexy Bitch,” what were the inspirations there?

Akon: That song is actually also going to be on “Stadium Music.” I put it on David Guetta’s album because I am not dropping an album this year, and I wanted get everyone familiar with what they are about to hear from me next year with “Stadium Music.”

MR: I also heard you don’t drink or smoke, how does this affect or help your concentration with your music?

Akon: It definitely helps me focus on my music that I don’t drink or smoke. This way I don’t make any bad decisions.

The Second Annual Think Pink Rocks Charity Concert is set for 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 3 at Mizner Park, off Federal Highway, between Palmetto Park and Glades roads. Tickets are on sale for $30 and can be bought at www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com or 954-871-1233.

Dave Dipino can be reached at ddipino@tribune.com or 954-621-5000.

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Delray Beach residents seem to be displeased with a city commission decision to raise property taxes 12 percent. Even though a small crowd showed up to the city commission meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, on the street in downtown Delray Beach the buzz was negative about the recent property tax decision.

Unemployed homeowner Eileen Rosen said she bought her home for $187,000 during the mid-decade real estate boom and then braced as her home value depleted and she lost her job.
“It’s a drag. This year my house is worth a lot less and the value of the home is down yet taxes are higher,” she said.

Ray Breighner, a stone mason working on a project at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Northeast Second Avenue agreed. The resident and homeowner said pay has failed to increase in the blue collar sector, an issue he’s truly concerned about.

“Everybody’s hurting and making less yet paying more. Right now it’s just an inappropriate time to raise property taxes,” Breighner said.
One retiree, Al Shannus of Pines of Delray, attended the meeting to let commissioners know of his disgust of the 12 percent property tax hike. Shannus is the vice president of his neighborhood homeowners' association.

“I think it’s totally outrageous. I plan to voice my opinion to our city commissioners,” Shannus said.

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Comedian Guy Richards is planning a performance at IL Bacio in Delray Beach at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, and organizers of the event said some monetary proceeds will benefit the Connie J. Goodale Breast Cancer Foundation. Michelle Soudry of The Gab Group said said the cause is the only 501c3 organization in South Florida that provides direct financial assistance to local breast cancer patients to cover the costs of medical bills associated with treating the disease.

Soudry also said that Richards will entertain guests with his “Bipolar Man” Comedy Tour. She said Richards was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2000, and pokes fun at his condition in his comedic act.

The event is open to the public for a cost of $15 per person, or free to guests with an advance dinner registration at IL Bacio, 29 SE Second Ave. Drink specials and a live DJ will highlight the event, and Ketel One Vodka is the sponsor.

For more information call Il Bacio at 561-865-7785.

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Beach parking permits have been allocated by the city of Delray Beach for sale at the Utility Billing Department in City Hall at 100 NW First Ave.. The city’s parking management specialist Scott Aronson said beach permits cost $85.20, which will cover the period from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2010. Beach parking permits can be used for the Orange Grove lot, at Anchor, Sandoway and Ingraham parks and at the Atlantic Dunes lots. More importantly is the projection of money raised by the permits.

“$26,000-plus will be raised for the city’s general fund,” Aronson said.

Beach parking permits can be bought by anyone, including nonresidents. All that’s needed for purchase is a valid driver’s license and an up-to-date vehicle registration. Upon purchase, the utility billing department will give the purchaser a sticker that is to be placed on the windshield of the automobile’s driver’s side. Aronson said that stickers will not be transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

For more information on beach parking permits call the city’s Utility Billing Department at 561-243-7108. Call parking management specialist Scott Aronson at 561-243-7196 or send him an e-mail at aronson@ci.delray-beach.fl.us

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For Halloween weekend Oct. 29 to 31, the Haunted Halls of Horror presented by Hugs Not Drugs has partnered with the city of Delray Beach for the first time to host a haunted house at the Community Center at 50 NW First Ave. Hugs Not Drugs spokeswoman Marla Gideos said she’s looking for actors and actresses age 8 and older to participate in auditions at the Community Center at 7 p.m. Sept. 29.

“We know that the Delray Beach is community oriented. We want people from Delray and we have a few parts left open. What we really need right now is men. We’re looking for men to play three big roles, and two are non-speaking,” Gideos said.

She also said City Commissioner Gary Eliopoulos and Parks and Recreation Director Linda Karch were instrumental in bringing the Haunted Halls of Horror to Delray Beach.

“I really didn't do much, except for making some calls but I did think this was a great opportunity for the city to support something for the kids with limited associated costs. Things right now are extremely difficult with this economy and typically it's the kids that suffer by programs being canceled or reduced. This appeared to be one way of giving back to the ones that need it the most,” Eliopoulos said.

For more information call Marla Gideos at 561- 585-7771 or e-mail her at mdgsing@aol.com. Visit www.hauntedhallsofhorror.com for information.

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Lu Fendig feels stimulation in her hand after trying the NESS H200 at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital in Delray Beach. Occupational therapist Karina Rocha-Souza looks on after tweaking a small computer module with Fendig's personal settings.

In May, Lu Fendig came to the Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital at Delray Medical Center, 5352 Linton Blvd., in hopes that a new device from Bioness Inc. would help mobility in her right leg that wasn’t functioning properly after a lesion affected normal leg function. She made the day-long driving trip from Brunswick, Ga., to try out the NESS L300, and after a month renting the rehabilitation system that resembles a gray and blue knee brace, she said her walking has improved.

“I used to drag my foot and constantly stub my toe. I’m happy to be past that phase of my life,” Fendig said.

Because her left hand and arm was also not functioning properly, Fendig felt another drive to South Florida could be life changing and beneficial. So last week she returned to try the NESS H200 Hand Rehabilitation System, a functional electrical stimulation system that sends low-level stimulation to the paralyzed muscles in an arm or hand, helping to open and close the hand.

“It takes time and you have to work with a therapist to break old habits. One thing I can tell you is after two months of using the device I was able to walk more confidently, and even walk up and down stairs. These were functions I couldn’t perform in May,” Fendig said.

Fendig said the hand device helped her to “grasp and release objects” and “it was very relaxing in turn making my arm feel great while only using the device for a few minutes.”

Cost of either the NESS H200, or NESS L300 is $6,200, or devices can be rented for $500 for the first month trial good toward the purchase price.

For more information on Bioness Inc. Rehabilitation Systems call Keith Reeber at 800-211-9136 or 954-935-9354 or by e-mail at keith.reeber@bioness.com. For Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital call 561-495-3024.

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Dana Donaty

Is it true that you spend an equal amount of time volunteering for a city advisory board as you do in your professional job?
“Yes. I was just appointed chair of the Public Art Advisory Board. It’s a position that requires a lot of extra time. But, I don’t mind it because it means so much to me to be involved in the city. It’s an unpaid position so that may turn some people away.”

What’s next for the Public Art Advisory Board?
“We’re about to release a call to artists for a project that will encompass the front of the Delray Beach Tennis Center on Atlantic Avenue. This will be the largest art advisory board project ever to be completed in Delray Beach. It’s something that will be really significant for Delray Beach. All I can tell you right now is that the art project will have a daytime and evening appeal and be seen by pedestrians as well as passing motorists. More to come…”

What are your latest projects in your professional business at Dana Donaty Designs?
“I’m working on an 8,000-square-foot faux finishing project. I just finished a mural for the Boynton Beach Fire Station No. five that will be unveiled in October. In Delray Beach I’m working on the Garlic Fest Poster.”

What do you do when not working?
“I work. My life is related to art.”

When did you first visit Delray Beach?
“It’s a city I’ve been coming to with my family since the early '70s. We used to come to Gulfstream so this is a place we came to on vacation. I moved to the area about five years ago, before that I lived in London, England, for 12 years.

Where are you originally from?
“Bridgewater, N.J.”

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A total of five small grants has helped to re-energize small nonprofits in the city. The Delray Beach Historical Society has received a $2,000 grant from the Florida Humanities Council and National Endowment for the Humanities, the Delray Beach Youth Council, Milagro Center, Achievement Centers for Children & Families, and the Hispano-Latino Cultural Alliance, have all received $1,500 Annual Community Sponsorship Grants from the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Dottie Patterson, archivist at the historical society, said that grant will help to display a traveling portable exhibit of Sam Ogren Sr., the first registered architect to live in Delray Beach, fund discussions by local architects and historians, Dr. Donald Curl, Dan and Donna Sloan and Roger Cope, and help fund volunteer and docent programs.

“It is a Florida Humanities Council mini-grant of $2,000. It is a matching grant. The Delray Beach Historical Society and volunteers will be working to get the project accomplished,” Patterson said.

Of the four CRA grants, $1,500 is going toward helping to fund program goals of the Delray Beach Youth Council. That council is made up of 25 students ranging from ages 12 to 18 who attend area schools. Janet Meeks, the city'seducation coordinator and adult mentor for the youth council, said the money will fund a “Delray Beach Youth Council Battle of the Bands,” provide student food giveaways at the Caring Kitchen, and provide after school opportunities to students including a stock market game every week at Village Academy.

“The Delray Beach Youth Council started off as the Mayor’s Youth Council and this is the first year they applied for the grant. This grant will fund the Battle of the Bands on Nov. 7, feed the poor and create educational opportunities for students,” Meeks said.

The CRA accepts applications for the Annual Community Sponsorship Grants year around and applications can be picked up at the CRA office at 20 N. Swinton Ave., at the CRA Website www.delraycra.org. For more information call Elizabeth Butler, CRA marketing and grants coordinator, at 561-276-8640.
The CRA accepts applications for the Annual Community Sponsorship Grants grants year-round.

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Harvey Oyer III is a local author with deep Delray Beach roots that has partnered with the Delray Beach Public Library and Delray Beach Historical Society to celebrate Heritage Month with a free event for local children and their parents. Oyer III, will present a program titled “Pioneers, Seminoles & the American Jungle” will and talk about his new book, “The Adventures of Charlie Pierce: The American Jungle” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.

“It’s a great book for kids and parents to learn the historical landscape of South Florida,” Oyer III said.

The story is about Charlie Pierce, one of 40 “Great Floridians” listed by the state - a list that includes Juan Ponce De Leon. Oyer III has ancestral ties to Pierce, one of South Florida’s legendary “Barefoot Mailmen,” and the storyline follows Pierce as he moved to South Florida from Chicago at age 8.

“It’s about an American boy moving into an untamed jungle. He’s an 8-year-old boy that hunts, goes fishing, and meets a Miccosukee Indian boy named Charlie Bow Legs. The two learn to communicate despite a language barrier and everyday is an adventure,” Oyer III said.

Books will be available for $15, and Oyer III will be available to sign the books.

The program is free. No registration is required. For information, visit www.delraylibrary.org or call 561-266-9490.

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Time is running out but there are still eight openings for the Residents Academy fall session. With a start date planned for Oct. 1, the Thursday night meetings give participants a first-hand look into the operations of the city, features lectures and presentations by the city commission, City Manager David Harden and department heads over a six-week course session. Meetings are from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays at the Environmental Services Administration Building, 434 S. Swinton Ave.

“After completing this program participant (residents) will have an insight into how the city actually works. It’s also the first stepping stone for residents that have an interest in joining city advisory boards,” said Delray Beach Education Coordinator Janet Meeks.

To be eligible for the 2009 Residents Academy, participants must reside in the city of Delray Beach and be 18 or older. The program is free but classes are limited to 25.

Meeks said applications are available at the City Hall, 100 NW First Ave. Enter City Hall and ask for the application for the 2009 Residents Academy at the city hall reception desk. An application can also be obtained by downloading an application form from the city’s Website at www.mydelraybeach.com or for more information call Janet Meeks at 561-243-7231.

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Bioness Inc. will be hosting a free tutorial of its new NESS H200, designed to assist patients with hand mobility at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital and Delray Medical Center, 5360 Linton Blvd.

The NESS H200 is a small device that has been designed to help patient’s effected by stroke, brain injury, spinal injury, or mobility loss, to retrain surrounding muscles to perform regular functions.

The NESS L300, which helps individuals gain foot and mobility, was introduced at Pinecrest in late May. Bioness representative Keith Reeber will be on-site at this event to discuss both devices and possible funding sources if a patient’s insurance doesn’t cover the device.

To schedule a screening time or to find out more information call
Teressa Dykeman-Diaz at 561-495-3024 or e-mail: teressa.dykeman-diaz@tenethealth.com

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Trinity Lutheran School students recently celebrate at the Trinity Lutheran School Spirit Fest.

Trinity Lutheran School, a fixture in Delray Beach since 1948, has just received The United States Commerce Association “Best of Local Business” positive image award for the Religious Schools category. Principal Timothy Guelzow, a staff of 40, and parents are excited about the U.S. Commerce Association’s choice of Trinity Lutheran School for the award. But, they didn’t apply for it.

“It’s unsolicited and actually I heard they had chosen us just recently, actually came my way late this summer,” Guelzow said.

According to Trinity Lutheran School chairwoman of Trinity's Board of Public Relations, Marcia Miller, the award was given based on success and service Trinity Lutheran School has shared in the community.

“Anytime we’re recognized for excellence, education, or contributions to the community we’re thrilled,” Guelzow said.

Kim Leahy, one of the Trinity Lutheran School parents, has a second- and seventh- grader at the school at 400 N. Swinton Ave.

“The award is exciting and well deserved. They do a lot of community events, present church and school outreach programs, and are involved in helping the Caring Kitchen, C.R.O.S Ministries and other local organizations,” Leahy said.
She said that more importantly Trinity Lutheran School promotes community events that welcome residents from all walks of life and beliefs.

“It’s more than just a school and that’s what makes it great. Trinity Lutheran School is about family, spirituality and education. It’s a whole total package,” Leahy said.

Trinity Lutheran School Principal Tim Guelzow (right) said the award was "unsolicited" but he was happy to be recognized for excellence in contributions to the community.

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The Delray Beach Police Department is looking for a different vehicle than it initially reported to the public in a hit-and-run crash that injured Boca Raton Police Detective Christian Mammarella.

Jeffrey Messer, Delray Beach Police Department public information officer, said in an e-mail early this afternoon that traffic investigators “are looking for a vehicle that is possibly equipped with wrap-around style front headlights, and which has/had a damaged windshield and possible right front body damage.”

He said that on Aug. 31, the Delray Beach Police Department had released a video that showed a late model Volkswagen Passat traveling north on Dixie Highway in Delray Beach.

“We asked for the public’s assistance in finding this vehicle and helping us identify the owner/driver of this car as it was suspected to have been involved in the crash that severely injured Det. Mammarella. This vehicle has been found. The owner/driver has been identified and it has been determined that this vehicle was not involved in the crash we are investigating.”

Anyone with information on any vehicle that matches this description with damage within the past two weeks is asked to call Traffic Homicide Investigator Justin Reed at 561-243-7855, DBPD’s anonymous tips line at 561-243-7839, or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County.

Delray Beach Police Department Public Information Officer Jeffrey Messer can be reached at 561-243-7841.

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Every Thursday morning at Heritage Park of West Delray residents enjoy arts, crafts and the occasional chance to reunite with an old friend. After 65 years apart, two residents making cards for individuals in VITAS Hospice Care reunited at the Heritage Park independent living facility. In 1944 they had wedding portraits done in Baltimore. Helen Weissman, 92, and Edythe Shane, 93, paused briefly from making creative birthday cards to reminisce about the chance meeting and the downright lucky reunion. Weisman was making a “Happy Birthday” card complete with creative marker artwork and a visually appealing array of stickers, when she felt a tap on her right shoulder.

“I looked back and there was Helen. She said, 'I remember you'… we hadn’t seen each other in 65 years. Then, I remembered and we reminisced,” Shane said.

They sat in the middle of a dozen women creating about 80 VITAS Innovative Hospice Care cards an hour. While putting the finishing touches on the greeting cards, the two women caught up on life.

“All those years and I remembered her right away. It’s vivid. We’re in a studio and we meet getting our wedding portraits done. I jogged Edythe’s memory and she remembers. I’m glad I tapped on her shoulder because now we’re dear friends,” Weisman said.

But, that’s not the only reunion happening at this weekly arts, crafts, and Hospice card-making event put on by activities director Robin Morgenstern and VITAS Hospice volunteer services manager Christie Geltz, who said she’s always looking for patient care or administrative volunteers.

“This is seniors helping seniors,” Geltz said.

Leonore Gerhsek, who’s also a resident at the independent living facility, recently reunited with Hospice through the card-making campaign.

“I used to volunteer at Hospice so this is nice to be helping an organization that’s just so dear to my heart,” Gershek said.

For more information call Robin Morgenstern at 561-499-7744 or Christie Geltz with VITAS Innovative Hospice Care at 561-364-1479, ext. 6332.

Robin Morgenstern (standing) teams with Leonore Gerhsek (right) to make a card for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care adult patients.

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A spokesperson for The Jewish Music Heritage Society has announced that the new home of the national headquarters will be at the Linton Towers, 100 E. Linton Blvd, Suite 122B in Delray Beach. For the past 36 years the Jewish Music Heritage Society has been based in Washington D.C.

“Our aim is to promote, protect and preserve, our heritage in all styles of Jewish music. We try to promote Jewish music and plan to offer free shows,” said Ellen Hodges, publicity chairwoman for JMHS.

Cantor Emil Levy, of Boca Raton, is the executive director of the Jewish Music Heritage Society. Upcoming shows or performances include Ramat Gan Dance Theater, Cantor Sol Zim, Life Achievement Award Presentation, Palm Beach Jewish Chorus, Cantor Motti Fuchs, Healing Through Music, Shalva Berti, Women in the Cantorate, South Florida Cantors Association, Sandy Shmuely and Contemporary Chassidic Music.

For information call Ellen Hodges at 561-865-5292 or e-mail TJMHS2@comcast.net

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Landlord permit violations are increasing at the Delray Beach Code Enforcement Board hearings. A landlord permit is a $50 per year charge needed to rent out property within city limits. Seventy-seven landlord permit violations were read into record at the Sept. 8 hearing, with only a few of the property owners in violation in attendance. Most of the 77 in delinquency will have to pay an amount triple the original dues. Code Enforcement co-chairman Mark Behar said to obtain a “good standing” landlord permit in these particular cases will now cost those property owners in violation $150.

“If you come into the city and want to rent out your place its $50 per year. If you miss the permit fee it’s tripled,” Behar said.

He said he tried to offer some leniency in this rough economic state, but that the “city rules stipulate not budging on this issue.”

“Landlord permits and water fines are huge funds generators,” Behar said.

Northwest and southwest portions of the city had the most landlord permit violations, some 41 of the 77 violations, yet no area of the city was spared from the delinquencies.

Code enforcement board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the council chambers at 100 NW First Ave. Call Danise Cleckley at 561-243-7213 for more information on the Code Enforcement Board.

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Dr. Harold Jonas opened the KoffeeOkee sober coffee house as a refuge filled with staff ready to talk with and provide help to anyone with a mass variety of issues. People looking to talk over personal issues ranging from cancer, drug or alcohol addiction, or even depression, pack the house almost every evening. Now three years after opening KoffeeOkee, he hopes by showing the premiere of a new documentary on sobriety that he can help spread the messages of hope and recovery even further.
“Real Sobriety” is a 45-minute documentary film portraying the lives of Floridians who’ve overcome drug and alcohol addictions, and will debut at KoffeeOkee for three showings on Sunday, Sept. 13. The film features about eight minutes of KoffeeOkee footage where Jeannie Saros, a licensed mental health therapist at the sober house is interviewed.

“Since becoming sober I’ve completed high school, obtained a masters degree and started my own private practice where I help others, set goals of personal growth and focus on ethics,” Saros said.

“The impact and power of this professional film and having the chance to host it is a big deal for us. I’m expecting at least 60 people and I’ve got a red carpet for the premiere,” Dr. Jonas said.

Jonas said this is the first time KoffeeOkee will host a movie premiere, and that “Real Sobriety” filmmaker Robert McClellan will be at the showings for question and answer periods.

“My guess is we will have a diverse age group of people that choose to come to the premiere. Eighteen- to 25-year-olds are the main demographic that frequent KoffeeOkee. You see a group for about 12 to 16 weeks and then people move on. We have people coming for help from 14 years old to 72,” Jonas said.

“The old city commission supported recovery. I hope this film opens a lot of eyes on what’s happening locally. This film offers a whole lot of hope and different pathways for recovery,” Jonas said.

“Real Sobriety” premieres Sunday, Sept. 13, with showing times of 2 p.m. for (family and friends), 4 p.m. (invited guests) and 9:30 pm in the KoffeeOkee courtyard (general public). Dr. Jonas plans to host an 11 p.m. viewing as well. For more information call KoffeeOkee Sober Coffee House, Delray Beach at 561-455-0899.

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BY DAVE ROSSMAN
Delray Beach resident Ann Fonfa, 62, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, but has been cancer free for eight years. The New York City native said that in 2001 she bypassed traditional treatment methods including radiation and hormone therapy in favor of a natural approach.
“I didn’t even use the insurance I had at the time for those costly treatments. I moved to South Florida in 2003 and have had an unbelievably hard time finding health coverage,” she said.
Fonfa had MRIs done in 2003 and 2005, both of which came back negative for cancer. “It seems ridiculous that this is listed as a pre-existing condition after all of these years, and I am now paying over $700 for individual insurance. My deductible is $5,000, so I basically have emergency only insurance,” she said.
Fonfa will be telling her tale at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Spanish River Park in Boca (Spanish River Boulevard/A1A) during a healthcare candlelight vigil hosted by MoveOn.org. The event is one of hundreds to be held simultaneously across the country. For more information, visit www.pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=98132&id

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By his swift pen stroke in 2000, former President Bill Clinton signed legislation that opened the doors for the executive offices of the Delray Beach-based Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation Inc. to fundraise, put out bids for architect competition and make a site selection in Washington D.C. Now some nine years later the foundation says it has completed 21 of the needed steps to establish a memorial in the nation’s capital. The foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Fenstermacher said the foundation is one of 52 veterans' organizations in the nation.

“The disabled veterans are an unbelievable and amazing group of people. From day one of this project we wanted to be in the footprint of the U.S. Capitol so legislators see the importance of supporting disabled veterans,” Fenstermacher said.

The foundation’s team is made up of 18 members participating in roles from fundraising to architecture. Delray Beach is home to the executive offices of the foundation at 6290 Linton Blvd. With such a huge veteran population in southern Palm Beach County, the strategic move of putting the executive offices in Delray Beach has paid off. Last year, the net income on the project was $10,842,161, net assets were $14,623,808 and fundraising costs were $1,285,311. Fenstermacher said the foundation needs to raise about $4.9 million, one of the last three steps.

“We’re working hard on these final steps. This memorial is for ordinary people that made extraordinary sacrifices and it’s the only memorial in Washington D.C. for the living,” Fenstermacher said.

For more information or to donate to the memorial call Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation Inc. at 561-637-1525 or visit www.avdlm.org

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Delray Beach resident Ruth Greenstein, who fled Poland at age 14 during the Holocaust in Poland, recently celebrated her 101st birthday with family, including her great, great grandson, and about 60 friends at Liberty Inn, a short-term rehabillation facility in Delray Beach. Greenstein is still active as she volunteers doing charity work every Monday for the Diamond Club, a group making items for children with cancer.

“I still raise money for the causes I hold dear to my heart. Every Monday I volunteer to be picked up here and taken to make hats for children that are in hospital cancer care,” Greenstein said.

She came to the U.S. at 14 from a small town in Poland. She settled in Brooklyn and the Manhattan boroughs of New York City.

“I’m from a little town in Poland with very poor families. We were farmers and I lived there during World War I,” Greenstein said.

She was the oldest of five sisters. Her family with tears in their eyes told of how she faced the Nazi terror of the Holocaust in Poland.

“She was actually on her way to a death camp when a man stopped her and gave her a passport and told her to flee,” said her daughter Francine Weinberg, a Boynton Beach resident.

Norma Pistiner of Delray Beach is Greenstein’s other daughter that was on hand for the celebration and said that her mother held down the occupation of seamstress even for a period making uniforms for World War II soldiers.

(From left to right) Daughter Francine Weinberg, Evan Weintraub, grand daughter Michelle Weintraub, great grand son Hayden Weintraub, daughter Norma Pistener surround Greenstein just before her big birthday bash.

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Back-to-back city budget workshops will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 in the City Hall first-floor conference room at 100 NW First Ave. The budget workshop is the second of five budget workshops and public hearings. At the Aug. 18 regular commission meeting public comments were welcomed by commissioners in a public hearing format.

Public comment is not on the agenda for workshops yet time is allotted at 7 p.m. at regular city commission meetings.

Another budget-themed regular commission meeting with public hearings on the tentative millage rate and tentative budget adoption will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at City Hall.

Final public hearings on the millage rate and budget adoption will take place at the regular city commission meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 22.

For more information on budget agenda items, visit www.mydelraybeach.com

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