Students in Ms. Oyer's sixth and seventh grade social studies classes have had the opportunity to learn first hand about civics and economics concepts thanks to the television program Jericho. Jericho is a show about a small town in Kansas and what happens in the town following a nuclear bombing of the United States. The show chronicles how the residents survive and the choices they make in governing and allocation of resources.

Ms. Oyer, a teacher at Boca Raton Middle School, recommends that students watch the show as part of their homework assignment. She said the show helps make abstract concepts easier for the students to understand. The students get absorbed in the show's characters and at the same time learn about societal, economic and governmental choices through concrete examples.

The only problem is that CBS has decided to cancel the show for the second time. The show was cancelled in 2007, but due to viewer response was reinstated. An on-line protest involving delivering 20 tons of peanuts to CBS Entertainment in New York and California succeeded in bringing back Jericho. Peanuts were used because in the very last show the main character's battle cry was "nuts".

Just as the students learned about civics from the show, its cancellation also presents an opportunity to become involved. Knowing that the fans are rising up in revolt again, the students want to do their part and have written letters to CBS asking for Jericho to be continued. When the on-line fans decided to raise money to buy huge ads in Variety and Hollywood Reporter, the students brought in spare change and raised $52.11. A note with the donation posted on the protest website by Ms. Oyer received great feedback and motivated others to donate. Once again peanuts are being sent, this time to entertainment writers at newspapers so that they can generate media coverage about the cancellation.

The loyal viewers are hopeful that CBS will sell the show to another station who will continue to produce it. As Ms. Oyer optimistically states, " This show is not dead, just in transit." Whatever happens, these social studies students have had a real life opportunity to learn about civic involvement.

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One of my New Year's resolutions for the City of Boca Raton was that the city moves forward on the long discussed proposal to build an ice rink on land near the new Spanish River library. In January, the city put out a request for proposal asking for a 90,000-square-foot facility with two NHL-sized rinks and a third Olympic-sized rink. It also requested amenities such as seating, a store, a fitness area, lockers, a sports medicine facility, and a restaurant.

In response to the request, the city received two bids neither of which met the exact specifications of the city. The first proposal, submitted by a company called Incredible Universe, calls for 290,000 square feet and a price tag of $55 million more than three times the size of the city request. The second proposal is from Rink Management Services Corp. and has a price tag of $11.2 million for a 70,000-square-foot rink but has only two ice rinks and no restaurant.

Due to recent newspaper coverage regarding the background of one of the owners of Incredible Universe, Incredible Universe has stated that it will not present its' proposal to the city. This leaves only the Rink Management proposal which is smaller than the city hoped.

The city acted in good faith and in response to citizen requests in moving forward on this project but has now run into the proverbial wall of ice. The city can either move forward on the smaller project or table the idea until a later time. Of course, there are no guarantees that there will ever be a better time to build an ice rink. There is no question that an ice skating facility will be a benefit to our community. The city just needs to decide if this is the right proposal at the right time.

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Now that Easter and Passover have been celebrated, the surface road traffic has significantly diminished. The snowbirds and snowflakes have loaded their cars on tractor trailers and sent them northward. While we miss their support of our businesses, it's time for us locals to take back our town.

No longer do we have to book our favorite restaurant three weeks in advance to get in on a Saturday night. We can walk into almost any restaurant any night and be greeted with joy by the staff that is happy to have the customers. First run movies rarely sell out and even the coveted seats in the upstairs premier theatre are often available.

Doctor's appointments and tests, beauty services and even parking spots at Publix and the mall are more easily available. Running errands is no longer a road contact sport and instead can be done quickly and efficiently.

Yes, it is hot and there isn't much chance of a break from the heat. But, it is also a great time to relax and be with family and friends. School winds down and entertaining becomes less formal. Pool parties and barbeques are welcome respites from the heat and the multiple three day weekends are perfect for gatherings.

So relax, slow down, enjoy this more leisurely season and take advantage of our town.

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When was the last time you heard an elected official in Boca Raton discussing environmental issues? Yes, Mayor Susan Whelchel did campaign on a platform of environmental sensitivity, but what specific actions are taking place?

To the City's credit, there is a program for waste water reclamation. However, this is the only "green" item on the City website. What is the City doing about low energy light bulbs, xeriscape landscaping to conserve water, and promoting bike paths to cut down on automobile traffic?

My research found an article that said the City purchased four hybrid vehicles in 2005 to ferry police personnel around town. Does the City still own these automobiles and are there plans in the works to purchase other fuel efficient vehicles? Does the City have any plans to build Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ("LEED") certified buildings? If the City proceeds with its proposal to build a second multimillion dollar library will it be LEED certified?

If the City is acting in an environmentally responsible manner, it has not made the local citizens aware of its actions. While is it everyone's individual responsibility to be environmentally sensitive, the City should be leading the effort from the top down. Use this Earth Day as a platform for letting elected officials know that you care about the environment and that you want Boca Raton to be a "green" city.

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Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22 and everyone can help make a difference at The Great America Cleanup sponsored by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Join Saturday, April 19th with volunteers from the community for a three hour annual beach cleanup, as part of a national effort to beautify the nation. Meet at 8:30 at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to receive everything you will need for this event: gloves, garbage bags, water, and an event ball cap (while supplies last).

The event is free but reservations are required and can be made by calling (561) 338-1473. All ages are welcome to participate and children and teens under the age of 18 MAY NOT participate if they arrive without an adult.

There will also be a special Earth Day event at Gumbo Limbo for children ages 7 through 12 on Tuesday, April 22 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. In the program, titled "Earth Day is Everyday" children will learn what they can do to help the earth on a daily basis. They will create an earth friendly project that will make a difference to Mother Earth everyday. Adults will not need to stay and the member cost is $10 and the non-member cost is $15. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (561) 338-1473.

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Special thanks to Delray blogger Mary Kay for the following information.

Kids in Distress, is holding their largest fund-raiser of the year. This non-profit organization helps prevent child abuse through parental education programs so children don’t have to suffer the trauma of being taken away from their homes.

When it’s not possible for them to remain at home, Kids has a main campus in Wilton Manors. There they live in a safe environment until loving foster homes can be found for them. An ancillary office in Delray Beach is located at 601 No. Congress Ave, #413.

All profits from the Apr. 18 Gala go to Kids in Distress.

* All That Jazz
* Fri., Apr. 18, 7p.m. through midnight
* Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, 100 South Ocean Ave.
* Tickets $350
* Black Tie Optional
* Information, Call 954.390.7654

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If you are looking for something unique for dinner, a visit to DD Flats Wine Bar and Flatbread Company should satisfy your craving. Located in the Polo Shoppes, DD Flats menu is dominated by its original recipe flatbreads.

There are over twenty one different choices of flatbreads including the Aloha with asian sticky chicken, pineapple, procuitto, mozzarella and plum tomato and the Osaka with pan seared tuna, wasabi infused ricotta, and cilantro. My favorites are the Tuscan with fire roasted chicken, artichokes, tomatoes, spinach and smoked Gouda and the Parisian with brie, carmelized onion, mozzarella, grapes and pine nuts. Each flatbread is a more than ample portion for one person and I recommend sharing so that you get to sample a few different choices.

The appetizer chicken wings are delicious and come with either Asian sticky sauce, carmelized onions and garlic, or banana rum sauce. The dinner sized salads are also large and filled with fresh vegetables, cheeses and meats. Pasta, sandwiches and paninis round out the menu so there is something for everyone.

Make sure you leave room for dessert. Rosette, the former owner of Eilat Cafe, is the pastry chef. The menu concludes with Sweet Endings of Chocolate Ecstasy, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Apple Crisp, Ultimate Carrot Cake, Rockie Road Brownie Sundae and White Chocolate Banana Croissant Pudding.

The flatbread concept is different and fun and the varieties offered are sure to please everyone. If you know of a restaurant that is also unique or even one that you would just like to share with the blog readers, please post a comment.

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Thanks to my fellow blogger Tina Korn from West Boynton for providing the following information

Tri-Rail is offering seniors a chance to have a free ride, to introduce them to the easy access Tri-Rail wants to provide them. No purchase necessary. Must be 65 years or older. Ticket offer is non-transferable and has no cash value. Limit one round-trip ticket per person. Deadline is June 2, 2008. Call 1-800-TRI-Rail (874-7245) or www.tri-rail.com to get a form. Or- send your complete name, address, age, phone # and/or e-mail address, WITH a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to: Tri-Rail, P.O. Box 5148, Lighthouse Point, FL 33074-5148.

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Here is one program that I promise you will not snooze through. Dr. James Maas, Cornell University professor and author of Power Sleep, will speak on Monday, April 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the Boca Raton Marriot at Boca Center. Dr Maas will provide a one hour presentation entitled the "Golden Rules of Sleep." Having heard him speak at Cornell, I can assure you that he is extremely entertaining and informative.

The lecture is presented by the Boca Raton Community Hospital Foundation and the Institute for Quality Aging. The speech is open to the public but RSVP's to 561 955-4142 are required. As noted in the invitation, Dr. Maas is one of the nation's most sought after speakers and his presentations consistently receive standing ovations and high accolades. Don't miss this opportunity to hear an amazing lecturer.

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