http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/ A blog written by members of the Boca Raton community. en Copyright 2009 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:27:39 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Governor Charlie Christ's announcement that Steve Abrams will fill the County Commission seat vacated by Mary McCarty is welcome news. Steve has served honorably as Mayor of Boca Raton and will bring the same dignity to the County Commission. His comprehensive disclosure of financial benefits, which consisted primarily of attending charitable events in his elected capacity, highlights the thoroughness and ethical seriousness he brings to the position. All four of Governor Christ's final choices, Susan Haynie, Jose Rodriguez, and Patrick Halperin were good candidates. While it would have been nice to see at least one Democratic on the list for this non-partisan position, overall Governor Christ made a good decision. With the resignation of Commissioner Addie Greene effective the end of April, the Governor will have the opportunity to fill another seat on the County Commission. Hopefully this will be handled in the same efficient manner so that the County Commission can move forward. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/03/congratulations_to_steve_abram.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/03/congratulations_to_steve_abram.html Government People Politics Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:27:39 -0500 The 2009 Book of Hope Luncheon took place at the Boca Raton Resort and Club on Monday, February 23rd. The luncheon raised over $100,000 for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Scott Yablon, the honoree, spoke about how he got involved with the organization after his daughter was diagnosed with this chronic disease. Aaron Scharf, a fifteen year old Pine Crest student, gave an impassioned speech about the difficulties of living with the illness. Each speaker stressed the need to raise funds to continue research to help cure this difficult disease. The luncheon was attended by over 300 people and featured a fashion show by Mayda Cisneros. It was an enjoyable afternoon that benefited a serious illness. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/crohns_and_colitis_luncheon.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/crohns_and_colitis_luncheon.html Charitable Medical Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:40:19 -0500 If you want to see the future of electric cars, be sure to check out this weekend's event at FAU in Jupiter. The Florida Electric Auto Association (FLEAA) is hosting “Battery Beach Burnout”, an alternative fuel / electric vehicle competition on February 21st and 22nd. The free event consists of multiple competitions involving electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The action starts at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and attendees will be able to ride in several of the cars on display and vote for their favorite car. Autocross will be held on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and the competition will conclude at 3:30 PM with a raffle drawing and award ceremony. One hundred vehicles are expected to be on display throughout the weekend. The stated purpose of Battery Beach Burnout is to raise public and media awareness of the current state of electric and hybrid vehicles and to educate people about green alternative fuel vehicles. It should be a beautiful weekend and this is a great way to spend time learning about alternative energy technologies that can help solve our transportation, energy and air quality problems. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/electric_vehicle_display_batte.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/electric_vehicle_display_batte.html Business Environmental Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:17:38 -0500 http://www.publix.com/cooking schools. Bon appetite!]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/aprons_cooking_school.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/aprons_cooking_school.html Recreation Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:31:07 -0500 Charities are always on the lookout for ways to entice people to support their causes and two local organizations have found a novel approach. The Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces ("IDF") and the Boca Raton Community Hospital Go Pink Challenge are both hosting events that feature game playing. The IDF event takes place on Thursday, February 12th at Woodfield Country Club and features an evening of mah jongg. For more information call Betsy Horowitz at 561 483-2771. The Go Pink Challenge offers scrabble, bridge, mah jongg, cribbage and canasta and takes place on different days throughout March at various local country club. The Play Dates are open to everyone so you can use this as a chance to visit some of our local country clubs. Contact the BRCH Foundation at 561 955-4142 for further details. Playing games and supporting charities sounds like a great idea. Put your game face on and let the good times roll. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/let_the_games_begin.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/02/let_the_games_begin.html Charitable Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:10:55 -0500 The news that Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty has resigned and will probably face a jail term is disheartening at best. Ms. McCarty is the fifth politician in Palm Beach County to resign in disgrace in three years. Her removal raises the question of how widespread is corruption in Palm Beach County and does power corrupt? There are jokes that the Commission can now have a quorum in jail. Rumors are circulating that the investigation is still on-going with other potential targets will be revealed. To answer the question about the scope of the corruption, it appears that we may not have yet seen the full extent of the frauds perpetrated on the citizenry of Palm Beach County. The question of why appears to have been answered by Lord Acton (1834–1902), a historian and moralist, who wrote in 1887 that "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." It is sad that his words still ring true over 120 years later. It is even more upsetting that these Palm Beach County politicians have not learned any lessons from the past. Once the investigation is complete and the replacement politicians are appointed and elected, let us hope that the new officials will live up to our public trust. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/01/more_politics_as_usual.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2009/01/more_politics_as_usual.html People Politics Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:05:18 -0500 With the holiday season in full force and the economy in shambles, there is a concern that desperation could led to an increase in crime. Two recent emails circulating around town discuss purported robberies which everyone should be aware of. In the first situation, a woman's purse was taken from the back of her chair at a restaurant in the mall. The woman was preoccupied with taking care of her child and the thief brazenly grabbed the bag and sauntered out of the restaurant. Witnesses tried to alert the woman and in the commotion that ensued the robber got away. In the second instance, a woman withdrew money from an ATM and was then followed to a grocery store. The perpetrator reached into her car right after she parked and stole the woman's purse as it sat on the passenger seat. The email states that this crime of following and then robbing individuals after they have withdrawn cash from an ATM is fairly common. Regardless of whether these emails are true or urban legends, it is important to take measures to assure the safety of persons and property. It is just over a year since the unsolved heinous murders of Joey and Nancy Bochicchio. Make sure as you do holiday shopping and errands this season that you are aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Don't park in dark areas, ask for assistance if you have any hesitation, and keep your cell phone readily available to call for help. Remember you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Enjoy the holiday season but make sure to act safely at all times. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/12/stay_safe.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/12/stay_safe.html Current Affairs Holiday People Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:52:48 -0500 http://www.bocaratonsingers.org. Good luck to all the performers and a special shout out to singer Debbie Kestenberg.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/dont_miss_the_boca_raton_singe.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/dont_miss_the_boca_raton_singe.html Arts Holiday Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:11:50 -0500 The holiday season is rapidly approaching the Thanksgiving Day kick off. Stores, restaurants and neighborhoods are being decorated and the atmosphere is starting to have that festive holiday feel. Unfortunately, this year's economic woes are greater than ever. Long term businesses are closing, people are being laid off and establishments that remain open have seen business declines. Individuals who were once charitable donors have now had to turn to the same social service agencies for aid for themselves and their families. This holiday season is the perfect time for all of us to remember and assist our neighbors. By participating in programs offered by Food for Families, Meals on Wheels, churches, synagogues and other social service agencies, we can make a difference in people's lives. There is an abundance of need and we all should do our share so that people do not go hungry in our community. Offer your time and resources so that you can enjoy the season knowing that you have helped others enjoy their holidays. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/tis_the_season_to_help_others.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/tis_the_season_to_help_others.html Charitable Holiday Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:11:37 -0500 Palm Beach County Veterans Day events Sunday, November 9, 2008: Memorial service, 10 a.m., Delray Beach Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 700 SW Eighth Ave. American Legion Post 65 and Post 188 will honor veterans. Flags will be placed at the graves of soldiers, the ceremony will conclude with a rifle squad salute. Free lunch immediately following service at Post 65, 263 NE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach. Donations accepted. Call 561-330-6905. Concert, 1 p.m., Veterans Plaza, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Featuring the Palm Beach Gardens Band. Call 561-630-1100. Parade, ceremony and entertainment. 2 p.m., in West Palm Beach along Clematis Street from Sapodilla Avenue to Centennial Fountain. 51 veterans groups, color guards, community service organizations, and municipal and county services will march. U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, will speak. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Call 561-703-6998. Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 Celebration and Vet Center open house, noon to 6 p.m., Vet Center, 2311 10th Avenue North, Lake Worth. Information and representatives for outreach services will be available. Call 561-585-0441. Tuesday Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2008 Parade, 8:45 a.m. beginning at the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and ending at the Veterans Memorial at Forest Hill and Southshore boulevards. Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Call 561-791-4733. Ceremony, 10 a.m. Boca Raton Cemetery, 449 SW Fourth Ave. Call 561-393-7806. Celebration, 10 a.m., Bicentennial Park, 300 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Commemorates the completion of the Veterans Memorial. Call 561-276-1976. Commemoration, 10:30 a.m., Coral Lakes Clubhouse, Flavor Pict and Jog roads, Boynton Beach. Call 561-496-4004. Open House, 3-6 p.m. with a program of recognition at 6:30 p.m., Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1577 Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Call 561-682-1118. Ceremony, 4 p.m. South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 U.S. 441, west of Lake Worth. Brig. Gen. Gary Beard will speak. Call 561-684-2844. Concert, 7 p.m. Mizner Park Amphitheater, Boca Raton. Free. Patriotic music by the New Gardens Band and Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches. Call 561-393-7806. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/veterans_day_events.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/11/veterans_day_events.html Events Holiday Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:05:24 -0500 The election on November 4 will be historic no matter who wins for it will either represent the first time an African American has been elected to the nation's highest office or a woman has been elected to the nation's second highest office. As we all have been told ad naseum, Florida is a swing state and this time around our votes should count. If you want to vote by absentee ballot, the deadline for requesting the ballot is October 29. You can request it at www.pbcelections.org or by calling 561 656-6200. The absentee ballot must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections by 5:00 on Election Day. Early voting starts Monday October 20 and continues every day, including Saturday and Sunday, through November 2. You can cast your vote at any of the Palm Beach County locations regardless of where you live. Locations nearby include Boca Raton City Hall, Southwest County Regional Library and Hagen Ranch Road Library. You will need a current and valid picture signature identification to vote. Hours to vote are 10- 6 weekdays and 10-2 weekends. If you wait until November 4th Election Day to vote, be prepared for long lines. The ballot is lengthy and contains a variety of amendments in addition to the presidential, state and congressional elections. This long ballot combined with a big turnout could lead to delays. You will need your picture identification to vote and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Many attorneys are serving as poll watchers and if you have any problems contact them immediately. Lastly, be an informed voter. Palm Beach County just distributed a sample ballot by mail to all registered voters. Study the ballot and even mark it up and bring it to the polling place with you. Attend one of the numerous candidate forms that are taking place around town. Read the papers and check out the endorsements and formulate your own opinions. With respect to voting, knowledge really is power. This election represents everyone's chance to be part of the making of history. Make your voice heard in this groundbreaking election by voting. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/everything_you_need_to_know_to.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/everything_you_need_to_know_to.html Current Affairs Government Politics Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:50:30 -0500 What is it about male politicians that make them think they can have an affair and no one will notice? Maybe the issue of having an affair is not only endemic to politicians; maybe it has to do more with men and money and power. Irregardless, once a man puts himself in the political spotlight, he becomes a public figure subject to public scrutiny and having an affair is dishonest, immoral and plain stupid. The news about John Edwards' liaison was disheartening and audacious. How dare he think that he could run for President and that his affair would remain a secret? Even leaving aside the issues of his wife's illness and the destruction of his family, you really have to wonder what the man was thinking. The recent revelations about Congressman Tim Mahoney, who represents parts of Palm Beach County, are also shocking. Here is a man who won his seat by virtue of his predecessor's illicit activities with underage males. Did he not learn any lessons from Mark Foley? The fact that he hired the woman he was having an affair with compounds the problem tenfold. The FBI is currently investigating the matter to see if the employment relationship and subsequent discharge were legal. Sadly this situation has shades of Wayne Hayes. Remember the congressional aide who could not type or even answer the phone? Not to say that Ms. Allen is unqualified, but hiring someone you are sleeping with is just bad office policy. Twenty years ago, when rumors began circulating about his extramarital relations, Gary Hart challenged the media to follow him around. He said they would be bored. Needless to say, they were not. His presidential aspirations were dashed by his activities on a boat appropriately named Monkey Business. Since that time, the list of cheating Congressman has grown exponentially. David Vitter, Larry Craig, Bob Livingston and even Newt Gringich are just a few of the members of the infamous club. While people have a right to their private lives, if they choose to become public figures who are passing legislation that affects everyone's privacy rights, the public has a right to know about their morals and values. It is outrageous that so many elected representatives continue to have extra-marital affairs. Congressmen consider yourselves warned. The angry women are watching and will not condone your foolish behavior. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/angry_white_women.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/angry_white_women.html Current Affairs Politics Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:24:05 -0500 On the very first day that we moved to Boca in 1989, a new neighbor let us in on the secret of where to shop in Boca. Desperately hunger and cranky after directing movers and unpacking boxes, our neighbor directed us to King's Italian Market to pick up our first food supplies. Over the years King's became our neighborhood mom and pop store. Their bakery was always a favorite for special occasion cakes, with the Brown Derby number one on our family list. Their fresh produce was delicious and often local and their seafood department was unparallel. As a busy working family, we especially enjoyed the prepared dinners. They were hearty, nutritious and reasonably priced. In August of 2007, because of roof problems in their location on Military Trail, King's was forced to close. Rumors swirled that it would reopen on Powerline Road in the Ross Dress for Less shopping center. Over one year elapsed and other new stores opened in the shopping center, filling any vacant spaces and dashing hopes that King's would reopen. Now in October, 2008, there are rumors that King's is opening in Boca Center in the space left vacant by Bombay Kids. It would be a great location for King's and could bring more foot traffic to Boca Center during the daytime. Hopefully this time the rumors are true and we can all continue to enjoy King's Italian Market. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/is_kings_coming_back.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/is_kings_coming_back.html Business Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:34:39 -0500 October is national breast cancer awareness month and there are lots of local programs aimed at raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research. Saks Fifth Avenue has its annual Key to the Cure sales event and Bloomingdales has the Little Pink Card. Lots of other retailers offer a charitable contribution to breast cancer funding in return for purchases of certain items. The American Cancer Society is hosting the inaugural Stride in Style luncheon on October 2 and a 3.1 mile Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th at Mizner Park. The 5th annual Go Pink Luncheon sponsored by Boca Raton Community Hospital will take place on Monday, October 20th at Boca West Country Club. Geralyn Lucas is making a repeat performance as the guest speaker and is sure to inspire the crowd. Contact the sponsoring organizations for reservations to these events. Breast cancer strikes one in eight women. Chances are that someone you know will develop breast cancer. October is a great time to take advantage of these events and focus your efforts on helping find a cure for breast cancer. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/its_time_to_think_pink.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/10/its_time_to_think_pink.html Charitable Medical Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:57:13 -0500 Would you like to learn conversational Spanish? How about flamenco dancing or how to cook once for 14 days? These are just a few of the adult and community education offerings at local Boca Raton schools this fall. The Palm Beach Community Educator recently mailed the fall schedule to all current residents. Most classes meet in the early evenings for one to two hours once a week and have a reasonable registration fee. Registration typically begins September 29 and classes normally start on October 13th, but local school should be contacted for dates of registration and classes. This is a great opportunity to continue to expand your knowledge base. Pick whatever course appeals to you and feel like a student again starting classes in the fall. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/09/its_never_to_late_to_learn.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/boca/2008/09/its_never_to_late_to_learn.html Education Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:04:06 -0500