Designer Virginia Courtenay’s Scottish terrier, MacDuff,
rests on a chaise in front of a group of paintings at her
home on Seabreeze Avenue.

Photos by Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

The bar in Chrissy and Don Hubiak's home came from E.R. Bradley's original casino in Palm Beach.

 By Jane Smith

Delray Beach has such a homey feel that even newcomers are eager to help share that traditional sense of community.

That’s how it is with Kathryn and Robert Stewart, who bought their Basin Drive home in October 2010. The Stewarts are eager to show off their renovations on the Delray Beach Home Tour, set for March 14. 

Each year the home tour, benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach, picks a different area of the city, says Emma-Jane Ramsey, event and marketing manager for the nonprofit. Last year’s focused on the Lake Ida neighborhood.

The group’s selection committee picks homes that are new or recently renovated, have interesting architecture or have some historical value. All of the homes on the 2013 tour have waterfront views, Ramsey says, either of the Intracoastal or the ocean.

She wouldn’t reveal the addresses of the seven or eight on the home tour, but said homes on the following streets would be featured: Basin Drive, Beach Drive, Ocean Boulevard, Seabreeze Drive and Southways Street.

Time stands still on a large clock face in the pool area of this home on Basin Drive.

The Stewarts’ home is perfectly situated on the Intracoastal with a boat dock, pool and screened wrap-around porch. The Stewarts added a wall of French doors, giving the feeling of having “the outdoors inside the house,” says Tula Kithas, Kathryn Stewart’s mom. 

The pale pink Bermuda-style home has two stories with five bedrooms and bathrooms in its 6,000 square feet. Most of the living area has oak floors, while the kitchen has green-and-white marble tile in a checkerboard pattern. The master bedroom features a balcony with a pergola over it.

The TV room on the first floor has original cedar paneling; next to it is a family room with a coffered ceiling and beadboard in between the coffers. Deep moldings are another interesting architectural detail throughout the house.

Iron rails and coral stone steps trim out Georganne Goldblum
and Rick Edick’s oceanfront home in Delray Beach. 

Sandra Hoesley’s new home sports bright blue shutters against white clapboard walls.

Sam Ogren Sr., known as the father of Delray Beach architecture, designed it, says Tricia Irish, who will be in charge of volunteers for the Stewart house on home tour day.

In addition to numerous homes of that era, Ogren also designed what is now known as Old School Square, formerly Delray Beach High School, Irish says.  

Large images of carp adorn the bathroom walls at the home
of Robert Hush and Lauren Alberti on Southways Street.

“Many significant Delray families have resided in this home (on Basin Drive) over the years,” Irish says. “From 1971-1995, Frances and Robert Bourque lived in the lovely home and renovated it significantly. Frances Bourque was instrumental in the creation of Old School Square Cultural Arts Center.” 

Another eager homeowner on the tour is Sandra Hoesley of Beach Drive. “A neighbor knocked on my door and asked me to open up my home for the tour,” Hoesley says. “I love Delray and wanted to give back to the community.”

Her new 6,000-square-foot, two-story home was designed by architect Roger Cope of Delray Beach in the Key West style. It has a metal roof with the exterior painted in jute with ballet white accents and shutters in whipple blue — all Benjamin Moore colors.

The bar sink at the home of  Kathryn and Robert Stewart.

The home, built by Gary Miller of GLM Builders in Delray Beach, replaced a 1955 ranch house that Hoesley lived in for 12 years. “It was a hard decision, I loved that house,” she says. But it needed new electric and plumbing.

Her just-finished home has four bedrooms, 5.5 baths with hardwood and limestone floors. It also has a lap pool and a boat dock.

Just 100 years ago, that coastal section of Delray Beach wasn’t popular, says Robert Ganger, chairman of the Florida Coalition for Preservation. “It was not a desirable area for farming or living,” says Ganger, former president of the Delray Beach Historical Society. 

At that time, there was no easy way to cross the Intracoastal Waterway. People and animals crossed on separate lighters (unpowered barges), he explains. The first oceanfront house, really a fish shack, on one acre of land was offered for $45, but it didn’t sell. 

That oceanfront area also had a cemetery. “No one knows its location, but bodies are still there,” Ganger says.

It took a long time for that area to be developed. Once it had the infrastructure in the form of bridges across the Intracoastal and electricity, added in the 1920s, the area began to blossom.    

If You Go

12th annual Delray Beach Home Tour

What: Enjoy a day of touring beach area homes, with trolley services, lunch and an extensive raffle that includes travel packages, fine jewelry, spa services and more.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

March 14

Cost: $100. Benefits Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach 

Info: 266-0003, ext. 13; delrayhometour.com.

Learn more about Secret Gardens in our area: Ann Norton Sculpture Garden

March 2

Saturday - 3/2 - Edible Gardens Workshop at Clayton E. Hutcheson Exhibit Hall A, 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Learn about growing and preparing heart-healthy vegetables and fruits presented by the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension/University of Florida. 9 am-1 pm. Free. Registration: 233-1742.

3/2 - Designing, Creating & Maintaining a Home Landscape - Presented at Mounts Botanical Garden Auditorium, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Three-session workshop takes participants through all the steps needed to improve a home landscape. Held again 3/9 & 16. 9 am-1pm. $55/members, $60/non-members. Registration: 233-1757 or www.mounts.org.

March 3-9

Tuesday - 3/5 - Growing Orchids is the featured presentation at the Boca Raton Garden Club General Meeting at the BRGC clubhouse, 4281 NW 3rd Ave. 1 pm. Free. 395-9376 or www.bocaratongardenclub.org.

Thursday - 3/7 - The London Square: Gardens in the Midst of Town and Gardens fit for a Queen: Kensington Palace Diamond Jubilee Garden by Todd Longstaffe-Gowan - Presented as part of the Campus On The Lake Best of Britain series at the Society of The Four Arts, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 2:30 pm. $25. Reservations: 805-8562.

Saturday - 3/9 - Edible Well-Being from the Garden at Mounts Botanical Garden, 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Join the Evening Herb Society for a morning of demonstrations, tastings, and talks on the versatility of herbs. Stock up on herb plants, herbal items and essential oils at the herb sale. 9 am-1 pm. $35/members, $45/non-members. 233-1757.

3/9 - Living with Flowers: Organic Elements with John Klingel - Presented at the Society of The Four Arts, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Class features the combined textures and colors of vegetables and flowers in a wholesome, yet beautiful and unique composition. Held again 4/6. 10:30 am-noon. $65/materials included. 805-8562.

March 17-23

Saturday - 3/23 - Tree Pruning for Homeowners is held at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Workshop begins indoors with a presentation on pruning concepts. Out in the garden, watch a demonstration and later practice new-found skills. Bring pruners and a hand saw, or buy them at the Garden Shop. 9 am-1 pm. $25/members, $30/non-members. 233-1757 or www.mounts.org.

March 24-April 6

Tuesday - 4/2 - Artistic Designs is the featured presentation at the Boca Raton Garden Club General Meeting at the BRGC clubhouse, 4281 NW 3rd Ave. 1 pm. Free. 395-9376 or www.bocaratongardenclub.org.

Wednesday - 4/3 - What’s Bugging Your Garden is held at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Identify common garden pests and learn the most effective, least toxic method of control. Bring samples in sealed plastic bags for identification. 9 am-1 pm. $10/members, $15/non-members. 233-1757.

Retired Navy Stanley Gavlick, front, of Delray Beach,
and others salute the flag during The Immortal Four
Chaplains Memorial Service put on by The Boynton
Veterans’ Council at the Ascension Lutheran Church
in Boynton Beach on Feb. 3. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Religion Calendar 

By Tim Pallesen

The story of the four chaplains who gave their life jackets to others on a sinking military ship during World War II is retold each year in a Boynton Beach church or synagogue. 

A Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi and two Protestant ministers were aboard the USS Dorchester with 600 other men when the ship was torpedoed by an enemy submarine off the coast of Greenland on Feb. 3, 1943.

“The guys were rushing on deck with no life jackets,” Tom Kaiser, chairman of the Boynton Veterans Council, said in telling the story.

The chaplains gave their life jackets so others could live.

“It became an automatic death sentence for them,” Kaiser said. “Four chaplains of different faiths went down with the ship to honor their buddies. They were last seen linked in prayer and singing.”

Boynton veterans alternate sites for their annual interfaith ceremony to honor the four chaplains.

The ceremony was held the past two years at Temple Beth Kodesh, a Jewish synagogue. Before that, St. Mark Catholic Church hosted the anniversary of the Dorchester tragedy.

The ceremony with color guards was held this year at Ascension Lutheran Church. The scripture was John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this — that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Stokes

The Rev. William “Chip” Stokes, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, is one of six nominees to become bishop of New Jersey.

Stokes, who has been at St. Paul’s for 14 years, told his congregation that he and his wife, Susan, have mixed feelings about the possibility of leaving.

“We love St. Paul’s and living in Delray Beach. I love being a parish priest,” Stokes wrote. “The idea of leaving is difficult for us.”

Church members at St. Paul’s will hold their breath until Episcopalians in New Jersey elect their new bishop from the six nominees on May 4.

“I hope it is clear that it is not a given that I will be elected bishop or that I am leaving St. Paul’s,” Stokes wrote, noting that he was nominated but not elected Newark bishop in 2006.

“If I am not elected, I will understand this as God’s call to continue to serve you and our incredible church,” he said. “In either circumstance, I will be both happy and content feeling confident that I am responding to God’s call and will for me.”

                                      Teacher Christy French teaches the alphabet to students in the early start program at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Delray Beach. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

The 2-year-olds are back on campus after Trinity Lutheran Church and School opened its new $1.7 million Early Learning Center on Feb. 20.

Cason United Methodist had been leasing classroom space for the youngest of Trinity’s preschool students the past three years.

Meanwhile, the waiting list for 3- and 4-year-olds to enroll in Trinity’s weekday program had been growing.

“The obvious choice was for us to build something larger,” early childhood director RaQuel Marten said.

The new 10,000-square-foot building has nine classrooms, offices and a 5,000-square-foot playground. It shares a 7-acre campus with Trinity’s church and a K-8 school for 360 students.

“Cason has been a great help to us along the way,” said assistant principal Jamie Wagner, who led the building effort. “But the new building allows us to bring our kids back on our own campus.”

A preschool for 2-year-olds at another church required a separate license and director to operate. “These are our youngest students, and we felt they were disconnected from the Trinity family,” Marten said.

The Early Childhood Center allows the popular preschool program to expand from 95 to 150 students. “This allows us to open our preschool and pre-kindergarten levels to the public,” Marten said.

She said many parents are seeking more than just day care for their children. 

“They want a curriculum so their child can build a foundation with Jesus as their savior while they are young,” Marten said.

                                      ***

Mordechai Ben David, known as the King of Jewish Music among Orthodox Jews, performs for the first time in Boca Raton on March 18.

Child prodigy Ethan Bortnick also performs in the concert hosted by the Chabad of East Boca.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheater start at $18. Go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 417-7797 for information.

                                      ***

The writings of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Anne Frank, Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela will be sung by students from Pine Crest School and the choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on March 10.

The 3 p.m. concert is the South Florida premiere of the new work by popular composer Karl Jenkins. A 15-piece orchestra joins in to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Music at St. Paul ’s concert series.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Nobody will be turned away if they are unable to pay.

                                     ***

The Methodists couldn’t wait 100 years ago when Lake Worth’s original developer was promising that each of the major denominations would receive land to build a church.

The development company, Bryant & Greenwood, was advertising Lake Worth as the “Wonder City” to attract new residents from up North, offering strawberries in January to anyone who wanted to move there.

A Methodist pastor came to town in April 1912 — the same day that the Titanic sank — to perform the first baptism.

Worship services began at a home in January 1913 as the official beginning of Calvary Methodist Church. Church women sold quilts and jams and painted faces on coconuts to raise money to build a church.

The developer said each denomination would get land for a church in two years. But the Methodists wanted a little church before then.

So a deal was reached in which a Methodist minister in Iowa gave land and building materials for the Methodists in Lake Worth to build Dudley Chapel. The chapel became the Iowa minister’s retirement home two years later, when Calvary Methodist received its land from the developer at its present location.

The Methodists moved into their chapel in April 1913, making them the first to claim a church building in Lake Worth.

“It was an unspoken competition. We were ahead of everyone else,” church historian Todd Velez said.

Calvary Methodist grew to 1,400 members in the 1960s. A large sanctuary with a 47-foot stained glass window opened in 1968.

But the congregation fell into hard times because of Lake Worth ’s changing demographics. To pay the bills, they lease space now to four Hispanic and Haitian congregations and six drug and alcohol recovery groups.

Only 75 Methodists attend Sunday worship services. 

“The question is whether we’re going to survive,” Pastor Chris Dillon said. “It’s a challenge for us to prove we need to be here.”

As the congregation celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the Florida Methodist Conference has scheduled a March 9 viability study to determine if Calvary Methodist can continue.

                                     ***

The hungry now can receive frozen foods — not just canned goods and nonperishable food — from 10 food banks in the county.

Art Works 4 Food, a nonprofit that auctions art for charity, donated 10 small chest freezers to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, which delivered them last month to the agencies that distribute food to the hungry.

South County food pantries offering frozen food now are Pathways to Prosperity at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Boynton Beach, Our Support for Children in Delray Beach and the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at the Jewish Federation of Boca Raton.

Tim Pallesen writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Email him at tcpallesen@aol.com.

Health and Harmony: Biggest Loser Continues Between Two Brothers

March 2

3/2 - Saturdays @ Sanborn: Yoga Class at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. Held every Sat. 8:45 am; class: 9 am. Free. Registration: 393-7703.

3/2 - Jazzercise at the Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. All ages and levels. Class runs M-Sat. 9-10 am. Fees start at $38/month. 742-6240.

3/2 -  Yoga Class at the Train Depot, 747 S. Dixie Hwy., Boca Raton. Held T, Th&Sat: 9:30-11 am & T: 6:30-8 pm. 5 classes: $65/residents, $81.25/non-residents; 10 classes: $110/residents, $137.50/non-residents; 20 classes: $200/residents, $250/non-residents. 477-8727 or www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us.

3/2 - Judo Class at the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.Warm-up exercises, instruction, practice and tournament training. Two sessions: Wednesdays - Mixed ages & ranks: 6:30-8 pm; Advanced: 8-9 pm; Saturdays - all groups: 10am-noon. Per month: $21.50/resident, $27/non-resident. 393-7807s.

3/2 - Zumba Class at the South Beach Park Pavilion, 400 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton. Ongoing classes held every Sat. 10:30 am. Free. 393-7703 or www.downtownboca.org.

3/2 - USA Netball Association at Pompey Park Recreation Center, 1101 NW 2nd St., Delray Beach. Netball is a fast, skillful, team game based on running, jumping, throwing, and catching. For females ages 6 and up. Held Saturdays. 2-5 pm. $5/per day. 243-7356.

3/2-4 - Yoga Workout at the Beach - Held every Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Red Reef Park West, 1221 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Build strength and flexibility, improve postural alignment and stabilize the core. Classes are held on the grass overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Cash will not be accepted on-site. Sat. & Sun.: 10-11 am; M: 6:30-7:30 pm. $15/residents, $19/non-residents per class, or 60 day membership (unlimited classes) for $65/residents, $81.25/non-residents. 393-7807.

March 3-9

3/3 - Yoga with Live Music is held every Sunday at the Colony Hotel, 525 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 9:30-11 am. $20. 703-1236 or www.colonyyoga.com.

3/4 - Jazzercise at the Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. All ages and levels. Class runs M-Sat. 9-10 am. Fees start at $38/month. 742-6240.

3/4 - Yoga in the Garden with Rassika Sabine Bourgi at the Society of The Four Arts, Pannill Pavilion, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Held every M-W-F. 9-10 am. $15 per session. Reservations: 805-8562.

3/4 - Yoga Class at the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.Held M-W-F, 9:30-11 am & Th, 6:30-8 pm. 5 classes: $65/residents, $81.25/non-residents; 10 classes: $110/residents, $137.50/non-residents; 20 classes: $200/residents, $250/non-residents. 477-8727.

3/4 - Jazzercise/Light at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. 50-minute class pairs moderate aerobics with exercises designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Held every M, W & F. 9:40-10:30 am. First class is free. 8 classes: $56/residents, $70/non-residents. 16 classes: $96/residents, $120/non-residents. 347-3950.

3/4 - Jazzercise/Body Sculpting at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Challenging 50-minute muscle toning workout that features a creative combination of weight training and stretching. Held every M, W & F. 8:45-9:35 am. First class is free. 8 classes: $56/residents, $70/non-residents. 16 classes: $96/residents, $120/non-residents. 347-3950.

3/4 - Mom’s Morning Workout at Lake Wyman Park, 1500 NE 5th Ave., Boca Raton. A personalized system in a group setting. Specializing in women’s health issues, overweight, back, knee & shoulder injuries. Easy to follow nutritional meal plan and F.I.T. APP included. M-F: 9-10am. Per 6-pack: $90/resident, $112.50/non-resident; monthly membership: $150/resident, $187.50/non-resident. 393-7807.

3/4 - Tai Chi for Beginners at Veterans Park, 802 NE First St., Delray Beach. Learn natural ways to relieve tension, stress and pains. All ages. Certified instruction. Held every Monday. 11 am-noon. Per class: $15/residents; $20/non-residents. 243-7350.

3/4 - Parkinson’s Exercise Class at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. This program is designed for people with Parkinson’s. Exercises work to improve one’s balance, flexibility and muscle strength. All ages. Held every Monday. First class is free. 8 classes: $32/residents, $40/non-residents. 16 classes: $60/residents, $75/non-residents. 11:30 am-12:30 pm. 347-3950.

 3/4 - Bereavement Support Group meets every Monday at The Center for Group Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. 1-2:30 pm. First session free, $5 thereafter. 483-5300.

3/4 - Breastfeeding Prenatal Class is taught by lactation consultants at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Expectant parents learn the benefits of breastfeeding, keys to success, supply and demand, positioning, breast pumps, returning to work and weaning. Both parents encouraged to attend. 6:30 pm. $25/couple. Registration: 369-2229.

3/4 - Body with Style Aerobics at the Ezell Hester, Jr. Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. Ongoing classes held M&W. 6:30-7:30 pm. $3/at the door. 742-6550.

3/4 - Meditation Mondays at the Highland Beach Library, 3618 S. Ocean Blvd. Meditate to enhance overall health and well-being. Held every Monday. 7 pm. Free. 278-5455.

3/4-5 - Fitness Boot Camp for ages 18 & up at Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd St., Delray Beach. Class held every M & T. 6-7 pm. Per class: $5/residents; $6/non-residents. 243-7356 or www.mydelraybeach.com.

Tuesday - 3/5 - Cardio Sculpt at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Burn a ton of calories and rev up your metabolism in this challenging combination of strength training moves mixed with cardio intervals and core strengthening. Modifications are given to accommodate pregnant moms as well as beginner to advanced fitness levels. Held every T&Th. 8:45-9:30. 4 classes: $36/residents, $45/non-residents; 8 classes: $66/residents, $82.50/non-residents; 16 classes: $118/residents, $147.50/non-residents. 347-3950.

 3/5 - Fit Mom’s Boot Camp at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Circuit-based workout incorporates cardio exercises, strength training, running drills, body weight resistance training, agility drills and core strengthening. Perfect for new moms looking to get back in shape as well as moms to-be looking to stay active and fit during their pregnancy. Held every T&Th. 9:30-10:20. 4 classes: $36/residents, $45/non-residents; 8 classes: $66/residents, $82.50/non-residents; 16 classes: $118/residents, $147.50/non-residents. 347-3950.

3/5 - Breastfeeding Support Group at The Red Tent, 20 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Bring your baby and join a community of mothers and mothers-to-be to discuss breastfeeding questions. For all stages of pregnancy through weaning. 10 am-11:30 am. Free. 309-4314.

3/5 - Beginners Yoga at the Highland Beach Library, 3618 S. Ocean Blvd. Enjoyable program helps you stay fit. Participants should bring their own yoga mat. Held every Tuesday & Thursday. 10:15 am. $10. 278-5455 or www.highlandbeachlibrary.org.

3/5 - Adult Folk Dance Class at Pompey Park, 1101 N.W. 2nd St., Delray Beach - For adults ages 18 years old and up. Learn new dances from around the world for physical fitness, exercise, and fun. Class held every T. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $6/class. 243-7356.

3/5 - Chair Yoga at the Highland Beach Library, 3618 S. Ocean Blvd. This session is applicable to those physically challenged. 11:30 am. $10. 278-5455.

3/5 - Caregivers Support Group meets every Tuesday at The Center for Group Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. 2-3:30 pm. Free. 483-5300.

3/5 - Karate/Martial Arts Classes at Pompey Park, 1101 N.W. 2nd St., Delray Beach. Students ages 9 to adults learn Karate along with a blend of other combat martial arts. Class held every T & Th. 6-7:30 pm. Per class: $5/residents; $6/non-residents; or monthly $35/residents; $40/non-residents plus a one-time $25 for uniforms. 243-7356.

3/5 - Women’s Issues Support Group meets every Tuesday at The Center for Group Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. 7-8:30 pm. First session free, $5 thereafter. 483-5300.

Wednesday - 3/6 - Yoga for ages 18 and up at Veterans Park, 802 NE First St., Delray Beach. Held every W&F. 9-10:30 am. Per class: $10/residents; $15/non-residents. 243-7350.

3/6 - Senior Health Fair at the Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. 9 am-noon. Free. 742-6224.

3/6 - Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Diseases at FAU Barry and Florence Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. A one-time special lecture presented as part of the Winter Lecture Series at FAU Lifelong Learning Society. Annual membership: $45. 1-2:45 pm. $20/member, $25/non-member. 297-3171.

3/6 - Parkinson’s Exercise Class at Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. This program is designed for people with Parkinson’s. Exercises that work to improve one’s balance, flexibility and muscle strength. All ages. Held every Wednesday. First class is free. 8 classes: $32/residents, $40/non-residents. 16 classes: $60/residents, $75/non-residents. 2-3 pm. 347-3950 or www.sugarsandpark.org.

3/6 - Transradial Cardiac Catheterization: An Alternative for Heart Disease - Presented by Michael Metzger, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, as part of the Heart Symposium Series at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Clayton Conference Center, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. 4:30 pm. Free. 731-2273.

3/6 - Divorced and Separated Support Group meets every Wednesday at The Center for Group Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. 6-7:30 pm. First session free, $5 thereafter. 483-5300.

3/6 - Family and Friends at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Education Center, Classroom B, 800 Meadows Road. Learn the basics of infant, child and adult CPR, relief of choking, and child and infant one-person CPR. Held again 3/13 & 27. 6-8 pm. $25. Registration: 955-4468 or www.brrh.com.

 3/6 - Tai Chi Class - Wednesdays at the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Emphasizes moving meditation for focus, concentration, release of stress and attention skills. Two sessions offered: beginners, 6:10-7:10 pm; intermediate, 7:10-8:10 pm. 8 classes: $48/residents, $60/non-residents; 12 classes: $66/residents, $82/non-residents. 393-7807 or www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us.

Thursday - 3/7 - Delray Beach Walkers Club at Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St., Delray Beach. A great opportunity to improve your health, make new friends and enjoy the beautiful vistas Delray Beach has to offer. Ongoing class held every Thursday. For ages 18 and up. 8 am. Free. 243-7352.

3/7 - WellFest Delray Beach 2013 at the Delray Center for the Arts at Old School Square Vintage Gymnasium, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. WellFest Delray celebrates a healthier lifestyle that “feeds the body and feeds the mind.” The event features an expo with exhibitors presenting products and services that enhance wellness, fitness and overall well-being, cooking demonstrations, and expert seminars. 11 am-10 pm. Free. 921-5182 or www.wellfestdelray.com.

3/7 - Surgical Weight Reduction Symposium is presented by Miguel A. Lopez-Viego, M.D., in the Clayton Conference Center of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Learn how laproscopic gastric bypass and Lap-Band surgery can change lives. Held the first Thursday of each month. 6:30 pm. Free. 737-7733 ext. 84688.

March 10-16

Tuesday 3/12 - Breastfeeding Support Group at The Red Tent, 20 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Bring your baby and join a community of mothers and mothers-to-be to discuss breastfeeding questions. For all stages of pregnancy through weaning. 10 am-11:30 am. Free. 309-4314.

3/12 - Healthy Living Series - Presented at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. 3 pm. Free. 266-9490 or www.delraylibrary.org.

3/12 - Chronic Sinusitis - Presented by Alfredo Archilla, M.D., Otolaryngologist, as part of the Community Lecture Series at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Clayton Conference Center, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. 4:30-5:30 pm. Free. 731-2273.

3/12 - Boca Bootcamp at Spanish River Park, 3001 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton. This exercise class combines bodyweight exercises, cardio-kickboxing, and aerobics to build lean muscle and burn calories. For all levels of fitness. Try the first class for free. Two sessions: Tuesdays: 5:30-6:30 pm; Saturdays 9-10am. Per 4-pack: $40/resident, $50/non-resident; per 8-pack: $75/resident, $94/non-resident; per 12-pack: $100/resident, $125/non-resident. 393-7807.

Wednesday - 3/13 - Prenatal Yoga For The Mommy To Be at the James A. Rutherford Community Center, Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton. Class includes a mixture of balancing, strengthening and stretching yoga poses that are appropriate during pregnancy, emphasizing breathing and relaxation. No yoga experience is necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat, pillow, and a towel. This eight-week course run Wednesdays through 5/1. 4-5 pm. $112/residents, $140/non-residents. 367-7035.

3/13 - Childbirth Education Prenatal Class is offered as a four-week refresher course at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Provides an overview of the signs of labor, breathing techniques and more. Bring two pillows and a blanket. Wear comfortable stretchy clothes; no dresses or skirts. Held again 3/20, 27 & 4/3. 6:30 pm. $75/couple. Registration: 369-2229.

Saturday - 3/16 - Design Your Destiny: Changes through Choices at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. Daylong retreat features speakers, yoga, meditation, discussion, labyrinth and more. 9 am-3:15 pm. Free/love offering. Register by 3/13. 276-5796 or www.unityofdelraybeach.org.

March 17-23

Tuesday - 3/19 - Tae Kwon Do Class at the James A. Rutherford Community Center, Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. For adults and children ages 10 & up. Learn the art of self-defense, discipline, self-confidence, self-respect, and respect for others and get a great workout. Students attend the introduction class for one session only, then move to the basic/intermediate level class. Session runs through 5/11. Introductory session T&Th, 5:45-6:45 pm. This eight-week course run T&R, 7-8 pm and Sat. 9:30-11 am. $95/residents, $119/non-residents. 367-7035.

Thursday - 3/21 - Taking Care of Hips and Knees - Presented by Elvis Grandic, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, as part of the Bethesda Memorial Hospial Community Lecture Series at Ross JCC, 8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach. 10-11 am. Free. 259-3000.

March 31-April 6

Wednesday - 4/3 - Zumba classes are held at the Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. Popular fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Class held W through 5/8. 7:30-8:30 pm. $40/resident, $50/non-resident. Registration: 742-6240.

Thursday - 4/4 - Surgical Weight Reduction Symposium is presented by Miguel A. Lopez-Viego, M.D., in the Clayton Conference Center of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Learn how laproscopic gastric bypass and Lap-Band surgery can change lives. Held the first Thursday of each month. 6:30 pm. Free. 737-7733 ext. 84688.

Saturday - 4/6 - C.U.R.E. Symposium at the Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. Keynote speaker W. Dalton Dietrich III, Ph.D., Scientific Director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. C.U.R.E. (Cutting-Edge Understanding of Research and Education) Symposium to featuring over 36 leading specialists covering topics including cancer breakthroughs, orthopedics, psychiatry, neurology, pain management, dentistry, plastic surgery, men’s and women’s health and more. 8 am-3 pm. Admission: $10; VIP admission including luncheon and keynote address $50. 736-8925.

Finding Faith: WWII Chaplains Honored

March 3-9

3/3 - Kabbalah & Coffee: The Secret of Simplicity at Chabad of East Boca Raton, 120 NE 1st Ave. Includes weekly Living Torah Video Presentation. Held every Sunday morning. 10-11:30 am. Free. 417-7797.

March 10-16

Sunday - 3/10 - Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Help the Youth Group raise money for their mission trips. Dine in or take out a homemade meal. 5-7 pm. $5/advance; $6/ door. 276-6338.

Tuesday - 3/12 - 11th Annual Prayer Breakfast for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County at the Boca Raton Resort & Club,501 E. Camino Real. 7:30-9:30 am. Keynote speaker is gymnast Shannon Miller. $80. 237-0944 or www.ymcaspbc.org.

March 17-23

3/18 - A Time to Celebrate: Live Concert at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Celebrate Bar Mitzvah of the Chabad of East Boca - celebrating 13 years of community service. Featuring Mordechai Ben David and Ethan Bortnick. Hot food and beverages available for sale. 7 pm. $18-$75. 417-7797 or www.chabadbocabeaches.com.

March 24-30

Sunday - 3/24 - Palm Sunday Children’s Pageant at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. In song, dance, and dialogue, the children from the Sunday Church School tell the story of the first Palm Sunday, culminating in the waving of palm branches. 9 am & 11 am. Free. 276-6338.

Monday - 3/25 - Passover Begins at sundown.

3/25 - Annual Communal Passover Seder sponsored by Chabad of Delray Beach on the first night of Passover at 7495 W. Atlantic Ave. A catered beef dinner with a variety of imported wines and handmade, ‘Shmurah’ Matzah from Israel. 8 pm. $54/adults, $25/students & children under 12. 496-6228 or www.chabaddelray.com.

3/25-26 - Community Seder - Presented by the Palm Beach Jewish Center at The Chesterfield Hotel, 363 Cocoanut Row. Featuring traditional Passover dinner and Passover insights with Rabbi Zalman. All are welcome. 8 pm. $75/adults, $40/children age 2-12. RSPV: 659-3884.

Thursday - 3/28 - Maundy Thursday at First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach, 235 S.W. 6th Ave. Potluck dinner 6 pm, followed by Communion Service at 7 pm. Free. 732-3774 or www.fpcboynton.com.

Friday - 3/29 - Good Friday Prayer Vigil and Tenebrae Service at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. Noon-3 pm: Prayer Vigil; 7 pm: Tenebrae Service. Free will offering. 276-5796.

Friday - 3/29 - Good Friday Community Service at First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach, 235 S.W. 6th Ave. Noon-1 pm. Free. 732-3774.

March 31-April 6

Sunday - 3/31 - Easter Sunday: See list of Sunrise Services on Page 7.

3/31 - 11th Annual Easter in the Park Worship Celebration at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Family Easter event featuring music and a live butterfly release. Free parking. 9 am. Free. 395-1244. 

3/31 - Easter Sunday Services and Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. The Rev. Nancy Norman conducts the Easter services with special music and singing for the season. Services 9:25 & 11 am. Easter Egg Hunt follows  9:25 am Sunday School. All ages welcome. Free will offering. 276-5796. 

Tuesday - 4/2 - Passover Ends at nightfall.

3/31 - Briny Breezes Easter Sunrise Service is  held starting at 6:30 am at the Beach Clubhouse, Old Ocean Ave., Briny Breezes. Briny Breezes Community Church hosts this event for residents, but public is welcome. 276-7405. 

3/31 - Easter Sunrise Community Worship Service - Presented by the Boynton Beach Ministerial Association at Oceanfront Park, 6415 N. Ocean Boulevard, Ocean Ridge. 6:30 am. Bring a folding chair. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Boynton Beach Community Caring Center. Open to the public. A pancake breakfast on a donation basis will be served after the sunrise service at 7:30-10 am at First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach, 235 S.W. 6th Ave., followed by a 10 am Easter egg hunt and a 11 am Easter worship service. Free parking. 732-3774.

3/31 - Easter Sunrise Service is held at the Beach Pavilion at Atlantic Avenue and A1A, Delray Beach. Presented by the Delray Beach Interfaith Clergy Association. Rev. Linda Mobley from Cason United Methodist Church with music by the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Jazz Ensemble. All are welcome. 6:30 am. 276-4541.

3/31 - Easter Sunrise Service  and Easter Egg Hunt at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. Sunrise service: 6:30 am; Free pancake & sausage breakfast at the fellowship hall: 9:15-10:15 am; Easter egg hunt (Joshua’s Corner): 9:30-10 am. Resurrection celebration services: 8 & 10:30 am. 395-0433.

3/31 - St. Jude Easter Sunrise Service at South Boca Inlet, 1298 S. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Each year Father Michael Driscoll celebrates an Easter sunrise Mass on the beach. People of all faiths and parishes gather for this event. 6:30 am. 392-8172.

3/31 - Our Savior Lutheran Easter Sunrise Service is held at 7:15 am at R.G. Kruesler Park at the Lake Worth Beach, 10 S. Ocean Blvd. All are welcome. Following sunrise service, public is invited to the traditional Easter breakfast at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1615 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. 8:15 am. Free will offering. Easter worship service at the church at 9:30 am. 582-4430.

Joe Ostaszewski, a former Ocean Ridge police officer, was
disappointed when his twin, Henry, wasn’t selected to join
him on The Biggest Loser. But he’s proud that Henry has lost
weight right along with him anyway.  Photos provided

Health & Harmony Calendar

By Paula Detwiller

The twin brothers from Boynton Beach have always been each other’s best friend and biggest competitor.

“They’ve been competing since they were in the womb,” their mom says.

So when Joe Ostaszewski was picked to be a contestant on this season’s The Biggest Loser TV show and his twin brother, Henry, was not, their friendly rivalry was stoked once again.

Joe and Henry, now 43, both tipped the scales at more than 360 pounds. They auditioned together for the show, but the producers weren’t interested in featuring twins this year.

Henry lost out. Nonetheless, he vowed to lose weight right along with Joe, week after week.

As of this writing, Henry has lost more than 100 pounds. He’s gone from his peak weight of 367 (he had to stand up during an entire flight to LA last year because he didn’t fit in his airline seat) to about 250. 

Joe’s weight is a closely guarded secret (so as not to spoil the remaining episodes of the pre-taped show). His official online bio says his “current weight” is 279 … but his brother assures us Joe continues to lose as the show unfolds.  Both twins are working toward a goal of 220.

Here’s why Henry, now living in Georgia, deserves a big round of applause: He lost all that weight while working 10- to 12-hour days as an IT supply chain manager for a major company; while sharing custody of his two kids, which means cooking, cleaning, shopping and chauffeuring; and while having to squeeze in gym workouts at 5:30 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 

Meanwhile, Joe and his fellow Biggest Losers have been sequestered at a California ranch, where they focus solely on shrinking. They have nutritional coaches telling them what to eat, when to eat. They exercise constantly (or at least it appears that way on TV), with celebrity trainers pushing them to work harder, faster, stronger. 

In other words, reality TV may have its drama. But it’s dramatically harder to make the lifestyle changes required for gradual, healthy weight loss when you live in the real world.

Brotherly competition has been a motivating factor, Henry admits. “I’d be lying if I told you otherwise.”

Henry Ostaszewski on a recent outing with son Ben, 10,
and daughter Burke, 13. Shedding more than 100 pounds
has allowed him to more fully participate in the outdoor sports he loves. 

It’s always been that way, according to their mother, Judy, and father, Henry Sr., a retired police officer with both the Boynton Beach Police Department and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

The family lived in Boynton Beach for 35 years. Henry and Joe were football stars, first at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach and then at Santaluces Community High School in Lantana. After graduation, they both attended Florida State University on football scholarships. Both later tried out for the NFL — Henry with the Steelers and Joe with the Dolphins — but neither made the cut.

“Football didn’t give them good eating habits,” says Judy. Both boys continued to eat training-table-style after their football careers ended. Henry went into interior design; Joe went to the fire and police academies and worked as an Ocean Ridge police officer from 1995 to 1998. 

As her sons’ weight ballooned, Judy worried. Her husband’s second heart attack and subsequent triple-bypass surgery last year became a call to action for the twins.

“We were all sitting there in the cardiac intensive care unit,” Henry says, “and Joe looked over at me and said ‘Dude, you’re huge.’ I looked back at him and said ‘Joe, what are you, a ballerina? You’re a mirror image — look at me, and that’s you.”

About a month later they made plans to audition for The Biggest Loser, something Henry had been suggesting and Joe (ironically) had been resisting. 

Henry says he’s picked up some tips from his brother — the importance of checking nutritional labels on supermarket foods, for example — and he’s learned to eat smaller, smarter meals. Egg white omelets for breakfast, yogurt as a mid-morning snack, a piece of fish and some broccoli for dinner. 

“I used to eat a whole pizza in one sitting. Now if I have pizza, it’s just one slice, as a treat every once in a while.”

The Biggest Loser season finale is March 18. That’s when the contestant who has lost the most weight is crowned The Biggest Loser. Will it be Joe? The Ostaszewski family will be in the studio audience, watching it live.

No matter the outcome, the twins plan to use their joint weight loss journey as a springboard into charitable work and motivational speaking. They’ve created a nonprofit foundation called Wear Your Soul (www.WearYourSoul.org) with a mission to fight childhood obesity by introducing kids to outdoor sports like kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. 

“We feel it’s the perfect niche for us to give back during the second part of our lives,” says Henry. “And we knew we couldn’t do this if we were two guys weighing a total of 700 pounds.”

Paula Detwiller is a freelance writer and lifelong fitness junkie. Find her at www.pdwrites.com.

SCENES FROM HENRY’S WEIGHT LOSS STORY

“I used to dread going to get a physical, seeing what my labs were, and hearing the doctor say ‘you have to lose weight.’ But I can’t wait to go to the doctor now!”

“It’s amazing right now to be able to go out and run a 5K trail run. You’re like, wow, I just ran a 5K!  Whereas a couple of years ago, Joe and I couldn’t hike one mountain.”

“I like fashion, and usually when you get into the larger sizes, fashion is not really there. Hugo Boss does not make a 3XL.”

 “I had a quinoa salad the other day that was just amazing. There are so many things out there that are healthy for you. It’s like a total new exploration. That’s what cool about it.”

The Rev. Jo Garnett shows a set of earrings to Ron Price
of Delray Beach at the Annual ‘Step Above’ Rummage sale.  

Kurtis Boggs/The Coastal Star

Dosher Peter, the health center activities supervisor at Abbey Delray South,
sits at her desk as Abner, a Maltese-Yorkie, peers out from his ‘spot,’ where
he shares her chair with her. Photos provided

By Arden Moore

Abner weighs less than 10 pounds and has yet to celebrate his second birthday. Yet this Maltese-Yorkshire terrier mix is a BDOC — that’s big dog on campus — at the Abbey Delray South center in Delray Beach.

Each and every day, he is winning hearts, unleashing smiles and evoking laughter among residents and health personnel. Not bad for a mini-mutt who spent his puppyhood looking scruffy and skinny at an animal shelter in Boca Raton.

Abner illustrates the value of living each day in the present and looking to the future with a bright outlook. I share his tale because, while there are registered therapy dogs, cats and other pets who make visits to nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other places, Abner is a full-time resident at Abbey Delray South and ready to lend a paw of compassion to any and all at any time.

While at the shelter, he expertly worked his charm on Abbey Delray South’s “scouts” in search of a center dog: executive director David Randazzo and dog-savvy Carol Siddons, who resides in the independent living section of this Lifespace community facility. The pair toured shelters to find a well-mannered therapy dog for their residents and staff.

“I saw that special twinkle in his eye and I knew he was the one,” says Siddons, who has taught dog obedience and trained Doberman pinschers to win ribbons in the show ring. “Yes, I knew he was full of terrier, but he was easy to train and he loves being on people’s laps.”

Next challenge: graduating from basic dog obedience school. Siddons brought Abner to every class and then maintained “homework” lessons at her home to ensure Abner would master the key commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come” and “leave it.” He also loves performing figure-8s around other dogs, being touched from head to tail and keeping the mute button on his bark during introductions.

So, how did Abner do in obedience school? “There were 20-some dogs in class and he graduated first in his class!” proudly proclaims Siddons.

Abner sits with Richard Smith, 93, at Abbey Delray South.

Third challenge: charming veteran activities director Dosher Peter, who is dedicated to bringing out the healthy best in her residents, but had zilch knowledge of canines. Abbey Delray South serves people in need of short-term rehabilitation, full-time health care or who desire to reside in assisted-living housing. While she has 20-plus years experience as an activities director in health centers, Peter admitted being more than nervous about the notion of being in charge of a full-time canine therapy assistant. 

“At a staff meeting, the administrator said we need a dog for the facility,” recalls Peter. “I looked at him in astonishment. I had never had a dog before and wasn’t sure if I could acclimate taking care of a dog. But Abner passed a thorough veterinary exam and excelled in obedience class and now shares my office. Well, more than my office. He shares my office chair.”

That’s right. Abner shredded the dog bed placed in Peter’s office and wiggled his body onto her high-back chair so that he could be her cuddle companion when she does desk work. 

“I’ve learned to scoot up in my chair to make room for Abner,” she laughs. “I’ve also learned how to give him a bath, express his anal glands and brush him properly.”

Abner spends the week as the center’s four-legged ambassador of hope and joy. He sports a jingle on his collar to alert his presence and joins Peter when she visits bedridden residents and those participating in group activities.

“What sold me on Abner is that he improves the moods in many here,” says Peter. “He has a calming effect on those who are agitated. We always make sure he is welcomed before introducing him to a resident. For those who are cognitively impaired, their relatives may say that the individual had a dog or cat. They smile broadly when they see Abner enter their room. Some residents won’t speak to others, but will have lively conversations with Abner.”

She adds, “He makes people laugh when he runs after a toy or ball and he loves socializing with the other dogs who come here for visits. At 8 p.m., he goes into his crate in the leisure center to sleep.”

Any downsides — besides hogging her office chair? “If there is a dog on TV, he barks at it,” she says.

Weekends, Abner shares his time with various staff members and returns promptly on Monday mornings.

“Abner is invaluable — he is making a positive difference in the lives of many people each and every day,” says Peter. 

Arden Moore, founder of FourLeggedLife.com, is an animal behavior consultant, editor, author, professional speaker and master certified pet first aid master instructor. She happily shares her home with two dogs, two cats and one overworked vacuum cleaner. Tune in to her Oh Behave! show on PetLifeRadio.com and learn more by visiting www.fourleggedlife.com.

Winston Aarons of Delray Beach set his new novel, Jasmine,
in southern Palm Beach County. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Ron Hayes

Sunday morning strollers along Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach may have noticed a professorial gentleman seated at a sidewalk table by the Colony Hotel, sipping coffee, nibbling a pastry, scribbling in a leather-bound notebook. 

Scribbling and scribbling. Pondering what he’s scribbled and scribbling some more. Sunday mornings, for several years.

The gentleman was Winston Aarons, an adjunct professor of contemporary literature at Palm Beach State College, and the product of all that scribbling has recently been named one of 2012’s Top 25 Indie Books by Kirkus Reviews.

Jasmine is a novel about love, sex, obsession and perfume. 

The Colony Hotel, renamed the Banyan Tree and transported south to Boca Raton, is a character of sorts, the site of his lovers’ sultry liaisons.

“I’ve never actually been in a room at the Colony,” Aarons says with a laugh, “but I imagined a ceiling fan and wicker furniture. There’s some sex in the book, but it’s really a discourse on relationships.”

Unfolding throughout South County, this the story of Sor Avraham, a disciplined professor of unwavering virtue whose life begins to collapse when he meets Marguerite Spares, a fellow professor. 

Both are married. Adultery ensues, with fragrant complications.

Avraham’s wife is named Jasmine.

Marguerite wears jasmine perfume.  

“Aarons artfully portrays the demise of his lead character’s control in the stable world he once inhabited,” Kirkus reports. “Vivid characters enliven a compelling story … A well-crafted tale of passion, loss and the dangers of obsession.”

The novel is dedicated to Aarons’ wife, Alene, who laughs at the idea that some might think there was a Jasmine in her husband’s life.

“Let them think what they want,” she says. “I loved the book, and not because my husband wrote it. What I like is that one chapter leads you into the next. You want to go on.”

The Aarons’ waterfront condo is filled with world literature, the walls adorned with an extensive art collection that includes majestic views of Jamaica, where Winston was born 73 years ago.

“My father’s family were Jews who came to Jamaica from Spain around 1790,” he says, “and my mother’s family were Canadian Christians from England and Wales, so I’ve got everything in me. Jamaica is a country where nothing really remains the same.”

Along with a boarding school education, Aarons’ father gave him a love of books that came along when he emigrated to New York in 1964, then grew through his decades as a manager with Carl Zeiss Inc., the German maker of optical electronics.

In 1993, when Aarons was in his early 50s, he returned to college, earning a BA in education and an MFA in literature from Sarah Lawrence College.

From 2000 to 2007, he was an assistant professor of English at Lynn University, where he also directed the honors program.

After a year’s sabbatical, he resigned from Lynn to become an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State, where he teaches a writing workshop.

“I have everyone read a short story by John Steinbeck called The Chrysanthemums,” Aarons says, shaking his head in amazed admiration. “You can’t read it once and realize what the guy’s done. Every sentence, every word counts.”

During his sabbatical, Aarons completed a memoir for which he’s currently seeking a publisher.

Sweet Like Sugar is the story of a shy boy growing up in Jamaica whose father teaches him to love books.

Jasmine is available through Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com in hardcover, paperback, Kindle and Nook editions.                

Highland Beach resident Michael Todorovich, at the National
Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, has become a
championship player. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Michael Todorovich can tell you the exact moment he got hooked on competitive croquet.

A big man — 6 feet, 5 inches tall — Todorovich had always been an athlete, playing high school and college basketball and football. He even held the shot put record for his St. Louis high school. 

Later came competitive golf, with Todorovich traveling the country to play in amateur tournaments. Earning a 2  handicap, Todorovich played on some of the top courses in the world and had the chance to play with some of golf’s greats, including Jack Nicklaus.

But time took its toll;  bad knees and a bad back transformed the once-competitive golfer into an occasional social golfer. 

Then, in 2007, after he had moved to Key Largo, a friend invited Todorovich to play croquet at the courts down the street. 

“I didn’t expect much,” he says. “It was slow, but I had a good time.”

Later the friend invited him to play in a tournament. 

Todorovich made it to the finals of the second flight and had a make-it-or-break-it shot that eventually would turn his view of croquet upside down.

“In order to have a chance at winning, I had to hit the ball 25 feet,” he said. “At that moment I felt the exact same emotions I used to feel playing competitive golf.”

With the pressure on, Todorovich made the shot and won the championship for the second flight — all in his first tournament.

Recognizing that he could reignite his competitiveness in a sport his body could handle, Todorovich immersed himself in croquet. 

“I went to 14 tournaments in the next year,” he said.

A Highland Beach resident for about a year and a half, the now 67-year-old Todorovich went on to become the U.S. Croquet Association’s 2007 Rookie of the Year. 

These days he’s playing in about a tournament a month and is a formidable opponent on the court. 

In January, Todorovich ended up winning the Championship Flight singles in the prestigious Beach Club Invitational in Palm Beach, which drew some of the top players from around the country. In that same tournament, he went on to take the top spot in the championship doubles, beating out players with handicaps lower than his 1.5.

While golf is more physically demanding, he says, there are aspects of croquet that make it equally challenging. 

“There’s infinitely more nuance and strategy,” he says. “In croquet, strategy is everything.”

That’s not to say that skill isn’t important. Hitting the ball just a fraction of an inch off target can make the difference between a good shot and a poor one.

“In croquet, the physical movements are simplistic but they require absolute precision to be successful,” he said. 

A freight broker with an office in Boca Raton, Todorovich says he continues to look forward to the challenges that come with playing competitive croquet. 

“It keeps me from being bored,” he said. “I think being bored is the worst thing in the world.”

— Rich Pollack

Q. Where did you grow up and go to school?

A. I was born and raised in St. Louis and went to John Burroughs High School. I then went to Duke University, then Washington University Law School in St. Louis.  

Q. What are some highlights of your life?

A. Aside from raising two wonderful children, who are now productive and quality adults, my greatest highlights are that I owned and managed nine companies, of which eight were very successful, giving jobs to hundreds of people and contributing to the economic well-being of our society. I also was an enthusiastic amateur athlete, contributing to football, basketball, baseball, track and field, rugby, golf and now croquet.  I was honored to be selected as Rookie of the Year by the United States Croquet Association in 2007.

Q. How did you choose to make your home in Highland Beach?

A. I found Highland Beach when I moved here to manage a company I have owned in Boca Raton for five years.  My company is an agent for GlobalTranz, a third-party logistics provider based in Phoenix that created an online freight management system and is booming. Highland Beach was nearby, quiet and beautiful, and perfect for me.

Q. What is your favorite part about living in Highland Beach?

A. My favorite part of Highland Beach, is of course, the ocean, which comes to shore about 50 feet from my kitchen and living room and which I view fully from the pillow on my bed. Highland Beach is also eerily and wonderfully quiet as well as neat, tidy, clean and very pretty.

Q. What’s the biggest misconception people have about playing croquet?

A. That it is the same game they played in the backyard as children where you simply hit a ball through a wicket.  Today’s game is more about the subtle nuances of strategy combined with the skill of making the seven basic shots of croquet. The complexity of the strategy coupled with the decision of which shot option to take makes it an intriguing and fascinating contest. Priorities, risk vs. reward, patience, forethought, self-evaluation and judging your opponent all come into play in every game.

Q. If you could change anything in your life, what would it be?

A. My very late ability to separate the pretty lie from the ugly truth. I was naive. In my 40s I finally realized that there is a significant portion of all societies that deal exclusively with the pretty lie and that we must be vigilant for them. They create most of the problems of the world out of their self interests and have no regard for the well-being of others or the natural rights everyone on this planet has to live their life in the manner they wish. If rational people spent more time dealing with the ugly truth and finding ways to manage its complexities, the world would be a better place.  

Q. If someone made a movie of your life, who would you like to play you and why?

A. I would like Sean Connery to play the movie version of me because he has accurately portrayed bold men, righting wrongs, handling adversity well while being a gentleman to all and making a significant contribution to his cause.   

Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax? 

A. My musical inspiration comes from the ’60s and ’70s Beatles, Three Dog Night, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Janice Joplin and the Righteous Brothers.  Relaxing music for me is Barbra Streisand, Burt Bacharach, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett.  

Q. What do people not know about you that you wish they would?

A. I have a small piece of paper in my wallet that has the five most important things in my life written on it, my five most important goals. Six people know I have this in my wallet. It is there to remind me what I want to do with my actions every day to achieve those goals. I forget frequently so I must refer to it a couple of times a week. I even change it a couple of times a year. No one has ever seen this little piece of paper because if I let them see it, they will have an opinion, and I do not want to hear their opinion. I make all my decisions based upon these five goals. If my actions lead to them, I do it. If my actions lead me away from them, I do not.  

Q. Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?

A. The most compelling mentor I have had was the writer Ayn Rand, author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. The message I heard from these powerful books, and all her other writings, is that we all must strive to become the best person we can within the path we have chosen. It is our job, our responsibility, to make ourselves better in every way, every day for our entire life. 

Art of Bee Sweet Honey is available at the Boca Green Market.

Photos by Mary Kate Leming/The Coastal Star

By Jan Norris

In Boca Raton, where the market is in its 16th year, you’ll find the sweet team of  Grace Reames and her daughter, Stacy Reames Black. At their booth, Bee Sweet Honey, they sell a variety of natural honeys processed in their Umatilla honey house from around the state. Their Florida Signature jar is an orange blossom honey taken from beehives placed in Indiantown and Central Florida orange groves. The Wildflower honey, from beehives placed around Broward and Palm Beach County, is recommended for those with allergies. 

“We have our hives and buy honey from local beekeepers. You’re supposed to eat local raw honey — it has a number of health benefits,” Reames said.

Those who consume honey grown locally have fewer pollen allergies, some experts believe.

Saw palmetto honey is from the berries of small palmetto bushes in and around the Everglades, prized for its color and floral taste. Orange blossom honey is favored by those who love the very sweet, slight citrus flavor.

Tupelo honey, gathered only from the Apalachicola River basin area, is sold in half-pound and pound jars. “It’s one of the rarest honeys in the world,” Reames said. Prized by connoisseurs for its purity, it’s the only honey that won’t crystallize when refrigerated.

Empress Jahdaya  creates her guarapa from sugar cane juice.
She sells it at the Lake Worth Farmer’s Market.

At another booth, Jonathan Grotsky sells cookies, breads and pastries under the Cookielicious name. He’s a former pastry chef at the Seminole Hard Rock hotel, and has worked as a pastry chef at the Boca Raton Resort & Club and for Barton G. caterers in Miami as well. 

“We offer 35 items — 15 cookies, along with breakfast pastries and breads. I’d have to say the best-seller is the raspberry oatmeal thumbprint cookies, and the banana bread. But people really like the orange bread, too, and our coconut macaroons.” He laughed. “Everybody has a favorites.”

Artisan breads and specialty items also are available. 

Locally baked dog biscuits, fresh flowers, produce and health products are available at the Boca Green Market.

Boca Green Market, in Royal Palm Place, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays through May.

The director of the Lake Worth Farmer’s Market is always found wearing a colorful shirt depicting a favorite produce item. The shirts, aprons, placemats and table runners with bright peas, carrots, blueberries and greens are Peter Robinson’s designs — made locally and sold by a partner at the market.

“Aren’t they fun?” he says. “They’ve been really popular, so we’ve expanded the line.” Custom orders are taken for the 100-percent-cotton textiles, though placemats and aprons and a few shirts are normally available off the rack at the booth. They’re a standout and favorite among foodies, he said. 

Be dazzled by the smile from Empress Jahdaya at the market. The Ghana native shows up at the market sometimes a little late, possibly because her 1954-era car is temperamental.

You can’t miss her and her product, though — sugar cane juice. The raw cane stalks are tied to the top of her car and stand in poles at her booth.

Here she also has the machine that extracts the juice, known by its Cuban moniker, guarapa, but it is drunk around the world wherever sugarcane is grown. We like it mixed with a fresh squeezed lime, served over ice, which she’ll also provide. Grab a mint leaf from the nearby herb plant sales guy and it’s a virgin mojito at its finest: delightfully refreshing. The “empress” will extoll the health benefits of the juice, which are being studied by scientists in the Glades — there may well be something to it.

Representatives from Chipley’s Arrowhead Beef Ranch are on hand to promote the flavor, quality and healthfulness of the grass-fed beef. Steaks and ground meats are available frozen from the booth, where visitors can learn about Florida’s grass-fed cattle program, and the small ranches on which the cows are raised.

The Lake Worth Farmer’s Market, which moved to the foot of the Lake Worth bridge, features vendors selling produce, fresh herb and garden plants and fruit trees, raw foods, wind chimes, fashions and vintage items.                   

Lake Worth Farmer’s Market, northeast corner of the Lake Worth Bridge (across from the casino). Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or close) through May.

Live Work Play: Second of a three-part series looking at the downtowns of  Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach

Derek Vander Ploeg (right), architect for Mizner Park, walks across the plaza. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Tim Pallesen

Boca Raton had no downtown through most of its history.

Now a downtown is growing rapidly — and city officials aren’t sure where the new growth will lead.

Boca Raton has given zoning approval for 1,700 apartments to be built.

“We don’t have a lot of history with the magnitude of residential that’s coming into the downtown right now,” John Hixenbaugh, the city planning and zoning director, admits. “Because there have been so many projects approved at one time, we don’t know what the cumulative impact is going to be.”

City leaders herald the new residential construction as the missing component for the downtown to evolve into an exciting place where young professionals live, work and play.

“A pedestrian-friendly downtown is our mantra,” Mayor Susan Whelchel said. “We have put millions into making our downtown look inviting, but a pedestrian-friendly downtown does not happen unless we have pedestrians living down there.”

Residents who own nearby single-family homes are worried about who their new neighbors will be. Banks are lending money only for developers to build rental housing, according to city leaders and developers.

“This leads to transient residents who are not vested in the community,” said Andrea O’Rourke, president of the Golden Triangle Homeowner’s Association.

Developers believe the rental market is strong enough to fill all 1,700 downtown apartments. But local economist Ann Witte disputes that, saying a glut of empty apartment towers might become subsidized government housing.

“That certainly would change the tenor of our community,” Witte warned.

The uncertainty over Boca Raton ’s future downtown is partly because Boca, unlike Delray Beach, never had a historical east-west business street like East Atlantic Avenue.

“We’re not Delray,” Whelchel explained. “Their homegrown downtown was a home run with its road to the beach. Boca Raton didn’t have that.”

Andrea O’Rourke, president of the Golden Triangle Homeowners Association,
stands on land where a 378-unit apartment is planned on Palmetto Park Road.
Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

 Boca Raton tried to correct that omission with a 1989 downtown master plan that picked East Palmetto Park Road to be that east-west boulevard.

The new city center extends from Mizner Park south to Royal Palm Plaza and from the Intracoastal Waterway west to the FEC railroad tracks.

Mizner Park was the award-winning mix of entertainment, shops, residences and office space that got the new downtown development rolling.

“But Mizner Park was only meant to be the beginning of development as an example of how to do it,” recalled Derek Vander Ploeg, the project’s local architect. “It has been difficult to do again for various reasons through the years.”

To make the downtown attractive to developers, the city spent $7 million four years ago for underground utilities and landscaping to beautify Palmetto Park Road and nearby streets.

The city also hired Urban Design Associations to tweak the downtown master plan.

“We began to realize that pedestrians who live there are looking for certain things,” Whelchel said. “We still have a way to go on retail. The council wanted to see action items to go with the words live, work and play.”

Several developers were ready to build downtown condos projects when the construction industry collapsed five years ago.

Now construction is resuming for apartments. Boca Raton has approved more than triple the number of downtown apartments that Delray Beach has. Boca’s buildings will be much higher with many more apartments per acre. The maximum building height in Delray Beach is five floors. But the height in Boca Raton  is generally nine or 10 floors with 15 floors possible under the city’s interim design guidelines. The extra floors allow Boca Raton to double the density.Developers say apartments will be a larger boost to the city’s year-round economy than condos, which often are only winter residences.

“We have lagged behind in our production of housing that’s occupied year-round,” developer attorney Charlie Siemon said. “Businesses have had feast or famine. The winter was robust and the summer was slim pickings.”

“To sustain the downtown, we have to have people who are here all the time to support the shops and restaurants,” Hixenbaugh agreed.

Advocates for downtown development hope to attract 63,000 commuters who drive into Boca Raton to work, according to the Census Bureau. “Living downtown would be a huge savings for them,” Vander Ploeg said.

Lord & Taylor’s decision to open downtown this year is significant to the downtown’s appeal, advocates say. 

“The fact Lord & Taylor picked Mizner Park rather than the Town Center mall speaks volumes about the downtown as a place to be,” Hixenbaugh said. “I can’t imagine why a young professional wouldn’t want to live downtown.”

But the bandwagon for downtown development hit a bump last year when the City Council approved the 378-unit Archstone rental project, drawing objections from nearby homeowners.   

“Our City Council has taken the position that any development is progress,” O’Rourke said. “It’s obvious that the legacy they want to leave is high-density development at any cost.”

The neighbors don’t object to more than triple the density at Tower One Fifty Five the newest downtown project. But O’Rourke says that is because Tower 155 is a condo project. The project won city approval in January. 

Whelchel explains to the single-family homeowners that city officials are powerless to tell a developer to build condos rather than rental units. That is a bank’s decision.

But the neighbors sued and won a major court victory when they demanded a city referendum for voters to decide whether Archstone should be built. The city has appealed the judge’s order.  

As tensions increase this year, development advocates appeal to neighbors to support their dream for a dynamic downtown.

“We need to allow people here to make a special place like downtown Delray Beach or Las Olas Boulevard,” Vander Ploeg said.

Opponents respond that there isn’t enough demand for rental apartments. Witte estimates city growth will only support 400 new rentals. The fear is a glut of empty apartment buildings like South Florida ’s unsold condo glut.

“At some point, the market will not support all of them,” Hixenbaugh agreed. But nobody knows when that will be.

The mayor says not to worry. “We will know before it becomes too much and too late,” Whelchel said.                

By Cheryl Blackerby

The clock is ticking for restoration of South County beaches. The Jan. 28 deadline for requesting sand for beaches ravaged by Hurricane Sandy has passed, and likely will not be extended. 

Meanwhile, the narrow window for beach restoration is closing in. Turtle nesting season starts March 1 and dredging needs to be finished by then.  And if the damaged beaches aren’t repaired, turtles will have a tough time trying to climb steep scarps, as high as 5 feet, carved out by Sandy’s waves.

“The waves chewed the beaches out and took the top layer of sand off. Anything over a couple of feet is a problem for turtles. If they lay their eggs at water level the eggs will get washed out, or the turtles will go somewhere else,” said Dan Bates, deputy director of Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management.

Beaches from Manalapan through Delray Beach got the most damage along the South County coast, but Delray and Ocean Ridge lucked out because they had regularly scheduled beach renourishment projects in the works before Sandy. Delray Beach’s project starts this month.

Ocean Ridge’s sand restoration is next year, but the beaches will benefit from sand dredged out of the Boynton Inlet this month. 

In South Palm Beach, Town Council members gave unanimous support for a plan by a citizens’ group in Palm Beach that calls for renourishment and new groins south of the Lake Worth pier – a move which might benefit South Palm Beach beaches in the future. 

But the council stopped short of committing to spend $5,000 to $13,000 a year for a monitoring plan of town beaches that is not guaranteed to lead to restore the shoreline.

Save our Shoreline, a group of residents living in condominiums in southern Palm Beach, urged the council to support the plan developed by a coastal engineer they hired.

“Your last chance to get sand in your system is from (the south end of Palm Beach),” said SOS representative Madeline Greenberg.

Last year, Palm Beach County commissioners halted plans for a project to install breakwaters off-shore and pump sand onto the South Palm Beach shore based on environmental concerns.

Delray Beach received an emergency permit from the state to expand the scope of its beach project to areas north and south of the original plans, where 3- to 5-foot scarps stand where there were dunes and a wide, gently-sloping stretch of sand. 

But the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is requiring the extra sand to be hauled from inland mines approved by the DEP, which would cost as much as $45 per cubic yard, instead of the $7 it would cost from pumping sand from offshore while the dredge is in place for the planned project.

The reason the DEP likes inland sand is “it’s quite nice and it’s graded, cleaned and ideal for dunes,” Bates said. “If you are doing a small dune restoration project, it makes sense to truck it in from an inland mine because it’s not much sand. But bigger projects such as in Delray Beach where they are bringing in a million yards of sand, you should dredge offshore.”

The city approved a contract with Coastal Planning & Engineering of Boca Raton to add sand to beach areas critically eroded by Sandy, but not included in the original project plans, according to Richard Spadoni, executive director of CPE. The repair would be allowed for the dune at the northernmost 100 feet of the public beach and 500 feet north of that.

But commissioners are still hoping to share the same offshore “borrow” area for sand as that project.  Acting City Manager Doug Smith said based on the amount of fill DEP would allow, the project “would be a significant reduction to higher cost estimates we were looking at before.”

“We have the dredge, we have the sand, and we have the beach that needs it. All we need is for DEP to say OK,” said Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney.

The city and citizens’ groups including Save Our Seacoast, Beach Property Owners Association and Florida Coalition for Preservation, sent a letter to the DEP requesting the extra offshore sand for dune and beach rebuilding in time for hurricane season and while the price is right.

“The dredge will soon be in place. Turtle season is looming. The next big storm may be right around the corner, and we need the dunes to protect State Road A1A and structures as far west as the Intracoastal,” said Robert Ganger, chairman of Florida Coalition for Preservation. His members want to work with other coastal cities to explore sharing costs of sand, dune vegetation and dredges with other municipalities.

The greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District commissioners also have expressed interest in working as a region to solve issues related to finding money for beach renourishment to lowering costs of sand and dredging.

Municipalities could at least share dredges, said Steve Laine, vice president of Boca Highland Beach Condo Association, which represents about 10,000 residents in 63 condominiums. It’s too late for Boca and Highland Beach to request the use of the dredge that will be in Delray Beach this month, but perhaps they could in the future, he said.

His group spent $30,000 on sea oat planting on their dunes and lost the plants to Sandy’s surge. Sand is returning to his association’s beaches, he said, and they didn’t lose nearly as much sand as the beaches to the north in Delray Beach. “But the beaches certainly aren’t the way they were.”

While his association ponders whether to spend more money on sea oats, they are also wondering how they are going to repair beach damage from future storms.

“We’re going to have to look at other funding for the future, and look at the benefits of municipalities working together on beach renourishment projects,” said Laine.

The Highland Beach Town Commission has agreed to begin negotiations with Coastal Planning & Engineering for a feasibility study of beach restoration alternatives. The town wants CPE to help it get a handle on what short-term and long-term beach restoration options are available – and what the costs would be. The town expects the cost of the study to be in the neighborhood of $15,000.

In Manalapan, ocean side residents have united in an effort to repair more than a dozen seawalls that succumbed to Sandy’s pounding. Fifteen residents have obtained town and state permits to repair seawalls and three others have state permits. Eleven of the 15 are working together with a single contractor.

According to Bates, significant sand is returning to beaches. “When the storm [Sandy] deflated the beaches, it ended up on sand bars near shore. It’s coming back and the beaches are getting wide again but lower. We have seen recovery up and down the coastline.”                               Ú

Margie Plunkett, Rich Pollack and Tim O’Meilia contributed to this story.

By Margie Plunkett

A $181,000 feasibility study of a customs facility for international flights arriving at Boca Raton Airport garnered the backing of City Council in January.

Council passed a resolution to support the study, which would examine the feasibility of a customs facility and the impact on the community, according to a memo for City Manager Leif J. Ahnell.

“Considering the potential positive overall economic impact for the city, it is appropriate to support the study as a first step in evaluating the concept,” the memo said.

The resolution said the study would examine the possible demand for a customs facility as well as its usage, funding, costs, operations and impacts. It further urged the Airport Authority to pay particular attention to economic impacts on Boca Raton and to air traffic, noise and other consequences.

The Airport Authority advertised a request for proposals for a customs facility consultant in December 2011, receiving one response from Aviation Strategies and Trade Solutions Inc. The company agreed to become a sub-consultant to Ricondo & Associates, which is the Airport Authority’s general consultant of record.

In March, the Airport Authority provided for development of a scope of work and budget for the study to be prepared by Ricondo and ASTS.                                        

At 17, Tyler Morrison is proudly out and doing something to ensure equality
for all in Boca Raton, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
He was recently appointed to the city’s Community Relations Board. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Ron Hayes

When Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel invited the public to speak at the Nov. 14 City Council meeting, a 17-year-old boy with a ponytail and a ring in his nose stepped to the microphone.     
“Currently in Boca Raton, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) employees have no legal recourse to protect themselves,” Tyler Morrison told the council. “This is unacceptable.”
Morrison was asking his city to amend an ordinance that was passed 29 years before he was born. Dating to 1966, the policy prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion and other categories. It hasn’t been changed since, and in January 2011, the council voted to opt-out of a more expansive Palm Beach County ordinance, leaving Boca Raton the only municipality that doesn’t specifically protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered employees.
“Let’s value our diversity,” Morrison said. “Let’s include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in our city’s anti-discrimination policy and protect everyone equally. It’s simply the right thing to do. Thank you.”
The council responded by unanimously voting Morrison to its Community Relations Board, and Morrison wept.

“I cried at that first meeting because they seemed to take me seriously,” he explained. 

Two months later, the ponytail is gone but the nose ring remains. Seated at a table outside Starbucks in CityPlace, Morrison apologizes for being a little late to the interview. He was conducting a 13-member chamber ensemble in Richard Strauss’s “Serenade in E Flat, Opus 7” at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where he’s an oboe-playing senior.
“I want to be a symphony conductor,” he says, still flushed from school. “There’s nothing I like better.”
Born in West Boca Hospital, Morrison attended Boca Raton Middle School and lives in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. In person, he shimmers with the sort of idealistic optimism of a very bright young person who’s filled with high-minded ambition and not quite ready to acknowledge that priorities must be set.
In addition to conducting, he wants to revive the bankrupt Florida Philharmonic, attend the University of Illinois next year, and run for the City Council. He’s put a run for mayor on hold, for now.
Morrison is also a young gay man for whom the closet is a place to keep clothes. Reflecting on the decade when Boca Raton passed its employment ordinance, his eyes widen with disbelief.
“In the 1960s,” he says, “the police were raiding gay bars and arresting people who went there!”
His own coming out, he says, was not terribly traumatic.
“I had a girlfriend in seventh grade,” he says, matter-of-factly. “One was enough.”
In eighth grade, he came out.
“I would tell my friends, and word got around. There are always going to be people who aren’t very nice, but I didn’t hang around with those people. My mom said, ‘Be who you are;  we’re not going to love you any less.’ ”
Last year, he volunteered for President Obama’s re-election campaign and went door to door soliciting support.
“I really liked doing it,” he recalls, “and so I decided to get involved in local politics.”
Reading the South Florida Gay News, he found articles about Boca Raton’s refusal to include sexual orientation protection in a waste-removal contract with the county, which requires it. A month later, the city acquiesced, the contract was signed, and Morrison had found his local cause.
When Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, heard of Morrison’s appointment to the CRB, he congratulated him on Facebook. Recently, he joined the HRC board.
“Tyler is the reason this is going to happen,” Hoch predicts. “It always helps when you have a local person step up to the plate, and with his knowledge and enthusiasm, it makes a difference. He’s going to keep after them, and Boca Raton will be a better place because of him.”
It hasn’t happened yet, but after Morrison’s comments, the council instructed City Manager Leif Ahnell to gather information on how the issue might be addressed. In addition, the CRB will ask the council to add sexual orientation, gender and gender identity to the areas it considers.    
Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie and council member Constance Scott have expressed support for updating the ordinance, but did not respond to a phone message and email requesting comment. Mayor Susan Whelchel declined to comment until she has seen the city manager’s report.
Morrison is pressing on, however.
“I just want people to know there are some who will hinder progress and some who encourage it,” he said. “I’m just doing what I believe in, and I’m lucky enough to be able to express it. It’s not about me, or even gays. Eventually, we shouldn’t even have to extend protections to special classifications.”                      Ú

By Cheryl Blackerby

The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District has been without an executive director since mid-August, and the search may not begin anytime soon. 

Former executive director Bob Langford told the board in late 2011 that he was going to retire. In March 2012, he gave the board a formal notice that he would leave Sept. 20, 2012, but quit working in mid-August because of illness.

As yet, commissioners have not discussed a job description for the replacement, how and where to advertise the opening, how much the position should pay, or when the search should begin in earnest.

The board’s attorney, Arthur Koski, has filled in as executive director since August, with the board voting to give Koski an interim stipend for executive director duties for six months from Aug. 15 to Feb. 17, payable at $5,000 per month in a lump sum of $30,000.

Besides handling responsibilities as the board’s legal counsel, Koski has had to take on an eclectic range of other chores — including overseeing budgets, making sure burned-out bulbs were replaced on the Sugar Sand Park carousel, solving softball traffic jams at Spanish River Park, and looking into protective netting around lacrosse fields. 

The need to get the ball rolling for a new executive director has occasionally come up at meetings but with little interest in moving forward. At one meeting in the fall, Commissioner Susan Vogelgesang said the board needed to start the search because the interview process could take months.

In December, chairman Earl Starkoff said the board should wait until the new commissioner, Steven Engel, started in the new year. But in January, Koski suggested postponing discussion of an executive director until after negotiations on two inter-local contracts concerning Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the city’s scheduling of athletic fields. 

The taxing district was started in 1974, and had no executive director until 1998 when the position was created and given to Langford, the district’s accountant.

Until the mid-1980s, representatives of the city sat in the position, not as director but more as administrator, said Koski. “Those people were usually head of parks and recreation departments and they prepared the agendas and interacted with the commission.” 

Langford and Koski handled the administration duties until Langford became executive director.

Langford’s duties as executive director, said Koski, included directing and supervising the administration of the district; preparing and submitting annual budgets; deciding the salaries of any employees; preparing reports to the commission on finances; and conducting the day-to-day activities and interaction with the city.

“Because he was the CPA, he was able to handle the establishment of annual budgets and assessment of taxes, and hold public hearings for adoption of budgets and millage rates,” said Koski.

Koski wrote a job description in the fall, but commissioners said they didn’t know what they were looking for, except that the candidate probably wouldn’t be a CPA. The board has discussed hiring a CPA to do work separate from the executive director. 

At the Jan. 7 meeting, commissioners agreed with Koski that they should postpone the search until after inter-local agreements are in place. 

But Commissioner Robert Rollins emphasized the need for a director. “We’ve all picked up slack ourselves and we’re doing a little more than we would have and it’s taken a little bit longer because we didn’t have an executive director to cover some of the areas best done by him.” Speaking to Koski, he added, “And let you do your job on contractual issues and giving legal advice.” 

“Should we all submit qualifications we think would be good?” Vogel asked.

“We have to determine what qualifications are important to us at what salary range,” said Commissioner Dennis Frisch in exasperation. “We couldn’t put a bid out right now if we had to because we have no idea what we’re asking for and what we’re willing to pay.”

Starkoff had the last word. “When we think we’re ready, then we have to do a formal exercise of what qualifications do we think we need for the environment that person is walking into. And until then I think there’s no need to go forward with this topic until we get these inter-locals done.”

“The wheels of government grind slowly,” said Koski. “We should be looking (for a candidate) by early April.”  Ú

By Mary Thurwachter, Managing Editor

Loss has been a major player in my sister-in-law’s life over the past few years. In just about every case, Alzheimer’s was the culprit.

She lost her job as a paralegal. She gave up driving her car. Her ability to read music faded away and she began to struggle with even the most taken-for-granted of skills, like turning on the reading light above her piano or buttoning her blouse.    The list of things she can no longer do goes on an on, a dirge of what was and what no longer is her life.

And my brother, her husband of 40 years, has a growing list of losses, too. The love of his life is slowly, sadly slipping away. 

He sounds so crestfallen when we talk on the phone. 

After reading Mary Jane Fine’s story (see Page 1), I wish there were a place like the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center near my brother and sister-in-law’s home in Wisconsin. 

Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website (www.alz.org), and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

Caring for people with the disease is a very expensive proposition.

Last year, the direct costs of caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias totaled an estimated $200 billion, including $140 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid.    We’re so fortunate to have a state-designated Memory Disorder Clinic like the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center in our midst. And we’re blessed to have people like the Greens, who understand how important having a facility like this is and then finding a way to make it a reality. 

It is so important for us not to forget the forgetful and those who care for them. After all, there are 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease — including my sister-in-law and, very likely, someone in you know, as well.

Boca Raton resident Robert Campbell, who made his fortune in the footwear business,
embraced the idea of philanthropy early in his career. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Chris Felker

Robert “Bobby” Campbell has mastered the art of bootstrapping.

He has advanced in the philanthropy arena step by step, just as he lifted himself up by his own bootstraps in the business world.

Boca Raton’s Lynn University will be building a home for its Fighting Knights soccer and other sports teams that will bear his name because last spring, he gave $1.2 million toward the expected $2.6 million cost to build Bobby Campbell Stadium.

In recognition of that gift — and Campbell’s other substantial giving toward Palm Beach County and other charities — he was the recipient of one of five 2013 Outstanding People and Leaders Awards bestowed by the Boca Raton Rotary Club during a gala Jan. 19 at Boca Pointe Country Club. 

(See other OPAL winners in Celebrations, Page 12).

Campbell, of coastal Boca Raton, was raised in Pittsburgh by a “very hard-working single mother,” he said. “We were very, very poor.” When he was 15, the family moved to Detroit, where as he took a job at Kinney Shoes, then a prominent chain.

“First, I worked part-time as a stock boy and then had the chance to also sell, and wound up making $35 the first week,” Campbell said. After high school he started full-time with Kinney and, before long, had been promoted several times, up to manager for all Kinney Shoes stores.

“I kept going up, and I was a very lucky guy to go up the ladder, and then I realized that it’s better to give back a little bit than to just receive,” he said.

He got involved with the Two Ten Footwear Foundation in New York in the late ’60s. 

“I really saw the great work they did, helping so many people and families that really were going through very tough times, as well as their program that gave scholarships to kids who were smart but couldn’t afford college,” he said. “I never had an opportunity like that when I was young.”

Campbell had been promoted to Kinney’s parent company, F.W. Woolworth, but decided to act on an entrepreneurial dream. “After nine years of not enjoying the corporate structure, I left and started my own company, BBC International, in 1975,” Campbell said.

Though he started small, he built the company into a worldwide leader in the children’s shoe market, and BBC took off when in 1991 he partnered with LA Gear and produced a line of lighted footwear called L.A. Lights.

Campbell, 75, is single and has one daughter, two sons  and three grandchildren. His younger son, Seth, is following in his footsteps and is co-founder and chief brand officer of a company called Isaay. 

He moved the company to Boca Raton in 1998 and has given to Boca Raton Regional Hospital (where he was treated for prostate cancer three years ago through chemotherapy), the Boca Raton Historical Society, the Wellness Center in Boca Raton for Parkinson’s disease patients and the Arc of Palm Beach County.

He says young people today have much greater opportunities than he did growing up and need to seize them. 

“They have to work very very hard on their ambitions — to prove yourself. When you do that, corporations will recognize it. It’s work habits: The harder you work, it helps you perform better than what they expect you to perform.”

Campbell emphasized his passion for philanthropy. “I think receiving is not as good as giving back. So as I went on and kept getting more successful — I like charity, I love children, and I got very much involved in places like the Arc for children with problems — and so I just made myself a lot of money and thought, ‘Why should I keep it all?’ I’d rather give back than give it to the government, anyway.”                                   Ú

By Cheryl Blackerby

Chastened by a losing court fight against a grassroots citizens group, Boca Raton City Council members are moving at warp speed to pass a new ordinance that will prohibit private uses of public beaches and waterfront land.

 “I think we all will join hands in kumbaya and introduce this ordinance,” said Boca Mayor Susan Whelchel as the council unanimously approved the first reading of the new law on Jan. 8.

But not so fast. Arthur Koski, attorney for the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, says board members aren’t giving up their legal options to possibly contest the ordinance in the future. During a Jan. 22 board meeting, Koski said he is drafting a letter to the City Council for February’s second reading of the ordinance that says the district’s silence shouldn’t be misconstrued.

“I don’t want the lack of action by the district to suggest that we agree to consent to it,” Koski said. 

With final approval in February, the city will avoid having to schedule a court-ordered referendum to decide the matter. The council’s approval is a victory for Keep Your Boca Beaches Public, a citizens group that sued the city and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District over plans to allow the development of a private beach club on the public 15-acre Ocean Strand property.

 “I’m confident it will pass in February and be unanimous,” said Joe Pedalino, chairperson of Keep Your Boca Beaches Public. “We’re not naive enough to believe that some future council couldn’t reverse it, but the ordinance would give the citizens time to oppose it.”

As far as the district’s letter, Pedalino says he “completely expected that” and isn’t worried.

“I don’t see that as a problem,” he said. “Anybody at any time can go to court. Decisions are never absolute, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s a done deal.”

Pedalino said the ordinance will benefit all residents in the city, not just coastal homeowners, because it will protect all public waterfront parks and lands from private development.

 “It’s quality of life in Boca Raton, and our parks and beaches are an integral part of quality of life,” he said. “As it stands now, we’re very pleased by the action taken by the city. This is the right thing to do.”

 The ordinance says that “all public-owned lands owned by the city and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District located between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean shall be limited to public uses and public services provided for the general public, and development for private uses (including members-only beach clubs) on these public-owned lands shall be prohibited.”

 The explicit reference to “members-only beach clubs” put smiles on the faces of the citizen activists.

 In September, the Fourth District Court of Appeal unanimously upheld a lower court ruling that required the city to go forward with a citizens’ initiative and put the issue on the ballot. The citizens group had collected more than 1,500 signatures calling for the referendum to bar development of public lands in general and stop the Ocean Strand project in particular.

The Beach and Park District bought the Ocean Strand in 1994 for $11.9 million, and the prime beachfront property that stretches between the Intracoastal Waterway and ocean had remained undeveloped until 2009 when Penn-Florida Companies proposed the members-only cabana club as part of a $1 billion downtown redevelopment and hotel project.

After a public outcry, city officials responded by changing the zoning of the Strand from multi-family to public land, which ended the development plans for the property. City and district officials argued that the new zoning eliminated the need for an ordinance and that council members shouldn’t pass a law that might restrict the options of future city leaders.

They also criticized the citizens’ group for making unreasonable demands and pushing a court fight that was costly for city taxpayers. They said holding the referendum could cost the city as much as $70,000.

 “We were criticized that the city and district were spending money to fight this, like we were the culprits, ” Pedalino said.  “It’s our money anyway. It’s not coming out of their pockets.”

The citizens’ group and its lawyers argued that the prohibition of private development needed to be citywide and codified. They said that the issue was much bigger than the Strand and much broader than just the beaches.

Pedalino said that “since there was an attempt to do one beach, they could do others,” and passing the ordinance was essential.

“We wanted to have everything clarified,” Pedalino said. “We wanted to make sure there was no private de-velopment on public lands.”