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Exactly when should the public speak at town meetings? It’s a question that cropped up as newly elected Ocean Ridge commissioners took their places on the dais in April. The immediate answer: the status quo.
Commissioner Zoanne Hennigan noted the audience would like to have public comment at the end of the meeting in addition to the current comment period at the start. The change would give “people the opportunity to ask a question or comment on something we’ve discussed in the meeting,” said Hennigan, who is new to the panel, as is Commissioner Edward Brookes.
The two replaced Terry Brown, who resigned prior to the election, and Betty Bingham.
“We used to have something like this,” said Ken Kaleel, who was re-elected mayor by his peers. “It didn’t end well, that’s why we stopped. Generally speaking, we hear from people as the meeting goes along. In the past, it’s been problematic. It just seems like there are items that never get finished. It becomes more antagonistic than productive.”
Ocean Ridge has set public comment for the beginning of the meeting, but allows spontaneous as well as scheduled public comment throughout the meeting. Other cities and towns have differing procedures.
Delray Beach, for instance, has a set public comment period at 7 p.m. and, later on the agenda, has another period set for public comment on subjects not on the agenda.
Lantana has its public comment period near the end of the meeting, but allows comment throughout the meeting. All have the requisite public hearings scheduled on proposed ordinances.
The public should have a say on issues that commissioners have discussed during the meeting, said resident Mark Hanna, who took the opportunity to comment at length on the issue of shark fishing, which commissioners earlier had tabled to request the possibility of a county-created ordinance. “In the end, there are ideas and possible suggestions that the public be heard on.”
Brookes, however, said, “I think you’re making the whole point of not having comments. You’re making an agenda. There’s a structure in place that if someone wants to get something on the agenda they can. I can just see these meetings going on for hours.” Brookes added that if Hanna had a comment while commissioners debated shark fishing, he was welcome to raise his hand.
The public comments in the beginning of the meeting often address issues the commissioners are planning to deal with later in the meeting, said Commissioner Lynn Allison. “I think these meetings have tremendous public interaction.”
Commissioners are elected to conduct business at the town meeting, Kaleel said.
“I feel confident of the abilities of the people up here to make informed decisions,” he said, adding, “I don’t think there’s ever been a time when we closed down the
public.”
The word “bonus” has more than once set off debate among Ocean Ridge commissioners — and the latest round ended with a vow to consider defining and cutting back on the traditional retirement bonus here.
While the discussion at commissioners’ May 2 meeting was led off by a new commissioner, the two sides of the issue sounded much like the point/counterpoint in the most recent discussion about changing the employee Christmas bonus.
“We have to get the word ‘bonus’ out of our vocabulary,” said Commissioner Zoanne Hennigan, when she and the others faced a vote on a retirement bonus for 28-year-employee Jeanne Zuidema that reflected $100 for each year of service. “It’s nothing personal. Things have changed. We have to tighten our belts.”
Several of the leaders on the dais agreed that in light of the economy, such payments required review. But Commissioner Geoff Pugh suggested perhaps it would be better timing to make such a change for an employee who was retiring after two or three years rather than 28.
Commissioners ultimately approved a retirement gift of $2,800 to the retiring dispatcher — characterized as a loyal employee who worked hurricanes through the years and often came in when no one else could — on a motion made by Lynn Allison and seconded by Pugh.
“To make an example at this point with this employee is very difficult,” said Allison, adding, however, she could see a future change to set gift values by number of years of service.
“The employee has dedicated nearly half of her life to this town,” said Police Chief Chris Yannuzzi. “It’s in order.”
Hennigan, however, pressed for change, noting “our people are still getting their pensions. A lot of people aren’t.” She favored buying a gift, such as the watch she received for her service at a corporation.
Cash is king, Pugh argued. “A gift is a gift. The best gift I can receive is cold, hard cash.”
Mayor Ken Kaleel weighed in: “The intent is a parting gift. It doesn’t have to be $100 for each year. It’s a goodbye gift for service. I’m not locked in. I think someone who puts in that amount of time should get something.”
The mayor did, however, admit: “I’m jealous of their pensions.”
The vote came down to two in favor of the $2,800 cash gift and two opposed. Kaleel pushed for consensus on the issue.
“The problem is that it’s personalized with the first person that you cut off,” said Commissioner Edward Brookes, who finally voted with Allison and Pugh so that the mayor wouldn’t be forced to vote.
Some noted that the bonus was being discussed even as the town prepared to sit down at collective bargaining with the Police Department. Attorney Key Spillias cautioned against approving the gift in the context of
the negotiations.
As summer heats up, herb growing is dicey in South Florida, though some will thrive, according to Donnie Brown, an herbalist. She’s a long-time member of the Evening Herb Society of the Palm Beaches and a former speaker for the group.
Herbs were the topic of the season’s last Ocean Ridge Garden Club, which met in the home of Dana Beach in April. As guest speaker, I gave a short program on herbs, tips for using them, and provided recipes for dishes I prepared. (Recipes are shared below for my Coastal Star readers).
I talked with Brown about growing herbs in the unique South Florida heat and humidity.
Planting herbs in containers is the way to go, she said. “You can move them out of the hot summer sun and into high shade with morning sun,” she said. Forget planting in the yard; it’s ancient beach and the sandy soil is fairly useless.
“Plant in pots, in a raised bed, or hanging baskets,” she said.
Setting them on the east side of the house in summer is ideal for most of the herbs — where morning sun is more gentle on the tender leaves.
Rosemary is the one plant that thrives in full sun. Basil, marjoram, tropical oregano, thyme, and sage will live in summer. “Parsley is on and off,” she said. “Bergarten — an Israeli sage — does very well. Lemongrass grows great. More people should use it for flavoring; it’s delicious in soups.”
Hot peppers do well in summer. They need bees to produce pepper pods, so plant fennel to attract them.
“Fennel goes wild. It loves South Florida,” Brown said.
So does ginger, which is available at the grocery store sold as a root. The best “pots” for planting the root — look for pale-colored roots with lots of knobs — are wide, shallow planters, set off the ground to prevent nematodes. The roots and sprouts can be used.
“It will die over the winter, but come right back in summer, though you can dig it up and replant it like a bulb,” she said.
She also recommends harvesting herb plants that are flagging. “Harvest the whole plant’s worth of leaves, and wrap the leaves in paper towels, put into a Baggie and freeze them,” she said.
Alternately, dry them: Warm an oven to 200 degrees, turn it off, and put the herbs in the warmed oven on a tray or cookie drying rack overnight. Once completely dried, they will keep in jars for up to three months.
To buy herb plants, hit greenmarkets in season, or produce stands like the Girls Market in west Delray Beach, Bedner’s Farm Market in west Boynton Beach, Woolbright Farmer’s Market in Boynton east of I-95 or the home improvement stores.
Here’s a tip for buying at the big-box stores or supermarkets that sell herbs. “Talk to the store manager or the supervisor of the plant or garden department,” Brown said. “Learn what day they get their herbs delivered and buy them within two days of that. They admit they don’t know how to care for herbs in their artificial light setting.” You’ll get the healthiest plants, grown across the state in a similar climate, if you buy them fresh off the truck, she said.
To learn more about herbs, attend one of the Evening Herb Society meetings, held on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Mounts Botanical Garden building, 535 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (The society does not meet in June and July.) Cost is $20 annually to join the group.
Here are some recipes suitable for summer that use fresh herbs.
Lower-fat
lime-dill butter
Use this butter, made lower-fat with buttermilk, on grilled fish or chicken.
3/4 cup organic buttermilk, at room temperature
1 pound salted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons fresh dill leaves, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons finely grated lime zest
Pinch sugar, as desired
Put butter in mixing bowl of electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Add ½ cup buttermilk and mix on low, scraping down sides. Continue to blend, adding remainder of buttermilk, until buttermilk is incorporated. Add dill, lime juice, zest, and sugar, if desired. Mix well to incorporate. Remove bowl from mixer; scrape off beaters and sides with rubber spatula. Spoon butter into a plastic bag and refrigerate until firm.
Divide butter in half and spoon onto two large squares of plastic wrap; form into logs by rolling on counter and pressing as needed, but handle minimally. Refrigerate until needed or rewrap in foil to freeze for up to 2 months.
Makes 1-3/4 pounds butter.
Basil gin gimlets
4 basil leaves
2 shots Tanqueray Gin
1 shot simple syrup
Juice of 1 lime
Muddle 3 basil leaves at bottom of shaker with simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice; add gin, lime juice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with remaining basil leaf.
Makes 1 drink.
Pasta
and cilantro pesto
1 pound farfalle pasta, cooked al dente, drained
1 bunch fresh cilantro, washed, cleaned, patted dry
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup walnuts or pecans
salt to taste
½ cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
Keep hot pasta, drained, in a large pot.
In bowl of a food processor, process all ingredients, except olive oil, until smooth, stopping machine and scraping bowl sides occasionally. Add ¼ cup of the oil with motor running, and process for 30 seconds. Stop machine; scrape sides of bowl. With motor running, drizzle in remainder of oil and process until pesto reaches desired consistency.
Pour pesto into a small saucepan and warm over low heat, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour warm pesto over cooked pasta and toss well to combine. Serve with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Makes 8 servings.
Photos by Lauren Loricchio
CLOSE TO HOME
Art-Sea Living Gallery & Studio: 1628 S. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. Ages 4-12. Ten different one-week art class sessions. 10:30 am-1:30 pm, T-F, 6/7-8/12, $135/sesson or $40 daily, children must bring lunch and wear old clothes; 2-4 pm, T-F, 6/7-8/12. $90/session or $30 daily. Includes supplies. Sibling discounts. 737-2600.
Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department Summer Camps: 7:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F, 6/13-8/5. $450-$565. Themed camps with age-appropriate activities meet at various locations: Art Center, 125 SE 2nd Ave. 742-6221; Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. 742-6243; Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N. Federal Highway. 742-6237; Ezell Hester Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. 742-6550; Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 11 Ave., 742-6640. Art Camp fees are $550/residents, $688/non-residents.
Bucky Dent’s Baseball School: 490 Dotterel Road, Delray Beach. Ages 7-18. 9 am-3 pm, M-F. Games, batting practice, pitching. Sessions start 6/6. $275/week, discounts available. Rookie Camp: Age 5-7, 9 am-12:30 pm, M-F, Includes lunch. $175/week. Camp runs through 8/5. 265-0280.
Delray Beach Summer Camp: Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. is holding registration for two camp sites (Community Center and Pompey Park). Parents should bring: completed registration application, a headshot of the child(ren) & a copy of the child(ren)’s birth certificate. Camp held 6/13-8/5. M-F. 7:30-5:30. Eight-week program: $500/residents; $525/non-residents. Fee includes t-shirts, camp bag, lunch, snacks and field trips. 243-7249.
Delray Water Sports Surf Camp: 500 S. Ocean Blvd./1100 Casuarina Road. Age 6-15. Surfing, skimboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddling. 8:30 am-noon M-T, 8:30am-12:30pm on Friday. 6/6-8/26. $325/week; $70/day. Discounts available. 703-7210.
DeVos-Blum Family YMCA Camp: 9600 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Grades K-5. Field trips, arts & crafts, swimming, games. Parent Orientation: 1 pm 5/22. 6/6-8/19. M-F, 7:30 am-6 pm. $170/members, $200/non-members per week. 738-9622.
East West Karate Kid Academy: 125-H Hypoluxo Road., Hypoluxo. Age 5-12. Karate, field trips and more. M-F 7:30am-6 pm. 6/6-8/19. $179 per week. 493-0082.
Explorer’s Club at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum: 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. Age 5-9. Art, crafts, dance, nature, games, field trips. 9 am-noon, M-F. 6/13-8/5. $115/members, $135/non-members per week. 742-6782.
First Presbyterian Vacation Bible School: 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. 6/6-10. 9 am-noon. Bible stories, games, art, music and refreshments. Suggested donation of $25/child. 276-6338 ext. 23.
Florida Fishing Academy Summer Camp: at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St. Ages 9-16. 9 am-4 pm. Six sessions: Camp at the Docks (Delray Beach Playhouse): 6/13-17, 6/20-24, 7/11-15 & 7/18-22, $250/week; Camp at the Boat, 735 Casa Loma Blvd., near Two Georges, Boynton Beach: 6/27-7/1 & 7/25-29, $300/week. $25 registration. 740-7227. Hula Surf and Paddle Summer Camp: Oceanfront Park, 6415 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge. Age 6 and up. Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, ocean safety and beach cleanups. 8:30 am-1 pm. M-F. 6/13-21 & 7/11-29. $175/residents, $225/non-residents. 877-321-4852.
Kickin’ Arts Camp: Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Age 6-13. Visual, performing and literary arts activities with visiting artists and mentors. 9 am-2 pm. M-F. Three one-week sessions. 7/11-7/29. $175/week plus $26/week materials fee. 243-7922, ext. 317.
Kid’s Cookie Camp: GreenMarket Cafe, 410 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. Age 5 and up. M&T. Three sessions: 9-11 am, noon-2 pm, 3-5 pm. 6/6-8/12. Make and decorate cookies. $30 session includes supplies. Sibling discounts. 929-8688.
The Learning Place Summer Camp: 1400 SW. Third St., Boynton Beach. Activities and field trips. 6:45 am-6 pm. Age 4-12. M-F. 6/6-8/19. $155/week includes meals. $25 registration. 742-4441.
Princess Dance Camp: Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. Age 4-10. Practice ballet, tap, jazz as different princess each day. Shoes and lunch required. 6/6-10 and 8/8-12. $175/resident, $220/non-resident per week. 742-6240.
Sandoway House Ocean View Summer Camp: Sandoway House Nature Center, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Age 7-12. Snorkeling, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games. Week one (6/6-10): ages 7-8; week two (6/13-17): ages 9-10; week three (6/20-24): ages 11-12. $300/members, $350/non-members per week. M- F from 9 am to 4 pm. Free extended care. 274-7263.
St. Joseph’s Episcopal School Camps: 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Arts & Athletic Summer Camp: For age 5-13. $225-$250/week. $30 registration fee. 6/20-8/12, 8 am-4 pm.; Taz’s Fun Fest: Age 5 and up. $225-$250/week. 6/6-10, 8 am-4 pm.; Mr. Aubrey’s Awesome Academic Adventures: Age 5 and up. $125/week. 6/13-17, Noon-4 pm; Mr. Aubrey’s Academic Camp: 8/15-19, 8 am-4 pm. Extended care available. 732-2045.
Seacrest Christian School: 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach. Age 2-8. Arts, crafts, and science. Sessions offered as half day (8:30-11:30 am) or full day (8:30 am-3:30 pm), 6/8-8/12. 7:45 am-3:30 pm, M-F. $80-$185/week plus $15/week activity fee. $15/week activity fee. Extended care available. 276-5552. Standing Ovation Performing Arts: 4953 Le Chalet Blvd., No. 4, Boynton Beach. Age 5-14. M-Th, 9 am-4 pm; F, 9 am-5:30 pm. 6/6-8/19. $210/week. Acting, improvisation, play writing and crafts with professional workshops in film, vocal performance, magic, stage combat and puppetry. Performances 5 pm every Friday. Lunch option: $20/week or $5/day. Extended care available. 734-0187.
Summer Art Camp: Talin’s Tropical Studio, 59 SE 4th Ave., Delray Beach. Age 6-12. Painting, ceramics and sculpture. 6/13-8/12. M-F 10 am-2 pm. $45/per child per day. 289-4366 or 742-8808.
Summer Dance & Musical Theatre Camps: Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. Princess Dance Camp (ages 4-10). Focus on different Disney princess each day. 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-10 & 8/8-12; $175-$220. 542-0215.
SUNFUN Summer Camp & Sports at Trinity Lutheran School: 400 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. SUNFUN: Age 3-11. Christian environment with field trips. 8 am-3:30 pm M-F. 6/6-7/29. $150/week. SPORTS CAMPS: Age 7-14. 8 am-3:15 pm. 6/6-8/12. $150/week (sibling discount). Extended care available. 276-8458.
Vacation Bible School: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Arts & crafts and recreational activities. For age 4-10. 8:45 am-Noon. 6/6-10. $35/child. 276-4541.
West Park Baptist Summer Day Camp: 4004 W. Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach. Age 5-15. Junior Camp (age 5-12) and Teen Camp (13-15). Sports, chapel, games, crafts, etiquette, self-defense and swimming. 8 am-5:30 pm. M-F. 6/6-8/12. $98/week. $30/one day trial. $50 registration fee. Discounts and extended care available. 495-2107.
TO THE SOUTH
Advent Camp ADVENTure: 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Grade K-8. Christ-centered arts, sports, science, cooking, nature and field trips. 7:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F, 6/6-8/12. Registration $50 plus 2 weeks ($420/child). Two week minimum. $185/week. Extended care available. 395-5322.
An Adventures In The Art Camp: Children’s Museum of Boca Raton, 498 Crawford Blvd. 9 am-3 pm, M-F, 7/11-8/19. $180-$245 per week plus $30 materials fee. Mimic-improvisation theater and mask-making. Performance 10 am each Friday. 368-6875.Aqua-Kids Summer Camp: Quality Inn, 2899 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. Age 3-12. Swimming, pool games and indoor activities. Children should bring their lunch. Snacks and drinks provided. M-F 9 am-3 pm. 6/6-8/19. $249/week. Extended care available. 392-9234.
Boca Raton Recreation Services Summer Camps: 7:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F. Traditional, Traditional Plus and Tween camps 6/13-7/22, $731-$1,307 (week-to-week available). Extended camp 7/25-8/19, $153-$225/week. $10/application fee, $10/school usage fee. Themed camps with age-appropriate activities meet at various locations: Calusa Elementary School, 2051 Clint Moore Road; Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.; Boca Raton Community Middle School, 1251 N.W. 8th St.; Boca Raton Elementary School, 103 S.W. 1st Ave.; James A. Rutherford Community Center, Patch Reef Park, 2000 N.W. 51st St.; J.C. Mitchell Elementary School, 2401 N.W. 3rd Ave. 393-7888.
Children’s Science Explorium Science Camp: Sugar Sand Park Community Center, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. 9 am-1 pm, M-F, 6/13-7/29 for ages 6-10; 9 am-noon, M-F 8/1-5 for age 5. Kindergarteners discover the wonders of water. Older campers experience the science of their daily lives, including physics, engineering, chemistry, biology and environmental science. Open house: 10 am-noon 6/11. $91-$123 per week. 347-3912.
Digi-Camp: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School: 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Ages 9-14. Learn the use of digital media technology, including photography, video and film and television production. 6/6-8/5. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $210/week. $50 registration fee. Extended care available. 236-0938.
Dragons Softball Camp: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, 1798 N.W. Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Ages 6-14. Includes individual instruction in fielding, throwing, bunting, hitting, base running, pitching, catching and teamwork. 8/8-12. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $125. $20 registration fee. Extended care available. 236-0938.
Environmental Camp: Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. 8:30 am-12:30 pm, M-F, 6/13-8/5. $74-$100 per week plus $5/supply fee. Learn the importance of conservation through outdoor activities and hands-on lessons. 338-1473.
Evert Tennis Academy Summer Camp: 10334 Diego Dr. S., Boca Raton. Ages 8-18 who aspire to play professionally, earn a college scholarship or simply improve their game at any level. Programs for Boarders (5.5-day week, Sun. arrival - Sat. departure. $1,295-$1,895/week. Daily activities 7 am-10 pm.; Non-Boarders (5-day week, M-F, lunch included. $895-$1,495/week. 8:30 am-3:30 pm); and Half Day ($595-$795/week. AM only). 6/5-8/19. 488-2001.
Exploring the World Through Art: Boca Raton Museum of Art School, 801 W. Palmetto Park Road. Age 5-12. M-F, 9 am-4 pm. 6/6-7/29. $265/week. Discounts and extended care available. 392-2503.
FAU-Goal To Goal Boys Soccer Camps: 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Foundations for beginners and skill enhancement for the competitive/travel team player. Camp activities in afternoon. Half-day: 9 am-noon, full day 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 6/6-8/19. $125/week half-day, $225/week full-day. Lunch included. Pool time for full day campers only. Age 5-14. Also offered: Advanced Training Camps, age 10-18, $375-475. Extended care available. 297-3711.
FAU TOPS Summer Arts Camps: 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Piano, creative writing, dance and acting. Camps divided by age, K-12. Creative Writing: Grades K-5, 6/27-7/22. Auditions required for piano camp: auditions held 5/14, email coltman@fau.edu to schedule. (Grades 6-12, 6/13-24). 9 am-4 pm. $260/week. $10 Registration. 297-3821.
Girls e-soccercamps: Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Age 5-18. Soccer for all ability levels. Day camp for age 6-15 (9 am-3 pm). Half-day camp for age 5-9 (9-11:45 am). M-F. 6/6-7/1. $115/half day, $225/full day. Residential & commuter programs: 6/26-29 (age 10-18), $395-$495. 954-648-7498.
Living Water Surf School Camp: Red Reef Park, 1400 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton. 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 6/6-8/19. $350-$403/week. One week sessions for ages 6-13. Discounts available. 954-673-8933.
Lynn University Soccer Camp: 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Full-day: Age 6-14. 6/13-17. M-F 9 am-4 pm. $225; Half-day: Age 4-6. 6/13-17. M-F 9 am-noon. $125. 391-5357.
Performing Arts Summer Camp: Sol Children’s Theatre at Olympic Heights Community High School, 20101 Lyons Road, Boca Raton. Vocal music, acting, dance, theater. Age 7 and older. Two sessions: Seussical the Musical from 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 6/6-7/8. $1,500/5 week session and Here We Go Again!! Seussical from 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 7/11-8/5. $1,200/4 week session. Both sessions: $2,425. Lunch, snacks and extended care available. 447-8829.
Peter Blum Family YMCA Camp: 6631 Palmetto Circle South, Boca Raton. One-week sessions offered 6/6-8/19: Traditional Camp 7:30 am-6 pm (Age 5-11), $185/members, $285/non-members per week; Aquatic Camps (Age 5-15), $195-225/members, $290-310/non-members per week; Performing Arts/Art Camp (Age 6-14), 9 am-2 pm, $195/members, $290/non-members per week; Sports camps: Ages 5-15: 9 am-3 pm, $195/members, $290/non members per week; Ages 3-5: 9 am-noon, $120/members, $180/non members per week; Teen Camps (Age 12-15), $225-300/members, $310-410/non members per week. Parent Orientation held 5/19 at 6:30 pm. Extended care available. 237-0949.Saint Andrew’s School Day and Sports Camps: 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton. Ages 4-14. Four, two-week sessions from 6/6-7/29. M-F, 8:40 am-3:10 pm. Day Camp, Adventure Camp, Sports Camp, Sports Travel Camp and Counselor in Training Program Camp. $780-$875 per session. All fees must be paid by 5/27. Extended care available. 210-2100.
Showtime Performing Arts Theatre Summer Camp: 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Ste. 73, Boca Raton. Campers grouped by age, experience and ability. Each camper rotates between acting, voice/music and dance class. Each four week session ends with a full length musical performance. Annie Jr. Camp (ages 4-10): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/1; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (middle & high school ages): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/1; All Shook Up (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 7/5-29. Glee “Pop Rock” workshop camp (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 8/1-5. Glee “Broadway” workshop camp (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 8/8-12. Four week camps: $900; one-week workshop camps: $250. Lunch program and extended care available. 394-2626.
Sports Stars Summer Camp: 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd. (Don Estridge Middle School), Boca Raton. Sports, physical activities and age appropriate games. Age 7-14. 6/6-8/5. M-F, 8 am-6 pm. $175/week (minimum two weeks required). Includes transportation, pre- and post camp, and hot lunch on Fridays. $50 application fee. $95 non-refundable deposit; balance due 5/16. 251-7578.
St. Paul Lutheran Summer Camp: 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. Age 3-grade 6. 7:30 am-5:30 pm (half-days available). Two week minimum. Includes hot lunch, snacks, field trips, materials and supplies. M-F. 6/1-8/13. $185/week full day, $135/week half-day. Sibling discounts. $50 registration. Registration deadline 5/16. 395-8548, Ext. 152.
Salvation Army Camp: 300 SW Second Ave. Boca Raton. Elementary school age themed camp programs and trips. 8 am-5 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/29. $100/week. $25 registration. 931-1344.
Summer Youth College: Palm Beach State College: 3000 St. Lucie Ave., Boca Raton. Age 8-14 pick classes and enjoy a unique college experience. 9 am-4 pm, M-Th., $69 per class (each class is 2 hours per week for 6 weeks.) Classes must be paid for by 6/14. Classes run 6/20-7/28. Extended care available. 862-4730.
Taylored Athletes “Next Level” Basketball Camp: Wayne Barton Study Center Gymnasium, 269 NW 14th St., Boca Raton. Age 5-17. 6/6-7/29. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $235-$250/week. 888-816-0721.
Vacation Bible School: First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 6/20-24. 9 am-12:15 pm. $35/child. 395-1244.
TO THE NORTH
Aloha Surfing School: 2695 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth. Beginners-intermediates. 9 am-12:30 pm. Age 6 and up. M-F. Five weekly sessions: 6/20-24, 6/27-7/1, 7/18-22, 7/25-29 & 8/1-5. $200/week. Includes all equipment. 543-7873.
Armory Art Center Summer Camp: 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. Age 5-7, 8-11 and 12 and older. Artistic development and fun. 9 am-4:30 pm, M-F, 6/6-8/19. Age 5-11: $225/week; Ages 12 and older: $275/week. 832-1776.
ArtsCamp: Cohen Pavilion, Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Age 9-11. Dramatic composition and performance. 9 am-4 pm, M-F. 6/13-7/1. $550/3-week session. 651-4366.
The Breakers Jr. Golf & Tennis Camp: 2 South County Road, Palm Beach. Tennis Camp: Ages 6-18. Full day 9 am-4 pm. M-F. 6/6-8/12. $425/week. $95 registration. Half-day 9 am-1:30 pm. M-F. 6/6-8/12. $325/week. $95 registration. Golf Camp: Ages 9-16. 9 am-3 pm. W-F. 6/8-8/12. $350/week. $50 registration. Discounts available. 659-8474 .
Camp Explorations- X-Treme Summer: JFK Medical Center Charter School, 4696 Davis Road, Lake Worth. Age 6-13. Sports, field trips, crafts, cooking and swimming. 8 am-4 pm. M-F. 6/3-8/19. $145-170/week. $45 registration fee. Extended care available. 868-6104.
Flagler Museum Summer Camps: One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach. Grades 6-8. 9 am-4 pm. M-F: Crime Investigation During the Gilded Age: 6/13-17. Bring lunch & snacks. $200-$225. Registration deadline 6/1. Extended care available. 655-2833.
FOTOcamp: Palm Beach Photographic Centre, 415 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Age 9-17. Photography basics to state-of-the-art digital imaging. 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/13-24, 7/11-22 & 7/25-8/5. $695-$725/two-week session. Fees include the use of cameras, field-trip transportation and admissions. 253-2600.
Gold Coast Summer Gymnastics: 1420 Rupp Lane, Lake Worth. Age 3-12. Tumble Dragon Camp: Age 3-5. 9 am-noon. M-F. Four one-week sessions 6/13-8/5. $135/week. Summer Gymnastics Camp: Age 5-12. 9 am-4 pm full-day or 9 am-noon half-day. M-F. Nine one-week sessions 6/6-8/5. $135-$175/week. Extended care, daily and 3-day rates available. $15 registration fee. 585-2700.
Lake Worth Playhouse Summer Performance Camp: 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Age 8-14. Summer Session 1: HONK! Junior: Four-week camp includes performance classes, cast rehearsals and participation in a full-scale musical production. 6/6-7/1, M-F. 9 am-3 pm. Performances: 6/29-30 & 7/1; Summer Session 2: The Aristocats, Kids: Four-week camp. M-F. 9 am-3 pm. 7/11-8/5. Performances: 8/3-5. $600/session. Extended care available. 586-6410.
Palm Beach Atlantic University Summer Camps: Greene Complex for Sports & Recreation, 1100 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach. Age 6-18. Boys and Girls Basketball, 5/31-6/3, 6/6-9, & 6/13-16 & 6/24-25. $195-325. Boys and Girls Basketball Team, 6/4-5 & 6/24-25. $395 per team (boys) and $100/player (girls); Girls Volleyball (Individuals, includes lunch) 9 am-3 pm, 6/20-23 and 7/11-14. $225; Girls Volleyball (Evening), 6 pm-8 pm, 7/11-13 & 7/18-20. $100; Girls Volleyball (Team), 9 am-3 pm. 7/18-21. $225-$325. 803-2333.
Palm Beach Suzuki School of Music: 2405 Mercer Ave., Ste. #10, West Palm Beach. Age 2 1/2-6. Violin, cello and piano. Explore music through song and movement. 6/6-17. M-F. 8 am-12:30 pm. $396/2 weeks. 308-7954.
Progressive Arts & Theatre Camps: St. Ann School, 324 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. An introduction to musical theater. Age pre-K-3 to 8th grade. 8:30 am-4 pm. M-F. Four two-week sessions: 6/6-6/17, 6/20-7/1, 7/5-15, 7/18-29. $260/two week session. $80 registration. Extended care available. 792-0448 or 602-0730.
The Salvation Army (West Palm Beach): 600 N. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Age 6-14. Sports, arts and crafts and outdoor activities. 8:30 am-5 pm. M-F. 6/13-8/12. $100/week. 833-6767.
SCUBA Camp: The Scuba Club Inc., 4708 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Age 12-18. Scuba certification, including equipment, and open-water dives. 9 am-4 pm. M-F. 6/13-17, 6/27-7/1, 7/11-15, 7/18-22 and 8/8-12. $300. 844-2466.
South Florida Science Museum Summer Camp: 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. Age 4-12. Science lessons, laboratories, crafts and outside activities. 9 am-4 pm. M-F. Camp runs 6/6-8/19. Reg. fee $25. $200-$225/week. Extended care available. 832-2026.
Summer Sail Camp: Palm Beach Sailing Club, 4600 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Age 7-15. Water safety, boat handling and sportsmanship. Classes by age, weight, and skill level. Basic swimming skills required. Half days 9 am-12 pm, or full day 9 am-4 pm. M-F, 6/6-8/19. Half Day camp $195. Full Day camp $325. $20 registration. Discounts and extended care available. 881-0809. Summer Zoo Camp: Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Zookeeping experience and activities including animal encounters, exhibit visits, crafts and games. Zoo Camps for age 5-10: 6/6-8/19, $200-$225/week. Jr. Zookeepers for age 11-14, 6/20–24, 7/11–15, 8/1–5. $250-$275/week. 8:30 am-4 pm. Lunch (optional) $25/week. Extended care available. 533-0887, Ext. 229.
Photo by Lauren Loricchio
By Jan Norris
The infamous line of diners at John G’s restaurant on Lake Worth Beach may soon become a memory. The 34-year-old restaurant will likely move into Callaro’s Prime Steak and Seafood in Plaza del Mar in Manalapan by mid summer, the owners say.
“We haven’t signed the lease but we’re finalizing the deal now,” said Keith Giragos, son of the restaurant’s late founder, John Giragos and partner now with siblings Jay Giragos and Wendy Yarbrough. “We hope to be open by mid-July – that’s the plan right now.”
All the shops in the casino building must move by May 31 when the City of Lake Worth begins their casino rehabilitation and beach redevelopment projects.
It’s a tough call in many regards, he said. “I’d love to stay here — we have great memories. It’s where we grew up. I love the beach — I really do. We really don’t want to leave,” he said.
The Girogos family has faced the threat of closing numerous times before, with the city planning to refurbish, or rebuild the casino for nearly the last decade. It’s now a reality; the city approved the $11 million casino and beach project last year. They’ve hired the Morganti Group, Inc., to build it.
“The design is completed for the casino and the construction manager is working on the project now,” said Kalthleen Margoles, project manager and assistant to Lake Worth City Manager Susan Stanton. It’s slated to reopen in the summer of 2012.
Demolition is set for mid-June. Tenants have been asked to leave this month so work can get started to prepare for the tear down. A ceremonial public groundbreaking event will be held at 9 a.m. May 7 at the casino for both projects.
Blueprints for the design, based on the original 1922 casino show a two-story building with areas for two restaurants and several retail stores on the ground floor, and a restaurant and ballroom on the second.
The beach plans call for new parking areas, pavilions, trails, restaurants and promenade. With solar panels and windmills for generating energy, it’s planned to be a green project.
Casino leasing will be offered first to the current tenants, Margoles said. At the May 3 meeting, they were hiring a broker to help draw up contracts and set prices. Though leases are “market driven,” she said, the city is looking for fees from $25 to $35 a square foot on long-term leases.
“We hope to have the tenants locked in within six months,” she said. “Of course, we want John G’s to stay. They’ve indicated they want to stay and we hope they’ll stay.”
While there’s a chance they could move back into the new casino building, it’s not financially feasible with the complete build-out that’s needed, Giragos said. “I looked at just kitchen plans, and with hoods, stoves and all the equipment we’d need, it would be $400,000. That’s just the kitchen. Who has that kind of money today to spend on a building you don’t own? I sure don’t. It doesn’t add up.”
He has issues with the overall plan, too. “I really don’t like the new beach plan — the traffic patterns are different, the meters are going to take credit cards or cell phones — that’s dumb. Not everyone likes to pay with cards. I pay cash. It’s going to be a really different atmosphere there.”
The restaurant serving breakfast and lunch set on the corner of the old casino building has been a casual destination for tourists and locals since it opened in 1973. Cinnamon-nut French toast, huge omelets, and fish-and-chips platters are signature dishes that diners stood in line for. There are no reservations — famous actors and mayors have waited in line with everyone else.
Expect the same menu at the new location, Giragos said “We don’t want to change much at all — if anything, make it better.” As dinner service, it’s possible. “We’ll have that option” in the lease, he said.
The move “will be sad,” Yarbrough said. “But I think our customers would follow us.”
Giragos is sure of it. “It’s only two miles down the beach and in a very nice neighborhood — the Ritz across the street is like the Taj-Mahal. And it’s serene. And parking’s free — the diners will love that.”
For more on this and other local restaurant news, check out www.jannorris.com.
By Steve Plunkett
An independent hearing officer has set aside the unpaid one-month suspension of the Highland Beach town clerk who forwarded racist jokes from her official e-mail.
Hearing officer Kenneth Stern, a recently retired Palm Beach County circuit judge, ruled Wednesday that Beverly Brown should instead receive a written reprimand to be removed from her personnel file after a year.
Town Manager Dale Sugerman planned to suspend Brown after she by mistake sent him a joke she was passing along to people outside Town Hall. He investigated and found other inappropriate jokes Brown had forwarded from her office. Town policy forbids employees to send or receive defamatory materials at work.
The proposed punishment sparked an upheaval at Town Hall as Brown appealed: Sugerman was suspended with pay until his contract runs out in June, while Mayor Jim Newill lost a reelection bid to Bernard Featherman, who made the e-mail case a campaign issue.
Ethics complaints filed against five South Palm Beach public officials by the owners of the Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn were dismissed on all counts April 1 by the state ethics commission.
Investigators found no probable cause that council members Stella Jordan and Susan Lillybeck had conflicts of interest in voting to put charter amendments affecting the motel on the ballot or in being members of SPB Preservation, Inc. – which they denied. They also gained no financial benefit in voting against re-development of the inn property, investigators found.
“For myself and the other four people involved, I’m just glad to see the whole matter put to rest,” Lillybeck said. “It’s behind us now and it’s time to move on.”
Complaints against planning board members Michael Nevard, Dee Robinson and Patricia Festino also were dismissed. The complaints included voting conflicts and benefiting from their votes against the motel’s plans.
“I am very happy that truth and justice prevailed after 14 months of being under a cloud with my integrity questioned,” said Nevard, who chairs the town’s planning board.
Pjeter Paloka, co-owner of the Oceanfront Inn, filed the complaints beginning in January 2010, after his plans to build a hotel-condominium on the grounds of the only commercial property in town were denied for the second time in two years. In 2007, a 14-story project was rejected and, in 2009, a scaled-back 10-story, 99-unit request was denied.
Replacing the 50-year-old, two-story motel was the subject of heated debate since plans were first made public in 2006. In March, town voters approved two charter amendments by a wide margin that ban buildings taller than six stories. The vote, in effect, takes the issue out of the hands of the town council.
But the dispute is hardly over. As promised, Paloka and the inn filed suit March 29 against the town, the five officials named in his ethics complaint, Mayor Donald Clayman, Councilman Joseph Flagello, Town Manager Rex Taylor and former Councilman Charles McCrosson.
The towns of South Palm Beach and Highland Beach have more registered voters than they have actual flesh-and-blood residents. You can look it up.
The seaside enclave of Briny Breezes suddenly has 800 not-so-mobile homes, the U.S. Census says. But everyone in town knows that a walk-around count reveals only 487 homes.
The figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau in March have some coastal towns in a tizzy over the numbers that will be used to redraw state and congressional districts and, more importantly, for each town’s cut of state revenue.
The census pegs South Palm Beach at 1,171 folks — 360 fewer than 10 years ago — but the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections has 1,292 voters on its rolls.
“They say we have less people than we have voters. Do we have 120 illegal voters?” asked exasperated South Palm Beach Mayor Donald Clayman. “Did we bring them in just to vote?”
Not only that, but the census numbers are less than the 1,523 people the University of Florida Bureau of Economic Research estimated the town had last year. The bureau bases its numbers on electrical connections and other factors.
Town Manager Rex Taylor suspects the shortfall may have come because when census counters tried to do follow-ups in the town’s condominiums, doormen wouldn’t let them in.
“Unless he’s got a uniform or a 911 call, he doesn’t get in,” Taylor said.
Coastal towns also have to deal with the reality of part-time residents who declare somewhere Up North or Back East as their primary residence. That means towns have higher seasonal populations than the census gives them credit for, costing them state money.
It’s not the first time South Palm Beach was shortchanged by federal counters. “In 2000, they screwed it up. We’ve got calls in to Atlanta now,” Clayman said. Atlanta is the regional census headquarters.
Ten years ago, the census said South Palm Beach had only 699 people, less than half of what town residents knew lived there. A two-year appeal resulted in a correction to 1,171 people, which brought the town a $60,000 increase in revenue-sharing money.
In Highland Beach, the census says the town has 3,539 residents, 20 fewer than the number of registered voters.
“The numbers don’t work,” said Highland Beach Commissioner John Pagliaro, who figures the town’s year-round population is about 4,300.
The town apparently lost 100 housing units in the past 10 years. “We’ve had some homes demolished, but they were all single family homes,” Pagliaro said.
The town has barely more homes than residents, suggesting that Highland Beach has an extraordinarily high number of singles.
Some residents complained to town officials that they didn’t receive census forms to fill out.
“When you count registered voters, you’ve had people actually fill out a form to vote,” said interim Town Manager Kathleen Weiser, suggesting that may be more a more reliable number. “This is a blatant difference.”
One explanation for the discrepancy between registered voters and residents is that voters who die or move away may remain on the voting rolls for several years. But even if that accounts for several hundred people, the numbers still suggest that nearly every resident is a registered voter.
“We did everything so well,” said South Palm Beach’s Clayman. “We held parties, gave out T-shirts at every town affair, gave talks at the condominiums. You don’t know how aggravating this is. We don’t have that many people to start with. We want all of them counted.”
Some towns pleased
Not everyone was unhappy. Ocean Ridge had a 9.2 percent increase.
“Basically, we have no argument with the numbers,” said Town Manager Ken Schenck where the population rose by 150 to 1,786. Like other coastal towns , Ocean Ridge figures the winter brings in 1,000 more part-time residents that are likely accounted for elsewhere.
Despite the apparently wrong count of housing units in Briny Breezes, the population increased by 46.2 percent to 601 residents.
“Surprisingly, we went up,” said Mayor Roger Bennett, who estimates the town has a seasonal population of more than 1,000. He said the increased number may help the town’s prospectus if it seeks a new buyer for the town.
Manalapan, the smallest village on the coast, logged an increase of 85 to a 406 total. “We’re very pleased,” said Town Clerk Lisa Petersen.
Gulf Stream’s increase to 786 residents may be less than its real population since it super-sized in March, Town Manager William Thrasher suspects. The annexed county pocket likely wasn’t included in the census figures taken two years ago.
Claims begin in June
If a town or other government subdivision believes its numbers are wrong, it must wait until June 1 to file an appeal — called a Count Question Resolution — no matter how obvious the error may be, said U.S. Census geographer Nancy Bechler in the regional office in Atlanta.
“No field workers will be sent to re-count. The town must provide supporting documentation such as electrical connections or
voting records to back its claim.”
The Bank of Boynton building, on the south side of Ocean Avenue. Photos courtesy of the Boynton Beach City Library Archives
1915 — Bank of Boynton opens on the south side of Ocean Avenue between the FEC railroad tracks and Federal Highway. The first floor of the building also houses Newland’s Pharmacy and Harold’s Barber Shop. Upstairs is the Boynton Hotel, later known as Jones Hotel. Wooden ties from the Celestial Railroad, which carried passengers between Jupiter and Juno from 1889 to 1895, were used in construction of the building.
1928 — Following the 1928 hurricane, the building is sold to the city for use as the City Hall. The Bank of Boynton moves to the southeast corner of Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue.
1929 — Wall Street crashes and the Bank of Boynton fails.
1948 — The bank is reorganized as the Boynton Beach State Bank and opens for business in the same building.
1953 — The bank moves to larger quarters across Federal Highway in what is now the Congregational United Church of Christ.
1958 — The bank adds service area, growing from 1,200 square feet to 10,500 square feet, including three drive-in windows and a second floor.
About 1963 — The bank develops “a correspondent relationship” with First National City Bank in New York City (a precursor of Citicorp) and is renamed the First Bank of Boynton Beach with the tagline: “A progressive bank in a progressive community.”
The bank, now called First Bank of Boynton Beach, added a landmark cube-shaped clock in 1969.
1969 — Bank adds a revolving cube-shaped clock on top and is now fondly called “The Bank With the Clock on Top.” Trust services are added and the bank is renamed First Bank and Trust of Boynton Beach. (The bank would later be named First Bank and Trust of Palm Beach County.)
1974 — Bank moves into the new two-story building between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue on the east side of Federal Highway (114 N. Federal Highway). This new First Bank and Trust is a square building with round protrusions on each side and three fountains along the street. People joke that the bulges are caused by all the cash inside. A satellite office opens in Sunshine Square, offering round-the-clock banking for the first time.
The bank, known as First Bank and Trust of Palm Beach County, moved to its latest location in 1974, offering banking in the round.
First Bank and Trust added a satellite office at Sunshine Square, near where Bank of America has built a new office, scheduled to open this month.
March 1981 — The Florida Coast Banks Inc., a bank holding company based in Pompano Beach, acquires controlling interest in the First Bank and Trust for $8.6 million in cash. The bank is renamed Florida Coast Bank of Palm Beach County.
1983 — Florida Coast Bank of Palm Beach County merges with the Broward County affiliate of Florida Coast Bank. After the merger it’s called Florida Coast Bank.
1984 — Barnett Banks acquires Florida Coast Bank. And the bank “with the clock on top” is now part of Florida’s bank, Barnett.
1997 — Barnett is purchased by NationsBank and the bank changes its name.
1998 — NationsBank merges with San Francisco-based Bank America in a $57 billion deal to create a new entity, Bank of America, whose name now appears on the Boynton Beach bank.
April 2011 — The Bank of America moves from its location at 114 N. Federal Highway to 574 E. Woolbright Road, a new location in Sunshine Square. Property owner Washington Investment Partners joins with the Patrinely Group to develop the vacated land into high-end multifamily rental units that could be the catalyst for downtown development.
— Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley
By Angie Francalancia
The new owners of Sunshine Square, the busy, Publix-anchored shopping center at the southwest corner of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway, have begun work to renovate the aging plaza.
Plans include demolishing part of the retail space and the existing small Publix to make way for a new, 54,817-square-foot Publix.
Columbia, S.C.,-based Edens & Avant, which bought the shopping center in a short sale for $26 million last July, got approval from Boynton Beach to reconfigure much of the space by demolishing part of the strip center that faces Woolbright, making space for a “main street” through the center that would connect with Southeast 18th Avenue on the south side of the plaza.
The $9 million renovation includes adding outdoor dining areas, improving the parking design, and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment, the company said in a statement.
City officials said they welcomed the renovation.
“I’ve seen that area evolve over time,” City Councilman Bill Orlov said. “I think the changes that will take place with the Publix and the other buildings are just enhancing that area. The redevelopment of Sunshine Square certainly has helped the entire area become more of an area people can come to and shop and dine on the eastern side of town.”
The center’s previous owner had begun renovations and had proposed the main street idea before Edens & Avant bought it last summer.
“For a long time it looked its age. It was built back in the ’50s and ’60s,” said Ed Breese, Boynton Beach’s principal planner. “I think this developer recognized there needed to be greater visibility and connectivity of Publix to the rest of the center, and that’s one of the reasons they proposed the main street.
Demolishing the midsection of retail space also will allow better cohesion between Publix and the other retail spaces, according to Edens & Avant.
The company would not release details about the timing of the demolition, causing some worry among existing tenants about their stores sitting in a construction zone, especially during season.
More information would be released in the coming weeks, said Robbie Robertson, communications director for Edens & Avant.
Publix also did not return calls.
The new Publix will be about 14,000 square feet larger, and will be a little more visible from Woolbright through the “main street.” But instead of adding on to the existing structure, the grocery store will be demolished, then rebuilt, Breese said.
“Publix is doing that more and more,” he said. “For them to really modernize, it’s easier for them to remove the structure and build back new.
Area shoppers may find one of their closest sources for groceries, at least for a while, to be the Walmart that is rapidly rising at the corner of Federal Highway and Gulfstream Boulevard.
It’s expected to open in the fall, a company spokeswoman said.
Other changes at Sunshine Square include adding two freestanding retail buildings and two bank buildings.
Bank of America is anticipating moving into its new 6,200-square-foot building April 18, said Christina Beyer Toth, southeast media relations manager.
The new branch bank will replace a branch about a mile away at 114 N. Federal Highway, which will be closing.
Timeline | Changes ahead for Sunshine Square
By Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley
After housing five different banking entities over the past 37 years, the building at Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway in Boynton Beach will close. And the Bank of America branch that was the most recent tenant will be moving to new digs in Sunshine Square on April 18.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to go where the business is,” says vice president David Singh, who manages the banking center.
And it’s a sign that things are changing in Boynton Beach.
“It’s funny when you think about it, but this is the first time in the 24 years I’ve lived here that there won’t be a bank on that corner,” says Janet DeVries, head of the archives at the Boynton Beach City Library. She also worked in the bank building at 114 N. Federal Highway during her stint as a bank teller from 1989 to 1991.
Senior teller Shirley Bean, who has worked at the bank since 1979, says, “It’s going to be a nice change — like going to a new home … But I hate to see the old building go. I hope they put something nice there to make that area a real downtown again.”
And that’s the plan.
The building owners want to turn the site into high-end multifamily rental units, according to Don Owen, executive managing director of the Patrinely Group, which will be involved in the development. “We want to bring in people with active lifestyles that will attract restaurants and shops to the area,” Owen says.
That would help return the area to what it was in its heyday. That’s when the bank was in “the heart of the city,” says Bill Martin, who has worked in local banking since 1973, most recently as executive vice president and director of Palm Beach Community Bank.
He worked in this location from 1981 to 1985 “for four different banks and didn’t have to leave the building,” he says.
The bank has been important to the history and development of the downtown area since 1915. That’s when the Bank of Boynton opened in a two-story rectangular building on the south side of Ocean Avenue between the FEC railroad tracks and Federal Highway.
Following the 1928 hurricane, the bank moved to a square, solid-looking edifice with three arched windows and an arched doorway on the southeast corner of Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue. But the bank lasted only until 1929, when the Depression hit.
In 1948, after a time out and reorganization, the Boynton Beach State Bank reopened and, by 1953, moved to larger quarters across Federal Highway. The bank’s new home was the same building that is now the Congregational United Church of Christ.
By the bank’s 10th anniversary in 1958, the building had been improved and enlarged from 1,200 square feet to 10,500 square feet. Three drive-in teller lanes, “electronic bookkeeping equipment,” and a second floor were added.
And a newspaper article from the time shows bank executive James Sottile Jr., being optimistic about the future.
These expansions “are only an outward indication of our deep feeling about the growth and potential of the Boynton Beach area,” he said.
By 1969, the bank added trust services. An advertisement in the News-Journal proclaimed: “Our new trust department is so important that we decided to incorporate it into our name.” The First Bank of Boynton Beach became the First Bank and Trust.
On its 25th anniversary in 1973, an advertisement in The Shopper reminds bank customers that “We’re the oldest and largest bank in Boynton Beach … but no matter how big we grow, we hope our customers will still be calling us ‘that nice little bank’ 25 years from now.”
To celebrate its silver anniversary, the bank provided “a simple little coffee and cake affair with a chance … to win a beautiful bagful of 25 silver dollars.”
A year later, the bank moved out of what is now the church building to its current location on the east side of Federal Highway. Reports from the day say that more than 15,000 people attended opening celebrations that included a chance to win a Caribbean cruise for two, a “famous completely automatic 35 mm Olympus Camera,” a portable am/fm Panasonic radio and a bagful of 50 silver dollars.
A newspaper advertisement explains the bank’s success: “What’s the big attraction that draws over 17,000 customers? ... The handsome new bank building? ... that huge parking lot? ... The good coffee and orange juice served in the bank? ... Our bright and attractive tellers? … But most of all, we think it’s because our bank was born and raised here.”
The new bank lobby featured a modern design described in this advertisement: “Some of the nicest gals in town invite you to enjoy Banking in the Round … they’re proud as can be of their new, circular teller stations.”
Down through the years, that circular teller cage remained in place although it was cut in size to a half-circle as the number of tellers decreased. And bullet-proof glass was added as America became more security-conscious.
But the bank was more than just a place for financial transactions. It was a concerned neighbor and good citizen. The bank did its part to stem the energy crisis during the 1970s. An advertisement assured the locals: “Lights out! The light illuminating the large sign outside our bank will be turned off for the duration of the Energy Crisis.”
In 1974, the bank started touting bank-by-mail as a way to “Save gas! Save time! Save money!” And “Boynton’s favorite private parking lot now has a brand new Bike Rack for all its bike-pedaling customers.”
The 1970s also saw the bank offering safe deposit boxes, the Christmas Club (“It’s a carefree way to a merry, money free Christmas”), free estate planning and free checking with direct deposit of Social Security checks.
And few could resist “beautiful” Doverstone and Rhapsody dinnerware. A four-piece place setting was “absolutely free” with a $50 deposit; a 45-piece “complete” set for eight was “just” $49.95 with $1,000 deposit.
But now, the bank has lost its lease and is moving once again. This time to the new Sunshine Square office that is in what has become a commercial center.
Rick Suyono, a Boynton Beach police officer and court liaison who has been a customer for 15 years, doesn’t mind the change. “The new office is just down the road and will be just as convenient,” he says.
Sources: Archivist Janet DeVries and the archival papers at the Boynton Beach City Library; Bill Martin, executive vice president and director of Palm Beach Community Bank; Shirley Bean, senior teller at Bank of America in Boynton Beach; and Boynton Beach the First 100 Years (1995) by the Boynton Beach Historical Society and Friends of the Boynton Beach City Library.
NOTE: Not all Summer Camp schedules have been set. Please check back next month for additional information as it becomes available. If your organization offers a camp not listed, please send your information to thecoastalstartcalendar@gmail.com.
CLOSE TO HOMEArt-Sea Living Gallery & Studio: 1628 S. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. Ages 4-12. Ten different one-week art class sessions. 10:30 am-1:30 pm, T-F, 6/7-8/12, $135/sesson or $40 daily, children must bring lunch and wear old clothes; 2-4 pm, T-F, 6/7-8/12. $90/session or $30 daily. Includes supplies. Sibling discounts. 737-2600.
Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department Summer Camps: 7:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F, 6/13-8/5. $450-$565. Themed camps with age-appropriate activities meet at various locations: Art Center, 125 SE 2nd Ave. 742-6221; Boat Club Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway. 742-6243; Civic Center, 128 E Ocean Ave. 742-6243; Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N. Federal Highway. 742-6237; Ezell Hester Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. 742-6550; Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 11 Ave., 742-6640. Art Camp fees are $550/residents, $688/non-residents for eight weeks. Registration for residents begins 4/9 and for non-residents on 4/23.
Bucky Dent’s Baseball School: 490 Dotterel Road, Delray Beach. Ages 7-18. 9 am-3 pm, M-F. Baseball games, batting practice, pitching. Sessions start 6/6. $275/week, discounts available. Rookie Camp: Age 5-7, 9 am-12:30 pm, M-F, includes lunch. $175/week. School runs through 8/5. 265-0280.
Delray Beach Summer Camp: Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. is holding registration for two camp sites (Community Center and Pompey Park). Parents should bring: completed registration application, a headshot of the child(ren) & a copy of the child(ren)’s birth certificate. Camp held 6/13-8/5. M-F. 7:30-5:30. Eight-week program: $500/residents; $525/non-residents. Fee includes five t-shirts, camp bag, lunch, snacks and field trips. 243-7249.
Delray Water Sports Surf Camp: 500 S. Ocean Blvd./1100 Casuarina Road., Delray Beach. Age 6-15. Surfing, skimboarding, boogiebording, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddling. 8:30 am-noon M-T, 8:30am-12:30pm on Friday. 6/6-8/26. $325/week for new students; $70/day; discounts available for returning students/siblings. 703-7210.
DeVos-Blum Family YMCA Camp: 9600 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Grades K-5. Field trips, entertainment, arts & crafts, swimming, sports, games. Parent Orientation: 1 pm 5/22. 6/6-8/19. M-F, 7:30 am-6 pm. $170/members, $200/non-members per week. 738-9622.
East West Karate Kid Academy: 125-H Hypoluxo Rd., Hypoluxo. Age 5-12. Karate, field trips and more. 7:30am-6 pm. M-F. 6/6-8/19. $179 per week. 493-0082.
Explorer’s Club at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum: 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. Age 5-9. Art, crafts, dance, nature, games, field trips. 9 am-noon, M-F. 6/13-8/5. $115/members, $135/non-members per week. 742-6782.
First Presbyterian Vacation Bible School: 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. 6/6-10. 9 am-noon. Bible stories, games, art, music and refreshments. Suggested donation of $25/child. Contact Paula 276-6338 ext. 23 or www.firstdelray.com.
Florida Fishing Academy Summer Camp: at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. 9th St. Ages 9-16. 9 am-4 pm. Six weekly sessions offered: Camp at the Docks (at the Delray Beach Playhouse): 6/13-17, 6/20-24, 7/11-15 & 7/18-22, $250/week; Camp at the Boat, 735 Casa Loma Blvd., at the docks near Two Georges, Boynton Beach: 6/27-7/1 & 7/25-29, $300/week. Multiple week discount available. One-time registration fee of $25/family. 740-7227.
Gulf Stream School Summer Camp: 3600 Gulf Stream Road, Gulf Stream. School offers summer programs for children Pre-K through 5th grade. 6/13-8/26. Lower School camp combines a variety of both on-campus and off-campus activities. A camp for Pre-Kingerdarten students provides educational play. 276-5225 or www.gulfstreamschool.org.
Hula Surf and Paddle Summer Camp: Oceanfront Park, 6415 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge. Age 6 and up. Presented in conjunction with Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department. Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, ocean safety and beach cleanups. 8:30 am-1 pm. M-F. 6/13-21 & 7/11-29. $175/residents, $225/non-residents. 877-321-4852.
Kickin’ Arts Camp: Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Age 6-13. A variety of visual, performing and literary arts activities are presented in keeping with each week’s theme with visiting artists and mentors. 9 am-2 pm. M-F. Three one-week sessions. 7/11-7/29. $175/week plus $26/week materials fee. 243-7922, ext. 317 or www.oldschool.org.
The Learning Place Summer Camp: 1400 SW. Third St., Boynton Beach. Activities and field trips. 6:45 am-6 pm. Age 4-12. M-F. 6/6-8/19. $155/week includes meals. $25 registration. 742-4441.
Sandoway House Ocean View Summer Camp: Sandoway House Nature Center, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Age 7-12. Snorkeling plus beach scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games. Week one (6/6-10): ages 7-8; week two (6/13-17): ages 9-10; week three (6/20-24): ages 11-12. $300/members, $350/non-members per week. M- F from 9 am to 4 pm. Free extended care. 274-7263.
St. Joseph’s Episcopal School Camps: 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Arts & Athletic Summer Camp: Arts & Athletics for age 5-13. $225-$250/week. $30 registration fee. 6/20-8/12, 8 am-4 pm. ; Taz’s Fun Fest: Age 5 and up. $225-$250/week. 6/6-10, 8 am-4 pm.; Mr. Aubrey’s Awesome Academic Adventures: Age 5 and up. $125/week. 6/13-17, Noon-4 pm; Mr. Aubrey’s Academic Camp: 8/15-19, 8 am-4 pm. Extended care available. 732-2045.
Seacrest Christian School: 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach. Age 2-8. Arts, crafts, and science. Sessions offered as half day (8:30-11:30 am) or full day (8:30 am-3:30 pm), 6/8-8/12. 7:45 am-3:30 pm, M-F. $80-$185/week plus $15/week activity fee. $15/week activity fee. Extended care available. 276-5552.
Summer Art Camp: Talin’s Tropical Studio, 59 SE 4th Ave., Delray Beach. Age 6-12. Painting, crafts, mosaic art, ceramics, sculpture, paper art and more. 6/13-8/12. M-F 10 am-2 pm. $45/per child per day. 289-4366 or 742-8808.
Summer Dance & Musical Theatre Camps: Boynton Beach Civic Center, 128 E. Ocean Ave. Princess Dance Camp (ages 4-10). Focus on different Disney princess each day. 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-10 & 8/8-12; $175-$220. 542-0215.
SUNFUN Summer Camp & Sports at Trinity Lutheran School: 400 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. SUNFUN: Age 3-11. Christian environment with field trips. 8 am-3:30 pm M-F. 6/6-7/29. $150/week. SPORTS CAMPS: Age 7-14. 8 am-3:15 pm. 6/6-8/12. $150/week (sibling discount). Extended care available. 276-8458.
West Park Baptist Summer Day Camp: 4004 W. Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach. Age 5-15. Junior Camp (age 5-12) and Teen Camp (13-15). Sports, daily chapel, games, crafts, etiquette and life-skills training, self-defense training and swimming. 8 am-5:30 pm. M-F. 6/6-8/12. $98/week. $30/one day (to try the camp before committing to a full week). $50 registration fee. Discounts available for multiple children. Extended care available. 495-2107.
TO THE SOUTHAdvent Camp ADVENTure: 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Grade K-8. Christ-centered arts, sports, science, cooking, nature and field trips. 7:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F, 6/6-8/12. Registration $50 plus 2 weeks ($420/child). Children must attend a minimum of two weeks. $185/week. Extended care available. 395-5322.
Aqua-Kids Summer Camp: Quality Inn, 2899 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. Age 3-12. Swimming, pool games and indoor activities. Children should bring their lunch. Snacks and drinks provided. M-F 9 am-3 pm. 6/6-8/19. $249/week. Extended care available. 392-9234.
Boca Ballet Theatre Summer Workshop: 7630 NW 6th Ave., Boca Raton. Acceptance determined by auditions (4/27). Four workshops or weekly sessions available. Performing workshop: 6/27-7/31 (two years pointe required). M-Sat. 10 am-6 pm. $1,295. Weekly Performing workshop 6/27-7/23, 10 am-4 pm, $325/week; Workshop I: 6/6-19. For anyone currently enrolled in Level 1a and 1b. M-F 10 am-3 pm. $500. Weekly Workshop I 6/6-17, 10 am-3 pm, $275/week; Workshop II: 6/6-24. (No pointe required). For anyone currently enrolled in Level 2a and 2b. M-F 10 am-3 pm. $700. Weekly Workshop II 6/6-7/24, 10 am-3 pm, $275/week; Workshop III: 6/27-7/31 (pre-pointe & pointe). For anyone currently enrolled in Level 3. M-F 10:30 am-5 pm. $750. Weekly Workshop III 6/20-7/8, 10:30 am-5 pm, $285/week. 995-0709.
Digi-Camp: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School: 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Ages 9-14. Learn about the use of digital media technology, including photography, video and film and television production. 6/6-8/5. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $210/week. $50 registration fee. Extended care available. 236-0938.
Dragons Softball Camp: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, 1798 N.W. Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Ages 6-14. Includes individual instruction in fielding, throwing, fly-balls, bunting, hitting, base running, pitching, catching, teamwork and more. 8/8-12. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $125. $20 registration fee. Extended care available. 236-0938.
Evert Tennis Academy Summer Camp: 10334 Diego Dr. S., Boca Raton. Junior to professional students (ages 8-18) who aspire to play professionally, earn a college scholarship or simply improve their game at any level. Programs for Boarders (5.5-day week, Sun. arrival - Sat. departure. $1,295-$1,895/week. Check-in after 3 pm Sun., check-out before Noon Sat. Daily activities 7 am-10 pm.); Non-Boarders (5-day week, M-F, lunch included. $895-$1,495/week. 8:30 am-3:30 pm); and Half Day ($595-$795/week. AM only). 6/5-8/19. 488-2001 or www.evertacademy.com.
Exploring the World Through Art: Boca Raton Museum of Art School, 801 W. Palmetto Park Road. Age 5-12. M-F, 9 am-4 pm. 6/6-7/29. $265/week. Discounts available for multiple kids and members. Extended care available. 392-2503.
FAU-Goal To Goal Boys Soccer Camps: 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Foundations for beginners and skill enhancement for the competitive/travel team player. Camp activities offered in afternoon. Half-day: 9 am-noon, full day 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 6/6-8/19. $125/week half-day, $225/week full-day. Lunch included for half & full days, pool time included for full day campers only. Age 5-14. Also offered: Advanced Training Camps, age 10-18, $375-475. Extended care available. 297-3711.
FAU TOPS Summer Arts Camps: 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Piano, creative writing, dance and acting. Camps divided by age, K-12. Creative Writing: Grades K-5, 6/27-7/22. Auditions required for piano camp: auditions held 5/14, email coltman@fau.edu to schedule. (Grades 6-12, 6/13-24). 9 am-4 pm. $260/week. $10 Registration. 297-3821.
Girls e-soccercamps: Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Age 5-18. Soccer for all ability levels. Day camp for age 6-15 (9 am-3 pm). Half-day camp for age 5-9 (9-11:45 am). M-F. 6/6-7/1. $115/half day, $225/full day. Residential & commuter programs: 6/26-29 (age 10-18), $395-$495. 954-648-7498.
Lynn University Soccer Camp: 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Full-day: Age 6-14. 6/13-17. M-F 9 am-4 pm. $225; Half-day: Age 4-6. 6/13-17. M-F 9 am-noon. $125. 391-5357.
Performing Arts Summer Camp: Sol Children’s Theatre at Olympic Heights Community High School, 20101 Lyons Road, Boca Raton. Vocal music, acting, dance, theater. Age 7 and older. Two sessions: Seussical the Musical from 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 6/6-7/8. $1500/5 week session and Here We Go Again!! Seussical from 9 am-3 pm. M-F, 7/11-8/5. $1,200/4 week session. Full nine weeks (both sessions) $2,425. Lunch, snacks, show T-shirt & DVD are included. Extended care available. 447-8829.
Peter Blum Family YMCA Camp: 6631 Palmetto Circle South, Boca Raton. Various one-week sessions offered 6/6-8/19. Camps offered: Traditional Camp 7:30 am-6 pm (Age 5-11), $185/members, $285/non-members per week; Aquatic Camps (Age 5-15), $195-225/members, $290-310/non-members per week; Performing Arts/Art Camp (Age 6-14), 9 am-2 pm, $195/members, $290/non-members per week; Sports camps: Ages 5-15: 9 am-3 pm, $195/members, $290/non members per week; Ages 3-5: 9 am-noon, $120/members, $180/non members per week; Teen Camps (Age 12-15), $225-300/members, $310-410/non members per week. Parent Orientation held 5/5 & 5/19 at 6:30 pm. Extended care available. 237-0949.
Saint Andrew’s School Day and Sports Camps: Saint Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton. Ages 4-14. Four, two-week sessions from 6/6-7/29. M-F, 8:40 am-3:10 pm. Day Camp, Adventure Camp, Sports Camp, Sports Travel Camp and Counselor in Training Program Camp. $780-$875 per session. All program/registration fees must be paid in full by 5/27. Extended care available. 210-2100.
Showtime Performing Arts Theatre Summer Camp: 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Ste. 73, Boca Raton. Campers grouped by age, experience and ability. Each camper rotates between acting, voice/music and dance class. After lunch, all campers work together in rehearsal for the camp performances. Each four week session ends with a full length musical performance. Annie Jr. Camp (ages 4-10): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/1; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (middle & high school ages): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/1; All Shook Up (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 7/5-29. Glee “Pop Rock” workshop camp (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 8/1-5. Glee “Broadway” workshop camp (ages 4-17): 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 8/8-12. Four week camps: $900; one-week workshop camps: $250. Lunch program - $7/day catered lunch, snacks $1. Extended care available. 394-2626.
Sports Stars Summer Camp: 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd. (Don Estridge Middle School), Boca Raton. Sports, physical activities and age appropriate games plus field trips. Age 7-14. 6/6-8/5. M-F, 8 am-6 pm. $175/week (minimum two weeks required). Includes camp t-shirts, transportation, pre- and post camp, and hot lunch on Fridays. $50 application fee. $95 non-refundable deposit; balance due in full by 5/16. 251-7578.
St. Paul Lutheran Summer Camp: 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. Age 3-grade 6. 7:30 am-5:30 pm (half-days available). Children must attend a minimum of two weeks. Fees include hot lunch, snacks, field trips, materials and supplies. M-F. 6/1-8/13. $185/week full day, $135/week half-day. Sibling discounts. $50 registration. Registration deadline 5/16. 395-8548, Ext. 152.
Salvation Army Camp: 300 S.W. Second Ave. Boca Raton. Elementary school age themed camp programs and trips. 8 am-5 pm. M-F. 6/6-7/29. $100/week. $25 registration. 931-1344. Standing Ovation Performing Arts: 4953 Le Chalet Blvd., No. 4, Boynton Beach. Age 5-14. M-R, 9 am-4 pm; F, 9 am-5:30 pm. 6/6-8/19. $210/week. Acting, pantomime, improvisation, play writing and crafts with professional workshops in film, vocal performance, circus skills, magic, stage combat, puppetry, percussion. Performances 5 pm every Friday. Lunch option: $20/week or $5/day. Extended care available. 734-0187.
Summer Youth College: Palm Beach State College: 3000 St. Lucie Ave., Boca Raton. Age 8-14. Students pick classes and enjoy a unique college experience. 9 am-4 pm, M-Th., $69 per class (each class is 2 hours per week for 6 weeks.) Classes must be paid for by 6/14. Classes run 6/20-7/28. Extended care available. 862-4730.
Taylored Athletes “Next Level” Basketball Camp: Wayne Barton Study Center Gymnasium, 269 N.W. 14th St., Boca Raton. Age 5-17. 6/6-7/29. M-F 9 am-3 pm. $235-$250/week. 888-816-0721.
Vacation Bible School: First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, 625 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 6/20-24. 9 am-12:15 pm. $35/child. 395-1244.
TO THE NORTHAloha Surfing School: 2695 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth. Beginners-intermediates. 9 am-12:30 pm. Age 6 and up. M-F. Five weekly sessions: 6/20-24, 6/27-7/1, 7/18-22, 7/25-29 & 8/1-5. $200/week. Includes all equipment. 543-7873.
Armory Art Center Summer Camp: 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. Age 5-7, 8-11 and 12 and older. Focus on artistic development and fun. 9 am-4:30 pm, M-F, 6/6-8/19. Age 5-11: $225/week; Ages 12 and older: $275/week. 832-1776.
Arts Camp at Dreyfoos School of the Arts: 501 S. Sapodilla Ave., West Palm Beach. Age 6-11. Dance, music, theater, communications and visual arts. 8 am-4 pm, M-Th., 6/6-9. Lottery registration at noon-2 pm May 7. $65. 802-6029. ArtsCamp: Cohen Pavilion, Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Age 9-11. Dramatic composition and performance. 9 am-4 pm, M-F. 6/13-7/1. $550/3-week session. 651-4366.
Camp Explorations- X-Treme Summer: JFK Medical Center Charter School, 4696 Davis Road, Lake Worth. Age 6-13. Weekly themes and academic adventures. Sports, field trips, crafts, cooking, swimming and more. 8 am-4 pm. M-F. 6/3-8/19. $145-170/week. $45 registrations fee. Extended care available. 868-6104.
Flagler Museum Summer Camps: One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach. Grades 6-8. 9 am-4 pm. M-F: Crime Investigation During the Gilded Age: 6/13-17. Bring lunch & snacks. $200-$225. Registration deadline 6/1. Extended care available. 655-2833.
FOTOcamp: Palm Beach Photographic Centre, 415 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Age 9-17. Focus on all areas of photography, from basics to state-of-the-art digital imaging. 9 am-3 pm. M-F. 6/13-24, 7/11-22 & 7/25-8/5. $695-$725/two-week session. Fees include the use of cameras, field-trip transportation and admissions. 253-2600.
Gold Coast Summer Gymnastics: 1420 Rupp Lane, Lake Worth. Age 3-12. Two camps offered based on age. Tumble Dragon Camp: Age 3-5. 9 am-noon. M-F. Four one-week sessions 6/13-8/5. $135/week. Early drop off $25/week. Summer Gymnastics Camp: Age 5-12. 9 am-4 pm full-day or 9 am-noon half-day. M-F. Nine one-week sessions 6/6-8/5. $135-$175/week. Daily and 3-day rates available for both camps. $15 registration fee. Extended care available. 585-2700.
Lake Worth Playhouse Summer Performance Camp: 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Age 8-14. Summer Session 1: HONK! Junior: Four-week camp includes performance classes, cast rehearsals, and participation in a full-scale musical production. 6/6-7/1, M-F. 9 am-3 pm. Performances: 6/29-30 & 7/1; Summer Session 2: The Aristocats, Kids: Four-week camp. M-F. 9 am-3 pm. 7/11-8/5. Performances: 8/3-5. $600/session. Extended care available. 586-6410.
Palm Beach Atlantic University Summer Camps: Greene Complex for Sports & Recreation, 1100 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach. Age 6-18. Boys and Girls Basketball, 5/31-6/3, 6/6-9, & 6/13-16 & 6/24-25. $195-325. Boys and Girls Basketball Team, 6/4-5 & 6/24-25. $395 per team (boys) and $100/player (girls); Girls Volleyball (Individuals, includes lunch) 9 am-3 pm, 6/20-23 and 7/11-14. $225; Girls Volleyball (Evening), 6 pm-8 pm, 7/11-13 & 7/18-20. $100; Girls Volleyball (Team), 9 am-3 pm. 7/18-21. $225-$325. 803-2333.
Palm Beach Suzuki School of Music: 2405 Mercer Ave., Ste. #10, West Palm Beach. Age 2 1/2-6. Violin, cello, and piano. Explore music through song and movement. 6/6-17. M-F. 8 am-12:30 pm. $396/2 weeks. 308-7954.
Progressive Arts & Theatre Camps: St. Ann School, 324 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. An introduction to musical theater. Age pre-K-3 to 8th grade. 8:30 am-4 pm. M-F. Four two-week sessions: 6/6-6/17, 6/20-7/1, 7/5-15, 7/18-29. $260/two week session. $80 registration. Extended care available. 792-0448 or 602-0730.
The Salvation Army (West Palm Beach): 600 N. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Age 6-14. Sports, arts and crafts and outdoor activities. 8:30 am-5 pm. M-F. 6/13-8/12. $100/week. 833-6767.
SCUBA Camp: The Scuba Club Inc., 4708 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Age 12-18. Scuba certification, including all equipment, and five open-water dives. 9 am-4 pm. M-F. 6/13-17, 6/27-7/1, 7/11-15, 7/18-22 and 8/8-12. $300. 844-2466.
South Florida Science Museum Summer Camp: 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. Age 4-12. Science lessons, laboratories, crafts and outside activities. 9 am-4 pm. M-F. Camp runs 6/6-8/19. Reg. fee $25. $200-$225/week. Extended care available. 832-2026.
Summer Sail Camp: Palm Beach Sailing Club, 4600 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Age 7-15. Water safety, boat handling, team work, sportsmanship and sailing basics. Classes by age, weight, and skill level. Basic swimming skills required. Half days 9 am-12 pm, or full day 9 am-4 pm. M-F, 6/6-8/19. Half Day camp $195. Full Day camp $$325. $20 registration. Free pre camp (8-9 am) and post camp (4-5:30 pm). Discounts available for members and multi-siblings or multi-sessions. Free registration before May 1. 881-0809.
Summer Zoo Camp: Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Unique wildlife themes with zookeeping experience and zoo activities including animal encounters, exhibit visits, crafts and games. Zoo Camps for age 5-10: 6/6-8/19, $200-225/week. Jr. Zookeepers for age 11-14, 6/20–24, 7/11–15, 8/1–5. $250-$275/week. 8:30 am-4 pm. Lunch (optional) $25/week. Extended care available. 533-0887, Ext. 229.
Coastal voters flocked to the polls for March’s municipal elections in far greater percentages than their mainland brethren.
Countywide turnout was a meager 12.3 percent, meaning roughly 1 of every 8 registered voters went to their precinct.
Manalapan, on the other hand, led other Palm Beach County municipalities with an impressive 61.7 percent turnout for two commissioner races.
“There must have been a lot of interest. Sixty-one percent is a wonderful thing,’’ county Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher said.
Manalapan Mayor Basil Diamond said his town traditionally has a high turnout but he was nonetheless ‘’very proud’’ of its pace-setting distinction.
“Most of our citizens know their neighbors, and most of us know the issues that are important in the town,’’ Diamond said. “It’s also very convenient . We’re a small community and we can get to the polls.’’
Elsewhere along the coast, South Palm Beach had a 31.4 percent turnout, Ocean Ridge was 30 percent, Gulf Stream was 44.2 percent in town and 72.4 percent in the unincorporated pocket it annexed, and Highland Beach was 24.1 percent.
Boca Raton lagged other ocean communities with 7.7 percent turnout citywide, but its coastal precinct No. 4188, at Fire Station 3 just south of Palmetto Park Road, came in stronger at 9.2 percent and precinct 4130, at the Marine Safety Building just south of Spanish River Boulevard, had 12.8 percent.
“I thought [the election] did generate some conversation about voter turnout and our election process,’’ Boca Raton Vice Mayor Susan Haynie said. “And I’m sure we’ll continue to have discussions about that, but that seems to be something that plagues every municipality.’’
Diamond said Manalapan voters tend to be experienced, civic-minded people. Candidates hold open houses to encourage dialogue among citizens, and the town sends reminder emails to encourage residents to vote.
“They’re motivated to keep this town not only the way it is in the sense of a great place to live, but to have it advance with the changing times,’’ Diamond said.
Turnout was lowest in Boynton Beach, where one commission race drew only 3.9 percent of eligible voters, Bucher said. She had no explanation why turnout was stronger closer to the Atlantic.
“I don’t know why,’’ Bucher said. ‘’I guess just some of the contests interested the communities.’’
Gulf Stream Town Clerk Rita Taylor said she could see a pattern as she scanned ballots, but still was amazed by the result: All 71 voters in the unincorporated county pocket voted in favor of being annexed into the town.
“I just wonder if that is not a record,’’ she said. “I don’t think any precinct ever voted 100 percent together. Who knows?’’
Zoanne Hennigan (left)
and
Ed Brookes (right)
were the top two vote earners for two commission seats up for election in Ocean Ridge. Hennigan earned 39.7 percent of the vote, Ed Brookes earned 35 percent. Incumbent Betty Bingham, with 25 percent, was not re-elected. The winning candidates will serve three-year terms with a $1,200 salary.
You might say that A.C. Brooks has seen it all in his 20 years at the area’s watering holes, restaurants, fishing boats and boat docks. And what Brooks, a Lantana resident, hasn’t seen he’s made up in his first book, Foul Hooked.
Subtitled A Shagball and Tangles Adventure, the 463-page paperback tells the tale of a struggling TV fishing-show host, Shagball, and his newfound friend, Tangles, as they help an elderly marina owner and her niece outwit a corrupt mayor, the incompetent son of a local restaurant mogul and a Jersey mobster.
Tangles, by the way, is a dwarf and a former Elvis impersonator whom Shagball “foul hooked’’ out of the ocean after Tangles threw himself over the side of a cruise ship. You’ll have to read the book to find out why Little E left the ship.
Brooks weaves Shagball and Tangles through a fast-paced story that features characters and locales familiar to almost anyone who has spent more than a few months eating and drinking between Lantana and Boynton Beach. For example, there’s the Water’s Edge marina set in between two waterside restaurant bars — the Habana Boat and Three Jacks in Boynton Beach — as well as the Ole House in Lantana.
Brooks, 49, based the Shagball character on his own time as a host of a locally produced TV fishing show called Reel Adventures.
“I was a co-host,’’ Brooks said. “There were three of us. I did it for a year-and-half and then I quit.’’
And yes, Brooks briefly had a dwarf sidekick.
“In real life he was a chef, so the producers used him in the cooking segment of the show, helping our regular chef,’’ Brooks said. “He did it for two or three episodes and then it just kind of blew up and went away.’’
Well, not entirely. Brooks took his original idea of having a first mate on the show and fleshed it out into the Tangles character. Some of the other characters in Foul Hooked, including Rudy the bartender, Hambone and Tooda, are based on Brooks’ friends and fishing buddies. But the story itself, Brooks emphasizes, is pure fiction.
“Hambone still charters out of the marina down there,’’ said Brooks as he looked across the water from the upper level of the Old Key Lime House. “I got a call from Tooda the other day. He was out at a funeral and had someone there who wanted to ask me a question about the book. It was the daughter of the woman who owned the marina. I had no idea that it was owned by an old lady who sold it. I just made up that stuff.’’
With the Shagball (Brooks was a walk-on member of the Southern Methodist University golf team) and Tangles characters firmly implanted on his mind, Brooks took his motivation to write Foul Hooked from a newspaper story he read about British thriller author Lee Child. Child (whose real name is Jim Grant) had been fired from his job as a producer for Granada TV but wanted to stay in the media, so he pursued writing. His first novel, Killing Floor, was a commercial and critical success.
“I’ve read all his books,’’ said Brooks. “I grew up on John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee series (McGee lived on a 52-foot house boat in Fort Lauderdale) and have read a lot of early Carl Hiaasen.’’
With his Florida setting and fishing-themed backdrop, Foul Hooked reads somewhat like Hiaasen’s early books, particularly Double Whammy, which takes its title from the name of a fishing lure.
Brooks’ book gets its title from the phrase “foul hooked,” which basically means to hook a fish accidentally by some part of its body other than the mouth.
A commercial real estate broker by trade, Brooks found himself with a lot of time on his hands after the real estate crash, so, like Child, and at the urging of wife Penny, decided to pursue writing.
“I didn’t really know where to begin when I started,’’ Brooks said. “I had an idea of how I would start the book. I had no idea of the plot line or anything else, but I thought, ‘Let’s start it and take it from there.’ ”
Brooks began Foul Hooked on July 20, 2009. He remembers the date because it was the 40th anniversary of the first American moon landing.
“I had a ball,’’ Brooks said. “I’d write a couple chapters and my wife would read what I’d written and make a few tweaks. A couple times I got a little off track and she brought me back.’’
Brooks finished the manuscript in November 2009 and gave it to a few family and friends, each of whom encouraged him to find an agent to help publish it.
Like most first-time writers, Brooks came away with rejection letters and dead ends. All the while he kept refining the manuscript and then found CreateSpace, a division of Amazon.com that helps authors self-publish their books.
The editors at Create Space laid out the book, formatted it and created the cover. He’s currently writing a sequel to Foul Hooked, which he again plans to self-publish, “unless something happens in the meantime. The goal is the get a real book deal.’’
After he got his first shipment of Foul Hooked, Brooks took a copy to Old Key Lime House manager Kristine Sullivan.
“She loved it. She wouldn’t let the owner (Wayne Cordero) have her book, so they bought a copy on Amazon.’’
The book sells for $16.99 on Amazon.com, but sells at the Old Key Lime House for $15.
“I haven’t sold that many on Amazon. This is where I’ve sold the most of them,’’ Brooks said.
Shagball would have it no other way.
Brooks will be signing his book from 6-9 p.m. on May 5 at Hand’s Stationers, 325 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach.
With Easter right around the corner and grandkids en route, we’re always looking for entertaining activities beyond the beach. We are ardent seashore fans, but you can only hang out there so long without becoming restless and sunburned. Even if you aren’t expecting visitors soon, there are some fun things you may want to do before you head north yourself.
Here are 10 suggestions.
— Mary Thurwachter
1. Surround yourself with butterflies and hummingbirds at Butterfly World. Thousands of butterflies fly around you as you walk through the tropical rain forest or outdoor gardens at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, the first and largest butterfly house in the country. We love it when we discover a butterfly landing on our shoulders. Kodak moments are many, so bring your camera.
Besides 10,000-plus butterflies, Butterfly World has hummingbirds, a bug zoo, an English rose garden and a café. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-11, and free for those 2 and under.
Butterfly World is in Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek. Call 954-977-4400. Check out the Web site, www.butterflyworld.com. It’s beautiful!
2. See what’s new at the Palm Beach Zoo. We make a trip to the zoo an annual happening with our grandkids. This year, we’re especially anxious to see a pair of koalas whom zookeepers hope will mate.
There’s so much to see and do at this 23-acre attraction. There are more than 1,400 animals including Malayan tigers, Jamaican fruit bats, river otters and monkeys; and a colorful carousel, an interactive water fountain, a kid-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and bird shows. An adult must accompany kids under 12 and pets need to stay at home.
The zoo is at 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Admission is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for kids 3-12 and free for ankle biters (under 3). Call 547-9453. www.palmbeachzoo.org.
3. Check out Lantana’s nature preserve. Looking for a short nature hike? Check out the Lantana Nature Preserve just west of the Carlisle retirement community and across the street from Plaza del Mar in Manalapan. The preserve is a re-creation of Florida’s coastal environment intended to serve as a living classroom for ecological education.
Watch for details. A small hole in the ground may be the burrow of a land crab, while a smaller hole and adjacent pile of sand balls indicate a recent visit from the sand crabs.
When you’ve made your way along the trails, walk across the street to the Ice Cream Club for a treat. Smoking, coolers, food and pets are prohibited — but grandchildren are definitely welcome!
Admission to the Preserve at 400 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana, is free.
4. Take a hike at Gumbo Limbo. This environmental complex with the a name that sounds like a Cajun dish or a party dance actually takes its moniker from its dominant tree. Sometimes called the tourist tree because the bark resembles peeling sunburn, the gumbo limbo is just one reason to hang out here. A sturdy boardwalk provides easy to navigate hiking and the 40-foot tower gives visitors with a great view over a canopy of trees. Kids will enjoy the aquariums, insect tanks and butterfly garden.
In spring or early summer, staffers lead nighttime turtle walks and if you go on one, you can see nesting females come ashore to lay their eggs. Admission is free, although there is a charge for turtle walks and donations are encouraged.
Gumbo Limbo is at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 338-1473. Online at www.gumbolimbo.org.
5. Take a sightseeing cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway. The 105-foot Lady Atlantic departs each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Veterans Park in Delray Beach. The two-hour narrated rides generally head south to Boca and back and take cruisers past mansions, including homes owned by Jerry Seinfeld’s mom, Wayne Huizenga’s daughter, and baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.
You can learn about the area’s history and maybe see some big fish swimming along side the boat, too. Sandwiches and other snacks, as well as a cash bar, are available. Because the boat is covered and has air-conditioning, you don’t have to worry about rain.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for seniors and kids. Call 243-0686. See www.delraybeachcruises.com.
6. Burn off some energy at the batting cages. There are several places to do this, but we like Boomers, a 10-acre entertainment complex in Boca Raton. Grab a bat and whack away. Pitching machines can replicate speeds up to 70 miles per hour. You can get 20 pitches for $2.
If baseball’s not your thing, you can always ride the bumper boats ($8) or play mini-golf ($9). There aren’t any windmills or corny clowns, but there are splashing falls, caves and bridges. Boomers also offers Lazer Tag, Go-Karts, a rock-climbing wall and a snack bar.
Boomers is at 3100 Airport Road in Boca Raton, just east of I-95 and south of the airport and movies. Call 347-1888. www.boomersparks.com.
7. Pick a bucket of strawberries. This good old-fashioned field trip has yummy benefits. Stroll around a strawberry patch, pick some, buy some, bring them home and eat them. At The Girls Strawberry U-pick, you don’t even have to bend or kneel if you don’t want to. The fruit is grown in hydroponic containers and the paths are easy to negotiate. Besides the strawberries, there are swans, fishponds, exotic birds, goats and a miniature donkey. Yee haw!
Before you leave, do some shopping in the gourmet country store. Picking season runs through April.
The store and garden is at 14466 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach. Call 496-0188.
8. Find out what Atlantic reef fish, nurse sharks and Florida spiny lobster eat for breakfast. At the Sandoway House Nature Center guided tours and coral reef shark feedings are held every Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. But you can go anytime to see displays of sea creatures, exotic birds, turtles and shells. Learn about local history in the Old Florida Room and get a magnified look on sea life in the microscope lab.
The center is at 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Admission is $4. Call 274-7263. www.sandowayhouse.org.
9. Stroll through a Japanese garden. Spend some time strolling around the 16-acre Roji-en Japanese Gardens at the Morikami. Roji-en is really six gardens set along a mile-long path that begins behind the museum. You walk through wooden doors and past gardens of bamboo, stone and water. This outing may suit you better than the kids, but a brisk walk may wear them out a bit, at least, and the museum itself is sure to interest everyone. Regular admission is $12 plus tax for adults, $7 for kids 6-18, $11 for seniors 65 and older.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is in suburban Delray Beach at 4000 Morikami Park Road, just off Jog Road. Call 495-0233. See www.morikami.org.
Bike around Palm Beach. Oil baron Henry Flagler built the Lake Trail so his hotel guests would have a place for strolling. It’s still a fine place for walking, skating or pushing a baby buggy, but it’s also a really nice place to ride bikes. Park your car near Publix (265 Sunset Ave.) and walk a block west to the Intracoastal. You can start pedaling the 5-mile trail there (or 8½, if you add on two shorter trails). Expect to see Flagler’s first house, the 1886 Sea Gull Cottage, Whitehall (the Flagler Museum), gorgeous mansions and lush gardens.
Don’t have bikes or inline skates? You can rent them at Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop, 233 Sunrise Ave. Palm Beach. Call 659-4583.
Photo by Tim Stepien
