training - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T15:31:11Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/trainingSouth Palm Beach: Former town officers finish training as deputieshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/south-palm-beach-former-town-officers-finish-training-as-deputies2019-10-30T17:10:12.000Z2019-10-30T17:10:12.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Dan Moffett</strong></p>
<p>South Palm Beach residents can expect to see some of their former police officers patrolling the town again as deputies by mid-November after they completed five weeks of training with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.<br /> Maj. Chris Keane, supervisor of the sheriff’s South Regional Bureau, said the town’s seven officers went through two weeks of classroom work and three weeks of field training to make the transition into the ranks of sheriff’s deputies.<br /> “The classroom training primarily consists of our general orders, first aid and the kind of things that provide a foundation for what the Sheriff’s Office is all about,” Keane told the Town Council during its Oct. 8 meeting. “Then they get to go out and do some practical application on the street and spend some time learning our neighboring district.”<br /> Keane, a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, oversees about 365 deputies in the southern bureau, a sprawling South County district that includes Lake Worth Beach, western Boynton Beach, western Delray Beach and western Boca Raton. <br /> While the officers were attending PBSO school in October, a group of veteran deputies patrolled South Palm Beach. Keane said these deputies worked alongside the town’s police in September to become oriented with the five-eighths-mile-long community of roughly 1,400 people — “a chance to get our existing deputies to start to know the nuances and uniqueness of the town of South Palm Beach.”<br /> Said Keane, “We didn’t just throw people in here without having some understanding of the town.” <br /> The deputies will use the police station in Town Hall as an administrative headquarters. PBSO has upgraded the computer system there and improved the building’s small kitchen.<br /> Former South Palm Police Chief Mark Garrison is expected to become one of two sergeants assigned to oversee the town. The positions and assignments of the six other officers are uncertain and up to PBSO. <br /> When Sheriff Ric Bradshaw came to the town for the officers’ swearing-in ceremony on Oct. 1, he made it clear that they would work for and answer to him, not any local constituency.<br /> In June, the council voted to approve a 10-year contract with PBSO for its law enforcement services. The terms call for the town paying $1.05 million the first year, with 2% increases the following two years. Council members say the agreement could save the town about $1 million over the 10 years.<br /> <strong>In other business</strong>:<br /> • The council decided, after experimenting with different starting times during the summer, to return to scheduling town meetings for 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. </p></div>Religion Notes: Love music? St. Paul’s programs let you learn, performhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-love-music-st-paul-s-programs-let-you-learn-perfor2019-09-01T15:57:37.000Z2019-09-01T15:57:37.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Delray Beach is inviting people who love music to join one of its musical programs. Opportunities are available for young people and adults, and participation is open to people of all faiths who share a love of music. Rehearsals begin soon. Programs include:</p>
<p class="p3">The chorister program includes the Cherub Choir, Jubilate Youth Choir, and Chancel Choir. The Cherub Choir is a pre-reading choir for children ages 4 through 6. Kids must be available to participate in sets of four weekly rehearsals, with a performance for the 5 p.m. Saturday Illuminated Worship service at the end of each set. </p>
<p class="p3">The Jubilate Youth Choir is for ages 6 and older, and it performs monthly during the academic year for the 10 a.m. Sunday service and at special events using the Royal School of Church Music “Voice for Life” curriculum. It rehearses from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, followed by family dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m.</p>
<p class="p3">The Chancel Choir is for teens through adults, sings weekly at the 10 a.m. Sunday liturgy and for Choral Evensong and Lessons and Carols services. Music reading skills are helpful. Rehearsals are 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Sundays.</p>
<p class="p3">St. Paul’s also offers opportunities for teenage and adult instrumentalists. A teen ensemble made up of guitars, percussion and piano, the Illumineers, performs jazz- and rock-based music to support the casual atmosphere of the Illuminated Worship service, at 5 p.m. on Saturdays.</p>
<p class="p3">The Palm Beach Recorder and Early Music Society meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is open to performers of period instruments and vocalists.</p>
<p class="p3">St. Paul’s also offers musical instruction for children and adults through group and private lessons, including Gracie’s Little Groovers, a parent/child music and movement class led by Gracie Schreffler on Thursday mornings. Instructor Myngoe Brashears will offer private lessons on Mondays. </p>
<p class="p3">St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Contact Dr. Paul Cienniwa, director of music ministries, at drpaul@stpaulsdelray.org or 278-6003;<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> or visit <a href="http://www.stpaulsdelray.org">www.stpaulsdelray.org</a>.</p>
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<p class="p5"><span class="s1"><b>5K run to benefit </b></span><span class="s1"><b>CROS Ministries</b></span></p>
<p class="p3">CROS Ministries’ annual Hustle2EndHunger 5K takes place Oct. 5 at John Prince Park, 4759 S. Congress Ave. in Lake Worth.</p>
<p class="p3">All proceeds support CROS Ministries’ mission to serve hungry people in Palm Beach and Martin counties by distributing food at eight pantries, serving a hot meal through the Caring Kitchen, offering a summer camp with lunch, a snack, and breakfast as needed, and recovering fresh produce at local farms.</p>
<p class="p3">Packet pickup starts at 6 a.m. The race starts at 7 a.m. The fee is $40 plus a $3 registration fee, which includes T-shirt, chip, bib and medal. Registration closes at noon Oct. 4. There’s also a walk beginning at 8:15 a.m. A recognition ceremony takes place immediately after the race.</p>
<p class="p3"><i>Register at <a href="http://www.crosministries.org/hustle2endhunger">www.crosministries.org/hustle2endhunger</a> or runsignup.com/Race/FL/LakeWorth/Hustle2EndHunger5K.</i></p>
<p class="p3"><i>Volunteers are also needed. Contact Jody Young at jyoung@crosministries.org.</i></p>
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<p class="p5"><span class="s1"><b>Boca Helping Hands seeks Thanksgiving volunteers</b></span></p>
<p class="p3">It’s not too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, especially if your plans include giving back to the community.</p>
<p class="p3">Boca Helping Hands feeds hungry people every day and uses volunteers for almost everything it does. BHH distributes more than 70,000 pantry bags each year at three Palm Beach County locations and serves over 55,000 hot meals annually, six days per week, plus BHH sends weekend meals home with elementary school students via the BHH Backpacks Program.</p>
<p class="p3">Although Helping Hands would love for volunteers to commit more time, here are five other ways you can help hungry people this Thanksgiving:</p>
<p class="p3">• Host a food drive at your home or office. Ask friends and neighbors, coworkers and clients to help you fill a box with canned goods and donate it to the food pantry.</p>
<p class="p3">• Volunteer for the Thanksgiving Box Brigade and Turkey Distribution Day at Boca Helping Hands’ Remillard Family Resource Center, 1500 NW First Court, Boca Raton. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 18 to hand out boxes, each with all the fixings, plus a turkey and a roasting pan — everything needed to make a Thanksgiving dinner at home — to several hundred families that registered.</p>
<p class="p3">• Volunteers are needed from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 for the Boynton Beach Thanksgiving Box Brigade and Turkey Distribution at First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach, 301 N. Seacrest Blvd. Families that registered will drive through the parking lot to pick up their boxes with everything they need to cook Thanksgiving dinner at home.</p>
<p class="p3">• On Nov. 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Boca Helping Hands volunteers are needed to hand out dinners donated and prepared by the Boca Raton Resort & Club to registered families. The event takes place at Boca Glades Baptist Church, 10101 Judge Winikoff Road, in the parking lot.</p>
<p class="p3">• Boca Helping Hands volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day to help distribute meals prepared by the Addison at the First Baptist Church of Boynton, to registered families.</p>
<p class="p3">Boca Helping Hands is at 1500 NW First Court, Boca Raton. To volunteer or make a donation, call 417-0913, ext. 202, or email Karen Swedenborg at karen@bocahelpinghands.org. For more info, visit <a href="http://www.bocahelpinghands.org">www.bocahelpinghands.org</a>.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send religion news to Janis Fontaine at janisfontaine@outlook.com.</i></p></div>Paws Up for Pets: Trainer helps dogs learn to mind manners in new homeshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/paws-up-for-pets-trainer-helps-dogs-learn-to-mind-manners-in-new-2018-11-28T16:25:52.000Z2018-11-28T16:25:52.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960825889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960825889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960825889?profile=original" /></a><em>Boca Raton-based Ann Casper trains Lil’ Red, rescued from Hurricane Maria, to ease his anxiety. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1"><strong>By Arden Moore</strong></p>
<p class="p1">The holiday season is in full stride in Palm Beach County. And when it comes to bringing out the best in puppies and dogs, there’s a genuine Santa Paws in Boca Raton.</p>
<p class="p3">Meet Ann Casper, a professional dog trainer who operates Calming K9s. Her mission: to ease dogs’ transition into loving homes by giving them the gift of good manners.</p>
<p class="p3">“My focus is giving pet owners the tools and knowledge they need to have a well-behaved dog for the lifetime of that pet,” says Casper, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “I focus on difficult-to-resolve behavior problems as well as working with rescue dogs who have pre-existing fear and anxiety issues.”</p>
<p class="p3">Sure, you can give your dog a fancy holiday outfit or a cool new toy, but imagine the dividends reaped when you gift your dog the proper training to stop yanking on the leash, barking nonstop or chewing your favorite sofa pillows. If you just adopted or plan to adopt a puppy or dog this holiday season, help your new pet get off on the right paw by signing up for obedience training classes or one-on-one canine training and behavior sessions with a professional dog trainer like Casper.</p>
<p class="p3">When I adopted Kona, a terrier mix, from a shelter two years ago, she had never lived in a home — only in a pair of shelters. First priority was house-training her. And, within two weeks of adoption, Kona and I were participating in our first basic obedience class together.</p>
<p class="p3">We progressed through three levels of obedience and then went on to complete her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship and therapy pet certifications. Whew!</p>
<p class="p3">But all of this was worth it because Kona has evolved into a quick-learning, loyal and well-behaved dog that assists me in pet first-aid and pet behavior training classes.</p>
<p class="p3">Sure, sometimes the pup or dog you adopt at a shelter is a little rough around the edges. Coleen and Manly Ray of Boca Raton knew they needed serious canine help after adopting Lil’ Red, a medium-sized dog, from an organization that brought in homeless dogs impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico last year.</p>
<p class="p3">“We were happy to rescue a dog from the tragic conditions that exist for street dogs on the island, but Lil’ Red was extremely anxious, especially when guests came to visit or stay at our home,” Coleen Ray says. “We knew we needed professional help, and we reached out to Ann.”</p>
<p class="p3">In a few in-person training sessions, Casper worked with the Rays to help the dog feel more safe and secure in their home and on walks.</p>
<p class="p3">“Lil’ Red had terrible anxiety barking and separation anxiety, but she is doing great now,” says Casper. “She is now walking nicely on the leash, feeling calm and relaxed inside her crate in the house and no longer barking or growling at house guests. I tell my clients that I am training you to be a dog trainer because it is you — not me — who lives with the dog.”</p>
<p class="p3">Organizations also see the value of turning to professional dog trainers like Casper to help increase the chance for dogs under their care to be adopted.</p>
<p class="p3">Bobbi Miller is founder of Chesed Foundation, a group in Boca Raton that focuses on finding homes for companion animals with special needs.</p>
<p class="p3">“We firmly believe a pet has a better chance of remaining in the adoptive home if training issues are addressed while they are in foster care,” says Miller. “I appreciate that Ann has a heart for these abandoned pets and understands a nice home does not eliminate their issues. Ann has donated her time to help other foster people train and interact properly with their foster dogs and we are so grateful for Ann’s help.”</p>
<p class="p3">Miller shared the case of a foster dog named J.J., an “issue-ridden” chihuahua.</p>
<p class="p3">“This pet had little socialization and was aggressive to strangers and dogs outside the home and destructive in the home,” says Miller. “Ann assessed J.J. and in a short time, she had him walking with her on the leash outside and she instructed me how to avoid confrontations with other dogs and people on the street. Ann listened to my issues and concerns and immediately went to work, addressing each issue one at a time.”</p>
<p class="p3">As we enter the holiday season, do your best to ensure your dog does not feel left behind at home feeling anxious, confused or frustrated because the cherished daily walk has been skipped or his dinner forgotten. Maintaining those daily walks or play sessions with your dog can generate physical and mental benefits for you both.</p>
<p class="p3">Carefully assess whether your dog really needs to be dressed up like a four-legged Santa to entertain your holiday house guests — or would fare better in a closed back bedroom with a keep-busy toy, bedding and water, and a TV turned on.</p>
<p class="p3">“And as much as we may want our dogs to enjoy holiday parties or outdoor fairs, pay attention to your dog’s reactions,” says Casper, who shares her home with three canine rescues answering to the names of Jenny, Ray and Otis. “Sometimes, a dog’s ability to handle certain situations like parties, festivals and dog parks is just not there. Leave him at home if that is where he will be most comfortable and enjoy the holiday activities.”</p>
<p class="p3">On behalf of Kona, I wish all of you a safe, sane and special holiday season!</p>
<p class="p3"><i>To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.calmingk9s.com">www.calmingk9s.com</a> or call 715-6624.</i></p>
<p class="p4"><i>Arden Moore, founder of FourLeggedLife.com, is an animal behavior consultant, editor, author, speaker and master certified pet first-aid instructor. Learn more at <a href="http://www.ardenmoore.com">www.ardenmoore.com</a>.</i></p></div>Elves’ training available for the cheerily inclinedhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/elves-training-available-for2010-12-01T22:30:00.000Z2010-12-01T22:30:00.000ZScott Simmonshttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ScottSimmons<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img style="width:475px;height:313px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960314486,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Elves practice singing Christmas songs during ‘elf training’</span><br style="font-style:italic;" /><span style="font-style:italic;">at Boca Raton Community Center on a recent evening.</span><br style="font-style:italic;" /><span style="font-style:italic;">Claire Riccardi (left), Roberta Eberling, Loretta Lombardo and Fran Moran.</span> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Photo by Tim Stepien</span><br /></p>
<br />By Linda Haase<br /><br />Who knew elves had to go to school? <br />The vivacious red- and green-clad elves who sing, dance and deliver presents to nursing homes, hospitals and day care centers in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the American Health Association know. They’ve graduated from the association’s slightly zany Elf School in Boca Raton, where they learned the rules: No smoking, chewing gum or drinking sugary or alcoholic beverages while on duty (I guess Santa looks the other way some of the time). <br />Be jolly, find — or make — a creative elf costume (oodles of bells and other jingly paraphernalia are strongly encouraged) and sing loudly and, if possible, on key. Then, there’s the backward wave, the special Elf Hug and the Bee Dance (which, ironically, looks like the erratic reaction of someone who encountered a bee hive).<br />OK, but what else is in store for these South Florida Santa’s helpers who, alas, have no trip planned to the North Pole?<br />“They dispense presents as directed and break up fights between patients who want more than one present,” says J. Robert Gordon, aka King Elf and president and CEO of the American Health Association. But, most importantly, they bestow oodles of joy and cheer. “For some of these people we visit this may be the only gift they get. They are so appreciative,” says Gordon, who has been teaching the do’s and don’ts of elfdom since he founded the school about five years ago.<br />The elves donate their time, but there are perks, including a pizza party, a wine tasting and a chance to be in Boca Raton’s holiday parade. Last year, 55 elves were on duty and Gordon expects that many — or more — this holiday season. After all, it takes an Elf Village to hand out the thousands of donated teddy bears, dolls and Beanie Babies to about 50 nursing homes, at least four hospitals and several day care centers.<br />Fran Moran (Elf Frisky) is up to the task. The Deerfield Beach resident is 93, but her daily exercise classes (everything from weight lifting to line dancing) keep her in shape for her elfing duties. Although this is her second year as an elf, she — and other past elves — must return to class to learn new songs from the elf songbook. <br />That‘s fine with Moran, whose enthusiasm is infectious. <br />“When I go to give the presents, I bring my tambourine and my kazoo and make it fun,” says Moran, who came to class in her colorful elf costume — complete with a pointy hat, green glittery elf shoes and a belt made from pop tops. “The best thing is seeing their reaction. You would think we were giving them a diamond ring.”<br />Roberta Eberling, a Boca Raton resident who has exchanged her regular routine to transform into Elf Cookie (“I love cookies,” she admits) for the past four years, says simply: “I like to elf. There’s nothing hard about it. All you have to do is be nice, congenial and sing the loudest and best you can.”<br />King Elf agrees, but adds this caveat: “Elfing is a privilege and not an automatic right.” <br />For more information on Elf School or to arrange a visit by the elves, call 361-9091 or e-mail thehealthsociety@aol.com.<br />They are still accepting donations of teddy bears, dolls, stuffed animals and Beanie Babies for the Elf Campaign as well as the Orphans of War project. <br />Items can be brought to several locations including 1181 N. Rogers Circle, Suite 2 in Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.<br /><p style="text-align:left;"><br /></p></div>