vanilla ice - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T12:23:21Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/vanilla+iceBusiness Spotlight: Neighboring properties lead real estate price surge in Manalapanhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-neighboring-properties-lead-real-estate-price-2021-12-29T15:39:57.000Z2021-12-29T15:39:57.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9966122878,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9966122878,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9966122878?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The ocean-to-Intracoastal property at 1000 S. Ocean (left) was listed at $106 million, which would be a Manalapan record. The property at 1020 S. Ocean sold last month for $89.93 million, nearly a record. Both are recently redeveloped.</em> <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>After six years on the market, the ocean-to-Intracoastal estate at 2000 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan, owned by the billionaire Ziff family, finally sold in March for the recorded price of $94.17 million, and that sale set a record for the town. However, other properties are inching closer. <br />A big-ticket property that just came on the market is listed by <strong>Lawrence A. Moens Associates</strong>. The estate at <strong>1000 S. Ocean Blvd.</strong> is priced at $106 million, as advertised on Realtor.com and on the Lawrence A. Moens website. The 22,868-total-square-foot, ocean-to-Intracoastal, eight-bedroom home and two-bedroom guest house, built in 2017, is sited on 2.2 acres.<br /> It last sold for $14.995 million in April 2015. In 2017, the owner of the property, Jackson Real Estate Partners LLC, managed by Kenneth Slater, extended a 99-year residential lease agreement to Ellen and Kenneth Slater, who have homesteaded the estate as their primary home, according to tax rolls.<br /> And there’s this in the “Just Sold” category. Recorded on Dec. 15, Paul Saunders, founder of James River Capital Corp., based in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, and his wife, Victoria Saunders, a board member, former president and faculty member of the Innerwork Center, sold their 16,000-square-foot estate at <strong>1020 S. Ocean Blvd.</strong> for $89.93 million in an off-market deal. The buyer is 122021Land Trust, with the trustee listed as James G.B. DeMartini III, chairman of the California accounting firm Seiler LLC. <br /> According to public records, the Saunderses, who claimed homestead exemption on the property, paid $14.5 million for the nearly 2.2-acre lot in 2018. It features 200 feet of ocean frontage and a strip of land with a dock fronting the Intracoastal Waterway. <br /> The Saunderses had a new five-bedroom house built on the lot, designed by the Benedict Bullock Group. Details include a golf-simulator room, outdoor putting green, an outdoor kitchen and pool, according to the architect’s website. <br /> <strong>Senada Adzem</strong> of <strong>Douglas Elliman</strong> represented the sellers. Christopher Leavitt and Ashley McIntosh, also agents with Douglas Elliman, handled the buyer’s side, according to the Palm Beach Daily News.<br /> <strong>Shelly Newman</strong>, an agent with <strong>William Raveis South Florida</strong>, has the listing for the ocean-to-Intracoastal 1960s-era geodesic-dome compound at <strong>1860 S. Ocean Blvd.</strong>, owned by Jeanette Cohen as trustee of an irrevocable trust in the name of her husband, Stephen D. Cohen. Not quite as pricey as the other two properties, the Cohens’ estate, which they bought in 1978 for $620,000, is now priced at its land value at $27.5 million. Newman listed it for sale in late May 2021 for $29.9 million, but later dropped the price. <br />Newman, who handled both sides in an off-market sale for a recorded price of $14 million at 1800 S. Ocean Blvd. in May, is involved in two other property deals on the same block. She represented the seller at <strong>1840 S. Ocean</strong>, with a price of $18 million, and the buyer of the estate at <strong>1880 S. Ocean</strong> in a deal that closed just before Christmas for $19 million. <br />The estate at 1840 S. Ocean was owned by former Bear Stearns executive Robert Steinberg and his wife, Suzanne, who bought the property for $8.975 million in 2009.<br />The new owner of the property is 1840 South Ocean LLC, a Florida limited liability company with an address of 222 Lakeview Ave., Suite 1500, West Palm Beach, which is the address of attorney Maura Ziska. <strong>Lawrence Moens</strong> represented the buyer. <br /> “Properties such as these in Manalapan are attractive to families looking to build a family estate,” Newman said. “Land is hard to find, and prices are so high in Palm Beach that a lot of people are choosing to live in Manalapan where they can build their family home on a larger piece of property. These are high elevation, ocean-to-Intracoastal, where people can enjoy sunrise and sunsets, boating and the beach with lots of property for children.”<br />Nearby in Ocean Ridge, Raymond Gregg Hill Sr. and his wife, Marsha, sold their 17,183-square-foot oceanfront estate at 6275 N. Ocean Blvd. to Simon Lincoln as trustee of the 6275 N. Ocean Land Trust for $27 million. The sale was recorded on Dec. 9. <br /> According to its listing, the home, which was listed for sale in September at $29.9 million, features eight bedrooms that include two bunk rooms; an epicurean kitchen with a 15-foot kitchen island; an Alice-in Wonderland-like play area; media room; and a separate second-floor guest house. <strong>The Corcoran Group</strong> agents <strong>Candace and Phil Friis</strong> handled both sides of the deal. <br /> The Hills bought the property in 2002 for $2.8 million from Ocean Ridge Development Company, with Frank E. McKinney as manager. The latest purchase was a record sale for Ocean Ridge, said Phil Friis, beating out the $19.879 million sale of 6161 N. Ocean Blvd., which sold in June 2018.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***<br /> </p>
<p>Morris Flancbaum, president of Colts Neck, New Jersey-based custom homebuilder Colts Neck Associates, and his wife, Susan Rizzuto, sold their waterfront home at <strong>250 NE Fifth Ave.</strong>, Boca Raton, for $22 million. The sale was recorded on Nov. 24. The buyer is 250 NE 5th Avenue Land Trust, with attorney Gregory S. Gefen as trustee, records show. <br /> The seven-bedroom, 10,538-square-foot estate sits on a 1.62-acre lot and features marble floors, a dock, summer kitchen and wine room. Flancbaum and Rizzuto bought the home in 2019 for $16.5 million. <br /> <strong>Jonathan Postma</strong> of <strong>Coldwell Banker/BR</strong> represented the seller. <strong>Nancy Gefen</strong> and <strong>Kathy Green</strong> of <strong>Signature International Premier Properties</strong> represented the buyer.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>Newbond Holdings has acquired the newly updated 139-key <strong>Waterstone Resort & Marina</strong>, 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, in an off-market deal, according to a news release. <br /> Newbond Holdings is a real estate investment firm founded by Neil Luthra and Vann Avedisian. <br /> “We were drawn to Boca Raton, and South Florida in general, by the unabated flow of families and businesses relocating to this market,” Luthra said. “The Waterstone is particularly well-positioned within its competitive set in the Boca Raton market. We are making a few select improvements to ensure that the Waterstone will be able to capture a disproportionate share of the future market growth.” <br /> According to public records dated Dec. 7, the Waterstone was purchased for $37.875 million from BB Hotel Owner JV, managed by Matthew Lane, the entity that bought the property for $20.163 million in 1986. <strong>JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group</strong> represented the seller and worked on behalf of the buyer to originate the floating-rate acquisition financing.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>So, what’s the deal with the high-end sales in South County these days? <br /> <strong>Jonathan Miller</strong>, the president and CEO of New York-based Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers and the author of a series of market reports covering almost 40 U.S. markets for Douglas Elliman, has been keeping a chart on U.S. sales that have closed at more than $50 million for 20 years. In 2014, he noticed “a slew of listings for properties worth reasonably $5 [million] to $10 million, that all of a sudden were priced at $30 [million] and $40 million and not selling,” he said. “Other homeowners in the vicinity were also pricing their properties dramatically higher. I called it aspirational pricing. Then we started to see some sales, and it became a new submarket, and it hasn’t stopped.” <br /> The majority of the transactions occur in the Manhattan borough and the Hamptons in New York, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach. “Florida, in general, has become the bigger market,” Miller said. <br /> By mid-December 2021, he saw 39 U.S. sales over $50 million. “It was 29 in 2020, so that’s a significant jump,” he said.<br /> He attributes this to a combination of factors. He reasons that “wealthy individuals have come to put more value in real estate, and that it is affordable in the context of their wealth.” <br /> Additionally, Florida has become more attractive given its looser pandemic rules than those in New York and California, for example. Wall Street businesses are either moving to Florida or considering moving here. People from California and New York, which have high property, state and local taxes, are attracted to Florida and Texas because of the federal SALT tax (state and local tax deduction limits) that went into effect in 2018. <br /> In terms of Manalapan, Miller has noticed that neighboring areas also have seen high-end sales.<br /> “The sale of housing is much more about immediate gratification rather than long term. I think this phenomenon has a long runway in front of it, just because land is a prized asset and it’s tangible,” Miller said. “This segment of the market was created and redefined in the last eight years.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>Home prices are going up. But how long will this last? If you are a prospective home buyer and wondering about that, take a look at the Florida Atlantic University College of Business free website tool, called the <strong>Beracha and Johnson Housing Market Ranking</strong>, which was launched in October. Its interactive graphs show the degree of overpricing or underpricing per month in the nation’s 100 largest housing markets over the past 25 years. The goal is to help people make better-informed buying decisions. <br /> “Being able to see historically how a housing market has performed can help potential buyers visualize where their housing market is in its current housing cycle,” said <strong>Ken H. Johnson</strong>, Ph.D., an economist with FAU Executive Education in the College of Business. Johnson launched the rankings with <strong>Eli Beracha</strong>, director of the Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate at Florida International University.<br /> “They will have a better understanding of the possibility of significant housing downturns or the potential for growth in home values.”<br /> The site is at <a href="https://business.fau.edu/executive-education/housing-market-ranking/housing-top-100/index.php">https://business.fau.edu/executive-education/housing-market-ranking/housing-top-100/index.php</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>Partnering with BrandStar Studios, Manalapan resident <strong>Robert Matthew Van Winkle</strong>, known as <strong>Vanilla Ice</strong>, will be renovating homes on TV again. This time, he’ll use virtual, augmented and mixed-reality technology. <br />Van Winkle plans to find inspiration from high-end celebrity homes, and then, based on a realistic budget, re-create them. BrandStar’s Catapult Productions division will place Van Winkle and his team in a large LED screen that will display the “shell” of the space previously visited. At that point, the renovation will start appearing in augmented reality, with Van Winkle describing how elements of the upscale home can be re-created in a home at a reduced cost. <br /> “I am passionate about helping homeowners achieve what they may have previously thought as impossible as it relates to home remodeling,” Van Winkle said. “The ability to use cutting-edge technology to literally walk our audience through the process of reproducing elements that may have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in these celebrity homes in an affordable manner really excites me and my team.” <br /> To watch previews of <em>The Vanilla Ice Home Show</em>, tune into IG Live, Facebook Live and YouTube starting in the first quarter of 2022.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9966138282,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9966138282,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9966138282?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Walk of Recognition honorees are (l-r) Dan Guin and Jane Tyree for Boca Ballet Theatre; Terry Fedele; Robert K. Rollins Jr.; Edith Stein; George S. Brown Jr.; Lowell Van Vechten on behalf of her late husband, Jay Van Vechten; Tim Snow of the Snow Scholarship Fund. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Boca Raton Historical Society</strong> inducted its 2021 Walk of Recognition honorees in November: <strong>George S. Brown Jr.</strong>, <strong>Robert K. Rollins Jr.</strong>, <strong>Edith Stein</strong>, and the <strong>George Snow Scholarship Fund</strong>.<br /> Brown, deputy city manager of Boca Raton and a former board member of the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, played a pivotal role in developing the partnership between the city and Florida Atlantic University. <br />Rollins, president of the Beacon Group insurance agency, has served on the board of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District for 10 years. He’s also past president of the local Soccer Association and the Boca Raton Rotary Club and served on the board of directors of the FAU Foundation.<br /> Stein is co-founder of the Martin & Edith Stein Family Foundation, which recently donated $5 million in support of a planned arts and innovation center in Mizner Park. <br /> The George Snow Scholarship Fund, which helps students achieve their career goals through the pursuit of higher education, has awarded almost $16 million in scholarships since 1981 to nearly 2,400 Snow scholars.<br /> Because the 2020 ceremony was postponed because of the pandemic, that year’s Walk of Recognition inductees were also honored: <strong>Terry Fedele</strong>; the late <strong>Jay Van Vechten</strong>; and <strong>Boca Ballet Theatre</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Florida Humanities</strong>, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in December awarded the Boca Raton Historical Society a $24,500 grant for general operating costs to help it recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. The NEH received $135 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. <br /> The state humanities councils, including Florida Humanities, each received a portion of the NEH award to support museums, archives, historic sites and other humanities-focused nonprofits. The Boca Raton Historical Society was one of 129 organizations in Florida that was awarded ARP funding totaling $1.88 million from Florida Humanities.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9966136498,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9966136498,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="94" alt="9966136498?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Paul Lykins</strong> of KW Innovations won the Boynton Beach Professionals’ recognition award, following a review process and vote by the management team of the Boynton Beach Professionals leads group. Awards are presented every other month. <br /> “This award was created to honor the member who has done the most for the group and the Boynton Beach community,” said John Campanola, chairman of the group and an agent with New York Life. <br />“Paul has been tirelessly working to promote the group and all of its members. He is an ardent networker throughout Palm Beach County and especially Boynton Beach.” <br />For more information contact boyntonbeachprofessionals@gmail.com</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>GL Homes</strong> received the <strong>Delray Beach Housing Authority’s Making the Difference Award</strong> for its donation of bedding, household goods and furnishings to 18 formerly homeless families. <br /> “Our programs provide working families a place to call home by providing families with rental assistance and affordable housing opportunities,” said Shirley Erazo, president and CEO of the authority. “We applaud GL Homes for their support and generous donation to these needy families.”</p>
<p><em>Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p>
<p> </p></div>Lantana: Rapper’s renovation shows a boost to the town’s economyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/lantana-rapper-s-renovation-shows-a-boost-to-the-town-s-economy2015-07-01T15:00:00.000Z2015-07-01T15:00:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960585060,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960585060,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960585060?profile=original" /></a></strong><em>Rapper-turned TV personality Vanilla Ice renovated a $1.4 million home on Hypoluxo Island and now has it on the market for $5 million. <strong>Contributed photo</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>By Mary Thurwachter</strong><br /> <br /> When rapper-turned-renovator Vanilla Ice and his DIY show, <em>The Vanilla Ice Project</em>, took on a waterfront home on Hypoluxo Island earlier this year, not everyone was thrilled. <br /> A few residents were miffed that a large banyan tree was cut down during the renovating process. Others had a problem with traffic congestion caused by construction deliveries.<br /> But now that filming wrapped up and all 13 episodes have aired, the prettier side of the picture is coming into focus — and that is the economic boost generated by the project.<br /> Lantana Town Council members heard all about it June 8 from Michelle Hillery, deputy film commissioner for the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission.<br /> “For anyone not familiar with the show, host Robert Van Winkle, better known as rapper Vanilla Ice, renovates homes using his own money and expertise in real estate and then puts them back on the market,” Hillery said. “Rob has renovated the home located at 101 N. Atlantic Drive.” <br /> Filming took 6½ months.<br /> Crew members bunked for 252 nights at the Moorings Apartments in Lantana. Local contractors were used, and the crew ate at local restaurants.<br /> Van Winkel paid $1.4 million for the house, put in between $1.5 million and $2.5 million of his own money, and has the house on the market for $5 million, she said.<br /> The property value increase will bring more money to the town in taxes.<br /> “The person who lived in the house before was exempt from having to pay property taxes,” she said. (The county gives 100 percent tax exemption to disabled vets or wheelchair-bound residents.) “The new homeowner will be paying roughly $100,000 in ad valorem taxes in Palm Beach County per year, contributing new money to our local services, including education.”<br /> Season 5 of The Vanilla Ice Project had the highest ratings of any season of the show. Film, television and digital media are key components to promoting tourism in Florida, she said. <br /> “You just can’t buy this kind of publicity,” Mayor Dave Stewart said. “You don’t know what it might bring. ”<br /> Stewart and other local dignitaries appeared in the final episode for a tour of the property and to watch Vanilla Ice arrive in a seaplane.</p></div>Lantana: ‘Ice’ theft charges dropped in plea dealhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/lantana-ice-theft-charges-dropped-in-plea-deal2015-04-29T19:19:25.000Z2015-04-29T19:19:25.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><strong>By Mary Thurwachter</strong><br /><br />Grand theft charges will be dropped against Robert Matthew Van Winkle, aka rapper Vanilla Ice, as long as he fulfills a plea deal that will have him doing 100 hours of community service and meeting a few other conditions during the next year.<br />Van Winkle, a former rapper turned real estate renovator, lives in Wellington and was arrested Feb. 18, accused of taking a patio set, furniture, bicycles, a pool heater and other items from a vacant property next to a house he is renovating on the 100 block of North Atlantic Drive in Lantana.<br />Van Winkle, 47, admitted guilt for the plea, but always maintained the issue was “just a misunderstanding.”<br />According to the police report, Van Winkle said he found the items next to the curb and thought they were trash.<br />After an appearance at the Courthouse in West Palm Beach on March 23, Van Winkle told reporters he never had any criminal intent and is “moving forward.”<br />He agreed to pay $1,333 in restitution to the alleged victim, the estate of Morgan Wilbur III, who died in 2008. He was ordered to stay away from the property, pay $100 for the cost of prosecution, attend a course on theft deterrence and do 100 hours of volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity.<br />Van Winkle said he enjoys volunteer work. Last year, he was recognized by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce as “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” for his community service work.<br />His company paid $1.4 million for the Lantana property on Hypoluxo Island (next to the one where the items were taken), in October. The home will be featured on HGTV and DIY network’s Vanilla Ice Project.</p></div>Lantana: TV renovation show star charged in household thefthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/lantana-tv-renovation-show-star-charged-in-household-theft2015-03-05T15:49:49.000Z2015-03-05T15:49:49.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><span><b>By Mary Thurwachter</b></span></p>
<p> Lantana police arrested Vanilla Ice for burglary and grand theft on Feb. 18 after furniture, bicycles, a pool heater and other household items were taken from a residence next to one the former rapper is renovating. </p>
<p> According to the police report, the burglary occurred at a house in the process of foreclosure in the 100 block of North Atlantic Drive on Hypoluxo Island.</p>
<p> During the investigation, police determined that Robert Matthew Van Winkle, known professionally as Vanilla Ice, played a role in the burglary and theft. </p>
<p> Several of the stolen items were recovered at Van Winkle’s Hypoluxo Island residence and returned to the owner. </p>
<p> According to the police report, Van Winkle said he found the items at the curb and thought they were trash.</p>
<p> Interviewed on ABC’s <i>Good Morning America</i>, Van Winkle said the arrest was “blown out of proportion … it’s a mess and I’m dealing with it.”</p>
<p> Van Winkle’s company paid $1.4 million for the Hypoluxo Island property (next to the one where the items were taken) in October. The home is scheduled to be featured during the fifth season of HGTV and DIY Network’s <i>Vanilla Ice Project</i>. </p></div>Business Spotlight: Bankruptcy auction may freeze Vanilla Ice planhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-bankruptcy-auction-may-freeze-vanilla-ice-pl-12015-03-05T15:30:16.000Z2015-03-05T15:30:16.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><strong>INSET BELOW:</strong> <em>Rob Van Winkle</em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p> Remember last fall when this column covered an item about <b>Rob Van Winkle</b>, aka “Vanilla, Ice,” who was looking for an investor for 4020 S. Ocean, Manalapan? The idea, marketed via a YouTube video produced by Realtor <b>James Arena</b>, was that the <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960558901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960558901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="304" class="align-left" alt="7960558901?profile=original" /></a>investor would buy and renovate the house (currently owned by <b>Ken Brown</b>), and Vanilla Ice would manage the project and feature it on his TV show. </p>
<p> At this point, Arena and Van Winkle bill this investment opportunity as a demo and rebuild, but the heat is on due to a court-ordered auction of the property. As such, the Vanilla Ice offering might melt away.</p>
<p> In January, Van Winkle did talk with the town of Manalapan’s administrators about the possibilities of demolishing and rebuilding the property, but in mid-February, “Mr. Brown came in and told town officials that the Vanilla Ice deal fell through,” said Lisa Petersen, town clerk.</p>
<p> A live auction is currently being advertised by <b>Fisher Auction Company</b>, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. by order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida — West Palm Beach, with a case number naming Brown as the debtor.</p>
<p> “My firm is handling the auction on behalf of secured creditors for the bankruptcy court,” said <b>Lamar Fisher</b>. “To prequalify, bidders must put up $500,000 48 hours in advance of the auction, which will be held at the house. Starting bid is $6.5 million.”</p>
<p> Bernice Lee, attorney for the Plan Propenent (Wendy Brown), said that “the plan (to auction the property) has been orally confirmed by the court, and parties can bring bidders.”</p>
<p> And that’s the plan for Vanilla Ice, who also is facing burglary charges on Hypoluxo Island. “We are still pursuing the project,” he said. “We have a few investors that are going to be at the auction.”</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559081,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="266" class="align-center" alt="7960559081?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Coastal Living <em>used a photo of Boynton Beach when touting Delray Beach as one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><b>Photo provided</b></p>
<p><b> Delray Beach</b> is ranked No. 4 on <b><i>Coastal Living</i></b><i>’</i>s list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, but this year, it’s aiming for the No. 1 spot. And through March 31, just cast your vote and you can make that happen. </p>
<p> “It’s great to be nationally recognized for something the locals have known all along,” said Delray Beach Mayor <b>Cary Glickstein</b>. So, spread the word on social media with #CLHappyTown and vote online at coastalliving.com/happytowns2015. </p>
<p><i> Coastal Living</i> will feature the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town in the July/August issue and on coastalliving.com. </p>
<p> Never mind that the photograph used initially online and in the print edition actually is of, gasp, Boynton Beach.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Delray Sands Resort</b> in Highland Beach has started hosting Sunday Champagne Brunch in its Latitudes restaurant. The menu includes the chef’s signature French toast, eggs benedict, an omlette station, carving station, and desserts. Pricing starts at $44.95 and includes bottomless mimosas. Call 866-278-2008.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> For the second year in a row, <b>Advanced Dentistry South Florida</b> in Delray Beach earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, which honors excellence among service and health providers who maintain superior service ratings and reviews. “Only about 5 percent of the dental offices in South Florida has performed consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List founder, <b>Angie Hicks</b>. “It’s a really high standard.”</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> David W. Roberts</b> of <b>Royal Palm Properties</b> will host his annual <b>Showcase of Homes</b> on Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 5 p.m., which will feature about 40 open houses in <b>Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club</b>. Call 368-6200.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Group P6’</b>s sales center for <b>327 Royal Palm</b> is now open. Comprising 25 three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 3,177 to 3,500 square feet, will feature Italian designer kitchens and private elevator entries into each apartment. Other amenities will include a rooftop area with an infinity pool, fire pit and ocean and golf course views. </p>
<p> The property, at 327 E. Royal Palm Road, Boca Raton, was designed by architect <b>Derek Vander Ploeg</b>. Pre-construction prices start at $1.3 million. <b>Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty</b>’s development division is the exclusive sales and marketing representative for the project, which is set to break ground this year. For information, visit 327royalpalm.com or call (844) 327-2622.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Wooven Dry Cleaning</b> was accepted as a certified affiliate of America’s Best Cleaners organization. Wooven was required to undergo on-site inspections to determine if it met the organization’s minimum requirements of cleanliness, machinery equipment, stain removal and finishing quality. Wooven will face monthly quality tests and quarterly mystery shopping reports, testing for customer service and quality. About 30 cleaners were certified by the organization for 2015. Wooven has two locations in Boca Raton: 1189 S. Federal Highway and 222 Yamato Road, Suite 103. Call 954-968-6657.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="180" class="align-center" alt="7960559260?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lisa and Chris Ruth of FirstLight Home Care.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span><b>Photo provided</b></span> </p>
<p><b> FirstLight HomeCare</b>, owned by Gulf Stream residents <b>Chris</b> and <b>Lisa Ruth</b>, provides quality affordable, nonmedical in-home care for adults who live in southern Palm Beach County. For seniors, new mothers, those recovering from surgery and others in need of assistance, its services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, driving to doctors’ appointments, personal care and travel companionship. </p>
<p> “We only hire extraordinary people who will provide exceptional care,” Chris Ruth said. “Our entire culture is based on putting client’s needs first and providing the best care possible.” For information, call 271-4644.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> On March 11, <b>Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club</b> will host attorney <b>Jeff Brown</b>, who will speak on the right to die, “Kevorkian to 2015 today.” On April 8, Palm Beach County Sheriff <b>Ric Bradshaw</b> will speak on crime and terrorism, and on May 13, Florida Atlantic University President <b>John W. Kelly</b> will discuss the state of the university. The talks will be held at the City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. For costs and to make reservations, visit goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 852-0000. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine</b> at Florida Atlantic University has received the Ticho Prize from the <b>Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation</b> to stimulate student interest in psychiatric medicine and to enhance education in psychiatry. Scholarships from the endowment fund will be awarded annually to a promising student who is graduating from the university’s medical school to encourage him or her to pursue a career in psychiatry.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> In February, <b>Kaufman Lynn Construction</b> was named to the University of Florida’s inaugural <b>2015 Gator100</b>. Sponsored by the University, the Warrington College of Business Administration and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Gator100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by the university’s alumni. </p>
<p> Kaufman Lynn Construction, founded by Michael Kaufman, a 1981 graduate, was ranked 60th with a compound annual growth rate of 39.61. Kaufman Lynn Construction is a 26-year-old, South Florida-based, full-service construction manager and general contractor. Currently ranked as the eighth-largest general contractor in South Florida by the <i>South Florida Business Journal</i>, the company specializes in the educational, municipal, multifamily, senior living, health care, faith-based, retail and commercial market sectors. Reflecting on the company’s founding and growth throughout the years, Kaufman said, “What first appear as fundamental failures or deflating disappointments invariably prove to be the catalysts to growth and positive change.” </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Institute for Regional Conservation</b> held an event at <b>Green Cay Wetlands</b> in Boynton Beach, featuring <b>James Kushlan</b> and <b>Kirsten Hines</b>, authors of <i>Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens</i>. Their book, an illustrated information guide, advises South Florida gardeners on almost 400 plants to plant, more than 200 birds to attract, garden design and management. Also during the event, the institute demonstrated how its “Natives For Your Neighborhood” website can help with implementing some of the book’s suggestions.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> For the second year, <b>Concierge Palm Beaches</b> received the <b>Best of Boynton Beach Award</b> in the Personal Services category by the Boynton Beach Award Program. Tailored to meet its clients’ needs, Concierge Palm Beaches offers services that include private property management, vendor management, home inspections, rental-property management, alarm contact and response, and seasonal home care. The Boynton Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses and works with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and advertising and marketing groups. Call 880-8283.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Evelyn & Arthur,</b> which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, will recognize World Kidney Day, March 12, with a special fundraiser for the <b>National Kidney Foundation of Florida</b>. One hundred percent of sales of the shop’s orange pashminas and 10 percent of every sale that day will go to the foundation. Shoppers will receive 10 percent off all purchases, and a sneak peek of fashions presented at a Planet trunk show, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shop’s Palm Beach location, 100 N. County Road. Call 833-1551.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Laurie S. Silvers</em> </p>
<p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="189" class="align-right" alt="7960559269?profile=original" /></a> Laurie S. Silvers</b>, founder of Hollywood Media, will speak at the <b>Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County 20th annual Giraffe Awards</b> celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, The Women’s Chamber presents these awards to honor women in Palm Beach County who have “stuck their necks out” for other women by taking on leadership roles.</p>
<p> Silvers, a founder and past CEO of the Sci-Fi Channel, practiced law for 10 years. She served on the board of trustees of the University of Miami, the board of directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and the International Board of Governors of the Children’s World Blood Bank. She is a mentor for at-risk teenage girls with the Women of Tomorrow organization. </p>
<p> The event will take place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Call 659-0285.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Steve Rosen</em> </span></p>
<p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559094,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559094,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="181" class="align-left" alt="7960559094?profile=original" /></a> Lang Realty</b> agent <b>Steve Rosen</b> has been named the company’s first South County regional manager. In his new position, Rosen will be a non-competing manager overseeing all offices from Manalapan to Boca Raton. </p>
<p> From 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, Lang Realty will host its annual <b>Open House Extravaganza</b> giving prospective homebuyers an opportunity to tour more than 300 area listings, priced from $200,000 to more than $4 million. Additionally, Lang Realty will be partnering with <b>Place of Hope</b> with a donation to the organization for each participating residence that is sold. Place of Hope is a child welfare organization that provides services, hope and healing opportunities for area children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. For information, call 989-2100. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to participate in this year’s Fair Housing poster, essay and video contest: “Fair Housing: Together We Build Our Neighborhood.” Students are asked to create works that convey the message that it is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, familial status, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status and gender identity or expression. Entries must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on March 13. Winners will be announced on April 1, and prizes will be awarded April 15 at a reception hosted by the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Inc. For contest rules and information, visit pbcgov.com/equalopportunity/ or call Kathi Dillard at 355-4927. </p>
<p><i>Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.</i></p></div>Business Spotlight: Bankruptcy auction may freeze Vanilla Ice planhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-bankruptcy-auction-may-freeze-vanilla-ice-plan2015-03-05T15:30:14.000Z2015-03-05T15:30:14.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><strong>INSET BELOW:</strong> <em>Rob Van Winkle</em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p> Remember last fall when this column covered an item about <b>Rob Van Winkle</b>, aka “Vanilla, Ice,” who was looking for an investor for 4020 S. Ocean, Manalapan? The idea, marketed via a YouTube video produced by Realtor <b>James Arena</b>, was that the <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960558901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960558901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="304" class="align-left" alt="7960558901?profile=original" /></a>investor would buy and renovate the house (currently owned by <b>Ken Brown</b>), and Vanilla Ice would manage the project and feature it on his TV show. </p>
<p> At this point, Arena and Van Winkle bill this investment opportunity as a demo and rebuild, but the heat is on due to a court-ordered auction of the property. As such, the Vanilla Ice offering might melt away.</p>
<p> In January, Van Winkle did talk with the town of Manalapan’s administrators about the possibilities of demolishing and rebuilding the property, but in mid-February, “Mr. Brown came in and told town officials that the Vanilla Ice deal fell through,” said Lisa Petersen, town clerk.</p>
<p> A live auction is currently being advertised by <b>Fisher Auction Company</b>, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. by order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida — West Palm Beach, with a case number naming Brown as the debtor.</p>
<p> “My firm is handling the auction on behalf of secured creditors for the bankruptcy court,” said <b>Lamar Fisher</b>. “To prequalify, bidders must put up $500,000 48 hours in advance of the auction, which will be held at the house. Starting bid is $6.5 million.”</p>
<p> Bernice Lee, attorney for the Plan Propenent (Wendy Brown), said that “the plan (to auction the property) has been orally confirmed by the court, and parties can bring bidders.”</p>
<p> And that’s the plan for Vanilla Ice, who also is facing burglary charges on Hypoluxo Island. “We are still pursuing the project,” he said. “We have a few investors that are going to be at the auction.”</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559081,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="266" class="align-center" alt="7960559081?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Coastal Living <em>used a photo of Boynton Beach when touting Delray Beach as one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><b>Photo provided</b></p>
<p><b> Delray Beach</b> is ranked No. 4 on <b><i>Coastal Living</i></b><i>’</i>s list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, but this year, it’s aiming for the No. 1 spot. And through March 31, just cast your vote and you can make that happen. </p>
<p> “It’s great to be nationally recognized for something the locals have known all along,” said Delray Beach Mayor <b>Cary Glickstein</b>. So, spread the word on social media with #CLHappyTown and vote online at coastalliving.com/happytowns2015. </p>
<p><i> Coastal Living</i> will feature the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town in the July/August issue and on coastalliving.com. </p>
<p> Never mind that the photograph used initially online and in the print edition actually is of, gasp, Boynton Beach.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Delray Sands Resort</b> in Highland Beach has started hosting Sunday Champagne Brunch in its Latitudes restaurant. The menu includes the chef’s signature French toast, eggs benedict, an omlette station, carving station, and desserts. Pricing starts at $44.95 and includes bottomless mimosas. Call 866-278-2008.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> For the second year in a row, <b>Advanced Dentistry South Florida</b> in Delray Beach earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, which honors excellence among service and health providers who maintain superior service ratings and reviews. “Only about 5 percent of the dental offices in South Florida has performed consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List founder, <b>Angie Hicks</b>. “It’s a really high standard.”</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> David W. Roberts</b> of <b>Royal Palm Properties</b> will host his annual <b>Showcase of Homes</b> on Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 5 p.m., which will feature about 40 open houses in <b>Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club</b>. Call 368-6200.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Group P6’</b>s sales center for <b>327 Royal Palm</b> is now open. Comprising 25 three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 3,177 to 3,500 square feet, will feature Italian designer kitchens and private elevator entries into each apartment. Other amenities will include a rooftop area with an infinity pool, fire pit and ocean and golf course views. </p>
<p> The property, at 327 E. Royal Palm Road, Boca Raton, was designed by architect <b>Derek Vander Ploeg</b>. Pre-construction prices start at $1.3 million. <b>Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty</b>’s development division is the exclusive sales and marketing representative for the project, which is set to break ground this year. For information, visit 327royalpalm.com or call (844) 327-2622.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Wooven Dry Cleaning</b> was accepted as a certified affiliate of America’s Best Cleaners organization. Wooven was required to undergo on-site inspections to determine if it met the organization’s minimum requirements of cleanliness, machinery equipment, stain removal and finishing quality. Wooven will face monthly quality tests and quarterly mystery shopping reports, testing for customer service and quality. About 30 cleaners were certified by the organization for 2015. Wooven has two locations in Boca Raton: 1189 S. Federal Highway and 222 Yamato Road, Suite 103. Call 954-968-6657.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="180" class="align-center" alt="7960559260?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lisa and Chris Ruth of FirstLight Home Care.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span><b>Photo provided</b></span> </p>
<p><b> FirstLight HomeCare</b>, owned by Gulf Stream residents <b>Chris</b> and <b>Lisa Ruth</b>, provides quality affordable, nonmedical in-home care for adults who live in southern Palm Beach County. For seniors, new mothers, those recovering from surgery and others in need of assistance, its services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, driving to doctors’ appointments, personal care and travel companionship. </p>
<p> “We only hire extraordinary people who will provide exceptional care,” Chris Ruth said. “Our entire culture is based on putting client’s needs first and providing the best care possible.” For information, call 271-4644.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> On March 11, <b>Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club</b> will host attorney <b>Jeff Brown</b>, who will speak on the right to die, “Kevorkian to 2015 today.” On April 8, Palm Beach County Sheriff <b>Ric Bradshaw</b> will speak on crime and terrorism, and on May 13, Florida Atlantic University President <b>John W. Kelly</b> will discuss the state of the university. The talks will be held at the City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. For costs and to make reservations, visit goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 852-0000. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine</b> at Florida Atlantic University has received the Ticho Prize from the <b>Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation</b> to stimulate student interest in psychiatric medicine and to enhance education in psychiatry. Scholarships from the endowment fund will be awarded annually to a promising student who is graduating from the university’s medical school to encourage him or her to pursue a career in psychiatry.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> In February, <b>Kaufman Lynn Construction</b> was named to the University of Florida’s inaugural <b>2015 Gator100</b>. Sponsored by the University, the Warrington College of Business Administration and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Gator100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by the university’s alumni. </p>
<p> Kaufman Lynn Construction, founded by Michael Kaufman, a 1981 graduate, was ranked 60th with a compound annual growth rate of 39.61. Kaufman Lynn Construction is a 26-year-old, South Florida-based, full-service construction manager and general contractor. Currently ranked as the eighth-largest general contractor in South Florida by the <i>South Florida Business Journal</i>, the company specializes in the educational, municipal, multifamily, senior living, health care, faith-based, retail and commercial market sectors. Reflecting on the company’s founding and growth throughout the years, Kaufman said, “What first appear as fundamental failures or deflating disappointments invariably prove to be the catalysts to growth and positive change.” </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> The <b>Institute for Regional Conservation</b> held an event at <b>Green Cay Wetlands</b> in Boynton Beach, featuring <b>James Kushlan</b> and <b>Kirsten Hines</b>, authors of <i>Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens</i>. Their book, an illustrated information guide, advises South Florida gardeners on almost 400 plants to plant, more than 200 birds to attract, garden design and management. Also during the event, the institute demonstrated how its “Natives For Your Neighborhood” website can help with implementing some of the book’s suggestions.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> For the second year, <b>Concierge Palm Beaches</b> received the <b>Best of Boynton Beach Award</b> in the Personal Services category by the Boynton Beach Award Program. Tailored to meet its clients’ needs, Concierge Palm Beaches offers services that include private property management, vendor management, home inspections, rental-property management, alarm contact and response, and seasonal home care. The Boynton Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses and works with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and advertising and marketing groups. Call 880-8283.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b> Evelyn & Arthur,</b> which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, will recognize World Kidney Day, March 12, with a special fundraiser for the <b>National Kidney Foundation of Florida</b>. One hundred percent of sales of the shop’s orange pashminas and 10 percent of every sale that day will go to the foundation. Shoppers will receive 10 percent off all purchases, and a sneak peek of fashions presented at a Planet trunk show, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shop’s Palm Beach location, 100 N. County Road. Call 833-1551.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Laurie S. Silvers</em> </p>
<p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="189" class="align-right" alt="7960559269?profile=original" /></a> Laurie S. Silvers</b>, founder of Hollywood Media, will speak at the <b>Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County 20th annual Giraffe Awards</b> celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, The Women’s Chamber presents these awards to honor women in Palm Beach County who have “stuck their necks out” for other women by taking on leadership roles.</p>
<p> Silvers, a founder and past CEO of the Sci-Fi Channel, practiced law for 10 years. She served on the board of trustees of the University of Miami, the board of directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and the International Board of Governors of the Children’s World Blood Bank. She is a mentor for at-risk teenage girls with the Women of Tomorrow organization. </p>
<p> The event will take place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Call 659-0285.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Steve Rosen</em> </span></p>
<p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559094,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960559094,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="181" class="align-left" alt="7960559094?profile=original" /></a> Lang Realty</b> agent <b>Steve Rosen</b> has been named the company’s first South County regional manager. In his new position, Rosen will be a non-competing manager overseeing all offices from Manalapan to Boca Raton. </p>
<p> From 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, Lang Realty will host its annual <b>Open House Extravaganza</b> giving prospective homebuyers an opportunity to tour more than 300 area listings, priced from $200,000 to more than $4 million. Additionally, Lang Realty will be partnering with <b>Place of Hope</b> with a donation to the organization for each participating residence that is sold. Place of Hope is a child welfare organization that provides services, hope and healing opportunities for area children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. For information, call 989-2100. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to participate in this year’s Fair Housing poster, essay and video contest: “Fair Housing: Together We Build Our Neighborhood.” Students are asked to create works that convey the message that it is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, familial status, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status and gender identity or expression. Entries must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on March 13. Winners will be announced on April 1, and prizes will be awarded April 15 at a reception hosted by the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Inc. For contest rules and information, visit pbcgov.com/equalopportunity/ or call Kathi Dillard at 355-4927. </p>
<p><i>Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.</i></p></div>Business Spotlight: Vanilla Ice plans 13 DIY episodes on Inlet homehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-vanilla-ice-plans-13-diy-episodes-on-inlet-hom2014-10-30T14:30:00.000Z2014-10-30T14:30:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538463,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538463,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960538463?profile=original" /></a><em>Rob Van Winkle, aka rapper Vanilla Ice, is offering to do a 13-episode TV show</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>about his renovation of this $10.5 million home in Manapalan.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/video/vanilla-ice-4020-s-ocean-blvd">Watch video</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> Broker <strong>James Arena</strong>, of <strong>Arena and Company</strong>, which has headquarters at the Boynton Beach Mall, has produced a YouTube video starring <strong>Rob Van Winkle</strong>, better known as <strong>Vanilla Ice</strong>, about a property for sale at 4020 S. Ocean in Manalapan. Owned by <strong>Ken Brown</strong>, it’s currently listed by <strong>Marisela Cotilla</strong> and <strong>Michael Castro</strong> of <strong>Douglas Elliman</strong> and <strong>Sheri Reback</strong> and <strong>Mindy Gaines</strong> of <strong>Reback Realty</strong> for $10.5 million. <br /> “This is one of the most unique things I’ve ever done,” Van Winkle said in the video. “We are going to put this on TV, make 13 episodes out of this, and turn this house into something that’s truly magical.”<br /> In an email response, Van Winkle added: “This is a great opportunity for investors or homeowners looking for a jewel in the heart of Palm Beach. The home is a little dated, and it would be a complete new build. This will make for a magical TV show on the Vanilla Ice Project to showcase to the world the beauty of Palm Beach and its wealthy residents. Palm Beach has its own style and flair that is second to none.”<br /> For homes on his show, he always endeavors to take them from dated to amazing, he wrote, using the finest features such as home IMAX theaters, lazy-river swimming pools, pneumatic elevators, award-winning kitchens, rotating automobile turntables for the garage, etc. <br /> According to Arena, the investor can do it as a joint venture and have the property renovated by Vanilla Ice and have it featured on season six of DIY Network’s <strong>The Vanilla Ice Project</strong>. “Rob will be the contractor, and renovate it on air in front of 51 million viewers, then put it back on the market and sell it at a premium.”<br /> Cotilla, one of the listing agents, said that the value of the property is in the land, a double lot on 2.4 acres with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean. The property is adjacent to the Boynton Inlet.<br /> Van Winkle’s company also closed on a Hypoluxo Island property in October. In that $1.425 million sale, Arena represented the seller, and <strong>Angela Kinser</strong> of <strong>Milestone Real Estate Services</strong> represented the buyer. Arena said he was told that the Lantana house would be featured during season five of HGTV and DIY Network’s Vanilla Ice Project.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lord & Taylor</strong>’s corporate nonprofit program, <strong>Shop Smart Do Good</strong>, returns on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., in support of 25 local nonprofits. Organizations sell $5 tickets to the daylong event, and in addition to the deep discounts, refreshments will be offered from area restaurants as well as entertainment by local performing artists. Top-selling nonprofit organizations will receive additional bonus prizes from Lord & Taylor and all ticket proceeds sold on the day of the event are divided between the participating organizations. Lord & Taylor is at 200 Plaza Real, Mizner Park, Boca Raton.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Jan Savarick</em> <br /> <strong> Jan Savarick</strong>, president of <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation</strong>, plans to retire. “Jan is going to be a tremendous loss to the hospital,” said <strong>Jerry Fedele</strong>, the hospital’s president and CEO. “She’s been here for 13 years, and the hospital has evolved from a very good hospital to an academic center. During the last six years, since I’ve been here, I’ve worked with her personally. She does <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538301,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538301,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960538301?profile=original" /></a>it all: major gifts, spectacular community events, the golf tournament, and a big part of the marketing component by reaching out and educating about the services we have here, and she sits in patients’ rooms and holds their hands. She does it all 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”<br /> She is a busy woman. In addition to her role at the hospital, she’s chairwoman of the advisory board for the School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, an honorary board member of Hillel of Broward & Palm Beach, and past president of Donna Klein Jewish Academy. She was named one of South Florida’s Most Influential Business Women of 2012 and a 2013 Palm Beach County Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal. She was the honoree at the annual American Association of Caregiving Youth’s Back to School breakfast in 2013, and most recently received the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Crystal Award in recognition of her involvement in and support of the Levis Jewish Community Center. Savarick also is honorary chair for the 2015 Kiwanis Scholarship Walk for Homeless/Foster Care Students and recipient of the 2015 Rotary Opal Award in Medicine and Healthcare.<br /> Which is why she’s winding down a little, she said. “I will continue with the work I’m doing. I’m not going quite so fast; maybe in four months or so. The hospital has not started the search yet.”<br /> She wants to take some time to figure out the next chapter of her life, she said, and she has so many interests and opportunities, she hasn’t decided on anything specific yet. “I’m seeing too many small nonprofits failing because they are focused only on the good services of their mission. I might want to do some consulting for them; step in to help facilitate for major asks. It’s not something that would make me a millionaire, but it would help others. My primary passion is the world of contemporary art, so I’d like to marry my personal passion with something that I’m doing in the business world.”<br /> <br /> It’s not a walk in the park, but a mammogram can be like a day in the garden or at the beach, or by a waterfall. Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s <strong>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</strong> offers the <strong>SensorySuite</strong> by <strong>GE Healthcare</strong>, which surrounds a woman with an interactive mammography experience designed to stimulate sight, smell and hearing. Studies have shown that when women can choose to have their mammogram in an environmental ambiance they have a better overall experience and are more likely to schedule regular exams. <br /> For those with chronic hip pain who’ve resorted to replacement surgery and still have problems, Boca Raton Regional Hospital orthopedic surgeon <strong>Charles Toman</strong> may have a solution: the gluteus maximus transfer. This procedure divides and reroutes muscle from the gluteus maximus to replicate function of the medius and minimus hip abductors that are torn beyond repair. The gluteus maximus transfer is usually overlooked as an option, however, because X-rays are more commonly ordered than MRIs. While an X-ray may call for a new hip, it’s the MRI that can reveal evidence of atrophy and chronic tearing, which are the probable causes of pain. The gluteus maximus transfer is usually a last resort and is recommended for patients with chronic, degenerative issues or complications from other surgeries. <br /> <br /> <strong>Brenner Real Estate Group</strong>, in cooperation with <strong>Balistreri Realty</strong>, has been awarded the brokerage listing for the sale of 31 luxury condominium units at <strong>Royal Poinciana</strong>, on West Hidden Valley Drive and Northwest 76th Street in Boca Raton, with its sales center at 93 Via Floresta Drive. The owner of the property is <strong>Sabal Financial Group LP,</strong> a hedge fund based in Newport Beach, Calif. The gated community of Royal Poinciana has 90 units, 31 of which have been rental apartment units. An onsite general contractor is renovating these units to make them ready for sale as townhomes by the Brenner/Balistreri team. The units range from 1,930 to 2,410 square feet with three- and four-bedroom layouts and two-car garages, with 50 of the units as two-story, single-family, semi-attached homes and 40 as three-story attached townhomes. Prices will range from $325,000 to $450,000. For information, visit <a href="http://www.royalpoincianaboca.com">www.royalpoincianaboca.com</a> or call 994-8333. <br /> <br /> <strong>Baptist Health South Florida</strong>, together with <strong>Bethesda Health</strong> and <strong>Bethesda Hospital</strong>, signed an affiliation agreement in October. “We believe that this potential affiliation will leverage our shared vision for improving the health of our respective communities,” said <strong>Roger L. Kirk</strong>, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda Health. “Over the coming months, we will be working collaboratively on a strategic business plan to ensure that our mutual goals for the affiliation are closely aligned,” said <strong>Brian E. Keeley</strong>, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. The closing date of the affiliation is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2015.<br /> <br /> In mid-October, the <strong>George family</strong>, owners of 326 and 400 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach since 1915, listed the properties for sale for $21.5 million through <strong>Howard Bregman</strong>, of <strong>Marcus & Millichap</strong>.<br /> “In the last six to 12 months, the Georges have received unsolicited offers for the buildings and they feel that it’s an opportune time to bring their assets to the market,” Bregman said. <br /> “In general, the market in Downtown Delray Beach is very hot. I think it’s only getting hotter. Atlantic Avenue is a very limited area, so barrier of entry is very expensive. I think, in general all development — hotels, condos, theaters — only advances it.”<br /> Around the corner, <strong>iPic Entertainment</strong>’s proposal for a mixed-use development anchored by an eight screen, 529-seat luxury movie theater was accepted by <strong>Delray Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency</strong>, but raised concerns from some local business owners who believe that the theater will cause traffic congestion problems.<br /> “iPic has resubmitted its development proposal, and the access of the alley has been eliminated from the original proposal. Now the access to the garage would be Southeast Fourth Avenue, and not from the alley,” said <strong>Scott Pape</strong>, the city’s Planning and Zoning senior planner.<br /> “We need to review their revised plans, and once we have consensus to move forward, it will go to Planning and Zoning.” No date has been set.<br /> <br /> <strong>Marianne Gourmet Shop</strong>, 803 George Bush Blvd. in Delray Beach, has added hours and menu items. New hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.<br /> “We extended times to help moms pick up healthy snacks and meals to go,” said owner <strong>Sara DeVries</strong>. “We’re offering more kid-friendly foods, like chicken cutlets, and healthy foods, like grilled salmon and shrimp. We have all kinds of casseroles, like macaroni and cheese, and baked ziti with meat sauce.” <br /> Also, keep in mind the gourmet shop’s Thanksgiving menu, she said. “We do the whole nine yards. Come and purchase the whole dinner, or pick and choose items by the pound. Everything is made right here.” In addition to old stand-by favorites like chicken salads, tuna salad and Turkey Terrific Sandwiches with stuffing and cranberry mayonnaise are an array of desserts and daily specials. <br /> “Also, people like to bring in their own dish, and ask us to fill it up with their favorite. They can entertain at home, and their guests will think they home-cooked it.” <br /> <br /> <strong>BCBGMaxazria</strong>, a luxury national-brand women’s clothing boutique, plans to open its doors in a storefront in the 411 E. Atlantic Ave. building by the end of November, if not sooner, said the soon-to-be store manager, <strong>Rena Vatch</strong>, who is currently working out of the company’s Boca Raton Town Center store. Construction is underway and, BCBG is currently hiring sales staff.<br /> <strong>Fresh Produce</strong> opened in October at 401 E. Atlantic Ave. “Fresh Produce clothing has had a strong presence in the Delray Beach area since the 1980s at Dock Square Clothiers,” said <strong>Mary Ellen Vernon</strong>, Fresh Produce founder and chief brand officer. “Everything about this location aligns beautifully with the spirit of Fresh Produce, from the vibrant colors to the calm, casual feel.”<br /> <br /> Early November, <strong>Robert Greenfield,</strong> former owner of <strong>DIG</strong> and <strong>Greenfields on Atlantic</strong>, will open his new restaurant, <strong>Green Fields Organic Bistro</strong>, in Boca Rey Plaza, 4900 Linton Blvd., Suite 14. Offering a smoothie bar, organic foods and other healthy choices, the menu will include salads, soups, organic mac and cheese, wraps, sandwiches, seafood, juices and desserts. Green Fields also will offer take-out and delivery.<br /> <br /> The <strong>Delray Beach Green Market</strong> at Old School Square Park is in its 19th season and will be open every Saturday through May 9, with a few location changes and closures because of festivals. The market will also host two special events this season including the <strong>18th Annual Chili Cook-off</strong> on Feb. 21 and the <strong>14th annual Easter Bonnet Pet Parade</strong> on April 4. This season, more than 65 veteran vendors have returned. Old School Square Park is located on 51 N. Swinton Ave. in downtown Delray Beach. For more information, email greenmarket@delraycra.org or call 276-7511.<br /> <br /> From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20, for this year’s final <strong>Third Thursday Fun-Raiser</strong> at <strong>Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel Tiki Bar</strong>, 10 local restaurants will compete for the coveted title of <strong>Best Bite on the Ave</strong> by offering free samples from their menu. Attendees will select the winner by dropping a special token in their favorite restaurant’s fish bowl. <br /> Attendees will receive their first token (along with five free raffle tickets) upon paying the $5 admission charge, and will receive another token every time they buy a drink (alcoholic or not) at the Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel Tiki Bar. <br /> At the end of the evening, the restaurant with the most tokens will be declared Best Bite on the Ave winner for 2014. Previous winners include Tryst Gastropub in 2013 and Prime Delray in 2012. <br /> This Fun-Raiser will benefit the <strong>HOW Foundation of South Florida,</strong> which works with wounded warriors, and <strong>Project Holiday</strong>, which supports local families who have loved ones serving in the armed forces. Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel Tiki Bar is at 82 Gleason St., Delray Beach. For information, call (561) 278-1700 or visit <a href="http://www.cranesbeachhouse.com">www.cranesbeachhouse.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><em><strong>INSET BELOW: </strong>Bob Weisblut</em> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538668,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960538668,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960538668?profile=original" /></a> It took two years, but <strong>Bob Weisblut</strong>’s little “For Sale by Owner” sign finally produced results, bringing him two potential buyers for his <strong>Ocean Liner Villa Apartments</strong> at 5001 Old Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge, on the same afternoon in September, and finally gaining him a $2.7 million sale by the month’s end.<br /> “When I bought the Ocean Liner 22 years ago, I walked down the street, saw it and wanted it, and I figured I’d sell it the same way,” he said. He figured right. “The day I was leaving for a trip to Peru, <strong>Francois Marcil</strong> and <strong>Frank McKinney</strong> both had an interest in it. I told them I was leaving for two weeks and what could I do on a Saturday?”<br /> Upon Weisblut’s return, Marcil did indeed buy it. The closing was Sept. 30. Marcil, who is planning some renovations, has already painted the roof, Weisblut said. The Ocean Liner, comprising six apartments, was originally a duplex, “but at some point (before his time), the porches closed it up,” Weisblut said. <br /> At first, he was going to rent a unit from Anna Ruggiero, for whom Anna Street was named. “But she passed away and her son, who lived in Georgia, didn’t want anything to do with it. He had no idea who was going to show up that year, because he had no records. He said he wanted out. I loved it, so I bought it.”<br /> But that was a long time ago. “I was ready to sell,” he said. “I want to travel, and that’s hard when you have people depending on you to have things fixed. I’m finished with that.”<br /> <br /> Recently, the <strong>Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches</strong> promoted <strong>Dionna Hall</strong> as the new chief operating officer and <strong>Kim Hansen</strong> as the new director of MLS. On Sept. 6, the association donated $5,000 toward the home of a family in Lake Worth, and spent the day assembling and installing walls. On Sept. 25, they donated $200 to <strong>The Lord’s Place</strong> and $250 to <strong>Quantum House</strong>. Proceeds were raised from continuing education classes sponsored by First American Title. <br /> <br /> The <strong>Mildred Hoit</strong> boutique, at 265 Sunrise Ave. in Palm Beach, will host <strong>Adopt-A-Family Day</strong> on Nov. 4. During this daylong event, a percentage of all sales will be donated directly to the nonprofit organization. The agency has helped more than 40,000 families attain self-sufficiency in its 31 years of service in the community. The boutique offers fashions and designer products including sportswear, jewelry, handbags, lingerie and home furnishings.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong><br /></strong> <em>Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.</em></p></div>Around Town: Vanilla Ice lends fame for Habitat for Humanityhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/around-town-vanilla-ice-lends-fame-for-habitat-for-humanity2012-02-01T18:30:00.000Z2012-02-01T18:30:00.000ZDeborah Hartz-Seeleyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/DeborahHartzSeeley<div><p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368092,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368092,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="360" alt="7960368092?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Rob Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, signs a lamp for Hans Reide of Habitat for Humanity. The lamp will be auctioned</em> <br /> <em>at Habitat's new 'ReStore' opening in Delray Beach. <strong>Photo by Thom Smith</strong></em></p>
<p>By Thom Smith</p>
<p>Check out the tats, the piercings, the hip-hop attire, and the coolness. Cool as ice. Yet, deep down inside, <b>Rob Van Winkle</b>, popularly known as Vanilla Ice, is a regular guy. Oh, sure, he loves fancy cars and the nightlife, and he remains active in show business. In December he played Captain Hook in a British pantomime production of <i>Peter Pan</i>, but if he hadn’t knocked pop music on its derriere with <i>Ice Ice Baby</i> way, way back in 1989, he could very well be a carpenter. </p>
<p>In fact, he is a carpenter, of sorts. In his DIY Network TV series, <i>The Vanilla Ice Project</i>, entering its second season, he renovates homes in Wellington, each episode dedicated to a different room. Tying in with his latest project, he’s hooked up with <b>Capitol Lighting</b> in Boca and <b>Habitat for Humanity</b> for its Making Lives Brighter campaign. Through Feb. 28, anyone who donates old lighting fixtures to any Capitol store will save 10 percent on new fixtures and a tax deduction from Habitat. </p>
<p>“Twenty years ago I would never have dreamed this,” Van Winkle said during a recent stop at Capitol’s Boca Raton showroom to publicize the campaign. “I can’t believe it’s all happened. It amazes me. I’m blessed.”</p>
<p>He added: “I hope we can branch out on the show and go to other areas. I’d like to do something in Palm Beach or Boca. I have friends there.”</p>
<p>Van Winkle autographed a curvy chrome lamp at Capitol that will be put up for auctioned on eBay to raise money for Habitat for Humanity and to publicize the Feb. 18 opening of its Delray Beach “ReStore:” at 1900 N. Federal Highway.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>If you can’t wait for Valentine’s Day for that love life boost, consider that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians — and some present-day experts — have considered garlic an aphrodisiac. So why not start the weekend before with the <b>Delray Garlic Festival</b> at <b>Old School Square</b>? The “Best Stinkin’ Party in Town” offers garlic in every shape and form, competition to crown the 2012 “Garlic Chef,” plus a little music to boot. The entertainment bill this year includes <b>Uncle Kracker</b>, <b>Andy Childs</b>, <b>G. Love & Special Sauce</b>, plus a Sunday full of tribute bands playing the music of Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and Journey. Admission is only $10 per day and proceeds — $350,000 so far — benefit local youth education and arts organizations. To “Eat, Drink, Reek!,” see dbgarlicfest.com. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b>Park Tavern</b> is now open in Worthing Place on Delray’s Atlantic Avenue. It’s from the restaurateurs behind Cut 432, the steakhouse.Brandon Belluscio, one of three partners, says, “It’s an American tavern, focused on farm fresh, local and sustainable foods whenever possible.” On the menu are prime rib, spaghetti and meatballs, salmon tartare, Maine lobster pot pie and other moderately-priced diner favorites, he said. Another partner, Anthony Pizzo takes the lead in the kitchen. <b>Belluscio’s</b> name may ring a bell with Boca diners – he and his father were behind Catch 22 on Federal Highway.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Palm Beach may be the ball capital, but Boca has its share of society galas and the season is heating up. <b>The Building Hope Gala</b>, Feb. 4 at <b>The Polo Club of Boca Raton</b> will celebrate 30 years of work by Food for the Poor. Its goal: Raise enough money to build 100 residences and a community center and begin an animal husbandry project in Deuxieme, Haiti. Tickets, $225, (888-404-4248).</p>
<p>A day later at the <b>Ritz-Carlton</b> in Manalapan, <b>Christopher Kennedy Lawford</b> will speak at the spring luncheon for the <b>Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Programs</b>. Tickets: $150-$500 (844-6400, Ext. 228).</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b>The Boca Raton Museum of Art</b> boasts a stunning display of photographs by <b>Patrizia Zelano</b> and <b>Martin Schoeller</b> through March 18, but on Feb. 18 attention turns to the Boca Raton Resort as the museum looks to the future with its Visionaries Ball. Tickets: $350 and up (392-2500). </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><b>Bethesda</b> <b>Hosptial</b> and its foundation celebrates its 65th anniversary at <b>The Breakers</b> March 3 with the “Phantom Ball,” featuring a performance by Broadway Phantom <b>Davis Gaines</b> and co-star <b>Teri Bibb</b>. Tickets, $350, (737-7733).</p>
<p><span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960368269?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Jose Carreras </span></p>
<p>The <b>Boca Raton Festival of the Arts</b>, which opens March 7 with <b>Jose Carreras</b> in concert, has opened a “pop-up” store at the northeast corner of <b>Mizner Park</b> adjacent to the amphitheater to sell tickets. The pop-up will be open Thursday through Saturday from 5-9:30 p.m. until March 18. </p>
<p>Popping in on the pop-up’s opening day Jan. 19 was historian and Boca winter resident <b>Doris Kearns Goodwin</b>, the festival’s author in residence. She’s on the bill for March 18. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Just opened: <b>Corner Bakery Café</b> in Boca Commons. Fresh breads, sandwiches and salads are served in this chain from Chicago<br /> Zinger’s Deli from New York arrived in Boca at 7132 Beracasa Way. </p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>George Snow Scholarship Fund’s 19th Annual Caribbean Cowboy Ball</span></p>
<p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367275,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="360" alt="7960367275?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> Former Boca Raton Mayor Bill Smith and his wife Bonny, <br /> were decked out in matching shirts at the George Snow Scholarship <br /> Fund’s 19th Annual Caribbean Cowboy Ball on Jan. 28.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367086,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="360" alt="7960367086?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Jason Walton, chief of staff at Lynn University, above, <br /> and Jessica Corneille, below, a 2007 Snow Scholar and a <br /> kindergarten teacher at Forest Park Elementary School,<br /> were also on hand. <b>Photos by Tim Stepien</b></p>
<p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367491,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960367491,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="360" alt="7960367491?profile=original" /></a></b></p>
<p></p>
<p><i>Thom Smith is a freelance writer. Email him at thomsmith@ymail.com.</i></p></div>