West Delray

Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services Breaks Ground

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:30:16 -0500

This morning, at 10:15 A.M., November 12, the ground breaking ceremony was held for the Ruth Rales Delray Senior Center which will be built adjacent to Temple Anshei Shalom, off West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Among the speakers, in addition to the three gentlemen in the picture (l. to r.) Larry Blair, RRJFS Board Chairman; Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson and William S. Bernstein, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of South Plam Beach County were Bob Schulbaum, President of the Alliance of Delray; Ted Deutch, Florida State Senator; Rabbi Sydney Goldstein, D'var Torah, RRJFS Chaplain; and Irving Friedman, President of Temple Anshei Shalom. The 12,000 square foot Senior Center is scheduled to provide a wide array of services and programs to the many seniors who live in the multitudinous communities in the West delray area. The buliding is slated to be completed the summer of 2010.

Consumer Affairs on Half Way Houses

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:43:40 -0500

Topic: Addiction Half-Way Houses Trap: Aaron finally decided to get help for his addiction. He entered a residential treatment facility and four weeks later transferred to a half-way house. The $1,000 deposit and weekly rent for the half-way house was paid by Aaron’s parents. Unfortunately, just two days later, Aaron relapsed and failed to return to the facility by curfew. Aaron was evicted the next day for violating the rules and his parents were not entitled to any refund. Tips: Half-Way Houses are not regulated in Florida and the state Landlord-Tenant Act does not apply to those facilities because residency isn’t the main focus. The key for a successful stay is understanding terms of signed agreements and following the rules. • The best half-way houses have rules and the consequences for non-compliance in writing and apply both consistently. Residents are required to sign paperwork acknowledging their understanding. Always ask for copies of all signed documents. • Violations of the signed agreement may result in immediate eviction and forfeiture of any deposit and rent paid to the facility. Parents who pay for their adult child’s care might not be given copies of documentation or information about an eviction. • Carefully research and visit several locations before selecting one. Talk with the counselors and ask for references. Check their credentials to help determine if this is the right place for you. Walk around the facility to see how well it is maintained. • How long has the half-way house been established? What is the average length of stay? How are issues between residents handled? What assistance is given to residents looking for a job? What circumstances allow for a refund of your deposit? • Ask for a copy of the rules of the agreement. Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision. Take the agreement home and review it thoroughly before signing. Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have had complaints against the half-way house you are considering ************************************************************************************************************. To read my stories in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE. and CLICK HEREhttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boca-raton/sfl-flfinance1108psnov08,0,2703388.story

Veteran's Day Message from Rep. Kelly Skidmore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:22:22 -0500

Dear Friend: Veterans Day--Today we observe Veterans Day. This special day honors America's veterans for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, making our country safe today and for future generations. Florida is home to more than 1.7 million veterans. In recognition of this occasion, I wanted to make you aware of some available veterans related services. Florida Housing Help partners with Veterans Affairs--The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs has been a community partner with the Florida Department of Financial Services to help provide veterans services and programs for which they may be eligible. Veterans Affairs offers assistance with housing as well as medical care and employment for eligible veterans and their families. Often, veterans can receive mortgages with a lower interest rate than most conventional loans. For information on Veterans Affairs, visit the Web site at www.floridavets.org. New Armed Services Advocacy Project--The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County recently launched its new Armed Services Advocacy Project (ASAP). Palm Beach County is home to 1,200 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. The mission of this project is to provide civil legal assistance to active duty armed forces services members and veterans (and their families) who are serving or have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Armed Forces Advocacy Project will provide legal advice, education, counsel and representation with regard to pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment issues free of charge. For more information, please call Elaine Martens, Esquire at 561-822-9706 or emartens@legalaidpbc.org. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593. Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90 ************************************************************************************************************ To read my stories in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE. and CLICK HEREhttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boca-raton/sfl-flfinance1108psnov08,0,2703388.story

Southern Palm Beach County Road Projects

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:41:53 -0500

Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from NW/SW 12th Avenue to A1A—This $4.2 million construction project began January 5, 2009, from just east of I-95 to just west of A1A in Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and landscaping. The work is being performed by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed in November. Restrictions: Travel lanes will be closed between I-95 and Swinton Avenue 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction. On-street parking and access to side streets may be temporarily restricted during those times. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Motorists should expect delays. S.R. 7 / U.S. 441 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 2.9-mile project began February 9, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, guardrail, and signalization. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million. The work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc. and is expected to be completed late November 2009. Restrictions: Lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for paving and other project related work. Motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes when possible. Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries and is expected to be completed summer 2011. Restrictions: Lane closures will occur at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward-Palm Beach County line, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor will install temporary barrier wall and establish continuous lane closures at various locations, as necessary, for drainage work. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Turn lanes will be closed at various locations for safety reasons. Motorists may experience delays. ************************************************************************************************************* To read my story in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

Swing & Jazz Preservation Society Nov. 6 Concert Enjoyed by All

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:32:18 -0500

The Society conducted a free concert for the public at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach this past Friday from 2 to 3 PM. The Sid Parker Quintet and vocalists Roberta De Muro and Steve Leeds provided vocal accompaniment. Under the leadership of Sid Parker playing tenor sax, the group included Johnny Amoroso, trumpet (and vocal on a community sing "Lulu's Back in Town"), Cotton Kent, keyboard; Al Greenstein, bass; and Joe Belanger, drums. The group put on a loose, fun-filled show, designed to be a taste of the good music available during the six show season of the Society that begins November 17. An audience of more than 350 from Boca Raton, Delray and Boynton, mostly seniors, enjoyed the classic popular songs from the 40's and 50's. De Muro and Leeds did a duet on "Makin' Whoopee" a popular tune made famous in the '30's by Eddie Cantor that would make Eddie proud. The quintet featuring solo turns by Parker and Amoroso began the concert with "Take the A Train,"and moved on from there through a program that included "Girl from Ipanema" and concluded with everyone singing "God Bless America" in a salute to victims of the tragic events of November 5 at Camp Hood, Texas. The first Swing & Jazz Preservation Society concert of the new season features the Johnny Amoroso Sextet, Tuesday evening, November 17 at 7:30 PM. Johnny plays trumpet and sings some of the material made famous when he played with Tommy Dorsey as a young man. All monthly concerts of the Society take place at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, the third Tuesday of each month through April 20, 2010. Ticket information call ( 561) 499-9976. Access their website at: www.swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org. ****************************************************************************************************** To read my story in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

Happening at Morikami Museum

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:02 -0500

Japan Through the Eyes of a Child Elementary school-aged children, along with their families and classmates, can step into Japanese culture and experience it first-hand in this exhibition designed especially for them. Four Japanese neighborhoods transport you from Florida to far-off Japan. The exhibition was developed by the National Children's Museum in Washington, D.C. and is funded by a grant from the Kohnken Family Foundation. The extensive, multifaceted exhibit will debut in its new home in The Morikami Yamato-kan on November 7, 2009. Trainstation Japan's public transportation system is one of the best in the world and a great way to see the country. In "Japan Through the Eyes of a Child," kids walk onto a train platform and board the famed Shinkansen Bullet Train. Once inside, they sit in seats from a real Bullet Train and see what Japan's fastest mode of transportation is like. Elementary School Classroom In Japan, kids take off their shoes at school as they do at home and keep their classroom neat and tidy by cleaning it themselves. In "Japan Through the Eyes of a Child," American kids see what a classroom in Japan is like. They don't have to take off their shoes, but they can sit at real desks and discover for themselves what their Japanese counterparts are learning. The black bag hanging from the side of the desk? It's a randoseru, the type of book-bag all elementary school children use. Also here is a giant soroban (abacus) to be used as an aid to teach this ancient calculating device that is still very much in use in Japan today. Kids learn their ABCs in a classroom like this, but also their toyo kanji that make up the Japanese writing system, all 1,800 of them, according to a chart on the wall.

Alliance of Delray Wednesday Nov. 4 Meeting

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:01:21 -0500

Healthcare Status; Answers from a panel of Experts, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach, opposite Morkami Gardens. Doors open at 9 A.M. Meeting begins at 9:30. The public is welcome. Featured Panelists: ...Michelle O. McGovern, from U. S. Senator Bill Nelson's office ...Dr. Fred Carlisle, AARP Volunteer and Advocate ...Tatiana Paradelo, Social Security Administration ...Moses Baskin, Area SHINE coordinator.

Delray Camera Club

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:17:14 -0500

Last Wednesday night after a meeting of the Delray Camera Club we interviewed Stuart Freedman, APSA Photographer and President of the club in preparation for a story about him and the club that I am writing for the Sunday Sun-Sentinel Community News Section that will appear in four to six weeks. Stuart showed me a few of the photographs he took that morning at Green Cay off Hagen Ranch Road. I want to share one of the pictures he took. He calls this "Mated Pair." Outstanding!

This week's Road Building Projects

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:56:38 -0500

Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from NW/SW 12th Avenue to A1A This $4.2 million construction project began January 5, 2009, from just east of I-95 to just west of A1A in Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and landscaping. The work is being performed by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed in November. Restrictions: Travel lanes will be closed between I-95 and Swinton Avenue 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction. On-street parking and access to side streets may be temporarily restricted during those times. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Motorists should expect delays. S.R. 7 / U.S. 441 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 2.9-mile project began February 9, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, guardrail, and signalization. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million. The work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc. and is expected to be completed late November 2009. Restrictions: Lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for paving and other project related work. Motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes when possible. Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries and is expected to be completed summer 2011. Restrictions: Lane closures will occur at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward-Palm Beach County line, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor will install temporary barrier wall and establish continuous lane closures at various locations, as necessary, for drainage work. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Turn lanes will be closed at various locations for safety reasons. Motorists may experience delays.

Alliance of Delray Residential Associations Nov. 4 Meeting

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:37:11 -0500

Healthcare Status; Answers from a panel of Experts, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach, opposite Morkami Gardens. Doors open at 9 A.M. Meeting begins at 9:30. Featured Panelists: ...Michelle O. McGovern, from U. S. Senator Bill Nelson's office ...Dr. Fred Carlisle, AARP Volunteer and Advocate ...Tatiana Paradelo, Social Security Administration ...Moses Baskin, Area SHINE coordinator. The public is welcome!

Renovated Military Trail Wal-Mart

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:32 -0500

We made the trip to the renovated Wal-Mart on Military Trail in Delray Beach on the day it opened in all its expanded glory, Wednesday Oct. 28th. The Mrs. needed an item from the drug department and breakfast cereal from the grocery department. Bring your roller skates! Be prepared to walk what seemed like the length of Dolphins Stadium to journey from one end of the store to the other. But the prices are good. They will probably do harm to the local Albertson’s and Winn-Dixie. Publix looks like they lowered some prices already. Competition in the market place: That’s what benefits the consumer.

Refilled Printer Cartridges at a Good Price

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:47:21 -0500

If you bring Total Ink at 5028 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, (phone (561) 865-1323) your empty brand name printer cartridges they will refill them for you at handsome savings. They also sell toner cartridges and do computer and printer repairs. I've been using their cartridges for several months and find them serviceable. I had a problem with a printer and brought it to them for repair. They charge $15 to look at the problem and add on additonal cost for the repair if necessary. They repaired my printer for only the $15 fee.

Kelly Skidmore Message Week of Oct. 26

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:54:16 -0500

Dear Friend: This year, Florida took a step forward in the war against prescription drug abuse when the Florida Legislature passed, and the Governor signed in to law, legislation creating a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in Florida. I feel very passionate about this issue, which is why I was a sponsor of the bill in the Florida House. In the next few months I will be working with experts in the field to look for ways to build and improve upon the PDMP legislation. I look forward to taking another step forward during the 2010 Legislative Session. Florida is facing a growing prescription drug abuse epidemic that has devastated many Florida families. According to the Florida Office of Drug Control, the rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs in Florida is over three times as high as the rate of deaths caused by all illicit drugs combined. Over 742,000 Floridians illegally use prescription drugs each year. As of last spring, the top 50 dispensing practitioners of oxycodone, nationwide, were located in Florida. Now that Florida has a monitoring system, I hope our state will cease being a prime destination for criminals looking to buy and sell prescription drugs, spreading misery throughout Florida and other states. I strongly recommend you watch the new documentary, “The OxyContin Express,” on prescription drug abuse and the role of pain clinics in Florida. This documentary by Current TV/Vanguard really hits home. You can watch it here: http://current.com/groups/vanguard-the-oxycontin-express/. Get Involved! This fight requires people in the community to get involved. If you are interested in joining the fight against substance abuse, please consider joining the NOPE Task Force, Narcotic Overdose Prevention and Education, for the 3rd Annual NOPE National Candle Light Vigil, which will take place in communities across the nation on Thursday, October 29th, during Red Ribbon Week, a week to raise awareness of drug abuse. The Palm Beach County vigil will be held at Lynn University in Boca Raton. The Vigil Ceremony will be at 6:30pm in the Green Center. The Broward County vigil will take place at 6:30pm at Tradewinds Park in Pompano Beach. For more information and to find a vigil nearest you, please visit www.nopetaskforce.org or call 866-612-NOPE. Lastly, you can get involved in the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse, which includes a Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. The UWBCCSA has regularly scheduled monthly meetings. For more information please contact: Joel Kaufman, Ph.D., Executive Director/Vice President, (954) 760-7007, Ext. 205 or jkaufman@unitedwaybroward.org. The website is www.drugfreebroward.org. In Palm Beach County you can contact the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition at (561) 844-5952 or send e-mail to info@pbcsac.org. The website is www.pbcsac.org. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593 Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

Message from State Sen. Ted Deutch

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:33:52 -0500

Dear Friends, I have very exciting news that will provide a tremendous boost for our campaign. Today, Congressman Robert Wexler endorsed me to succeed him in 19th Congressional District. In addition to Robert’s vote of confidence, I also received the endorsements of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Alcee Hastings and Rep. Ron Klein. I now have the unanimous support of four Democratic Members of Congress who represent Palm Beach and Broward Counties in Congress. I am truly overwhelmed by this outpouring of support from these four impressive Members of Congress. I want to especially thank Congressman Robert Wexler, who has done such an extraordinary job representing the people of the 19th Congressional District over the last thirteen years. Every day in Congress, he fights for the seniors and families of Palm Beach and Broward Counties. His support and commitment to Israel is one that I will passionately continue. His commitment to the people is a model for how I want to serve in Congress. Senator Ted Deutch is a talented legislator who has earned a national reputation for successful efforts to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida's workers do not support Iran's illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. Ted has also passed meaningful reforms protecting seniors and children, and he was recently honored by the American Cancer Society for passing legislation that will reduce smoking and fund nearly $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida. More information may be found at www.tedforcongress.com

Traffic Information sites

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:59:57 -0500

Palm Beach County – Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction projects and maintenance work, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials report. Weather permitting; closures will be in effect on I-95 and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities. For around-the-clock, real-time, I-95 traffic information, call 511. To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s Palm Beach SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) website at www.smartsunguide.com. FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners provide these free services. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.