As the end of the school year approaches, so does spring football season. May 18 marks the first day of many spring games involving teams based in Boca Raton. The schedule will be updated as warranted.

West Boca Raton Community High School
May 18 at West Boca Raton 2pm
Jamboree versus Miami Gulliver Preparatory and Spanish River Community High School

Spanish River Community High School
May 18 at West Boca Raton 2pm
Jamboree versus West Boca Raton and Miami Gulliver Preparatory

Boca Raton Christian School
May 19 at Northwest Christian Academy (Miami) 5pm
Jamboree versus Northwest Christian Academy and Princeton Christian School (Miami)

Saint Andrews School
May 23 vs. Forest Hill Community High School 7pm

Pope John Paul II High School
May 24 at Ransom Everglades (Miami) 7pm

Olympic Heights Community High School
May 30 at Wellington Community High School 7pm

Boca Raton Community High School
May 31 vs. Santaluces Community High School 7pm

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BOCA RATON — The Boca Raton Museum of Art has announced its continued participation with Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment of the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012.

The complete list of participating museums is available atwww.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Director Steven Maklansky describes the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s participation in the Blue Star Museums as part of its core mission of building community around the arts. “A museum is a community and a family arena for contemplation, inspiration, and rejuvenation. The Boca Raton Museum of Art is excited and honored to participate in the Blue Star Museum program.”

“Through Blue Star Museums, the arts community is extending a special invitation to military families to enjoy over 1,500 museums this summer,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman.

“This is both an opportunity to thank military families for their service and sacrifice, as well as a chance to create connections between museums and these families that will continue throughout the year. Especially for families with limited time together, those on a limited budget, and ones that have to relocate frequently, Blue Star Museums offers an opportunity to enjoy one another and become more fully integrated into a community.”

  ”As we enter the third consecutive year of the Blue Star Museums program, we are happy provide an opportunity for our nation’s service members and their families to connect with our national treasures,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Through this distinctive collaboration between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,500 museums across the United States, military families have an unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country’s finest museums for free.”

This year, more than 1,500 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 300 new museums this year.

Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. The effort to recruit museums has involved the partnership efforts of the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children’s Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers.

This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and 70 children’s museums. Among this year’s new participants are the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, Virginia, the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, NM, the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, Ohio, the Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco, California, the Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, and the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado

BOCA RATON, FL –  Boca Raton Regional Hospital today announced that Edith Helft has been named its Volunteer of the Month. Mrs. Helft has been a Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League volunteer for just under 22 years, having joined in November 1990. Her original assignment, a Nursing Service Assistant on the 6th floor, is that one she still holds today and where she has earned 4,700 hours of service. 

Mrs. Helft and her husband, Norman – also a 22-year volunteer at Boca Regional – moved to Boca Raton in 1983 from Westchester County, New York. Mrs. Helft has a long history of volunteering, serving as the president of Fight for Sight and volunteering with the Leukemia Foundation in New York. She was one of the original members of her Boca Raton community’s Choral Society, which entertains residents in assisted-living facilities.

The Helfts have two sons, two grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

The Volunteer of the Month award recognizes members of the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League staff at Boca Raton Regional Hospital who demonstrate outstanding compassion for patients and their families, donate numerous volunteer hours, and perform an exemplary job on a consistent basis.

By: Malcolm Shields

@BocaRatonSports

After weeks of practices, West Boca Raton enters its spring jamboree on May 18 with competition in key positions and a new mentality after a strenuous offseason. “Our offseason was more important than our spring because we had to get stronger to compete with the district that we are in,” West Boca Raton head coach Willie Dodaro said. “The district that we are in is a powerhouse with a lot of good teams.”

Those teams in District 13-7A includes Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, who fell a game short of reaching the 7A state finals in 2011, district runner-up Royal Palm Beach and Atlantic High School. Although the Bulls finished with a 3-3 district record in 2011, all three of its district losses were against Dwyer, Royal Palm Beach and Atlantic.

For West Boca Raton, the spring has been a process of molding a team to be ready for action in September. “Coming out here and trying to get things together, it’s been a slow process; putting kids in positions that we lost from the past year and filling some holes, but we are pleased,” Dodaro said.

On offense, the Bulls will have more depth at the quarterback and running back positions as newcomer Paul Colombo and incumbent Zach Miner competed for the starting quarterback position during spring practices.

In the backfield, expect the Bulls to rely heavily on the running back tandem of Eugene Bethea and newcomer Dave Tanis. Last season, Bethea carried the ball over 150 times for the Bulls. The six foot senior can expect to split carries with Tanis. Tanis, formerly of Olympic Heights, will be complementary change-of-pace running back to Bethea.

On defense, gone is highly recruited and University of Miami commit Ja Wand Blue. The Bulls will have a solid core of linebackers led by Michael Fiore, Evan Pilgrim and Nick Telford.

The Bulls matchups in the spring jamboree will be against Miami Gulliver Prep and Spanish River High School. Gulliver Prep went 8-3 in 2011, reaching the region 4-4A finals. The Bulls defeated Spanish River 23-0 in the regular season last season.

2011 Record: (3-7, 3-3 District 13-7A)

Head Coach: Willie Dodaro

Spring jamboree: May 18 at 2pm at West Boca Raton High versus Miami Gulliver Prep and Spanish River High

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In celebration of Mother’s Day on May 13th, the Boca Raton Tribune is holding a “Mommy & Me” photo contest on our Facebook page. Readers are encouraged to submit a photo of themselves, alongside their mother. Those photos will be placed in an album in our Facebook page and whichever photo receives the most LIKES will be the winner of an Ovenella ( www.ovenella.com)  $ 50 gift certificate.

Please submit your photos on our Facebook wall: www.facebook.com/BocaRatonTribune

BOCA RATON - The annual Walk of Recognition, presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society, added four new “stars” at a ceremony May 3 at the walkway under the Mizner statue at Royal Palm Place.

The new stars are for Sandra Greenblatt, Howard McCall, Holli Rockwell, and Anne Vegso, who have demonstrated a significant long-term commitment to serving in the interest of Boca Raton and have enriched the lives of its citizens.

Sandra Greenblatt has been an honorary board member and active volunteer and supporter of the Tri County Humane Society for 15 years, where she spends numerous hours each week walking and socializing dogs available for adoption. As a Lifetime member of Hadassah, she actively supports the Boca Raton Jewish Community; she helped start the “Meals on Wheels” program and at the Levis Jewish Community Center, she encourages the growth of artistic talent among young people. Sandra has used her generous nature and humble spirit to enrich and improve the lives of thousands of animals and people.

Howard McCall, moved to Boca Raton in 1957 when he opened his architecture practice. Boca Raton was a small town at that time and Howard became active in the growing community, helping to shape the modern city of Boca Raton. Howard served as president of the Spanish River AIA Chapter; served as president (and other offices) of the Boca Raton Rotary Club and served on the Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board and later the Boca Raton Historic Preservation Board for many years.

In his retirement, Howard continued to remain involved using his gifts and talents for projects at St. Gregory’s Church and other charities. Howard will join his wife Peg McCall’s star on the Walk of Recognition.

Holli Rockwell has made a lasting impact on the city of Boca Raton through her volunteerism, fundraising and philanthropy to support health care, education and the arts within the community. She has supported Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the American Cancer Society and FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She is also a patron of the arts and is a supporter of Boca Ballet Theatre and the Keith C. and Elaine H. Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center.

Anne Vegso has brought joy and stability to the Boca Raton community for years. She began volunteering with the Junior League, where she has served on many boards and committees including the League’s headquarters, the Vegso Community Resource Center. Anne is currently president of the board for Horses and the Handicapped, where she spearheaded the building of a stadium so clients could work under cover, and where she provides scholarship support among other things.

AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) has benefitted from Anne’s efforts through a campaign to build “Casa Vegso,” a residential facility for women and children, and where Anne has actively served on the board.

Anne is a tireless volunteer who has made a significant impact on the lives of many. Anne was selected as the Woman Volunteer of the Year in 2005; was a March of Dimes Woman of Distinction in 2006; and was made an honorary member of AVDA and founding member of “Anne’s Steps” in 2008.

Instituted in 1997, the Walk of Recognition award has been presented to 74 deserving members of the community.  Each inductee’s name is inscribed in a stunning black granite plaque, which is set into a commemorative monument featuring the mission of the program beneath the Mizner statue in Royal Palm Place. The plaques are underwritten by Marta Batmasian as part of her commitment to the community.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Broward Seaside Burrow, a chapter of Florida Atlantic University’s National Alumni Association, recently presented the seventh annual Shindig at FAU’s Davie Campus. This upscale western-themed fundraiser celebrated a commitment to higher education while recognizing the “Wave Makers” who have shown exceptional dedication to the University and its Broward campuses.

“Wave Maker” honorees for 2012 were AutoNation, as the corporate partner; the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, as the community partner; and Sheriff Al Lamberti, as the Outstanding Alumnus. Additionally, the Ginny Miller “Pearl of Broward” award was presented to Marsha Levy for her leadership, advocacy and support of the University. The prestigious award was designed and donated by seven-time sponsor, P.J. Rossi Jewelers, and is named for Broward community leader and FAU supporter Virginia “Ginny” Miller, the first recipient of the award.

Honorary Chair Howard Schnellenberger and event co-chairs Kathy Molinet ’95, ’04 and Sharon Ragoonan ’01, were delighted to spearhead the event, which raised money to support student scholarships, as well as alumni initiatives at FAU. To date, the event has funded more than 200 scholarships for FAU Broward students.  

Known for its casual atmosphere and sumptuous menu, the Shindig has been a sellout since its inception. This success is due in large part to the sponsors and more than 225 top business and community leaders, FAU alumni and friends of the University who attend each year.

Sponsors included Alan & Marsha Levy; AutoNation; Broward College; Broward Health; Dirt Pros; Generation Debt Free; the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; the Molinet Family; Paladin Global Partners; and James B. Pirtle Construction Company.

For more information, contact the Office of Community Relations at 954-762-5300 orcommunityrelations@fau.edu.

Boca Raton, FL – An off duty Boca Raton Police Officer was at the right place at the right time Monday afternoon.  Around 4:30 pm while passing through the parking lot of Flannigan’s Restaurant, the officer spotted a SUV with two people in it and a third nearby looking into car windows.  When the suspect outside the car noticed the officer, he got back into the SUV and it drove off.

The officer called into the Boca Raton 911 dispatch center and advised them of what he just witnessed.  The officer followed the SUV onto Palmetto Park Road where on duty officers quickly arrived and stopped it.  The three occupants were questioned and all gave differing stories.  One suspect had cuts on his hands and small pieces of glass in his shoes consistent with glass from a car window.  A check of the Ford Explorer turned up a checkbook in someone else’s name, a window punch tool, and other items. It was determined the checkbook was taken from an auto burglary at Boca Inlet Park. A check of the area where the SUV was parked in Flannigan’s turned up a black purse in the bushes.

Arrested were Myron Stanley of Lauderhill, Brian Abrams of Pompano Beach and Garrick Troutman of Oakland Park.  All three were charged with Loitering & Prowling, Petit Theft and Possession of Burglary Tools.  Troutman was also charged with Providing a False Name while under arrest for giving officers different names when being questions.

Arrested:

Myron Stanley               Brian Abram                Garrick Troutman

DOB: 2/14/86               DOB: 7/26/90               DOB: 11/25/90

Lauderhill, FL                Pompano Beach, FL     Oakland Park, FL

Boca Raton, FL – The Boca Raton Police Services Department Tactical (TAC) Team and other officers were busy on Tuesday cracking down on suspects committing residential burglaries.  Around 10:30 AM members of the TAC Team were patrolling the neighborhoods in Strathmore and Boca Madera.

While on patrol, officers spotted a dark blue Chrysler 300 with windows tinted, much darker than allowed by law.  Officers monitored the car as the occupants drove down NW 34th Street.  A check of the license plate showed the car came back to a rental car agency.  Officers observed the car as it drove throughout the neighborhood without an apparent destination before pulling it over.

Officers immediately smelled marijuana coming from the car.  Both occupants were questioned and had differing stories.  One occupant, Adrian Brown said he was from Lauderhill but could not explain why they were in that neighborhood.  The other suspect, Rodney Stephens, also from Lauderhill said he was going to a job interview but could not provide where it was or provide any verifying information.  Stephens later admitted that they came to Boca Raton to break into houses.

Both suspects were charged with Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and not wearing seatbelts.  Brown was also charged with not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign and the tint being too dark on the vehicles windows.

Arrested:

Adrian Brown                 Rodney Stephens

DOB: 1/21/91                  DOB: 5/17/92

Lauderhill, FL                 Lauderhill, FL