Boynton Beach.com Blog

The Joys of Living Here!

Victoria — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:21:55 +0000

Phillip and Shirley Killian, formerly of Ridgefield, Connecticut, give us their thoughts in their own words, about one of our area’s unique attractions; Wakodahatchee Wetlands which are located on Jog Road, south of Woolbright Road, just before Lake Ida/ Sims Road. Admission is free for everyone.

Thoughts on the current wood storks nesting in Wakodahatchee, May, 2012.

When we moved to Boynton Beach several years ago, we discovered Wakodahatchee Wetlands, and being nature lovers, we were immediately drawn to it again and again, and it became a favorite place for our morning walks. Over the years we have happily watched great blue egrets, ibises, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, tri-color egrets, red-wing blackbirds, cormorants, moorhens, stilt birds, grebes, grackles and even alligators and raccoons raise their young at Wakodahatchee. My husband, a neighbor and I are often at Wakodahatchee Wetlands on any given morning around 7:45, taking our morning walk along the mile-long boardwalk.

Surprisingly, this year, we started noticing groups of wood storks around the wetlands; then we saw them gathering sticks and taking them to the cypress trees, and we thought, ” Are they making nests?” We didn’t really believe they would build nests in the short cypress trees they had settled upon in the wetlands. We knew they were endangered birds and we had observed them many years ago making nests in very tall cypress trees at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples, FL.

As the days went by, we were still skeptical, but several storks remained on the cypress trees, and it appeared that some of them were sitting as if they were on nests, but we were still weren’t convinced they were nesting. The cypress trees are far enough away from the boardwalk that even with binoculars, we couldn’t be sure what was going on.

One day as we approached the area of the wood stork encampment, a lady was watching them intently and snapping pictures, so we stopped and pointed our binoculars at the storks. She said, “Aren’t they cute?” We said, “What? Are there baby wood storks?” And there they were! Little white fuzzballs with “small” versions of the enormous bills that adult woodstorks have. We felt joyful as we saw the fuzzy little chicks with their big bills sitting in their nests, because we knew that the reclaimed wetlands of Wakodahatchee had successfully persuaded the endangered wood storks that there was food and sanctuary in their beautiful preserve.

BOYNTON BEACH BLOSSOMS

Victoria — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:35:30 +0000

“Blossoming” seems like the right words for what I see happening. Before I attended the gathering of City leaders discussion of the City’s progress held at Woman’s Club last week, I was aware of it. It started when the CRA’s new home was placed at 710 North Federal Highway which had been a blighted eyesore for years.

Recently a very smart person saw the opportunity in the low priced property set back and across Federal from the CRA office. Bought a large parcel and recently opened the booming eatery/pub with music called Cuthill’s Backyard. Peaceful and friendly with great food during the day, it is transformed into a rocking, gregarious packed group at night. Success follows success so there will be more developement in that area.

Always thought of developement in Boynton Beach in THREE CIRCLES…. The circles being the historical governement area (City Hall and old Boynton Beach High School) the Marina area and the North Federal area, however, there is an area just west of I-95 Boynton Beach Ave (Industrail Arts District) which deserves mention because it is now a hotbed of artistic talent. That talent works 24/7 in an environment which is safe and hospitable.

A new Boynton Beach is emerging. Start looking at the very real possibilities which exist here in our own back yard!

Can Boynton Beach go viral?

Victoria — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:50:53 +0000

Going viral means different things so let’s just focus on the one area which has changed the way we get and transmit information, the Internet

May lose a lot of you from reading this because the Internet is something to which you have not felt connected. Except for emails from friends and family you don’t have the time or inclination to explore it. Hope you stay awhile to see what I have to say. And because you are reading this…share your ideas

The Internet can allow you to explore what interests you. It is all on your time. Time is something which can not be extended not matter what our financial situation. The Internet is yours to use whenever you feel like it….24/7, no time schedules. That levels the “playing field” because most of us now have less money and more time.

Going viral with ideas of does not call for excessive costs, just focused thinking and good planning.

Right now you are on BoyntonBeach.com. It is the top domain name for our City. So much easier to go viral. No need to build a brand. It is here and its use offered to our City leaders. No one has come forward.

So let me state it again, “How can BoyntonBeach.com help you.” All that is asked is that you direct and encourage the technical staff needed to make the changes on the website which thoughtful focused planning deems necessary.

WXEL-FM 90.7….I Miss You.

Victoria — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:36:15 +0000

Despite the efforts of many local listeners WXEL was sold to Classical South Florida (CSF) and was renamed WPBI after the station’s purchase in May 2011.

Until last Wed. (9/14) the format which we had grown to enjoy; a mix of classical music, local and national news, locally produced programs about the arts, culture, financial matters and community information events continued.

Now FM 90.7 is around the clock classical music and the all news station is FM 101.9. The bulk of the 101.9 programming will be national and international shows provided by NPR, the BBC, the CBC in Canada and American Public Media, which is the St. Paul, Minn.-based company CFS is affiliated with. Local events will be one-minute features and local programming will be featured at 7 on weeknights on FM 101.9.

In the past I started my day with WXEL news. Although I have read that the 101.9 signal has been boosted from five watts to 250 watts, I have not been able to receive the station on my radio. I can hear it online. Online just doesn’t work well for me at the start of my day.

So for the present I get my early morning news from the Miami based WLRN-FM 91.3

WANTED: ARTISTS WITH A VISION OF BOYNTON BEACH!

Victoria — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:08:51 +0000

We need the vision which artists can bring for the betterment of Boynton Beach. Our City did a branding survey. “Struggling” and “family friendly” topped the list. The full news story is found here: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/boynton-beach-branding-surveys-top-response-city-struggling-1409775.html

Most cities of our size are struggling. “Family friendly” is a great complement when you consider the generations and diversity which live harmoniously in our City. Our Mayor says that he wants “to craft a message which distinguishes the city’s attributes and unique characteristics.”

The unique characteristic of Boynton Beach is that it has a fishing fleet which excels in fishing AND friendliness. Learned it firsthand when I was able to get my winter visitors fresh fish from the docks like I had done IN THE 1950′S! They tried the same at other docks and were turned away.

The thought that “this treasure” could be surrounded with more high-risers with more empty units is a vision which I find disturbing.

Artists can see the future better than most. To the local artists, I send a call…if you have a certain vision for Boynton Beach, put it on your website, let me know and I will link to it.

If you have ideas and no website, that may take a bit longer but I will work to get you recognition for your efforts.

EDITORIAL: ATTENTION DISTRICT 2 and DISTRICT 4 VOTERS

Victoria — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:56:17 +0000

Those who vote in District 2 and 4 have A BIG DECISION to make.

Maybe the District 4 voters think that the Downtown is not their concern. It most certainly is. A vibrant downtown will eventually lower your taxes. Yes, it is a CRA district for now and the CRA did not do its true function in the PAST. I believe it will…in the FUTURE with the right CRA Board of which your District 4 will be represented.

Marlene Ross voting record is one of a “follower”. You deserve “a leader” and you will get one in DON SCANTLAN. I have observed him as a member of the Financial Advisory Committee.

District 2 has a clear choice. Woodrow Hay did his best and it isn’t good enough. VICTOR NORFUS has been working for you for years. It is time to reward his efforts.

Invitations have been delivered to all candidates:
Candidates Forum 2011
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church
900 North Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach – (561) 732-2377
Saturday, March 5th 11am – 1pm
NOTE: Please do not be deterred because this is the black section of our City. You will be surprised by their caring, kind, intelligent concern for our City.

As explanation:

My homestead is just two blocks south of City Hall on Seacrest Blvd. I could walk to the Library and City Hall. We tend to drive but I can tell you those who walk see much more. The slower pace lets you connect things.

In the 50 years I have lived in Boynton Beach I have observed:

People come from other municipalities to our Library, It is friendly, welcoming and well run. I recall when it was discussed to put the Library on Federal Highway (where there is now a city park) across from the almost empty Promenade. Smarter minds prevailed then

About City Hall…totally different feeling. 9/11 made us a bit more paranoid…but there has always been the “US/they feeling” in City Hall. Some City adminstrations more than others. Learned in business, and saw it firsthand, that this attitude always comes “from the top down.” Somehow citizens don’t demand the respect they deserve. If you don’t DEMAND it by VOTING or meeting participation you won’t get RESPECT. Trust me on that one.

Remember our taxes pay their salaries…no matter if the funds come from our tax roll OR grants from Washington or Tallahassee. We MUST spend that money well, especially during these difficult financial times.

I see our present election as A CROSSROAD. That is why I am coming out so STRONGLY

Think of the PAST as something which is gone but you must learn from it. It will keep us from making the same mistakes and its insights allow us to build on our successes. One thing is certain…we can’t go back and change things

The FUTURE is our vision, our hopes, our dreams. If you read this blog you know that the vision of a vibrant downtown will be directed by the City Commission who now sits as THE CRA BOARD. WE NEED THE BEST COMMISSION your votes can get us.

DISTRICT 2: Victor Norfus
DISTRICT 4: Don Scantlan

Mayor Stifles Resident’s SPIRIT but SOUL wins Out

Victoria — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:43:34 +0000

I believe that this is an accurate description of what Mayor Rodriquez did at last night’s (2/17) Commission/CRA workshop meeting and how it worked out. Don’t know whether this meeting was taped. It should have been. My District 3 Commissioner Steven Holtzman was present during the City staff and CRA presentations as they appeared on the agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Overview of the Vision and Downtown Master Plan/City/CRA Vision
3. Economic Development Perspective on Boynton Beach
4. Review of Current Projects
5. Short and Long Term Project Ideas

Before the PowerPoint presentations of these three:

Michael Weiner, “Authentic Themes, Concepts and Ideas”
Owen Duke, Patrinely Group
Donn Colee – Benzaiten

Commissioner Holtzman, an attorney, reiterated that he felt the three were “lobbyists” and should have registered as such. There was legal talk back and forth as Mayor Rodriqez and some Commissioners sought clarification from City Attorney Jim Cherof.

It was decided that Michael Weiner, an attorney and City property owner, would speak. Commissioner Holtzman left the meeting. Michael Weiner and Owen Duke spoke at great length with accompanying PowerPoint presentations. When it was Donn Colee’s turn, Commissioner Orlove explained that because he had requested the “Benzaiten concept” presentation be put on the agenda and because he did not want to put them in jeopardy of lobbying laws as discussed earlier; he, Commissioner Orlove, would give the PowerPoint presentation and he did.

Now it was the turn of these citizens/taxpayers/long-time residents:

Victoria Castello – Three Circles Concept
Dr. Martha Meeks-Light – The Heart of Boynton

to speak.

I am Victoria Castello. I don’t think I spoke more than a minute when Mayor Rodriquez started to criticize what I was saying. I didn’t pronounce Michael Weiner’s name correctly. I thought it was a joke…how many times I am called Costello instead of Castello. Really was taken aback when everything I said annoyed our Mayor. Would love to hear the tape…because Commissioner Orlove willingly and smilingly answered my question. Rodriguez roared “Stick to the Three Circles”. I tried to explain…but then I asked, “Are you directing me as to what I can say. He said, “YES!”. “Then I won’t speak.” I replied, and left the podium to sit down.

Marian Anderson 1940 - photograph by Carl Van Vechten

Then it got so wonderfully surreal because Dr. Martha Meeks-Light spoke with such fervor and eloquence of what her community…the black community… once had and wanted again. Hers was THE THREE CIRCLES …HEART, SOUL and SPIRIT. Her son, Victor Norfus, distributed what follows to the remaining elected officials.

Marian Anderson – A Voice of Hope photograph by Carl Van Vechten taken in 1940 – Click Here to See Her Presentation

Such ended an evening where the full moon shone over the waters of our Intracoastal. I left feeling that I had witnessed a real/true/authentic essence, something so very special, in Dr. Meek-Light’s presentation. “Will those whom we have elected to lead us understand what just happened?” was going through my mind as I walked away from a lovely pavillion.

May they be granted the wisdom to open their minds and do what is fair and honorable.

UPDATE:

Thought about it and realized that citizens should be treated with respect. This morning 2/21 I emailed our City Manager:

From: Victoria Castello

To: Bressner, Kurt

Cc: Brooks, Vivian ; Rodriguez, Jose ; Ross, Marlene ; Orlove, Bill ; Holzman, Steven ; Hay, Woodrow ; Greene, Quintus ; LaVerriere, Lori

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 10:45 AM

Subject: THE THREE CIRCLE: Return value to the community by enhancing economic development opportunities.

Good Morning City Manager Kurt Bressner,

I AM MAKING A FORMAL COMPLAINT.

At the Commission/CRA Joint Workshop Meeting held at Intracoastal Clubhouse on February 17, 2011, I was denied the right to speak on the above-captioned subject.

In an earlier email to Interim Executive Director, Vivian Brooks, to which you (and those that I have copied here) and were all copied, I explained that I would be speaking without PowerPoint presentation for 15 minutes. I knew that there would be PowerPoint presentations by Vivian, Quintus Greene, and the three presenters/lobbyists.

On the afternoon of February 17th I went to the CRA office and thought that the I could view such presentations. They were too busy. I was not given any information about the presentations which would precede me.

To be verbally pushed around by Mayor Rodriquez…if you have a tape you can see/hear what happened….was demeaning and insulting to a long time resident who cares very much about her community.

Sincerely,

Victoria Castello

406 So. Seacrest Blvd.

Boynton Beach, Florida 33435

Boynton Beach: Citizens’ Alert: Tonight is THE NIGHT!

Victoria — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:49:35 +0000

Become more aware of what will happen in the development process to establish downtown Boynton Beach as the focal point of Palm Beach County. How many of you know of it strategic location? Why hasn’t Boynton Beach’s downtown flourished. My thoughts are that former leaders and decision makers thought of Congress Ave as our “downtown”. May seem ridiculous, but it is true. Now is the time to be vigilant. As I write this, here is the agenda for tonight’s meeting:
Commission and CRA Boynton Beach Downtown Development Joint Workshop
February 17, 2011
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Intracoastal Clubhouse
Agenda
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Overview of the Vision and Downtown Master Plan/City/CRA Vision
3. Economic Development Perspective on Boynton Beach
4. Review of Current Projects
5. Short and Long Term Project Ideas

6. Presentations (15 minutes each)
Michael Weiner, “Authentic Themes, Concepts and Ideas”
Owen Duke, Patrinely Group
Donn Colee – Benzaiten
Victoria Castello – Three Circles Concept
Dr. Martha Meeks-Light – The Heart of Boynton

7. Future Direction – Plan of Action

At first there were just the three “lobbyists” giving 15 minute presentations. ”Lobbyists” were what they were called when my District 3 Commissioner Steven Holzman first heard that ”the lobbyist” would be given 15 minutes to speak. He may boycott the meeting. I asked to be put on. And later Dr. Meeks-Light. We are both long time residents.

Are you going to let just two older ladies, one black and one white battle for you for the future of downtown Boynton Beach??? I hope not.

UPDATE:
There will be no COMMISSION/CRA voting tonight so unless the CRA/Commission asks for public input there won’t be any.

Get it…..THIS IS “set up” as A WORKSHOP NOT A MEETING.

However, the more people turn out the better because, YOU who care very much about our City, will be watching.

Powerful Town Meeting in Boynton Beach

Victoria — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:36:32 +0000

On Monday night (1/31) in Boynton Beach the people came to our downtown. They did not see the blighted North Federal area. I believe they saw HOPE because a House of Reprsentative elected official had come to hear them.

St Mark’s Parish Hall was jammed with people who came to see and hear newly elected Rep Allen West. I had to taxi in because I knew that parking would be a problem. Arrived too late to hear Mayor Rodriguez’ welcoming speech but just in time to hear West offer to listen to those who had not voted for him. Made me like the guy immediately.

It was standing room only.

Heard West explain to the crowd that his and the president’s election indicate that most voters do not vote on the basis of race.

Rep West is an articulate and credible speaker.

Saw that Boynton Beach Police Chief G. Matthew Immler was there. I heard at the City Commission meeting (2/1) that Commissioner Woodrow Hay was there.

Donald Scantlan, chairman of the Financial Advisory Board and candidate for City Commissioner District 4, stated the financial plight of our city.

City activist Victor Norfus expressed the need of stopping forclosures which were impacting members of our community. Rep Allen West promised, “..to seek every way possible I can to put more money in the pockets of American individuals, that the most important thing, no more of these bank bailouts, no more of these bailouts for automobile makers.”

Norfus invited Rep West to the Heart of Boynton Heritage Celebration being held at Carolyn Sims Center on February 18th and 19th. Gave him a flyer. Rep West said he would come. I pray that he does attend as the HEART OF BOYNTON BEACH needs to have its “heart” restarted! Rep West definitely inspired this community by his presence and concern.

It was an evening to remember for Boynton Beach.

Boynton Beach Adopts Historic Preservation Program

Victoria — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:54:54 +0000

For over one year the members of the AdHoc Historic Preservation Commission has worked on this. Their recommendation of having a full time preservation planner to guide Boynton Beach’s future efforts in this area was heeded. The benefits are many. Listen to the audio of tonights meeting and you will hear Harvey Oyer speak to us through his son who bears his name.

We uplift our community by showing respect to its history. At tonight’s Boynton Beach City Commission meeting the unanimous vote indicates commitment to this tremendous benefit to the community! I came away with the idea that Boynton Beach was on its way.