CREATIVELY
Speaking BY SUSAN ROSSER
Fred Schorr’s Tree I can still see Richard outside in his bright yellow slicker, trying to save our enormous ficus tree during hurricane Wilma. I can also still hear myself screaming at him at the top of my lungs that he was insane to be outside in 120 mph winds. I’m not sure what his plan was—he and his two-by-fours were no match for the weight of the tree as it swayed back and forth, each gust of wind lifting the shallow roots further and further out of the ground. Thankfully, he came inside unharmed. I can’t say the same for our beloved tree. Our children who were four and five at the time, watched with horror as their old friend was uprooted by the fierce winds. They loved that tree. They knew every nook and cranny. They enjoyed its shade, swung from the branches and simply admired the grandeur. It was part of the family. And now it was gone, crushing our fence with it’s roots pointing to the sky. Neither Richard or I were prepared for how upsetting this would be to Sam and Zoe. Afterall, we were all OK and the house was still standing. By any standard, Wilma hadn’t got the the best of us, but losing that tree made all of us sad. A few days later, a truck came by with a crew from the city. We heard a chain saw and rushed outside to see fast-moving men remove another tree that had been deemed unstable. Angry and upset, I fired-off a letter to Mayor Schorr asking why the tree had to be cut down. He promptly answered our letter and promised to replace our tree because the city had applied for grants to replace trees lost in the storm. At the time, I remember thinking that there was a slim chance he would remember that promise. After all, as Mayor he must have a lot to keep track of. A couple of years later men showed up planting cathedral oak trees all along the north side of 45th street. Except for one tree . . . which they planted on the south side of the street in our yard. I ran out and took a picture. I’m not sure how Mayor Schorr remembered, but there was a new tree that represented rebuilding and caring community leadership. My children saw their mayor make good on a promise and our neighborhood has new and beautiful oaks. It seems like Fred will be remembered for his acumen with drainage, street maintenance and other unexciting civil engineering stuff but our family will always remember that tree. Thank you Mayor Schorr.
circa 2007
ON THE COVER Mayor Fred Schorr at the top of the HIllsboro LIghthouse photographed by Debra Todd.
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AROUND THE Point Jim Heidisch wins Realtor® of Year
On the left of Jim Heidisch is Immediate Past President Charles J. Bonfiglio, Jr. To the right is 2012 GFLR President Stephen B. McWilliam. Photo courtesy of GFLR.
Jim Heidisch could have suspected something was up when his wife voluntarily chose to attend the annual dinner for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Association of Realtors (GFLR). When the announcer started describing the accolades for the yet-unnamed Realtor of the Year award, he whispered to his wife Christine “Am I getting Realtor of the Year?” “Yep” was all she said. “What am I going to say?” he asked. “You’ll think of something.” Seconds later, Jim was called to the stage to accept the award. The association has over 8,100 members. Jim was the president of the GFLR for 2011. He started in the real estate profession in 1976 and currently serves as managing broker for Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate working mainly from their Pompano Beach offices. Jim is active nationally as a director for the National Association of Realtors. Locally, Jim works with the Jim and Jan Moran unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs and is a past president of the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce along with other civic projects. Jim and his wife Christine have been married over 40 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
Baby, You Can Buy My Car BOB CHAMBERS TO SELL THREE VINTAGE FORDS AT HUGE LOCAL AUCTION
Long-time LHP resident Bob Chambers doesn’t have normal cars and he doesn’t sell them the normal way. Three of his vintage 1930s Fords are going up for auction on March 14 – 16 at the Auctions America event at the Broward Convention Center. Admission is $10 for one day or $25 for a weekend pass. The website, auctionsamerica.com, lists about 450 vehicles to be auctioned over the weekend so check it for more details on the vast array of cars for sale and the times for their auctions. The highlight of the weekend appears to be the rare 1963 Shelby Cobra 280 which is expected to go for over $750,000. Chambers has 14 cars in his collection but will be releasing his 1936 Ford Phaeton, 1935 Ford Custom Coupe and 1936 Ford Cabriolet. TOP LHP resident Bob Chamber’s 1936 Ford Cabriolet. BOTTOM 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra is expected to be the star of the auction in Fort Lauderdale.
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AROUND THE
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BOOK SALE
March 27-29, 2014 9am to 4pm Dixon Ahl Recreation Center (located across the street from the library at 2220 NE 38thStreet). The Lighthouse Point Library will hold its semi-annual book sale but few know the lady behind all those books. Laura Hinshaw has volunteered at the library for 25 years and has almost single-handedly ran the book sales since 2008. She is the shy, quiet type who seems to enjoy the toil of sorting stacks and stacks of random books. During a visit to her special upstairs room at the library, one could see the range of donated books. Some are practically brand-new first-run books and others are well past the point where anyone would buy them at any price. She selects a small percentage to add to the library’s collections while the bulk are sold at the semi-annual sales event.. Laura’s husband Marvin gets involved along with many of the other library volunteers. The library averages about $3,200 per sale so that means a few thousand books are handled for each sale. Gently used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs, and audio books are usually available for purchase. Prices range from 50 cents for paperback books to $2 for hardcover books. Coffee table and collector books are specially priced. DVDs and CDs are $1 to $9. On Saturday, March 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm, $1 will get you as many books as you can fit in a plastic bag (the library will provide the bag). All proceeds benefit the library. Donations of books, DVDs and CDs for the sale may be dropped off at the library during regular business hours. Residents are encouraged to donate old books and other media for this sale but please, get them to Laura several days before March 29.
The Book Sale Lady: Laura Hinshaw
Head of the Class STUDENTS HONORED BY EXCHANGE CLUB
Nine students from five area high schools were honored for their academic achievement during the Pompano Beach Exchange Club’s weekly luncheon at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. Those recognized were (front row from left to right) Niya Bracey and Indira Strachan from Ely High School, Hannah Marie Fish from Pompano High School, Nhu Nguyen from Coconut Creek High School, and Selina Garcia from Deerfield High School. (Back row from left to right) Shawna Helton and Tomas Feliciano, from Zion Lutheran High School, Jeff Arnel Verdelus, Pompano Beach High School, Jodens Conserve, Coconut Creek High School, and Jim Balistreri from the Pompano Beach Exchange Club. 12
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AROUND THE
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Bikini History
Author Presentation & Luncheon Saturday, March 8 at 11:30am, $40. Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club 2701 NE 42nd St, Lighthouse Point Reservations Required 954-524-2938 Join the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Pompano Beach Branch at their Annual Scholarship Fundraiser luncheon featuring a presentation by Patsy West author of From Bathing Costumes to Bikinis, Learn the history of women’s swimsuits—a garment that has evoked more emotion and censorship than any other. Come hear this exciting “uncovering” of how the women’s liberation movement dates back to something as simple as a bathing suit. Patsy West, a former museum curator, has for the past 40 years collaborated with the Seminole and Miccosukee on publications and projects encompassing some 250 years of tribal history, culture, and art.
See the Light JOE BALISTRERI TO LIGHT UP SAMPLEMCDOUGALD HOUSE FOR VICTORIAN MASQUERADE PARTY
Joe Balistreri is best known for his family’s involvement in the real estate industry but he is becoming fairly well known for his work with sound and lighting at various local events including the recent City of Lighthouse Point’s Keeper Days weekend where he handled the lights and sound for the Saturday evening events. He has worked as a volunteer at the Pompano Beach landmark Sample-McDougald House and agreed to light the facility for a unique New Orleans inspired, gothic, black tie masquerade party produced by LHP resident Charlotte Sundquist and her firm, Artistic Productions. The event, Curio Nocturno, will attempt to transport guests to New Orleans in the early 1800s with visions of dark alleyways with
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flickering gas street lanterns, mist rolling in off of the Mississippi River, and elegant men and women attending masquerade balls that are seldom experienced in our current society. “This is intended to be a black tie affair with a bit of a twist. With it’s eclectic mix of cultures and characters, New Orleans has inspired the like of Tennessee Williams, John Grisham and Anne Rice,” according to Sundquist.
Saturday, March 1, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Sample McDougald House 450 NE. 10th Street, Pompano Beach, FL $65.00 Admission will include hors d’oeuvres and two drinks. Additional cash bar will also be available. www.Curionocturno.com
ROSI SIEFERT WINS THE NEW BUICK For several weeks, a deep-blue painted, 2014 Buick Verrano sat perched on a rack in front of St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church. Thirty-year resident and literal “next-door-neighbor” of the church, now owns it. The church raffled the vehicle as part of their annual fund raising dinner. She bought only three (at $100 each) of the 400 tickets that were auctioned but that was obviously enough. The car is valued at $28,000 and this was the first year the church conducted the car raffle as part of their annual event.
AROUND THE
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Veggie Pasta Options BY COURTNEY STEPHENS, FLORIDAGIRLFOOD.BLOGSPOT.COM
Pasta with Peppers and Sundried Tomatoes
SERVES 2 My mom created this dish when I was in college and it’s been a family favorite since. It is so simple and so flavorful. Pair with a delicious bottle of red wine and you’ve got a beautiful dinner. INGREDIENTS 1/2 box bucatini pasta (can use angel hair but bucatini is my favorite for this dish) 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, rinsed and cut into 1/2” thick squares 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 1/2” squares 1/2 orange bell pepper, 1/2” squares 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp crushed red pepper salt & pepper freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, to serve on top METHOD Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a large pan, simmer peppers, sundried tomatoes, crushed red pepper and salt and pepper in olive oil over low heat. When peppers are tender, add garlic and simmer an additional five minutes. Toss pasta in oil and peppers and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
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Veggie Lasagna with Spaghetti Squash SERVES 4-6 I came across this idea online but couldn’t remember where, so I put it all together as best I could and it turned out delicious. Adam was hesitant because it has no meat and no pasta, (you know men) but it is light, flavorful, healthy and hearty! INGREDIENTS 1 large spaghetti squash 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise then sliced 1 medium yellow squash, halved lengthwise then sliced 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp crushed red pepper 3 Garlic cloves, crushed 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes 1/4 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup marsala wine 2 tsp sugar salt pepper 1 8oz block mozzarella cheese, shredded 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
METHOD Preheat oven to 375. Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise in half. Scoop out seeds and place on a baking sheet flesh part down. Bake for 1 hour or until shell is soft. While squash is baking, add oil and butter to a large pan and add onions and carrots. Cook over medium heat until tender and translucent. Set aside. Add zucchini and yellow squash to pan and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer and add rosemary, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper,
and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, wine, and simmer for at least 20 minutes. In a baking dish, pour a little sauce on the bottom. Then using a fork, shred the spaghetti squash and spread half of the squash over the sauce. Add more sauce, then mozzarella, then Parmesan. Add another layer of sauce, spaghetti squash, mozzarella, Parmesan, more sauce, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes and let cool while some of the liquid evaporates before serving.
AROUND THE
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THE TENNIS BEAT BY JON FRANGIPANE
Faith Olmstead and Greg Moussette with ball machine
LIGHTHOUSE POINT SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION: June 16 and 17, 8am-noon at Dixon Ahl Recreation Center CAMP DATES: June 18-July 25 AGES: 6-13 COST: residents/$250 non-residents/$400 Kids participate in tons of activities including: skating, bowling, movies, arts and crafts, trips to Planet Air and of course fun with their friends at the park.
YOUTH SAILING CAMP AGES: 9-13 COST: residents/$125 non-residents/$225
SUMMER TENNIS CAMP Call the Tennis Center for more information 954-946-7306. EUREKA! Forever gone will be your double faults and miss hits when you become acquainted with the new Tennis Ball Machine at the Lighthouse Point Tennis Center. The latest technology has truly made this an amazing tool that should improve your game, lessen your frustration, as well as cut down on the throwing of racquets and the amount of swearing. It’s really being warmly received in helping players perfect their strokes.
Scream for Ice Cream
SONY OPEN Don’t miss a fun day on Saturday, March 24 at this yearly event. A great breakfast is at 8pm at the Tennis Center, followed by a bus ride to Key Biscayne. Cost $95 per person.
UPCOMING TENNIS EVENTS • Champion Tennis Program kids ages 11-16 6-week session (Call for information)
No town can have too many ice cream options. The latest addition to the frozen treat market in Lighthouse Point is Frosty Point. With an an old-fashioned parlor feeling, the store offers 40 premium flavors made locally in Boynton • Pee Wee Tennis kids ages 7-10 Beach. The cream used in these artisnal flavors is sourced 2 days or 1 day per week (Call for information) from a local self-sufficient dairy. And best of all, they let you taste the ice cream and told us The Mexican hot • St. Patrick’s Day Mixed Doubles Round Robin chocolate has become a favorite in town. Naturally, we Saturday, March 15, $20 per person 9:30am had to see what all the fuss was about. (Full disclosure: this reviewer is a chocoholic and loves spicy food—so The Lighthouse Point Tennis Center is located at 3500 NE 27th this was an easy choice.) It’s a deep chocolate ice cream Avenue. Please call 954-946-7306 for more information with a hint of cinnamon, marshmallows and just the right amount of heat. Kids can ride on their carousel while the parents enjoy free wi-fi. In addition to ice cream, they also serve espresso, ABOVE Paige Dudziak serves with a smile. cappuccino and lattes. 18
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TO THE POINT PEOPLE TO MEET • STUFF TO KNOW • THINGS TO DO
Fish Tales TUNA HUNTING OFF VENICE, LOUISIANA BY RICHARD MOORE
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all is not only a great time for football fans, it is also a great time to chase large yellowfin tuna off of Venice, Louisiana. So with that, Mark Repetski, Greg McLaughlin, John Piotrowski, and Bill Dudziak (in photo, L-R) head off for a weekend of fishing and football . The plan was to fish for tuna for a couple days then head to New Orleans for some fun and Baton Rouge for the UF/LSU game. As members of the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman Association, they had been to Venice on club trips a couple times in the past. It is a very interesting place that offers fantastic fishing both inshore and offshore. This is where the Mississippi river meets the Gulf of Mexico. There are miles of inland waterways with pristine marshes. Offshore, it looks like a scene from Star Wars with oil rig platforms dotting the horizon. It is
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also home to a tremendous variety of fish. In our prior visits, they had been shut out of catching any of the large tuna they were targeting and were hoping to turn their luck around. They made sure they chartered a large open fishing boat (the weather is often rough this time of year) with a great captain (Scott Sullivan). Fortunately, we had fantastic weather - calm and cool. This helped tremendously as they had to run all over the place to find the fish. As you can see from the picture, they did find the fish - with three of them catching their largest yellowfin tuna to date. Sushi all around. As for the UF/LSU game, if you are a Gator fan, the only good thing was the tailgate party. The LSU fans do it right and were great hosts. For more information on the LHP Saltwater Sportsman Association, visit www.lhpssa.org
March 2014 | L I GHTHOU SE POINT
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PERMISSIVE OR INDULGENT PARENTING is where few, if any consistent rules are imposed. LEARN HOW TO LISTEN TO ONE ANOTHER compromises will benefit yourselves as well as Instead, respecting freedom, AND ALSO YOUR SELF Don’t ignore your your marriage. individuality and being your own feelings or thoughts. Whatever is going THE GOLDEN RULE Treat your partner with the child’s friend becomes primary on internally needs to be outwardly expressed; same respect and consideration you want to focus. However, not setting rules and best if uttered tactfully. Use “I” statements receive too. or saying “no” is detrimental in sharing fears, feelings of anger, worry and to any child and brings a host concern. GOOD PARENTING REQUIRES PRACTICE of many other unintended With self-discipline and maturity, your REMEMBER YOUR PAST As adults we can problems. parenting skills can improve. It helps if you can lose sight of what we cherished from our own AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING is also focus on what is in your child’s best interest families or what we yearned for more than based on having clear rules but at each developmental stage. It is an evolving anything as kids. All children need to feel and also implementing consequences journey that can be rewarding and fulfilling, see displays of warmth and nurturing. too. At the same time, there is despite the unknowns and unpredictable more of a willingness to listen, circumstances of life. THERE IS NO “WINNING” IN PARENTING acknowledge and respect Be wiling to exhibit verbal and emotional differences of opinion, as well as self-control. Finding the balance or reasonable allow for more autonomy, while maintaining ultimate authority. Generally speaking, no parent falls within one category, If this competitive or one-upmanship behavior continues, as everyone creates his or her style based on personality over time it will undermine any constructive parenting. First, and temperament, the influence of one’s family’s childhood the competitiveness creates confusion for your daughter, as rearing practices, cultural and religious influences, etc. Yet, she will become torn over whom to listen to. Second, your suggestions for successful parenting will be highlighted relationship will suffer as it becomes more like an athletic below. contest where one of you ends up as the (perceived) winner Your daughter will benefit most by being raised in a while the other one is regarded as the loser. If the two of you loving home that models caring and respect. However, remain pitted against one another, in addition to the added this cannot happen until both of you are ready to make marital strain, the most innocent and unfortunate loser will necessary changes so consistent ground rules and better be your daughter. communication skills are displayed.
5 Ways to Coordinate Your Parenting Styles
March 2014 | L I GHTHOU SE POINT
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TO THE POINT Behind the Open Sign
The Dancing Dentist BY ELIN TROUSDALE
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aureen O’Flanagan, DDS and her dance partner Bob Riebe are a stunning couple on and off the dance floor. Year’s ago, Maureen’s bulletin board request for a dance partner caught tall and handsome Bob’s eye .He still hadn’t responded by the time Maureen’s teacher pointed him out to her on the dance floor. They haven’t stopped dancing yet, and are currently preparing for the big leagues. At the Goldstar Ballroom in Coconut Creek this past fall, they won first place in Open Silver Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep as an Amateur Couple; placed second in the Amateur Open International Standard Championship and placed third in the Adult Amateur Rising Star International Standard Challenge (which included, Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot). Maureen’s father, Thomas, O’Flanagan, was the first dentist in Deerfield Beach. In 1956 the area was ripe with pineapple plantations and the workers that tended to them. Dr. Flanagan tended to everyone’s dental care regardless of race. He was forced to segregate and had two entrances. Maureen reminisces about growing up in Pompano Beach “West Sample Road was all agricultural, you could pick strawberries just west of I-95. My sister’s horse was boarded at Woodfield Hunt Club in Boca Raton, (now Woodfield County Club). The Galleria Mall was the Sunrise Mall and the place to shop. If you wanted to go out to dinner, you needed to dress for it. If you didn’t have a jacket, the restaurant would provide you with one. Royal Palm Plaza in Boca was known for great dining”. At age 13, Maureen began working in her father’s lab at his practice. With her destiny set, she proceeded to become one of the first female dentists in Florida. “Please, just send me the correct forms. No, I am not applying to be a dental hygienist license, I am applying for my Dentist license, Yes, I am certain that I am a dentist, not a hygienist”. After graduating dental school, it proved to be exasperating answering the many who questioned Maureen’s life choice. Even the local Mormons knocked on her door attempting to convince her to become a housewife and mother instead. Continuing in the tradition of O’Flanagan firsts, Maureen became the first female President of the Broward County Dental Association, The Atlantic Coast Dental Association and The Florida Academy of Dental Practice Association. Like her father before her, she practices General Dentistry in Deerfield Beach. Maureen is a strong believer in giving back locally. As the
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Dentist for the Youth Automotive Training Center, (YATC), founded by Jim Moran she says, “It’s a real eye opener to speak to kid’s deserving of a second chance. It’s shocking to hear some of them admit to not expecting to live past age 25”. She also volunteers for The Northeast Focal Point as a fashion model for their Annual Fashion Show Luncheon fundraiser benefiting Children’s, Alzheimer’s, Senior and Adult Services (CASA). This raven haired beauty is one of the most delightful Lighthouse Point residents you may ever meet. Oh, and did I forget to tell you she loves to cook and makes the absolute best authentic Southern pecan pie I’ve ever tasted? “My grandmother’s original recipe”, she explained proudly. Keep on dancing Maureen! When Elin’s not interviewing cool people, she and her husband own Le Bistro, www.lebistrorestaurant.com.
TO THE POINT
Senior Shout Out
Spring Cleaning BY EMILY JANCURA
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ell, spring is here, and if you’re like me, you’re starting to think about spring cleaning. When I think of clean, I think clutter-free. Haven’t you noticed that when there’s less “stuff” in a room, it feels cleaner? And for practical purposes, when there’s “less stuff”, it’s easier to keep clean. I’d like to share what I call my “keep it simple” list for spring cleaning, and the most important item on my list is the BIG BOX. (The BIG BOX really is the secret behind my “Keep it Simple” method, so whatever you do, don’t skip this step!)
“Keep it Simple” Spring Cleaning First grab a box, if you don’t have one handy, just grab a plastic bag. Next, walk around the house and box up anything that falls into the “Don’t” category; “don’t like”, “don’t want”, “don’t use”. Afterwards, look around, and Wow! It feels cleaner already. Then make the decision of what to do with your stuff. If you’re not ready to part with it, seal it up and pack it away in the garage or a closet. And if you do want to give it away, practically anything can be donated to the Salvation Army. –And they come right to your doorstep to pick it up. Salvation Army: (800) 728-7825. Now that your house is clutter free, give yourself a pat on the back and take a fifteen minute coffee break, because you’re halfway done! Afterwards, collect these 4 items to finish off your “Keep it Simple” spring cleaning: • Shop Vac • Wet Wipes (The baby wipes and disinfectant wipes) • Outdoor Hose • Squeegee Now, if you’re thinking this list is short, that’s
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because it is short. And this is why I like to call this the “keep it simple” spring cleaning. (Again, I must remind you that the BIG BOX is an important step which must not, under any circumstances, be skipped when attempting the “keep it simple” spring cleaning). You are now ready to begin. Start with the shop vac. Use it for general cleaning for just about everything; floors (all kinds), carpets, couches, cobwebs, fans, and sliders-get creative. The great thing about the shop vac is that it has easy attachments that get under hard-to-reach places; like beds, chairs and dressers. Next, clean every washable surface with wet wipes. (With wet wipes you have eliminated the need for buckets and rinsing) For kitchen and bathrooms, use the sanitizing type, and for everywhere else, use the baby-bottom type. –The un-scented kind. For windows and mirrors, use glass cleaner wipes. (Make sure it is made for glass, because regular wipes will make it cloudy) Now head outdoors. Spray the outside windows with the garden hose and then use a squeegee to finish it off for a nice, professional look. And Voila! Stand back and admire your work, because you’re all finished! Simple. If you want to add anything else, you can do it next time, but you have all the “big stuff” out of the way. And it was pretty simple, right? I Hope this helps and I hope you have a great March! Until next time…. This article is brought to you by Emily Jancura, owner of Florida’s Finest Home Care for seniors. If you or your loved one would appreciate a responsible Senior Companion to provide in-home care services; such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, and respite care please call Florida’s Finest Home Care at 561-929-0123.
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hen he became mayor after the election in 2003, he knew that the city’s infrastructure was rapidly deteriorating and that his priority must be to repair roads and bridges and renovate the city’s aging storm water system if the city was to continue to properly serve the residents and maintain property values. “Fred had the unique ability to be hands on,” said Public Works Director Art Graham. “He brought a creative dimension – he understood what you were talking about on complex issues and as a result could make a solid value judgment which benefited the city.”
made it standard operating procedure to apply for federal and state grants for every project imaginable to save the city operating expense. You might say he never met a grant he didn’t like. In fact, during Fred’s tenure, the city obtained more than $10 million in grant funds, according to City Administrator John Lavisky. Whether it was trees and landscaping along the roadways, municipal facilities, bus transportation, bridge and road repair, Fred made sure grants were applied for before a dime of city money was spent. As a result, the city can boast a reserve fund in the coffers that is
“You know, I’ve teased the mayor. Fred Schorr was the one city official who attended every one of our city-sponsored functions. Whether it was the first baseball game of the season or the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fred was there. He is a real people person.” —JOHN TRUDELL, LIGHTHOUSE POINT RECREATION DIRECTOR.
He was also keenly aware that the city had outgrown its administrative offices. With a bond issue recently passed to provide the funding, he saw an opportunity to purchase the vacant school adjacent to city hall and build a new police station, do a complete renovation to the community library, city hall, fire department and Dixon Ahl Hall, and turn the whole complex into a state of the art municipal campus. He felt the complex would go a long way to improving morale of city staff while also demonstrating to local residents that the city had grown more sophisticated and had a stable governmental environment. He considered customer service and public safety to be a top priority. To say Fred was a fiscal conservative would be an understatement. He was determined to keep Lighthouse Point’s tax rate among the lowest in Broward County and he
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nearly three-fourths the annual operating budget – unheard of in most communities. The tax rate is the third lowest in Broward’s 31 cities and the two that have lower rates have higher fees to compensate for the lower millage. “He is the best boss I ever worked for,” said Lavisky. “During my military career, I worked for a lot of generals. Fred was of that quality. Very smart.” And then there were the politics. There was turmoil in the city back in 2003. In fact, it was the contentious nature of the City Commission back in 2002 that in part, prompted Fred to run for mayor. Many at that time were very concerned about the direction of the city. There were lawsuits, votes PREVIOUS PAGE Fred and Laraine Schorr photographed at the top of the HIllsboro Lighthouse by Debra Todd (in a helicopter.
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Road Trip
After a little more than a two-hour trek from our Lighthouse Point home to exit 136 in Fort Myers, we crashed at the sparkling clean and comfy Hampton Inn. General Manager and Owner Jeff Webb greeted us at the front desk, along with an exuberant front desk staffer named Vanessa. The scent of fresh baked cookies also confirmed that we made the right lodging decision. Our spacious suite included a kitchen area complete with microwave, refrigerator, sink and coffee maker. My girls plopped on the two double beds immediately leaving a full pullout couch, desk and armchair and ottoman all to myself. We were so comfortable we simply ordered delivery pizza for dinner and spent a quiet evening in. The alarm sounded early the next morning as we traveled north for about an hour to board Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick for lunch on Cabbage Key. Although quite lengthy for my antsy girls, the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. excursion is a fun day for people of all ages. Electronic diversions for the younger ones, cameras and binoculars are highly recommended. The company offers a variety of full and half- day adventures to Cabbage Key as well as the private island of Useppa, Cayo Costa State Park and Boca Grande. Private cruises are available, as are sunset sightseeing and dolphin adventures. We had our own dolphin adventure, however, as several of the entertaining mammals put on a captivating show for most of the trip. Cruise director Eric, and his colleague, Skip, offered a plethora of inside stories about this nature
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show. They pointed out the dancing dolphin constantly and explained – with a chuckle -- that these smart animals find humans on a boat entertaining spectacles much like our fascination with animals in a zoo. We also passed a giant osprey nest perched atop a water marker where mom and dad were protecting their new eggs. Skip said this same nest had been there for years, growing wider and taller each season as the mates-for-life created their family. The male osprey works hard for at least two months to feed the entire family, including the young chicks, who eat up to two pounds of fish a day. Our nature lesson concluded as we arrived at the doorstep of the famous Cabbage Key Inn, believed to be the inspiration of Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” The girls and I chose to start our exploration of the 100-acre island with a climb up the 41 steps of the island’s all wooden water tower built in the mid 1930s. It’s the only water tower not to be destroyed by hurricanes, although it did sustain heavy damage during Hurricane Charley in 2004. The nature trail, although a bit muddy from frequent rains, was a peaceful precursor to our lunch. Native plants are marked by fact-filled plaques along the path, which brought us full circle back to the Inn. We, of course, couldn’t resist following tradition by adding our own dollar bill to the more than $70,000 plastered on the walls. The practice started when a thirsty, but sometimes broke, fisherman, left his autographed bill taped to the wall
WHERE TO STAY The Hampton Inn & Suites (Hilton property)*
Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard 4350 Executive Circle Fort Myers, FL 33916 OWNER: Jefferson Webb MANAGER: Landon Sturm 239-931-5300 www.fortmyerscolonialsuites. www.hamptoninn.com *sign up to become a HiltonHonors member for reward points and perks
of the bar, ensuring funds for a cold drink on his next trip even if his net came up empty. Since the walls can’t hold the signed bucks from every visitor, the money that falls to the floor is collected by the staff and donated to local charities, to the tune of as much as $15,000 a year. Lunch at the famous Inn included a cheeseburger with a side of black beans and rice, capped by their highly touted frozen key lime pie, as recommended by the Captiva crew. The 100 percent Angus beef burger and saffron rice and beans were outstanding, but the pie tasted more like a lime Popsicle than the creamy desert us South Floridians love. The bill for the three of us was around $46, not including tip. Don’t expect french fries to go with that burger, however, as there’s no place to properly dispose of grease on this tiny island. We tried desert again just a few blocks outside the gates of South Seas Plantation at a quaint and colorful spot called “The Bubble Room.” The whimsical cottage looks more like Santa’s workshop than a restaurant, but once inside guests are
made to feel like they are in a perpetual Christmas palace. Vintage toys, holiday displays and traditional “bubble lights” adore every corner inside and out. Most staff members wear scout uniforms, as according to Bubble Room Manager and mother of three Rachel Peach, the first employee hired was asked to come to work in something creative. She was a scout leader and dressed accordingly. Thirty-five years later, it’s the standard dress code. Most famous for its large and irresistible homemade slices of cake, this popular attraction features full lunch and dinner menus with such signature items as a 34-ounce prime rib, Bubble Bread and Socra cheese. We chose the unique orange crunch (yellow cake filled with brown sugar and almond slices), red velvet and chocolate tort. The cake is so moist and delicious it alone is worth the trek to Captiva. Rachel says that during the height of the tourist season (mid-February through March) as many as 700 cakes are sold a day and the wait can be as long as 90 minutes, starting at 4:30 p.m.
OPPOSITE The Sanibel Lighthouse TOP LEFT dessert at the Bubble Room, RIGHT The bubble Room, BOTTOM cash on the walls at Cabbage Key
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We also spent a few minutes strolling the neighborhood surrounding the Bubble Room, where more quaint restaurants, luxury rental homes and the beach side Mucky Duck tavern, known as a perfect spot to shell and watch the sunset, are within a few blocks. The day ended too quickly as we headed back to home base at the Hamptons, passing a number of sites on our “wish list” for next time, including the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (www.shellmuseum.org) and Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille. The restaurant is themed after local author, Randy Wayne White, who writes in his novels about marine biologist Doc Ford. The Fort Myers-Sanibel/Captiva area is chalked full of activities for families and visitors of all ages. Just leave enough time to enjoy what the community has to offer. For more details on even more attractions, visit fortmyers-sanibel.com.
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STATE SENATOR MARIA SACHS WANTS TO MANDATE FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS FOR ALL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOLERS. BUT DOES SHE HAVE THE RIGHT PLAN?
Dollars SENSE BY RICHARD ROSSER
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“I think we’re going to get this through this year.”
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Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, Florida State Senator District 34”
n the Florida State Senate, Maria Sachs represents residents in parts of southern Palm Beach and northern Broward counties, including Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Lighthouse Point, and Highland Beach. She, along with prime co-sponsor Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, are trying to require all high school students to take a one-semester financial literacy course. Currently, some school districts have an elective course on the subject. This bill would not add additional hours to the school calendar or add additional staff but Sachs said in a recent meeting, “We will get the money for this,” alluding to resources within the state budget that can be used to implement this new program in most of the state schools. The Fort Lauderdale Forum, a local-issues education group, hosted Sachs to speak on the merits of her bill. The near-capacity crowd gathered at Broward College’s downtown Fort Lauderdale building was generally cordial and supportive of the bill but there were detracting statements after the meeting. “We support the bill but financial literary should be taught like math – progressive lessons over several years,” was the general sentiment from Melissa Aiello, long-time president of Junior Achievement of South Florida which teaches financial literacy, entrepreneurship and other business topics to local
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students grades K-12. “This topic also has a huge component that must be addressed: financial literacy is cultural.” She elaborated on how the mechanics of loans for things like houses and cars is fairly simple to teach but the trust issues involved in making the loan or paying the loan back are much more nuanced for young people to grasp. Based on findings from The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, young people have much to learn: Their 31-question survey revealed that high school seniors have a lot to learn about important financial concepts. Among the findings in the survey: • 52 percent did not know that a credit card holder who only pays the minimum amount on monthly card balances will pay more in annual finance charges than a card holder who pays their balance in full. • 83 percent did not know stocks are likely to yield higher returns than savings bonds, savings accounts and checking accounts over the next 18 years even though there has never been an 18-year period where this wasn’t true. • 60 percent did not know that they could lose their health insurance if their parents become unemployed.
When asked why we need this bill, Sachs replied “37 other states have a mandate like this. I want our children prepared too.”
Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, Florida State Senator District 34”
Aiello mentioned the importance of delayed gratification as essential to the topic. “Staying in school longer delays the ability to earn money,” which often leads to jobs and careers that pay higher salaries. Saving for retirement also mixes the mathematics of compounded interest with the more complicated issues of career and lifestyle choices. The idea for a mandated financial literacy course for Broward County students is not new. Louise Ball, Social Studies Curriculum Director, created and submitted a course outline to the state to indeed mandate the course for the school district. That plan was denied. Superintendent for Broward County Schools was scheduled to appear with Sachs as he endorses the state mandate as proposed. He was detained so sent Maurice Woods, the Chief Strategy Officer for the district. He spoke in favor of the mandate. Sachs was clearly open to interpretations and revisions to the bill. She made it clear the mandate was the important part; the implementation will need more input and discussion. There were some comments about funding. The main point is that no additional school hours are required so how can much funding be required? Teachers would in effect teach the same amount, only a different topic. But not all topics are the same. Should financial literacy be taught by practicing professionals in the areas of banking, credit, and investing? “I’m concerned that they will teach the topics as only they see them,” said Dr. William D. Bosshardt Jr., Director of the Center for Economic Education at Florida Atlantic University. Bosshardt amplified some concerns about bias toward certain products or tactics that favor one group of vendors (like banks) over another group (like stock brokers). Clearly, standards for teaching the various topics will be rigorously discussed.
The Bill at a Glance
According to SB212, which has a companion bill (HE 367) in the Florida House, the half-credit course would include instruction in:
When asked why we need this bill, Sachs replied “37 other states have a mandate like this. I want our children prepared too.” She offered almost no other statistics on financial literacy, or the lack of it, to justify the mandated course. Later research reveals only 13 states actually require a financial literacy course for graduation. The Sun-Sentinel newspaper editorial board is supporting the bill but in their statement, they did not address the cultural and industry issues. Since 2009, Junior Achievement of South Florida has conducted financial literacy programs for all eighthgraders in Broward County called Finance Park. Students learn in the classroom then travel to JASF’s facility called JA World on the North Campus of Broward College in Coconut Creek. Dozens of Junior Achievement chapters across the country provide the Finance Park program to residents in their cities.
Florida State Senator Maria Sachs
• Balancing a checkbook
• Computing federal income tax
• Savings and investment accounts
• Completing a loan application
• Simple contracts
• Basic principles of money management, including managing debt and monitoring credit scores
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HAPPY Snaps Memorable moments around town
CHIP SHEEHAN WINS TOURNAMENT The Rambunctious crew with Sheehan as skipper won the 4th Annual Two Georges at The Cove Billfish Tournament with two sailfish. All proceeds from the event go to the Boys & Girls Clubs (Jim & Jan Moran Unit). Ten Boats entered into tournament and eight sailfish were caught. The Rambunctious crew were tied with another boat but Rambunctious caught their second fish earlier in the day, so the first place award went to them.
“RAMBUNCTIOUS”
L-R Louie Vorallo, Matt Booth, Tony Marano, Drew Kettlehut (with Jessica Kettlehut on shoulders), Captain Chip Sheehan, Jacob Laparra. Kneeling: Bill Rushton and John Waite.
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TASTE OF LIGHTHOUSE POINT Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club PHOTOS BY DEBRA TODD 1 1 Oliver Saucey, Annie Saucey and Chris Huff 2 Norcrest PTA President Kerry Keene and Derek Keene 3 Patty Miranda and Chef 4 Chef Rudy 5 Pat and Lee Donais 6 The folks from Boat World 7 Scott Lanciano, Harry Harth, Stephanie Smith, Charles Spalma, and Frank Jichetti 8 Terry and Becky Lysengen 9 Mitch Reiss and Dyllon McMahon of Sicilian Oven 10 Joann Elliot, Mary-Beth Elliott Williams 11 Diane Evers and April Reynolds of Red Fox Diner 12 Julie and Eddie Wheeler
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TASTE OF LIGHTHOUSE POINT Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club 1 Pete and Cathy Buchanan 2 Corbett Walsh, Karla Yugovich and Mike Tuminello 3 Ashley Mabe and Ray Herrell 4 Lee Blakely, Brett Hart and Terry Bean 5 Gionannie Mazzuro, Ashley 6 Alex, Yecson, Glenn Troast, Samuel 7 Jason Harris and Kara Seelye 8 Bill and Dee-Ann Leone 9 KZ Spalma
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HAPPYSnaps LIGHTHOUSE POINT KEEPER DAYS PHOTOS BY DEBRA TODD
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HAPPYSnaps LIGHTHOUSE POINT KEEPER DAYS PHOTOS BY DEBRA TODD
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HAPPYSnaps LIGHTHOUSE POINT KEEPER DAYS PHOTOS BY DEBRA TODD
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HAPPYSnaps Tom Sheehan and Governor Rick Scott pose during a campaign appearance at the Sheehan Autoplex.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS GALORE 1 Bob Jackson opened his UPS Store in the Beacon Light Plaza on February 4. 2 Broward Health North celebrated the opening on their office at the corner of Federal and 39th Street. Doctors Aza Abdalla and Asha Gupta will be practicing there. 3 Fashion with Style by Monica Moda opened in the Beacon Light Plaza. 4 Cindy & Lindsey Tenberg celebrated the opening of their title insurance offices on January 22nd.
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