New Date:

Sept. 25,10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This month’s  “Sundays at the Butler House” has been postponed due to weather until Sept. 25. It will feature local authors set up under the big banyan tree. They will be there to discuss and sell their latest works and, sign copies.

The event will also include a used book sale, food, music and free tours of the Butler House.

If you are a local author and would like to participate, contact: elilly707 @aol.com  561-299-8648

Ever since she was 2 years old, Paige Werman has been a dancer. Little did she know as a child that dance would set her on a career track that would include a coveted spot at The Ailey School in New York City.

Her early journey into the dance world included dancing at several studios and eventually ending up at Performance Edge 2 Dance Studio in Parkland (They also have a studio in Boca).

When asked if anyone in her family is in the creative arts, she said, “My dad is a shoe designer. I guess that is where I get my creative genes from. My brother plays an instrument and my grandma writes poetry and draws.”

“At age 8, I started completing regionally, eventually nationally. My passion for dance was growing,” said Werman, who said she likes all dance styles but feels most comfortable with Contemporary and Hip-Hop.

“When I was looking into college, I knew I wanted to be a dancer as a career,” said the 21-year-old who grew up in Lighthouse Point.

After attending school at North Broward Preparatory, she ended up going to Pine Crest in High School and taking classes through their ballet program. It wasn’t until her Freshman year that her dance technique really took on a new level as she started attending Performance Edge 2 Dance Studio.

“Being there, I was able to perform almost three times per month because there was so much competition. It offered me the chance to be in so many numbers. I don’t think a lot of people who go to these classical training programs have an opportunity to do so much,” she said.

In addition, she had the opportunity to go to New York in 2011 with her mother and do a summer intensive in Contemporary Ballet.

“I fell in love with the lifestyle and decided I wanted to be in New York. I applied to Rutgers, New York University, Alvin Ailey and the University of Florida. I got into them all. But Ailey was the best,” she said.

Werman ended up doing a special Bachelor’s of Fine Arts joint program at Alvin Ailey and also Fordham University that allowed her to do a double degree in dance and environmental policy.

Photo by Kyle Froman

“The dancers are accommodated to because there are so many students who dance,” she explained, adding that dancers take different classes depending on their level. While Freshmen take specialty classes like Improv and West African dance, Sophomores take Jazz and start with Composition, which continues into their Junior year. Seniors work on Limón technique, a modern technique created by José Limón, and also have the opportunity to do choreography and cast for their performance. In addition to doing specialized classes and her standard technique classes, she also has classes on working with a partner in several styles. Overall, dance really takes over her life and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

She aspires to be a part of the main professional company, which performs at Lincoln Center. So far, she has been asked to audition twice for the second company, Ailey II. While she would love a career at Alvin Ailey, she also would love to work abroad in Israel at the Batsheva Dance Company, something she heard about through a friend who attended a program called Dance Journey through the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company.

About Alvin Ailey

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater began originally in 1958 in New York City and has been an instrumental step in the lives of many dancers, including Madonna Louise Ciccone (who would later become a singer named Madonna). The Alvin Ailey company has captivated audiences in more than 70 countries around the world. In fact, they will be in Miami Feb. 18-21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.

Olivia, 4, sliding down snow hill.

By Diane Emeott

Erica Rubin brought her 3-month-old daughter, Violet, to see snow for the first time at the annual Winter Wonderland event at the Villages of Hillsboro Park on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 17. (Rubin was also handing out flyers for Brandon’s Run for Autism, a 5Kcharity walk/run coming up on Saturday, Jan. 9 at Quiet Waters Park).

Meanwhile, another snow enthusiast, Olivia, 4, was busy sliding down one of the two huge snow hills – one for ages 5 and under, and one for 6 and up.

Standing in line for snow hill.

“She’s a snow girl,” said her mom Aimee. “We come here every year and to Colorado!”

Twenty-five tons of “snow” was delivered by Florida Ice Manufacturing Corp., at a cost of $4,875 out of the Parks & Recreation Dept. budget for the event.

Eric Williams brought kids from the new Highlands Community Center and Oveta McKeithen Park (Westside Park) to play in the snow. (Highlands Community Center just had its ribbon cutting in March and has been open to the public since June, he added).

Sleigh ride.

Families at Winter Wonderland could also participate in real horse-drawn sleigh rides, cookie decorating, games and photos with Santa.

CEO Alex Rosemurgy II stands proudly near the completed 23 Hundred building, the latest Rosemurgy property.

Alex Rosemurgy talks about building the business

By Rachel Galvin

With the finishing touches placed on the final unit of 23Hundred, future home of Kay Jewelers, the latest Rosemurgy Property is complete. Located at 2350 and 2390 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach, the unique shopping centers holds seven tenants. The other six are Jersey Mike’s Subs, Smoothie King, T-Mobile, Chipotle, Pei Wei and Supercuts. They held a ribbon cutting for the complex on Dec. 9 and many of those involved with the project were in attendance, as well as County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, Pompano Mayor Lamar Fisher, along with other commissioners and dignitaries.

Rosemurgy Properties was opened in 1977 by Jim Rosemurgy. He began with Apartments at Crystal Lake in Deerfield and built from there as he acquired more and more properties in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton. He got into development as a byproduct of working with his other company, Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate, said his son, Alex. Their portfolio grew to include “multi-family, retail, self storage, and office and land properties, with the focus of a long term diversified investment strategy.” What really put the company on the map, said, Alex, was the creation of FAU Research Park. In addition to their diverse portfolio built through the company, he also credits great partnerships with others as a source for continued success.

“We did not have a lot of problems during the downturn [the last recession] because we had a good financial base,” said Alex.

When Jim retired in 2011, Alex took over running Rosemurgy Properties. Since then, he has continued to focus on expanding their portfolio, going more into retail and self storage. Among his projects they worked on this past year is a multi-family, student housing unit called University Park off-campus for FAU students.

“We are looking at entering other South Florida markets. If we want to grow, we have to expand our footprint,” said Alex, who said he spends long hours working to build a great platform, but credits also his staff for their achievements. “We truly are a family company. I believe in making sure we have a happy workplace. We have a great team of consultants and creative people.”

Asked his advice for those looking to build their business, he commented, “You have to be disciplined. You have got to execute to performance and stay in your lane [do what you are good at doing]. Do things that work. You have to have a great staff. You are only as good as the people you work with.”

Regarding the 23Hundred building, he is pleased with the outcome and feels it provides a comfortable atmosphere for business owners and those who visit the complex.

Architect Juan Caycedo, AIA, of RLC Architects, who also worked on University Park, said of the project, “We wanted a building that would stand out, that becomes more an urban village than a center you drive by and miss altogether. The architecture is pretty simple … [made with] exposed concrete. At the end of the day, it is a timeless building.”

Alex agreed, saying, the building is sustainable and even years to come it will look “like the wrapping just came off.” He added that the signage, which is also unique, was equally important.

“RLC is visionary,” he added, saying they originally met Juan when working with him on a Boca Raton Bank United. The contemporary feel of that building with its exposed concrete was emulated on The 23 Hundred. RLC has worked on projects like Fifth Avenue Shops and Royal Palm Plaza in Boca Raton as well.

“The lessons we learned [on Bank United] allowed us to build even better,” said Alex.

Father and son — Jim and Alex Rosemurgy.

His father Jim also attended the ribbon cutting and said, “Alex works on [each project] from the lease to the [completion]. We take great pride in what we do. To have the mayor stand up and say ‘this is great’ makes you want to do more. I am a proud father.”

Where The 23Hundred is situated was originally an overflow parking lot. The unique architecture here could prove a foreshadowing of things to come.
“The design is different in a good way,” said Land-Use Attorney Scott Backman, of Dunay, Miskel and Backman, LLP, mentioning that newer anchor stores like Sports Authority and Whole Foods across the street call for updated architecture, rather than a more cookie cutter style. The idea, he said, is to “design something in a more user-friendly way. People can come to the jewelry store and stop and walk around.”

For more information on Rosemurgy Properties, visit www.rosemurgyproperties.com.

The 23Hundred has seven tenants. Sherry Ferrante Photography.

Taking a ride on Uber

By Diane Emeott

Tami Livnat Ruddy arrived at an event celebrating the first day back in business for Uber — transported by none other than an Uber driver.

After being shut down in Broward County since July 31, Uber resumed operations locally on Oct. 15. Two days earlier, on Oct. 13, Broward County Commission passed an ordinance expanding transportation options and protecting the public, 6-2. (County Commissioners Lois Wexler and Dale Holness voted against.)The ordinance represents a combination of different ideas by County Commissioners Mark Bogen and Chip LaMarca.

“Eight out of 9 commissioners voted on it. (Commissioner Barbara) Shareif was absent, so did not vote. The majority were in favor of it. We needed 5 votes to win,” LaMarca said at an event at Yolo last Thursday night.

LaMarca described it as “a long process, getting to this point.” He called the controversy surrounding Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) “a small speed bump in the road.”

The new ordinance now requires background checks of drivers by a third party that is subject to a county audit and inspection of records. It also requires inspection of any vehicle used for transporting the public to be done by a state-approved, ASE-certified mechanic.

“This is not about me. Not about the county commission. This is just about common sense, the free market, and people having an option to get a ride,” said LaMarca. “The bottom line is: People are safe. This is an efficient mode of transportation,” he continued, noting that there were no significant issues before, with Uber giving rides to the airport and seaport, while operating in Broward from August 2014 to July 2015.

“They [Uber] pulled out because of a legal injunction. They didn’t want to get into a lawsuit with the county,” LaMarca said.

Uber facts and statistics

There are more than a few thousand Uber driver-partners in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The vast majority of these partners drive part-time (sometimes just a few hours a week), earning good money while scheduling around other work, family and life responsibilities.

To-date, Uber partners have provided well over 1 million safe, reliable rides in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

An Uber rider explains

Livnat Ruddy explained that Uber riders have their choice of three categories of cars for pick-up. Uber X is a standard car. Uber XL is an SUV, and Uber Select is a luxury vehicle or sports car.

Those wanting to use Uber for transport must first download an app onto their smartphone.

“They keep your credit card on file [for payment],” she explained.

On your phone, you set the pick-up location and request the type of Uber service you wish to use. Using GPS tracking, they send a signal to whichever drivers are in the area. Small cartoon-like bubbles appear on a map showing you how many drivers are nearby. When a driver picks up the call, a picture of the driver, their license number, and how many minutes away they are appears on your phone. You can either say “yes” to this driver, or wait for another one.

At 7:10 p.m. on Uber’s first night back in service, there were 10 cars near Yolo for each of 3 Uber categories – a total of about 30 cars.

“We are just really grateful that Uber is back! We’ve been active Uber users,” enthused Livnat Ruddy.

The taxi driver’s perspective

Professional taxi driver Wayne Correa, who drives for Metro Taxi, is less thrilled with the resurgence of TNCs.Asked what he thought about Uber being back in business in Broward, he just shook his head.

“Taxi drivers must get a background check by the FBI, and a special license from the county – a taxi-limousine license,” said the taxi driver with 10 years’ experience driving in New York City and Boca Raton.

“They just send in an application,” he said of Uber drivers. “And they charge only half-price, maybe one-third [of normal cab fares].

Correa said TNCs like Uber should get the same treatment as taxicab companies.

“They should get the same license, pay the same fees. They don’t pay anything!” he said.

Uber has continued to operate in Palm Beach County during the shutdown in Broward.

Kyleigh and Matthew Kelly pose for their yearly shoot.

By Rachel Galvin

St. Ambrose Catholic Church, at 380 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach, has their pumpkins out, under the tent, just waiting to be purchased for the holiday. Whether you want to care a Jack-O-Lantern or simply bake a pumpkin pie, they have plenty of orange and white orbs to choose from.

This year, they had to go to a different place since the last farmer retired. This year’s crop came from Sexton Farms in North Carolina. Something else new this year is Heirloom Pumpkins. They still have the mini pumpkins along with the huge ones too. Pumpkins run 80 cents per pound. The white ones are $7.

St. Ambrose Pre-K and VPK students sittin’ in the pumpkin patch

The fun thing about their options is they not only have pumpkins, but also great items to decorate for any party, such as corn stalks (for $10) and haystacks ($8 or $20, depending on size). Prices on all items could vary.

“I am thankful for all the volunteers and all the time they give to the school,” said Principal Lisa Dodge.

Get your pumpkins soon because they go fast! It is great for the kids to come out and stroll through the variety available and it makes a perfect holiday photo opp. The tent is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 954-427-2225.

Aniela McGuinness shows strength as Rosie the Riveter for promo photos for one woman show.

By Rachel Galvin

Watching Aniela McGuiness’ “Doctor’s Office Dance Party” videos is enough to make anyone chuckle. It is hard to believe that she is in the office because she is getting Chemo for Cancer. When she started treatments, she invited her friends to come with her to engage in the fun. Can “fun” and “Cancer” be in the same sentence? They can if you are Aniela. This fearless female has redefined what it means to be a warrior, using laughter and love to conquer Cancer.

Aniela already knew what Cancer could do long before she was diagnosed. Her mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 46 and went through a lumpectomy and radiation. But, it wasn’t over. Ten years later, Cancer came back … this time Ovarian Cancer, and she died at 63.

Her mother had the BRCA1 gene mutation. Aniela thinks it actually originated with her French Canadian grandmother’s side, but her grandmother never got Breast or Ovarian Cancer. Aniela speculates that maybe it is because she had a hysterectomy in her 30s.

It is only natural that Aniela would get tested for the gene. She did, through a mouth swab. She found out at 25 she had the gene mutation. With that knowledge, she got checked every six months with a Mammogram and then a breast MRI with the plan of getting her breasts and ovaries removed by 35 (much like Angelina Jolie).

Being a model and actress, and always wanting to educate people, she decided to document her journey as she planned to have her operations performed. While filming one of her episodes of “My Breast Choice,” she discovered “live” on camera that she actually had Breast Cancer (Stage 1). That was a year ago on September 30. She was (and still is) 31 years old. The raw video is heartbreaking to watch.

After finding out the news, she ran to the neighbors and they called her husband, Jordan. The story of her diagnosis, the procedures that followed and her rollercoaster of emotions was written down and transformed (with the help of co-director/ director Tony Rivera) into a one woman show called “I Don’t Have Cancer,” which she has performed in several locations, including Boca Raton, and filmed for a possible documentary later.

“[The show] helped push me forward and gave me an extraordinary amount of energy while letting me purge all of the fears, guilt, anger and plain emotional baggage that can come with a serious illness,” said Aniela.

She took a series of photos to accompany the ongoing videos documenting her process, including shaving off her hair before Cancer could take it, and showing off her topless body on the beach before her breasts were removed. Her friends gave her crazy creative hats, which she loved to wear to her chemo sessions, perfect for selfies. She shared every step of the process through her videos, including waking up after surgery, discovering fashions that are more comfortable after surgery and how to make her own drain bag holder. She talks straight about the process, the ups and downs and what worked and didn’t work for her.
“I let people in, opened my heart fully and allowed myself to be completely vulnerable and held in the love of those around me,” she said.

Aniela had a skin-sparing double mastectomy and 12 sessions of chemotherapy (four sessions of Adriamycin/Cytoxan and nine session of Taxol). She didn’t have to do radiation because she chose to give up her nipples.

Afterward, she decided to get a complete hysterectomy as well, just in case.

“My doctors and I chose a very extreme course of action. Most people would do much less, but with my age and family history I didn’t want to risk it,” she said.

Aniela suggests those who have Cancer use their “Cancer Card” as much as possible.

“I found that during this experience normal social rules didn’t apply to me, so I enjoyed the freedom to be fully myself,” she said.

Aniela, who currently lives in Hollywood, FL, has become a bit of an advocate for the cause (she recently talked to college kids about Cancer and uploaded her story in video-form to the Young Survival Coalition), but she is also returning to life as an actress and model, as well as working with the Sick Puppies Comedy Troupe.

You can watch Aniela’s journey at www.youtube.com/MyBreastChoice.

Aniela added “fun” to her Chemo sessions by wearing crazy hats and engaging in “Doctor’s office dance parties.”

“What is left when you strip away the flimsy things you once put so much value in?” — Aniela McGuiness.

Christopher Brand, Whitney Winfield and Ken Jennings. Photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

By Rachel Galvin

Offering plenty of fast-paced frivolity, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” opened Oct.1 at The Wick Theatre. The musical, which runs until Nov. 1, stars Broadway actor Ken Jennings, who keeps the action going with his antics, sometimes breaking the fourth wall with some Improv.

Jennings plays a cunning and creative slave, Pseudolus, who attempts to please his young master, Hero, in exchange for his freedom. Hero has fallen for the dim-witted courtesan next door, Philia, and hopes his loyal slave will secure her for him. But Philia has been sold to another. Meanwhile, Hero’s father has returned from a trip alone without his nagging mother and has an eye for Philia, too. There are many conflicts, many disguises and plenty of deceit in this madcap comedy. No set changes were needed as all the action took place between three well-crafted houses. The wardrobe helped add to the production value.

While Jennings was the focus, Michael Ursua, as Hysterium, had some great moments, as well as the rest of the ensemble cast. One of the highlights of the show is the great choreography of the “dancing” courtesans. Scantily clad, these ‘long, tall drinks of water’ show off their flexibility much to the delight of Pseudolus. Chris Brand, as Hero, and Whitney Winfield, as Philia, are perfectly adorable and make a perfect couple. The three Proteans, Wesley Slade, Brian DiRito, and Ronen Bay, were great comic relief in their various renditions, although it was Erronius’ (Troy Stanley) appearances that brought some of the biggest laughs. Michael Scott, as Senex, held his own subtlety, while actors like Jim Ballard (Miles Gloriosus), Dennis Setteducati (Lycus) and Erika Amato (Domina) gave more robust performances.

This was the kickoff to the Wick’s Season 3. They are already selling tickets also for the next show, which is “Hello Dolly,” opening Nov. 5, starring Broadway’s Lee Roy Reams, as Dolly Levi, and Lewis J. Stadlen as Horace Vandergelder.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thewick.org. Check out their five-star restaurant too!

The City of Deerfield Beach has received important storm update information from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. At approximately 8 p.m. on Aug. 29, ALL bridges on the New River, Miami River and Intracoastal in Dade and Broward counties will be on lockdown based on the current track of Tropical Storm Erika.

For updates, go to http://homeport.uscg.mil/miami and look under “Port Conditions.” Vessels are advised not to go up the river if they do not have a destination.

The BSO Public Information Office is currently working a developing incident regarding  six injured in a crash located just north of Sample Road in the northbound lanes of I-95.

Just after 3:30 p.m. August 16, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) Deerfield Beach units were dispatched to the above location for a multi-vehicle crash on the highway.

BSFR airlifted a 3-year-old male who was ejected from one of the vehicles in critical condition via BSO Air Rescue to Broward Health Medical Center.

An 11-year-old girl was also airlifted to the same hospital with less serious injuries.

A 65-year-old man was transported to Broward Health North by BSFR ground rescue with critical injuries.

Three adult females were also ground transports to Broward Health North with non-life threatening injuries. Florida Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation.

Stay tuned for additional details.