| July, 2011

Car Break ins up in LA fitness area

Posted on 31 July 2011 by JLusk

BSO Deerfield Beach District has been seeing a spike in vehicle burglaries at the LA Fitness and surrounding businesses in the 1000 block of E. Hillsboro Blvd.  The suspects are smashing vehicle windows and removing property left inside.  Please remember to remove items of value from inside your vehicle and call 911 if you see suspicious activity. See video under ObserverTV.

 

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Steve Gonot sentenced to 1 year in jail

Posted on 29 July 2011 by JLusk

According to the Ron Ishoy,spokesman for the State Attorney’s Office, former Deerfield Beach Commissioner Steve Gonot was adjudicated guilty and sentenced Friday to 364 days in jail and five years probation for his conviction on three campaign finance-related corruption charges.

Broward County Circuit Judge Barbara McCarthy set a $15,000 bond while Gonot appeals the decision. Besides jail and probation, Gonot must also complete 500 hours community service.

Gonot was convicted May 10 of Official Misconduct and Grand Theft over $5,000, as well as a misdemeanor charge of Falsifying Records.

Gonot had been accused of unlawfully misusing $5,135 in campaign money for his personal use by writing a check from his campaign fund to a long-time friend for “supplies and equipment reimbursement” for his campaign. Investigators determined that no such equipment had been delivered by the time Gonot had falsely listed the transaction on his campaign treasurer’s report.

Assistant State Attorney David Schulson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

 

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Free football camp attracts hundreds

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

Braylan Fleming, 11, of Deerfield Beach, throws a pass under the watchful eye of Coach Fred Davis during the 11th annual Crockett Foundation Life Skills free football camp in Pompano Beach. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Zack Crockett and his brother, Henri, were back at it again – doing what they do best. The two Blanche Ely grads, and former NFL football players, were at the 4-fields complex in Pompano Beach recently hosting their annual free football camp.

The 11th annual Crockett Foundation Life Skills free football camp in Pompano Beach attracted 500 youths ranging in age from 6 to 16 from throughout South Florida.

“We are just going to keep pressing forward and passing the torch to the young guys coming out so they see how we do it and then they keep it going,” said Zack Crockett, 38, who spent 13 years in the NFL and is now a scout for the Oakland Raiders.

“We are just trying to help the kids and let them know they have a chance to do great things, as long as they take care of the grades and let their athletic ability take care of itself.”

Youngsters took part in everything from running 40-yard dashes to obstacle courses. They were schooled in running, catching, throwing, and then Zack Crockett pulled them aside and spoke to them about the importance of school and being a role model. The day ended with a 7-on-7 tournament.

Crockett said the kids got free food, T-shirts and customized football mouth pieces provided by TAPOUT. They also had an opportunity to play video games in a truck.

Among the other athletes volunteering was Isaac Bruce, 38, who spent 16 years in the NFL for the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

“We were goal-minded and one of those goals was to play in the NFL,” Bruce said. “The mentality has changed, and that is why people like Zack and Henri and Al (Harris) all come back to remind them. I think us being here gives them hope and that is an important factor. We teach them faith.”

Bruce said their main focus is to make sure they become productive citizens.

“I think it is a no-brainer for us to be here because we know we are doing this for the kids,” Bruce added. “We want to try and build character. We didn’t have anything like this when I was growing up, not to this extent. We did have guys from the Dolphins, who would come and talk to us at the high schools sometimes, but, here, we get their full attention. They get our full attention.”

Henri Crockett, 36, a 1992 Ely grad, said they have contributed more than $500,000 to the community through their foundation, although they have only been able to generate about $40,000 in contributions. They have two reading centers for local youths. Crockett said their mother, Sylvia Ann Hall, instilled good family values.

They will also host the 3rd Annual Family and Health Community Festival this Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pompano Citi Center, 1955 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach.

“We have fun each and every year,” Zack Crockett said. “The kids learn and they see different guys each year. The message we keep giving these kids is obviously working because they listen and they keep coming back.”

For more information visit their website at www.crockettfoundation.org.

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Flicks: Captain America & French Film Fest

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Earlier this year, Superman talked about renouncing his U.S. citizenship, claiming to be a citizen of the world. A product of the DC Comic book universe, Superman seemed to forget that he was fighting for “Truth, Justice and the American Way.”

Perhaps seeking public relations leverage, Marvel Comics has unleashed Captain America: The First Avenger,  one of the most patriotic movies to be released in a decade. The American public rewarded Captain America with an impressive non-holiday box office gross of $65 million.

While this film is a stand-alone motion picture, it is part of the series of Marvel Comics movies released since 2008, (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor) that will lead to next Summer’s first blockbuster, in May 2012, The Avengers. Of all of the recent Marvel motion picture heroes, Captain America is easily the most likable.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is the runt of Brooklyn, who wants to serve America during World War II. Despite the protests of Colonel Chester Philips (Tommy Lee Jones), research Professor Erskine (Stanley Tucci) sees a good heart in Steve Rogers and recruits the scrappy Dodgers fan for a special scientific experiment. With Howard Stark’s (Dominic Cooper) technical influence, the experiment is a success and Steve Rogers becomes known as Captain America.

First used as a propaganda tool, Captain America comes under the radar of the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a villain who takes up where Adolph Hitler left off. As the Red Skull plots the destruction of America, Captain America recruits the Howling Commandos and kicks some “Nazi” butt.

Given his work with The Rocketeer, October Sky and Jurassic Park III, director Joe Johnson is perfect to bring both the spectacle and sensitivity to this picture.

The acting ensemble has fun with this film. Jones’s fast-talking delivery has audiences howling with laughter. As Iron Man’s daddy, Cooper does a good impression of his fictional son (played by Robert Downey Jr.)

Yet, this film belongs to Chris Evans and thrives because of his sincere performance. Captain America is what a summer Saturday matinee blockbuster should be.

For those who cannot get into Harry Potter, Captain America or Cowboys & Aliens this weekend,  the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival presents the 10th Annual French Film Festival at Cinema Paradiso July 28-31. 954-525–FILM or www.fliff.com.

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Suspect charged: Quiet Waters Park

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

After a spike in vehicle burglaries at Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park, BSO deputies initiated an undercover operation in an attempt to capture the suspects involved.  During the operation last Saturday deputies spotted a suspect burglarizing a vehicle in the park and captured him after a foot chase. The suspect, who has an extensive criminal history, was charged with the burglary and other violations.  Please remember to lock your doors and remove items of value from your vehicle.

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National Night Out: Deerfield Beach

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

On Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 6:00pm-9:00pm the City of Deerfield Beach and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deerfield Beach District will host the annual National Night Out event at Quiet Waters Park located at 401 South Powerline Road. The event will consist of a live band, raffle prizes, food, non alcoholic beverages, children’s games and inflatables, prescription drug take back, paper shredding, and several static displays.  Admission is free.  National Night Out heightens crime and drug awareness, generates support for, and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthens community spirit and police-community partnerships, and sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

 

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Letters to the Editor

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

RE: Utility tax

Dear Editor:

With every debate, one will find differences of opinion. It is not uncommon to have things misrepresented or overstated in the heat of a deliberation.

But it is a rare occasion that you read in print something so isolated from truth and reality that it cannot be described as anything less than a bold face lie.

In the 7/21 edition of the Observer, Mr. Steve Krevoy’s account of an incident at Constitution Park was just that, a lie. In an attempt to justify his own questionable actions, he concocted a series of events completely of his own imagination.

“He (Burgess Hanson), in turn, called Mayor Noland and District 4 commissioner Ganz, whose decision it was to call BSO” – NOT TRUE.

I was not even aware of the incident until late Saturday evening when I checked my voice mail. City Manager Burgess Hanson had left me a voice mail at 6:43 p.m. notifying me of what occurred earlier in the day. I did not actually speak to Mr. Hanson until Monday morning. I have the voice mail saved and the phone records to prove it.

I have turned a blind eye to Mr. Krevoy and his group’s inaccurate portrayal of the impact of the utility tax. If you read one of their flyers, you would be led to believe that your entire water and electric bill will be taxed 10 percent. That is not true and they know it. It is clear he has no scruples when it comes to relaying false information. I have chosen to ignore that. But, I will not sit silent to this complete fabrication of an event and the sullying of the reputation of city staff.

Mr. Krevoy should be ashamed.

Commissioner Bill Ganz

Deerfield Beach

 

Dear Editor:

After reading last week’s letter to the editor from Steve Krevoy, I feel that the city has no choice but to respond to his slanderous allegations. Because the letter contained more untruths than truths, it will be difficult to cover them all. However, there were a few statements that I must address.

The “opposition” flyer to which Krevoy continually refers was actually a document the city created to provide important information to residents about the recently approved public service tax, which will, among other things, allow the city to lower its millage rate, providing tax relief for residential property owners.

The flyers are available at all city facilities, not just Constitution Park, and they are displayed in the same manner as other flyers created by the city. As for the statement that city staff did not allow the removal of the flyers, the staff member on duty was following an established policy for rental of a city facility, where those renting are not permitted to remove any of the city’s decorations or posted material.

The most frustrating fallacy in Krevoy’s letter is his depiction of what occurred after he removed the flyers on display. Krevoy made false accusations about specific city staff and elected officials, myself included, claiming that all were responsible for “BSO deputies (being) dispatched to the site to arrest (them) for vandalizing city property.” In actuality, the incident was reported through the city’s chain of command, by the staff member on duty, who felt she was unable to reach a reasonable solution with Mr. Krevoy. She contacted her supervisor, who contacted the director of Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Director spoke with the Police Chief, and a decision was made to send a representative from BSO to Constitution Park to assist the staff member in diffusing the situation. All of these activities were over and done by the time I received a message from the City Manager that evening, briefing me on the incident.

They say there are two sides to every story, but in this situation, there is virtually no common ground.

Mayor Peggy Noland

Deerfield Beach

 

Closing of Teen Center

Dear Editor:

As a concerned parent and resident, I feel the city of Deerfield has let me down.

On numerous occasions I have heard talk about concern for the youth in Deerfield and a willingness to help them. But I recently found out that the only place in Deerfield for teens will be closing its doors for good. With all the gang violence, crime, and brutal attacks such as Josie Ratley and Michael Brewer, you would think the city would give more thought about the Teen Center and keep it open.

I have [both] a 14- and 16-year-old son who attend the Teen Center, and I have noticed major positive changes in them since they have attended. Their grades and behavior have improved, they are more respectable, and they are staying out of trouble. When I was told about the Center closing, they were very upset and afraid.

I am a single mother of five children and really need the help of programs such as this. They also told me that BSO will be taking over the Teen Center, which does not make any sense. I feel the teens need a place to call their own and the city should make an exception and do whatever it takes for the teens instead of giving BSO that building because the teens are our future. It makes you wonder what’s really more important, our future teens or BSO?

I have a few questions that need to be addressed:

1. With the Teen Center closing, I would like to know where will our teens go?

2. What will the city provide?

3. Who made the decision to close the Teen Center and allow BSO to have full access to the center?

4. Would BSO have more patrol on the streets due to an extra amount of teens hanging out?

5. What is the REAL reason why they are closing the center?

6. What will BSO use the building for?

A Concerned Parent & Resident

Makeesha Johnson                                                                                                                                                    

Deerfield Beach

 

Editor’s note: The city is shutting down the actual Teen Center but not shutting down teen operations, according to Assistant to the City Manager Amanda Shafer. In the future, teens will go to the middle school or high school for the program, rather than bringing them to the center. The city subsidized most of the operation. Financially, they were spending more money than they were bringing in, in order to bring in the kids, she said.

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Crime Watch

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 23. A man was observed entering a Radio Shack at 665 S. Federal Hwy. and stealing three SunDisk MP3 players.

July 24. A woman reported a firearm stolen from her. The report was made at 4155 NW 5 Dr.

July 24. A woman reported her home at 4930 NE 10 Ave. broken into and a laptop computer, iPod Touch and jewelry stolen.

July 24. A report was made that a BB gun was fired at the window of Charm City Burgers at 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

July 24. A woman reported that someone opened the rear sliding glass door to her home at 1444 SE 15 Court and stole her 42-inch flat screen television.

July 24. A man was seen driving up to a vehicle parked at 1041 E. Hillsboro Blvd. and stealing a Samsung MP3 player.

July 24. A woman was arrested and charged with stealing $74.95 worth of items from Wings at 2020 NE 2 St.

July 24. A man was arrested and charged with stealing a pressure cleaner from a pickup truck parked at 300 N. Ocean Blvd.

 

DEERFIELD – District 4

Follow up on Burglary Arrests – Gates of Hillsboro/Deer Run/Waterford

July 5 BSO deputies responded to the 2700 block of SW 15 Street (Waterford Homes) where suspect(s) entered the residence by smashing the rear slider window. Several items were taken, including an iPad. Detectives used investigative technology to locate the iPad and later arrested the suspect. Detectives are still working to determine if the suspect was linked to other crimes in the area.

July 8 BSO deputies responded to a burglary in progress in Deer Run. Suspects entered an occupied home through the front door and removed property. Approximately 90 minutes later, a second in-progress burglary was called in by an alert neighbor in the Gates of Hillsboro. Armed with a description of the suspect vehicle, deputies apprehended one of three suspects after they fled on foot in the 600 block of W. Sample Road. Vehicle was recovered with stolen property from both residential burglaries. During the follow-up investigation, a third burglary from Coconut Creek was cleared. Detectives are still working leads to determine if these suspects are connected with other crimes in the area.

July 15 Burglary to a business was reported at Audio Visual Innovations, 730 S. Military Trail between 5:30 p.m. and 8:45 a.m. the following day. Unknown person(s) gained entry into the business’ storage overflow warehouse, possibly by the unlocked front door, and removed approximately 36 various sizes of flat panel display monitors, valued at approximately $67,400. CSIA processed with negative results. Digital photos were taken of what were possibly the suspect’s vehicle tire tracks. No video or witness located. CI unit advised.

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 13. A man was given a trespass warning and asked not to return to a Publix Supermarket at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. Store personnel said he was yelling profanities.

July 15. A woman reported that a front lense was stolen from her Toyota Corolla at 3731 NW 29 Ave.

July 19. A police officer investigating wave runner thefts noticed that one wave runner was missing from a trailer designed to carry two wave runners at 3516 NE 31 Ave. The officer found that the owner of the home where the trailer was parked was away. He asked a neighbor about the situation and was told that homeowner did own two wave runners and it appeared that one wave runner had been stolen. The officer reported a stolen wave runner.

July 19. A Jet Ski was reported stolen at 4010 NE 31 Ave. Officers observed two suspects fleeing when the saw police approaching them.

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A bad odor and a holy purpose

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

From the time I was a little Rabbi … I mean, a little boy … I was taught that everything that G-d put on this Earth can have a very holy purpose. Of course, it often appears the reverse is just as true. Using the free will with which we have been endowed by our Creator, we also have the ability to take something and use it for evil.

I guess one of the easiest examples would be the creation of Atomic Energy, which also brought about the Bomb. The same creation, the same use of man’s ingenuity, and we come up with a good thing and a bad thing. Then again, perhaps the day will come when we will find a holy and creative purpose for the bomb rather than using it as a weapon of mass destruction.

Then there is nuclear energy, which also seems to have been used for two very different purposes and, yet, we find that if the good purpose is used and a plant has a leak, well, then it doesn’t appear to be so good … does it?

Still, I am a big believer in what I learned early on in life … that everything, even the things we consider to be the foulest of the foul, can have a good and holy purpose. We just have to be wise enough to figure out what that purpose might be.

I found a great example of that just a couple of weeks ago in a fascinating news story. So let me ask you something, when you were at the height of your fitness level, did you ever put on a pair of those white athletic socks and a pair of sneakers and head off for a long walk or a jog? And, if you did, did you ever have a time when it started to rain but you just kept walking anyway? When you finally got back home, you took off your sneakers and if anyone was near you, they took one whiff of those socks you were wearing and yelled out, “PHEW” or “P.U.”

Now, I have to tell you, as much as I believe that everything on this Earth can be of benefit, I never had the ingenuity to come up with a benefit to dirty, stinky white socks. But I guess I wasn’t using all the creative power that G-d blessed me with and, that’s okay, because someone else was using theirs and they found a very holy use for … that’s right … dirty, stinky socks.

I don’t know if you are aware of it or not, but malaria still takes the lives of close to 100,000 people each year from across the globe and most of the lives it takes are children’s. Malaria is carried by mosquitoes infected with the disease and when one of them bites you, look out.

Well, researchers in Tanzania found that mosquitoes are attracted to the wonderful aroma of dirty, stinky socks. That’s right, just as we can’t resist walking by a bakery without getting that whiff that draws us in, those socks, those dirty, stinky socks draw the mosquitoes in like … well, like flies.

So if you put up mosquito traps and have a batch of smelly socks on them, it lures them much the same way a piece of cheese may lure a mouse into a trap. So don’t be surprised if one day you see a headline that reads “Dirty, Smelly Socks Save the Lives of 100,000 Children.” May it come to pass and may each of us use our ingenuity to find holiness in the most unlikely of places. Let us say, Amen.

Shalom My Friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

 

Rabbi Ezring is a Hospice Chaplain and Member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. He also provides Professional Pastoral Care Services to a number of health centers in Broward County. 

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Happenings

Posted on 28 July 2011 by LeslieM

Battle of the Singing Preachers!

Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

South Florida Event Conference Center, 6101 NW 31 St., Margate, FL 33063

The Battle of the Singing Preachers kicks-off the 1st Annual Praise and Worship Conference & Choir Revival.  Singing preachers include locals like Patrick Kelly of Cathedral Church Of God in Deerfield Beach, Rev. Ernest Gonder of Love Fellowship Church in Pompano Beach and Minister Adrian Wilson of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach. Tickets for the dinner show are $40 single, $75 couple and $35 each for a table of 10.

Scheduled to share in the Praise & Worship Conference at the Deerfield Beach Hampton Inn (660 West Hillsboro Blvd., 33441) is nationally acclaimed composer, clinician and director Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux.  Conference closes with a Choir Revival  at the Word Of The Living God Ministries in Pompano Beach.

Register at www.genetownselministries.com or call 561-436-0868.

 

2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Friday, July 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lanes, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

“Spare Lives and Strike Out Cancer” by participating in a friendly competition of spares and strikes with this Relay for Life fundraiser. Team packages of $150 include 6 bowlers ($25 per person), 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and wings, raffles, prizes, free bowling coupons and more.

 

“Summer in the City:” Neil Diamond tribute

Friday, July 29, 7 p.m.

Count de Hoernle Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free concert, tribute to Neil Diamond by Rob Garrett. 561-393-7827 or www.myboca.us/rec/specialevents.

 

Saint Coleman’s “Walk on Water” Salt Water Fishing Tournament

• Kick Off Party and Captain’s Meeting

Friday, July 29, 6 to 9 p.m.

Saint Coleman’s Church Parish Hall, 1200 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL  33062

 

• Fishing Tournament

Saturday, July 30, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hillsboro Inlet

 

• Weigh in

By 4 p.m.

Alsdorf Boat Ramp, 2901 N.E. 14 St., Pompano Beach, Fl 33062

 

• Awards Party and Dinner

Saturday, July 30, 6 to 9 p.m.

Saint Coleman’s Church Parish Hall, 1200 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

 

Benefits Special Olympics of Broward County. Open to public. Entry fees: $225 per boat. Additional anglers added for $20 per angler. For information, 954-682-2128 or www.stcmc.org.

 

Annual Sweet Summertime Birthday Bash

Friday, July 29, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Firewater Bar, 179 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

All You Cancers & Leos, come celebrate the BIGGEST summertime birthday party of the year … Steve Minotti & Friends – featuring classic rock band Luminotti – singing all night long. FREE jello shots. 954-428-8191.

 

I Am My Brothers Keeper Car Wash

Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Thrift, 165 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5. Proceeds assist in helping those returning from prison (and their families) to become productive citizens. Also hot dogs & drink for $3, $1 goes toward fundraiser. 954-418-0216.

 

GLEE inspired mini camps

Session 1: Monday, Aug. 1 to Friday, Aug. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, Aug. 8 to Friday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Showtime Performing Arts Theatre

503 SE Mizner Blvd., Ste. 73, Boca Raton, FL 33432 

Space limited, extended hours available. Call 561.394.2626 or visit www.showtimeboca.com.

 

City of Lighthouse Point Summer Youth Soccer Camp

Monday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Aug. 5

Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL  33064

“British Soccer Camp,” ages 3 through 16.  For Information and registration: www.challengersports.com or 954-784-3439.

 

SAVE THE DATE: DB Chamber Annual Gala

Saturday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Hilton Deerfield Beach Hotel, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Gala is a celebration that includes “Voice of the World” Awards. The Chamber is seeking nominations for this prestigious recognition. Submit (in 50 words or less) your contact information and why your business should be chosen as one of the recipients. (Deadline: Aug. 20). Also accepting applications for vendors to provide services, especially entertainment/music, décor, photographer/videographer and donations for auction items.  Event is Black Tie optional. For more information visit:  www.deerfieldchamber.com or call 954-427-1050.

Special Food Drive

NE Focal Point is accepting donations of non-perishible items, including canned vegetables, meats; dried or canned milk; cereal; rice and pasta; soups and stews, fruits. Items can be dropped off at NE Focal Point, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-480-4449.

We want your waste!

The City of Deerfield Beach is accepting special waste items and recyclables at their Residential Recycling Drop-Off Center, 401 SW 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Recyclables accepted include newspapers, phone books, junk mail, glass and plastic bottles, paperboard, flattened corrugated cardboard, magazines, juice pouches, and aluminum and steel cans.  Waste items accepted include latex paint, used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, tires, computers and electronics, fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks , and rechargeable and auto batteries.

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