Renaming Westside Park gymnasium?
Dear Editor:
It has been brought to my attention that our city commissioners are attempting to have Dr. Leo J. Robb’s name removed from the gymnasium in Westside Park. The reason being given for this is “Dr. Robb was a Racist.” There is not an ounce of truth to this statement, and no one should know better than me, as I worked side by side with him in his office from 1974 until his death.
Dr. Robb did not have a prejudicial bone in his body. How come every time something does not go our way, “the proverbial race card becomes an issue?”
Every summer Dr. Robb would do all the pre-football physicals for members of the Packer-Rattler football teams. He would give each boy a complete physical and notify their parents if there were any issues. These physicals were all done free of charge, all 125 of them. There were many times when Dr. Robb would discount or see patients without charge and without regard for color, ethnic background or religion. Yes, there was a back door to our office, but it was not an entrance for patients. All patients used the front door and sat side by side in the one and only waiting room.
This good man did so much for the residents of Deerfield Beach. His name, above another’s, belongs on that building. He did not see color and neither should we.
Yours Truly,
Mary M. McAdoo
Deerfield Beach
Editor’s note: Asked August 2 whether the city commission has any plans to rename Westside Park gymnasium, Mayor Peggy Noland said, “not at this time.” She said she was approached by District 2 resident David Ricks to ask whether the gymnasium might be renamed for recently deceased [June 23] Parks & Rec Manager 1 Johnny Tigner, who worked for the city for 37 years. “He gave his heart and soul to the children, worked [with youth’s sports] from that gymnasium.”
According to the city, the gymnasium was named in memory of Dr. Leo J. Robb Jr. on July 9, 1990. The city commission voted unanimously in favor of the naming on June 19, 1990. Jean Robb was mayor of the city of Deerfield Beach from 1980-93.
Ricks said two petitions are circulating in District 2 to show whether or not there is support in the city. He said he would be happy with either changing the name of the gymnasium – or changing the name of Westside Park – to honor Johnny Tigner.
Publisher’s note: To the best of my recollection, there was only one doctor in Deerfield back in the early 1950s. It was Dr. Higgins, and he was extremely busy. Our community was very happy, therefore, to have another doctor come to town when Dr. Leo Robb and his family arrived. Dr. Robb was a fine man and treated everyone who needed his services, especially the young athletes, with great dignity – which is why he was honored by putting his name on the gymnasium.
Proud to Live in Deerfield Beach/LHP
Dear Editor:
Last Friday, a bowling fundraiser at Diamond Strikes Lanes raised over $5,000 and put this year’s Deerfield Beach/Lighthouse Point Relay for Life over its financial goal of $100,000. We have exceeded our fundraising goal, but we have done something more important.
Our cities, our schools, our civic organizations, retirement communities like Century Village, local businesses and generous individuals all joined in the fight against cancer. Then there were groups of everyday people, like Healing Spirits, who formed teams of friends and neighbors. They poured countless hours of time into this year’s Relay for Life.
In challenging times, we have come together for the common goal of fighting cancer and supporting cancer survivors. This shows the kind of heart and soul that is alive and well in Deerfield Beach and Lighthouse Point. This is even more important than the money we have raised and I am very proud to live in this generous community.
Thanks you to everyone who helped make it happen.
T.J. Eagen
2011 Event Chair/Relay for Life
Deerfield Beach
RE: Teen Center
Dear Editor:
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a tremendous supporter of programs for Deerfield Beach youth. My years of public service have included tireless work to bring the Deerfield Beach Aquatics Center to reality, and steadfast support of the Police and Fire Explorers programs, and the PAL Boxing League, to name a few. All three of my children participated in city programs, including the Jr. Lifeguard program.
It has become apparent that now more than ever, we must focus on our youth and get them involved in positive activities. This has been reinforced by the tragic incidents of the past two years involving Deerfield Beach Middle School students.
A decade ago, Deerfield Beach Teen Center opened as a place for the city’s older youth to gather. Unfortunately, over the years, participation at the facility has dwindled to the current situation where only about 10 youths visit the facility per day. For the nine months from October 1, 2010 through July 12, 2011, Teen Center operations cost the city $75,000.
Even in this economic climate, we can’t afford not to invest in our youth, but we must make the best use of the funding we have. In my opinion, we are missing the opportunity to reach our teens, just when they need it the most. City staff has met with representatives of Deerfield Beach Middle and High schools, who have echoed this concern.
For this reason, the city is overhauling its teen programs, and instituting a “mobile” concept, where staff will bring programs directly to the community’s youth at both schools. Operations at the Teen Center will cease this fall, and Teen Center funding will be used to support this new concept. By partnering with the schools, the city will be able to maximize our dollars, and increase the number of teens whose lives are impacted by the positive influence of city programs. I fully support this new approach, and I am confident that in the end, our children will be the winners.
Mayor Peggy Noland
Deerfield Beach
