| July, 2022

Back to School Tax Holiday

Posted on 25 July 2022 by JLusk

Did you know there is a tax holiday for Back to School items happening now? It runs July 25 through Aug. 7. Details here: Florida Dept. of Revenue – Home (floridarevenue.com)

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YATC Class of 2022

Posted on 20 July 2022 by JLusk

The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), a unique nine-month automotive training program that provides intensive instruction and hands-on training in automotive theory and practical skills, recently hosted a virtual commencement ceremony to recognize the Class of 2022. The hybrid celebration, which was livestreamed by family and friends, honored the dedication and accomplishments of the graduates.

The 19 graduates in this year’s class remained committed to the program, enhancing their automotive and academic skills, despite many obstacles they faced during the pandemic. They studied technical automotive principles along with foundational academic and life skills classes. This year’s class size was reduced to accommodate the need to space students for safety.

“The YATC Commencement Ceremony is always a special occasion,” said Terry Routley, executive director of YATC. “Our students know what it feels like to face adversity and significant challenges. But today, they also know the feeling of hope and new opportunity. They are armed with the skills and knowledge they need to take the next steps toward a better future for themselves and their families. We are proud to have helped them on their journey.”

YATC was established by automotive legend and founder of JM Family Enterprises Jim Moran in 1984 with a mission to train and educate at-risk youth in basic automotive repair skills, academic remediation, job readiness and life management skills. The goal of this program is to prepare at-risk young adults to become self-sufficient, productive, law-abiding citizens. Equally valuable to life skills, academic education and automotive training, the school provides emotional support from the caring staff — three of whom are YATC graduates – with an aim of helping students re-route their paths.

“YATC taught me to be persistent and be on top of any task to get the best results in anything I do in life,” said Christian Gaviria, YATC Class of 2022 graduate.

Guided by YATC’s dedicated educators, 11 of this year’s graduates earned their high school diplomas and one graduate is continuing to pursue his diploma following graduation. During the commencement ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded scholarships for continuing education, five of whom received special recognition for notable achievements.

Akeem Edwards, 21, received the Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship Award. Established in 2009 by Jan Moran in memory of Bruce Rossmeyer, this recognition includes a full-tuition scholarship to attend a technical/vocational school. Rossmeyer, founder of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and Daytona Toyota, was a devoted friend and generous supporter of YATC. Edwards also was awarded a Volunteer Service Award, given in remembrance of longtime YATC volunteer Luz E (Lucy) Torrance.

Other 2022 special awards include:

  • Dylan Correll, 20, was presented with the Jump Start Award for excellence in automotive knowledge and repairs. He also received an Outstanding Attendance Award and a Volunteer Service Award.
  • Rolando Suero, 22, was honored with the Turnabout Award for making significant changes in all areas of his life and received an Outstanding Attendance Award.
  • Kristopher Smith, 18, received an Outstanding Attendance Award.
  • Caron Sanders, 19, was selected for a Volunteer Service Award.
  • Vidal Villca-Turcios, 20, was acknowledged with an Outstanding Attendance Award.

YATC also awarded Clark Ballard the annual Jim Moran Award. Ballard received this prestigious award in recognition of more than 30 years of extraordinary dedication to the school and its students.

“I learned early in my career at JM Family how important YATC was to Mr. Moran, and I’m honored to receive this award,” Ballard said. “It’s been great seeing young people’s lives impacted by their time at the school. Any small part I’ve been able to play in helping accomplish that is something I’m very proud of.”

Applicants to the program are referred to YATC through multiple avenues, including the departments of Juvenile Justice and Children and Families, as well as by other YATC graduates, local clergy and word of mouth. Many of these young people have experienced poverty, crime, abuse and addiction even before reaching their teen years. There is no cost to attend as the program is sustained solely by generous donors and the school’s annual fundraiser. Graduates remain part of the “YATC family” and continue to receive assistance as they pursue their dreams.

YATC is proud to host its annual fundraiser and community gathering on November 12, 2022. More information on the YATC Classis is available at www.yatc.com/events.

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Boca Burger Battle

Posted on 15 July 2022 by JLusk

 
 
Sanborn Square Park was a cloud of smoke on Saturday, July 16 as the grills were blazing and hungry guests waited in long lines to try a bite of what the vendors had to offer. This was the 9th annual Boca Raton Burger Battle and, as in previous years, it was packed with people, despite some late mild sprinkles. 
 
Ten hand-picked chefs constructed a specialty burger for people to sample, including the judges, who voted on their top three. Guests could vote too for people’s choice. There also were libations and other items to try.
 
In the end, Bar Louie won third place, M.E.A.T. Eatery & Taproom won second place and Burton’s Grill & Bar won first place … and People’s Choice. Russell Spadaccini, who puts together this event yearly, made the announcement with much fanfare to an anxious crowd, popping a bottle of champagne and announcing that the person who catches the cork would win tickets to his next soiree, the Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival, which will take place in November. 
 
The party was not only about food, there also was music. The KRUSH party band played the night away. This event also benefited the Children’s Giving Foundations.
 
2022’s Burger Battle Contenders are from these South Florida cities:
 
The Judges included a Mike Mayo, an award-winning food critic, influencer, digital creator, journalist and more; Chef Max Santiago from MAX’D OUT Artisanal Donuts by Chef Max Santiago and Batch the Cookie Company; Sam Kerrigan from CBS News 12; Vicki Corrao, on the board of the Palm Beach American Culinary Federation, former owner of three Italian restaurants on Mulberry St in N.Y.C.’s Little Italy and judge of numerous events for Cordon Bleu and Johnson & Wales, Robert S Weinroth, Palm Beach County Mayor, and Douglas Heizer from The Boca Raton Tribune
 
Their sponsors included the following:
 

For more info., visit https://www.bocaburgerbattle.com.

3rd place: Bar Louie. Pictured: Staff with event founder Russell Spadaccini & Palm Beach Mayor & judge Robert Weinroth

2nd Place: M.E.A.T. Eatery & Taproom. Russell poses with owner George Patti & others

1st place: Burton’s Bar & Grill. Staff poses with event founder Russell Spadaccini & Palm Beach Mayor and judge Robert Weinroth.

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Memorial for Jim Lusk

Posted on 15 July 2022 by JLusk

The Observer is sad to announce the memorial of Jim Lusk, who ran the Observer office for many years. Jim passed away at home. He was 62. Jim always loved Deerfield Beach and was very dedicated to the community, taking time to help get people in the Founders Day float for many years as well as build floats, in addition to hosting the Deerfield Little Leaguers. He made sure the Deerfield High cross country team got tickets to Dunn’s Run every year. He covered many local events along with me, Rachel Galvin, with ObserverTV, in addition to holding down the fort at The Observer or running out and covering breaking news. He helped to close down a pill mill and was always keeping his eye on the neighborhood. He was good friends with BSO and loved attending Night Out Against Crime and other BSO events. He also enjoyed being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. These are just a few mentions about Jim. I am enclosing the Obit that was also shared with the Sentinel with information about his upcoming memorial next Saturday, July 23rd at the Old Schoolhouse in Deerfield from 10 a.m. to noon. LINK: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sunsentinel/name/james-lusk-obituary?id=35765049

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Boil Water Alert LIFTED–Deerfield

Posted on 07 July 2022 by JLusk

UPDATE: THE BOIL WATER ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED

 

Previous Info:

Issued July 7, 2022–The City is issuing a Boil Water Alert to residents who live within the zip codes 33441, 33442, and ONLY north of SW 15th Street within zip code 33064.

A water sample from an untreated raw water well tested positive for trace amounts of bacteria. The sample was from raw water before it was treated at the water treatment plant.

Therefore, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.

This precautionary boil water notice is effective immediately and will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. The City will inform residents when the notice has been lifted which usually takes 48 to 72 hours.

If you have any questions, you may contact Adrian Mocanu at 954-480-4370.

Area affected by boil water order.

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