Boca Newspaper | December 2019

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RING IN 2020 AT THE ADDISON (9) CHECK OUT BOCA’S XERA LUXE (18) L’OREAL HONORS KIDSAFE CO-FOUNDER (23) PLACE OF HOPE BUILDS TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (35)

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DECEMBER | 2019

Boca honors veterans during Veterans Day ceremony introduces ‘Grey Team’ By: Diane Emeott Korzen Contributing Writer World War II Veteran Norman Sellers served in Pensacola, Fla. in the Naval Air Force. He enlisted when he was only 17 years old, after dropping out of high school. Through his military service, he was later able to get his GED, a doctorate, and start a National Bible College. He became a Pastor at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale. Sellers was one of many Veterans honored Monday morning, Nov. 11, at Boca’s Countess de Hoernle Park. Veterans Day – once known as Armistice Day, which celebrated the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918 – honors all military veterans who have served. The holiday was renamed in 1954. The city’s ceremony was attended by Mayor Scott Singer, who thanked honored guests, performers, Boca Parks & Recreation staff and event sponsors Grieco Chevrolet, Broken Egg Café and Publix.

NJROTC from Boca High salute during city’s Veterans Day ceremony. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

Deputy Mayor Jeremy Rodgers, who is an Officer in the United States Navy Reserve, was also in attendance, as were Council Members Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Monica Mayotte, Andy Thomson, and State

Representative Mike Caruso. Commander of American Legion Post # 277 Tracy Burkett Velez brought Sellers up to the podium to be honored.

Burkett Velez also has a story of service. She spoke of the great sacrifice military families make to keep things going while their loved ones are deployed. [CONT. PG 2]

New names added to Boca’s ‘Walk of Recognition’ during 23rd annual celebration By: Jan Engoren Contributing Writer As Hollywood has their Walk of Fame, Boca Raton has its Walk of Recognition, a monument of black granite stars under the gaze of Addison Mizner at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton. These stars honor individuals who have demonstrated significant long-term commitment to serving the interest of the city and enriching the lives of its residents. Over the past 22 years, more than 94 recipients have been awarded their stars and inducted into the elite club, sponsored by the Boca Raton Historical Society. “The Walk of Recognition is my favorite event because we have the opportunity to honor the outstanding individuals and institutions who have built our community,”

said BRHS executive director Mary Csar. “We are proud to recognize people from all walks of life, along with a wide range of institutions, who have made a positive impact on the quality of life here.” Presenting sponsors of the night were Marta (who founded the event in 1997) and Jim Batmasian; committee co-chairs included Marta Batmasian and Joyce DeVita; and the committee members were Denise Alman and Ann Schauer. The Historical Society is currently undergoing a campaign entitled “History Alive!” to create new, immersive, interactive exhibits and to upgrade Town Hall. The new exhibits, due to be completed by

spring 2020, will document the growth and development of Boca Raton from 18 people in 1903, and its origins as a small farming town to its current status as an international city of almost 100,000 residents. The Society is also working on an oral history project documenting the origins and growth of the Jewish community of Boca Raton and plan to follow up with a book and documentary. The ceremony at the Addison honored this year’s recipients, Arthur Adler, Kerry B. Koen, the late George E. Barbar, the late Dr. Merrilee R. Middleton and Florida Atlantic University. Adler was honored for his work with the Boca West

[CONT. PG 2]

Philanthropists Arthur and Shelly Adler. Arthur was added to Boca’s ‘Walk of Recognition.’ Photo by Jan Enogren.


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca honors veterans during Veterans Day ceremony introduces ‘Grey Team’ She served a total of 12 years, in Air Force Law Enforcement and as an Army nurse. For 2 years, she was deployed in a combat hospital in Landsthul, in southwestern Germany. She tended to the wounded from the battles of Fallujah and Mosul during the Iraq War. [FROM PG 1]

“They give you 20 weeks indoctrination – a process to turn a civilian into a warrior. It’s not a normal thing to run toward danger or shoot to kill if the situation requires. The military breaks you down to the lowest common denominator, then builds you back up again -- into a stronger person, no longer a civilian. You’re changed forever. You see things you can’t un-see... When our bodies can’t handle any more, they send us home, which is now a strange place. There’s no 20-week de-indoctrination. You have to adapt.” Reichbach said it’s

“No one talks about it, or does anything about it,” he said, which is why Reichbach said he started his organization. Grey Team is dedicated to building and implementing creative solutions for U.S. Military Veterans to reduce and eliminate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related suicides.

Lt. Col. Dennis Powers of Boca NJROTC talks with Retired Navy Lt. Matthew Buckley, who flew F18 Hornets and attended Top Gun school in Cali. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

Reichbach said he tried to look at and incorporate some things he and others had done to successfully try to re-enter society. As a result, Grey Team offers: a Veterans Community Center with full gym and complimentary personal training; cutting edge technology and holistic recovery therapies; meditation and mindfulness; nutritional counseling; and mentoring by community leaders.

WWII Veteran Norman Sellers (far R), and Larry Boyden (2nd from R) were honored by Boca City Council. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

Burkett Velez’s military career began after graduating high school. When she didn’t really know what she wanted to do with her life, her father suggested she go down to the local post office and take an entrance exam to work there. “Marine Recruiters called out to me. I knew right then I didn’t want to be a Marine,” she joked. “I did want to be in the military. I was married and remarried there. The military is in my soul.” U.S. Army Veteran – and founder of Grey Team -- Cary Reichbach joined the service as a young man, as his father and grandfather did.

more difficult to come back to the United States than to go out on a deployment. “Since 2001, about 3000 troops have been killed in combat, com- Procession on the Lake at Countess de Hoernle Park in Boca. DSC02395.JPGPhoto by Diane Emeott Korzen. pared to 136,000 lost to Charity ‘Grey Team’ after a government suicide. Coming home to the USA is six times more dangerous study that was disbanded 6 years later. Grey Team, which has been in existence for 3 years, just got its own building a few There was no conclusion, he added. than fighting on foreign soil!” weeks ago at 1181 S. Rogers Circle, #28. “The responsibility falls on the community, Another statistic Reichbach presented is 17 To volunteer, donate, sponsor a Vet, or for kids lose their lives each day due to mass more information, go to www.greyteam. not the military,” he continued. shootings, 20 U.S. Veterans die per day as a org or call 561-203-3815. Reichbach named his 501(c)3 Veteran result of suicide.

New names added to Boca’s ‘Walk of Recognition’ during 23rd annual celebration tributed more than $8M to child service agencies since 2010. Adler was introduced by Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert Weinroth who said, “Arthur is making a better life for the most vulnerable members of our community - our children.” “It’s amazing to have 94 stars and more people to recognize,” he said. “This is a community full of stars and we should recognize that.” Kerry Koen Koen was honored for his 38-year-career as a Boca Raton firefighter and former fire chief for the city. Photo by Jan Engoren.

Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit he co-founded, which serves 5,000 children in need in Palm Beach County. The agency has dis-

[FROM PG 1]

Koen was honored for his 38-year-career as a Boca Raton firefighter and former fire chief for the city. He pioneered the installation of fire sprinklers in Boca’s high-rises and developed the city’s patient transport program. One of the few people to ever live at the Addison, Koen “bleeds Boca Raton,” said

deputy city manager, George Brown. “I’m honored and grateful to be recognized,” said Koen. Dr. John Kelly, president of FAU accepted the award in honor of the university, which he noted President Lyndon Johnson created in 1964 from an old army base. He thanked the Historical Society and gave a brief overview of the university’s history and future goals and said, “Impregnate in every single kid the chance to learn where they came from.” Rita Thrasher, CEO of Boca Raton’s Promise, a mental health advocacy organization, paid tribute to Middleton, a psychologist and pioneer in mental health advocacy who helped found the Faulk Center for Group Counseling.

John Barbar spoke about his father, George Barbar and the Barbar Group’s contributions to the city’s development with commercial and residential real estate projects in the late 1970s, such as Woodfield Country Club, Woodfield Hunt Club and Regency Court. He praised his late father’s vision and courage and said Barbar left a lasting legacy on the city. “He gave his heart and soul to this city,” said Barbar, who was accompanied by his brother, Anthony. All inductees received a swag bag with a medal, certificate and coffee mug filled with Lindt chocolate, courtesy of the Fire Bay Gift Shop of the Boca Raton Historical Society.


DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Place of Hope’s Hero of Hope recipient Kelly Fleming as we serve the youth in our community.

1 Tell us a little about yourself and how

3 You are an Angel Mom for Place of Hope. What does that entail?

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and worked as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers before meeting my husband and moving to Boca Raton over 20 years ago. After volunteering at my church and my children’s school for many years, I began looking for a place to serve the community more broadly. Initially I struggled to find an impactful, well-run charity whose mission I felt drawn to support. Additionally, I was overwhelmed trying to sort through options, considering there are nearly 5,000 non-profits in Palm Beach County alone. I was first attracted to Place of Hope because of their local and national reputation as a leader in providing services to foster children and aged out foster children. Then, upon taking a tour and meeting the staff, I was stunned by their topnotch facilities and programs and by how they so evidently loved and cared for the children living there.

Angel Moms are ambassadors for Place of Hope and advocates for the children and young adults that live there. Angel Moms serve in a wide variety of ways, all suited to their interests and talents. Some work directly with the youth as mentors, teach special skills, or lead enrichment activities. Others volunteer at the front desk, while still others serve on committees planning our annual Angel Moms brunch and other events. One of my favorite aspects of the Angel Mom program is that everyone with a heart for helping these youths can find a way to have a meaningful impact.

you became involved with Place of Hope.

2 You were recently awarded the Jay DiPietro Hero of Hope Award from Place of Hope. Tell us about the award and what it means to you to win this honor. The Hero of Hope Award is given to an

5 What has been your most rewarding experience so far with Place of Hope?

Place of Hope?

Place of Hope is endlessly rewarding because I’ve seen over and over that it truly is a place of hope. The kids in foster care are there because they have been abused and neglected by those that were supposed to care for them, and then often shuffled around by a system that was supposed to protect them. But when these kids arrive at Place of Hope they are surrounded by people genuinely rooting for their success who work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.

Place of Hope is an incredible organization that has all three critical “pillars” - (i) a worthy and high-impact mission, (ii) extremely talented leadership, and (iii) outstanding execution - all right here in our community. Place of Hope strives for excellence in all areas, and consistently earns national awards for its work. Every single time I take someone on a tour they say they’ve never seen anything like it. The facilities are first-rate, the staff is remark-

When people learn that I work with foster kids, aged out foster kids, homeless youth and human trafficking victims I usually receive a response along the lines of “oh my, bless you, that’s so depressing”. The reality, however, is quite the opposite because together we have the opportunity to make a real difference in these lives. Further, Place of Hope does it all with such love and grace that volunteering there is actually incredibly uplifting and rewarding!

4 Why should people get involved with

individual or corporation that has shown leadership and philanthropy in our community and specifically has helped further the mission of Place of Hope. I am deeply humbled to receive the award and honored to work alongside the many remarkable people involved with Place of Hope. Place of Hope is truly an excellent organization that attracts extraordinary volunteers, and it is an absolute joy to work alongside them

able, and the entire campus permeates with an amazing hope. All of this is the direct result of a committed team of staff and volunteers working together to support the youth with everything they need to successfully transition to adulthood.

FAU receives art donation worth more than $3.8 million Staff report Florida Atlantic University recently received a donation of artwork valued at more than $3.8 million from Rick and Lesley Stone. A total of 17 paintings, including works by Henri Matisse, Edward Willis Redfield, David Park and John Henry Twachtman, will make up the Rick and Lesley Stone Art Collection. The collection will be housed in the Ritter Art Gallery on FAU’s Boca Raton campus. “We are honored to receive this coveted art collection from the Stones,” said Michael J. Horswell, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. “With the addition of such a distinctive collection, our University Galleries and art history programs have the potential to establish a teaching collection component that will enhance educational opportunities and professional training for students.” The Stones also provided additional support for the creation of an Art History

Teaching Laboratory in the Ritter Gallery. The space and collection will provide students opportunities to study art up-close.

pands students’ creative and scholarly abilities within the context of a disciplinary and interdisciplinary setting.

“We are pleased to provide these works with a lovely permanent home where they can be enjoyed up-close by FAU students forever,” said Rick Stone. “We think the space is perfect not just for viewing but for learning about art and art curation.”

The program is devoted to offering a diverse curriculum dedicated to educating artists and art historians. There are more than 800 graduate and undergraduate majors currently enrolled, making it one of the largest art programs in the state of Florida. It attracts both national and international students, who study alongside of more than 20 full–time faculty and active artists.

Rick Stone is a Palm Beach attorney and an adjunct professor in FAU’s College of Business. He also has a scholarship for veterans that funds tuition for one male and one female veteran student and sponsors a faculty writing program on the topics of law and economic.

“Giving students access to such high-quality works of art in a teaching setting allows us to better prepare them for careers in museums, galleries, and other arts professions,” said Karen Leader, Ph.D., associate professor of art history, who worked with the Stones in shaping the gift. “As we did this spring, we look forward to inviting Mr. Stone into our classes to partner with him in this educational initiative.”

He said he thought he would move into a home to hang all his pieces, but when the move didn’t happen, he began looking for a place to donate his paintings instead of putting them into storage. The collection contains pieces of American Impressionists and some second tier French Impressionists. The Department of Visual Arts and Art

History at FAU actively engages and ex-

For more information about the collection and about donating to FAU, contact Laurie Carney at 561-297-3606.


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

things you need to know this December in Boca Raton 1

Create natural ornaments at Gumbo Limbo from 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. Create ornaments and decorations with holiday themes from shells, sea beans, and pinecones, and colorful craft supplies. Materials are provided. The event is for kids 7 years and older. Children under 18 must participate with an adult. Reservations required. Cost is $7 for residents/members or $10 for non-residents/non-members.

2 Dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus or Hanukkah Harry for Jingle Jam on Dec. 7. From 5-11 p.m. at Mizner Park, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and drinks during the 1st Annual Jingle Jam Fest presented by Vinsane. The event is ticketed and patrons must be 18 years to jam and 21 to drink. 3 Spend your Sunday with Brunch, Beats, and Brass at Mizner Park Amphitheater’s Sunday Jazz Brunch on Dec. 8. Soak up some sunshine, Jazzy tunes and come hungry, for brunch food trucks, and a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Jazz Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.

4 The city of Boca Raton will host “FAU Merry Tuba Christmas” concert at 5 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a tradition of holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums, started by Indiana University Professor Harvey G. Phillips. FAU’s Band Program brings this tradition to the Boca Raton community for its ninth annual presentation. Outdoor event, bring chairs or blankets. Free to attend. Chairs will also be for rent inside the venue for $5 cash. 5 The ultimate free festival for vegans, VegFest returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Mizner Park. The festival will feature lawn games, vegan food vendors and shopping. There will be a variety of vendors selling yoga apparel, tea, essential oils, jewelry, skincare, and more. 6 Catch The Music Man at the Wick

Theatre. Tony award-nominee John Tartaglia and Julie Kleiner star in this romantic musical comedy which has been entertaining audiences since 1957. This sixtime Tony Award-winning musical runs through Dec. 26 with 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. evening performances.

7 The Boca Raton Public Library will soon have a new library mobile van thanks to a donation from the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library totaling $77,075. After library staff presented the idea to the Friends, the Board voted unanimously to fund the majority of the cost for the vehicle. The new van will provide library materials, resources and services to residents without access to traditional library buildings due to mobility, transportation, and/or socio-economic limitations. 8 Lynn University’s Friends of the

Conservatory of Music will hold its 17th annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Boca Resort. Listen to holiday classics per-

formed by the Lynn Philharmonia. The annual event raises scholarship funds for the Conservatory’s deserving and talented student musicians from all over the world. Tickets $35.

9 The City of Boca Raton’s Utility Services Department was recently honored with a top award at the 2019 Executive Management Conference by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). The department was recognized as one of

the 15 AMWA Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winners for it’s In-City Reclamation Irrigation System (IRIS) project in which the system provides reclaimed water for irrigation to several area parks, commercial green spaces such as golf courses, residential lawns and landscaping.

10 Boca West Children’s Foundation is raffling off a package for the Super Bowl LIV, happening in Miami on Feb. 2. The package includes two tickets to the big game near midfield between the 40-yard lines, limo service to and from the Hard Rock Stadium, and a $400 gift card for dinner at the restaurant of the winner’s choice. Raffle tickets are $100 and a winner will be

selected for every 500 tickets sold. The drawing will be held on Jan. 10 and winners do not need to be present to win. All proceeds benefit the Boca West Children’s Foundation. To purchase raffle tickets, mail a check made to Boca West Children’s Foundation to Boca West Children’s Foundation, P.O. Box 3070, Boca Raton, FL 33431 or to pay by credit card, visit bocawesfoundation.org/donate and put a note in the “Additional Comments” box that says, “Superbowl Raffle Tickets.” Ticket stubs will be mailed.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Gandhi, granddaughter, both faced racism, hate seeking peace, she tells FAU audience By: Dale King Contributing Writer Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of famed human rights advocate Mohandas Gandhi, is a peace activist who has endured many of the indignities her grandfather did. Both were scorned by racists and persecuted by unfeeling government bureaucrats, Ela Gandhi told an audience Oct. 21 at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus.

Named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi upon his birth in India in 1869, Gandhi – a lawyer, politician, social activist and writer who became a leader of the nationalist movement against British rule of India – earned the title “Mahatma” meaning “Great Soul.” Ela Gandhi’s battle for peace covered ground

In her speech, “A Life for Peace, from Apartheid to Democracy,” she touched on much of what she had gathered during a lifetime establishing democracy and using nonviolence to overcome a segregated Apartheid South African regime. She was born in South Africa, fought against discrimination and faced maltreatment and house arrest by the Apartheid regime that she helped to defeat. A daughter of one of Gandhi’s sons, Ela Gandhi shared with guests in FAU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Center auditorium the message of non-violent struggle against the snags and complications of South African Apartheid government. Ela Gandhi talked to the crowd while seated in front of a massive drawing of her grandfather. Her appearance at FAU and in South Florida last month was part of the Gandhi King Global Initiative led by the King Institute at Stanford University along with the Gandhi 150 Celebration marking the peace movement leader’s 150th birthday.

the troubles her grandfather had suffered in South Africa. Recalling these troubles, the internet states that in a Durban court, he was asked by the European magistrate to take off his turban; he refused and left the courtroom. A few days later, while traveling to Pretoria, he was unceremoniously thrown out of a first-class railway compartment and left shivering and brooding at a train station. In the further course of that journey, he was beaten up by the white driver of a stagecoach because he would not travel on the footboard to make room for a European passenger. “He was left with three choices,” said Ela. “Return to India; stay and accept it; or stay and do something about it.” He opted for the latter, and soon learned “the power of negotiations,” Ela said.

Ela Gandhi addresses the audience at an appearance Oct. 21 in the Osher Lifelong Learning Center auditorium at the Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton. Photo by Dale King.

where her granddad had once trod. “Mahatma Gandhi was only 23 when he came to South Africa, where he was confronted by a racist regime. He could feel the hostility. He became aware of the different ways that different people are treated.” The elder Gandhi accepted a job at a less-than-attractive law firm as a means of moving away from India, where he had also faced personal struggles. The second generation Gandhi alluded to

During a question-and-answer session at the end of her talk, Ela was asked to describe moments spent with her grandfather. “He gave us individual attention,” the activist said. “Today, parents are so busy and stressed out. They are not able to put that aside and give their undivided attention to their children. But they should respect and listen to them. These are the two most important things.” Asked what Gandhi would think of digital violence today, Ela responded: “My grandfather would not have liked this at all. We are impacted by media today. Gandhi used media to promote peace and better understand the world. He used newspapers in a very big way. Today, he could go on a computer and

Ela Gandhi and Dr. Douglas T. McGetchin, associate professor in the Department of History at FAU, answer questions during her recent appearance at the Boca Raton university. Photo by Dale King.

call up 10 newspapers.” She did note that the media today “have been the biggest culprits in violence, racism and women’s issues. We have to encourage the use of the media in a positive way.” Ela Gandhi’s address included a meet-andgreet with FAU students and local peace and justice teachers and organizers who held VIP tickets. In honor of Gandhi’s simple lifestyle and spiritual disciplines, the reception included a vegetarian meal, water, tea and coffee.

Boca Raton Championship elevated to Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs event in 2020

Generous Boca arts supporter Madelyn Savarick passes away

Boca Raton to host top 54 players in penultimate event of PGA TOUR Champions season

By: Dale King Contributing Writer

Staff report There is a new season and status for the Boca Raton Championship. The PGA Tour Champions regular-season event has been upgraded to the second tournament in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs starting in 2020. The 2020 Boca Raton Championship will be held Oct. 26 - Nov. 1 at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club, with a 54-player field competing for the final 36 spots and chance to advance to the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, contested in Phoenix the following week. In addition to the elevated Playoffs status, the Boca Raton Championship purse will increase from $1.7 million to $2 million starting in 2020. All three rounds of the event will be broadcast live on GOLF Channel.

Bernard Langer takes a shot during the final round of the Oasis Championship at Broken Sound Club on Feb. 10 Photo by Scott Halleran.

“The Boca Raton community has supported PGA TOUR Champions for over a decade, and the city’s enthusiasm and support make it a great place to host a Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs event,” said Miller Brady, President of PGA TOUR Champions. “Fans will continue to get unprecedented access to the game’s legends while watching them compete for one of the year’s most prestigious titles.” Since 2007, PGA TOUR Champions has annually conducted one of its first fullfield events in Boca Raton.

Madelyn Savarick, a philanthropic Boca Raton resident who has, for many years, generously supported cultural arts -- the Boca Raton Symphonia, the Boca Ballet, the annual Madrigal Dinner at Florida Atlantic University and other cultural activities – has passed away. “With sadness, we say goodbye to our beloved friend and benefactor, Madelyn Savarick,” said Dan Guin, executive director at Boca Ballet Theater and co-artistic director with his wife, Jane Tyree. “Madelyn was passionate about the arts,” he added. “This leading lady sponsored numerous productions, generously providing our community the opportunity to witness world-class dancers performing on Boca Ballet Theatre’s stage.” “She captured our hearts with her joyous smile and exuberance for music and dance.” The local arts patron, a New Yorker by

birth, died Sept. 12 of natural causes. She is survived by two daughters, Madelyn Savarick is nieces and nephews, shown with her dog, Mograndnieces and zart. Submitted photo. grandnephews. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Michael. She was known around the city by her nickname, Maddie, which at one time adorned the license plate of her car. “At Boca Ballet Theatre, she will always be remembered as a founding member of our Sterling Society,” Guin recalled. Donors who contribute $25,000 cumulatively to the Boca Ballet become members of the Sterling Society. “We send our love and prayers for her and her family. She will be missed,” the ballet director noted. A celebration of Madelyn’s life was held Oct. 12 at St. Gregory’s Church in Boca Raton.


New exhibits at Boca Museum of Art Staff report As patrons enter the Boca Raton Museum of Art they are welcomed into an exhibit lined with hot pink plastic bags. The pink glow is Maren Hassinger’s “Embrace Love” installation. Visitors are surrounded by hundreds of recycled pink plastic bags that contain love notes and are filled with a breath of human air. “Part of the love message is that we are all equals,” Hassinger said. The installation is made from recycled bags and her site-specific installation is made out of another recycled material— newspapers. It is one of two new exhibits on display as the museum celebrates its 70th anniversary season. Museum members were treated to breakfast and a first glance at the new pieces of art last Maren Hassinger with children month. from Pearl City, the historic African American neighborhood where the majestic 100-year-old banyan tree, the “Tree of Knowledge,” still stands. Photo courtesy of Boca Museum of Art.

Hassinger, a sculptor and performance artist, was commissioned by the Boca Raton Museum of Art to create an installation that explored Pearl City, Boca’s historic African-American neighborhood.

the public, working together,” she said. After patrons made their way through the branches of the tree, they moved onto see Clifford Ross: Waves. The Clifford Ross exhibition features a new approach to his depictions of ocean waves that the artist captures during extreme weather.

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DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Clifford Ross: Waves features a new Ross is celebrated for his approach to his depictions of ocean waves that the artist captures during Hurricane Waves series, images that were phoextreme weather. Staff photo.

tographed by the artist during storms and while hurricanes were off-shore. Ross would brave the ocean surf and tether himself to an assistant who remained on land.

The photos are blown up to large sizes and line the walls of the exhibit hall and the waves showcase their strength and power. The exhibition also features a site-specific installation of extremely large-scale prints on wood, as well as the artist’s Digital Waves - computer generated videos displayed on an LED wall that has been acquired by the museum for its collection. Other sections include: the Horizons series (photographs that explore movement with the added power of obstruction); his Hurricane Scrolls; and the Grains series of bold abstract works exploring the purity of color.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

For months, she worked with residents and museum patrons to create her largest installation based on Pearl City’s landmark, the “Tree of Knowledge.” The 100-year-old banyan tree is the inspiration behind the installation that dangles from the ceiling. Its newspaper “roots and branches” made out of hand-twisted newspaper suspend from the ceiling telling words and stories of the community. With the lighting and fans, the “tree” shines with a silvery glow and blows from the “breeze.” She said she likes working with newspapers because they represent stories and last forever. And as the actual tree represents a gathering place for sharing stories, the exhibit showcases how locals sat together to weave together a story. “It’s a complete history,” she said of the exhibit. “I want visitors to the museum to think about the endurance of the tree and the endurance of the people who live beside it. I hope they realize it’s possible to build a world in which, like this installation, people work together side by side. Both the tree and the residents have inspired me with their mutual endurance.” Hassinger’s new installation is about nature as knowledge and about education. “I hope the community and all of the visitors to the museum take a moment to think about the materials used in the project, which are not traditional art materials, and realize that this giant project was made not by artists, but by

Museum patrons view works by Clifford Ross. Staff photo.

“Somehow the apocalyptic quality of the show does not erase the basic lyricism and beauty that I see in nature,” Ross said. “When I started out, wanting to celebrate nature by creating bodies of work that were an homage to the sublime, I didn’t understand that the images were also capturing evidence – evidence of our negative impact on nature. The ferocity, the forms of these waves were partially due to global warming. This project has come full circle, as much a meditation on the medium of photography as it is a photographic reflection of our world.”

New exhibits at Boca Musuem [7]

On the subject of Clifford Ross: Waves, museum executive director Irv Lippman said, “It would seem obvious that a museum with a coastal address such as ours would naturally be ever fascinated by the subject of waves. The subject of Clifford’s photographs in this new exhibition, however, goes deeper into the unpredictable shapes of waves, as much about abstraction as realism.” “When I first began photographing these hurricane waves 30 years ago, most of us were unaware that global warming was seriously damaging our oceans,” Ross said. “Now, as I look back on my work, it takes on a whole new meaning.”

Boca Bowl returns [12]


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Don’t miss events 1 Head to the Crest Theatre for “Pure Yanni,” an intimate evening with Yanni, at 8 p.m. on Dec. 11. Yanni, one of the most celebrated composers and multi-gold and platinum-selling artists is allowing the audience the opportunity to talk with him directly and experience his music in its purest and most intimate form, on the piano.For decades, Yanni has excited audiences with his dynamic live performances with the backing of a full band and orchestra. Now, Yanni will give fans an intimate look at his songs, his writing process and his inspirations with Pure Yanni. Tickets start at $275. 2 The Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach is hosting its “Inaugural Cocktails for the Club” on Dec. 3. Kick off the holiday season with a cocktail social from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Andrews Club. The members of the club will make an appearance to sing holiday carols. Tickets $125. 3 The Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl

returns to FAU Stadium. The match-up will be announced Dec. 8. Kick-off will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 21.

4 Old School Square welcomes New York City-based company Ballets with a Twist back to the Crest Theatre for another round of Cocktail Hour: The Show on Dec. 20-21. The program will celebrate the holiday season and will feature pieces never before seen in Florida.

Created by artistic director and choreographer Marilyn Klaus, Cocktail Hour: The Show reinvents the glamour and excitement of classic entertainment with an original mix of choreography, music and costume design. This pop-infused performing arts experience combines the magnetism of Hollywood’s Golden Age with a sleek twenty-first-century sensibility, capturing the timeless American spirit in a series of witty, sparkling vignettes. Tickets are $57-67. Photo by Nico Malvaldi.

5 Palm Beach County Food Bank will

hold its 4th Annual Empty Bowls Delray Beach event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Old School Square Pavilion. The event invites the public to “eat simply, so others can simply eat.” Guests share in a simple meal of water, bread provided by Old School Bakery and soup

from the area’s best restaurants, all served by local celebrities. Each receives a unique bowl to take home as a powerful reminder of all the empty bowls in the community. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at gate. All proceeds from Empty Bowls Delray Beach benefit the Palm Beach County Food Bank to fight hunger in our community.

6 Celebrate 2020 with A Donna Summer Celebration at the Old School Square Pavilion on Dec. 31. The concert celebrates the life and career of the disco queen, Donna Summer, from the mouth of her very own sister and back-up singer, Mary Gaines Bernard. The New Year’s Eve

Tickets $8 for Mounts members; $12.50 for nonmembers; $5 for children 5 to 12.

The last entry and ticket sold each night will be at 8 pm. Photo by Jacek Photo.

8 Celebrate Kwanzaa from 2:30-5 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Williams Cottage at Spady Museum. The Spady Museum will condense the week-long celebration into one day of community observation. Be a part of the reaffirmation of the individual, culture, family and environment at the free event. 9 The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is hosting its fourth annual Mini Maker Faire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. Embrace the spirit of the

concert kicks off at 10 p.m. In addition to great music, patrons will hear untold stories from Summer’s tours and private life, including details about her last moments on earth. The celebration encourages patrons to dance into the New Year. General admission tickets start at $20.

Laura Norman Holistic Reflexology Delray Beach

Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of better health and well-being this holiday season! For private sessions: lauranorman.com

(561) 272-1220

Gift Certificates Available Online

7

Mounts Botanical Gardens will bring back its Garden of Lights from Dec. 13-29. Thousands of jewel-toned lights illuminate and amplify the lush tropical foliage, majestic trees and signature structures along an easy-to-follow route throughout various garden areas. Highlights include the massive, interactive Stickwork installation, Signature Ridge, Butterfly Garden and the Trellis Tunnel. The display is open 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday and Monday, Dec. 23 from 6-8:30 p.m.

do-it-yourself movement and check out local and regional makers sharing emerging tech, hobbies and experiments across a variety of categories. All ages are invited to experience robotics, maker workshops, 3D printing, live science demos, local artists and more. Photo courtesy of the Science Center.

10 Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the YMCA South Palm Beach County. Dine with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. until 10:30

a.m. on Dec. 14. A continental breakfast will be served. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap and share their holiday wish list. There will be two seating options on at 8 a.m. and one at 9:30 a.m. Tickets $8 per child and $2 per adults for members and $4 per adult and $16 per child for non-members. RSVP https://www.ymcaspbc.org/ programs/events/breakfast-santa


DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

December Calendar

Tickets are available at http://addisonnye. eventbrite.com

Music at St. Paul’s

New Year’s Eve at the Addison

Advent Lessons & Carols Dec. 8

Fascinating Rhythms: The Songs of George Gershwin

Roaring Twenty-Twenties

3 p.m.

Dec. 31

Music at St. Paul’s will present a service of Advent Lessons & Carols. Featuring the Chancel Choir of St. Paul’s and the Jubilate Youth Choir of St. Paul’s under the direction of Dr. Paul Cienniwa with guest organist Dr. Kirsten Hellman, the choral repertoire will include Advent anthems by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, John Stainer, Michael Praetorius, Elizabeth Poston, George Elvey, Charles Wood, and David Willcocks. The service will also feature congregational carols for Advent and organ voluntaries.

8 p.m. Ring in the New Year in Golden Age style. Five Star Diamond awarded event venue and historic landmark the Addison will open doors to the public for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party featuring delicious signature catering, an open bar with champagne tower, live entertainment, flapper dancers and an unforgettable countdown. General Admission tickets are available at $120 and include entry, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, open bar and entertainment. VIP tickets are available at $200 and include, in addition to general admission benefits, early access at 7:30 PM, access to the VIP room, food displays and butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, open bar with champagne bottle service and complimentary valet parking.

traces the arc of their success. The show includes many of their beloved songs performed amid stimulating commentary on their career as a duo and on their personal lives. Performed by Joan Friedenberg and Bill Bowen, who sing professionally as the PinkSlip Duo.

Delray Beach Playhouse Feelin’Groovy: The Life and Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel

Dec. 9-19

Barbra Streisand: Holiday Memories starring Carla DelVillaggio Dec. 21

Tickets $35 (adults); $15 (students); $25 (groups)

Tickets $45

Florida’s Funniest Comedians: Ron Feingold and Lindsay Glazer Dec. 20

Dec. 4

8 p.m.

2 p.m.

Tickets $20

Tickets $25

A touring comedian for 21 years, Ron Feingold entertains with his unique “Comedy A Cappella” show, where he combines

Simon and Garfunkel quickly became the most popular folk-rock duo of the 1960’s and this unique and memorable program

stand-up comedy and a cappella music by performing all of the vocals himself…even the drums! It’s a good thing Lindsay Glazer, aka #AlphaBitch, is a defense attorney because she can rep herself after she kills the crowds with her own personal brand of badass, stand-up comedy in the clubs of LA, NYC, Miami, and everywhere else there’s a mic and a stage!

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Thursday (12/12), 7:30 p.m. and Thursday (12/19), 2 & 7:30 p.m.

At 15, he was plugging songs on Tin Pan Alley. By 17 he was writing for Broadway. Then at 21, he wrote a song called “Swanee”… and the rest is history! Today, George Gershwin is revered as one of America’s greatest composers. This show celebrates Gershwin and songs.

8 p.m.

Carla DelVillaggio creates the perfect illusion as Streisand. She is an internationally known, multiple-award winning tribute artist, who has entertained across the country from Miami to Las Vegas to New York City. HOLIDAY MEMORIES will feature many of the songs found on Streisand’s two holiday albums, including her singular rendition of “Jingle Bells,” as only Streisand can sing it, along with the beautiful songs of the season. DelVillaggio will perform songs from the extensive Streisand songbook. WIESENTHAL Dec. 27 Friday, 2 & 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Humperdinck’s

HANSEL AND GRETEL Crest Theatre at Old School Square December 6, 7, 8, 2019 Sung in English with English supertitles.

561.833.7888 PBOPERA.ORG

9

Ticket$s25 start at


YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

10

Tickets $40/$45 Written by and starring Tom Dugan, and directed by Jenny Sullivan, WIESENTHAL is the riveting true story of Simon Wiesenthal. Nicknamed the “Jewish James Bond,” he devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero. His unbelievable dedication and tenacity over decades is honored in this play, which gives equal weight to his wisdom and wit during his long, purposeful life. New Year’s Eve Party with Jill & Rich Switzer Dec. 31 Sunday, 2 p.m.; tickets $50 (Regular – includes open bar, cheeses/ crackers/fruit and dessert at intermission) Sunday, 8 p.m.; tickets $125 (VIP – includes Cabaret Room reception with open bar and VIP menu); $75 (Regular – includes lobby reception with open bar, cheeses/crackers/ fruit and dessert at intermission) Musical theatre celebrities, JILL and RICH SWITZER (hosts of The Morning Lounge on Legends radio/100.3 FM) will perform

A Standard Affair: The Best and Most Enduring Classics from the Great American Songbook. The show will feature chart-topping hit songs including “Summertime,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Come Fly with Me,” and many more.

Levis JCC West Boca Theatre Company Charlie Cox Runs With Scissors Dec. 5-22 Presented by West Boca Theatre Company $30

HOME

GAMES

Audience members can expect to be treated to a master class in stylistic juxtapositions, including the melding of stride, blues, church, swing, bebop, free, and contemporary styles, resulting in the innovative sound of Jazz’s future.

The Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio Dec. 1 7-8:30 p.m. General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45 Recently named an NEA Jazz Master (the highest award in Jazz), Dr. Lonnie Smith’s freewheeling trio is a relentless tour de force of energy and groove!

Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and the B3 Band Band Returns!

Light It Up! Art Exhibit Opening Reception

8-10 p.m.

Dec. 6 6-8 p.m.

Carbonell Award-winning playwright, actor and director Michael McKeever stars in this multi-award-winning comedy about a man who, diagnosed with a terminal illness, hits the road desperate to find some meaning in his life. Charlie Cox accidentally stumbles upon the one great love of his life at a broken-down motel in the middle of nowhere. Soon after, fireworks ensue as Love and Death, personified with glorious irreverence, battle for the soul of Charlie Cox. Directed by Carbonell Award winner Stuart Meltzer, Charlie Cox Runs with Scissors, shows how sometimes all it takes is a little death to show us how to live.

UPCOMING

Arts Garage

Free admission Join us for Happy Hour and enjoy the art at the opening of the LIGHT IT UP! EXHIBITION featuring local emerging artists Robert Bové and Orit Pines.

Dec. 7 General Admission $30 | Reserved $35 | Premium $40 Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and the B3 Band present a mixture of contemporary urban blues with some added funky southern soul-blues flavor. DISCO 54 BAND Dec. 8

Emmet Cohen Trio

7-8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 8-10 p.m.

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

DISCO 54 is the ULTIMATE Disco

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TERRITORY TA K E OV E R

NACHO TOTS T U E S D AY

$5 BEER T H U R S D AY

DEC 3

DEC 7

DEC 8 DEC 10 DEC 12

SATURDAY

MONDAY

FRIDAY

TERRITORY TA K E OV E R

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

TERRITORY TA K E OV E R

DEC 14 DEC 16 DEC 20 DEC 28 DEC 29

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DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Tribute Band. It is a tribute to the 1970s Disco Era featuring world-class performers reincarnating over 200 of the classic disco hits. Featuring the songs of… Donna Summer, the Trammps, Bee Gees, Bonnie Pointer, Earth Wind & Fire, Village People, Tavares, Glorida Gaynor, Taste of Honey, Chic, KC and the Sunshine Band, and many more! Mod 27 Dec. 12

8-10 p.m. General Admission $30 | Reserved $35 | Premium $40 Though born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he seasoned his songwriting by spending a decade on the Gulf Coast of Texas, working hard at making a name for himself as an original blues artist. Libra Sene: Songbirds

8-9:30 p.m. General Admission $15 Mod 27 is Palm Beach County’s longest running comedy improv company featuring an experienced cast performing Chicago-style improv and sketch comedy.

Dec. 22 7-8:30 p.m.

Delray Beach Public Library

Create a Gingerbread House

Arthur Christmas

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 7

We supply the edible walls, ceilings and trim. The children supply the imagination! A deliciously fun program! Children ages 4 and up.

1 p.m. Put on your best, brightest Christmas sweater (it’s chilly in our auditorium) and don’t miss this super funny, super endearing movie to kick-off the Christmas season. Suitable for all ages; and yes, there will be popcorn. This film is rated PG with a runtime of 98 minutes. Free.

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

Nosh! Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

10 a.m.

8-10 p.m.

“Songbirds” is a tribute to the many divas of Soul, Jazz and Blues. International star Libra brings to life such icons like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainie, Billie Holiday and Ruth Brown. Libra takes us on a musical journey that will leave you breathless!

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

Tribute to Nat King Cole and Friends Featuring the Dick Lowenthal Big Band with Dana Paul and Lisanne Lyons

…he wrote THAT?! - The Dennis Lambert Show will put a smile on your face as you’re transported back to relive memories from the 70s and 80’s, two of the greatest decades in popular music history.

Dec. 27

Dec. 10

8-10 p.m.

6 p.m.

…he wrote THAT?! – The Dennis Lambert Show Dec. 13

Carmen Lundy and the Modern Ancestors Tour Dec. 14 8-10 p.m. General Admission $40 | Reserved $45 | Premium $50 Carmen Lundy has always felt that the jazz singer by definition is associated with standards from the past century, our Ancestors.

General Admission $45 | Reserved $50 | Premium $55 Dick Lowenthal’s Big Band, with vocalists Dana Paul and Lisanne Lyons, celebrate the music and life of Nat King Cole, and many of the entertainers that appeared on his network television show. Conductor Dick Lowenthal, professional trumpeter, jazz educator and historian, and bandleader.

Dec. 7-8:30 p.m.

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

James Yancy Jones, known as the Tail Dragger, is a long-time disciple of Howlin’ Wolf. In fact, the Wolf gave James the moniker “Tail Dragger” emanating from one of Wolf ’s now-classic songs.

Yacht Rock pays tribute to the greatest soft rock bands and hit songs of the late 70s/early 80’s. From “Hall & Oates” to “Seals & Crofts” to “America” to “Gerry Raftery,” you will hear songs you love, authentically and passionately reproduced by seven accomplished professional musicians and vocalists.

Peace of Woodstock

Gianni Organ Trio “GOT”

Dec. 20

Dec. 29

8-10 p.m.

7-8:30 p.m.

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

Hello, we are Peace of Woodstock! Peace of Woodstock is a show paying tribute to Woodstock, the famous three day festival of Peace, Music, Love, and Fun that defined an entire generation!

GOT (Gianni Organ Trio), Led by Dr. Gianni Bianchini, will be showcasing the funkiest, bluesiest and most danceable qualities of jazz on the iconic Hammond B3 organ. GOT embodies the B3 tradition and combines classic jazz standards along with the funkiest hits from every generation in this groovy style.

The Jeremiah Johnson Band Dec. 21

Join Chef Michael from Publix Aprons Cooking School for a delicious cooking demo of cookies. Recipes provided. Free. Pajama Party

Happy Birthday, Ludwig! Dec. 17 1 p.m. Join the worldwide celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday as we kickoff our Beethoven Festival with birthday cake and great music. Birthday cake (while it lasts) will be served, followed by a special concert featuring the award-winning classical pianist, Sheng-Yuan Kuan, from Lynn University Conservatory of Music. Free. Hanukkah Party and Stories Dec. 17

Dance

3:30 p.m.

Celebrate the winter holidays in your pajamas! Festive and fun movement with hands on instrument play and fun surprises. Party ends with milk and cookies! Ages 0-6.

Cantor Sarah Freudenberger returns for her 4th Hanukkah celebration at the library, bringing along her guitar, Hanukkah songs, stories and special treats! Family Fun! Children of all ages.

MusicWorks &

Dec. 28 8-10 p.m.

General Admission $35 | Reserved $40 | Premium $45

Dec. 10

Dec. 11

Yacht Rock

Tail Dragger Blues Band 15

11

Classic Albums Live Performs

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Saturday, December 28, 2019 8:00pm Old School Square Pavilion

To purchase tickets: www.oldschoolsquare.org

Box Office: 561.243.7922 Ext. 1


12

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Countdown to sixth anual Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl Staff report The Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl will return to Florida Atlantic University stadium this month, but this year the game will played during primetime. The match-up will be announced on Dec. 8. The bowl game has conference tie-ins with teams from Conference USA, the American Athletic Conference and the

Raton Resort as the grand champion. The resort served two dishes, a sloppy joe and a creamy polenta. The judges agreed both submissions were the overall winners of the dozens of dishes they sampled. The crowd voted Caesar’s Famous Ribs as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Everyone was given one ticket to vote for their favorite bite. The judges crowned Cinnaholic Boca Raton as the

The Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase took place last month at the Boca Renaissance Hotel. Photo courtesy of Ron Elkman.

Dec. 19, there will be a south county community outreach event and north county community outreach event. Dec. 20, there will be a pep rally at Abacoa Amphitheater and one at Mizner Park at 7 p.m. The Mizner Park event “Boca’s Country Music BBQ” will take place from 6-9 p.m. The community is invited to come out to dine, dance and cheer at Boca’s Country Music BBQ, the official pre-party Palm Beach County’s own sanctioned Bowl game. Hosted by the City of Boca Raton and Spirit of Giving on the night before the game, a live country band Shadow Creek Band will fill the amphitheater with a blend of western, bluegrass, rockabilly, honkytonk and country rock music. There will be food truck barbecue eats, picnic table seating, interactive activities, country dancing, pop-up vendors, and commu-

nity camaraderie plus spirited performances by the team’s cheer and dance squads to rally to rev up for their conference championship team. Admission is free; food, beverages (including beer and cocktails) and vendor purchases are not included. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair or blanket. Chairs will also be for rent inside the venue for $5 cash. Dec. 21, And then before kick-off, the Built Ford Tough Fan Fest and Family Midway event will feature family fun tailgating at FAU stadium. The festivities begin at noon and are free with a ticket to the game. Tickets are $32 for end zone seating, $57 for sideline seating, $375 for club seating, and $12,000 for suites. To purchase tickets, call 361-362-3650 or visit www.cheribundibocaratonbowl.com

Boca Bowl by the numbers 1

Only NCAA-sanctioned post-season college bowl game in Palm Beach County

6

Number of years

12 million

To date, the cumulative households tuned in for live airing on ESPN

Mid-American Athletic Conference.

Most Spirited.

The showdown will head to Boca at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. If you can’t make it to the game, catch it on a new network this year, ABC.

This year’s culinary events raised over $15,000 for Spirit of Giving.

50

To date, total hours on global TV (live and replays)

6,500

To date, total attendees at VIP Hospitality “Tailgate” Tent Festivities

Still to come— Bowl week activities, which kick-off on Dec. 17.

122,182

Game attendees so far

60,138

Visits to bowl websites

9

Number of teams that have kicked off (UAB, NIU-twice, Marshall, Temple, Toledo, Western Kentucky, Memphis, FAU, Akron

25

Boca Raton Bowl alum players who have been on an opening day NFL roster.

17

NFL teams that have a player with Boca Bowl experience, including Super Bowl Champion Jake Elliott

$309,323+

Funds raised to benefit nonprofit Spirit of Giving

31,380+

Tickets provided to community nonprofit, schools, veterans

19,000

Online votes for three Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl National Anthem contests

50

How many cherries in each Cheribundi bottle.

Events leading into the bowl game have already taken place and some are scheduled to take place before the big game. The Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase took place last month at the Boca Renaissance Hotel. Local restaurants, brew masters and mixologists competed to take home the coveted Grand Champion award. The panel of judged selected the Boca

The teams will arrive on Dec. 17. That day there will be a head coaches conference and two welcome parties, one at Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place and one at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Dec. 18, two beach parties, one at Carlin Park in Jupiter and one at Lake Worth Pier/Benny’s on the Beach.

Explore South Florida holiday events this season By: Heather McMechan Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers The Holiday Season is in full effect! There are so many tree lightings, parades, and more happening in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area. Get the scoop on a few South Florida Holiday Events that will have your kids saying, “I had no idea.” I didn’t forget about our local fun, either. Visit the SANDI TREE – HOLIDAY IN PARADISE in West Palm Beach Dec. 5 at 6:00 p.m This month-long celebration will include nightly synchronized light shows and tons of free events for the entire family including additional sand sculptures, Glow FORE It mini golf, Sandi’s Surf Shack,

SnowieVille and much more! The Sandi Tree is located at 401 Clematis Street. Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m. Led by Santa Claus, his elves, and entertainers, The Worth Avenue Association and Palm Beach Mayor, Gail Coniglio, welcome the holiday season with an annual parade that concludes with the signature, spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Event, signifying the unofficial start of Palm Beach’s magical shopping season. The parade begins at 6 p.m., with the flip of the switch that lights the magnificent 40-foot tree happening at 6:29 p.m. MOVIE NIGHT “ELF” AT MANATEE LAGOON Dec. 8, 5-7:30 p.m. Manatee Lagoon invites you to join us

for an outdoor movie night under the stars featuring the movie “Elf ”. Food and beverages will be for sale for the duration of the event. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early for the best seats. The movie will begin at sunset. Please note, this event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Manatee Lagoon is located at 6000 N. Flagler Drive. BOCA RATON HOLIDAY STREET PARADE Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m. The City of Boca Raton’s 49th Holiday Street Parade welcomes more than 70 floats and groups to entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights and song to Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Parade route begins at Federal Hwy & SE 5th Street, traveling north to Mizner Park

Amphitheater. BOCA RATON HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec. 15, 6:30- 8 p.m. The 43rd Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade is the perfect way to experience the Holiday season! Enjoy the parade, food, and drinks from Red Reef Park (west), the Wildflower Property, or Silver Palm Park viewing areas. Intracoastal Waterway starting at the C-15 canal (Boca Raton-Delray Beach city limits) traveling south to Hillsboro Bridge. 100 FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY IN DELRAY BEACH Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. The 100-foot Christmas tree is open every day from the Tree Lighting on Dec. 5- Jan. 1 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Visitors can walk through the 100-foot Tree.


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DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

15

Boca Raton Symphonia finds ‘new directions’ this year; Performing at Crest Theatre, honoring women in music By: Dale King Contributing Writer

The schedule features:

The Boca Raton Symphonia will take a couple of roads less traveled when it opens its season of performances in December.

3 p.m. Dec. 8, guest conductor Alastair Willis with Robyn Marie Lamp, soprano soloist, with music by Copland, Barber, Wagner and Respighi.

South Florida’s world-class chamber orchestra has announced that its 2019-2020 Marlene Forkas Connoisseur Concert Series will celebrate women in music. The group will also launch its ‘New Directions’ theme, a casual concert series, at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach. Fresh, hip and culturally-cool with an untraditional twist, New Directions will combine classical music with theatrical and visual elements, all presented in an entertaining, insightful and fun way. Each show will feature either a female guest conductor and/or soloist or works created by female composers. “Women have made, and continue to make, incredible contributions to classical music, and we are just thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase these talented artists,” said Annabel Russell, Symphonia’s executive director.

3 p.m. Jan. 5, guest conductor Carolyn Kuan with violist soloist Daniel Andai. Featured music is by Assad, Haydn and Mendelssohn. 3 p.m. Feb. 9, guest conductor James Judd with violin soloist Elissa Lee Koljonen and cello soloist Yumi Kendall, FEBRUARY 9, 2020 at 3 p.m. Music by Zwilich and Beethoven.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON,

3 p.m. March 29, guest conductor Laura Jackson with piano soloist Marika Bournaki. Music by Brittten and Beethoven.

The series will be conducted by Grammy-nominated Alastair Willis. A brilliant musician, he is known for his strong podium presence and engaging and attractive personality. His appearances with The Symphonia are audience favorites.

The Marleen Forkas Connoisseur Concert Series is held at Roberts Theater at Saint Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road. All include a pre-concert Conversation with the conductor at 2 p.m. Season tickets and information on programs is available at thesymphonia.org or by calling 561-376-3848 or emailing tickets@thesymphonia.org. As to the ‘New Directions’ series, Russell said: “Classical music concerts shouldn’t feel intimidating. We wanted to make this amazing music accessible to new audiences in a comfortable and interactive environment, and present classical music in a unique and informative way that’s really fun!”

LIVE IN PARADISE.

New Directions concerts at the Crest Theatre. •

7:30 p.m., Dec. 10, “Lights, Camera, Action!” with Alastair Willis, principal conductor. Music by Copland, Wagner and Respighi. In this program, music and artistry will be intertwined with movies, gifts, and frescos.

7:30 p.m. April 21, “Bach at Crest,” with Willis as principal conductor.

In this program, J.S. Bach, as portrayed by Alastair Willis, will share insights on his personal and professional life at court in Köthen, Germany For tickets to New Directions concerts, call 561-243-7922 or visit oldschoolsquare.org/ crest-theatre.

Eat, drink, and be merry at Crane’s Beach House this holiday. Crane’s Beach House is a boutique hotel get-away for those seeking coastal comfort in a lush and verdant setting. Relax with a book by the pool, gather with friends for happy hour at our Tiki Bar, or head down to the beach and soak up the sun and waves. Book your slice of paradise today and escape the ordinary.

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Boca’s ADMA Biologics creates ‘healthy immune systems in a bottle’ Staff report If you ask Adam Grossman what his commercial biopharmaceutical company does, the response is simple. “We make healthy immune systems in a bottle,” he said. Of course what ADMA Biologics does in its Boca Raton manufacturing facility has plenty of complicated science behind it. But the founder, director, president and CEO of the company explained what the company is doing in simple terms. ADMA takes plasma donations from healthy people and turns that plasma into therapeutic products for the treatment of immunodeficient patients at risk for infection and the prevention of certain infectious diseases. Recently, ADMA was named Company of the Year by BioFlorida, in recognition of ADMA’s significant achievements over the past year. ADMA does a lot of work for patients with Primary Immune Deficiency Disease. About half of the people living in the United States with the disease receive a monthly infusion of a drug created by ADMA.

The technical name for that, “healthy immune system in a bottle” is an intravenous immune globulin. Patients receive an infusion monthly, which helps them fight off infectious diseases and allow them to lead productive lives, Grossman said.

ADMA has FDA approval on two of its products and is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ. The company’s total revenues for the third quarter totaled $7.2 million, a 71 percent increase from the year before. Grossman launched the business in 2004 and took over the Boca facility about two and a half years ago. He said he bought the Boca plant knowing it needed work and he has turned it around and brought the number of employees from about 130 to now 300 with plans to expand and grow even more. A majority of the 300 employees work at the Boca campus. “It is our pleasure to award ADMA

as the BioFlorida Company of the year based upon all of their recent regulatory, financial and growth achievements,” said Nancy Bryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioFlorida. “ADMA’s growth is a testament to the business opportunities available in Florida, where life science companies can achieve great things with our talent pool and resources.” Grossman said he his humbled by the recognition the company received from BioFlorida, which is the voice of Florida’s life science industry, representing 6,200 establishments and research organizations in the biopharmaceutical, medical technology, HealthIT and bioagriculture sectors that collectively employ just over 87,000 Floridians. “It really makes our staff feel good,” he said. “It’s really quite a feat. We took over this company that was in need of some life support.” And he said knowing that he is employing people while helping people with life changing medication, is what is fulfilling to him. “Across the country we are looking at adding a number of jobs,” he said. “It’s exciting to be in that position while you are helping patients.”

Questions to ask yourself before the Dec. 7 Medicare deadline By: Betty Assapimonwait Humana South Florida Medicare President Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers People with Medicare have until Saturday, Dec. 7 to select their Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan coverage for 2020. To ensure you have the right Medicare plan in place come January 1 of next year, it’s important to focus on these four key questions:  Are my doctors in network? Use online tools to confirm which doctors and hospitals are in a plan’s network. A licensed health insurance agent can also help you see if a specific doctor or hospital is in a plan’s network and taking new patients,

and determine what’s in network if you’re a seasonal resident.  Are my prescription drugs covered? Although Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, or you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. A licensed sales agent can look up the medications you would like covered and help you estimate what the cost of each drug would be on a plan.  What new, innovative benefits are available? Beyond vision, hearing and dental coverage, if you aim to become healthier, look for fitness program benefits as many Medicare Advantage plans offer a gym membership. If you travel or appreciate technology, virtual doctor visits are helpful when you can’t see a doctor right away. Most Medicare Advan-

HEALTH

DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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INSIDE

Palm Beach County

tage plans now offer transportation to doctor appointments and the gym, when a fitness center membership is offered as a plan benefit.  What if I’m still working? If you or your spouse have health insurance from an employer, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare until the employment or the coverage stops. At that point, you would be entitled to a special enrollment period of up to eight months to sign up for Medicare without incurring any late penalties. Talk with your employer to find out how your coverage works with Medicare. While the clock is ticking until the Dec. 7 Medicare annual enrollment deadline, remember you’re not alone. Take advantage of resources including licensed sales agents and websites such as medicare.gov. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca’s Xera Med Research expands into Xera Luxe Med Spa Staff report Tucked in an office space on Broken Sound Parkway, the Xera Med Research team is busy recruiting and conducting patients to participate in clinical studies. Often the studies are at very early stages, which is where the name Xera stems from. Xera is derived from the Hebrew word “Zera” meaning seed. Xera sees its work as a starting point, a seed, for researchers to use to create better treatments. Xera Med was founded in 2015 and conducts studies pharmaceutical companies

like Parexel, Takeda, Novella Clinical and Allergan. Their business model recently expanded into Xera Luxe this year, a medical spa, side of their business thanks to their relationship with Allergan— the parent company to popular cosmetic procedures known as “medical aesthetics” like Botox, Juvederm, Coolsculpting and Latisse. Founder of Xera Med Reach Emily Rentz said work Xera did on coming up with a treatment to the Zika virus is what helped put the business on the map. Since there were Zika patients in Miami, Xera was able to help with research and trials.

Currently, Xera is working on therapies and studies to help people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Rentz, a self-proclaimed “science nerd,” has a background in biochemistry. She said she has a passion for helping others and for aesthetics so combining the sterile world of labs and research into a trendy med spa made sense. Clients on the med spa side of the business are treated like they are in for a spa treatment. There is a bar with champagne and sparkling water. Treatment chairs are oversized for comfort and guests are offered pillows for comfort.

MitraClip: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Mitral Valve Disease

Even though the med-spa is new, it is already gaining traction, especially from celebrity clientele. Jill Zarin of Bravo’s the Real Housewives of New York was the celebrity guest at the grand opening last month.

Delray Medical Center named top 10 percent for cranial neurosurgery, critical care for 2020 by Healthgrades Staff report Delray Medical Center is among the top 10 percent in the nation for Cranial Neurosurgery and Critical Care, according to a national report by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data, and all-payer data from 15 states for bariatrics and appendectomy procedures.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation for cranial surgery and critical care from Healthgrades, because it means we are doing our job in providing patients with some of the highest quality possible,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer at Delray Medical Center. “Our outstanding physicians, nurses and staff earned this achievement on behalf of the hospital.”

Percutaneous Repair of the Mitral Valve (MitraClip)

To learn more about MitraClip, please contact us.

Xera Luxe also offers Botox, IV therapies, booster shots and other cosmetic procedures. There is an online booking portal with same day appointments.

Delray Medical Center’s achievement is part of findings in the Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation, which underscores the importance of hospital quality to both consumers and hospital executives.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON HEART

The minimally invasive MitraClip device is an option for your patients suffering from mitral regurgitation (MR). Medications for the condition only assist with symptom management and do not stop the progression of the disease, so typically open heart mitral valve surgery is the standard of care treatment. The MitraClip device has been approved for U.S. patients with severe symptomatic MR.

One the most popular procedures offered is Coolscultping, a non-surgical, FDAcleared, fat reduction treatment. Xera Luxe has two machines so clients can treat two areas simultaneously, saving half the time. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and there are no restrictions once its completed.

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From 2016-2018, patients treated at hospitals receiving the Cranial Neurosurgery Specialty Excellence Award have, on average a 34.2 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award. Similarly, from 2016-2018, patients treated at hospitals which did not receive the Critical Care Specialty Excellence Award have, on average a 1.41 times more likely to die than if they were treated at hospitals that did receive the award, according to Healthgrades.


ADVANCING NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION

The DYNAVISION D2 is a revolutionary diagnostic and rehabilitative tool. It works on visuo-motor, neuro-cognitive, and spatial skills as well as on a neurological process termed “efferent copy”. This process engages and integrates two very important regions of the brain; the cerebellum and frontal lobe. These areas of the brain are responsible for everything that makes us human such as problem solving, timing, sequencing, planning, initiating thought processes, and coordination. The Dynavision D2 has been utilized in many studies including one in which the Conde Center For Chiropractic Neurology, the Upledger Institute, and the Ricky Williams Foundation collaborated on. This study neurologically assessed retired National Football League Players which had at least one concussion in their career. The results were astounding as the players displayed numerous deficiencies in brain activity. The Dynavision D2 is used in the treatment of the following conditions: • Dizziness-Vertigo • Traumatic-Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries • Post-Stroke • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Autism Spectrum Disorders

thecondecenter.com info@thecondecenter.com 561-330-6096 Atlantic Grove 401 West Atlantic Avenue Suite 014 Delray Beach, FL 33444


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

5 Hacks to stay fit during December festivities By: Christine King Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers Holiday parties and celebrations are upon us, which means temptation abounds. Rather than ditch the diet and exercise, implement these hacks to maintain your fitness level and overall health. Succumbing to culinary concoctions at every gathering will leave you feeling heavy, guilty, and energy depleted. Instead, use the following to avoid re-upping your commitment to being healthy and fit on Jan. 1. You'll maintain energy levels, keep the weight at bay, and feel better about yourself than worse. 1. Keep your fitness schedule. If there's one appointment not to cancel this

month, it's your workout! Doing this will help shed unwanted toxins and guilt as a result of the sins the night before. Even if you must shorten the time or revise your routine, do not eliminate your workout!

me explain many times about preparation being the key to success with snacks.

5. The mirror test. Now, more than any time of the year is a critical time for you to look in the mirror and say your affirmations out loud. For example, "I will maintain my nutrition and fitness routine today." Or, "I commit to following my health plan for this month." And finally, "I am healthy, valuable, and am doing everything I know to stay healthy and fit'.

This month, if it's necessary to purchase the wholesome nibbles rather than prepare them yourself, it's a much better option than not having food to grab and go.

This last hack is especially useful. After all, these promises are to no one but you. When you look in the mirror and repeat your affirmations, the only person to judge is you. We all understand how awful it feels when breaking a promise to oneself. This holiday season, don't allow it to happen. Preserving commitments you've made to yourself causes your self-esteem to soar, riding you into a healthy, happy New Year!

2. Select your indulgences carefully. You usually know which events or days of celebration will have the best food. Save these occasions for your "cheats." For the

others, be sure to drink two glasses of iced water and eat a healthy mini-meal before the event. Your stomach will be full and less likely to crave unhealthy selections that generally aren't your favorites.

4. Double up on daily movement. Use the stairs more than usual, walk around the office, park far away from shopping stores, and event venues. Skip the valet and use this opportunity to sneak in an extra walk!

3. As American Express would say, "Don't leave home without it," meaning healthy, portable snacks. It'll help you to feel satisfied in addition to keeping nutritious food in your system. You've heard

Christine King is a Medical Exercise Specialist, Fitness Expert, and Founder of YourBestFit. The health and wellness company has helped thousands of clients recover from injuries, look and feel better and improve their overall well-being. www.ByChristineKing.com.

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DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Neck dysfunction as a major cause of dizziness By: Dr. John Conde DC, DACNB Special to the Boca and Delray newspaper

neck pain, neck pathology, or neck injury as

A common occurrence seen in many phys-

consciousness. Lastly, lightheadedness has

ical medicine clinics end emergency rooms

been characterized as a vague symptom of

mon mechanical causes of dizziness in the

is that of neck pain with associated dizziness.

feeling disconnected from the environment.

Due to the overwhelming focus on the pain and being that most practitioners especially emergency room physicians are not well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness, it is most often treated with a generic antihistamine such as meclizine. This medication only temporarily reduces the intensity of the symptoms but does nothing to address the cause. Dizziness can be classified into several categories according to the perception the individual experiences. These categories are the following; vertigo, disequilibrium or imbalance, presyncope, and lightheadedness. Vertigo can be defined as a false perception

Furthermore, according to Barany society’s committee for the classification of vestibular disorders, the terms vertigo and dizziness are mutually exclusive and share distinctly separate sets of symptoms. Vertigo is defined as a false sense of self-motion without any motion or the feeling of distorted self-motion with normal movement. Dizziness therefore has been described as a sense of disturbed or impaired spatial orientation without a false or distorted sense of motion. Thus, dizziness encompasses the other categories described previously which include disequilibrium, presyncope, and lightheadedness.

when following an accident. The most comneck are termed degenerative cervical spine disorder and whiplash associated disorder. Just as the names state, the dizziness can be attributed to neck trauma and neck arthritis. This is an alarming finding as arthritis in the neck is very common in our aging communities. The diagnosis can only be made after

Once these therapies are administered, most

a thorough neurological and orthopedic ex-

patients should respond well with favorable

amination including x-rays which will allow

outcomes.

the practitioner to rule out other causes of dizziness such as vestibular lesions.

Dr. John Conde is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, one of only one thousand

Treatment of cervicogenic dizziness is aimed

in the country. He holds diplomate status

at restoring health in the tissues of the neck

through the American Chiropractic Neurolo-

region such as the ligaments, tendons, and

gy Board. He provides specialized care for dif-

the joints. Improving motion and reducing

ficult cases of back neck pain, numbness-tin-

inflammation is paramount and is done

gling, vertigo-dizziness balance disorders,

through specific manual therapies and with

fibromyalgia, migraines, AD/HD, autism,

of moving of self or the environment. Dis-

Patients experiencing true cervicogenic

the use photobiomodulation (class IV laser

and dyslexia. His office is located at the Atlan-

equilibrium and imbalance are literally de-

(neck) dizziness rarely experience vertigo

therapy). The lack of neck motion also has

tic Grove in Delray Beach and can be reached

scribed as an inability to maintain balance.

or spinning sensation.These patients usu-

central effects in the brain thus necessitating

at 561-330-6096, drconde@thecondecenter.

Presyncope is delineated as a sense of losing

ally present with dizziness with associated

specific balance and vestibular treatments.

com, www.thecondecenter.com

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Co-founder of Boca’s KidSafe Foundation named L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth honoree Staff report Sally Berenzweig is always looking to what more she can be doing to help keep children safe. As the co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Boca-based KidSafe Foundation, her goal is to build a safer community by educating children, parents and educators on the topic of child abuse. Her work for the past Sally Berenzweig, co-founder and Chief 11 years is being dis- Development Officer of Boca-based played on an interna- KidSafe Foundation, is a L’Oréal Paris of Worth Honoree. Photo courtional platform thanks Women tesy of Nilaya Sabnis for L’Oréal Paris. to L’Oréal Paris. The company is recognizing Berenzweig as one of 10 Women of Worth Honorees.

One of the signature programs KidSafe offers is an eight-lesson curriculum that certified instructors teach in schools to kids ages 4 through 5th grade. The program is modeled off of how fire safety prevention is taught, a serious scenario taught in a way that kids aren’t afraid. The lessons go over teaching kids that they have the right to be safe and how to tell an adult if someone if inappropriately touching them or abusing them.

BIZ

DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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The lessons, which are approved to be taught in schools in Palm Beach and Broward counties, are taught in a way that is not fear driven and uses role playing, art, songs and discussion. In addition, KidSafe has online programming to teach adults on how to look for signs of abuse and talk to their children about it as well as for educators.

The finalists will find out if they are the overall “Woman of Worth” during a gala held in New York City on Dec. 4. Inspired by the iconic L’Oréal Paris tagline, “Because You’re Worth It,” the philanthropic Women of Worth program honors the intrinsic worth of everyday women igniting positive change in their communities and championing self-worth in others. With diverse stories born from personal experiences, the 2019 Women of Worth represent a range of causes including empowering at-risk teenage girls, supporting survivors of conversion therapy and helping parents of children with learning disabilities to navigate the special education system. “I am so honored that I am even an honoree,” Berenzweig said. “It’s huge for KidSafe Foundation. It’s life changing for our organization. I have been on cloud 9.” The nomination landed the nonprofit a $10,000 donation from L’Oréal. If she wins the overall honor, KidSafe will receive an additional $25,000 to help fund its community work. Berenzweig, a former teacher and psychotherapist, started the nonprofit after she had a frightening experience. It wasn’t an experience with a child she was working with, but one she had with her own son that left her feeling illequipped on ways to keep her son safe. She had left her son, who was 3 at the time, with a trusted babysitter. Somehow, her son managed to walk out of her home and wander away five blocks without the sitter noticing. A stranger found her son crying on the street and took him into his car. Luckily, she said the man was helpful and brought him back home safely. But the experience rattled her as a mother. She met Cherie Benjoseph, a social worker, who then became a co-founder of KidSafe. “We had no intention of starting a nonprofit,” Berenzweig said. But when they found out that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually exploited by the age of 18 and that 90 percent of sexually abused children knew their abuser, KidSafe Foundation was born.

Sally Berenzweig, co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Boca-based KidSafe Foundation, is a L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree. Photo courtesy of Nilaya Sabnis for L’Oréal Paris.

The nonprofit recently rolled out a new program for camp staff.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

Since 2009, KidSafe has reached 60,000 kids and 35,000 adults. Berenzweig said she has seen the impact of KidSafe work firsthand. A student going through the lessons told a teacher that a relative was abusing them. And because the student’s teacher had gone through KidSafe training, the teacher responded appropriately and the parents took the child to therapy where it came out that the relative conducting the abuse on the child was abused. Because of KidSafe’s work, Berenzweig said the cycle of silence was broken. “Every child has the right to be safe and to live a life free of childhood trauma,” she said.

Poker tournament raises over $1.5 million [34]

Thanks to L’Oréal Paris, Berenzweig said the $10,000 donation will be earmarked toward the foundation’s signature program “Empower Me KidSafe.” In addition to the monetary donation, the company is providing national paid media, educational and training opportunities, and a large-scale platform to share honorees’ stories. A parent who had gone through the KidSafe program nominated Berenzweig for the honor. “They are giving me an international platform to shine a light on child sexual abuse,” she said of L’Oréal Paris.“There aren’t a lot of companies that are so socially responsible. We need everyone working together. Every child is worth it.” For more information, visit kidsafefoundation.org.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Kolter|Kast Construction’s Havana Nights Charity Poker Tournament raises over $1.5 million in one night Staff report The stakes to play in the Havana Nights Charity Poker Tournament were high, but players didn’t have to feel bad about spending money.

The 2019 Havana Nights Charity Poker Tournament raised over $1.5 million for 16 nonprofits. Submitted photo.

That’s because every dollar donated went to support Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families and 16 other grassroots charities. The Kolter Group and KAST Construction biennial poker tournament raised somewhere between $1.5 million and $1.6 million this year. The two businesses underwrite the entire event so every dollar donated benefits the selected charities directly.

Donning guayaberas, over 150 poker players filled the Cathedral Room at the Boca Resort & Club last month for the tournament. Before the games began, players enjoyed beverages, food, entertainment and a live cigar roller. The first poker tournament was held in 2012. CEO of the Kolter Group Bobby Julien was serving on the board of the Achievement Centers at the time. He Adam LeBlanc, P.E., Vice wanted to come up President of Design with Specialty Engineering with a charity event Consultants, Inc.. won different from a the 2019 Havana Nights gala, something that Charity Poker Tournapeople in the real ment. Submitted photo. estate and construction industries would be interested in. “I came up with the concept in 2012 because I was sensing that people were getting tired of all the black-tie galas and we wanted to do something memorable, so we created a charity poker tournament and made it spectacular,” said Bobby Julien, CEO of Kolter Group and longtime sup-

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Michael Neal CEO of KAST Construction agreed. “Our goal is to leave every community where we do business a better place than it was before we got there,” he said.

porter of Achievement Centers for Children and Families. “The real pay-off comes when we get to see the charitable results from what we raised.”

Poker players were treated to a night of gambling, cigars and Cuban food. Submitted photo.

CEO of the Kolter Group Bobby Julien and CEO of KAST Construction Mike Neal underwrite all the costs of the Havana Nights Charity Poker Tournament. Submitted photo.

The first tournament raised about $500,000 and solely benefited the Achievement Centers. As the event has grown, so has its impact. The second event brought in just under $1 million, the third $1 million and the final tab of the fourth event is still being tallied but it is the best one yet. “It’s a great event for us to give back,” Julien said.

The event makes donations to nonprofits in locations where both companies do business throughout the Southeast including Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. “The level of sponsor support for this year’s event completely exceeded our hopes. Collectively, from small business owners to large corporations, the impact the sponsors have made in our area is significant,” stated Stephanie Seibel, CEO of Achievement Centers for Children & Families, “The vision for this event truly comes from the leadership at Kolter|Kast Construction. Their commitment to making a difference in the community is evident not only by underwriting the entire event, but through the efforts they and their teams put into raising sponsorship funds.”

Craft beer, wine bar fused with art gallery opening in Town Center Mall By: Shaina Wizov Contributing Writer Town Center at Boca Raton, one of South Florida’s top luxury shopping destinations, is not simply recognized for its variety of shops and boutiques, well known department stores and top brands in fashion, but it’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for culinary and creative experiences as well. So what’s the latest thing that shoppers will be privy to when they visit Town Center at Boca Raton? A craft beer and wine bar combined with a live art gallery, opening early December. Prosperity Town Center has teamed up with local art celebrity, Salvatore Principe and his latest venture The Gallery Lounge, to bring something totally new and unique to Boca Raton’s epicenter. The two businesses hope to deliver an enriched experience to guests and mall patrons by pairing locally brewed artisan ales with local artistry. If you aren’t familiar with Salvatore Principe, his signature heart paintings as well as many other pieces of art have

adorned the walls of multiple galleries in the Boca Raton and Delray area for over 25 years. His new gallery and lounge will be situated next to Prosperity Town Center, so guests can grab a drink from the bar and roam around looking at his artwork. Prosperity Town Center is a haven for supporting local. The bar will have a selection of Boca-brewed beer, cider from Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks in West Palm Beach, and non-alcoholic kombucha from Non-prophet Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach. There will also be a full wine list with domestic and imported options available by the glass or bottle. Prosperity Town Center will be open Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The bar and gallery are both available for private events that can extend after hours when booked. Prosperity Town Center and The Gallery Lounge are located closest to the main entrance of the mall.


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Questions to ask when selling your small business By: John M. Campanola, Agent New York Life Insurance Company Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers You have worked hard to get where you are today. Now you want to sell your small business and do something else with the next phase of your life. There are dozens of questions you have to ask yourself, your family, and your trusted advisors in order to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. Do you want to sell your business outright? Do you want a relative or partner

to take it over? Do you want to handle the sale yourself, or should you hire a business broker? Do you want to still be involved in the business, or are you planning to leave it completely in new hands? Do you want to stay on after the sale to help with the transition? Is this the right time to sell your business? Is it a growing or contracting enterprise? How are your competitors doing in this market? What is the value of your business? How much do you hope to make on the sale? How will the sale affect your taxes and estate plan? Will the business thrive without you? How will the sale affect your loved ones? What will you do next? How will the sale affect your trusted employees and their benefits? How will it affect your retirement savings, your medical coverage, your life insurance, and any

annuities you may have? There are so many issues to be considered—and you’ll need time to fully answer every question you have. Begin by creating a plan for yourself detailing what you wish to do once you are out of the business. Do you want to retire and spend time with your loved ones? Do you want to begin a new venture? Do you want to be involved part-time in the business? Do you want to stay invested in the business and draw an income from that investment? These are all very important questions to ask yourself and your loved ones. You should begin to ask yourself these and many more questions a year or two before the sale. You should also gather all the documents you’ll need for the sale. You should

Are you ready to win the lottery? By: Jennifer L. Fulton, Esquire The Law Offices of Robin Bresky Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers How many of us have participated in a lottery pool at the office? Probably most of us. But what happens if your office pool actually wins big—aside from no one showing up for

work the next day? Does your office pool have a plan for if you win? What is the rule in your pool if you didn’t contribute that week? Many of us have heard the stories of the lottery winners who were hounded by “friends” and “relatives,” became the subjects of frivolous lawsuits, and were treated differently by the people that were actually friends and rel-

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atives after they won. How will you protect your privacy? Consider the following: Florida law only allows one person to claim a winning ticket, and requires that certain information on its lottery winners are public information. What does this mean for a lottery winner? It means you should have a plan before you cash in your winning ticket. Even better, have some portion of the plan before you buy your ticket.

Before buying your ticket: zz If you are in an office pool or are planning to share your lottery winnings with another person, having a written agreement about how you intend to share the winnings protects all of you.

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zz Agree in advance not to tell others that you have won. Once that information is out, there is no such thing as putting the toothpaste back in the tube. zz Agree in advance to collect the winnings though an LLC or a trust prepared by an estate planning attorney. zz Once you check your ticket and find you are the lucky winner: zz Find an estate planning attorney who can create an LLC or trust for the lottery winners. zz You should also have a financial planner and accountant. zz The trust or LLC name should not have any identifying information about the

consult your professional advisors, such as your attorney, accountant, business broker, appraiser, and insurance agent, for their guidance on the sale. These and many more questions need to be asked and answered as you prepare yourself for this important transition. This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by John M. Campanola, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact John M. Campanola at 561-642-5180. Neither New York Life, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with your professional advisor for tax, legal or accounting advice. beneficiaries. zz The trust or LLC allows more than one person to benefit from the winning ticket without negative gift tax consequences. zz The trustee of the trust or manager of the LLC can turn in the ticket and collect the winnings on behalf of the lottery winners, who stay anonymous. Once you and your office mates have set up the lottery trust or LLC, consider setting up your family’s trust or LLC to receive your share of the winnings, so you: zz Learn to manage your newly acquired wealth; zz Keep your new purchases out of your personal names; zz Protect your children from receiving too much wealth at once, before learning the value of work, and limiting the dissipation of assets due to divorce, substance abuse, or creditor claims; zz If charitably inclined, you can defer and minimize income tax while providing an income stream to your beneficiaries through charitable gift planning. So next time you play the numbers, don’t play roulette with your privacy. Be prepared and protect yourself and your loved ones before you claim your ticket! Jennifer L. Fulton, Esq. is an attorney at The Law Offices of Robin Bresky (www.breskylegal.com) focusing on Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate and Trust Administration. A member of the Florida Bar since 1996 with a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Fulton works with clients to plan for the milestones of life (college, “adulting,” marriage, children, grandchildren, aging parents, pre- and post-divorce, loss of a spouse, aging, diminished mental capacity) and administration upon death. She can be reached at 561994-6273 or EstatePlanning@BreskyLegal. com.


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Biz Briefs

Mark Osherow Selected as 2020 Best Lawyers for sixth consecutive year

New tenant at Research Park at FAU

Attorney Mark R. Osherow, founder of Boca Raton-based Osherow, PLLC, has been named a Best Lawyer for the sixth year in a row in the area of business litigation.

American Aviation Technologies recently moved to the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. American Aviation Technologies is an early stage aircraft design and development company dedicated to advancing aeronautical safety and performance through new and innovative concepts. American Aviation Technologies will initially occupy approximately 3,000-square-feet at the campus and anticipates hiring approximately 15 employees within the first 12-18 months. “American Aviation Technologies is an ideal company for the Research Park at FAU because its technology innovation intersects with the research interests of FAU’s engineering faculty,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at FAU. The company’s patent-pending, “Halo” is a powered lift ducted fan system which allows a seamless transition from vertical to forward flight with unprecedented operational flexibility. During the phases of Halo development, from structural design; to propulsion, fuel, communications and control systems; to prototype manufacturing, there will be various internship and work for hire opportunities for FAU students across many disciplines. As a member of the Research Park at FAU, the Halo project plans to access several channels focused on innovation, research and creating economic development through the successful commercialization of its technology. American Aviation Technologies envisions the primary collaboration with students and faculty to be through a series of joint research initiatives to help tackle some of the more significant technological challenges involved in the development process, including the use of advanced materials, hybrid electric power systems, AI and machine learning, and autonomous navigation.

Peer review surveys are conducted with tens of thousands of leading lawyers, who confidentially evaluate their professional peers. According to the publication, lawyers are not permitted to pay fees to participate or be recognized in this program. Plus, they must maintain enough positive votes each year. A seasoned lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, Osherow handles business disputes and related matters through trial or arbitration. These matters include trade secret misappropriation, noncompete agreement breaches, and shareholder and partnership disputes. His real estate litigation experience encompasses residential and commercial real estate fraud and title disputes and construction litigation of highly contested matters. Osherow has been Board Certified in Business Litigation by The Florida Bar since 2006.

BlueIvy Communications named PR firm for Delray Beach Open BlueIvy Communications, a Delray Beachbased public relations and communications firm, is the PR agency of record for the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com through 2022. The firm will handle media outreach for all entertainment and community related activities and programs related to the tournament, which is held annually at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center and takes place next year from Feb. 14 to 23. BlueIvy Communications will develop and execute a public relations strategy designed to garner maximum media exposure for the popular event. The agency will support tour-

nament Media Director, Natalie Mikolich-Cintorino, who continues to oversee all communications for the event including managing public relations activities with the ATP Tour and ATP Champions Tour. BlueIvy Communications is also a Gold Sponsor of the tournament. “We are thrilled to join the great Delray Beach Open team and build local, national and international excitement for this stand-out South Florida event,” said Melissa Perlman, BlueIvy Communications Founder & President. “We look forward to making the tournament a must-see event for Floridians, tourists and tennis enthusiasts from all over the world.”

Bank of America hands out checks Bank of America recently donated two checks of $200,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County and The Glades Initiative. The organizations are receiving this funding as part of the Bank’s 2019 Neighborhood Builders® program, which recognizes nonprofits advancing economic mobility in their communities and provides training and resources to further advance organizations’ missions. In addition to the grants, which will be received over the course of two years, a year of leadership training will be provided to the

nonprofits’ executive directors and an emerging leader at each organization. They will also be given an opportunity to access capital and a

network of peer organizations across the U.S.

Strax Intelligence Group names senior security advisor Boca’s STRAX Intelligence Group has named Michael Levin to the position of Senior Security Advisor. After a 30 year career in public service and law enforcement including over 20 years with the U. S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, Levin will help agencies manage the influx and overload of data and technology and provide a solution that gives them real-time information to make better decisions and ultimately, save lives. “The depth of knowledge and experience with local, state and Federal best practices combined with his technical knowledge is a huge asset to the future of our company,” CEO and Co-Founder Scott Adams said.

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Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas offers quality with side of casual dining MIRSKY & HALPER, LLP Staff report

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On a recent Friday night, the patio at Delray’s Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas buzzed with patrons drinking vino and sharing tapas and pizzas out of the wood-fire oven. The restaurant is a more casual concept to its older, more sophisticated sister brand, Casa D’Angelo. Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas has four locations including the Delray one on Jog Road. Restaurateur Angelo Elia said the concept is all about serving high-quality food in a more casual setting. When he created the brand, it was to give his Casa D’Angelo patrons a place to have dinner out that wasn’t as fancy but with the same quality of ingredients. He opened the first Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas in Fort Lauderdale during the recession as an affordable option for dining out. “My guests loved it,” he said, so he opened more locations. There are Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas in Weston and Coral Springs. He said his inspiration to open in Delray Beach was because so many guests from the area frequent the Casa D’Angelo location in Boca Raton. “It is a place you can go to every day and have a quick lunch or quick dinner and go home,” he said. Elia has been in the restaurant business since

he was a teenager. His first job was in a restaurant in New York when he was 14. He worked as dishwasher and then worked his way up to become a chef. He has been in business in South Florida for over 20 years.

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He and his wife, Denise, are involved in the day-to-day operation of all of their locations. The most recent endeavor was the opening of a Casa D’Angelo in Aventura. In addition to the tapas and pizza brand he also has a bakery bar and a Casa D’Angelo location in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort. At Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas, the pizza is on display. Guests can grab a seat and watch their pizza cook at the pizza bar.

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Elia said the pizza is Neapolitan-style that is crispy with a soft edge. A majority of items are imported from Italy starting with the olive oil on the table, which is made in-house with a bit of heat. Tapas are meant to be shared and include veal or chicken meatballs, beef carpaccio, caprese, Italian sausage, octopus and more. Entrees featured are classics like chicken parmigiana, veal Milanese and linguini vongole. There are also a wide selection of pizzas, salads, soups, calzones, paninis and of course wine and cocktails.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca Midtown project dead, one lawsuit lingers Staff report Plans to revamp an area known as “Midtown Boca” near the Town Center Mall are dead. Crocker Partners recently announced it will no longer pursue plans to redevelop the area, which totals about 300 acres. Crocker Partners’ currently owns Boca Raton properties valued at about $750 million, including Boca Center, which was to be the centerpiece of Midtown, One Town Center and The Plaza, also in Midtown, as well as the nearby One Boca Place. “After trying to work with City Council for 4 years, revitalizing Midtown is off the table -- a tremendous missed opportunity for the City and the community,” said Angelo Bianco, Crocker Partners Managing Partner. But, the company will pursue one of its three lawsuits against the city of Boca Raton. The company has discontinued two other lawsuits against the City since the remedies sought in those cases are moot with Midtown plans blocked by City Council. The first sought to have the court compel City Council to adopt updated development regulations, as required under the City’s 2010 Comprehensive Plan amendment designating Midtown as a Planned Mobility District

(PMD). The second suit requested that ordinances passed by City Council in violation of the Sunshine Act and which precluded residential development, be invalidated. “City Council has made it clear that despite the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for Midtown, revitalizing the area is not of interest to it. Council members never even responded to proposals made nearly a year ago to resolve the dispute with Crocker Partners,” said attorney for Crocker Partners Henry Handler. Bianco said the overall redevelopment plan for Midtown would have exceeded a $1 billion investment from private investment.

Delray to settle suit against tennis tournament operator MatchPoint, Inc. By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor Delray’s ATP tennis tournament, the Delray Beach Open, isn’t going anywhere until at least 2030.

• The city’s agreement with Players International Management, Inc. will receive a 5-year extension on the Delray Beach ATP Champions Tour. A 3 percent escalator is removed and the city’s annual contribution will remain at $443,369. • Both parties will dismiss the lawsuits with prejudice. • Both parties will pay their own attorney’s fees.

The commission voted 4-1 to settle litigation with the tennis tournament operator, MatchPoint Inc. Mayor Shelly Petrolia cast the sole dissenting vote.

• Delray will pass an ordinance that permits for a “best interest” exception that would allow for the type of agreement the city has with MatchPoint

The city commission sued the tennis tournament operator in 2016 alleging the 25 year, multi-million dollar contract was voidable because the contract wasn’t competitively bid.

Petrolia said she voted against the settlement because she believes the city has a strong legal position and she does not agree with the best interest ordinance saying it can be “easily abused.”

The landowners’ conceptual plan called for high quality housing allowing people to live near work, millions of dollars in new infrastructure funded by the landowners, plus alternative modes of transportation and pedestrian-friendly improvements making it easier to get to and around Midtown and take cars off the road.

Instead of continuing the legal battle in the court room, the two entities agreed to a settlement.

The project included multiple property owners including Crocker Partners, Trademark, owner of Glades Plaza; Cypress Realty, owner of Strikes and Nippers, and Town Center Mall’s Simon Properties.

• The city’s annual contribution to the tournament will remain at $1.646 million until Feb. 2030.

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“This is a big win,” Commissioner Ryan Boylston said. “We saved millions. We negotiated a better contract for the city.” Terms of the agreement:

• MatchPoint will increase television coverage of the tournament to seven days with a mini-

“I feel we are absolutely selling out too cheap and this isn’t a good business deal for our constituency,” she said. But the rest of the commission was satisfied with the terms of the settlement. “I applaud my colleagues for seeing the value in this gem of sports tourism and allowing it to continue until at least 2030,” Commissioner Adam Frankel said. “I look forward to the city working with Mark Baron and his team and continuing to put on a world class ATP event in our city.”

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32

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca’s Cross Country Home Services CEO talks about recent relocation, rebranding 1 Tell us about Cinch

Cinch Home Services Inc. (Cinch) is one of the nation’s leading home service providers with a 40-year track record of delivering best-in-class home service solutions for our customers and partners. We were formerly known as Cross Country Home Services, but recently revealed our new brand identity as Cinch in October. This new identity better captures our goals and the technological advancements we’ve made over the last few years. So far, the brand launch has been incredibly successful, and we’re excited to continue setting the standards for home services with this new image. Part of our evolution has been our move to Boca Raton. We recently relocated our headquarters to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) because of the area’s strong tech community and diverse talent pool. Our new office reflects our digitally forward objectives, with features that promote productivity, collaboration and open communication in a vibrant and dynamic workspace. Beyond our in-house associates, Cinch also has a network of thousands of expert technicians nationwide that help fulfill our

customers’ home service needs. We’ve implemented a suite of digital resources to enhance the customer and partner experience. These smart, modern tools remove the guesswork around preventing, diagnosing and solving a wide variety of home-related issues.

I’m happy to say, our hard work has really been paying off. Cinch has been recognized time and again for excellent customer service, and in the past two years alone has earned six Stevie Awards for excellence in sales and customer service. We’ve also been recognized in Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 awards and the South Florida Business Journal’s list of fastest growing companies for two years in a row.

2 Tell us about your background Currently, I serve as the CEO of Cinch, where I drive the company’s vision and top strategic priorities with a particular focus on engaging our associates and driving growth through innovation. In my past roles, I’ve been fortunate enough to do the things I love. Whether it’s been launching new products and services, forging new distribution channels or opening new markets overseas, these are the types of experi-

ences I enjoy helping orchestrate both with and for associates. These experiences have been particularly valuable to me as they allow me to me take a step back and reflect upon the bigger picture. Since joining Cinch as CEO back in 2015, we’ve worked to extend those concepts by enhancing the customer experience and our capabilities with significant digital transformation. While this approach has been successful, with the company doubling in size in the past four years and enjoying industry leading growth rates, we’re still not done. On the personal side, I’m originally from Houston, and I earned my MBA from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. One thing I’m particularly proud of is serving on the Orange Bowl Committee, a South Florida-based organization dedicated to growing tourism, supporting student-athletes and assisting children and families in the community. Some fun facts about me – one of my first jobs was in radio where I worked my way up from weather reports to sports broadcasts and eventually to hosting an early morning show. I’ve also been an avid runner for the past 35 years, participating both competitively and for leisure.

3 What does the recent rebrand mean for CCHS Our rebrand efforts started from the inside-out when we first set high standards for ourselves internally. The new brand identity was part of projecting our new goals to the outside world while diligently pursuing them. At its heart, the rebrand was about associates loving their work, embracing and supporting one another, and living Cinch’s vision and values. This journey we’ve taken together to build a new identity sparked a level of passion we haven’t seen before and has connected our entire workforce.

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Externally, rebranding to Cinch has updated our identity to one that reflects our modern, tech-forward approach as well as our efforts to drive the sector forward by delivering the industry’s strongest and most diversified home service solutions. We’re bringing home management into the 21st century with a wide array of options when it comes both to offerings and price points – all presented in a way that keeps things simple and easy for customers. Cinch’s new capabilities build directly on our 40-year history, allowing us to provide unmatched flexibility, simplicity and value to our customers and partners. The home services industry has seen a shift in recent years, and our customers and partners want simplicity and transparency, now more than ever. Having spent the time

and resources to exceed those expectations, we decided it was time to update the organization to better align with what we have achieved thus far as well as our determination to provide next-level experiences and value.

4 What are the goals for the company in the next year, 5 years, etc. Our vision is a Cinch home services solution in every US household, and we’re passionate about simplifying homelife with tech-enabled services and dedicated people. One of our goals is to build upon the strength of our associates and extending our employment brand, which we do by investing in our people. When it comes to our people, we know that investing in our associates will result in better service and experiences for our customers and partners. To that end, we have been investing in our offices across all locations to enhance comfort, convenience and collaboration. We have also been upgrading recognition, training and education programs to help our associates continue to excel and succeed. We’re also focused on growing our community involvement. We participate in a number of initiatives throughout the year including the March of Dimes and various drives for communities in need. We recently conducted a fundraiser for the Bahamas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, which included an uncapped corporate match. Finally, we of course are targeting accelerated growth. This is fueled in part by our immense investment in technology and our digital transformation. Over the past few years, we’ve developed a wide variety of new, tech-based tools that make it simpler for customers to manage their plans – whether that’s online, over the phone, or even using their Amazon Alexa with our Home Service Manager Amazon Alexa skill. We also understand that smart homes are not just a passing trend and have continued to innovate in that area as well. One way we’ve done that is by partnering with Buoy Labs to offer a nationwide, on-demand network of licensed plumbers to install the Buoy smart home device which attaches to a home water line and provides real-time and segmented water usage data.


DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Opening event launches 2020 campaign for Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County By: Joanie Cox-Henry Contributing Writer More than 600 people packed B'nai Torah Congregation Nov. 6 to witness The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County kick off its 2020 Annual Campaign. Themed “Live Your Passion,” the festivities included a vibrant performance by International Jewish teen choir HaZamir and an energetic presentation from extreme endurance athlete, former rapper, best-selling author and co-founder of Marquis Jet, Jesse Itzler. “This is the largest group of Jews I’ve spoken in front of since my bar mitzvah,” joked comedian David Moore as he emceed The Opening Event. “Every year as we prepare for a new campaign season, we ask ourselves, of all the ways people can spend their time, money and energy, why choose Federation? We choose Federation because we are a community committed to caring for one another and our Jewish Family. With Federation, we reimagine the world as we wish it to be and come together to make that reimagined world a reality.” The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is also now offering designated giving. Do-nors can choose to support local safety net services, mental health issues, Jewish life and learning or to lend aid to Israel and Jews around the globe. With an annual campaign of more than $15 million, 67 agencies including local Jewish day schools, synagogues, Jewish youth groups, March of The Living and more received distributions from the Federation through grants, scholarships and program support. Various partners of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County took the stage at B'nai Torah Congregation including former Boca Raton resident Jonathan Struhl who ended up saving a woman’s life after learning his bone marrow was a match with a 46-year-old mother of four battling leukemia. “I almost didn’t pick up the

phone because I didn’t recognize the number,” Struhl said. “Signing up for The Gift of Life was one of the most important things I’ve ever done. Here in Boca, Gift of Life has a beautiful state of the art collection center that looks and feels more like a spa than a medical facility. And I appreciate the Federation for supporting The Gift of Life and letting me shine a light on this. Together, we’re saving lives.” Chaired by Jennifer and Brad Berkowitz and Miriam and Dr. Aaron Klein, the evening also in-cluded compelling footage of those the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County have helped locally and beyond as well as an emotional plea for peace from Rabbi Yaakov Gibber who grew up in Squirrel Hill attending The Tree of Life Congregation where 11 Jews were viciously gunned down while attending synagogue services. “When the community is in need, it is the Federation that is there to answer the call,” Gibber said. “We commit ourselves to fight darkness with light and hatred with love. We must be proud and passionate about Judaism. Together we’re Pittsburgh Strong and Federation Strong.” Learn more about the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County at www.jewishboca.org. Have corporate news to share or looking to relocate/expand your company to Boca Raton? Contact the city’s economic development office at economicdevelopment@ myboca.us or 561-393-7761. Want to see what we are up to? Follow us on Facebook @ BocaEconomicDevelopment.


34

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca’s economic development report By: Jessica Del Vecchio Economic Development Manager Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers Boca. Business. Briefs. Last month, Boca Raton was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and on Fox Business as a desirable location for business. With the recently imposed $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, wealthy taxpayers from high-tax states are moving to lower tax states. Since Florida has no statewide income tax, estate tax or inheritance tax, it’s the number one state for relocations. Our Office is currently working on three corporate relocation projects, all of them are from high tax states. Boca Raton is seeing the tax migration happening. We recently attended Lululemon’s new

pop up store at Mizner Park. It was so awesome to see local company’s FROPRO and CELSIUS out to support this new Boca location. There’s nothing better than two prominent Boca Raton based companies collaborating with one another. WDSrx - Woodfield Distribution LLC, and Twinlab Consolidation Corporation (TLCC) have forged a partnership involving multiple projects and several facilities.

The 8.74-acre vacant site in the Park at Broken Sound sold for $7.5 million, equating to $858,123 per acre. The new ownership plans to build a new industrial project

We recently welcomed publicly traded Or-

on the property. FAU Tech Runway is an economic engine. In 5 short years, they’ve launched and assisted 72 startups, raised $63.5 million in capital, created 351 jobs and generated $64.7 million in sales revenue. At their recent Maverick Reception, Anthony Barbar, Dennis Crudele, Ron Tarro, Jan Bednar and John Duffy were each recognized for their valuable contributions to the Runway. This quarter, the largest office lease in Palm Beach County was in Boca Raton. The lease was for 43,000-square-feet at Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) and was signed by Kroger Co.’s online health and wellness business, Vitacost.com. The team at MoreVisibility - Leaders in SEO, SEM, Design & Interactive Marketing celebrated its 20th year in business. Publicly traded, biopharmaceutical company, ADMA Biologics was named “Company of Year” by Bioflorida.

Boca business, nonprofit, university honored at Downtown Rotary’s Fifth Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball

bcomm to their new regional headquarters. Office Depot does so many great things throughout the country. The company recently donated 18,000 backpacks full of school supplies through their Office Depot Start Proud! Program to local students. Company’s like Office Depot truly make a difference in the community and we’re lucky to have them based in Boca Raton. Have corporate news to share or looking to relocate/expand your company to Boca Raton? Contact the city’s economic development office at economicdevelopment@ myboca.us or 561-393-7761. Want to see what we are up to? Follow us on Facebook @BocaEconomicDevelopment. Then, Co-Chairs Dyana Kenney and Michael Walstrom and Honorary Chairs Terry & Jerry Fedele presented the honorees with awards designed by Tiffany & Co.

gathered at Boca West Country Club to celebrate Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.”

Over 450 people dressed up in black-tie tuxedos and gowns to honor three visionaries who have benefited the Boca community. Kevin Ross, Christine Lynn, Terry and Jerry Fedele accept a George Long Award for Lynn University. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Tholl.

Coveted 2019 George Long Prism Awards presented to Lynn University, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Bluegreen Vacations

Staff report The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton hosted its fifth annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball last month where rotarians and locals

The three winners of the George Long Prism Awards, given to those who have long championed the tradition of bringing visionary ideas and transformation to Boca Raton, were presented to Lynn University President Kevin Ross, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers Executive Director Ellyn Okrent and Bluegreen Vacations and BBX CFO Ray Lopez. This year’s gala, presented by Marilyn & Jay Weinberg, raised money for a Rotary pilot program initiative C.H.O.W. (Children’s Health On the Weekend). Donations

Bluegreen Vacations received a George Long Award at the Mayors Ball. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Tholl.

Florence Full Child Development Centers received a George Long Award, CEO Ellyn Okrent (center) is accepting the award. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Tholl.

of $375 were collected, which goes toward feeding one family on the weekends for an entire year.

To further recognize the achievements of each honoree, the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum curated historical displays that were on exhibit throughout the reception and in the commemorative journal.

Proceeds from the Club’s previous four Boca Raton Mayors Balls have benefited both the health and wellness needs of more than 30 nonprofits serving Boca Raton and Rotary International’s program to eradicate polio. Bobby Campbell kicked off the evening with first donation announcement—$100,000.

Guests then dined and danced to the Steve Chase Band in a Rotary colored blue-andgold and ballroom. For more information about the Rotary Club, including how to become a member, visit www. rotarydowntownbocaraton.org.

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Staff report

region.

There is now a place for aged-out foster youth and homeless, single mothers to go instead of sleeping on the streets at Boca’s Place of Hope campus.

The completion of the Gary Peters Transitional Housing Complex is scheduled for this month. It is the first building on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Village, which will ultimately comprise four buildings.

The Gary Peters Transitional Housing Complex, which is part of the renamed Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Village, will provide 16 beds to agedout foster youth and homeless, single mothers. “This program focuses mainly on 18-year-olds who, due to a lack of affordable, transitional housing, are most at-risk of not finishing school and falling through the cracks,” said lead donor and longtime philanthropist Peters, for whom the building is named.

The four complexes will provide safe housing and counseling from the adjacent Place of Hope centers. Each building will have eight units, and the expanded campus will be able to accommodate approximately 64 beds in total. The overall Leighan and David Rinker campus will eventually provide more than 100 beds.

achievement. There is nothing quite like it locally.” The Homeless Point-in-Time Count, which took place during a 24-hour period Jan. 26 and 27, 2017, throughout the county, identified that 1,607 individuals and families were homeless and staying in places not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelters or in a transitional housing program. The count found increases in the chronically homeless population, as well as in youth ages 18 to 24 and in the elderly population.

“When we first established Place of Hope at the Leighan and Breaking ground in Boca for affordable transitional housing: L-R: MickDavide Rinker ey Nocera, Dr. David Rinker, Dr. Leighan Rinker, Shane Peters, Greg Campus in 2013, Peters, Gary Peters, Lisa McDulin, Charles Bender III, Sharon DiPietro, Jay DiPietro, Agnes Stoops, Andrew Stoops. Submitted photo. the demand for The affordable housing complex is anaffordable, transi“We owe a great deal of gratitude and other step toward Place of Hope’s largtional housing in our area was evident, appreciation to the visionary lead doer plan of creating more transitional, as we started managing the influx of apnors and supporters who have enabled supportive residences for people who plications to live on our campus,” Bendus to open the Gary Peters Transitionseek a better life for themselves and er said. “It was clear that a key obstacle al Housing Complex within budget their children. to self-sufficiency and a key driver of and without a mortgage,” Bender said. Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-lihomelessness – whether you’re exiting “Place of Hope is a responsible stewcensed children’s organization providfoster care, graduating high school, ard of our donors’ investments and ing family style foster care (emergency recovering from addiction or fleeing works to ensure a zero-debt structure and long-term); family outreach and domestic abuse and human trafficking on our infrastructure projects.” intervention; maternity care; safety – was the lack of housing and support Through his Gary Peters Family for victims of domestic minor sex services, such as what we were already Foundation, Peters gave Place of trafficking; transitional housing and providing at Place of Hope. We needed Hope the lead donation of $500,000. support services for youth aging out of more homes that people could afford Peter’s friend, the late Arthur Remifoster care; housing and support serto live in.Thanks to this group of caring llard, donated $100,000. Other key vices for homeless families; foster care people, who are community leaders for supporters are The Marshall E. Rinkrecruitment and support; hope and just that reason – because they care – er Sr. Foundation, Jay DiPietro and healing opportunities for children and together, we are transforming a bold viSharon DiPietro, Florida Chapter of families who have been traumatized sion for truly affordable supportive and Club Managers Association of Amerby abuse and neglect throughout our transitional housing into a hope-filled ica (FLCMAA) Seminole Region, Impact 100 Palm Beach County, Jeff Stoops and Aggie Stoops/Stoops Family Foundation, The Coulombe Family Foundaof your home sale, or worse, turn prospective buyers - According to industry experts, there are over 33 tion, The Asofsky Family physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what home inspection when your home is for sale. A new Foundation, The Lester J. you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for report has been prepared which identifies the eleven Woerner Family, James Batcan help you prevent little problems from growing into most common of these problems, and what you should costly and unmanageable ones. know about them before you list your home for sale. masian and Marta BatmasTo help homesellers deal with this issue before their Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, ian, Arthur Adler, Boca West homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You there are a number of things that can fall short of Children’s Foundation, Greg Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been requirements during a home inspection. If not identified compiled which explains the issues involved. and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you Kino, GL Homes, Joe Seta To order a FREE Special Report, visit dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you and Karen Seta, and The read this report before you list your home. If you wait www.homesellinginspectionspitfalls.com Boca Rio Foundation. until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you Get your free report NOW to learn how to ensure a

REAL

Place of Hope to open transitional housing for former foster youth, homeless single mothers

ESTATE

DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Peters is partnering with Place of Hope Founding CEO Charles L. Bender III to be able to provide vocational training to residents through his nonprofit organization, Boca Helping Hands.

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make When You Sell Your Home?

will almost certainly experience cost delays in the close

home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of Florida 360 Realty. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019

For more information, please visit www.placeofhope.com.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

Delray Housing Authority names new CEO [36]

Boca considers Virgin train station [41]

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

What’s up in the real estate market… Delray Housing Group Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Shirley Erazo as its new President/CEO. Erazo filled the position previously held by Dorothy Ellington, who retired on Oct. 31.

Delray office building sells for $3.1 million A Delray Beach office building located at 401 W. Linton Blvd. recently sold for $3.1 million. Brokers William Cunningham and Christopher McInnis of Park View Realty represented the buyer CDS Investments, LLC of the 10,046-square-foot building. The seller Callisto Realty, LLC was represented by Marcus and Millichap. The entire third floor is available for lease. Delray Beach Housing Authority and the Delray Beach Housing Group announce New President/CEO The Delray Beach Housing Authority (DBHA) Board of Commissioners and the

“After a comprehensive search process, the boards found the best individual to ensure that the mission and vision of this organization is fully implemented," said Jesse Saginor, DBHA Board Chairman. "Shirley has a proven track record of strong leadership. Her leadership, combined with her deep organizational knowledge and institutional tenure, make Shirley uniquely qualified to guide DBHA successfully into the future.” Erazo brings more than 30 years of experience to her new position as she served as Housing Choice Voucher Coordinator for the West Palm Beach Housing Authority and currently (since 2004) serves as Chief Operations Officer for DBHA. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing and the low income families served by DBHA. “My focus will be to expand upon the redevelopment that is currently taking place

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in Delray Beach in order to help create additional and much needed affordable housing,” Erazo said. “I’m honored, and I’m grateful to the boards for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated and talented professionals.” Delray Beach Real Estate Company joins forces with Deluxe Properties

Noelle McIntyre, broker and owner of Delray Beach Real Estate Company, and Dina Branham, broker and owner of Deluxe Properties, recently announced the union of their two Delray Beach-based real estate firms. The new merger will be known as the Deluxe Division of Delray Beach Real Estate Company, which will specialize in luxury real estate with a mission of making the home buying and selling process a concierge experience. “The Deluxe philosophy of a concierge customer service approach, along with a hospitality mentality for real estate, is of the utmost importance to me,” said Branham. “I am thrilled to add to the established industry presence of reputation of Delray Beach Real Estate Company.” Under Branham’s guidance, the Deluxe Division of Delray Beach Real Estate Company features a team of eight realtors. “As a native Floridian, I believe my extensive history in the region will only enhance the customer service approach of Deluxe Properties as it joins the Delray Beach Real Estate Company team,” McIntyre said. “Together we will be able to give our clients the most well-rounded, complete and seamless real estate buying or selling experience.”

ALINA Residences Boca Raton Recognized at USA & Americas Property Awards ALINA Residences in Boca Raton was selected as a winner for residential developments in Florida under International Property Awards Americas division.

The development was recognized at the USA & Americas Property Awards on Oct. 3 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The upscale condos were built by Boca Raton-based El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company. “It is an honor to receive this world-renowned mark of excellence from such a distinguished organization as the USA & Americas Property Awards,” said Noam Ziv, Executive Director of Development for El-Ad National Properties. “ALINA is a visionary masterpiece, providing residents with a truly elevated lifestyle. We are proud of this development and what it will bring to the Boca Raton market, including private onsite amenities along with convenient access to the best Boca Raton has to offer in terms of entertainment, dining and the arts.” The USA & Americas Property Awards are the largest, most prestigious and widely recognized programs in the region. The Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts focusing on design, quality, service, innovation and commitment to sustainability. The judging panel is chaired by Lord Caithness, Lord Best, The Earl of Liverpool, and Lord Thurso, members of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. Entering its 26th year, the Awards cover over 45 different residential and commercial categories, with regional focuses in Arabia, Europe, Africa, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, USA, UK and Asia Pacific.

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience cost delays in the close

of your home sale, or worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.homesellinginspectionspitfalls.com Get your free report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of Florida 360 Realty. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Habitat for Humanity, volunteers spruce up 10 homes in Boca’s New Pines neighborhood for Veterans Build Staff report Ten homes in Boca’s New Pines neighborhood were transformed in time for Veterans Day thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County and its Neighborhood Revitalization program powered by Vertical Bridge Holdings.

Part of the 2019 Veterans Build, 250 corporate team members from various sponsoring companies including Wells Fargo, Boca Grove Country Club, Fidelity National Title Group, Champion Solutions Group, Baptist Health South Florida, Boca Rio Foundation and the City of Boca Raton spent the Friday before Veterans Day helping spruce up the homes.

The program included a presentation of the colors and recognition of all veterans present at event. The lunch featured keynote speaker U.S. Army Veteran Sophia E. Eccleston, an External Affairs (EA) manager for Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) in Palm Beach County responsible for advocating with local elected officials and key community stakeholders.

Following Eccleston’s speech, CEO Alex Gellman of Vertical Bridge, the 2019 Veterans Build Presenting Sponsor, gave a $60,000 check to HFHSPBC as the nonprofit’s overall Annual Neighborhood Revitalization Program Sponsor. In addition, Home Depot’s Regional VP of South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Santi Bernardez presented the organization with a gift card in the amount of $116,897, representing Home Depot’s total annual support to HFHSPBC’s Neighborhood Revitalization program through materials sponsorship of various projects.

Eccleston joined the Army in 1995 and was assigned to the 95th Military Police (MP) Battalion, in Heidelberg, Germany as a Logistics Specialist. She was later transferred to Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia where she was assigned to the 224th Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion. There she served the remainder of her time until she was honorably discharged in 1998. Along with her military experience, Eccleston also worked for Halliburton and KBR Inc., in the Middle East and Africa. Two of her most notable roles were negotiating multimillion dollar contracts to build infrastructure in Iraq and Afghanistan for the United States military and starting up the first Regional Expediting Department located Dubai.

Two of the Boca homeowners are military veterans. Hubert Barkoski “Skip”: Skip enlisted in the

Marine Corps in 1961 and was sent to Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. He served four years in Supplies Artillery. He met his wife Sherry and has been married for 56 years. Skip and Sherry have given everything to provide for their daughter and four grandchildren leaving little for them to keep up with the repairs on their home. They are both involved in the New Pines Community working along Wayne Barton to help children in the community. Skip and Sherry have several medical conditions and Sherry has taken a job at Steak and Shake just to try to keep up with their medical bills. The children and grandchildren will do whatever it takes to assure they live their final years in a safe and decent home. Steven Kirkman: Steven Kirkman, son of a WWII veteran, is a Vietnam-Era Veteran who served as a cruiser sailor on USS Columbus CG-12, a guided missile cruiser during the 1960s. He later re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, in the logistical field where he volunteered for combat cargo transport support. He is now 75 and is a survivor of prostate cancer and critical heart issues. Kirkman moved into his house with his parents in 1953; when his parents passed away, he inherited the home. He attends Church regularly and is a 33-year Master Mason at the Boca/ Delray Lodge 171 and a 23-year Shriner. He is retired and enjoys fishing.

111 First Delray Beach ready for occupancy Staff report Delray Beach’s first new luxury condominium project in over a decade is now move-in ready. SOFA Partners and ONE Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that 111 First Delray Beach is ready for tenants. The project houses 66 condos at 111 S.E. 1st Avenue. 111 First Delray Beach is already more than 75 percent sold. “The combination of a beautiful building situated in an unbeatable location is becoming harder and harder to find for develop-

ers and buyers alike,” said Felipe Vergara of SOFA Partners, developer of 111 First Delray Beach. “The walkability to all of the amenities Atlantic Avenue offers coupled with our distinguished design and finishes makes 111 unlike anything else in the market.” The five-story luxury condo is comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with a variety of floor-plan configurations. Units are priced from the high $400’s to $1 million. Amenities include a pool with cabanas, gym overlooking the pool deck, open-air lounge area with summer kitchen bar, televisions and billiards table. There is private, gated parking, bicycle storage and electric

car charging stations. “111 First Delray Beach was our very first new construction project in Delray Beach and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” said Daniel de la Vega, president of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “We see tremendous potential in this charming town and throughout Palm Beach County.” SOFA Partners, the developer of the 111 First Delray condominium, is led by two father-son teams, Manuel and Felipe Vergara, and Rafael and Daniel Rincon. Collectively, the developers have more than 100 years of expertise and experience in a comprehensive range of real estate services. The SOFA

Partners team of professionals also includes George Ligeti of The Greenfield Group and Paul Kilgallon of Mainstreet Capital Partners. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Development Marketing is exclusively handling the sales of 111 First Delray Beach. The sales center is open daily at 12 S.E 1st Avenue, suite #102. Visit 111firstdelray.com or call 561501-0818.

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Delray commission deadlocks on proposed plans to renovate Buddha Sky Bar Staff report Proposed plans to renovate Buddha Sky Bar are in limbo after commissioners failed to make a decision on the project in a 2-2 vote. The owners of the restaurant proposed converting the first floor into retail while moving the restaurant to the second floor and adding an enclosed deck to the building at 217 E. Atlantic Ave. Plans also included updating the Art De-

co-style building by changing the facade finishes to a more modern look. But commissioners were split in whether to approve the proposal. Commissioner Shirley Johnson was absent from the meeting to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Former ABC Carpet & Home to become haven for car collectors Staff report Construction is underway to turn the former ABC Carpet & Home store on Congress Avenue into a storage and maintenance club for car collectors.

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The Collier Family is turning the warehouse into a showroom and car storage facility that will be able to house over 300 cars in a secure, climate controlled environment. The Collier Car Club is scheduled to open in Spring 2020. The concept is member based with different levels of membership, including a level for folks aspiring to one day own a car that could be stored at the facility.

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cility will feature a showroom where members can host events with their car, a lab area where owners can work on their vehicles and of course the storage area for the vehicles. If car owners wanted to work on their car, the club can provide mechanics on site to assist. The membership also allows members access to the research library at the Revs Institute in Naples. The museum houses all types of manuals on all types of cars.

Commissioners Bill Bathurst and Ryan Boylston supported the renovation while Mayor Shelly Petrolia and Commissioner Adam Frankel were opposed.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Community 101—What we need to know about Delray Beach By: Christel Silver Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers

fering rooms for families, a king size bed and a sleeper sofa.

As a member of the South Palm Beach Board for the Realtors of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale, we invited Realtors to an event to keep them informed about the Delray Beach community. We have visitors coming to Delray Beach and many are falling in love with the City and want to work, live and play here. More than 60 Realtors gathered in the Delray Beach Library to hear the latest news and I would like to share what we learned with you.

* The Delay Beach Golf Course has been funded, but more work needs to be done; therefore, the work has been pushed back to have the additional funds ready.

Mayor Shelly Petrolia informed the Realtors about the latest information about our Village by the Sea:

The new CEO of the Delray Chamber of Commerce Stephanie Immelman, praised the close relationship with the Mayor and is making note that the Chamber under her leadership will not only be “Grand Openings and Networking events.” The Chamber needs to help

* There are four new hotels, two completed and two under construction with about 450 beds. One of the hotels is of-

* The tennis stadium must stay a tennis stadium, as there are deed restrictions to this effect. But work needs to be done, as the structure is getting old. The Mayor mentioned they she never intended to remove the stadium. But if the work is being done, the community center needs to be updated also. The City took action to improve the situation with the rehabilitation homes. They implemented a new code restriction making a 600-yard minimum distance between rehabilitation homes.

Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall at Lynn University wins Most Outstanding Residential Award Staff report Lynn University’s Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall won the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Florida’s Most Outstanding Residential Award at the GalaVerde Leadership Awards. Designed by Gensler, Perper Residence Hall features loftstyle apartments for 170 students. Architects designed the building with USGBC’s sustainability rating system in mind, and the residence hall received LEED Silver certification earlier this year. •

Over 20 percent of project materials and over 75 percent of construction waste were recycled.

A responsibly managed forest produced more than half of the wood used.

It incorporated water and energy efficiencies.

small business prosper by contributing to the success of our community and membership. Also mentioned were free Friday Concerts at the Old School Square; Government/Economic Affairs Friday Forum; Realtor Round Table; and Legislative Luncheons. If you want to know about your community, join the Leadership Delray, an annual program, where you get to know your community inside out. Karen Ronald, Executive Director of the Delray Beach Library, shared a lot of facts and statistics: * The library, which is rated the ninth in the State of Florida, is improving the quality of life of residents and visitors alike. * 27,000 people enjoyed free classes at the Library. * This library is not only for taking books out: it is a learning and help center with homework help for children offered by volunteers inspiring children to explore

their creativity through music and art programs. * Teens have their Teen Room – designed just for Teens; Adults can learn English or computer programs with 44 Computers available for free use. Delray Beach has much to offer not only to visitors but also to residents. We hope you will take advantage of all the amenities that our beautiful city has. About Christel Silver Christel Silver is a full time Broker/Owner of Silver International Realty servicing the East Coast of South Florida. Silver is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and a certified speaker teaching CIPS classes. She served the Florida Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Chapter as President, as Regional Vice President helping Chapters to grow, and as a member of the Board of Directors for two years. She is the Global Ambassador for Austria and Germany in 2019. Fifty percent of her business is in the International arena. For more information visit www.silverhouses. com.

Habitat homeowners receive keys to new home Staff report A mother and daughter are now homeowners thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County. Boca West Country Club presented keys to the “House that Women Built” to homeowners Ilomane Brivaus and Jessie Demesmin.

“We are extremely honored and pleased this project was recognized by our green-building peers as superlative examples of the highest quality, sustainable building undertakings,” said Jonathan Burgess, President of The Spinnaker Group. “Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices—it’s a commitment to making the world a better place, as well as a challenge to others to do better.” The 2019 GalaVerde Awards recognized excellence in high-performance building design, environmental stewardship and community impact, as well as green building initiatives and achievements.

The Delray Beach home was built by a team of 125 women led by the 2019 Women Build co-chairs Beverly Raphael Altman and her daughter Robyn Raphael-Dynan. The mother/daughter builders announced they would lead the 2020 Women Build in May. This is the 10th house that Boca West Country Club members have sponsored for Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County, providing affordable homes earned by a hard-working family. “Boca West has established a legacy of investing in community programs that have the power to change lives,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President and COO at Boca West Country Club. “Habitat for Humanity supports families by building new homes that not only beautify neighborhoods, but also the future generations of families who work to earn them.” Ilomane Brivaus escaped Haiti after living under the dangerous rule of Baby Doc in Haiti, traversing the open Atlantic Ocean in a sailboat for 10 days, at the age of 22. She married young and had three children, Gardine, Topher and Jessie. After her marriage did not work out, she raised the three kids on her own, while working for the past 26 years as a housekeep-

Newest Habitat for Humanity SPBC Partner Family cut the ribbon on their new home thanks to the support of Presenting Home Sponsor Boca West Country Club and the 2019 WOMEN Build led by Beverly Raphael Altman and Robyn Raphael-Dynan. Submitted photo.

er. She currently works for Abbey Delray South, a Senior Living Community. Her daughter Jesse will live with her and they plan to transform their yard into a garden full of parsley, green onions and avocados. The dedication was attended by over 50 of the volunteer women, who hung drywall, painted, built and laid sod, under the supervision of construction professionals, for the Brivaus/Demesmin home for a block of impact in Delray Beach. The Brivaus/Demesmin family put in 500 hundred hours of “sweat equity” working on their home throughout the construction process along with Habitat volunteers. The family also met the Habitat homeowner requirements of attending workshops that address financial literacy, cleanliness and home maintenance, effective parenting, hurricane preparation, energy conservation, and more.


DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Final vote on Virgin USA train station in Boca Raton due Dec. 10 By: Dale King Contributing Writer The Boca Raton City Council plans to hold a public hearing Dec. 10 and take a vote that night on whether to throttle ahead on plans to build a Virgin USA (Brightline) train station and 4.5-story parking garage on land behind the downtown library or to hit the brakes on the proposed multi-million dollar project. The jury was still out at press time on whether the project will be an asset or detriment to Boca Raton, its residents and to the Junior League’s Community Gardens which will have to be relocated to make way for the project. A chunk of the current library parking lot will have to be taken, but all spaces will be replaced with the garage.

at the library lot” and accused Brightline/ USA of wanting the station built “to line the pockets of executives.” But a number of speakers said the proposal was right on track. Judith Kaye said she favored it since the rail line provides “easy access to cultural hubs” in South Florida. She recalled that former Mayor Susan Whelchel “told us a train station was coming” in that area a decade ago.

The council, a full audience inside the City Council chambers and cable TV viewers got their first look at the proposed lease for Brightline/Virgin Trains’ Boca station and garage during a council meeting Nov. 12 that lasted just over three hours.

Coincidentally, the relocation of the Community Gardens seemed to be one of the easiest obstacles to overcome. The city wants to move them to the south end of Meadows Park near Boca Raton Community Middle School. The Junior League likes the site, said Mayor Scott Singer. So also does the city staff.

Deputy City Manager George S. Brown outlined the plan and noted that some issues in the lease have yet to be settled. Brightline/Virgin USA officials agreed to postpone a final decision to Dec. 10.

At the council meeting, Councilwoman Andrea Levine O’Rourke said she felt the new location was “a win-win” and Councilwoman Monica Mayotte called it “ideal.” B r i g h t l i n e / Vi rgin has set aside $300,000 for the gardens move, and Mayor Singer suggested some of that money might be used to establish educational programs through the school.

Brown said the train station will be funded 100 percent by Brightline/Virgin. The garage will have 468 spaces, 64 dedicated to the library and 404 train station spaces. Total garage construction costs are estimated at $14 million with the city paying 86.3 percent and Brightline/Virgin footing the tab for 13.7 percent. The rail company will pay the full cost of the station. During the public comment segment, residents spoke both for and against the station-garage combination on a piece of the library’s parking lot abutting railroad tracks, and shaped like a number 7. One speaker demanded “no development

Brown said a 29year lease is being suggested, with one renewal and two mutual consent renewals for a total of 89 years. The 1.8-acre lease area includes the downtown Library property and the adjacent residential complex, Library Commons. Formal site plans for the station and garage are subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council. Brightline/Virgin USA is a high-speed, limited stop train that uses the Florida East Coast rail line. It currently has stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm, but is building a link to Orlando Airport for Disney World-bound riders.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Joint meeting on Boca National: City seeks more design proposals By: Diane Emeott Korzen Contributing Writer What started out as a somewhat promising Nov. 12 joint meeting toward finding common ground on Boca National Golf Course began with Boca Council Member/CRA Chair Andrea Levine O’Rourke saying she had listened to the community and the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District and would be willing to move forward with the District’s Price Fazio Design.

Dialogue between Mayor Scott Singer (L) and District Chair Susan Vogelgesang (R) during a meeting on Boca National Golf Course. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

Council Member Monica Mayotte followed with her comment. “I’ve said several times, ‘Let’s go with the Price Fazio Design.’ There are others up here [however, who wish to have more information]... I don’t think with all the

keeping with National Golf Foundation (NGF) estimates.

restrictions the property has – it is bordered by I-95, Clintmore Road, and all the condos – that you’re going to come out with a design much different than the Price Fazio Design.” Council Member Andy Thomson, however, expressed his desire to go out to bid for additional golf course architects – “to compare to the Price Fazio Design.” Council Member Jeremy Rodgers also said he wasn’t ready to move forward with Price Fazio, saying he had questions and was relying on staff review before making a decision. As of press time, City of Boca Raton Public Information Officer Chrissy Gibson confirmed that, “Yes, the decision has been made to seek proposals for golf course design and construction. And yes, the City is working on a new Interlocal Agreement for the golf course, which will be presented to the District within the next couple of months.” According to Beach & Park District Executive Director Briann Harms, the amendment [to the current ILA] will include “details of the City’s intent to construct, operate, and maintain the golf course. How the two bodies come to terms with this arrangement will be in

The room was packed for a meeting on Boca National Golf Course last month. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

the details,” she said.

“The whole point of tonight is to get this moving,” Beach & Park Commissioner Erin Wright said. “You guys build it, and pay for it — using the design we’ve worked so hard on.” The city agreed to undertake design and construction, but wanted to consider hiring its own architects and contractors.

An agreement from Feb. 2, 2018 holds the key to who has final ‘say’ on the design for Boca National Golf Course. It states the city has the final design say even if the district were to pay for construction of the course.

Upon hearing the City wanted to go out for additional design options former District Chair Rollins said, “After interviewing 17 golf course architects, the audience gave unanimous support to Price Fazio (as the District’s No. 1 pick for golf course designer). We then looked at four different designs from Price Fazio, before arriving at the perfect design.

The District is already paying for the $24 million purchase of the old Ocean Breeze Golf Course Property where Boca National is to be built – as well as having invested money in arriving at a preferred golf course design by Price Fazio.

“We got the number down to $15 million without sacrificing the vision we had. We need a concept and a golf course that people want to play! If you do an RFP, you’ll have to add another 3 or 4 months to 12 months.”

The District wants the City to pay for golf course construction, which has been value- engineered down from an original $28 million to around $15 million – in

The city has agreed to expedite a proposal to seek additional bids for an 18-hole course, short course, driving range and temporary clubhouse.

The next joint meeting on the golf course is slated for Jan. 27 at 6 p.m.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

‘Rescuers’ exhibit cites courage, daring of Holocaust victims’ protectors By: Dale King Contributing Writer

traits of Moral Courage in the Holocaust during an opening reception Nov. 3

When one thinks of the brave men and women who rescued Holocaust victims from torture and death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II, the name of Oskar Schindler normally rises to the top.

The exhibition that will run through Dec. 22 at the JCC, 21050 95th Ave. S. is being combined with a series of lectures, films and programs related to the Holocaust.

But, in fact, dozens of other lesser-known folk living in Nazi-ruled nations like Germany and Poland refused to succumb to Der Furher’s directives and risked their own lives to keep as many Jews as they could out of Hitler’s crosshairs, be it one, two or many.

A visitor views photo and story of Jan Karski, a Polish diplomat who helped saved Jews from being killed by Nazis during World War II. Photo by Dale King.

Houston-born photographer Gay Block and California writer Rabbi Malka Drucker spent three years and traveled thousands of miles to interview 105 people who hid, protected and saved Jews in Europe while the Second World War raged. For its fall exhibition, the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC’s Sandler Center in Boca Raton is displaying the photographs and stories collected by Block and Drucker. Photographer Block discussed the exhibit, Rescuers: Por-

Christians in Nazi-controlled nations realized their Jewish neighbors, families and children were in dire danger “when they The opening of the Res- saw people discuers: Portraits of Moral appearing,” said Courage in the HoloBlock in her address caust display at the Jewish Community Center to opening day in Boca Raton drew an crowds. It was then inquisitive crowd. Photo that they stepped in by Dale King. and used all manner of methods to help Jews find safety. Debuting in 1996 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the work of Block and Drucker made a stop at Boca’s JCC that same year before returning to the New York venue. “We first hosted the Rescuers exhibition in November of 1996, and I am thrilled to be bringing it back as it is even more relevant in these unsettling times,” said Terri Berns, director of the Judi & Allan Schuman Museum Gallery. “By immersing oneself in these intimate photographs and inspirational stories, I hope others will be inspired to explore the universal need for humanity and heroism in their own lives.” The photos and stories of Holocaust rescues have also been compiled in a book called Rescuers which was sold at the event.

Block spoke at a podium in front of a screen showing the cover of the volume featuring a variety of interviewee pictures. The woman responsible for creating the photo array depicting Christian liberators said they never spoke of themselves as heroes. She said she got the idea for the series after touring schools and discovering that “many young people are unaware of the Holocaust.” Drucker was quoted as saying that a 1979 visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, spurred her interest in interviewing rescuers.

Photographer Gay Block addresses the audience at the opening of the Rescuers: Portraits of Moral Courage in the Holocaust display at the Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton. Photo by Dale King.

Block and Drucker placed newspaper ads to locate some of these unknown and unheralded savers. And with dozens of names in hand, they soon began their journey of discovery.

“Rescuers cannot easily explain why they had the strength to act righteously, nor do their life stories always offer a clue,” Block told the crowd. “History gives no promises, but rescuers offer hope, revealing that goodness is, indeed, part of the human spirit.” Gay plucked a few plums from the 49 stories in the Rescuers book: • Marion P. van Binsbergen Pritchard was a Dutch woman that Drucker and Block met in Vermont. She saved 150 Jews during the war years by hiding them in her basement.

• Block remembered Zofia Baniecka, one of the first rescuers interviewed, as a woman who smoked cigarettes throughout the interview. “She hid people in her flat, and when A woman who rescue many Jews during World she learned of an air War II is show with phoraid, moved them to tos of the people whose another apartment. lives she saved. Photo We met her in Staten courtesy of Gay Block. Island, at the home of someone she rescued.” She spoke no English. • Jan Karski, shown in the book dressed in a smartly tailored suit, also smoking a cigarette, was a Polish diplomat. He reported to the Polish, British and U.S. governments on the grim situation in Poland, especially on destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto. He also carried out of Poland a microfilm with information from the underground movement on the extermination of European Jews in German-occupied Poland. • Maria, Countess von Matzan, “saved so many in her flat in Berlin. She was still rescuing people into her 80s.” • One woman cried throughout her interview because she only saved one child. • Tony Colinin, a political prison in Buchenwald, saved 44 Jewish boys by moving them to a specific section of the camp and telling the Nazis the children had typhus. Germ-fearing Nazis stayed away. Lectures and events continue through Dec. 17. Individual lectures are $18 unless otherwise noted. For information or tickets, call the Sandler Center at 561-558-2520 or visit levisjcc.org/box office.

Junior League recognizes longtime volunteer, names 2019 Woman Volunteer of the Year Staff report

of Boca Raton’s nominee for the Woman Volunteer of the Year.

A group of 37 local, woman volunteers were celebrated with an afternoon of fashion during the 32nd annual Junior League Woman of the Year luncheon.

Both women were selected from an independent panel. Before the winners were announced, guests were treated to an afternoon of fashion. Saks Fifth Avenue and designer Andrea Lieberman put on a runway show that featured 70 different looks.

The Boca Raton Resort was packed with people supporting one of the nominees from the 37 different nonprofit organizations. The 2019 Woman Volunteer of the Year award was given to Michelle Stallone, founder of Pink Ball, an organization that raises money for women in the community in need of mammograms and breast ultrasounds that do not have health insurance.

The 32nd annual Junior League Woman of the Year luncheon featured a fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue. Staff photo.

Pink Ball began about 10 years ago and has served 2,000 people and raised over $675,000.

who couldn’t afford mammograms. And because of her efforts, she said her organization has helped 30 women who are now breast cancer survivors.

Stallone said she began selling pink wrist bands as a way to raise money for women

A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Kirsten Stanley, who was the Junior League

Lieberman, a stylist turned designer, showed off pieces from her newest A.L.C. line in the beginning of the show. “This is an incredible honor to be with everyone here today,” Lieberman said. “This event, for me, is exciting because to honor women who give so much of themselves to service the world around us is an amazing opportunity.” She said females make up 92 percent of her

The 32nd annual Junior League Woman of the Year luncheon featured a fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue and highlighted designer Andrea Lieberman’s new A.LC. collection. Staff photo.

company’s employees and it was so empowering to see women inspiring other women at the event. This year’s luncheon was co-chaired by Nicole Mugavero and Lisa Warren, who planned the event 10 years ago. Amy Kazma served as the event’s honorary chair.



YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

Boca-based Connected Warriors honor veterans, Dr. Gelb at gala By: Dale King Contributing Writer Veterans Day weekend 2019 was particularly significant this year. Not only did it mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, but the remembrance continued to underscore the need for timely and proper medical care for soldiers during wartime and after, when the rigors of battle are often at their worst.

Mayor Scott Singer and City Council members Jeremy Rodgers, Andrea Levine O’Rourke and Andy Thompson presented a mayor’s commendation to the Gelbs. FAU President John Kelly was shown on a video praising the med school founder. Weaver, a former yoga therapist, said she started CW with a single yoga class that she taught. Later, she helped the late Army Ranger Beau MacVain cope with a devastating illness that followed his return from five tours of duty in the Middle East. “I worked with him and his family for 2 ½ years until he passed away.” His inspiration led her to build and expand the group. To date, she said, Connected Warriors has provided assistance to more than 11,000 veterans and service members with more than 1,700 classes in 24 states, eight countries, 16 active-duty military installations and 35 veterans centers. All courses are conducted by volunteers. “We help [participants] navigate through their new normal,” she said.

Members of the Iwo Jima Division of the US Naval Sea Cadets Corps strikes the colors at the Connected Warriors’ Stars of Honor Gala. Photo by Dale King.

Boca Raton-based Connected Warriors, the largest volunteer organization in the US offering evidence-based, trauma-conscious free yoga therapy and behavioral health services to service members, veterans, first responders and their families, marked its own 10th anniversary with a gala at the Boca Marriott two days before Veterans Day.

CW training, the founder noted, provides the following: Understanding of military culture; knowledge of the effect of trauma on the nervous system; cognizance of the use of yoga as a tool for growth and wellness and proficiency in Connected Warriors class protocols.

The Connected Warriors’ Stars of Honor event also paid tribute to Dr. Ira J. Gelb, a regimental surgeon during the Korean War who returned to the US to complete his medical studies Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer and City Council members present a mayand launch a lifetime career or’s commendation to Dr. Ira Gelb and his wife, June, at the Connected Warriors’ Stars of Honor Gala. Photo by Dale King. as a physician. The man of healing is held in particular Keynote speaker was A.S. Minor, a veteran regard locally for founding the Charles E. and a spoken word poet, who read and Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atacted out “Final Services,” a piece he wrote. lantic University in 2009. He is still assistant It told poignantly of the sad, thankless task dean and a clinical professor there. of having to process the personal effects of soldiers killed in action. Dr. Gelb, with his wife of 49 years, June, by his side, was the last to speak during the During his time at the microphone, Dr. fundraising event along with CW founder Gelb, said he learned early on in medical and yoga instructor Judy Weaver, honorary training to “treat patients as individuals.” chair Pamela Polani and emcee Neil Saffer, He graduated from high school in Flushing, who also conducted a rousing and apparN.Y. at age 16 and completed his doctorate ently worthwhile live auction. Co-chairs at New York University at age 23. were Jan Savarick and Keith O’Donnell.


DECEMBER 2019 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Commission corner: Commission Thomson talks golf By: Councilman Andy Thomson There will soon be a new municipal golf course in Boca Raton. I feel strongly that it should be golf for the people - inclusive and affordable for all. Here’s an update on where things stand. First, a bit of background: in 2018, the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District (an independently elected government body separate from the City of Boca Raton) bought the defunct Ocean Breeze golf course in the Boca Teeca neighborhood. The District paid $24 million for the land. They later hired a golf course architect, Price/Fazio, who designed a luxury golf course that would cost another $28 million to build, bringing the total cost to over $50 million. After about a year, the District eventually realized that they did not have the money to build this course and

Special to the Boca Newspaper asked the City to donate $20 million to help fund the construction. The Boca Raton City Council - recognizing that $28 million is an enormous amount of taxpayer money to spend on a golf course - declined to approve and fund a luxury golf course. Instead, the Council issued a Request for Information to other qualified golf course architects asking them if a high quality course (including 18 holes, infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and a minimalist clubhouse) could be built for $8 million - $20 million less than what the District proposed. Sixteen respondents replied with a resounding YES and provided concepts, ideas, and designs for how such a course could be built. In addition, an independent consulting firm analyzed the Price/Fazio plan and concluded that spending anything above $15 million would be unreasonable and would lead to no additional benefit. As a result, the City Council offered to construct the 18 hole course and

infrastructure itself, with City funds, using an architect of the City’s choosing. The City insisted that $15 million was the most that should reasonably be spent on a municipal golf course and suggested that, to the extent the Price/Fazio design wished to remain in consideration, its cost needed to be reduced dramatically and be within the $15 million threshold. At first, the Beach & Park District refused to reduce the cost of its design and instead pushed ahead with its $28 million design and planned to fund it by raising its property taxes and through private financing. When residents vocally opposed a tax increase, the Beach & Park District commissioners eventually voted against a tax increase, which left them with no funds to build the course. Then, after many months of being asked to revise the $28 million design to reduce its cost (with the response being that such revisions were impossible), Price/Fazio eventually presented a revised design with a reduced cost: $14 million.

Price/Fazio now states that its revised $14 million design would provide the SAME QUALITY at its original $28 million plan. In other words, the City’s process of due diligence has, to this point, already saved residents at least $14 million with no reduction in quality. Given those results, the City will continue its due diligence process and seek additional designs from other architects to determine whether the most recently revised Price/ Fazio design (now costing $14 million) is the best option. The Beach & Park District has also agreed in concept to the City’s offer: allowing the City to build the course with City funds using an architect of the City’s choosing with input from the Beach & Park District. That process should hopefully be concluded by April or May 2020. Our job at the City Council is to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly so as to benefit as many residents as possible. By following the process outlined above, I believe we are doing exactly that.

Mayor Singer Town Hall talks Brightline, Boca Mall By: Diane Emeott Korzen

Contributing Writer

Library Commons resident Bill Gelin was among a contingent of Library Commons residents who attended Mayor Scott Singer’s most recent Town Hall at Spanish River Library on Oct. 23. The group had just attended an HOA meeting with Brightline representatives earlier that week. As of press time, Boca council spent two days meeting with Virgin Trains USA, VTUSA – the new name for Brightline. Brightline says it will pay for building a train station and a public plaza,“Where people can hang out after a train ride or you could hold events there.” Brightline wants the city to pay for the parking garage. In response to the neighbors at Library Commons concerns about having a parking garage built at the Downtown Library next door, VTUSA has agreed to move the parking garage 20 feet to the south. Taxes are to be paid by VTUSA. VTUSA agreed to split revenues from the garage with the city. “This is a big decision for us. A big decision for the city,” said Deputy Mayor Jeremy Rodgers. Boca City Council and Virgin Trains are expected to meet again before Dec. 10. Town Center Mall Also at his Town Hall on Oct. 23, Mayor Singer addressed questions about a Sunday afternoon, Oct. 13, ‘suspicious incident’ at Boca Town Center Mall that had just happened, in which thousands ran from the

mall or hid while police responded to multiple reports of “shots fired.” Later labeled as the “balloon incident,” Singer said what caused the panic was multiple pops. Asked about the odd timing of 13-year Boca Raton Police Chief Dan Alexander announcing the day after the incident that he was about to take a new position as Director of School Police for Palm Beach County Schools after a vote by the School Board, Singer said this was merely coincidence. That Alexander’s new job with the School Board had been pending for some time. In total, Alexander has served the city of Boca Raton for 16 years as both chief, assistant police chief and captain. Asked who would be the new Chief once Alexander leaves, Singer said it hadn’t been decided yet. “The City Manager will announce information about the new Police Chief process prior to Chief Alexander’s departure,” said Economou on Nov. 14. According to School Board Member Frank Barbieri, Chief Alexander submitted his application to the School Board on Aug. 11, and the Board approved his appointment on Oct. 16. Alexander’s start date at the School Board is Dec. 2. “This is only the fourth incident of this type at all malls in Florida,” Singer told the crowd. Asked what type of incident he was referring to, Singer later explained, “A false alarm of a shooting incident.” Mayor Singer said there were “lots of reasons

to be grateful” including the quick response by Boca Police and Fire, and other assisting agencies. Among the lessons learned are that law enforcement and fire rescue are going to take such calls seriously and respond quickly. “Heaven forbid we have a crisis, it’s not just the brave men and women of Boca responding,” Singer said. Singer spoke of the need to remain calm. He said initial media reports ignored the ‘reports of’ and went right to ‘shots fired.’ “I’m sure they’re not all from the food court area. The difficulty with Boca Mall is [it’s large] – 1.7 million square feet. [for police and investigators to comb through physically at the scene, and in reviewing video]. Singer said he had CNN calling him at home that Sunday. Six SWAT teams and over 100 officers spent nearly seven hours doing a systematic grid search of the entire mall. No shell casings were found. Detectives watched hours of video from hundreds of cameras and no shooting was seen. Boca police department received over 170 calls into 911 that were all reviewed and listened to multiple times and no one who called actually saw anything or heard any gunfire, they only were calling to report what others were saying. “The video speaks for itself, as do eye witness accounts,” Economou said. “We released the two videos that were 2 minutes apart -- This all occurred between 2:56 and 2:58 p.m. One was of the janitor popping a balloon at the far end of the food court. You can see many people turn and look ... then within a minute a number of teens at the other end of

Mayor Singer talks to the crowd at most recent Town Hall. Photo by Diane Emeott Korzen.

the food court popped multiple balloons ... within seconds someone yelled gun, or was that a gun ... immediately everyone jumped up in the food court and started running.”

Meet the team Reach us at: BocaNewspaper.com 561-819-1109 info@bocanewspaper.com

Jeff Perlman, Editor-in-Chief and Principal Scott Porten, Chief-Financial-Officer and Principal Craig Agranoff, Content Director and Principal Fran Marincola, Adviser and Principal Marisa Herman, Associate Editor Kelly McCabe, Account Manager Ginger Novak, Account Manager Kylee Treyz, Account Manager


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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DECEMBER 2019

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