Philanthropist Lois Pope Gives $10 Million To The University Of Miami
Focus On Research Into Alzheimer’s And Other Neurological Diseases And Disorders
To Name The Lois Pope Laboratory Wing In Memory Of Lorraine Pope In The Lois Pope LIFE Center
Lois Pope watched with dismay as her daughter Lorraine suffered from Alzheimer’s disease before her death earlier this year.
Wanting to honor Lorraine’s memory and do more to help others afflicted with the disease that progressively strips its victims of their memory, cognitive skills, and the ability to perform simple everyday tasks, Pope, who is one
The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) Raising Readers Committee honored 26 teachers who were nominated from Palm Beach County Title 1 schools for their work in fostering a culture of reading in their classrooms. Each teacher received a refreshed classroom library with approximately 100 new books and was recognized on April 29 at Kendra Scott in Boca Raton. Over 80 people attended the event.
Teachers from Citrus Cove Elementary, Orchard View Elementary, J.C. Mitchell Elementary, Banyan Creek Elementary, Hagen Road Elementary, Hammock Pointe Elementary and Starlight Cove Elementary were recognized.
Speakers included Junior League of Boca Raton President Nikki Stelzer, Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas and Literacy Coalition CEO Kristin Calder. The Raising Readers committee donated more than 2,600 books to the teachers selected for the Classroom Library Refresh.
of the country’s foremost female philanthropists, announced today that she is making a $10 million gift to name the Lois Pope Laboratory Wing in memory of Lorraine Pope, located at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the Lois Pope LIFE Center. The donation will establish the Lois Pope Neuroscience Research Fund to support the advancement of research in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders.
Junior League Of Boca Raton Honored Title 1 Teachers
The event was hosted by the Junior League’s Raising Readers Committee, chaired by Christina Seamster and Christa Siciliano. Twenty percent of all jewelry purchases during the event at Kendra Scott was donated to the Junior League.
“We are delighted to recognize the important work that teachers do in our Title 1 schools,” said Nikki
Junior League Of Boca Raton on page 2
2025 Boca Raton Bowl To Be Played December 23
The countdown begins for the most anticipated college football event of the year in Palm Beach County! The 12th Annual Boca Raton Bowl will light up Flagler Credit Union Stadium with great football action and fan fest fun on December 23 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and broadcast on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 106.3.
“The Boca Raton Bowl continues to be a can’t-miss celebration of college football and this year will be no exception. We’re excited to once again showcase top-tier
talent and deliver a first-class experience for fans, partners and the community,” said Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley.
The Boca Raton Bowl, a postseason college football bowl game owned and operated by ESPN Events, has agreements with five conferences (American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-
American Conference, Mountain West Conference, Sun Belt Conference) plus select independents for berths in this year’s game. The game has logged 11 successful years with
Philanthropist Lois Pope on page 2
Lois Pope LIFE Center
Lois Pope, photo by Capehart
Shayna Franco, Amy Phillips, Lulis Camarena, Kimberly Chapman, Christina Seamster, Nicole Arbucci, Christa Siciliano, Deb Haym, Kristin Cardoso
The new donation is the third eight-figure contribution Lois Pope has made to the University of Miami. In 2000, her $10 million gift to The Miami Project led to the building of the Lois Pope LIFE Center, which is the permanent home to The Miami Project, the nation’s foremost center for research and treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries and other neurological diseases and disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The center will now also be home to the newly named laboratory wing in honor of her generosity.
In 2020, Pope made a $12 million donation in honor of her mother, who was afflicted with macular degeneration, to establish the Lois Pope Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration Research at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and two years ago, Pope made another $1 million contribution to Bascom Palmer to advance its initiative to develop the world’s first whole eye transplant, and to create Lois’ Vision4Kids.
“Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease,” Pope said. “Knowing how it robbed my daughter of any recognition of who I and other family members were, and who she herself was, couldn’t have been more heartbreaking. So, I knew I had to do something to try and help to eradicate it or at least mitigate its symptoms. While there has been progress over the past few years in therapies to slow the disease, early detection methods, and even how the disease develops in the brain, I wanted to give this work a real jolt. Plus, I wanted to do it at a place that is not only in my home state but is also recognized for doing cutting-edge research in Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases and disorders in the Lois Pope LIFE Center.”
“Lois Pope’s generosity has touched so many lives all over the world. We could not be more grateful for her continued belief in, and support of, the basic and translational research we conduct in the Lois Pope LIFE Center. Our approach to some of the most challenging neurological conditions, acute injuries and more progressive neurodegenerative disorders known to man uniquely positions us to advance new research findings and translate them with the goal of transforming people’s lives,” said W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director of The Miami Project, the Kinetic Concepts Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery, senior associate dean for Team Science, co-director of the Institute for Neural Engineering, and professor of neurological surgery.
More than one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of neurological injury, disease and disorder. Brain injury is a significant risk factor leading to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pope’s generous gift will help advance neuroscience programs to develop new diagnostic approaches and the development of novel therapeutic interventions to target disease mechanisms to ultimately improve the quality of life for patients. Philanthropist
Stephen Miller • Elizabeth Miller Sales
Tom English • Margo Williams
Laura Berrio • Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter • Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias • Anissa Stender
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Production Department Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney Andie Reynolds
Stelzer, president of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “And we were thrilled to be able to provide additional books as a resource for each teacher’s classroom!”
Raising Readers Committee members include Nicole Arbucci, Lulis Camarena, Kristin Cardoso, Kimberly Chapman, Shayna Franco, Linda Golian-Lui, Debra Haym, Amy Phillips, and Bing Hwa Tai.
The Raising Readers Committee aims to create a culture of reading that helps improve children’s literacy development. The committee’s objective is to inspire children to become avid readers by providing books to Title 1 schools through local book drives, utilizing the Junior League of Boca Raton’s voluntarism network, and working with key community partners.
To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at (561) 620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org. Connect on Facebook or Instagram.
Selected teachers
Christina Seamster and Victoria Matthews
JLBR President Nikki Stelzer
Christina Seamster, Raising Readers cochair; Fran Nachals, deputy mayor of Boca Raton; President Elect of JLBR Victoria Matthews; Christa Siciliano, Raising Readers cochair
Junior League Of Boca Raton from page 1
The Singles Scene Column©
Five Types Of Singles (The Sequel--Back By Popular Demand!)
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
Summer loving had me a blast Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be.
~~ The Movie GREASE
Since January 2025, we have observed a happier clientele entering and pairing off in our club. Happy people are more magnetic, and therefore, they are coupling quickly. Many of our couples have been a “one and done” meaning their first date was the ONE. Summer is heating up for our clients and couples. We enjoy hearing about their lavish vacations planned this summer--which they would not have done as a single. As Matchmakers, this is the most incredible phenomenon to witness. You can’t measure the amount of joy we feel when we receive good news that the match was a hit. We are matchmakers because of all of you. You inspire us, and fortunately, we attract exceptional individuals who are far above settling for online dating. The cream rises to the top and we are blessed to be surrounded by so many leaders, doers, movers, and shakers here in our club.
The movie Grease said it best: “Summer loving can happen so fast.” It sure can but you need to be in the right place at the right time to meet the right person. Alignment and alliance are key. One of our female clients recently said: “Kelly and Miranda, I can’t believe how much my life has changed in just 30 days. I never expected this to happen so fast.” She and her beau just booked their first vacation together. They will be spending two weeks in the Hamptons. Matchmaking success is contingent on what type of person we represent. Self-awareness is a sign of a good client. We challenge you to diagnose yourself today. Discover “What type
of single are you?” and/or “What type of person you are dating or have dated?” If motivated, you can change the trajectory of your summer in the very first meeting in our office. Thank you for sharing your time with us today. Be sure to share this message of love and hope with your single family and friends. Someone you know needs this message. Pass it on!
The Curmudgeon Single: This person can rise from the ashes. Key traits: cranky, pessimistic, over-critical, bitter, and judgmental. There is a chronic dilemma with a desire to date out of their “league.” This individual may have been cheated on or suffered a significant financial loss in life and never recovered. This person could benefit from therapy and a change in attitude. However, they become less likely to have an awakening as they age. Address this issue promptly. SIDE EFFECT: We occasionally meet this type in our office, and they scoff at the thought of paying to meet people. They are too blind to realize that they have been paying their whole life in one way or another in the form of wasted time, dating the wrong ones, divorce settlements, and heartache. These clients are tough to manage, and we often opt-out depending on the level of curmudgeon. We don’t want them around you or us.
The HopeFULL Romantic: In our opinion, this is the only way to fly! Luckily, “most” of the people we meet in our office are this type ... which is WHY they came to see us. This person has felt love. They have felt heartache and possibly betrayal, but they continue to love again, and they always do. WHY? Because they believe in love AND they know they are lovable. This person has a high success rate, and the odds are in their favor (especially if they have a community of like-minded single candidates). Their life is good financially, physically, and emotionally, but their ultimate desire is to find a special person. They want a partner. They don’t need a partner. SIDE EFFECT: This is our typical client...thank heavens!
The Lucy Goosey: Typically female. She is desperate and can’t stand to be alone. Often found in bars or online dating sites, this woman tends to jump from one man to another. She confuses physical intimacy with love and is often left with feelings of rejection, insecurity, and jealousy because she is rarely the “chosen one.” She lacks discretion when she dates and will date “anyone” who pays attention to her. She has low standards. This woman’s motive can be financial gain.
SIDE EFFECT: This type rarely comes into our office because she will settle for almost any man on a barstool or a dating site. She likely sees herself as unworthy of our caliber of gentlemen.
The Even Steven: Commonly divorced or never married. The male counterpart of Lucy Goosey. He wants love and intimacy but can’t seem to shake off his past failures in life and love. He self-sabotages and is self-destructive. This man blames women for all his failings and suffers from great insecurity in and out of the bedroom. He also over-compensates for his weakness by seeking multiple notches on his headboard to get EVEN with the opposite sex. SIDE EFFECT: We meet very few of these men in our office because most men like this prey in bars and online. Typically, they don’t meet Revolution Dating requirements.
The Past Life Blessed: Here is where our heartstrings go. This is the most rewarding demographic to represent. Widow or widower of any age, although typically age 60 to 80 plus. This male or female has had a special marriage. They have grieved appropriately and are now ready to find a new companion. We have seen many widows and widowers find love again in our club. Like HOPEFULL ROMANTICS, there can be a chapter after the loss of a spouse. The generation of seniors today is different from that of our grandparents. They date without guilt. Our senior clients are having a ball (see photos on the next page). SIDE EFFECT: We see it all the time in the club. Seventy is the new fifty. This is our favorite demographic because they know how to get along with others, which includes their matchmakers.
Whatever you are (or are not), seek out the best in others, and they will find the best in you! No one is perfect. Let’s all enjoy the Summer of Love 2025. Come together in person and offline. It’s the perfect time to join our movement. We have six months until 2026. Some call this month “Christmas in July.” Where do you want to be in two months or how do you want to spend the holidays? Find your person Pre-Fall Season by reserving your first appointment today. You are the CEO of your life and it is in your power to choose happiness. You deserve it, right?
Wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July…. I hope the passion of July stays with you forever. For priority scheduling, The Singles Scene Column© on page 4
please mention Code: LOVEJULY when you speak to your matchmaker on the phone.
XOXO, Kelly & Miranda
#MatchmakingRoyalty #ChristmasInJuly #CallStartLove
#DateOffline #TellYourFriends
Red Hot Summer At Revolution Dating!
and every day new people are starting the process. Happy 4th of July from our family to yours! do #TellYourFriends #SummerLove2025
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jetsetting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!
Bowl To Be Played December 23 from page 1
cumulative viewership surpassing 30 million households and total sponsoring value over $250 million. Over 50 Boca Raton Bowl alumni have gone on to be selected in the NFL Draft and dozens more have entered the league as undrafted free agents.
The two teams selected to compete in the 2025 Boca Raton Bowl will be announced on December 7 following the weekend’s conference championship games.
“Each year, this game brings the energy of bowl season to life in a setting unlike any other. We can’t wait to welcome fans, teams, and viewers nationwide back to Boca Raton and the Palm Beaches,” added Mosley.
For game, ticket and sponsorship information, visit BocaRatonBowl.com and follow Boca Raton Bowl on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube. About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating studentathletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
Follow ESPN Events on Instagram, Facebook, X or YouTube pages.
Enjoy these Behind The Scenes photographs from the Corporate Headquarters of Love on PGA Boulevard where this landmark business has been for eleven successful years. Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are attracted to the “love offline” approach to dating and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. Romance and opportunities are heating up at this matchmaking firm which is loved up and down the coast of the United States. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. A picture is worth one thousand words, so jump on in and make some fireworks for yourself. Isn’t it time you did something for you? If so, secure your first interview today or you could miss out on the power of “summer loving” that truly “happens so fast” in our office. Every day clients are pairing off two at a time
Groomsmen, Groom, and Wedding Oh My! #TieTheKnot
New Hunk Dave with The Team! #SeniorDatingPros
Kelly and Miranda Celebrate Our Country! #Happy4thOfJuly
It’s Wedding Season! #YoungProfessionals
Kelly Shoots Her Arrow! #FairytalesExist
Never Too Young or Old for This Club! #Ages20s-80s
2025 Boca Raton
Fusion Of Mambo, Salsa, Latin Jazz To Keep Audience Dancing In Aisles July 25 At Delray’s Arts Garage
Award-winning Peruvian trumpeter Dante Vargas and his daughter, vocalist Val Vargas, will be on stage at Delray’s Arts Garage on Friday, July 25th, with an enthralling evening of Salsa Dura and Boogaloo that promises to have audiences dancing to the vibrant fusion of Mambo, Salsa and Latin Jazz. The performance will run from 8 to 10 p.m.
Tickets range from $50 to $55 (including fees) and are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at (561) 450-6357 or by visiting https://artsgarage.org/event/ dante-vargas-val-vargas-salsa-dura-y-boogaloo/.
The Pitt And COVID-19
By Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP
I began streaming a TV series called The Pitt starring Noah Wylie. The fictitious storyline is an hourly summary of a day in the emergency department of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The scenes portrayed are representative of what occurs in any big city public institution. The plot includes crowds of sick and injured individuals crammed into a waiting area after they have been evaluated and triaged based on the severity and complexity of their injuries, illnesses and complaints. Patients bitterly and rightfully complain about the long wait and suffering they endure to receive care in an overwhelming setting.
Wylie plays the senior attending physician, known as “Dr. Rob,” supervising an overworked group of physicians in training, medical students, nurses and staff. While walking from examining room to examining room, overseeing the care and questioning the decision making of his staff, he pauses and is brought back to a dreadful scene during the pre-vaccine height of the pandemic. Dr. Rob and his staff are all in HazMat suits, with respirators, while COVID victims struggle to breathe – many are placed on ventilators after being intubated. A number of patients are receiving CPR simultaneously throughout various locations within the HazMat section. The sweat on the ER teams’ foreheads and faces illustrates the stress, strain and horrors of treating patients during the early years of the pandemic. As Dr. Rob travels from room to room, the recurring nightmare, and resulting PTSD, slow him down and adversely impact his performance.
I bring the horrors of the pandemic up in light of the new administration’s CDC recommendations for vaccinations against COVID. They wish to limit the vaccines to those over the age of 65 and the immunosuppressed. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and his staff seem to have forgotten the refrigerator meat trucks arriving at these ERs to store the scores of corpses, from COVID-related deaths, which overwhelmed the storage capacity of local morgues and funeral homes.
The CDC’s new guidelines have resulted in health insurance companies limiting reimbursement for the COVID vaccines to those over age 65. Kennedy’s disciples believe younger people should have a choice regarding yearly COVID vaccinations which were previously recommended by the CDC. The lack of insurance coverage for the vaccine will certainly reduce the number of patients who choose to be vaccinated.
I encourage Mr. Kennedy and the anti-vax podcasters to watch “The Pitt” and review the scene of this well- trained emergency room physician and then rethink their position. This is especially relevant in view of the Trump Administration cancelling the funding for the development of a vaccine against the emerging Avian Flu virus.
No one in health care wishes to relive those days except the Make America Healthy Again Crowd.
Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP, is board certified in internal medicine with added qualifications in geriatrics. He has practiced in the Boca Raton area since 1979. To request a complimentary meeting with Dr. Reznick to learn about the benefits of his concierge medicine practice, call (561) 368-0191, www.bocaconciergedoc.com.
Dante Vargas, a Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, arranger, and producer, has worked with such global icons as Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Sergio George and Grupo Niche. With a career spanning more than two decades, he is known for his technical brilliance and ability to fuse genres while maintaining the raw soul of salsa. Val Vargas, a gifted singer and bandleader, brings a fresh and fiery voice to the stage, reviving the funky vibes of the 1960s Boogaloo movement with style and charisma. Together, they lead The Cat Band, a sizzling ensemble that delivers tight arrangements, punchy horn lines and nonstop energy. Their show at Arts Garage promises a dance-filled night of musical celebration straight from the heart of Latin America.
Mayor’s Update: Preparing For Our New Government Campus
Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of Boca Raton and was re-elected in 2023.
A South Florida native, attorney and small business owner, Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken Sound with their two children.
After many years of discussions, meetings and community input, the city continues to progress in transforming our outdated downtown government campus into a thriving community-oriented gathering place.
At our June meeting the City Council directed staff to move forward with the next steps toward achieving what will be a generational project that will fulfill our longterm vision and top priority to replace aging facilities with modern, top-notch amenities that our residents deserve.
Earlier this year the City Council carefully selected Terra & Frisbie Group as our partner to create a destination that best serves our residents. Their plans include building a new City Hall and Community Center and adding a mix of offerings, including residences, a hotel, offices, shops and restaurants to create a district that provides benefits to residents after regular business hours.
With national interest from top developers to revitalize our disjointed government campus the City Council opted to choose partners who have shown they will listen to what our residents want to see in this new destination that capitalizes on our Brightline station and proximity to our beloved Mizner Park.
We are still working out many specifics in the coming weeks and months, but we know that this project should generate billions of dollars over its life in tax revenue alone, including hundreds of millions of dollars in current value to enable the city to have the public resources that residents need, want and expect. The fact that details are still in progress means that residents have plenty more opportunities to provide input and feedback – in addition
to the more than 25 noticed meetings in the past year and a half.
The process is dynamic by design. The City Council opted to pursue a method to complete this project that is flexible, allows residents to share their ideas and is the most cost effective. To ensure that residents are involved in the plans the City Council selected to utilize a public-private partnership, which is a collaboration between a government agency and private-sector company, often on large-scale infrastructure projects. In addition to leveraging private-sector expertise, innovative approaches, access to capital and a slew of other benefits, P3s enable governments and their partner to deliver projects more effectively and efficiently with flexibility.
The framework for what we envision is taking shape thanks to community input over the dozens of public meetings so far. Our partners responded to our community’s requests by reducing the number of residential units in the project, further solidifying its plan as a least dense and intense proposal. The plans also commit to creating a walkable district and enhanced recreational and public spaces.
While some of our current recreational offerings will be impacted by the renovation, the city is committed to ensuring that any changes and relocations will be upgrades. Some of the enhancements include:
• New softball fields and upgraded facilities in partnership with the Beach and Park District at Sugar Sand Park.
• Tennis in the downtown and at Meadows Park.
• Skate Park developed in partnership with the Beach and Park District at North Park.
• Basketball court downtown.
• Children’s Museum relocated and activated at Meadows Park (which was already scheduled to take place independent of the downtown project).
Another relocation and upgrade will be to our Police Station. The city is moving ahead a long-desired plan to relocate the Police Station to a more suitable location by the Spanish River Library. As our city has evolved it is no longer ideal to locate our police station by the railroad
tracks and near a growing pedestrian-oriented district. The project will include a downtown police substation. The plan also calls for adding offices and a hotel, which will provide an economic boost to our already robust business community and fill the need many residents have sought for new, modern choices to welcome out-of-town guests.
As we continue to strive to attract the best employees and offer residents the top-in-class amenities and services, it is important that we have the facilities to match those high expectations. We are also looking to incorporate an affordable housing component into the partnership agreement, so our hard-working employees have a place to live in the city where they work.
This project comes at an exciting time in our city’s history. As we celebrate our Centennial and our 100 years of success, we are laying the groundwork and vision of our city for the next century.
Building upon the milestone we met in June the city and our partners are working to further refine and improve the plans. Community input and feedback remains essential as the project evolves. Please be sure to provide your feedback through the city’s feedback form or attend an upcoming public meeting – or reach out to me directly.
For additional background information on the project, please visit https://myboca.us/1431/Government-Campus. As always, you can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@myboca.com, and stay connected on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.
From The Desk Of Commissioner Marci Woodward: A Message From Marci
Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year resident of Boca Raton, was elected in November 2022 as Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner. She serves on the following board of directors as a representative of the county commission: Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency; South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
Summer has finally arrived in the land of endless summer! Three years ago this month I made the lifechanging decision to run for the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners.
Part of my desire to run for this office was to bring awareness to the BCC. I am regularly asked some form of the same question I had before 2020: “What does a county commissioner do?” My hope in writing this column is to give you a snapshot of our month. It’s a chance to highlight not only my activities in District 4 but everything happening throughout Palm Beach County.
We can’t cover it all, I doubt you would read it even if your email would accept such a large file, but we do our best to give you the highlights.
I am happy I chose the county commission as my first foray into politics. It is large enough to make a real impact on the community in which I live, but also keeps me close to home and the constituents we serve. It’s a good form of government; there are seven of us and we have lengthy but fruitful discussions when necessary. I am glad to be a part of Team PBC and look forward to the future. We welcome your feedback.
Back in April some sharp minds tackled our trivia question: “Which historic Boca Raton neighborhood is home to the buttonwood tree seen in this 1928 photo?” I was excited to see the tree in person and join a special re-dedication ceremony at Por La Mar Park , celebrating this local treasure.
Alongside a member of my staff, community members, Boca Raton City Council members Andy Thomson and Fran Nachlas and city staff, we unveiled a new historic marker for the beloved buttonwood tree. The original marker, designated in 1992, had since disappeared. This beautiful tree—with its twisted trunks and deep roots— has stood for over 100 years, witnessing softball games, neighborhood gatherings and quiet moments. We’re proud to preserve its story for generations to come.
Announcing Our Next County Administrator. I want to sincerely thank all of the applicants who participated in the County Administrator selection process. It was a rigorous and demanding experience, unlike anything we’ve undertaken before, with weeks of interviews, public forums and meetings. I want to recognize and commend Patrick Rutter, Joe Abruzzo, Isami Ayala-Collazo and Keith Clinkscales for stepping up to the challenge. It takes courage, vision and commitment to pursue this opportunity, and each of you brought forward thoughtful ideas and meaningful perspectives about the county’s future and how we can improve its operations.
While the competition was strong and the decision difficult, congratulations to Joe Abruzzo on being selected as our next County Administrator. I look forward to working together to implement innovative ideas and move Palm Beach County forward.
Palm Beach County’s First Pump Track. A new recreational feature is now open at Okeeheelee Park. Thanks to a $400,000 donation and a partnership between Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation and Palm Beach Pump Track Inc., we’ve opened the county’s first asphalt pump track.
This 10,000-square-foot paved loop includes berms and small jumps and is designed for use by bikes, scooters, skateboards and skates—any human-powered wheels.
The facility is free to use and open during regular park hours, from sunrise to sunset. It’s located just behind the dog park at Okeeheelee Park, which can be found at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413. We’re pleased to offer a new, accessible space for residents of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. I encourage you to stop by and take a look!
Nonprofit Spotlight. Her Second Chance is a local nonprofit based in Boca Raton dedicated to empowering women in recovery from substance abuse. The organization provides paid employment opportunities within a safe and supportive environment, helping women rebuild their lives. Founded by Keely Copeland, whose own journey through sobriety inspired the mission, Her Second Chance addresses the critical challenge many face—securing stable employment during recovery. I had the privilege of visiting Her Second Chance recently and was warmly welcomed by Operations Director Angie Maya, Board President Christopher Malfitano, Board Member Mark Guzzetta and team member Kristen Bibikos. For more information, visit https://her2ndchance.org/. If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
Healthy Answers – A Guide To Healthy Living: “You Get What You Pay For!”
By Dale Brown, B.S.,
M.A., C.E.C. Dale is a motivational speaker who has spent many years as a Certified Life Coach and has written numerous articles and e-books relating to self-improvement and ways to build a high-performance team. She is the author of the book, “ Small Steps... Big Changes: The Personal Stories of a Life Coach .” Her education and years of experience in physical fitness and training of elite athletes has enabled her to sharpen her knowledge in many healthrelated areas. The following introduces a new approach to Ms. Brown’s series of columns devoted to many topics that deal with the mind/body connection and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can be reached at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com
When I was growing up no one gave a thought to anything organic. My Mum shopped at A&P, went to the butcher for meats and stopped at local stands for seasonal produce. Now nearly 6% of the food Americans eat is labeled organic, and organic food sales have doubled over the past decade.
A friend recently told me she feels guilty if she doesn’t buy organic food for her family. As she puts it, “I know organic costs more but I want the best products money can buy.” This may be true but the difference in the price of some of these items makes you wonder if you’re really getting what you pay for. Is the cost higher because the label reads “natural,” “hypoallergenic,” “free range” or “organic?” Is it all a lot of marketing hype? What makes a product organic? Will my organic banana be any different on the inside once the skin is removed? You may be asking yourself the same questions.
Not too long ago I came home with a carton of organic Half & Half expecting it to taste better than the usual brand I had been buying. The first question my husband
asked was, “How much more did it cost?” and the second was, “Will it taste that much better?” The answers to his questions were easy: “Yes, it cost more” and “No, there really was no difference in taste.” So why would I buy it if not for taste?
The answer to my question is more about health benefits than it is a discriminating palate. In general, organic food is considered to be healthier than non-organic. Why? Organic vegetables and fruits have 20-40% more antioxidants, and organic milk and meat may have 50% more omega-3 fatty acids. If a food is labeled “organic” it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
Organic food meets a comprehensive set of standards that are verified with enforceable regulations. Organic farmers build soil, reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the loss of nitrogen into the groundwater. They promote biodiversity, do not kill bees, frogs or beneficial insects.
Organic animals eat a diet free of excrement, whereas conventional farming picks up chicken litter from the bottom of the coop along with garbage, plastic roughage pellets and assert it to be protein supplement. Organic is free of antibiotics, as opposed to conventional farming, which injects animals with antibiotics.
Organic farming allows animals to feed in their natural environment and range freely. Conventional farming may be a threat to the toxic effects of arsenic through the consumption of animal products. If exposed to this metal cows may excrete it into their milk. Organic farming does not use synthetic pesticide or fertilizer, which means no residues exist. Organic crops build up a defense against chemicals, which act as antioxidants to better protect the body from cancers and heart disease.
Organic prohibits composting human waste for fertilizer. Why the price hike? Organic food costs more because it must meet strict requirements for USDA to certify it as organic. Crops are rotated more often, animal welfare standards are higher and use of chemicals is restricted. However, not all organic products cost more. Based on product comparison, on average organics were 47% more expensive but it depended on the product and
where you shopped. Consumer reports showed Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Aldi’s to have the best overall prices on organics.
Sample costs and organic benefits:
• Eggs – Cost 82% more than conventional eggs. Organic – Hens are fed supplements, which increases vitamin A and omega-3 acids that improves taste.
• Milk – Big difference in cost, as much as 135% more than conventional milk. Organic – Cows are not treated with hormones.
• Beef – Approximately 134% more per lb. than for conventional ground beef. Organic – Grass fed cattle have a higher ratio of omega-3 acids that help reduce the risk of some diseases.
• Fruits/Vegetables – About 53% more than conventional produce. Organic – Pesticide risk is lower and tastes better, providing it’s grown locally rather than ripened during shipping. Nutritional difference is negligible.
When deciding what products to buy that are organic, consider what gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Why pay more for produce that needs to be peeled or skinned, such as bananas, squash or watermelon? Pesticides may not be as much a threat in this case. On the other hand, meat not treated with hormones might be worth the extra dollar.
As you can see, the issue of organic vs. nonorganic is multi-faceted. From a personal standpoint it boils down to what’s most important to you and what you can afford to pay. If you are on a tight budget trying to put healthy, nutritious meals on the table you will have to pick and choose your products. If you can afford more and are concerned about the bigger picture you may want to go organic.
There are inadvertent benefits to helping the environment while helping yourself. Organic production was designed to better the world by being kinder to the animals and not leaving the ground soaked with drugs and heavy metals. To me the choice is fairly simple: Save the environment, help the animals and, most importantly, keep myself and those I love as healthy as possible. More money, maybe, but well worth it!
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
As I have mentioned before in previous issues of Tax Talk , I really enjoy gardening. My yard is full of native Florida plants and it is so enjoyable for me to spend time outside.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit England and I visited numerous gardens, such as the Ham
House and Garden, Hever Castle and Gardens and the Physic Garden in Chelsea. It was a wonderful experience enjoying these majestic gardens, from shrubbery trimmed like chess pieces and plants used to treat diseases such as heart disease. Many of these gardens have been in existence since the 1700s! It was truly an amazing experience for an avid gardener like myself to take time during my trip to enjoy gardening on such a grand scale!
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
You Called … We Answered!
It was a milestone celebration for our Client Care and Research Center (CCRC) call center. The team recently celebrated the monumental accomplishment of answering 71,000 more client calls last year from the previous year –that’s an average of 287 more calls a day!
This well-deserved celebration consisted of a catered luncheon that was served to the team by their managers in two shifts to maintain phone coverage for answering clients’ calls. This is a testament to the dedication of client care representatives to be able to answer an additional 71,000 calls last year while also reducing wait time by eight minutes. I am proud of their hard work and their passion for meeting the needs of our clients.
In an effort to deliver efficient, exceptional service, the CCRC was focused on increasing call answering volume and last year the team answered a total of 309,094 calls! Congratulations to the CCRC team on this exceptional achievement!
Tax Collector’s Office Delivers For The Children
I am proud of our employees’ ongoing support for the community and our charity partner, Living Hungry. This spring, our office took part in a collection of items to help fill “Good Time Packs” for local homeless children. We presented more than 15 boxes of approximately 2,500 items to Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante.
“If you are a teen or child without a roof over your head, summertime in Florida can be long, lonely and hot without
life’s basic necessities,” says Plante. “Thanks to the kindness of Anne Gannon’s caring team, local families living in cars, motels and shelters this summer will have something to look forward to with ‘Good Time Packs’ of books, journals, games – thank you, staff!”
Living Hungry is a Delray Beach charity, dedicated to eliminating food insecurity experienced by homeless students in Palm Beach County. In addition to food items, the Good Time Packs include stickers, crayons and small toys for the children Living Hungry serves. For more information about the great work that Living Hungry does for the community, visit https://livinghungry.org/.
Who Is Carmen C. Richardson, CPA?
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Favorite Dessert: Sweet potato pie
Favorite Trip: Alaskan Cruise
Favorite Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
In this edition of “Faces of the TCO,” I want to introduce you to our Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson. If you have ever wondered who oversees the disbursements of $5.8 billion in taxes, licenses and fees to the Palm Beach County taxing authorities, it is Carmen and her fantastic
finance and budget team. With over 30 years of experience in accounting, Carmen is truly a seasoned pro. Her responsibilities extend beyond disbursing the monies that fund Palm Beach County; she and her team also oversee accounting, procurement, budgeting, payroll, and everything in-between. “It is the diversity that keeps my work challenging and fulfilling,” says Richardson. Carmen lives by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” This philosophy extends to how she leads her team, emphasizing “integrity and accuracy” and always fostering “learning and growth.” Of course, she’s quick to add that it helps immensely that she has “a great team.”
Carmen and her team face several challenges including keeping up with changing laws, and regulations and, safeguarding sensitive financial data from cyber threats. A big “thank you” to Carmen for sharing a glimpse into her world. It is reassuring knowing that the disbursements of our tax dollars are in such capable hands!
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Dear Taxpayer,
Recently, my office announced the award of six college scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Palm Beach County. Each was awarded $1,500 and an opportunity to participate in a paid internship in my office.
• Muhammad Athar; graduating from John I. Leonard High School; attending University of Florida
• Lorendie Exavier; graduating from Atlantic Community High School; attending Florida Atlantic University
• Amy Maloon; graduating from Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts; attending American University
• Nikolas McNutt-Williams; graduating from Boynton Beach Community High School; attending Tuskegee University
• Elizabeth Robles; graduating from Pahokee High School; attending University of Florida
• Alex Rodriguez; graduating from Palm Beach Central High School; attending University of Florida
Since 1994, the property appraiser’s office has awarded $188,000 in college scholarships; completely funded by employee donations. It’s really a joy to reward these incredible students who have demonstrated excellence in academic ability, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Congratulations to each of them and congratulations to the entire Class of 2025.
In this month’s newsletter, an update on the 2025 tax roll process and the status of applications for exemptions and classification.
Have a happy and safe Independence Day. Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
2025 Tax Roll Update
July is an important month as my office submits the 2025 preliminary tax roll to Florida’s Department of Revenue
(DOR) and local taxing authorities. Values are based on the status of market as of January 1.
According to my office’s estimates delivered at the end of May, Palm Beach countywide taxable property values have increased 7.7 percent from 2024 to 2025.
While overall taxable value continues to increase, the rate of increase has slowed compared to last year. Market values for some building types have continued to flatten in Palm Beach County, while countywide taxable values are growing in part due to the recapture of tax caps savings.
Florida law requires that the assessed value of a property continue to increase by the maximum cap amount each year until the assessed value equals the market value. Even if the market value of a property does not increase, its assessed value may increase.
Other highlights of the estimates include:
• Market Value – $525,364,285,094
• Taxable Value – $341,427,567,940
• Net New Construction – $5,398,116,382
• Percent Increase (taxable value) – 7.7 percent
• Real Property Parcels – 659,122
• Total Tangible Personal Property Accounts – 57,556
The above values are only estimates and subject to change. Once the tax roll receives approval from Florida’s DOR, my office will notify all property owners of both their home value and proposed tax rate in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed mid-August. While state law requires my office to value property based on the status of the market, your tax rate is set by taxing authorities who answer to you. Their public meetings are listed in your notice.
Application Status For Exemptions, Portability, Agricultural Classifications
Have you submitted an application for an exemption, portability or agricultural classification? My office is processing these applications and will begin status notifications. If approved, the exemption/portability/ classification will be noted on your TRIM Notice of Proposed Taxes.
If denied, you have the right to file a petition for adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) through the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. They can be reached at (561) 355-6289.
Property Tax Exemptions and Portability – If you submitted an application on or before March 3, 2025 and your application was denied, a Notice of Denial will be mailed on July 1, 2025. The deadline to file a petition with the VAB for an exemption is 5 p.m. on July 31, 2025. The deadline to file a petition for the denial of a portability benefit is 5 p.m. on September 15, 2025. For questions about exemptions or portability, contact Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866 or MyExemption@pbcpao.gov.
Agricultural Classification – Notifications of the status of your application will be mailed out on July 1, 2025. If your agricultural classification application is denied, the deadline to file a petition with the VAB is 5 p.m. on July 31, 2025. For agricultural classification questions, contact the Agriculture Department at (561) 355-4577 or MyFarm@pbcpao.gov.
Dining Out: Who Is Rose’s Daughter?
By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire
Country Club. Hungry Al’s love for food started very young. Never satisfied with his Mom’s dishes, he started to cook his way through her “Betty Crocker Cookbook.”
During the years to follow he spent many hours working in restaurants, both as server and cook, attending cooking classes and traveling the world in an effort to expand his palette. As a professional writer, Hungry Al offers his perspective on current food trends and guides you through your local restaurant options.
Rose’s Daughter
169 NE 2nd Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 271-9423
rosedaughterdelray.com
What took so long? I realize there are lots of restaurants in both Delray Beach and Boca Raton. And I wish I could say I’ve been to all of them, but that would leave little for me to write about. Sometimes it takes a destination or activity that motivates you to investigate another city or street for a restaurant unknown. In my case it was a concert at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach. As a sidebar...I highly recommend you look at the live event calendar on their website. They truly bring in some amazing music artists who perform in a very intimate setting.
Since the concert started later in the evening it made sense to dine in close proximity. Also, the Arts Garage is on the bottom of a parking garage, which is a perfect place to park in crowded Delray Beach.
As for Rose’s Daughter, it’s been there since 2019 on the quiet street of 2nd Avenue. I must admit that I’m starting to favor these small independent restaurants over all the corporate and chain restaurants relocating to Palm Beach County. This homey local dining establishment is a perfect example that fits my taste for many reasons.
First Impressions: There are certain restaurants that instantly give you that “feel-right-at-home” vibe. Rose’s Daughter is certainly one of them. Once you step beyond
the street dining patio you feel the energy of friends and acceptance. Because of its immense popularity there are no reservations, so don’t go with Open Table or Resy. I would simply get there early before the onslaught of diners. I was also told that there could be a line forming out on the street just about at the time the clock strikes 7:30 p.m.
At first the restaurant seems small but don’t get fooled by this illusion. After entering the front door you’ll encounter a friendly hostess. Is there any chance her name might be Rose? Then, as you enter the hustling and bustling of the pizza maker and the chefs working their craft in an open kitchen, you’ll share the energy resonating from a small bar upfront. Beyond that is a small hallway dining room that leads into an enormous covered back patio and another bar.
Prime Your Taste Buds: Both Hungry Al and Hungry D passed on the typical Caesar Salad ($13) or the Prosciutto & Melon ($14) and honed in on the Housemade Burrata and Heirloom Tomato ($18). For me, the Burrata is a true barometer of the quality of dishes that resonate from the kitchen. And this one didn’t fail! The soft textured outer layer and the creamy-rich soft density of its inners had me thinking about booking a trip to Italy. As for the arugula and tomatoes, they played a perfect supporting role.
Pizza also plays an important part of the menu. So, to honor the certificate hanging above our heads that stated “Professional Pizzaiolo Master” we decided to order the Margherita Pizza ($16). It’s clear that this executive chef takes her career seriously. Having attended a class in Neapolitan pizza-making I was not surprised how quickly we devoured this delicious pizza. Note: This is not like your usual thin-crusted pizza. The dough on a Neapolitan pizza has a soft and spongy edge.
Straight from the Kitchen: Let me first state, there is nothing on this menu you’re not going to like. How do I know? Well, the patrons in our small dining room area were very happy to inform us about all the dishes they had consumed. And the consensus was overwhelmingly positive!
As for Hungry D, she ordered the Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp Linguini ($32). Very often you’ll see this dish with
small U-12 shrimp. Not here! These perfectly cooked ones stood up to their description of “Jumbo” and the linguini was also perfectly al dente. The good news for me was that the garlic was not overly handed and a “kiss good night” was still in play!
On the recommendation of our waiter Hungry Al selected the Woodfired Branzino Oreganata ($32). It was a signature entrée and now I know why. Properly seasoned with a nice, crusted layer of fresh oregano and wood-fired at the right temperature, it was nestled in a lobster reduction sauce, which only made my fork move at twice the speed. It was accompanied by Broccolini Sage and Conchiglie pasta shells, which could have used a bit more flavor.
From the Dessert Tray: I was informed by our excellent waiter, Shannon, that desserts are made inhouse. Now you could stay traditionally Italian and order the gluten-free Tiramisu, Cinnamon Zeppole or Cannoli. When I’m in Italy there are a few times I’ve resisted a dish or cone of Gelato after dinner. This is not one of those times. That’s because the Gelato is also made in-house. These two huge scoops of Vanilla and Cinnamon laced with Caramel Swirl Gelato ($11) will have you licking the plate as your glycemic index shoots through the roof. They need to pack this gelato up and go retail!
Check, Please: OK, now for the answer to the $60,000 question: Who is Rose’s Daughter? Her name is Chef Suzanne Perrotto. Not only has she mastered her skills behind a stove but also as a restaurateur. For the record, she owns the very popular restaurants Brule Bistro and The Pantry, both in the Pineapple Grove area. There is a good reason why Rose’s Daughter is jam-packed every night and, hopefully, this review is another one. Please don’t wait as long as I did! So, as they do in the hit series, “The Bachelor,” the Hungry Squad awards Chef Suzanne four golden roses for excellence and one to Rose as a good MOM!
Council Corner: City Celebrates 100 Years With Events And Festivities
By
Andy Thomson, who was re-elected to the City Council at the last election after having previously served from 2018-2022. He has lived in South Florida his entire life, except for four college years in Atlanta. Andy resolves business disputes for a living. He is also an adjunct professor at FAU, where he teaches local and state government. Andy and his wife, Joanna, have five young children.
This year Boca Raton is turning 100 years old, and the city has been pulling out all the stops to celebrate its centennial with a packed calendar of community events, festivals, concerts and historical tributes throughout 2025.
From live music and food tastings to drone shows and beach cleanups the centennial celebration is designed to bring residents and visitors together in honor of Boca’s vibrant past and promising future.
The official kickoff took place on January 25th with the inaugural Boca Street Fest at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Thousands gathered to enjoy live performances, a bustling beer garden, cultural showcases and a market featuring local artisans and vendors. The event marked the beginning of a dynamic and inclusive year of activities.
One of the city’s signature events, the Centennial Celebration Concert, was held on May 24th and featured rock legends Weezer and Fountains of Wayne. The sold-out concert drew fans from across South Florida and set the tone for a weekend of high-energy entertainment. On May 25th the Boca Raton Innovation Campus hosted a free public Drone Show and Fireworks Finale, offering a breathtaking visual tribute to the city’s history and innovation legacy.
Scott Cohen is Here to Help!
Sports enthusiasts also got in on the action during the James Hardie Golf Tournament, held March 31st to April 6th, which included a special “100th Hole” experience with centennial-themed giveaways and a shaded lounge for fans.
As part of its commitment to community engagement the city launched the Centennial Passport Program, encouraging families to explore local parks and collect stamps for prizes. This initiative, which ran from March through April, culminated in a family-friendly reward system that promoted outdoor activity and local exploration.
Environmental stewardship was also a focus, with Arbor Day Tree Plantings and the Great American Beach Cleanup held in April. Volunteers helped restore mangroves and plant 40 native shade trees in city parks— an investment in Boca’s natural beauty that will last well beyond the centennial year.
Food lovers were treated to the Florida Tacos, Wings & Desserts Battle on April 26th at Sanborn Square. The event featured unlimited tastings, craft drinks, live music and a spirited Centennial Cocktail Competition.
Upcoming events include Cheers to 100 (set for August 5th at the Shops at Boca Center) and Summer Sips & Sounds—a vintage-themed wine tasting and music series running July through September—is expected to keep the celebratory momentum going throughout the summer.
The festivities will conclude in grand fashion with the 53rd annual Holiday Street Parade on December 3rd, promising more than 60 floats, bands and community groups making their way through downtown Boca Raton.
Centennial merchandise, art exhibitions, storytelling initiatives and volunteer opportunities are also available through the city’s official centennial website, Boca100. com, allowing everyone a chance to participate in this historic milestone. As Boca Raton celebrates its 100th year, the centennial calendar reflects not just a century of growth but a vibrant community spirit ready for the next 100 years!
City Breaks Ground For “Boca Paddle,”
World-Class
Pickleball, Padel Venue
With Pickleball having rapidly taken its place as the fastest-growing popular participation sport in America— and our own Boca Raton Picklers winners of the 2024 National Pickleball League Championship—it did not take long for this city’s forward-thinking Mayor Scott Singer and City Council to come up with a way to put Boca Raton on the sport’s map in a world class way!
On June 10th a groundbreaking ceremony took place as part of an announcement that a 100,000-square-foot facility is being built for “Boca Paddle,” a combined indoor climate-controlled and covered outdoor venue that will offer 25 world-class paddle courts available on a modest fee basis: 19 for Pickleball and 6 for Padel, a variation of the sport that is popular in South America and played by many in Florida.
The venue is designed for the enjoyment of all residents of Boca as we enter the second century of the city’s history. Anticipated to be especially exciting for many is the fact that players will be invited to join teams and leagues of all ages and skills. It will also offer playing lessons, a pro shop, gym, shared workspace, saunas, locker rooms, plunge pools and a full-service health foodfocused restaurant and bar.
“This groundbreaking facility positions Boca Raton to cement its status as the paddle capital of the world,” said Brian Levine, a member of Broken Sound club and of the championship Picklers team, as well as Board Member of United Pickleball Association and the first CEO of Major League Pickleball. “Of the current top 10 ranked pickleball players globally, seven reside in the Boca Raton area. and that is a function of the sheer density of passionate pickleball players who reside in our community.”
The entire Boca Paddle project, which is scheduled to open in March 2026, is a private/public partnership
Delray’s Arts Garage
backed by the City of Boca Raton and a team of investors, developers and others dedicated to enhancing the community’s access to the sport, among them: Butters Construction, CityPickle, farm-to-table restaurant Farmers Table, country club operator Life Time, MLP team owners Al Tylis, Richard Chaifetz and Ron Saslow, as well as local professionals Ben Johns, J.W. and Joria Johnson, Anna Bright and Gabriel Tardo.
• Oil Paintings
• Oriental Rugs
• Tapestries
• Fine Furniture
• Service Plates
ARCHIVE GALLERIES
• Sterling Silver
• Objects of Art
• Sculptures
• Bronzes
• Porcelain
Fine
Jewelry
Arts Garage, a Visual & Performing Arts venue located in Delray Beach that connects the community to the world through the arts, will present The Art of Laughter with Vien Phommachanh and Mark Christopher on Friday, August 1st, from 8 to 10 p.m. Dr. Phommachanh is a practicing ear, nose and throat doctor in Sarasota, FL, who brings his unique perspective to the stage. His comedy is an anecdotal stew of funny medical experiences, a stressful Laotian upbringing and some mixed-racial marital spice. Tickets are $40 (including fees) and are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at (561) 450-6357 or by visiting https://artsgarage.org/event/the-art-of-laughterwith-headliner-vien-phommachanh/.
Vien Phommachanh has performed stand-up comedy across the United States and internationally, with stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Toronto, The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and Adelaide, Australia. He has participated in numerous comedy festivals, including The Asheville Comedy Festival, World Comedy Expo, Clean Comedy Challenge, Main Event of the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, North Carolina Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe. Known for his appearances on CBS and a DryBar Comedy Special that featured one of the top 10 clips of 2024, Vien is currently touring with the Heroes Off Duty and White Collar Comedy Tours.
• Collectibles
• Fine Crystal
• Orientalia
• Tiffany Items
• Clocks
Antique Jewelry
Vintage Costume Jewelry
Among those at the groundbreaking were Mayor Scott Singer (middle, in blue suit) and Brian Levine (far right).
