Along the Coast
Yamato Rock area’s appeal has deep historical roots
Coral outcropping at proposed Milani Park — an out-of-the-way lure for snorkelers — once attracted Japanese settlers, indigenous tribes
By Rich Pollack
For the Japanese farmers who settled the Yamato Colony in Boca Raton during the early 1900s, the area surrounding what is now known as Yamato Rock was an oasis of sorts.
With their village centered near the railroad tracks and present-day Yamato Road, colony members often trekked by foot or by boat, by horse-drawn wagon or car or motorcycle, to fish from the coral outcropping or for community gatherings, picnics
Report: Sand transfer plant not eroding beach
Consultant’s conclusions are first step in finding solutions to extreme sand loss
By John Pacenti
For months, Manalapan commissioners sought to determine whether or not Palm Beach County’s sand transfer plant at the Boynton Inlet was to blame for erosion of its shores.
An engineer and beach erosion expert hired by the town to look at its erosion issue says the transfer plant — which pumps sand south to Ocean Ridge and beyond — is not the big, bad
bogeyman after all.
The culprits are old-fashioned sea walls, lack of a comprehensive dune policy and Mother Nature, particularly tropical storms like 2012’s Hurricane Sandy from which the town’s beaches never truly recovered.
The conclusion is no surprise, but still grim: Manalapan faces critical erosion challenges, especially on the town’s north end, where onetime residents Billy Joel and Yanni could dig their toes into the sand.
Where a luscious beach once stood outside of the Vanderbilt estate, now at high tide the sea wall often juts into the ocean.
See EROSION on page 17
The Who launches another ‘farewell’ tour, this one starting in South Florida.
Being civic (if not civil)
Residents put the mic in their own hands to take leaders to task via social media sites
By John Pacenti
Elected leaders routinely reach out to Delray Beach resident Ingrid Lee through text or social media. The mayor has met her for coffee to discuss issues.
Lee, administrator of the Facebook group Delray Matters, said it used to be that you had to be a white, wealthy landowner to have access to elected officials to have power and influence. “Now with social media, anybody can have discourse within the community and with leadership and be anybody,” Lee said.
In places as politically active as Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Lantana, officials may control the microphone at government meetings, but residents have found other ways to have their say and influence decisions.
They are frequently turning to social media and its kissing cousins — newsletters, blogs, etc. — to influence, interact and participate in their local government. The flip side of this free-for-all marketplace is that these vehicles can be
See SOCIAL MEDIA on page 24
and batteries make a fiery mix. Page 19
’Is that kosher?’ Restaurants serve up a variety of new offerings that adhere to Jewish guidelines. Page
August 2025 Serving Hypoluxo Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream
Japanese settlers of Yamato Colony shown circa 1922 at Yamato Rock, once known as ’Jap Rock.’ It was a hub for the colony’s social gatherings and fishing. Photos provided by Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
See YAMATO on page 21
Oscar Kobayashi circa the 1920s. The area is being considered for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
A Manalapan report shows the extent of erosion in the 1300 block of Ocean Boulevard. There is no berm, a mild sloping beach to the sea wall and no dune plants. Photo provided
New shareholder comes on board as The Coastal Star looks to its future
We are delighted to share some good news about the future of The Coastal Star We’re welcoming Harvey Oyer III as a shareholder in the ownership of our publishing company. Our newspaper has been locally owned and operated since we published our first edition in November 2008.
As we think about the future of our newspaper, we very much want to maintain our local roots. Harvey is, of course, as local as you can get. He is joining the ownership of our company to help us ensure the longevity and continued excellence of our publication.
Harvey is probably known to many of you, or at least his family name is. He is a fifth generation native of Palm Beach County, his ancestors having planted the coconuts from the wreck of the Spanish ship Providencia in 1878 that gave the county its name.
His great-great-grandparents homesteaded on Hypoluxo Island in 1873 and his greatgrandmother in 1876 was the first non-Native American child born in southeast Florida. Later, in the 1890s, his great-
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grandparents brought Maj. Nathan Boynton, William Linton and David Swinton to our area, which led to the creation of the cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach.
Harvey’s father was the mayor of Boynton Beach who had a waterfront park named in his honor.
Harvey loves our history and shares our same core values of community and freedom of speech.
He was a writer for his college newspaper and is an accomplished author, who has written five bestselling children’s books that are used throughout Florida to teach elementary school students
Florida history. His books have received numerous awards and Harvey was named Florida’s Distinguished Author in 2013. Harvey is passionate about historic preservation and led the effort to save and restore the county’s historic 1916 Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach. He also led the effort to create the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum at the courthouse, restore historic Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, and most recently, restore the Harriet Himmel Theater in CityPlace. He served seven terms as chairman of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
Harvey was elected Phi Beta Kappa when he graduated with high honors at the University of Florida, and was selected the Most Outstanding Male Leader of the Class of 1990. He has been inducted into both the UF student hall of fame and the UF alumni Academy of Golden Gators.
A fter further study at The Australian National University as a Rotary International Scholar, and earning a master’s degree in archaeology at the University of Cambridge, England, Harvey returned to UF and received a Juris Doctor with honors from the College of Law. He also served honorably in the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998, and is a partner in the Shutts & Bowen law firm.
Local ownership is critical
We believe the longterm future of community journalism is based on the commitment that owners have to the ongoing success of their local publications. The Coastal Star’s current owners have each lived in our coastal communities for more than 40 years. Mary Kate Leming — my wife and the paper’s semi-retired executive editor — and I founded the paper in 2008. Chris Bellard, our
advertising director, along with Price Patton and his wife, Carolyn, a Delray Beach native, became part of the company's ownership in 2011.
As Harvey joins The Coastal Star team, its mission to produce strong local journalism remains the same as always. Harvey is a noted local attorney who represents a broad range of clients. If Harvey or his firm is included in a Coastal Star story, we will — as we always do — include full disclosure in the story so our readers are aware of the relationship.
Succession planning is an important task for business owners, and I can tell you that we have been looking for the next owners of The Coastal Star for a few years. Harvey’s involvement will give our staff and this community a sense of security that a sale to faraway owners would not provide. We hope it will also provide stability for our advertisers and satisfy the expectation of meaningful community journalism for our readers for years to come.
— Jerry Lower, Publisher
Coastal Stars Brothers find satisfaction in keeping beaches and more beautiful
By Hannah Spence
Most people don’t like the sight of garbage where it doesn’t belong. However, few do anything about it. But Paul and Andrea Fazzino’s Delray Beach nonprofit, Beach Keepers Inc., is dedicated to keeping South Florida clean and beautiful.
“We started the organization because we saw an excessive amount of pollution and felt we could make a difference,” said 59-year-old Paul Fazzino.
Beach Keepers is a 501(c) (3) disaster relief and environmental beautification organization combatting pollution to benefit public spaces, inhabitants, ecosystems and communities.
The siblings, retired construction workers, started the philanthropic organization after moving to Florida from Georgia in 2017.
“We decided that working for free to benefit everyone equally was better than working to earn a living,” said Andrea Fazzino, 56. “It served us better to personally give back seven days per week than to work for money.”
A lthough they live in Boynton Beach, the Fazzino brothers work from Martin County south to Miami and as far west as Wellington.
Paul and Andrea Fazzino head the Delray Beach nonprofit Beach Keepers Inc., which is dedicated to keeping beaches and other public spaces free from trash. The organization uses regular volunteers and runs special cleanup events. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
A t ypical day includes getting up around 5 a.m., checking and writing emails, then heading to the Delray Beach office by 7 a.m. The office on southbound Federal between Southeast First and Second streets is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
“Arriving early is important to me and helps me to set the pace for the day,” said Paul Fazzino. “Not long afterwards our volunteers begin to arrive and head out in the community to clean up areas we’ve identified as unappealing or needing
attention throughout Delray Beach’s downtown district and beyond.
“Managing the influx of amazing volunteers, scheduling events, hosting events, recycling and disposing of the material we collect happens throughout the day.”
Paul and Andrea can often be seen hosting large beach cleanups and picking up litter from along Federal Highway.
The brothers have created alliances with like-minded organizations like Surfing’s Evolution and the Florida Department of Transportation, where they manage FDOT Adopt-A-Mile program roadways — such as one in Briny Breezes and another in Delray Beach.
Beach Keepers Inc. provides volunteers at city events like the Delray Affair and Savor the Avenue to keep the event spaces clean and free of obstructions. Among the volunteers are people who are fighting addiction and trying to get clean, those who have been sentenced to do community service hours, and students who are donating their time in addition to working on their studies.
Paul shared a story about a volunteer named Kayla who had confided in him about
her struggle with paying her student debt. This inspired him and Andrea to think of ways they could help her and other volunteers with the same issue.
The Beach Keepers Student Debt Initiative Program was started in 2023 and offers students and graduates the opportunity to help the community while receiving financial support toward student debt and educational needs. Participants can earn up to $800 monthly by doing up to 40 hours per month.
Even though Beach Keepers keeps them busy, Andrea and Paul still find time to engage in hobbies. Andrea loves to play drums and has found an outlet every Wednesday evening at the Downtown Delray Drum Circle held at Old School Square.
Paul enjoys swimming and biking. Both are classic car aficionados and have enjoyed owning, restoring and showing their favorite Dodge/Plymouth classics, which enthusiasts call Mopars after the parts brand servicing the vehicles.
The brothers share a condo.
“We want to be held to the same standards others are,” said Andrea. “Just be kind to people, invite them with a generous spirit. Our approach is simple: See it, pick it up, get it out of there, put it where it belongs.” P
Letter
to
the Editor
Milani Park makes sense for beach access for all county residents
The Coastal Star recently covered the planned Milani oceanfront park in Highland Beach. I write to emphasize the important right of public access to the shoreline.
Recent Florida beach events spotlight the issue. First, the Florida governor rescinded an older Florida statute, which had empowered private beachfront property owners to close off miles of Walton County beaches, denying all public access. Essentially, the old law blocked the public’s access to the “shoreline,” defined as the sandy area below the high tide water mark.
Access to the shoreline has long been recognized for all persons under Florida law. The question now facing us is the public’s right of access to reach the shoreline.
As the “War at the Shore” continues to rage in Palm Beach County, the on-again/off-again Milani oceanfront park planned in Highland Beach, on Palm Beach County-owned property, is now under reconsideration.
County Commissioner Joel Flores publicly opined that it makes no sense to build a park that “no one wants.” Flores obviously refers to the Highland Beach property owners and developers,
who seem to prefer that Flores’ constituents living in central Palm Beach County not be allowed access to the shore. For the inland residents, this park actually makes a lot of sense.
Commissioner Marci Woodward is pushing for final approval of Milani Park. She is considering the needs of all county residents and visitors, not just a privileged few beachfront property owners.
The Milani Park issue should be focused on its proposed function as a guaranteed pathway to the shoreline, which can be thought of as a public right of way. Walking the Florida shoreline is a joy everyone here should be able to experience.
The folks in Highland Beach seem to view the beach as their private playground and they have, to date, successfully blocked all public beach access in their town. Now they propose a real estate deal to profit the town and a developer.
To sell this seaside public property is an outrageous proposal — but not a new one. Living in this county for the past 80 years, I have seen this scenario before.
I a m hoping this time it ends well for our county as a whole.
— Terry Brown, Ocean Ridge
Along the Coast
Tri-Rail slammed with $27 million cut in state funds
Tri-Rail is grappling with a $27.1 million funding shortfall with few options so far in sight.
The Florida Department of Transportation has “redefined” its statutory minimum for funding from $42.1 million per year to $15 million, said David Dech, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates the commuter train service.
At a July 25 workshop session, Dech said Tri-Rail spends $2.5 million a week running its trains. If no other funding is found, the money the service has on hand will allow it to operate only until July 2027.
Dech said eliminating weekend service would extend operations just 8.5 days while cutting the line’s express trains would add only four days of service.
Despite the gloomy outlook, Authority Board member Jim Scott said Tri-Rail is not going away. “We’re not going to abandon service,” he said.
But Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, who chairs the authority, was not optimistic.
“For Palm Beach County, we do not have a transportation surtax; my two fellow counties to the south do,” Woodward said. “This is a big ask, for us this is an ask for us to take this money out of property taxes. … It’s just money we don’t have.”
— Steve Plunkett
By Steve Plunkett
Orthwein celebrated for 30-plus years on the dais
Gulf Stream Town Commissioner Joan Orthwein was hailed as “a remarkable public servant” while being recognized by the Florida League of Cities for her more than 30 years as an elected official.
“Today we celebrate not just years but decades of meaningful service, of showing up and making a difference,” Michael Morrill, a representative of the league, told Orthwein and her colleagues at the Town Commission’s July 11 meeting.
Morrill gave her a framed resolution, signed by the league’s board of directors, recognizing her “selfless commitment” and her “significant sacrifices” of time and energy.
“I hope everyone enjoys living here,” said Orthwein,
whose first Town Commission meeting was in May 1995. “It’s been an honor to be on the commission and to be among all these wonderful people. It’s been good.”
The league named the honor the Mayor John Land Years of Service Award after a mayor of Apopka who served for more than 60 years.
The recognition goes to only a few each year. Last year, the league honored four officials for reaching the 30-year mark, two for serving 35 years and two who had reached 40 years.
Back in 2020, during the pandemic, the league praised Orthwein’s reaching 25 years of service via a video recording.
At the time, Mayor Scott Morgan noted that she had also served for seven years as an appointed member of the town’s Architectural Review and Planning Board. She chaired
the ARPB before moving to the commission, and has also been the town’s vice mayor and mayor.
“With every issue that has confronted this town, you have always addressed it with your characteristic grace and dignity, which is really unusual I think in municipal government,” Morgan said. “It’s been a pleasure with you as my friend to sit with you on this dais.”
Orthwein isn’t the longestserving Gulf Stream official ever. Former Mayor William F. Koch served for 56 years — 46 as mayor and 10 as commissioner — before his death in 2012 at age 91. P
RIGHT: The Florida League of Cities presented Town Commissioner Joan Orthwein with a framed resolution in recognition of her service to Gulf Stream.
Tim Stepien
/ The Coastal Star
Town manager proposes a familiar property tax rate
By Steve Plunkett
For the fourth consecutive year, homeowners in Gulf Stream will likely pay a property tax rate of $3.67 per $1,000 of taxable value.
“Our budget is pretty much almost the same basically every year,” Town Manager Greg Dunham said while previewing his proposal for the 2026 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The tax rate, tentatively approved by town commissioners July 11, will generate $6.99 million, up about $550,000 from the current year, Dunham said. Property values in town
rose 8.5% to $1.9 billion.
The town will be entering the eighth year of its 10-year capital improvement plan, and the budget’s big-ticket item remains the road and drainage infrastructure work in the Core area. Dunham will pull $2.45 million from the general fund and $643,549 from the water fund to pay for the construction.
Gulf Stream will also borrow up to $7 million — perhaps in December — to have enough money to finish the planned capital improvements, pay for a water connection to Boynton Beach and keep a reserve fund of $4 million.
The town’s consulting engineers will
begin drawing plans for rebuilding roads and water mains in Gulf Stream’s Place Au Soleil neighborhood on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Dunham again recommended that commissioners approve a 4% cost-ofliving pay raise for town employees, many of whom he invited to attend the commission meeting for a public thankyou.
“It’s the same faces that you’ve seen for year after year after year. And my point is that we don’t have any turnover here and don’t have to deal with that. That takes a lot of time, administrative time,” he said. “And also
… our employees enjoy working here very much. They love the town of Gulf Stream and … they make my job a lot easier.”
Under the tentative tax rate, the owner of a $1 million house would pay $3,672 in town property taxes in addition to county, school and other levies.
Commissioners can lower that tax rate, also called the millage, but not raise it at public hearings they scheduled in Town Hall for 5:01 p.m. on Sept. 11, after their 4 p.m. monthly meeting, and on Sept. 24. P
Ocean Ridge
Commissioners hire Heiser as manager with no debate
By John Pacenti
It’s been pretty kumbaya in Ocean Ridge ever since Michelle Lee Heiser showed up to serve as interim town manager.
Commissioners have praised her preparedness, especially on budget matters, and they even approved raises for nonunion police and administrative employees — something the previous manager tried in vain to get them to do.
So it should come as no surprise that when Heiser showed interest in the job permanently, commissioners were eager to get her on board. They voted to hire Heiser at a $225,000 annual salary at the July 8 meeting, approving it on the consent agenda with no discussion or debate — something that is pretty unusual for a top hire.
Heiser was a candidate in 2023 when the town went in a different direction and hired Lynne Ladner as manager. Ladner benefited from changes on the commission to secure the
Gunshots fired Thompson Street — July 15
Michelle Heiser was promoted from interim to permanent town manager by commissioners and will make $225,000 a
job — she went from interim to permanent to interim to permanent.
Ladner, though, had a chaotic tenure with very public mistakes aired out during commission meetings. When she resigned in April after bad evaluations from all five commissioners, Heiser quickly came on as interim. From the start, Heiser’s
Ocean Ridge Police Sgt. Keith Ramirez investigates the scene outside a home at the corner of Thompson Street and Old Ocean Boulevard where at least a dozen shots were fired at the exterior of what police described as an unoccupied home. The orange cones mark the location of three of the bullet casings found on Thompson. At least one of the bullets went through a window pane. A suspect had been identifed, and an arrest was pending as the investigation into the shooting continued into late July.
Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
hands-on management style seemed to calm commissioners and staff alike. The last two commission meetings have run smoothly, quickly and with no drama.
Heiser is a former Port St. Lucie councilwoman and former town manager for Sewall’s Point. She was hired to help find Ladner’s replacement, but then
threw her name into the ring. Her salary is essentially the same as what the town paid Ladner when she left in April.
“Thank you for your vote of confidence,” she told the commissioners at the July 8 meeting. “I am excited and honored, really honored, that we could get here this fast.”
Heiser said she looks forward to guiding capital improvement projects in the next year, such as the ongoing project of replacing the town’s corroding water pipes.
Heiser met with each of the commissioners regarding the job and cited Vice Mayor Steve Coz, particularly, for “a very challenging discussion on my contract.”
At Ocean Ridge Commission meetings, Robert’s Rules of Order are more of a suggestion than a mandate. As such, former Commissioner Terry Brown can pop up at almost any time to add his two cents. He spent his time at the podium on July 8 to praise Heiser’s hiring. He added that the town should post her
résumé so residents know what they are getting.
“If you would have included a single page of Ms. Heiser’s background, when people were looking at it, they would see that it was a wonderful choice, and that the compensation is fair and she’s getting great benefits,” he said.
Heiser told The Coastal Star on July 16 that the contract had been signed, but admitted she was a bit surprised that Mayor Geoff Pugh placed her hiring on the consent agenda. She said Ocean Ridge traditionally places as many items as it can on the consent agenda to streamline meetings to avoid the inefficiency seen in other towns.
That doesn’t mean the commissioners haven’t put in the work, Heiser said.
“These commissioners spend one to two hours apiece with the (town) attorney and I,” she said. “Reviewing each item on the agenda prior to the meetings. They ask many questions and gain an understanding of the impacts.” P
Tax rate expected to stay the same for $13.3 million proposed budget
Water pipe project could be accelerated
By John Pacenti
Newly minted Town Manager
Michelle Lee Heiser said Ocean Ridge, basking in good financial news, can expect to keep the property tax rate steady in the newly proposed $13.3 million budget.
With municipalities required to set the upper end of a new tax rate by the end of July, Heiser recommended keeping the rate the same as last year’s $5.40 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Commissioners unanimously approved the rate — which can still go down during the final public hearings on the budget in September.
But just because the rate stays the same doesn’t mean that residents won’t be paying more taxes. That’s because taxable property values increased in
Ocean Ridge by 10.14% this year — leading all nearby municipalities.
For homesteaded properties, the state caps the increase in taxable value at 3% per year. For an Ocean Ridge home worth $1.5 million last year, that translates into $243 more in town taxes.
Last year, Mayor Geoff Pugh said, he got bombarded with phone calls when the commission set the tentative rate at $6.00 per $1,000 of taxable property value, before whittling it down over the summer.
“The past thinking was if we had anything happen, we would be at the max” in case the town needed the additional revenue, Pugh said at the commission’s July 8 meeting. “And then we can always bring it down later, right? With our present financial situation, it doesn’t make any sense” to set a higher rate.
Commissioners at the
meeting heard praise from an auditor and financial consultant, saying that Ocean Ridge’s finances are in a good position to accelerate the town’s top capital improvement project — replacing water pipes — and launch some others.
Town auditor Ronald Bennett told commissioners they had an unassigned fund balance of $9 million to spend at their discretion due to a variety of factors, such as increased property tax revenues and investment income.
“The town embarked on a new investment program, and it paid great dividends, almost half a million dollars in investment income,” he said.
Bennett said the town’s reserves are in such good shape that it could theoretically “pay almost a whole year’s worth” of expenses without additional revenue.
“That’s one of the highest I’ve ever seen,” Bennett said. “Way
back when I first started doing this, 30 years ago, we used to tell people, ‘Well, you need at least two months’ worth of money on hand.’”
The town’s financial consultant, Holly Vath, highlighted that $34.4 million in new construction had been added to the town’s tax rolls, representing approximately 2% of its total property value.
If the new construction were not taken into account, a rollback rate of just under $5.00 per $1,000 of taxable property value would generate the same tax revenue as the current fiscal year, she said.
If commissioners keep the $5.40 per $1,000 tax rate, new construction will generate about $185,000 in additional tax revenue.
Heiser, the town manager, stated that by maintaining the current tax rate and utilizing the additional tax revenue it will generate, both from
higher property values and new construction, the town can expedite the timeline for the water main project. “We’re going to move this eight-year plan down to within a five-year result, a completion date,” she said.
Heiser, who just signed a contract to become town manager, said there isn’t much more to talk about when it comes to revenues.
“We can pretend like there’s a lot more, honestly, but we’ve got it nailed down,” she said.
She said that she wants the commission to discuss capital projects at its August meeting, “so that the general public knows how much work is going to get done in this next fiscal year.”
Heiser noted that part of the discussion will be about whether to take out low-interest state loans for some of the projects. P
year. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
Briny Breezes
Misunderstanding creates confusion for library card holders
By Steve Plunkett
A mistaken email made for a dismal Fourth of July weekend for the 56 Briny Breezes residents who hold library cards for the Palm Beach County Library System.
The July 3 email from the library erroneously said the Town Council had approved withdrawing from the county system and that all library cards would expire Oct. 1.
The county sent out a mea culpa July 8 correcting its initial message.
“That email was based on
the Library’s understanding of communication received from the Town of Briny Breezes,” it said.
Subsequently, library officials received clarification from Town Manager Bill Thrasher stating that no final decision to withdraw from the system was made by the council.
The library system “apologizes for any confusion” caused by the July 3 email and “will work with the Town to provide future updates,” it concluded.
The Town Council on June 26 had directed Thrasher and
Town Attorney Keith Davis to meet with the library to address questions regarding withdrawing from the library district and was scheduled to get an update at its July 24 meeting. Davis said it may be possible to mount a legal challenge to rules the district has about leaving its system.
But the council’s discussion was postponed until at least Aug. 28 because Davis had not been able to confer with the library.
Thrasher had suggested breaking away from the county system to save Briny Breezes
After one year, we are growing and moving and will become the Coastal Consignment Boutique. We will reopen Saturday, August 2nd at our new, larger location at 5716 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. (It’s only 5 miles away and just south of The Hives) 561-905-0055 We Buy, Sell, Consign & Trade! Clothes, Shoes, Handbags, Jewelry & Collectibles OPEN Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm
property owners the collective $57,000 in taxes they pay to support the library. The 56 library card holders could pay $95 a year, or $5,320 altogether.
Seceding from the county library would not benefit the town’s budget directly, but Thrasher was looking for ways to reduce residents’ overall tax burden as he increases the town’s property tax rate to gather matching funds for grants won or envisioned to improve the town’s stormwater system and sea walls.
The taxable value of the town is just under $105 million, he said. In his proposed budget, Thrasher anticipates opening state and federal construction grants and spending $268,266 for the design and permitting costs of the drainage project.
Tax rate almost doubles
The council July 24 approved setting a tentative tax rate of $6.75 per $1,000 of taxable value, which is almost 98% more than the “no new taxes” rollback rate of $3.41 per $1,000 and an 80% increase from the current $3.75 per $1,000 rate.
Fiscal year 2024 was the first time since 2009 that Briny Breezes did not levy $10 per $1,000 of taxable property value — the maximum allowed by
state law — a nd instead set the rate at only $3.75 per $1,000.
The maneuver was said to give the town room to raise taxes, perhaps back to the $10 per $1,000 rate, to repay loans it might take out to finance the sea walls and drainage improvements.
Meanwhile, Briny Breezes Inc. began paying 70% of the cost of police and fire rescue services to make up for the reduced tax revenue. Its cost was offset by charging residents of the mobile home park higher annual assessments.
Thrasher’s proposed budget assumes that the corporation will continue to cover the 70%.
The council set public hearings in Town Hall for the tentative tax rate at or after 5:01 p.m. Sept. 11 and for the final vote at the same time Sept. 25. The final rate the council sets can be lower but not higher than the tentative rate.
The council also agreed to a three-year extension of the agreement with Ocean Ridge for that town to provide police services, with 3% increases each year. The Briny Breezes council had balked at an earlier proposal that would have raised the price the greater of 3% or the percentage increase in the annual consumer price index. P
Town revises its beach cleaning plan to include raking seaweed
By Mary Thurwachter
Lantana Town Council members have revised the town’s beach cleaning directive to incorporate measures for the management of sargassum seaweed accumulation at the public beach.
Marc Fichtner, the town’s marine safety supervisor, said at the council’s July 14 meeting that sargassum has already begun to show up on the beach and that two sea turtle nests had been found on the north end of the beach. He said raking of the beach would be done on an as-needed basis starting this month.
Until this year, the town’s policy has been to limit raking and not to remove sargassum. The thinking was that seaweed was essential for marine life, kept replacement sand on the beach and provided nutrients to plants on dunes.
But the council became more receptive to clean up the seaweed this year after experts warned of more sargassum than ever making its way to the shoreline — and knowing the public’s distaste for dealing with the mess. Experts also said occasional raking would not be damaging.
“I’m just excited to get it going,” said Council member Jesse Rivero, who suggested the town revisit its beach raking policy in recent months.
Council member Chris Castle said he appreciated all the work Fichtner and others had put into the effort.
A heavy buildup of sargassum created lessthan-pictureperfect conditions for visitors to Lantana’s beach park in July. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
Mayor Karen Lythgoe agreed with Castle and said, “There are still people who say, ‘Don’t touch it,’ and there are others that say, ‘Get rid of it.’” But the council voted unanimously July 14 to proceed with the raking plan.
Key proposed revisions to the beach cleaning directive include:
• Allowing both manual and mechanical cleaning (previously only manual was permitted);
• Restricting cleaning to seaward of the high tide line and daytime hours only — and requiring pre-cleaning surveys by a marine turtle permit holder authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during nesting season;
• Establishing rules for mechanical raking, including depth limits (maximum 2 inches) and equipment setback (10 feet from vegetation);
• Mandating immediate removal of debris after cleaning;
• Allowing options for managing sargassum, including removal or in-place burial with specialized equipment; and
• Aligning policy with Florida statutes and FWC mechanical beach cleaning guidelines. P
Beach boardwalk repair included in proposed budget
By Mary Thurwachter
Lantana held its second budget workshop on July 14, and the process is running smoothly, according to Town Manager Brian Raducci.
Residents may be pleased to learn that the Town Council is not planning an increase in the tax rate, which will remain at $3.75 per $1,000 of taxable value. The rate has not changed since 2022, though taxes will increase due to rising property values.
Significant factors affecting budget preparation, in addition to economic uncertainty, include world unrest, a challenging labor market and the 2.3% inflation rate, Raducci said.
Budget priorities and goals, Raducci said, are to maintain infrastructure, continue beautification projects, develop responsibly, attract and maintain valuable employees, continue to attract new business (especially along Ocean Avenue), continue to support the library, resume a dune restoration project, install an ADA accessible ramp at the beach, and enhance public safety with state-of-the-art technology.
At their visioning session in April, Town Council members agreed by consensus to support the redevelopment of Ocean Avenue — on land owned by Steve Handelsman and Marsha Stocker — with three of the five council members saying they would consider building heights of up to five stories. The other two wanted heights to be limited to four stories. Raducci said each potential project would be independently evaluated.
At the beach, the town would like to replace sections of the boardwalk and install the ADA accessible ramp. Working with CPZ Architects, the town wants
to develop a comprehensive 7.10-acre conceptual site plan to be constructed in phases. The goals are to:
• Gather input from stakeholders through public charettes, staff reports, the master plan committee and the Town Council;
• Maximize site utilization in a cost-effective and consistent manner;
• Minimize disruption to parking, the playground, the beach and businesses; and
• Allow sufficient time to secure the necessary funding.
Also being considered is a rebranding project that would include creating a new town logo and tagline, official color palette, and logo usage guidelines. Raducci said that minimal cost would be involved and that the plan is scaled down from what had been discussed during the visioning session.
Another considered expense involves speed bumps and a speed table pilot program.
A speed table is a flat, raised surface of road designed to slow traffic. Traffic engineer Kimley-Horn is working with the Palm Beach County Traffic Division/Fire Rescue to ensure that the specs of the proposed speed tables meet all their requirements, Raducci said.
“We want to ensure that the new speed tables still have the same impact in terms of slowing traffic down while providing a smoother transition from the existing asphalt to the speed tables,” Raducci said. The town will test that theory by conducting the pilot program on four speed bumps, Raducci said, on South Lake Drive between South Oak Street and East Ocean Avenue. He said each speed table will cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
The town is also interested in seeking public input regarding
selling some town-owned property along the Intracoastal Waterway. That would require a potential amendment to the Town Charter. If sufficient public support is identified, a special election would be planned.
Finance Director Stephen Kaplan presented budget details. He said the certified taxable value for the upcoming fiscal year is $2.061 billion, surpassing the taxable value for the current year, which was $1.938 billion, an increase of 6.37%, or $123.5 million.
Kaplan said the proposed tax rate, given a 95% collection rate, will produce about $7.343 million in tax revenues, a 5.6% increase of about $390,000.
He said total revenue projections are $18.06 million, a decrease of $1.2 million compared to the fiscal year 2025 adopted budget. Other budget highlights include:
• There is no change in electricity franchise taxes & fees;
• A $25,000 increase in metered parking revenues;
• A $63,000 increase in interest income, and
• A $1.6 million decrease related to a one-time grant budget in FY 2025.
As for special assessments for garbage collection, property owners will face a 2% increase for curbside pickup and a 1% increase for container pickup.
Employees can expect a 4% cost-of-living raise, and — based on annual evaluations — could receive up to a 5% merit raise.
Kaplan said health and dental insurance premiums are projected to increase 24% for a total cost of $2.3 million.
Some new staff positions are in the works.
Lantana will spend $42,000 to add a part-time administrative assistant at the Police Department, $91,000
for a youth librarian, and an additional $14,000 to reclassify one water plant operator to lead water plant operator.
The Development Services Department will add a business development specialist. That person, whose salary remains unfunded, will partner with the town’s liaison from the Chamber of Commerce.
By category, 70% of the budget will fund personnel, 25% other operating expenses,
Lantana News
and $1.26 million for capital expenses. The town has no debt.
“The budget is nearly balanced after considering using $175,000 worth of the building permit fund balance and $324,000 worth of capital carryover,” Kaplan said.
The first budget hearing is at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8. The second hearing, including final adoption of the budget and tax rate, is at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the council chambers. P
Parking lot proposal denied — Local developer Tony Mauro failed to convince the Lantana Town Council that building a private parking lot and small structure at 200 N. Third St. in the commercial zoning district was a good idea.
The council unanimously voted against Mauro’s request for a variance for the lot during its July 28 meeting.
Mauro has owned the land, a vacant parking lot next to what once was a bowling alley, for 20 years. He wanted to use the lot to park vehicles driven by construction workers involved in building projects in eastern Lantana. A parking supervisor would be on hand, he said. Once parked, workers would be shuttled to construction sites, thus eliminating traffic on East Ocean Avenue and at construction sites.
The lot, which would hold about 95 vehicles, would be surrounded by trees, Mauro said, and give a park-like look to the area. But residents speaking against the proposal said having the parking lot would bring too much traffic into the area, which is very close to the well-utilized town library, and that it would cause an unsafe environment.
Nicole Dritz, director of development services, said engineers and staff urged the council to deny the variance.
Council members didn’t think the lot would add substantial benefit to the community and should be located elsewhere.
Beach planning — The Town Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11, prior to its regular 6 p.m. August meeting, to discuss a conceptual plan for the beach. The meeting will be held in the council chambers.
Employees recognized — Executive assistant Karen Dipolito was honored as Employee of the Second Quarter by Police Chief Sean Scheller. Dipolito has worked for the Police Department for 27 years. Scheller said she is always willing to accept additional duties and responsibilities. For the Public Services Department, senior ocean lifeguard Sam Janssen was honored as Employee of the Second Quarter by Public Services Director Eddie Crockett. — Mary Thurwachter
Delray Beach Mayor outgunned as commission votes to raise tax rate — for now
By John Pacenti
So much for the bully pulpit.
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney put commissioners on notice, blasting them in two newsletters in July for not being serious about saving taxpayers money.
“I have proposed specific budget cuts to the Commission, but unfortunately, none of my fellow commissioners have offered any cuts,” Carney said in his July 19 newsletter, titled “Stop the Tax Hike: Protect Delray Beach’s Financial Future.”
Carney’s effort at the July 22 special meeting to keep the tax rate the same as last year failed, with only Commissioner Angela Burns joining him. Instead, Vice Mayor Rob Long joined Commissioners Juli Casale and Tom Markert, who voted to adopt a total rate of $6.19 per $1,000 of taxable property value, which also contains a small rate for voter-approved debt.
In addition, property owners can expect their taxes to increase because the values of their homes went up 8.74% on average, according to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office — though homesteaded properties are capped at a 3% increase in taxable value under the state’s Save Our Homes Act.
“I have to tell you, you sent out two emails that threw us all under the bus,” Casale scolded Carney about his newsletters. “It is pretty clear you are basically acting like you’re the only one up here working for the residents, and I feel like that’s super unfair to us, because we all work really hard.”
Casale said she has informed City Manager Terrence Moore where she thinks cuts could be made — she just didn’t make the ideas public.
‘Challenging’ budget
Moore said this year’s proposed budget “was especially challenging” given the decision of a very different commission two years ago to have the fire department go from a 24/48 shift structure (24 hours on, 48 hours off) to a 24/72 shift
“[The
state has] a new DOGE department. They’re
going to all the cities and they’re asking them to review their budgets, to review all kinds of stuff.”
— Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney Carney
structure starting Oct. 1.
Earlier in July, Moore told commissioners that without a tax increase, the city faced a $25 million shortfall for the fiscal year 2026 budget that begins Oct. 1. He makes up for that shortfall in the current proposal by taking $7.3 million from reserves, then adds in revenue from the tax increase and increased property values, and does not fill vacant positions in departments across the board.
All of this could be temporary as the commission can whittle away at the tax rate until its final adoption in midSeptember. The commission can lower that proposed rate, but not increase it, during the public budget hearings scheduled for Sept. 3 and 15.
However, commissioners were under pressure to either get on board with the mayor or break with him because notices to residents of the proposed tax rate go out in August.
And break with Carney they did as the mayor went after some sacred cows that were pretty unsavory cuts to the majority.
Carney said he was looking for an additional 1% cut in the proposed $201.3 million budget. He said in his July 3 newsletter that residents have experienced a 45% tax increase in the last five years. He also cited bureaucratic bloat to residents, saying the Delray Beach budget has expanded from being only $103 million ten years ago.
Old allies split with mayor
Last year, a Carney-led majority — including Markert and Casale — did hold the line on taxes, approving a lower “no new taxes” rate referred to as
the rolled-back rate. The total rate was $5.94 per $1,000 of taxable value, which contained a small rate that went for voter-approved debt. This year’s proposed rate amounts to about a 4.2% increase.
In discussing the impact of the proposed rate, staff used an average home valued at $447,000. With the rate increase and a 3% increase in value, such a home would see a city tax increase of about $190.
The mayor took umbrage with that, saying neighborhoods in Lake Ida, Tropic Isle and Palm Trail have taxable values exceeding $2 million. A home valued at $2 million last year would see a city tax increase of closer to $900 under the proposed rate.
How unpopular were Carney’s ideas on the dais? Well, for a brief shining moment, Long and Casale — who often loudly disagree (Long defeated incumbent Casale in a 2023 election contest) — were on the same page.
Carney suggested stripping $500,000 away from the city’s 505 Teen Center (at 505 SE Fifth Ave.), saying a nonprofit could run it better. He said about 13 to 15 kids use the center after they get out of school.
“That’s $33,000 a child,” he said.
Casale said there is one employee at the 505 and questioned Carney’s $500,000 figure. Carney also suggested nonprofits take over public events, such as the St. Patrick’s Day parade and other festivals.
“Do we think that nonprofits in this current economic climate are going to have the wherewithal to step up and do Jazz on the Avenue? No,” Casale said.
Pressure from state Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a MAGA Republican, last year declared war on nonprofits that put on arts and culture events, vetoing many grants the Legislature had included in the state budget for them. He is now going after Democratic strongholds like Broward County and the city of Gainesville, saying they are wasting taxpayers’ money.
“They have a new DOGE department,” Carney said at the July 22 special meeting, referring to the state’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is based on one instituted at the federal level by President Donald Trump that was once headed by billionaire Elon Musk. “They’re going to all the cities and they’re asking them to review their budgets, to review all kinds of stuff.”
Long wasn’t buying what Carney was selling, saying the mayor was talking about small amounts of savings for residents if the tax rate stayed the same as last year compared to the proposed rate. That difference is about $115 for a home valued at $447,000 last year and $515 for one valued at $2 million.
“I’ll pay $20 a month to make sure that my roads are paved, our Police Department staffed and our fire department staffed, and that we actually can still have our signature events, yeah, I would, I would happily pay $20 a month for that,” Long said.
Markert didn’t like that the proposed budget would take from reserves, noting how the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been “decimated” by Trump’s budget cuts.
“You need only look at the results of what happened in Texas last week,” he said of the July 4 weekend flooding along the Guadalupe River that killed at least 134 people. “We have to be prepared to handle a disaster on our own because you cannot count on FEMA being available.”P
Magistrate sides with union on police retirement benefits
By John Pacenti
It’s been ugly. It’s been weird. And it’s not over yet.
It’s been a nine-month standoff in contract negotiations between the Police Benevolent Association and Delray Beach — particularly Mayor Tom Carney.
The mayor has said an increase in the Deferred Retirement Option Program, known as DROP, is meant to put millions of dollars into the pockets of negotiators and top brass.
The PBA has used every tactic it has to shame Carney, employing movable billboards during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade — a stunt that got it banned from next year’s event.
Union leaders filled the commission chambers with police officers. They have
deployed various citizens — at the July 15 meeting, it was moms. Vice Mayor Rob Long has read statements on behalf of the PBA during meetings.
The dispute revolves around extending the DROP from five to eight years.
The program allows police officers who are eligible for retirement to continue working for a set period, all while their retirement benefits accumulate.
During this time, the officers earn their regular salaries, while their pension payments are deposited into a special account.
This accumulated amount is then paid out when the officer officially retires at the end of the DROP period.
DROP is primarily used as an incentive to retain experienced officers. It offers a compelling alternative to officers simply retiring to start collecting their
pensions and pursuing other employment opportunities.
Now, Special Magistrate Thomas W. Young III has ruled in the union’s favor after hearing both sides at a May 14 hearing.
“The plain and obvious answer is not only can the city afford it, but it saves the city millions of dollars,” Young wrote in his July 4 ruling.
“This would appear to be contrary to the elected officials that claimed to have run, as the City Manager (Terrence Moore) stated, on a platform of ‘fiscal conservatism, doing what they can to restore savings and municipal operations to every extent possible.’”
This financial jujitsu occurs, according to an independent actuary cited by Young, because the DROP funds would help write down the city’s unfunded pension obligation, thus
resulting in $6.1 million in savings.
Furthermore, extending the DROP — Young said — would make Delray Beach competitive with other municipalities.
The union said in June that 26 officers had left the force since negotiations started last year.
The city has offered a $15.3 million pay increase over three years, raising starting salaries to $72,000 — up from $61,000. Third-year salaries will increase to more than $80,000.
The commission met in an inthe-shade executive session on July 22 concerning the contract, but was told by City Attorney Lynn Gelin not to speak on the matter. Commissioner Juli Casale has sided with Carney on the DROP issue, while Long and Commissioner Angela Burns have supported the PBA.
The swing vote has always
been Commissioner Tom Markert, who was waiting on the magistrate’s report.
It is worth noting, as a formality, that the city responded to the magistrate’s report on July 24, rejecting all of Young’s findings. It appears to be a formality as negotiations continue, but there seems to be plenty of daylight between the city’s and the magistrate’s positions.
The city rejects not only the DROP finding, but also findings on mandatory drug testing and mental health evaluations. Attorneys representing the city in front of the magistrate say the DROP recommendation would siphon nearly $30 million over 30 years from the taxpayers. P
Continued from page 1
It appears residents will have to decide — more likely sooner than later — if they want to truck in expensive sand to replenish their beaches.
“Your primary issue that you should focus on is ‘how do we get enough sand, how do we maintain the sand location’ and not try to correlate that too closely with what residents — individual residents — have done,” said Doug Mann, lead coastal engineer with APTIM.
He gave an hour-plus presentation, including a question-and-answer session, at the July 8 Town Commission meeting.
Mann’s comprehensive knowledge of all things beach and erosion in Palm Beach County was on full display. He said there was actually a bit of a benefit from the sand transfer plant on the south end of Manalapan, but that any “accretion” is not present north of the Chillingworth Curve at 1500 S. Ocean Blvd.
“One day, the plant runs, and you move some sand off the beach, and it gets bypassed. The next day, there’s not enough energy or enough sand there to bypass. So the county turns the plant off, and the beach starts to accrete again,” Mann said. “So you have both of these processes going on at the same time.”
The study revealed significant beach narrowing over the decades. “The beach is lower and it’s not as wide as it used to be,” Mann said, showing photos of changes since 2001.
The northern portion of Manalapan’s beach appears the most vulnerable, eroding “pretty substantially” over the last 30 years, Mann said.
Existing sea walls complicate the situation. While doing a bang-up job of protecting multimillion-dollar properties, Mann said sea walls “cause a redistribution of sand” that may “push some sand directly offshore, particularly when you
Manalapan
since 2001. These photos were taken at the former Vanderbilt estate at 1100 S. Ocean Blvd. in 2001 (left) and 2025. Photos provided
have a severe storm.”
Sea walls have been rebuilt along the former Vanderbilt estate after failing during storm surge from Hurricane Sandy. Yet, Mann showed a picture with a sea wall jutting into the ocean where the beach was nonexistent.
While there had been some dune renourishment in the 2000s by a homeowner, the town has never adopted a dune master plan or renourishment policy, Mann said.
The town in May disbanded its beach committee after it found beach erosion, the sand transfer plant, and beach raking to be areas of concern. Now the matter is in APTIM’s hands.
The initial study, presented July 8, cost $10,000, with additional APTIM work in a second phase to cost taxpayers between $17,000 and $20,000.
“We’re going to complete the analysis of some coastal data,” Mann said. “Look at what beach nourishment may look like in town. We’re going to look at whether the selective use of some coastal structures in combination with future dune nourishment may be appropriate.”
Potential solutions include “groins, breakwaters, or a combination of both” to maintain the shoreline.
However, Mann warned that any intervention must consider environmental factors like nearshore hard bottom — where
Proposed tax rate holds steady again this year
The Manalapan Town Commission has tentatively set the tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining the same rate as the previous three years. However, because property values rose again this year, property owners will still be paying more in town taxes.
The commission formally voted in July to set a maximum rate of $3.00 per $1,000 of taxable value — the same as last year. It can still decrease the rate before approving the final budget in September.
According to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, taxable property values rose in Manalapan, on average, nearly 7.6%.
Under state law, homesteaded properties can have their taxable value raised a maximum of 3% each year. All other residential and commercial properties can have their taxable values increased by a maximum of 10%.
The average home value in town is $3.7 million. For owners of that average home capped at a 3% increase, taxes would go up roughly $330.
A non-homestead property would pay more. Based on the average 7.6% increase in taxable value this year, a similarly valued $3.7 million property would see a town tax increase of roughly $840.
— John Pacenti
corals grow — and nesting sea turtles.
Public funding remains a significant hurdle. “Your beach is fairly private, with limited public access,” Mann said, meaning the project “would
have to be funded by the town itself and its residents.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “will only work on beaches that are public and open to the public,” he said.
Commissioner David Knobel
highlighted the urgency, stating the town needs “to slow the decline of this beach and have a long-term plan, whether it’s publicly or privately funded.”
“Get dunes back there, get groins if it’s needed,” he said. P
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A consultant’s report includes images highlighting the beach erosion in Manalapan
Delray Beach
Code enforcer challenges inquiry, says she really is a whistleblower
By John Pacenti
Jeri Pryor will not stay silent. Delray Beach’s neighborhood and community services director blasted a report authored by an outside investigator that her complaints against City Manager Terrence Moore and Vice Mayor Rob Long were “unsubstantiated.”
Pryor — who oversees code enforcement — said she was told by Long to “back off” on certain businesses in a conference call initiated by Moore.
Attorney Brooke Ehrlich’s report reduced Pryor’s complaints to he-said-shesaid, she-said-he-said. Ehrlich also found that Pryor was not a whistleblower because “no adverse employment action has been taken by the City” against her.
Not so, Pryor says in a
seven-page letter to City Attorney Lynn Gelin in what very much has the look and feel of a coming lawsuit. Pryor was particularly outraged that Ehrlich did not investigate who on the commission leaked her complaint to The Coastal Star and to the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Facebook group Delray Matters.
“The leak caused changes to my employment terms, including reporting to a new supervisor,” Pryor writes in the June 30 rebuttal. “I have been facing public and private attacks, resulting in a hostile work environment.”
She said the public disclosure jeopardized her right to a fair resolution of the complaint that Long — who denies any wrongdoing — threatened her position and violated the City Charter by ordering “selective enforcement.”
At issue was restaurateur Rodney Mayo, whose Dada establishment was the subject of the complaint during the threeway conversation. He told The Coastal Star separately that his coffee shop, Subculture, has also been unfairly subject to code violations.
Mayo released the partially redacted personnel file of Pryor when she worked for Fort Lauderdale, including evaluations and some personal identification information.
“I have seen public attempts to damage my reputation and influence the investigation by the government body that should be impartial,” she wrote to Gelin.
As for Moore, Pryor said the city manager’s silence when Long was allegedly violating the City Charter spoke volumes.
Ehrlich noted in her report that Moore never said “don’t enforce the code.”
“Remaining silent when bullying, intimidating and questionable tactics are used by the public to gain favor underscores the need for accountability and systemic changes at the highest level of government in the city of Delray Beach,” Pryor wrote in one of the most stinging sections of her letter to Gelin.
Pryor had plenty to say about Ehrlich, as well, noting the attorney did not have experience in code enforcement to properly investigate her complaint.
“Ms. Ehrlich failed to consider and appropriately apply the totality of the evidence provided for her investigation,” Pryor wrote. “She did not consider all the evidence that was direct or indirect that
proved a violation of the city charter, a violation of the Whistleblower Act or selective enforcement.”
In an email response to The Coastal Star’s request for comment, Ehrlich wrote: “The report speaks for itself. I was engaged as an independent investigator, and my investigation concluded with the submission of my report to the City on June 27, 2025.”
Mayo criticized the “politically motivated witch hunt” and the investigation’s cost in a July 22 email to commissioners, city officials and the media — while at the same time urging officials and the media to dig deeper.
“What could $30,000 have accomplished if spent wisely within our City?” Mayo asked. “This is an absolute outrage, and it warrants investigation.” P
Downtown businesses say valet, parking plan would hurt customers, workers
By John Pacenti
Delray Beach commissioners like a new centralized parking and valet plan that some downtown business owners say would hurt their customers and their employees.
The proposed system would utilize the public garages and lots connected to City Hall, the library, and behind the South County courthouse, Public Works Director Missie Barletto told city commissioners at their July 8 meeting.
The plan represents a significant shift in how Delray Beach manages downtown parking, with staff promising to streamline operations, potentially reduce traffic congestion and provide a more user-friendly experience for visitors and residents alike, Barletto said.
Staff asked and received consensus from the commission to move ahead on implementing various components of the Parking and Curbside Management Master Plan. However, the public blowback from businesses was significant the following week at the commission’s July 15 meeting.
Barletto made her hourplus July 8 presentation at the end of what would amount to six hours of public meetings for commissioners that day. It came as commissioners were exhausted and much of the public had left the meeting.
At one point, Barletto was asked by Commissioner Juli Casale about parking for workers, whether they be employed by the city or one of the restaurants that make downtown Delray Beach such a desirable destination.
Casale noted she had seen a restaurant worker running down Atlantic Avenue after apparently not being able to find a parking space. Barletto was not moved by the plight, saying maybe the workers can
park on the barrier island and stop taking up spots meant for visitors.
“So what I would say to my staff is, ‘We’re all adults here. You know how to get to work on time, right? And it’s not necessarily the city’s responsibility,’” Barletto said.
“I think everybody should pay for parking,” Mayor Tom Carney said. “It’s a user fee. People who use it should pay for it. I’m sorry, but that’s what they do everywhere else.”
Under the plan, the current fragmented valet system would be replaced with a single citymanaged contract. Currently, the city has license agreements with adjacent businesses, restaurants that then contract with independent valet operators, Barletto said.
The current system, which generates $189 monthly per valet queue space for the city, would be transformed by utilizing cityowned lots. The proposal aims to address the multiple traffic challenges caused by the current system, she said.
“The majority of the valet stands are located on the south side of Atlantic Avenue, which is also where the majority of the traffic is entering the downtown area,” Barletto said.
Fees would remain consistent with the current system: $15 for the first four hours and a $10
surcharge after those four hours.
Barletto noted that because the city currently does not have a direct contractual agreement with valet operators, it is difficult to ensure compliance with rules. She said there have been reports of valet operators asking for more money than what they’re allowed to charge and using oversized signs that violate pedestrian walkway regulations.
By managing the contract directly, the city would have a better handle on enforcing those rules, Barletto said.
Vice Mayor Rob Long supported the concept, though
Cheryl Arena of Lauderdale-by-theSea trades her keys for a claim ticket at the valet stand on Atlantic Avenue between Northeast First and Second avenues. Ameristar Parking Solutions runs the stand, but Delray Beach wants to manage all such stands via one contract. Tim Stepien/ The Coastal Star
he also worried about parking for downtown employees.
Carney said he had personally experienced the model: “I’ve used it in Coral Gables, and it worked great,” he said.
At the July 15 meeting, Siobhan Boroian, an operations executive for three stores on Atlantic Avenue, said downtown business leaders were not consulted on the parking proposal.
“How dare you rush through a decision that is going to change and affect the blueprint of our downtown Delray Beach,” she said. “Using the city of Coral Gables as a comparative model for parking is like comparing apples to oranges.”
Rachel Citren, manager for one of those stores, Periwinkle, added, “This places an unfair burden on all of the employees and penalizes them who now just have to pay just to show up to work.”
Periwinkle employees said the new system is designed to create turnover, ignoring that many customers visit Delray Beach for the day — going to the beach, shopping, dining.
Al Costello, owner of Big Al’s Steak and chair of the Downtown Development Authority, said the city is willing to throw out a working parking management system to generate revenue.
“It will dramatically affect the businesses and employees that support and create the wonderful downtown economy in our delicate ecosystem,” Costello said.
Long told the crowd that the new system is still being tweaked and staff is looking into free parking for employees. “There are going to be more conversations about this. People will have an opportunity to speak,” he said. P
Some downtown parking rates to increase; garage changes under consideration
As the master of ceremonies sang in Cabaret, money makes the world go around. And so it goes with Delray Beach’s parking rates as the city tries to generate revenue at the expense of visitors, residents and workers.
Delray Beach is moving forward with adjustments to its downtown parking plan, starting with an increase in some metered parking rates off East Atlantic Avenue. Residents, though, can have a say as a larger proposal will be on the agenda for the Aug. 19 City Commission meeting.
As a follow-up to discussions from the July 15 commission meeting, City Manager Terrence Moore and Director of Public Works Missie Barletto have announced a rate increase — from $2 to $3 an hour — for metered on-street spaces
on the side streets a block north and south of Atlantic Avenue. That is projected to generate an additional $150,000 in annual revenue for the city.
The City Commission will also consider changes to parking garage rates at its Aug. 19 meeting. This includes the possibility of implementing a 24/7 charge for parking of $1.50 an hour in all three downtown garages. If approved, this new rate structure could bring in an additional $450,000 annually for the city.
In addition to the garage rate discussions, the Aug. 19 meeting will address a proposed $15 monthly employee parking pass and further evaluate the feasibility of metering various surface lots in the downtown area.
— John Pacenti
Along the Coast Electric vehicles, salt water can be dangerous mix in storm season
By Rich Pollack
Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief Ronald Martin knows firsthand that electric vehicles and salt water driven by hurricanes don’t mix.
As the incident commander for the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District when Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022, Martin oversaw teams of firefighters who were confronted with two or three electric vehicle fires caused by saltwater corrosion of the cars’ lithiumion batteries.
“The problem was we couldn’t extinguish the fire, so we moved the vehicles to a location where they could burn themselves out,” he said.
With hurricane season upon us, fire safety leaders want to make sure electric vehicle owners — especially those living on the barrier island — know the risks that come when hurricane-driven salt water interacts with the batteries of plug-in electric vehicles as well as hybrids and other vehicles with lithium-ion batteries.
“If you own an EV, it is imperative that you have a plan that addresses your unique risk,” Martin said.
One of the best things you can do, says Highland Beach Fire Marshal Matt Welhaf, is to move the electric vehicle away from the ocean.
“If you are in the path of a hurricane, you should get the vehicle off the barrier island to higher ground,” he said.
Fires in electric vehicles are caused when salt water or even seaside salty moisture invades a compartment in the car that houses sometimes a hundred lithium-ion battery cells.
“Corrosion from the salt damages the connectors and that shorts out the battery,” Welhaf said.
It doesn’t always happen right away.
Martin and Welhaf, along with others, say it could take days or even weeks before the corrosion leads to a fire.
“There are cars that have burned months and even years later,” Welhaf said.
While firefighters are concerned about the electric car fires, which are difficult to put out, they’re also concerned about structures being destroyed if an electric car in a garage combusts.
Firefighters and city leaders in Tampa believe a fire that destroyed a home in the city’s upscale Davis Islands neighborhood after Hurricane Helene in September was caused by an EV in the garage.
When electric vehicles catch fire, the blaze is extremely hot and destructive and is extremely difficult to put out.
Fire officials warn about keeping an EV in the garage during a hurricane and say that if you can’t get it off the barrier island, move it as far away from a structure and other vehicles as
Tips to prevent EV fires
Recommendations for owners of electric vehicles if there is a hurricane watch or warning in place in their area:
• Consider moving your electric vehicle off the barrier island and to higher ground.
• If you can’t move it to higher ground, make sure the vehicle is outside and away from structures and other vehicles.
• Avoid driving the car or moving it if it has been exposed to salt water or salty moist air — even after the storm has passed — without having it checked out.
• If you’re a part-time resident, make sure you have a plan to have the vehicle removed from the barrier island.
• Avoid charging your vehicle during a storm.
Source: Local fire departments
possible. The same goes for golf carts and other vehicles such as scooters or e-bikes that have lithium-ion batteries.
It’s also important to not try to start or move an EV that has been flooded by salt water without first having it checked out since any movement could cause a fire.
A concern in South Florida is that part-time residents may keep their electric vehicles in garages while they’re up north for the summer. An owner, Martin says, should have a plan to have that vehicle moved off the barrier island or away from a structure if a storm is coming.
In Fort Myers Beach, the
challenge of battling an electric car fire was compounded by damaged infrastructure, including broken water lines and fire hydrants that were ripped away by 16-to-20-foot storm surge.
One of the strategies in putting out an EV fire is to use large amounts of water, but that is challenging when there is no water coming to an area.
The techniques firefighters use to address EV fires are
evolving, according to Delray Beach Fire Rescue’s David Garcia, the assistant chief of emergency management and homeland security.
There are now hose nozzles that can be used to put water under the burning vehicle — to reach the batteries more efficiently — and new blankets that can be deployed.
Still, the best strategy for EV owners is to take preventive steps. P
EV battery fires are especially dangerous in a garage where they may spread to the house. Photo provided
10 Questions
Longtime Delray Beach
resident Rita Rana, an investment executive with LPL Financial, recently became the 78th president of the Rotary Club of Delray Beach. Over her years in the industry, she attributes her success to “helping clients understand complex investment strategies with a focus on education, transparency and results,” adding that she plans to apply that skill to benefit the Rotary Club.
She got into volunteering at the Rotary Club after learning about the low literacy rates in Delray Beach schools: 55% of K-3 students are not reading on grade level and in the four Title I schools (typically serving the city’s lower-income students), the situation was more serious, with only 29% of K-3 students reading at grade level.
“I was so shocked,” she says. “The rates were horrible, and I started looking for an avenue to make a positive impact with respect to education.”
During that process, she was impressed with educational endeavors undertaken by the Rotary Club. “It’s the second-oldest nonprofit service organization in Delray Beach and every year since its inception, it’s given over 750 scholarships to graduating seniors,” she says. “It also gives a dictionary to every third-grader throughout Delray schools and some in Boynton.
“At first I thought, ‘a dictionary?’ and then I volunteered to hand them out. The kids were so appreciative. For some, it was the first book they had received to call their own.”
In May, she chaired the Rotary Club’s inaugural Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby fundraising event at Old School Square.
“It was a huge success. We really need for people to know about that event because it helped support our charitable efforts,” she says. “Everyone was dressed Kentucky Derby style, and we had contests for best female outfit, best male outfit, and best derby hat. We had mint juleps and old-fashioneds and phenomenal delicacies from Chef Tim of Palm Beach.”
Groups supported by Rotary volunteers and contributions include the Achievement Centers for Children and Families in Delray Beach, the Soup Kitchen in Boynton Beach, the Miracle League, DAF, and the Scholastic Achievement Foundation of Palm Beach County.
“We are actively looking for more members, so if inclined, contact me,” Rana says. “I’d love to invite people to understand the Rotary experience.”
Rana can be reached by email by clicking on her name at delrayrotary.org.
Toward the goal of improving literacy rates, Rana
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Rita Rana
also became a member of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s education fund board, and she invites people to attend that group’s Stepping Up for Our Schools annual education breakfast benefiting eight Delray Beach public schools.
It will be held at 8 a.m. Aug. 28 at the Delray Beach Golf Club, 2200 Highland Ave. The cost to attend is $40. For more information, visit delrayeducation.org/ educationbreakfast.
— Christine Davis
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A: I grew up in Setauket, a quaint unpretentious town with water views on the north shore of Long Island, similar to Delray Beach. I graduated from the University of Miami where I was president of the Public Relations Student Society and writing press releases for the Miami Chamber of Commerce. There are so many ways both
my hometown and education were influential. Most relatable is the appreciation for Delray Beach. For several years I volunteered as a docent at the Delray Beach Historical Society and have presented on the history of Delray Beach at the Beach Property Owners Association.
Q: What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: My career has been a somewhat unique experience in the investment industry. Initiated on an institutional MBS (mortgage-backed securities) trading desk on Wall Street, then as a successful investment adviser and a regional manager responsible for 75 investment advisers followed by the challenge of director of sales responsible for 200 investment professionals. The second half of my career I was responsible for a billion-dollar territory working with a multitude of financial
make your home in Delray Beach?
A: I was visiting my parents monthly to be of any support as my mom was terminally ill. I had requested my regional director relocate me as soon as possible so I could be with my mother full-time.
Occasionally, while visiting them, we would drive down Atlantic Avenue to the beach. Whenever we would drive by Old School Square it would remind me of where I grew up. Over 20 years ago, I made Delray Beach my home. It is another positive influence my parents had in my life.
Q: What is your favorite part about living in Delray Beach?
A: Overwhelmingly, the people who live here appreciate it. We know it’s unique and special. I’m among those who pull together to keep the vibe and allure that made us fall in love with this town intact as much as possible.
Q: What book are you reading now?
A: Typically, I read for relaxation and escapism. However, our book club had read Klara and the Sun That led me to thoughts on the implications of AI.
Q: What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax?
A: I love music, especially live music. Having attempted playing the piano, I am in awe of musical talent. Actually, all of the arts. Another reason to love Delray. We have varying live music and art venues, talented musicians and artists.
advisers throughout Florida. I’m proud to have successfully navigated through a highly competitive and sought-after male-dominated industry with integrity and respect, coupled with a human-centered focus.
Q: What advice do you have for a young person selecting a career today?
A: Have a clear understanding of who you are and where you excel as well as what inspires your unlimited enthusiasm. … Be openminded; where you start may not be the ultimate road you take.
Truly, take nothing for granted. If you want to accomplish something, think of every possible angle. Do not be afraid to ask for input or help. Compare yourself to no one. And … save money … just as you pay for your car insurance, just as you pay your rent or mortgage … set aside money monthly and pay yourself.
Q: How did you choose to
For inspiration, it can really range. When I’m just waking in the morning, I like classical, but my song list genuinely is a huge genre span. If I had to pin down a favorite, I might say the Eagles.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your decisions?
A: “Reach for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Q: Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?
A: Grateful for my parents, the role models of integrity, work ethic, organization, generosity and fairness. My brother, for the model of unassumingly demanding the most from oneself and excelling in various ways. And my aunt for demonstrating the power of effective communication.
Q: If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?
A: I’m not sure … but it seems Meryl Streep can play anyone.
Rita Rana, the newly installed 78th president of the Rotary Club of Delray Beach, stands at a bus stop near Old School Square that she says makes her think of kids. She got into volunteering at the Rotary Club after learning about the low literacy rates in Delray Beach schools. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Continued from page 1
and celebrations.
“It was the primary recreational community space,” said Larry Rosensweig, founding director of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.
The area that had been described as remote — sprinkled with saw palmettos and pine trees amid its sugar sand during the early part of the 20th century — is now known for its near-shore snorkeling and fishing opportunities. It has been placed in the spotlight as Palm Beach County continues its plans to develop Milani Park there, which would make the area more accessible to visitors.
The controversial park, which has drawn opposition from Highland Beach residents for decades, would envelop the beach and dune areas adjacent to Yamato Rock — named “Jap Rock” until 2006 — as well as a parcel on the west side of State Road A1A at the south end of the town.
Historical significance
The county is hoping to add the proposed site to the National Register of Historic Places because of its link to the Yamato Colony and its inclusion of a Native American burial ground believed to be more than 1,000 years old. The county has submitted a nomination that is being considered.
Rosensweig and others who have studied the Yamato Colony say the site is the last undeveloped parcel that can be linked to the Japanese farmers.
The area near the railroad tracks that was known as Yamato Village, the hub of the
Along the Coast
community, is now the site of office buildings, retail shops and condominiums.
Photos of the colony members on the beach and recollections from the farmers and their families help provide the documentation of the parcel’s historic significance.
“It’s one of the few pieces of concrete evidence we have left,” says Carla Stansifer, curator of Japanese art at the Morikami. “It’s an important part of history.”
Th rough diaries and interviews with descendants of colony members, historians and researchers have been able to understand the important role the area played in life there.
“The Yamato Colony’s roots can best be traced back to Jo Sakai, a U.S.-educated Japanese entrepreneur who was looking to establish an agricultural community in Florida,” said Susan Gillis, the curator at the
Boca Raton Historical Society.
“He came to Boca Raton in 1903 and liked what he saw.”
The colony's roots go back to 1905 and it had its heyday in the 1920s. Stansifer thinks the colony members may have been attracted to the coastal area because of its appearance.
“It’s very much like the coastline of Japan,” she said of the coral outcropping. “They may have thought ‘this looks familiar, it looks very homey.’”
Source of sustenance
Yamato Rock became a prime fishing ground that served as a food source for sharing among members of the colony.
“Some of the men would go and fish and what they caught they brought back for dinner with the whole community,” Stansifer said.
In his book The Amazing Story of Highland Beach, author Sandy Simon includes
a description from Tomiko Kobayashi, who was a member of the colony, of what it was like during the Great Depression and how important fishing at the rock was at the time.
“Nobody had any money and nobody could get a job,” Simon quoted Kobayashi as saying.
“All we could do was work in the fields and since it was too hot to grow anything during the summer we would go over to Yamato Rocks to the beach and fish for food. There were lots of fish there and it was much cooler.”
During a presentation at the Delray Beach Historical Society in July, Bryan Davis, a principal planner with Palm Beach County, said that fishing is discussed prominently in diaries and oral histories.
Among the fish caught from the rock or surrounding area were bluefish, pompano and cubera snapper, he said.
Place for celebrations
Besides fishing, the beach area near Yamato Rock was important for weekend picnics and special occasions, including a New Year’s celebration.
Photos from members of the colony show gatherings on the Native American mound, and Simon, in his book, quotes locals as recalling groups of Japanese families getting together there on the weekends.
“It was an important place for the community to gather,” Stansifer said.
Rosensweig said the area's preservation is important due to the evidence there of Native Americans and the history of the Yamato Colony members.
“It’s one of the last remaining examples on the South Florida coast of the continuum of human existence,” he said. P
Coerced to erase rainbow street art, cities seek new avenues to honor gay pride
By Jane Musgrave
When Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long learned city officials were planning to comply with federal and state demands to paint over a 4-yearold rainbow-hued gay pride intersection, he got angry.
But, realizing that the city would risk losing millions of dollars in transportation improvements if it defied the orders, he decided to find ways to keep the spirit of the pride streetscape at Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast First Street — and the road money.
Recognizing that neither the state nor the federal government holds the purse strings for city parks, Long said he is mulling over the possibility of establishing a gay pride symbol on city land. Painting a mural on a city building is another suggestion he is exploring.
By the commission’s Aug. 12 meeting, he said he plans to have something for his fellow elected officials to consider.
“It’s just such vindictive, petty bullshit that our state is focusing on instead of addressing real
problems,” Long said.
Other gay rights advocates, who have watched similar streetscapes erased in other cities, share his view.
The stage for the erasures was set on June 30 when the Florida Department of Transportation sent a letter to cities and counties, warning that state road funds could be cut off if “non-compliant traffic control devices and surface markings, including pavement art installations” aren’t removed.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a similar letter to all 50 governors. “Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks,” Duffy said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
By July 16, Boynton Beach had painted over its colorful streetscape on East Ocean Avenue. West Palm Beach said it, too, will remove a rainbowpatterned crosswalk in the Old Northwood neighborhood.
West Palm Beach, however, is already moving forward with plans to re-create the streetscape at a small park nearby.
Boynton Beach City Manager
Daniel Dugger said the city also wants to do something to replace the streetscape. But, no specific plans have been made.
“The city remains committed to finding appropriate ways to honor and celebrate our diverse community and will consider alternative memorial options at a future date,” Dugger said in a statement.
Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, said the recent dictates on the streetscapes are just another attack by the Trump administration on marginalized groups.
Faced with the threat of losing millions in federal grants, Palm Beach County commissioners and the School Board in recent months temporarily abandoned programs designed to help women, minorities and other disadvantaged groups.
“It makes no sense to blackmail cities,” said Hoch, a longtime gay rights activist. But, he said, sadly it works.
Hoch has been fighting to protect the Delray Beach
streetscape since the human rights council paid $16,000 to make it a reality in 2021.
Since then, it has been vandalized three times — most recently in June when a driver burned tire marks into the painted pavement. The driver of the pickup that was captured on video has not been caught by Delray Beach police.
But, Hoch said, the two men who were caught — one who left black marks on the painting during an ad hoc parade to celebrate Donald Trump’s birthday shortly after the streetscape was completed, and another in 2024 — were placed on probation.
“A slap on the wrist,” said Hoch, who wanted both to be charged with hate crimes. All of the vandalism occurred during June — Gay Pride Month.
Hoch bristled at claims by both federal and state transportation officials that the road art causes accidents by distracting drivers.
He claims studies, including one done in 2022 for Bloomberg Philanthropies, found that crashes declined when
intersections were painted.
“If you put in colorful crosswalks and intersections, people will slow down,” Hoch said, summing up the findings that prompted cities across the country to paint asphalt.
Likewise, he said, the notion that tax money is wasted is flawed. In Delray Beach, he pointed out that his group paid for the project and the two men who were arrested paid to have it restored.
“The only thing taxpayers are paying for is to cover it up,” Hoch said.
He said he has no plans to fight the decisions. He understands cities need federal and state money to operate and can’t risk losing either.
He applauded West Palm Beach and other cities that are working to find alternative ways to support the gay community.
But, he said, his real reason for not fighting is that, after years of progress, he now has more important battles to wage.
“I’d rather use my political capital to make sure LGBTQ+ people continue to be protected,” he said. P
LEFT: Men celebrate a good harvest at the mound, circa 1916. The mound, as the early Yamato colonists called it, is the Native American burial mound near Yamato Rock. RIGHT: Oscar Kobayashi with a large snook he caught near Yamato Rock. Photos provided by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Frances Bourque
By Rich Pollack
DELRAY BEACH — Frances Bourque’s name will forever be synonymous with Delray Beach’s Old School Square.
A tenacious and passionate supporter of the complex that serves as the city’s cultural center, Mrs. Bourque spent decades as a volunteer advocate for the former school complex she helped save from destruction.
Those who best knew Mrs. Bourque, who died July 15 at 84, will tell you that her impact on Delray Beach goes far beyond bricks and mortar, even eclipsing her enormous influence on cultural arts.
“Her legacy is that of making a community come together and building a gathering place for all,” said Joe Gillie, who served as Old School Square’s president for more than two decades. “And she did it in such an amazing and graceful way.”
As the driving force in advocating for Old School Square, Mrs. Bourque donned many hats, meeting with community members in the early days to persuade them to help save the chainlink-fenced property that was the victim of neglect, or later meeting with donors.
“Frances had a passion for uniting people,” Gillie said. “She went to every segment of the city and talked with everyone.”
No matter the venue or who was in the audience, her passion for the project seeped from her words.
“Whenever she stood up to speak, you stopped what you were doing,” said Gloria Adams, who initially worked with Mrs. Bourque out of a trailer and later became director of the Cornell Art Museum in the 1913 Delray Elementary School.
“She touched your heart when she spoke about Old School Square and what she wanted it to be. No matter who she spoke to, she always made you want to be a part of it.”
Gillie recalls going to media interviews with Mrs. Bourque and hearing her describe the effort to save the old school as being done sort of on the fly.
“She would always say, ‘I don’t have any idea of what I’m doing, we just do it,’” he said. “But she knew exactly what she was doing.”
Th rough the years, Mrs. Bourque’s involvement in Old School Square evolved as she remained a leading voice as chairwoman of the board and a board member in more recent years.
A ll of her involvement, Gillie says, came while she was raising a family with her husband,
Bob, an OB-GYN in the community.
“It was fascinating to see the woman who said she didn’t know what she was doing, doing it all,” Gillie said.
Born in Belle Glade, Mrs. Bourque managed to mix Southern charm with a toughness that was a requirement of the job at hand.
“She was a steel magnolia,” Gillie said. “She was beautiful and she was strong — and she was always humble.”
Gillie said that while Mrs. Bourque was often the face of Old School Square, there was much that the outside world didn’t see.
“Behind the scenes she was working twice as hard,” he said.
Mrs. Bourque was serving as vice president at the Delray Beach Historical Society in the mid1980s when she and then-Mayor Doak Campbell hatched the plan to save the historic buildings that comprised the school.
In 1985, a community task force was created with Mrs. Bourque at the helm, and the following year Old School Square Inc. was formed.
Th ree years later, Mrs. Bourque recruited Adams to work side by side with her to make her vision a reality, and in 1990, the Cornell Museum opened with Adams at the helm.
Much of the work came at a time when Delray Beach was struggling to restore a once-vibrant downtown that was in decline.
“Nobody wanted to come downtown,” Adams said.
O ver the decades, Old School Square became a hub of activities and played a significant role in rescuing downtown.
A long the way, Mrs. Bourque and Adams developed a deep friendship that included taking vacations with their families together or just being there for each other through tough times.
“Frances was just someone who made life better for everyone she touched,” Adams said.
Mrs. Bourque is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Robert G. Bourque; four children, Andrew Bourque (Kira Brown), Chris Bourque, Nicole Wisniew and Noel Bourque (Julie); nine grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
The eldest of six siblings, she is survived by her brother Andy Fontaine and three sisters, Mary-Helen (Rassi), Judy (Tom Deery), and Angel (Steven Welsh). She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Fontaine and her parents.
A funeral Mass was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. A flower ceremony was to be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., in front of the Angel Statue.
State Rep. Joe Casello
By Tao Woolfe
BOYNTON BEACH — Longtime firefighter and Florida state Rep. Joe Casello, D-Boynton Beach, who went from fighting fires to fighting for his constituents, died on July 18 from a heart attack. He was 73.
The popular politician, who previously served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner, will be missed.
Term limits prevented him from running for reelection in 2026, so Rep. Casello was planning to run for the Palm Beach County Commission, which was a longtime dream, said his friend and colleague Justin Katz, president of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association.
“He was 100% gung-ho about the Palm Beach County Commission, even though it would mean a lot more work. Nothing would have stopped him, except this,” Katz said.
Rep. Casello was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. He joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1974, and was promoted to lieutenant in 1984. During his 33 years with the department, he served many roles, including as an arson investigator and as a liaison to the Massachusetts state Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Worcester Fire Department posted a statement on its website announcing Rep. Casello’s death. It said in part: “Joe was dedicated to the Department, the Worcester community, and public service, and his contributions will surely be missed.”
Rep. Casello retired from the department and moved to Florida in 2009. He was first elected to the City Commission in 2013 and the state House in 2018.
“He served people all his life. He would meet with anybody on any issue, even if he completely disagreed with someone. He was a statesman who enjoyed interacting with people,” said Katz, who served with Rep. Casello on the Boynton Beach commission.
Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, had similar observations.
“Joe Casello was the kind of public servant every community hopes for,” Fried said in a statement posted on the Florida Democratic Party website.
“As a firefighter for 33 years, he literally ran toward danger to protect others. As an Air Force veteran, he understood how important it was to serve selflessly. As a city commissioner and state legislator, he brought that same courage and steady leadership to the halls of government.”
She added, “Whether it was delivering for working families or making government more accessible, Joe always led with heart and common sense.”
The House Democratic Caucus also issued an obituary, saying Rep. Casello died “surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend.” It called him a champion for first responders, police and firefighters, as well as military veterans, saying, “He has sponsored legislation strengthening medical benefits for firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty. He also worked with his colleagues to pass a joint resolution allowing the surviving spouses of deceased, disabled veterans to continue claiming the same tax credits to which their families were entitled before death.”
The son of a Navy World War II veteran, Rep. Casello served as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, installing radio transmission sites across the country. He was also an electrical contractor and owned Casello Electrical Services.
He volunteered his time to many organizations, including serving on the boards of the JFK Hospital and the Palm Beach County League of Cities; as president of the Knollwood Homeowners Association; and as a member of both the Palm Beach Sober Home Task Force and the Municipal Retirees Association.
“He just did lots of good,” Katz said.
The two men still met regularly at the Copperpoint Brewing Co., where the staff had nicknamed Rep. Casello’s favorite beer “The Commish,” Katz said.
The family has announced that a private ceremony will be held in Massachusetts. A public memorial service is yet to be announced.
Election slated to fill Rep. Casello’s House seat
Gov. Ron DeSantis has scheduled a special primary election for Sept. 30 to fill the Florida House of Representatives District 90 seat vacated by the death of State Rep. Joe Casello (D-Boynton Beach).
Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long was the only declared candidate as of late July. Rep. Casello, who could not run for reelection in 2026 due to term limits, had earlier endorsed Long as his 2026 replacement in the heavily Democratic district.
A special general election, if needed, is slated for Dec. 9. The District 90 seat, which includes parts of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, will be up for election again in November 2026.
Along the Coast Water, sewer projects highlight state grants in South County
By Rich Pollack
Water and sewer system improvement projects and road renovations, along with public safety enhancements, were among projects in south Palm Beach County that survived state budget cuts and received funding.
While Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed many of the appropriations that made it through the legislative approval process, infrastructure projects in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Lantana received a green light as did public safety projects in Highland Beach and Delray Beach.
“The governor, the speaker of the House and the House budget chair all want to support Palm Beach County,” said state Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, who fought for many of the appropriations received by the area’s municipalities. “They recognize that we work hard to keep our residents safe and thriving.”
Water and sewer projects were a priority for the governor, according to Gossett-Seidman, and several projects in south Palm Beach County were funded. They include:
• The Golden Harbor Water
Infrastructure improvements project in Boca Raton, which received $750,000 for replacing old pipes in the Golden Harbor community near Lake Wyman Park, east of Federal Highway. The project is scheduled to begin this year.
• The Boynton Beach Water System Improvement project, which includes replacing old pipes, received $375,000, half of the total $750,000 cost. The project is set to begin and end next year.
• Lantana’s Water Main Improvement Project, which included the second phase of a large-scale pipe replacement project that began last month, received $1.3 million.
Among the sewer projects funded are:
• A lift station replacement project in Lantana, which received $500,000 to rehabilitate four lift stations.
• The Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvement Project in Boynton Beach received $500,000 to replace existing pipes. The total cost of the project, which is set to begin next year, is $1 million.
Both approved projects in Boynton Beach were sponsored in the Florida Senate by Sen. Lori Berman, and co-sponsored in the House by State Rep.
Joe Casello. Berman also cosponsored the Lantana water project, and the Golden Harbor project in Boca Raton with Gossett-Seidman.
Berman and Casello also shepherded a $600,000 request from Ocean Ridge for its water main replacement project through the Legislature — but DeSantis struck it from the budget.
One of the biggest South County projects to receive funding is the El Rio Trail Project in Boca Raton, which will include creating an underpass for the trail at Spanish River Boulevard. The trail is now detoured to Northwest Sixth Way and back at the boulevard because of safety crossing concerns following numerous crashes there.
The trail is a pathway for pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists and for other non-motorized uses along the El Rio Canal, east of Interstate 95 south of Yamato Road and west of the interstate north of Yamato. The city will receive $1 million for the project, which could cost as much as $7.5 million.
“The primary purpose of the El Rio Trail Project is to construct an underpass crossing of Spanish River
Boulevard,” city officials said.
“This underpass will connect the two segments of the El Rio Trail, thereby reducing illegal pedestrian crossing maneuvers and creating a more pleasant and safer experience for all trail users.”
Gossett-Seidman, who sponsored the appropriation in the House while state Sen. Tina Polsky sponsored it in the Senate, said that the crossing of Spanish River Boulevard has become more treacherous with the opening of the I-95 interchange.
The project could begin next year and be completed in about two years.
Another road improvement project, this one on the border of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, received $1 million in funding.
The Gulfstream Boulevard/ Southeast 36th Avenue Streetscape Improvement project will address degradation issues that are causing sinking of the roadway in several areas. The project, which has a total price of $2 million and will begin as early as this month, was sponsored by Berman in the Senate and Gossett-Seidman in the House.
“As someone who lives in the community, I was well aware
South Palm Beach Construction plans still not carved in stone — or prefabricated panels
By Brian Biggane
Over the past three years, the South Palm Beach Town Council has consistently planned to construct its new Town Hall with structural insulated panels (SIPs), a modern approach council members have said would enhance the town’s reputation.
That may yet change.
Joe Barry, vice president of CPZ Architects, the firm responsible for drawing up plans for the project, said at the July council meeting that he plans to present options in tilt wall and concrete block construction as well as SIPs when the time comes to make that decision.
“We’ve decided to explore our options and keep them open, based on construction costs and project duration,” Barry said moments after leaving the meeting. “The council supports being better informed to make that decision.”
Council member Elvadianne Culbertson said the protracted time frame of working through myriad issues to get to this point may have changed the equation.
“Five years ago, SIPs was definitely faster and less expensive, so is that still the case?” Culbertson asked. “I want to be sure that the new technology is still what we want.”
Barry assured the council that CPZ is fully prepared to go ahead with SIPs if that’s the decision,
and he recalled that when CPZ made its formal presentation to win the contract in late 2024, that an SIPs expert was one of its five representatives at the meeting.
Later, he added, “The initial studies we did early on didn’t indicate any difference (in cost) between any of the construction methods.”
Mayor Bonnie Fischer, who has been a proponent of SIPs almost since the decision to build a new Town Hall was made, said she will wait until she gets more information before making up her mind.
“I’ve been adamant about it; my only issue is it’s been three years and we don’t know if the price has gone up. That’s my preferred choice but I’m open to other alternatives,” she said.
“But I would like to stick with (SIPs). I think it would expedite the building process. And it’s something that would put South Palm Beach on the map, if we did something unique.”
Fischer and Vice Mayor Monte Berendes also quizzed Barry about altering the size of the building, Fischer wanting to make the ceilings higher to enhance the views of the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and Berendes to make the building smaller.
“We’re going to look more closely at the overall size of the building,” Barry said. That needs to be done before other consultants he plans
to bring on board get involved, he said.
Updating what has been done so far, Barry said an environmental task force had uncovered remnants of old storage tanks — containing contaminants — underneath the current building. The council approved a motion to continue that work.
“It’s not, ‘Oh my God, we have all these contaminants,’ it’s just slightly elevated,” Barry said. “So, what this allows them to do is come back and do a little more to expand their exploration, to get a better picture of what this ground contamination is doing or where it exists to get a better understanding of what we’re dealing with.”
Barry said he expects his firm will require another nine to 12 months to complete its work, meaning it will likely be at least April 2026 before a groundbreaking ceremony can be held.
“This is a typical process that I would see in most municipalities,” he said after the meeting. “What’s different is council was very careful to go through a conceptual design process first to make sure all the needs and wants were taken into account and they came to a consensus.
“The council unanimously approved the conceptual design, which is really important. I really celebrate how they went about that, and uniting them is going to help us move forward from here.” P
of the significant degradation issues and am confident that this funding will help restore the roadway so it can stay in service in good condition for years to come,” Berman said.
The Legislature also funded two local public safety projects, including approving $250,000 to expand the reach of the Delray Beach Police Department’s Real Time Crime center, which includes cameras on the barrier island as well as in other areas of the city.
In Highland Beach, the town will receive $250,000 to help pay for a public safety dock on the Intracoastal Waterway that can be used by police and fire rescue personnel in the event of waterrelated medical emergencies. The town is hoping to get additional funding for the $2.2 million project from the Florida Inland Navigation District.
Gossett-Seidman and Highland Beach Town Manager Marshall Labadie say that the dock, specially designed for public safety, will be a facility that is available to all police and fire rescue departments in the area.
“The funding is a commitment from the state to put a regional public safety facility on the Intracoastal Waterway,” Labadie said. P
South Palm Beach News
Tax rate holding steady as values take a hit — The South Palm Beach Town Council has tentatively approved keeping the town’s property tax rate unchanged from last year — at $3.40 for each $1,000 of taxable value.
The council made that decision after Town Manager Jamie Titcomb reported the town was the only municipality in Palm Beach County to see its taxable property value drop this year — if only by 0.21%, or roughly a $1.4 million decrease to $639.5 million.
Titcomb credited the drop to “the cooling off” of the market for older condos in recent years, fueled in part by higher assessments needed to meet requirements that condo associations build up their reserves to fund future repairs.
On a related subject, Town Accountant Ron Bennett reported that the town had spent only 60% of its budget and the fiscal year was 75% complete. Titcomb said any surplus would be added to the Town Hall fund.
Letter carrier honored — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mark Garrison announced that U.S. Postal Service employee Veronica Thompson had been named the recipient of the Star Resident Award. She received it for coming to the aid of a resident she found unresponsive in a car in June.
Garrison said Thompson not only called first responders to the scene but, upon seeing the woman had groceries in the back seat, arranged for them to be held in a nearby condo until she could return to claim them.
Mayor Bonnie Fischer also recognized Deputy Donna Korb on her 25th anniversary with PBSO.
CAAB appointment — Louis J. Urban was appointed to the Community Affairs Advisory Board.
Council plans road trip — In an unusual move, the entire five-person Town Council plans to attend the annual Florida League of Cities meeting in Orlando in August. Fischer will be the town’s voting delegate.
— Brian Biggane
agenda-driven, censoring opposing viewpoints and allowing personal attacks and proliferating misinformation.
In one case involving Lantana elected officials, violence was endorsed, the vice mayor says.
The proliferation of social media sites focused on municipal government is so profound that it’s hard to track them all down. Whether they influence the government is a matter of debate that reflects the polarizing politics of the day. In other words, you either love it or loathe it.
Besides Delray Matters on Facebook, there are Delray Raw and the Delray Beach Community Forum. Then there is the anonymously published Delray Gazette, which often has incendiary articles that are picked up by Delray Matters and other groups.
Into the mouth of the rat
In Boca Raton, there are the websites BocaFirst.org and 4Boca.com. The Nextdoor app for Boca Raton can get into the municipal weeds. Right now, the hot topic is the redevelopment of the city’s 30-acre downtown campus — and the “Save Boca” opposition movement.
Former Boca Raton City Council candidate Brian Stenberg posted on Nextdoor on July 23: “Hearing the constant ‘Government Campus/ Memorial Park’ drumbeat is tiring, but it’s an important point in Boca Raton’s history. It’s about the difference between cost and value. It’s about our relationship with our local government.”
Boca Raton resident Holli Sutton says she has used Nextdoor to organize the resident opposition that killed the construction of an assisted living facility next to her home in Palmetto Park Terrace — a proposal rejected by the City Council.
“Nextdoor was essential in helping us spread the word,” said Sutton, who is now building opposition to a proposed condominium complex for the same space by the same developer.
Digital marketer Jason Pelish, who publishes 4Boca.com, says he knows more than he would like about social media influencing local government. Pelish worked with Al Zucaro when the politician produced BocaWatch before running for Boca Raton mayor.
However, the BocaWatch that Pelish first encountered gave true meaning to Boca’s translated name: rat’s mouth. A schism occurred when Pelish, as he tells it, tried to clean up BocaWatch from “nasty and really just mean people hurting genuine political dialogue.”
Zucaro shuttered BocaWatch after he lost his second mayoral bid in 2018 — then tried to start it up again a half-year later — while Pelish eventually started 4Boca. That site aggregates links to relevant content from other publications that focus on Boca Raton.
Meanwhile, BocaFirst.org publishes original content and addresses the issues of the city head-on. In July, the site addressed such in-the-weeds topics as the city losing its director of mobility and coverage of the Citizens’ Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board meeting, Pelish relishes his role as government watchdog, saying that he is good at knowing the inside scoop at City Hall. “When they see me coming, they run, basically,” he laughs.
But Pelish says this intersection between social media and local government is the Wild West, especially where people are using Facebook groups, blogs and other matters to post anonymously.
“There are a number of anonymous
people on social media — Facebook, particularly, not so anonymous on Nextdoor — who really control, for the most part, what gets exposed, what doesn’t get exposed, what gets discussed and what doesn’t get discussed online.”
Anonymous potshots
Anonymously run Facebook groups, websites and newsletters allow certain candidates to get their messages across while censoring others, Pelish said.
“I think it is textbook campaign fraud,” he said.
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney said he also has a problem with anonymous social media posts and newsletters.
“I like to know who is writing it so I can understand the context of the comment, because you can have a political objective and post something anonymously,” he said.
The administrators who allow anonymous posts, Carney said, are taking a risk. “Freedom of speech does not protect you from a defamation lawsuit,” he said.
Zucaro, now years away from making waves with Boca Watch, said his site was nothing like the social media free-for-all that is present today.
“I think we simply were attempting to provide an information vehicle and provide a thesis for people to have their voice heard,” he said. “It was very effective, but it clearly wasn’t used in the manner that social media is being used in today’s world.”
A post on Nextdoor by this reporter asking what residents of Boca Raton think in regards to social media’s influence on municipal government got diverse responses.
“Nextdoor is full of mostly naysayers who don’t know all of the facts and jump to very lopsided conclusions. Then the misinformation spreads and spreads,” said one resident.
Another said, “It definitely changes municipal gov’t. It can be used by the gov’t to sway the public. A savvy citizen can do the same thing.” This was disputed by a woman who said, “I don’t believe it influences gov’t in the least.”
The Delray scoop
In his protracted ongoing contract battle with Delray Beach’s police union, Carney wanted to get an opinion on the reach of the city’s health center.
Did he call a doctor, a patient, or a director at City Hall? No, Carney called Lee of Delray Matters. The mayor said he didn’t call Lee as the administrator of the Facebook group, but she says, “He has called for other reasons and met for coffee” on different topics.
When it comes to scoops, Delray Matters posted in June a redacted portion of a whistleblower complaint filed by Jeri Pryor, the city’s director of neighborhood and community services, before any television or newspaper did. Pryor’s complaint against City Manager Terrence Moore and Vice Mayor Rob Long was found “unsubstantiated” by an independent investigator.
Pryor has told the city attorney that the publication of the whistleblower complaint in Delray Matters, as well as The Coastal Star and the Sun Sentinel, has led to public attacks that have contributed to a hostile work environment.
Rodney Mayo, a well-known restaurateur who claims Pryor’s code division has targeted him, sent another screed to the media in July titled, “The City of Delray Beach has Lost Its Mind!” Delray Matters ran it all.
Lee weighed in: “Why would a brand new Code Mgr target a business when she is new to the City?”
The latest edition of the Delray Gazette was also posted in Lee’s Facebook group. The publication is anonymously written and has the motto, “Because you CAN handle the truth.” Identifying the person or persons behind the newsletter is like playing a local game of Clue, and everyone is sure who has a firm grip on the pen — the name just changes depending on to whom you speak.
“Buckle up, because if the mayor has his way with the budget cuts, Delray Beach is about to get a whole lot less fun,” said one op-ed piece in the Gazette on Carney’s proposed budget cuts that would include some signature events.
Instant interaction
Gregg Weiss, who runs the Delray Beach Community Forum, said the blogs, Facebook groups, and newsletters give residents something that traditional media failed to deliver.
“Reporters were always really good about talking about government issues, in other words, issues within the cities. But where I feel they fell short, and this is
People are increasingly getting their news — and sharing their views — about their municipalities through social media, such as these citizen-led sites for Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
Images provided
just my opinion, was engaging citizens,” Weiss said.
Social media, especially hyperlocal groups, interact with people in the moment, whether it’s a lost dog or wallet, or municipal issues.
“Somebody has an issue with code enforcement? You know, they get solutions and answers,” Weiss said. “It’s very communal.”
Vice Mayor Long said he was one of the first to get into the newsletter game to reach his constituents. But he also sued former Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Chris Davey over a post on social media.
“I stay deliberately out of the groups because they are so overwhelmingly negative,” Long said. “And unfortunately, I think it creates these silos, and it creates these factions. These factions may already exist, but I think they actually end up getting strengthened, oftentimes by these Facebook groups that share a lot of disinformation.”
Filling a void
Former Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia has battled the social media horde and won. Petrolia ousted the nonprofit that ran Old School Square, which split the hoi polloi in the city right down the middle, earning her all kinds of shade and vitriol on social media.
“I think social media has been around for a long time, and what it has done is, I hate to say this, but it has somewhat started to fill the gap that we’ve lost with a lot of our news coverage,” she said.
Zucaro echoed that sentiment: “Boca Raton is in the middle of nowhere. I mean The Post barely covers it and the Sun Sentinel, I don’t think they even think it exists.”
Seasoned journalist Randy Schultz has been filling the gap with his City Watch items in Boca Magazine, but he can tiptoe the line between commentary and news. He was not a fan of Petrolia’s ousting the nonprofit that ran Old School Square.
Petrolia said she started a newsletter when she was in office “that was very popular” to address issues in City Hall that were not being covered by television stations and newspapers.
Carney has a newsletter and tries to use it not only to sway public sentiment
By Steve Plunkett
The gift shop at Boca Raton’s Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
should reopen “quite soon,” but answers to what will become of the signature sea turtle rehabilitation efforts there remain elusive.
The nonprofit Coastal Stewards, which ran the rehab unit until suddenly deciding to close it and the gift shop it ran June 12, released its final patient, a green sea turtle named Sparrow, into the ocean at Red Reef Park across from the nature center on July 10. The same day, it released one named Blossom in Stuart.
In its July newsletter, the group — previously known as Friends of Gumbo Limbo — said it has shifted away from rehab work and “evolved to focus on youth leadership and coastal conservation programs that protect Florida’s ecosystems today.”
“As we enter a period of transition,” it continued, “the Board of Directors is thoughtfully evaluating the best path forward for the organization and its mission.”
Boca Raton officials were also trying to draw a map to Gumbo Limbo’s future.
“We’re looking at a number of options to, first of all, restore the gift shop, which is very popular,” City Manager George Brown told the City Council on July 15. “We are considering
but also the commissioners. He torched them not once but twice in July for not suggesting cuts to the budget. It didn’t work; they voted against him.
In June, Carney blasted the Police Benevolent Association in his newsletter — which is sent out via email — for wanting an increase in retirement benefits, saying the money would go only to the upper echelon and not the rank-and-file troops.
The Lantana threat
Lantana Mayor Karen Lythgoe and Vice Mayor Kem Mason take a different approach. They want as little to do with social media as possible, finding it toxic.
It’s hard to blame them.
Mason said that, in 2021, a comment on a Facebook group endorsed throwing sulfuric acid on some elected officials. Mason, first elected in 2022, said the group administrator endorsed the post.
The former firefighter called out the post at a council meeting during public comments.
“Bullies are only stopped if you stand up to them,” he said.
Mason said he feels people lose their civility on social media, emboldened to attack their government and elected officials.
“[They] feel as though they’re protected behind their screen or their keyboard,” he
whether or not we should be in the turtle rehab business. We will continue to have turtle people being able to engage with the turtles, but whether or not we run a turtle hospital is something we’re exploring.”
Rehab options Brown said his staff has been talking with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach for a possible solution.
“Our concern there is whether or not we want to actually hire them and pay them to operate the facility, whether we want to be in the (rehab) business and be responsible for it,” Brown said.
He said the first conversation “was more of a simple partnership, that they would use the facility and we would
said. “If people had to face the person that they’re criticizing, they probably would be more civilized.”
Lythgoe in February addressed misinformation on social media during a council meeting. She says social media is a bad method for residents to interact with their government.
“The people who seem to
have an agreement. And then it seems that they are interested in being a contractor to us. And we are evaluating whether or not we will recommend doing that.
“But we’re definitely working toward the gift shop. We actually have a couple of options for that, and it should be open quite soon,” Brown said.
Mayor Scott Singer was pleased that staff was looking at maintaining the rehab facilities.
“That is an important component of what we have there at Gumbo Limbo,” he said.
The day before, Commissioner Craig Ehrnst of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District implored council members to issue a request for proposals to see whether other groups would like to run the sea turtle
have the most negative things to say are not people who interact with any of us,” she told The Coastal Star. “We do not see them at the meetings.”
Lythgoe says she gets frustrated when seeing the misinformation online about the town she loves and her initial reaction is like a lot of people’s — to respond with
hospital. The Beach and Park District reimburses the city for operating expenses and capital improvements at Gumbo Limbo and Red Reef Park.
“It is one of our world-class jewels that we have, a top thing for Trip Advisor,” Ehrnst said. “We need all the things that it has.”
Clearing out
Meanwhile, the Coastal Stewards van is parked on the grass in front of the nature center “so we can use it to help move equipment and it will be moved as soon as the board decides the plan moving forward,” said Melissa Perlman, the group’s spokeswoman.
“The Coastal Stewards are working on donating medical equipment to several nonprofit
equal venom.
“I was on Nextdoor and there was this guy who said Lantana was so disappointing. And I was like, ‘Whoa, Karen. Don’t. Don’t.’ And then I politely and nicely said, ‘You need to get your facts straight.’”
Mason said he stays off social media altogether — so anybody using it to criticize him
sea turtle/wildlife rescue organizations based on each of their needs and the equipment the team can provide them with,” Perlman said. “According to (its veterinarian Shelby) Loos, that way we know the equipment will continue to directly help with conservation missions.”
Perlman also said over the next couple of weeks the Stewards will continue to pack and help move everything as those organizations come to pick up their donations.
The nonprofit Coastal Stewards group had run the rehab unit and gift shop since April 2024, but declining contributions and increased competition for donations led its trustees to curtail operations at their June 12 meeting.
That decision came after the Coastal Stewards in April vacated rented office space in an unincorporated county pocket between Ocean Ridge and Briny Breezes.
The closure of the rehabilitation center did not affect the three “resident” sea turtles housed in outdoor tanks at Gumbo Limbo, which remain on display and available for public viewing. Also still open are the city-run turtle nesting and hatchling programs, youth camps and community education, the butterfly garden, boardwalk and observation tower. P
is usually wasting time, though some comments trickle back to him. “I’ve been called a liar, a bully and a cheat on there,” he said.
His campaign staff had to beg him to use social media when he ran for office.
“I don’t do Facebook. I don’t do Twitter, or X. I don’t do Tinder,” he said, laughing. P
Delray business owner finds artistic way to support Arts Garage
When Karen Alweil Helfman, co-owner of Stitches by the Sea in Delray Beach, learned that the Arts Garage had lost government grants, a light came on for her, she says.
“I wanted to do something to give back to my community, but I didn’t know what place I wanted to raise money for,” she said. “When I heard the Arts Garage had lost all that money, it was a no-brainer. Art is so important to me, and art affects kids, adults and the community.”
Stitches by the Sea, at 710 E. Atlantic Ave., offers handpainted canvases and threads as well as classes and personal instruction.
Here’s the project Alweil Helfman implemented in November: She is offering people the opportunity to pay $10 for 10 stitches to help create a canvas, which she will then sell, donating the proceeds and the profits to the Arts Garage.
“Our goal is to raise $32,448,” she said, explaining that this amount accounts for the number of stitches in the handmade canvas, which by the way, is of downtown Atlantic Avenue and is based on a painting by Lake Worth Beach watercolor artist Ellen Negley.
A lweil Helfman has spread the word to her customers and via her Instagram account @stitchesbythesea. She and her family have donated the canvas, which retails for $410, plus another $150 to cover the cost of the threads.
“So far, we have a little over $7,200, but not that many stitches because people are so generous,” she said. “They are sending checks saying, ‘Put in my stitches for me.’”
A lweil Helfman’s parents, Judi and Richard Alweil, opened the store after they retired and moved from Long Island to the area 15 years ago. “My mother has been in the business for years,” Alweil Helfman said. “She started out selling needlepoint from her motherin-law’s home in Long Island and she also had a wholesale company of needlepoint and knitting yarns.”
W hile Judi Alweil ran the Atlantic Avenue store, her daughter stayed in New York, running the wholesale line. “I used to dye the knitting yarns,” Alweil Helfman said, “and then I moved down here with my family about nine years ago.”
A fter she joined the business, so did her daughter, Mollie.
“We have created a community here at Stitches by the Sea, and our customers have been so supportive of us. It only seemed natural to want to give back to a community that has been so good to us,” Alweil Helfman said.
Ma rjorie Waldo, Arts Garage president and CEO, explained how the funding shortfall came to be. “In 2024-25, the Arts Garage received zero dollars
from the state Department of Cultural Affairs when the governor vetoed the arts and culture budget,” she said, amounting to more than $32 million statewide in grants for that line item.
At that point, the Arts Garage launched a Call to Action fundraising campaign and raised the dollars that it lost when the veto occurred.
“In 2025-26, Arts Garage may receive a maximum of $4,500, but even that has not been confirmed,” Waldo said. A change in guidelines means that only organizations scoring 95-100 will receive full funding. Arts Garage scored a 91 and the state has a small fund that will be divided among all of the applications that scored between 80 and 94.9 (so, a maximum of $4,500).
Instead of budgeting any state funds, “we’ve increased donor engagement and made a few very careful cuts to operating expenses to cover the lost funds. We have not had to cut any staff or programming as of today,” Waldo said.
“Our donors have been incredibly generous and seeing a local business like Stitches by the Sea stand up for us with fundraisers like the Needlepointers for the Arts campaign is very rewarding,” Waldo said.
“Karen Helfman is an amazing community member who stood up for us when we most needed her.”
To participate, visit Stitches by the Sea. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Richard and Diane Templer, owners of racehorses through Doubledown Stables, sold their 8,912-square-foot home at 190 NE Fifth Ave., on the Intracoastal Waterway in Boca Raton, for $18.73 million. The new owner is the Kendal Land Trust, with Cathleen G. Todd as trustee. On a 0.67-acre parcel, the five-bedroom home has a dock, summer kitchen, pool and a fire pit. The home last traded for $12.15 million in 2019. D’Angelo/Liguori and Pascal Liguori Estate Group of Premier Estate Properties brokered the deal.
Paul and Joyce Schoemaker, former university professors, sold their oceanfront property at 755 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, to 755 N Ocean LLC for $17.5 million. According to the Florida incorporation documents, the LLC is managed by Cara Zuraksi with an email address at N.F. Smith, a Houston-based firm that distributes electronic components.
Built on a 0.48-acre site in 1992, the six-bedroom, 8,546-square-foot home features an elevator, a tiki hut with a bamboo bar, a media room and a private path to the beach. The property last traded in 2012 for $6 million. Nick Malinosky and Michael O’Connor of Douglas Elliman represented the sellers in the new deal, while Maximo Cortese of Tangent Realty worked with the buyer.
Horizon of Delray Beach Inc., the co-op representing the 10 unit owners at 1191 S. Ocean
Blvd., Delray Beach, sold the property to 1191 S. Ocean Blvd LLC, managed by investor Daniel E. Edwards. Highland Beach-based 1191 S. Ocean CJ, LLC provided a $10.5 million mortgage to the buyer, with Edwards signing as guarantor. The co-op was built in 1952 on a lot of just under one acre. Edwards owned one of its 10 units. The sale was approved by the board and indicates potential redevelopment.
RealTrends Verified, a real estate performance platform, has published its lists of top agents from 2024, with agents and teams from south Palm Beach County recognized.
Nationally, David Roberts of Royal Palm Properties, Boca Raton, ranked No. 8. Among Florida agents, he ranked No. 2 with $624 million in volume.
Other agents who placed in the top 50 for volume among Florida agents include:
• No. 21, Marcy F. Javor, of Signature ONE Luxury Estates, Boca Raton, with $134 million;
• No. 22, Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Völkers, Boca Raton, $128 million;
• No. 24, Rochelle LeCavalier, Douglas Elliman, Boca Raton, with $121 million;
• No. 43, Bonnie Heatzig, Compass, Boca Raton, with $91 million.
In the Small Teams category for volume, The Friis Team, Corcoran, Delray Beach, ranked No. 28 nationally and No. 6 among Florida agents, with $251 million; and the D’Angelo/Liguori Team, Premier Estates Properties, Boca Raton, ranked No. 34
nationally and No. 8 in Florida, with $230 million.
Other Small Teams that placed in the top 50 for Florida for volume are:
• No. 28, Matt and Nick Team, Serhant, Delray Beach, with $119 million;
• No. 37, Ina Bloom, Compass, Boca Raton, with $95 million;
• No. 48, Karp/Wells Team, Premier Estate Properties, Boca Raton, with $79 million.
In the Medium Teams category for volume:
• No. 8 nationally and No. 2 in Florida, The Senada Adzem Team, Douglas Elliman, Boca Raton, with $386 million;
• No. 44 nationally and No. 10 in Florida, Pascal Liguori Estate Group, Premier Estate Properties, Delray Beach, with $204 million.
Other teams among the top 50 in the Medium Teams category for Florida for volume:
• No. 24, Alicia Gold, Compass, Boca Raton, with $105 million;
• No. 42, The Buchbinder Group, Boca Raton, with $73 million.
For the Large Teams category for volume, the Jonathan Postma Group, Coldwell Banker Realty, Boca Raton, placed No. 39 nationally and No. 5 among Florida agents with $234 million.
Other area Large Teams placing in the top 50 among Florida agents for volume:
• No. 13, Jennifer Kilpatrick Team, Corcoran, Delray Beach, with $142 million;
• No. 39, The Rucco Group, RE/MAX Direct, Delray Beach, with $88 million;
Judi Alweil and her daughter, Karen Alweil Helfman, from Stitches by the Sea hold a needlepoint canvas depicting Atlantic Avenue downtown. Delray Beach residents are paying for each stitch to raise money for the Arts Garage. Behind the pair are women working on individual projects during a sewing retreat at Stitches by the Sea. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
• No. 48, The Modern Group, One Sotheby’s International Realty, Boca Raton, with $75 million.
Mega Teams ranking within the top 50 for volume in Florida:
• No. 11, The Koolik Group, Compass, Boca Raton, $291 million;
• No. 13, The Platt Group, Compass, Delray Beach, with $251 million;
• No. 42, The Saperstein Group, eXp Realty, Boca Raton, with $99 million.
The rankings were open to real estate professionals who chose to participate in the project, based on their reported sales volume and other criteria.
Under the rules of the survey, agents and brokers who handled both sides of a transaction — representing the buyer and the seller — were allowed to double the final dollar figure when they calculated their total sales volume for the sale.
Huk, offering fishing and water-based lifestyle apparel, opened a store in July at 310A E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. The 2,300-square-foot location is Huk’s 16th retail store nationwide and its third in Florida.
“Florida has always been a core part of Huk’s story, and we’re thrilled to continue our retail growth with a third location in the state,” said Scott Smith, Huk’s vice president of marketing. “Delray Beach is
a vibrant coastal community that lives and breathes the on-the-water lifestyle, making it a natural fit for Huk’s highperformance gear and outdoor spirit.”
Huk apparel offers ICE cooling technology, moisturewicking fabrics and sun protection, with styles for men, women and kids.
For more information, visit huk.com.
The Boynton Beach Online Chamber of Commerce has grown to become the Boynton Beach Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which will operate as a traditional Chamber of Commerce designed to promote and protect the interests of its members and contribute to the economic vitality of the community. It will act as a central point for networking, advocacy, and community engagement for business and industry. For more information, visit BoyntonChamber.org.
The nonprofit Institute for Regional Conservation, as part of its mission to protect, restore and manage biological diversity, offers a free online tool “Natives
For Your Neighborhood” at regionalconservation.org/beta/ nfyn/default.asp. This database helps residents, landscapers and educators identify native plants, making it easier to know what to plant if nonnative plants are removed.
A lso, the institute announced three new board members: Bill Petry, Jorge Carlos Trejo Torres and Alan Franck
Petry, of Delray Beach, has been a volunteer with the institute since 2018. He brings experience in business and conservation nonprofit management to the board. Institute associate Torres, who resides in Mérida, Mexico, will help move forward programs in the Yucatan and Puerto Rico. Franck, an expert in plant taxonomy and floristics based at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida, will elevate the collaborative work in plant conservation and restoration.
Boca Raton resident Susan P. Brockway concluded her years of service to the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties board of directors in June. She joined the board in 2016 and recently served as vice chair.
She previously served as secretary and chair of the governance committee, and she was an active member of both the executive and governance committees.
A certified public accountant, Brockway built a professional career with PwC Coopers & Lybrand in West Palm Beach and later served as a financial controller for a real
estate and golf course developer in Boca Raton.
The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous has selected 12 middle and high school teachers and Holocaust Center personnel from five states to participate in its 2025 European study program in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.
The largest contingent in this year’s program came from Palm Beach County. Among them were Maureen Carter of Boca Raton Community High School, Risa Della Rocca of Spanish River Community High School in Boca Raton and Julie Gates of Loggers’ Run Middle School in Boca Raton.
“As we continue to move further away from the Holocaust, it is more important to empower our educators to better teach their students about the Holocaust,” said Stanlee Stahl, Jewish Federation for the Righteous executive vice president.
“By visiting the places where these complex events occurred, educators can better connect to what they are teaching, making them more effective teachers. The program is designed to help educators learn the Holocaust experientially so they can present it in a more meaningful and insightful way to their students and colleagues when they return to their schools.”
Boca Raton Achievement Center, a nonprofit educational institution that serves 11- to 22-year-old students with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities, has moved to a 9,500-square-foot facility at 2481 NW Second Ave., Boca Raton.
“One of the biggest challenges was zoning and finding a location with an appropriate traffic flow,” said Executive Director Evelyn Falconer. “We needed a place where families could drop off and pick up their children safely without impeding traffic on the main road. Our new home allows us to queue up to 30 cars around the building, which is a huge bonus.”
Highlights of the new campus include an expanded space, custom-built classrooms, gym and indoor activity centers, and a large parking lot.
It also has a new ambience: “People walk in and say, ‘Wow, it feels like a real school,’” said Falconer. “And we say, ‘That’s because it is a real school.’”
For more information, visit bocaratonachievement.com or call 561-559-9768.
Christine Davis writes about business and can be reached at cdavis9797@ gmail.com.
Dining
Is that kosher?
Restaurants serve up tacos, burgers, sushi and more that adhere to Jewish dietary laws
By Jan Norris
Kosher pizza? Tacos? And barbecue?
This is not your bubbe’s deli food.
South Florida restaurants are updating menus to include kosher foods, both casual and fine dining.
Owners are finding they attract not only the Jewish and other diners who keep kosher, but many who have never eaten the restricted diet but find they like the fresh flavors and “clean” preparations.
A i Lien Chung, co-owner of Bambu Pan Asian in Boca Raton, says that her customers often tell her they used to keep kosher diets, but quit.
“They say they will start again after tasting our food — it’s so good.”
The foods, modern and traditional Chinese, are “very popular,” she said. The mini chain she and her husband started in Miami opened in Boca Raton in 2023. It now has a third restaurant in Hollywood.
The restaurant is glatt kosher — certified to the highest standards, overseen by an Orthodox rabbi or representative before it’s opened. Ovens and stoves are torched to
burn off all nonkosher foods in a procedure called kashering, and all meats are guaranteed to be from kosher butchers. Other strict rules from a long list are followed.
“The rabbi came in, fired the kitchen, and made sure all meats were cleaned correctly. All sauces prepared correctly,” she said.
Bambu is at 141 NW 20th St., just west of Dixie Highway. Though her target audience is farther west, non-Jewish residents of east Boca are coming for the food, Chung said.
“The Boca customers are really getting into it,” she said. “Many found us and they drive a long way to get here.”
Her foods stem from childhoods she and her husband spent in Israel
in combination with traditional Chinese dishes she learned at the same time. After moving to the United States 27 years ago, and working in kosher restaurants in Miami, the couple decided to open their own kosher Chinese.
A bar and grill may not come to mind as kosher, but at Ditmas Wok and Grill, 21077 Powerline Road in Boca Raton, you can enjoy a cocktail with the Dirty Pico Taco at the bar. Burgers, steaks, chicken — all here, all kosher. Just don’t expect traditional mac ’n’ cheese as a side. Meat and dairy are never mixed at the same meal if kosher.
Several kosher restaurants are higher end, with main dishes
See KOSHER on page AT6
ABOVE: Chinese food such as steamed chicken dumplings, long noodle soup and sesame chicken can keep their same flavors and still be prepared following kosher guidelines. BELOW: A kosher food supervisor whose name is Boruch watches as chef Lee Tran prepares chicken curry at Bambu Pan Asian in Boca Raton. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Tots & Teens
Delray temple’s new take on education. Page AT17
On the Water Catch wahoo under a full moon this month. Page AT16
Health & Harmony Horses give boost to yoga classes. Page AT14
Paws up for Pets
Help your dog keep cool this summer. Page AT11
Lilly Pulitzer Summer Savings
Beach House Boutique
Sale Ends Aug. 31st Summer Savings
Women’s Accessories Gifts • Home Goods
Located in former “Pink House” just north of Woolbright 1120 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach 33435 561-770-7113 • beachhousegiftboutique.com Hours Mon.-Fri.10am-6pm • Sat. 10am-3pm
Philanthropy Notes
Literacy Coalition selects 2025-26 officers
The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County has announced its slate of officers for the 2025-26 season.
The executive committee includes:
• Dr. Regine Bataille, president
• Grace Halabi, vice president
• Sharon Hill, vice president
• Aurora Arthay, secretary
• Caleb Bowser, treasurer
Immediate past president is Matthew Criscuolo.
Parliamentarians are Debra Ghostine, Len Gray and Bernadette O’Grady. Membersat-large include Chris Duke and Laurie Gildan.
For more information, call 561-279-9103 or visit literacypbc. org
Community Foundation names philanthropy chair
Cereal4All drive benefits Boca Helping Hands
Cereal4All, which runs an annual drive organized by twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin, collected nearly 11,000 pounds of cereal this past spring and donated it to Boca Helping Hands.
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has named Tandy Robinson chairwoman of its Philanthropic Advisory Council.
Robinson, a private wealth adviser, joined the advisory council in 2018. Its network of professionals provides strategic guidance to help the foundation better serve clients. She also is the cofounder and former president of Impact 100 Palm Beach County and a trustee of Boca Helping Hands.
“Our Philanthropic Advisory Council is in exceptional hands with Tandy Robinson stepping into the role of chair,” said Mary Katherine Morales, vice president of philanthropic services at the foundation. “We’re grateful for her leadership and excited to continue expanding our impact alongside her in the community we proudly serve.”
In other news, Mary Pat Alcus and Kristen Bissett were appointed to the foundation board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Pat and Kristen to our board,” said Chairman Jeffrey Stoops, noting that both women have backgrounds in finance. “Their leadership and
deep financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue working to support our neighbors and create lasting change across Palm Beach and Martin counties.”
For more information, call 561-659-6800 or visit yourcommunityfoundation.org/ philanthropic-advisory-council
Milagro Center celebrates Community Art Garden Milagro Center welcomed 50 enthusiastic guests for the official ribbon cutting and grand reopening of the revitalized Community Art Garden 2.0.
The event was a celebration of community, creativity and collaboration in the heart of the Set, a Delray Beach neighborhood. Barbara Stark, the center’s president and CEO, led the festivities at the transformed outdoor space that features donor bricks, murals and pavers.
“This project is more than an art installation — it’s a movement,” Stark said. “It’s about revitalizing our neighborhood, giving local youth and artists a voice and creating a lasting legacy of creativity and pride.”
For more information, call 561-279-2970, ext. 101 or visit milagrocenter.org
That translates into approximately 100,000 bowls of cereal thanks to support from businesses, schools and students.
“We created Cereal4All to fight hunger around America’s breakfast tables because millions of American families suffer from food insecurity, which means they can’t always afford enough meals for everyone in their homes,” Luke Justin said. “Since breakfast food is one of the least-donated items to food banks, pantry bags of meals distributed to families in need are often missing breakfast food.”
Added Jett Justin, “Cereal is about breakfast, but it’s also about happiness, so we were bothered by the reality that millions of families and kids might not have daily access to breakfast and that moment of happiness in their day.”
For more information about Boca Helping Hands, call 561-417-0913 or visit bocahelpinghands.org.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@ bellsouth.net
Robinson
Alcus
The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County's new slate of officers includes (l-r) Aurora Arthay, Dr. Regine Bataille, Grace Halabi and Sharon Hill, who are pictured with Matthew Criscuolo and Chris Duke. Photo provided
Bissett
Celebrations
Leadership course graduation
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach — June 10
Nonprofits First celebrated the Class of 2025, the fifth in its Advancing Leaders program, by honoring 10 accomplished professionals representing nonprofits from across Palm Beach County. Each person completed an intensive six-month leadership development course designed for professionals in the field of philanthropy who are taking on senior management roles.
‘This program is about more than professional development, it’s about building a community of visionary leaders who are ready to tackle the complex challenges facing our sector,’ said Trudy Crowetz, president and CEO of Nonprofits First. ‘We’re incredibly proud of this year’s graduates and the impact they’re already making within their organizations and the community.’
ABOVE: (l-r) Todd L’Herrou, Carolina Libreros and Jamie-Lyn Richartz. Photo provided
Members Meeting and Awards Ceremony
Boca Raton Historical Society — May 8
Recognizing outstanding individuals and community partners whose contributions have supported the Boca Raton Historical Society, the festive event brought together board members, staff, supporters and volunteers to reflect on the 2024-25 season. Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the President’s Award to LeAnn Berman, Jesse Cordoba, Rebecca DeMonte, Olivia Hollaus, Lauri Saunders and Dawn Zook. The Outstanding Community Partner Award was presented to Marta Batmasian and Zoe Lanham. ‘This annual gathering is more than a meeting,’ said Mary Csar, the society’s executive director. ‘It’s a celebration of our collective efforts to preserve Boca Raton’s heritage and the extraordinary people who make that possible.’ TOP: (l-r) Denise Alman, Cordoba and Saunders.
ABOVE: Csar and Batmasian.
Photos provided
Charity golf tournament
Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton — May 12
Participants swung into action for HomeSafe and raised $77,000 in proceeds that will go toward helping thousands of children and families and prevent future cases of abuse. ‘By playing here, you are helping to save the lives of vulnerable, deeply traumatized children,’ HomeSafe CEO Matthew Ladika said. ‘Thank you for giving them the hope and healing they deserve.’
ABOVE: (l-r) Logan Shalmi, Patty Larkin, Fern Schmidt, Pete Austin and Phil Procacci. LEFT: Ladika with Dick Damron.
On June 19, 1865, news of freedom made its way to Galveston, Texas, where the enslaved finally were informed of their emancipation by Union troops more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum helped commemorate the moment in history by raising funds for future Juneteenth celebrations. ‘We are raising $100,000 or more for the continuation of our programs, events and exhibits, which serve every resident of Palm Beach County with arts, history, culture and education,’ said Elizabeth Burrows, the museum’s board president. ‘Please join us in raising funds, so that the house still stands.’ TOP: (l-r) Colleen Rhodd, Mary Aperavich and Yvonne Prince. ABOVE: (l-r) Singleton Cox, Michelle Brown and Burrows. Photos provided by MasterWing Creative Agency
Photos provided by Tracey Benson Photography
Juneteenth celebration
Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce June 17
Along the Coast Volunteer drivers help cancer patients get to regular medical appointments
By Hannah Spence
Every 15 seconds on average, somebody discovers he or she has cancer. Imagine struggling to find a way to get to lifesaving treatment on top of receiving the diagnosis. Fortunately, there is Road to Recovery, a program that provides free transportation for cancer patients to and from their medical appointments.
Launched in 1981, Road to Recovery was recently highlighted at Fork Cancer — a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society — which celebrated its fourth year at West Palm Beach’s Norton Museum of Art. The event raised almost $101,000.
Operating costs associated with the ride program, such as background checks and coordination with volunteer drivers, are covered by ACS and its donors.
“I think Road to Recovery is an amazing program,” said Jonathan Duerr, Fork Cancer event chair, who lost his father to pancreatic cancer. Whereas his family was able to take turns getting his father to appointments, “not everybody is that fortunate. That’s why it’s important to continue to help in the fight,” he said.
According to Duerr, the event saw a 25% increase in funds raised from last year and driver Tim Sharp of Delray Beach was recognized for providing more than 60 rides in six months.
Road to Recovery has more than 5,000 drivers nationwide and has seen exceptional success in Palm Beach County, where almost half of ride requests are granted. All drivers are trained volunteers.
One of them is 82-year-old Joe Ludwig, who lives in Boca Raton part of the year.
“I know I’m doing something meaningful and helping people out,” said Ludwig, a three-time cancer survivor himself.
Road to Recovery offers flexibility, allowing volunteers to schedule their availability. They also have the option of just taking a patient one way or both to and from the appointment.
Drivers and patients communicate through a website called Roundtrip. Patients say when they need to be picked up and drivers receive alerts when rides are in their designated areas. Once drivers accept the rides, they typically receive information about patients, such as phone numbers and if special assistance is needed.
Ludwig said he tries to contribute at least a few hours a week and prefers to drive the same patients multiple times, so he can develop strong relationships with them.
Ludwig has bonded with Gay Snider of Boynton Beach. In addition to cancer-related issues, she has Parkinson’s disease and uses a walker.
Snider, 81, said her son
used to drive her to health appointments, but it became difficult for him to do so after having major surgery. She turned to Road to Recovery five years ago and has no regrets.
“They’ve been wonderful,” said Snider. “I’m trapped here and it’s very depressing and very difficult. But the positive interactions I’ve had with these volunteers have made a tremendous impact in my life.”
Snider illustrated ways certain drivers go out of their way to show her kindness, such as Ludwig’s checking in on her and committing to drive her on dates that are far off.
Cancer treatments can leave some patients too debilitated to drive, even if they do have cars, like Graciela Lara Valverde, who has breast cancer and started using the service in May 2024.
“I was very weak and had
low blood pressure,” said the 70-year-old Delray Beach resident, who was concerned she could faint behind the wheel.
“I thought not only am I going to kill myself, I’m going to kill someone else.
“It makes everything easier for me,” said Lara Valverde, adding that the service saves her at least $30 each way on a rideshare service. “I wasn’t so stressed out thinking, ‘OK, how am I going to get to the doctors.’
And the drivers sometimes get personal … it puts me at ease.”
Snider agrees.
“It’s good to talk to someone who gets it,” she said. “If I get better and I could drive, I would become a driver because I see what a difference it makes in your life.” P
For rides or to volunteer, call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/ drive.
too weak to drive.
makes everything easier for
Graciela Lara Valverde of Delray Beach has breast cancer and started using Road to Recovery in May 2024 when treatment left her feeling
’It
me,’ she says of having a driver. Photo provided
costing more than $100 a plate, giving kosher diners an upscale experience.
At the W in Boynton Beach, 12250 Westchester Club Drive, a full line of sushi sits alongside glatt kosher wagyu steaks in a fine-dining steakhouse setting, a far cry from a deli with pastrami sandwiches.
Prime rib egg rolls and tempura cauliflower with dipping sauces are starters here, along with arancini — trendy fried truffle risotto balls.
Rainbow rolls, crunchy salmon tartar rolls, and spicy tuna rolls are kosher versions of mainstream sushi.
Wagyu beef or lamb burgers are choices, along with a chuck beef rack of barbecued ribs — yes, kosher.
A w ine list features a cellar of Herzog wines, kosher certified.
At Oak and Ember, a finedining steakhouse at 7600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton, diners can choose from a glatt kosher menu that includes a pastrami flaked schnitzel, tacos as a summer special, or to go big, a traditional tomahawk.
A number of pizza spots feature kosher pies.
Jon’s Place in Boca Raton, 22191 Powerline Road, has a number of pizzas, all cheese based, with no meats (but anchovies). That avoids the problem of mixing meat and
cheese — forbidden in kosher diets.
Lenny’s Pizza, 9070 Kimberly Blvd. in Boca Raton, claims to be the best kosher pizza around. All pies, burgers and salads are vegan or vegetarian.
The ever trendy smashburger is kosher on the menu at Smash House in Boca Raton, 21065 Powerline Road. Listed as the OG smashburger, it features the crispy, juicy, thin patty that’s
all the rage. The kosher workaround twist is vegan cheese and beef bacon. Caramelized onions complete it.
Italians aren’t forgotten: Carmela’s, 7300 W. Camino Real in Boca Raton, reimagines American Italian dairy food on its kosher-certified menu.
Although Carmela’s changes dishes seasonally, diners might find Buffalo mozzarella sticks, butter-poached vegetarian “scallops,” a truffle mac ’n’
cheese, or a spinach ravioli with rose sauce.
Vegan dishes are a bonus at many of the kosher places, with nondairy cheese and plant-based proteins sitting in for meats on pizzas or in street foods such as tacos or hot dogs.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes that have a wider attraction are common in the area, and often are kosher by definition, such as baba ghanoush. But foods such as shawarma and kibbeh can be adapted to the kosher preparations.
Deli fans need not despair — delis still outnumber other kosher restaurants in the area.
Dining Briefs
But pizza and sushi are gaining.
It’s a good time to pursue restaurants that cater to Jewish diners, Chung said, since many new residents have come from New York and New Jersey, where ethnic kosher restaurants are more prevalent.
“We are opening a kosher sushi and Vietnamese restaurant very soon out west,” Chung said. “We expect it will be welcomed.”
Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@ gmail.com.
Gear up for savings as many restaurants initiate summer specials. In addition to $29 and $39 prix fixe menus, expect a wide participation next month when Flavor South Florida hits and restaurants add special lunch and dinner deals to their menus. For now, check online prices to see if your favorites are offering deals.
Quite a dustup happened online, after Le Rivage, a 21-year-old French restaurant in Boca Raton, shut its doors last month. In a farewell letter to customers, the owners blamed the closing on angry, rude customers who berated the servers, ran out on their checks and groused about the bread. “We hope this will make happy people,” they said in their post, “who wanted us to close … and told us this directly!”
A new gastropub, Pomona, opened in Lake Worth Beach last month in the former Callero’s spot on Lake Avenue at K Street. It was most recently the site of a Todd English restaurant, Lula’s Pomona is owned by Alexandra Dupuis, owner of Ravish in Lantana. Inventive snacks (Cheetos chickpeas, guava cheese croquettes), salads and sandwiches (fried green tomatoes), and main shareables (miso corn bucatini carbonara) are on the initial menu.
Meals such as this tomahawk steak and roasted vegetables, once off limits to kosher diners, are now fine to eat at a host of local restaurants for those whose meals must be prepared according to the strict diet. Photo provided
Venerable rockers launch another ‘farewell’ tour, starting in South Florida
By Bill Meredith ArtsPaper Music Writer
Sixty-one years after forming in London, England, The Who will perform the first show of their The Song Is Over: North American Farewell Tour in Sunrise on Aug. 16.
The group’s original lineup of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist/vocalist Pete Townshend, bassist/vocalist John Entwistle (1944-2002), and drummer/ vocalist Keith Moon (1946-1978) first convened in 1964 as perhaps the bestsinging band since The Beatles. That famed quartet headlined the British Invasion, along with The Who and the Rolling Stones through the 1960s. Yet now only Daltrey (who’s 81 years old) and Townshend (80) remain from The Who.
The Fab Four burned out rather than fading away in 1970 due to internal differences, but the Stones and The Who have soldiered on through five-and-a-half decades of death, egos and other mayhem since — for better and for worse — while eventually becoming tribute acts to themselves in the process.
Both the Rolling Stones and The Who were more pop than rock in the mid-’60s before peaking creatively.
Starting with its groundbreaking 1969 rock opera Tommy, The Who released one of the all-time great concert albums, Live at Leeds (1970), as well as studio gems Who’s Next (1971) and the double album Quadrophenia (1973).
In the five-year period from 1969 to 1973, The Who were at their creative apex in the studio and at their loudest, most
bombastic and best in live performances.
Shows from that era showcased superb songwriting, mostly by Townshend but also occasionally Entwistle; choir-like three-part vocal harmonies by the two musicians with Daltrey (and occasional vocal comic relief by Moon), and the questionable destruction of instruments and amplifiers.
It was punk energy before punk, as the ahead-of-its-time band somehow also blended in jazz-like horns, orchestral string sections, futuristic synthesizers, and rock elements from folk to metal.
Tommy resurrected The Who’s middling career as the only album of its kind, even to this day, and Live at Leeds snarls with the energy of a still youthful band playing early hits, surprising covers, and a blistering “Amazing Journey/Sparks” medley from Tommy on the 1995 reissue.
Then came the pop experimentation of The Who By Numbers (1975), and the
top-selling Who Are You (1978), before Moon died later in 1978 at age 32. With his excesses, it’s amazing that he lived even that long. An incredible showman, he would have trouble even getting a gig in the modern era because of those excesses, both personal and musical.
Moon usually had the drumming industry standard hi-hat cymbals, though not always, yet he rarely used them, preferring to crash cymbals throughout verses, bridges and choruses. Entwistle had to be a great bassist to not only keep up with Moon, but also make his furious drum rolls and cymbal cacophony sound grounded within the songs.
Moon’s death was perhaps when the song should’ve been over. But The Who decided to replace him to cash in on the success of Who Are You.
The band’s 1967 album The Who Sell Out, with its tongue-in-cheek cover,
Delray artist creates colorful mural for Brightline trains
By Jan Engoren ArtsPaper Art Writer
Delray Beach artist Meghan Corrigan’s career is on the right track — literally.
Corrigan, a fine artist and graphic designer who once served as assistant art director for American Express’s Departures magazine and as art director of The Knot magazine, has created a summer-themed train wrap for Brightline, the passenger rail service traveling between Miami and Orlando, through August.
The wrap is part of a marketing initiative called “Love the Palm Beaches,” a collaboration between the Cultural Council for Palm Beach
County and Discover The Palm Beaches, and is aimed at boosting tourism.
“The Palm Beaches is known as Florida’s cultural capital,” says Dave Lawrence, CEO of the Cultural Council. “We have an incredible lineup of arts experiences and are home to many talented professional artists like Meghan. We’re thrilled to feature her work, which reflects our destination so beautifully.”
Corrigan, a New Jersey native who relocated from New York City in 2020, says she was thrilled by the opportunity to see her work rolling up and down the Florida coast.
“I’m so honored and excited to be chosen for this project,” she says.
Her design features iconic images from Palm Beach County, including ballet dancers at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, the Worth Avenue clock tower, Jupiter Lighthouse, sea turtles and palm trees.
“This year’s arts-inspired Brightline train wrap offers travelers a colorful preview of what awaits in The Palm Beaches, transforming the journey itself into the first step of their destination experience,” says Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches.
Harris Alan Erstein, known to his decades of readers and to family, friends and colleagues as Hap, died July 5 in Aventura, where he had been taken to a hospital after collapsing at a movie theater on June 30. He was 76.
Erstein had long suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
He took ill after a showing of the latest Jurassic World film and was transported to Aventura Hospital. Doctors there were able to stabilize him, but his health failed again and he died days later.
Erstein was one of the finest, and best-known, theater critics in South Florida. For more than 30 years, he supplied trenchant critiques and compelling feature stories about local theater and movies for the Palm Beach Post and Palm Beach ArtsPaper
“For more than 30 years, Hap has been a beloved member of the South Florida theater community, always illuminating the plays he reviewed, encouraging artists and audiences alike to delve deeper, explore further, sharing his passion for the work with his singular intellect, humor and insight,” said Lou Tyrrell, founder of the FAU Theatre Lab and longtime director of Florida Stage. “His was a beautiful life in the theater.”
A native of suburban Washington, D.C., Erstein earned a bachelor’s degree in literature at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy,
Palm Beach ArtsPaper
Meghan Corrigan stands beside a train with her artwork. Photo provided See ERSTEIN on AT8
Erstein
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who. The veteran rock band will begin its ’The Song is Over’ tour on Aug. 16. Photo provided by The Who
Glazer Hall set to give long-shut Palm Beach theater a strong second act
By Hap Erstein Palm Beach ArtsPaper Theater Writer
In the 21 years since the Royal Poinciana Playhouse closed its doors, several groups have tried unsuccessfully to bring the former jewel box performance space back to life.
Now, however, on the site of the dormant theater, a much redesigned multipurpose arts center in Palm Beach is under construction, poised to launch by the end of this year.
The difference this time? Jill and Avie Glazer, Palm Beachers since 2002, who have bankrolled the project in excess of $15 million (of an estimated $30 million total cost) and will oversee the operation of the complex as co-chairmen of the board of the renamed Glazer Hall.
Asked how they became involved in the revitalization project, Jill Glazer says, “My husband came home one day, preCOVID, 2019, and said, ‘You know, I’m tired of this building just sitting empty. We should do something about it.’”
That began an extended journey of working with architects, the town council and construction crews to create what will be the first new nonprofit operation in Palm Beach in over 60 years and the only waterfront performing arts center on the island.
“And so we just decided to do this, to do this for our community,” says Glazer, whose husband’s family owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. “Did we expect it to be five-and-a-half years at this point that we would be doing this? No, but it’s given us time to figure out what we’re doing. I’ve learned a lot about sprung floors and acoustics and film and dance and, you know, all kinds of music.”
Board members stand on the site of the soon-to-be Glazer Hall performing arts center in Palm Beach. Photo provided
While the Royal Poinciana mainly presented touring theater productions, Glazer Hall intends to bring in a wide variety of the arts, from live music to family programming to film to dance to comedy acts to onstage interviews.
To do so, Glazer Hall needed a veteran booker with nationwide contacts. It found her in Allison Stockel, a former chief executive of the 500-seat Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Conn., who had recently retired in Palm Beach.
“I would never come out of retirement unless it was something special,” says Stockel. “The only reason I changed my mind is because I did a walk-through with Jill in the theater, and I was like, wow, this is something special.”
The auditorium of Glazer Hall has been made more intimate, downsized from an 800-seat capacity to 400 stateof-the-art retractable seats, geared to accommodate a variety of configurations.
“The concept of it is to be a true performing arts center and to offer all aspects of the performing arts,” says Glazer. “I think our mantra and our request of all the theater consultants that we had, to the architects, was to make it
as fluid, as multipurpose, as possible. So I think the theater consultants were a little challenged, because they realized we were serious, that we wanted to have all the different arts available. So flexibility was a big, big priority.”
While the auditorium capacity has been reduced, the lobby has been doubled in size and improved aesthetically by the creation of a wall of windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
In addition, there will now be a 1,200-square-foot second-floor private event space, available for pre-show dining, receptions and corporate gatherings. “The space is going to be available for rentals, but it’s not our priority,” Glazer notes.
Still, rentals will generate a welcome influx of income, as will the availability of individual memberships, scaled from $2,500 to $100,000, which bring a host of perks — from advance notice of events to artist meet-and-greets — and corporate sponsorships from $25,000 to $100,000.
Currently, Glazer Hall has attracted 150 members, has contracts for 300 of its seats in a name-a-seat campaign and commitments for 30 of the hall’s various
If You Go
Glazer Hall is at 70 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-576-7860 or email contact@glazerhall.org.
naming opportunities.
Executive Director Stockel has already signed up some acts for the hall’s inaugural season, with a public announcement expected this month.
“People are happy, people are excited,” says Glazer. “People are talking about Glazer Hall, they stop and thank us.”
Still to be determined are when and how Glazer Hall will open.
“We’re probably looking at a phased opening,” explains Glazer. “Opening with some small things, maybe in the lobby. But we also want to have a grand opening, a gala, that would probably be later in the first quarter of ’26.”
Glazer Hall is an undeniably ambitious undertaking, full of challenges that will keep presenting themselves. While the Royal Poinciana Playhouse operated only during the winter months, the Glazers have announced their intention of offering a variety of entertainment year-round.
The Glazers and Stockel acknowledge that they are likely to make mistakes in the days ahead, but they are eager to open the doors and invite the community to partake of their labor of love.
“I think the worst is over,” Stockel says. “There are challenges ahead in running a venue, but I think that we’re kind of in a good spot, you know?”
Editor’s note: This was Hap Erstein’s final story for the ArtsPaper.
ERSTEIN
Continued from page 7
N.Y., and a master’s degree from American University in Washington.
He was a theater critic for The Washington Times from 1982 to 1994, where he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism. In 1994, he moved to Florida, where he worked for The Palm Beach Post before retiring in 2008. He had written for the ArtsPaper since 2008.
Sue Ellen Beryl, managing director at Palm Beach Dramaworks, praised Erstein’s coverage of the West Palm Beach theater company.
“Hap reviewed our very first production (Greetings! in 2000) and has been a loyal advocate since. From the beginning he gave us the encouragement to continue on our journey,” Beryl said. “To say he will be missed is a great understatement.”
Matt Stabile, artistic director at Theatre Lab, said Erstein “cared deeply about the quality of live theater in our region and understood that honest and well-thought-out criticism benefited our local communities and ensured the top-notch work being done in our area would also be shared with a broader audience.”
In addition to his work as a theater critic, Erstein regularly supplied movie reviews for WJNO-1290 AM in West Palm Beach. He also was a passionate
devotee of world travel with his wife of 53 years, Elaine Oksner. They were planning to visit Greece in August.
A memorial service is planned for Aug. 17 at the clubhouse in Erstein’s Greenacres neighborhood. He is survived by his wife.
Playwright Michael McKeever, co-founder of Miami’s Zoetic Stage, knew Erstein for almost 30 years.
“I’m shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hap,” said McKeever, who noted that he was the last surviving member of three powerhouses of theater criticism in South Florida collectively known as “The Trifecta.”
Christine Dolen, who wrote for The Miami Herald, died in February. Jack Zink, who wrote for the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, died in 2008.
“With Hap’s passing, it’s truly the end of an era,” McKeever said. “They were amazing writers who watched the South Florida theater region grow up.”
A college scholarship has been established in Erstein’s name and will be awarded annually to three students of theater and arts journalism.
The first winners will be announced Nov. 17 at the annual Carbonell Awards at FAU’s University Theater.
Donations can be sent in check form to Hap Erstein Memorial Scholarship, 125 Cove Road, Greenacres, FL 33413.
Continued from page 7
A married mother of two school-aged children, Corrigan says creativity has always been a driving force in her life — dating back to childhood when she drew on her parents’ couch and walls.
After earning a bachelor of fine arts degree in 2003 from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., Corrigan spent years as an art director in magazine publishing. While she enjoyed art direction, she says she’s grateful to return to making original art full-time.
“Being the maker of the art is something I enjoy,” she says.
Influenced by artists including conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian, illustrator and graphic designer Christoph Niemann, and painter Alex Katz, Corrigan says her style is fluid and unconstrained by any single medium or genre. Motivated by the desire to share beauty and bring her ideas to life, she’s
THE WHO
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suddenly became a case of art imitating future life.
“We are more determined than ever to carry on,” Townshend wrote in a statement issued shortly after Moon’s death, “and we want the spirit of the group, to which Keith contributed so much, to go on.”
Moon’s replacement was Kenney Jones, formerly of The Faces and vocalist Rod Stewart’s solo career.
But while the thought of replacing the increasingly slow, erratic and sloppy Moon with a more rudimentary drummer might’ve made sense in theory, things certainly didn’t jell in the recording studio. The Who, like many ’70s acts, simply didn’t creatively translate into the plasticine 1980s.
Face Dances (1981) featured Townshend’s embarrassingly pandering pop hit (and video) “You Better You Bet.”
It’s Hard (1982) was also flaccid, highlighted by the closing “Eminence Front,” and Entwistle’s signature bass line within it.
Entwistle’s muscular playing and musicality — the man nicknamed “The Ox” arranged the parts for horn sections on tour and was the one-man horn section on Quadrophenia — often grounded Moon’s space explorations. Yet he and Daltrey questioned Jones, who had been Townshend’s choice.
Townshend had started recording under his own name in 1979, and became disillusioned with touring. A supposed farewell tour (a term that should be legally binding) by The Who seemingly ended things in 1982, until now, 43 years later. The best subsequent release by the band or any member thereof would be Townshend’s graphic White City: A Novel (1985). Daltrey and Entwistle, comparatively,
rarely at a loss for inspiration.
On her days off, she enjoys the Florida lifestyle (“except for July and August”), spending time outdoors with family and visiting many of the cultural institutions she features in her design.
Her goal for the Brightline wrap was to create a simple visual solution using flat shapes and bright colors, reminiscent of Henri Matisse, that would be readable even at high speed.
To conceptualize the sixcar design, Corrigan began by sketching preliminary ideas. Translating multiple vignettes into a seamless visual narrative was her biggest challenge.
“Because the train is so long, the challenge was how to create each vignette to flow into the next story and how that story would translate across six cars of the train,” she says.
She worked intensively on the project for about six weeks and rode the train from Boca Raton to Miami for a photo shoot, which she described as “a great ride.”
always struggled to gain traction with their solo catalogs.
But the song still wasn’t over.
The Who would non-farewell tour again, both before and after its 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996, Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey became the group’s touring drummer, starting decades of a more controlled version of Moon’s pyrotechnics that lasted into this year.
In 2000, the band performed at what’s now the iThink Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, and Entwistle and Starkey held the show together.
Daltrey had trouble reaching the right notes, and Townshend played sloppily by comparison.
The heralded co-leaders were The Who’s weakest links.
Entwistle never wanted to get off the road. And sadly, he didn’t. The night before the start of The Who’s tour in June 2002, he died at age 57 after overindulging in a powdered substance in a hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.
The bassist had created a legacy as a one-of-a-kind musician and vocalist. Yet he wasn’t the lead singer or guitarist, so the song still wasn’t over.
Daltrey and Townshend chose currency over respect, immediately plugging in bassist Pino Palladino and insisting that what should’ve amounted to a “Who Cares?” tour must go on through September of that year. As long as the dynamic duo was up front, everyone else was expendable.
Starkey became the victim of Daltrey’s ego this March at The Who’s charity show for the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall in London.
The vocalist stopped the band mid-song, said he had trouble hearing, and blamed Starkey — The Who’s drummer for nearly 30 years — for all to hear.
“He blamed it on the drums being too loud,” Starkey said, “and then it got made into this
The artwork series along the Brightline trains utilizes flat shapes and bright colors that are discernible at high speeds as the trains whiz by, says artist Meghan Corrigan. Photo provided
Although the project took considerable effort, Corrigan says it was a “fun challenge.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to focus more on fine art and expand into designing artwork and wall murals for residential homes through her company, Meghan Corrigan Design. Her primary goal?
“To be creative,” she says.
For Corrigan, the definition of success has more to do with personal satisfaction, contentment and feeling joy in
If You Go
See The Who’s The Song Is Over: North American Farewell Tour at Amerant Bank Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise.
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16
Tickets: $89-$573
Info: 954-835-7469; amerantbankarena.com
huge social media thing.”
And Daltrey never thought the same about Moon? Starkey was rehired, then fired again after Townshend caved, replaced by Daltrey’s solo touring band drummer Scott Devours.
Daltrey has always had a volatile relationship with Townshend, whose higher vocal range often made him a co-lead singer, and his showmanlike leaps and windmill guitar playing often upstaged Daltrey.
Townshend is a visionary composer and an excellent guitarist; he just shouldn’t have handed Daltrey the reins, among a few other documented questionable life decisions.
The remaining duo is now accompanied by as many as eight additional musicians and vocalists on stage, resulting in better-sounding touring shows of recent vintage.
Yet they haven’t concocted much that was memorable in their only 21st-century recordings, Endless Wire (2006) and Who (2019).
Or much that was memorable beyond Moon’s death, actually.
In 1979, The Who released a single, recorded with the original lineup in 1972, called “Long Live Rock.”
“Rock is dead,” Daltrey lamented in its refrain.
And so it was, at least in their case.
And — considering the genre’s decline since — maybe even universally.
Who knew?
the creation, something this project did for her “in good measure.”
That success has reinforced Corrigan’s desire to keep creating meaningful and personal work — projects that reflect her artistic voice while engaging viewers in fresh and unexpected ways.
And while Corrigan knows the train wrap will be retired at summer’s end, she embraces its ephemeral nature.
“It is a dream assignment —
Arts Calendar
Editor’s note: Events listed through Sept. 5 were current as of July 25. Check with the presenting agency for any changes.
ART
Armory Art Center: Free. 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach. 9 am-5 pm M-F, 9 am-noon Sat. 561-832-1776 or armoryart.org
Boca Raton Museum of Art: $16; $12 seniors 501 Plaza Real (Mizner Park), Boca Raton. 11 am-6 pm W, F, Sat, Sun; 11 am-8 pm Th. 561-392-2500, bocamuseum.org
Cornell Art Museum: Free. 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Noon-5 pm W, Sun, noon-7 pm Th, F; 10 am-5 pm Sat. 561-243-7922 or oldschoolsquare.org
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County: Free. 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Noon-5 pm T-F. 561-471-2901, palmbeachculture. com/exhibitions
Flagler Museum: $28; $14 ages 6-12. 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach. 10 am-5 pm M-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. 561-655-2833, www. flaglermuseum.us
Lighthouse ArtCenter: $5 non-members. 9 am-5 pm M-Th; 9 am-4 pm F; 10 am-4 pm Sat. 561-746-3101, lighthousearts.org
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: $15; $13 seniors; $9 children; free for members, ages 5 and under. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. 10 am-5 pm T-Sun. 561-495-0233, morikami.org
Norton Museum of Art: $18 adults; $15 seniors; $5 students; free for 12 and under, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 10 am-5 pm, M, T, Th, Sat; 10 am-10 pm F; 11 am-5 pm Sun. 561-832-5196, www.norton.org
Society of the Four Arts: 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 10 am-3 pm M-F. 561-655-7226, fourarts.org JAZZ
Saturday, Aug. 9
Gafieira Rio Miami: An 11-piece Brazilian big band that brings a fresh take on jazz and Brazilian samba to its work, which features vocalist Isa Duarte. 8 pm, Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach. $50-$55. 561-450-6357 or artsgarage.org
Friday, Aug. 15
The Kittens: Miami bassist Israel Rodriguez appears with this young sons, pianist Tiger and drummer Leon, in a concert of jazz classics and contemporary hits. 8 pm, Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach. $20-$25. 561-4506357; artsgarage.org
Thursday, Aug. 21
Oz Noy: The Israeli-born jazz fusion guitarist, plus drummer Keith Carlock (Steely Dan) and bassist Brad Adam Miller. 6 pm, 9 pm, Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. $50$60. 561-395-2929; funkybiscuit.com
Friday, Aug. 29
The French Swing Collective: Parisian multi-instrumentalist Vincent Raffard leads this 13-piece ensemble specializing in French swing and Gypsy jazz. 8 pm, Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach. $50-$55. 561-4506357; artsgarage.org
unique and unexpected,” she says. “The fact that it’s fleeting makes it even more special. I hope everyone enjoys it while they can.”
For more cultural experiences and travel ideas, visit palmbeachculture.com
For more information about booking a Brightline ticket, visit gobrightline.com. For more information on Meghan Corrigan, visit meghancorrigan. com.
POPULAR MUSIC
Saturday, Aug. 9
Kesha and Scissor Sisters: The pop singersongwriter from California and the glam rock New York band team up for a summer tour. 7 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach. $36 to $170. livenation.com
Thursday, Aug. 14
The Joe Perry Project: The Aerosmith guitarist fronts a short August tour featuring vocalist Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots, as well as Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford and Buck Johnson. 8 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $82.30 to $1,004.50. ticketmaster.com
Friday, Aug. 22
UB40: The British reggae band, founded in 1978, on their Relentless Tour of the U.S. and Canada. Opening will be another British band ubiquitous on 1980s radio, The Fixx. 8 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $75 to $382. ticketmaster.com
Tuesday, Aug. 26
The O’Jays: With two of its original members in their 80s, the R&B group founded in 1958 (“Love Train,” “Use Ta Be My Girl,” “For the Love of Money”) is on its final tour, titled Last Stop on the Love Train. 8 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $60 to $411. ticketmaster.com
Thursday, Aug. 28
Blink-182: The California skate-punk trio, which had a successful 2024 tour, retools it as the Missionary Impossible tour and comes to South Florida again. 7 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $232 to $787. ticketmaster.com
Friday, Aug. 29
Def Leppard: The power-pop quintet from Sheffield, UK (“Photograph,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me”) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. 8 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $137 to $651. ticketmaster.com
THEATER
Tuesday, Aug. 5-Friday, Aug. 8 Square 1 Summer Playwright Festival ’25: Short plays by local playwrights, at the Stonzek Black Box Theatre at the Lake Worth Playhouse: Lick Back, by Katherine Oliver; Tempus Fugit, by Stan Werse; Only The Gators Will Know, by N.M. James; Back From Walla Walla, by Todd Castor; and You Haven’t Changed a Bit, by Donna Hoke. 7:30 p.m. T-Th; Friday night sold out. $10. 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. 561-586-6410 or lakeworthplayhouse.org
Opens Friday, Aug. 23
West Side Story: The classic 1957 musical by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The summer musical at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9 th St., Delray Beach. Through Sept. 14. $55. As of July 25, nine of the 16 performances were sold out. 561-272-1281, ext. 5, or delraybeachplayhouse.com
Paws Up for Pets
Tips to keep our furry friends cool when it ’s scorching outside
Dealing with hot temperatures comes with living in South Florida. But especially these summer months, we need to truly be our dogs’ best health allies.
As a master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor and founder of Pet First Aid 4U, I am constantly alerting my students about the dangers of pets getting too hot and developing heat stroke. Be aware that heat stroke can occur quickly — in as little as 30 minutes — in any dog exposed to warm or hot temperatures.
W hen you are out with your dog, watch out for these warning signs:
• Excessive panting
• Red or pale gums
• Drooling
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweaty paws
• Vomiting
I reached out to two pet professionals in Palm Beach County who also do their part in protecting dogs during hot temperatures: Jill Merjeski, CEO of Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, and Shay Maimoni, professional dog trainer and owner of Woof Dogs.
“Our professional pet sitters are taught the importance of heat stroke symptoms and know to look out for excessive panting, lethargy, drooling and other signs,” says Merjeski, whose company is based in Boca Raton. “When temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor time and walks may be shortened. Or walks may be divided into two sessions with a cool-down break indoors and fresh water provided. We try to stay in shaded areas and avoid hot pavement to protect sensitive paws.”
Ma imoni’s company is based in Loxahatchee, but he serves clients in Palm Beach County and beyond.
“Here in South Florida, we’re no strangers to extreme heat, and our dogs feel it even more than we do,” he says. “Whether we’re training service dogs or household companions, keeping dogs safe from heat exhaustion and heat stroke is always priority one.”
Be safe out there
He offers these safety tips: Time your walks and outdoor training sessions. His team members schedule sessions before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. They always test the pavement and other surfaces with the back of their hands. “If it is too hot for us, it’s too hot for their paws,” he says.
Drink up, doggy. Make sure dogs drink water before heading out, and then take a portable
water bottle and collapsible bowl with you to provide additional water on walks. “You can add a splash of low-sodium bone broth or tuna water to encourage water intake,” he adds.
Head for the shade. Aim to take your dog for walks in grassy areas and on shaded walking paths.
Unlike us, our dogs do not have skin pores that enable them to regulate their body core temperatures when exposed to hot weather. They try to fend off the heat primarily by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.
“That makes dogs especially vulnerable to heat stroke and other dangerous symptoms, which can be fatal,” warns Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Society.
Dog Days are here
Ganzert reached out to us at The Coastal Star to unleash these additional weatherprotecting tips:
• Check for early signs of dehydration. Excessive panting and heavy breathing can indicate a dog is becoming dangerously dehydrated. Check for dehydration by gently pinching and drawing up his skin by his shoulders. If the skin
does not plop down quickly, he may be dehydrated and need water immediately.
• Protect breeds at high risk for heat issues. French bulldogs, pugs, English bulldogs, boxers and other brachycephalic breeds sport short, flat snouts and narrow nostrils. These features make it harder for them to control their body temperatures during heat and humidity than dogs with regular-sized muzzles like Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.
• Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle — even for just a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car, even with windows open a bit, quickly soar and can escalate your dog’s body temperature and potentially cause death.
How to lower the heat
If your dog is getting overheated, you need to act quickly. Here are some tips I give my pet first aid students:
• Do immediately bring your dog to a shaded area or inside where there is air conditioning.
• Do dip each paw — one
at a time — in cool water to slowly bring down the body core temperature.
• Never give your dog ice cubes or ice cold water to drink because it can cause blood vessels to constrict and interfere with the body’s attempt to cool down. A hot body coming into contact with ice can also result in shock.
• Do use a cool, wet towel to lightly dab on and off under the armpits and on the abdomen. However, do not leave a cool wet towel on a dog’s hot body because that will trap the heat and speed up heat stroke.
• Transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic and alert staff members you are en route so they can be ready to treat your pet immediately.
Keep cats cool, too Finally, let’s not forget about our indoor cats. Many cats seek sunny spots for naps. Locate any window cat perches on windows facing north and south — not east and west — to avoid the most intense sunlight. Provide them with fresh water daily.
“If the home temperature is too hot when we come for a pet-sitting visit to a home, we reserve the right to lower the thermostat to a more
Our experts
Shay Maimoni is the owner and professional dog trainer of Woof Dogs based in Loxahatchee. His website is woofdogs.com.
Jill Merjeski is founder and CEO of Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, based in Boca Raton. Her website is jillsnext door.com.
Robin Ganzert is the president and CEO of the American Humane Society. Visit this group’s website at american humane.org.
comfortable setting for the pets,” Merjeski says. “The comfort and safety of every pet — especially in extreme heat — is our top priority being a South Florida business.”
Arden Moore writes about pets and can be reached at fourleggedlife@ gmail.com.
Jill Merjeski suggests taking shorter walks with cool-down breaks when temperatures rise above 85. Photo provided
Maimoni
Ganzert
Religion Notes
Celebrate 20 years with Father Andrew at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Father Andrew Sherman is celebrating his 20th anniversary at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church with a special brunch hosted by the Episcopal Church Women Ministry in honor of him on Aug. 20 at the church at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.
Sherman is a book lover who once said, “A perfect hour of free time involves a quiet corner and a good book.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University and a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Virginia, then his Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Now St. Gregory’s senior pastor, Sherman began his ministry as rector there in 2005. An active voice in the community, he and his friend Rabbi David Steinhardt are active in the Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association. He’s a founding board member of Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, an interfaith ministry to homeless families with children. He and his wife, Anita, have two children.
For details about the brunch, call 561-395-8285.
Registration open for day retreat at Unity of Delray Unity of Delray Beach is offering a summer day retreat of spiritual renewal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 in the church sanctuary, 101 NW 22nd St. “Pathways to Presence: A Day of Inner Renewal” with the Rev. Jeanmarie Eck will include meditation practices, gentle yoga, an indoor labyrinth walk and a vegan lunch.
The cost is $49. All are welcome. Register at the Bookstore or call the church office at 561-276-5796 or visit unityofdelraybeach.org
Spanish River offers class to prepare for baptism
Spanish River Church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, is offering a class to prepare people for baptism who have not been baptized before. The class meets at 9 a.m. Aug. 17 in the Connect Center Room 4, followed by baptisms at 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at the church.
Baptism is the last step in the membership process at Spanish River Church. All teenagers and adults must go through the membership process and be approved for membership before they are eligible for baptism. Child care is provided.
Registration is required by Aug. 10. Visit spanishriver.com/ baptism.
Prayer Night offered at Boca Community Church
Boca Raton Community Church hosts a Community Prayer Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the sanctuary at the church, 470 NW Fourth Ave. Come together to pray for the church family, the needs of our community, and our brothers and sisters around the world. Visit bocacommunity.org.
Bring mat to Yoga Mass held at St. Gregory’s
A combination of prayer and yoga is offered again in a Yoga Mass from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 in St. Mary’s Chapel at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church. The Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Father Andrew Sherman lead. All levels are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat. St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd. Call 561-395-8285.
Game Night at St. Joseph’s Episcopal is fun for all
Get the kids in the car! The next Game Night at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church takes place at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 in Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and your own beverage. St. Joseph’s is at 3300A S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Call/text Lynne at 561704-7043 or visit stjoesweb.org
HAZAK senior programs to be offered at B’nai Torah HAZAK is the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s organization for mature Jews and it sponsors a variety of online and in-person classes for adults 55 and older at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton.
HAZAK is an acronym for Hokhmah (wisdom), the zayan for Ziknah (maturity) and the kuph for Kadima (looking ahead), and it also means strength. Classes are designed to strengthen the spiritual, emotional, educational and physical health of participants through chair yoga, strength and balance training, brain fitness, breath work and mindfulness, and Zumba Gold. Classes begin in September and registration is required. Classes are free for HAZAK members and $54 for nonmembers, which includes access to all HAZAK’s programs. Find info online at btcboca.org/hazak-seniorprogramming or email liz. singer@bnai-torah.org or call 561-392-8566.
St. Jude chapel offers Eucharistic adoration
The Adoration Chapel at St. Jude Catholic Church is now open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The chapel is a place for quiet prayer, reflection and contemplation, but its special meaning comes from the presence of the Holy Eucharist,
which is on display in a special monstrance and protected by a plexiglass shield.
Catholics believe the Eucharist — the Communion wafer — is the literal body of Christ, not a representation or a symbol of it as many Christian religions believe.
Having the body of Christ exposed for prayer, for “Eucharistic adoration,” has profound religious significance. Certain rules apply in the chapel: Dress modestly; enter and leave quietly; be silent in prayer (turn off your phone).
A gift from the Bardaro Family Foundation made the Adoration Chapel possible, along with assistance from the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Beacon Carmel, Ray DeVerona, Beatrix Stevens, Luisa Comuzzi, Chris Golas, Gnatt Construction and Moroney’s Religious Goods.
Days and hours will be extended in the near future. St. Jude is at 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-392-8172 or visit stjudeboca.org.
New program offers gifts to fight homelessness
The Interfaith Committee for Social Services announced a new program to help nonprofits serve their clients. The Homeless Prevention Program is designed to provide a one-time gift to help an individual or family in South Palm Beach County that is on the verge of becoming homeless.
Judy Fenney, who helped establish the program with Kathleen Megan, said that in a previous trial, 17 individuals and families were helped with past due utilities, first and/ or last month rent, security deposits, move-in expenses, household necessities and appliances. Allocations ranged from $600 to $3,200.
Requests for assistance must come from a partner agency, congregation, or civic group. Personal requests will not be considered. Checks are issued to the requesting organization, or directly to the organization providing the service like the landlord or utility.
Decisions are made based on where the recipient lives (only South County residents are considered at this time), the amount of the request, the probability of the success in preventing the recipient from becoming homeless, and the commitment from the requesting organization to follow up and report.
The Interfaith Homeless Prevention Request form to complete is available at docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSfY24JsFvbTZmKV 0B3UCW8jaWc1MYV14_ gbrtCdIPz7LMC53w/viewform
Questions can be emailed to
Continued on the next page
Sherman
judyfenney1@gmail.com
Women’s group offering back-to-school supply drive
The Episcopal Church Women of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church are hosting their Backto-School Supplies Drive to support students at Forest Park and Galaxy Elementary, both Title I schools. The deadline to donate is Aug. 31. St. Joseph’s is at 3300A S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Visit stjoesweb. org or call 561-732-3060.
Sisterhood of St. Lucy seeking members
St. Lucy Catholic Church is calling for women of the parish to come together and become a part of the Sisterhood of St. Lucy. Father Brian Horgan wrote a pastoral invitation in the church’s bulletin.
He wrote: “The Sisterhood has been prayerfully and thoughtfully created as a space where the women of our parish — of all ages and backgrounds — can come together in faith, fellowship, and fun. More than
Religion Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 7/23. Please check with organizers for any changes.
AUGUST 3-9
Sunday - 8/3 - Zoom Bible Study at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. Every Sun 7 pm. Free. Zoom link: communications#accboca.net; 561-997-5486; ascensionboca.org
Monday - 8/4 - Women’s Bible Study via Zoom at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St. Every M 10 am. Free. 561-276-6338; firstdelray.com 8/4- Rosary for Peace at St. Vincent Ferrer Family Life Center, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach. Every M 5:45-6:15 pm. Free. 561-276-6892; stvincentferrer.com
Tuesday - 8/5- Tuesday Morning Prayer Service at Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. 10 am. Free. 561-2765796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Wednesday - 8/6 - Men’s Spirituality Hour via Zoom at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton. Every W 8 am. Free. For link: 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org
8/6 - Wednesday Evening Meditation Service at Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. 6:30 pm. Free; love offering. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Thursday - 8/7 - Thursday Morning Telephone Prosperity Coffee presented by Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. Phone meeting (605-475-6006, passcode 3031030). Free; love offering. 561276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
8/7 - Men’s Fellowship at First
just a group or organization, it is a movement of the heart, calling each woman to look beyond herself and to discover the gift that she is, and the gift she has to offer.”
For more information about the sisterhood, call the church at 561-278-1280. You can also sign up online at stlucy.net/ccwsign-up.
St. Lucy Catholic Church is at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. See Father Horgan’s complete message about the importance of the sisterhood at files.ecatholic. com/35077/bulletins/20250713. pdf?t=1751997219000. (page 5.)
— Janis Fontaine
Taking the month off
Janis Fontaine's Finding Faith column will return in September. Contact her at fontaine423@ outlook.com
Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach Courtyard, 33 Gleason St. Every Th 8:30 am. Free. 561-276-6338; firstdelray.com
8/7 - Women’s Bible Study at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church Youth Room, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton. Every Th 1 pm. Free. 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org
Friday - 8/8 - Legion of Mary at St. Vincent Ferrer Family Life Center, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach. Every F 9:30-11 am. Free. 561-276-6892; stvincentferrer.com
8/8 - Bible Study w/Dave Kirk at Advent Boca Raton Fellowship Hall, 300 E Yamato Rd. Every F 10-11:30 am. 561-395-3632; adventboca.org
8/8 - Virtual Shabbat Service at Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County, 2475 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach. Every F 7:30 pm. Free. 561-276-6161; templesinaipbc.org
Saturday - 8/9 - Pathways to Presence: A Day of Inner Renewal w/Rev. Jeanmarie Eck at Unity of Delray Beach Sanctuary, 101 NW 22nd St. Vegan lunch included. 9 am-3 pm. $49. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
AUGUST 10-18
Sunday - 8/10 - Blessing of the Backpacks at First United Methodist Church Boca Raton, 625 NE Mizner Blvd. 9:30 am. Free. 561-395-1244; fumcbocaraton.org
Sunday - 8/18 - Blessing of the Backpacks at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St. 10-11 am. Free. 561-276-6338; firstdelray.com
E Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach,
Health & Harmony
Horses add a different color to yoga classes at west Delray center
Under the July full moon, quarter horses
Memphis and Rocky peered out of their stalls as life coach and longtime equestrian Elizabeth Constantin welcomed her class of yoga enthusiasts at the Delray Equestrian Center in Delray Beach.
Her Wild Palm Ranch & Wellness, offering yoga and meditation classes, is on the same grounds as her other business, the Boca Riding Club, which offers English horseback riding.
The idea, which draws on equineassisted therapy, is that doing yoga in the presence of horses enhances the experience and the bond between horses and humans.
To Constantin, 42, an independent mother of two who lives in Delray Beach, the facility is as much a sanctuary as an equestrian center.
“People come to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the wisdom of nature — all with horses as their guides,” she says. “I’d like to build a community of like-minded practitioners.”
She plans to offer yoga twice a month.
Constantin traces her love of horses and riding back to her childhood and family traditions. She is following in the footsteps of her mother, Lorraine Funk, 65, owner of Rodeo Ranch in Lake Worth Beach, and her mom’s husband, Marc Funk.
One of her goals is to create a space where healers, coaches, bodywork practitioners and other holistic and wellness professionals can come and use horses as a healing modality in their practices.
“When you stand in the
presence of a horse, something shifts,” Constantin says. “You don’t have to explain yourself. You just have to be.”
On this full moon night, approximately 10 yoga and horse devotees gathered beside the horses, spread their yoga mats, splashed on some lavender water to repel mosquitoes, and prepared for a gentle vinyasa and yin yoga flow.
Taught by Boca Raton resident Katelyn Eisenberg, 30, of Rooted in Harmony Yoga, class began with a gentle child’s pose.
Eisenberg, who calls herself “an energetic and embodiment coach,” says, “This is a way for people to create community connections.”
Despite the heat and some rumbles of thunder, Eisenberg led the class through a series of stretching and warrior poses, with a few downwardfacing dogs thrown in for good measure.
R honnie Robins-Smith, 69, a colon hydrotherapist who worked in Boynton Beach, came out for her second time to the class.
A fter seeing it on Facebook, she previously came on June 22, the anniversary of her daughter Korah’s heavenly birthday.
“I had one of the most memorable experiences,” she says. “The skies opened up just as we finished our practice and it was so beautiful.”
Robins-Smith says she likes being outdoors and communing with the horses.
A lso among the group was Kellie Quinn, 59, a personal trainer from Boynton Beach, who came with Lorraine Funk.
Of her first visit, she says, “I sensed the energy from the horses, and I feel pairing them with the gentle yoga deepened the relaxation.
“I will definitely come back.”
Constantin says the horses provide a healing component to the class.
“Horses have five times the electromagnetic field of humans, and when we are in proximity to them, our heart rate, blood pressure and nervous system begin to regulate — reducing anxiety and promoting wellness.
“It’s not just calming,” she says. “It’s transformative.” Research bears this out. Equine-assisted therapy is growing and is estimated to grow 15% this year, according to Sundale, a veterinary research company. Sundale says that 75% of trauma survivors experience symptom reduction after equine therapy.
People only need to be in a horse’s presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace, according to the PTSD Association of Canada, citing research that shows lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of betaendorphins, decreased stress levels, and reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and
If You Go
What: The Wild Palm Ranch & Wellness offers equinefacilitated yoga and meditation sessions and more.
Where: 14830 Smith Sundy Road, Delray Beach
When: By appointment
Cost: $85 for horse yoga
Info: 561-305-2855 or thewildpalm.com
anxiety.
Additionally, people experience improved social functioning, more feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy — all from being in the presence of horses.
“I opened The Wild Palm Ranch & Wellness because I believe people are craving real connection,” Constantin says. “Not just to each other, but to themselves. The horses help us remember who we are.”
W hile she is a firm believer in research that supports the physiological benefits of equine therapy, Constantin also believes in ancient rituals.
That’s why, as the yoga class came to an end and dusk settled in, she hosted the group in a fire circle. As the fire burned a deep red and orange, so the sunset emerged in colors of the same palette.
Constantin calls it “a ceremony for your heart,” where participants mingle with the horses and “burn off negative energy in the fire, leaving them feeling lighter and more balanced.”
Kara Payne, 44, an artist from Boca Raton who paints biblical verses as well as portraits of horses, grew up riding horses outside of Pittsburgh.
“I miss being around horses,” she said as she guided Hazel, a 20-year-old paint quarter horse, through the group. She was looking for a way to reconnect with them when she found Constantin.
A lthough Payne hasn’t ridden in years, she says she likes to be surrounded by horses and feel their energy.
“Liz has found a great way to combine wellness with the gentle energy of horses,” she says.
With plans to create a sanctuary for growth, expand her offerings and bring in more holistic-health practitioners, Constantin hopes The Wild Palm will become a center for healing and connection.
“Come as you are and leave a little more connected to the truth of who you are,” she says.
Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living and can be reached at jengoren@ hotmail.com
Lorraine Funk (left) of Lake Worth Beach and Kellie Quinn of Boynton Beach take instruction from Katelyn Eisenberg of Boca Raton during yoga at the Delray Equestrian Center. The horses are Memphis and Rocky. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Constantin
Health Notes
Three neurologists to receive funds in hospital research program
Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation recently hosted a ceremony and reception in celebration of its inaugural scholars program.
The evening’s honorees, neurologists Drs. G. Peter Gliebus, Amy Laitinen and Frank Vrionis, are now able to learn more about disorders that affect the nervous system, thanks to funds from the Marcus Foundation Inc.
“The research that will be performed by Drs. Gliebus, Laitinen and Vrionis will significantly improve patient care,” said Mark Larkin, president of the foundation. “It is our intent to have all our scholars represent an ideal convergence of commitment to clinical excellence, scholarly inquiry and leadership in medicine.
“Continued funding for future scholars programs at our other institutes is vital to building a solid foundation not only as a compassionate and competent physician, but also as a contributor to
Health Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 7/23. Please check with organizers for any changes.
AUGUST 2
Saturday - 8/2 - Morning Beach
Yoga at The Seagate Beach Club, 401 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Every Sat 8-9 am. $20/person. Tickets: 561-330-3775; eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-beach-yogatickets-336433921917
8/2 - Saturdays @ Sanborn: Yoga Class at Sanborn Square, 72 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 8:45 am registration; 9 am class. Free. 561-393-7703; downtownboca.org
8/2 - Zumba Class at South Beach Park Pavilion, 400 N State Rd A1A, Boca Raton. Every Sat 10 am. Free. 561-393-7703; downtownboca.org
8/2 - Yoga Class at South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. Every Sat 9 am. Free. 561-588-8889; southpalmbeach. com
8/2 - Yoga at the Beach at Red Reef Park West, 1221 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Held on grass overlooking the Intracoastal. No cash accepted on-site. 1st & 3rd Sat 10-11 am. $10-$12.50/class; 60-day membership $65/resident, $81.25/non-resident. 561393-7807; myboca.us
8/2 - Judo Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. W 6:30-8:30 pm mixed ages/ranks; Sat 10 am-noon all groups. Per month $21.50/ resident; $27/non-resident. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
8/2 - AA Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every Sat 5:30 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
AUGUST 3-9
Sunday - 8/3 - Coco Market at Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 30 local wellness vendors, live music; yoga, meditation or fitness classes. 9 am-3 pm. Free. 561-870-4090; thecocoyogi.com/market
8/3 - Yoga at the Beach at Red Reef Park East, 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. No cash accepted on-site. Every W/Sun 6:30 pm. $10-$12.50/class; 60-day membership $65/resident, $81.25/non-resident. 561393-7807; myboca.us
8/3 - CODA (Codependents Anonymous) Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every Sun 6 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
the advancement of medical knowledge and delivery of care.”
New robotic system helps treat enlarged prostate Delray Medical Center has acquired the Hydros Robotic System, an advancement in aquablation therapy for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. The minimally invasive system uses real-time
Monday - 8/4 - Zumba Cardio at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Adults. Every M/W 5:30-6:30 pm. $10. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/4 - LGBTQ ACOA Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Prayer Room, 101 NW 22nd St. Every M 6:30 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
8/4 - Adult Zumba Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Every M 7-8 pm. Per class: $6/resident; $7.50/non-resident. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
Tuesday - 8/5 - Chair Yoga at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 1st & 3rd T 10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
8/5 - Tai Chi Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Beginner through advanced. Ages 16+. Every T 6-7 pm. $8-$10/class. 561-3937807; myboca.us
8/5 - Yoga with Sophia at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. Held again 8/26 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
ultrasound guidance and waterjet technology to remove excess prostate tissue while preserving vital structures.
Hydros has advanced AI treatment planning, enhanced imaging and a streamlined surgical workflow, helping to improve both patient and surgical team experiences.
8/5 - Al-Anon Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every T 7 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Wednesday - 8/6 - TRX Outdoor Workout at the Park at Old School Square Park, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 8-9 am. Free. Registration: 561-2431077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
8/6 - Stretch & Strengthening Mindfulness Class at South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. Every W/F 10:30 am. Free. 561-588-8889; southpalmbeach.com
8/6-7 - Yoga in the Museum at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Every W & Th 11 am-noon. $8/ class. Registration: 561-654-2220; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
Thursday - 8/7 - Seminar: The Art of the Healing Meditation: Learn To GoHome to Yourself w/Tirtzah Israel at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every Th through 8/28. 1011:30 am. $60/annual membership; $69.60/ member; $87/non-member; $30/guest pass. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
“I am passionate about providing access to care to all who need it, and I’m excited to work with the incredible team here at Caron,” Garcia said. “Cost is often a barrier for seeking addiction treatment, and working in partnership with insurance groups enables us to create affordable, evidencebased programs that help people enter and remain in recovery.
Senior clinical director appointed at Caron Manuel Garcia was recently appointed senior clinical director in Florida for nonprofit Caron Treatment Centers, including one in Delray Beach. He will oversee Caron’s new insurance-based Core program, as well as the existing Caron Renaissance and mental health programs.
8/7 - LGBTQ+ AA Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Prayer Room, 101 NW 22nd St. Every Th 7 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
8/7 - Alateen Meeting at St. Mark Catholic Church, 643 NE 4th Ave, Boynton Beach. Every Th 7:30 pm. Free. 561-2783481; southpalmbeachafg.org
AUGUST 10-16
Sunday - 8/10 - Yoga at the Museum at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. 9:30-11 am. $15/member; $30/non-
“The programs here will build on what Caron has learned by developing in-network programming in Pennsylvania, while also leveraging the experience and world-class expertise available at Caron in Florida.”
Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.
member. 561-392-2500; bocamuseum.org
Wednesday - 8/13 - Forme Pilates at Old School Square Park, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Held again 8/27. 8-9 am. $15/person. Registration: 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
AUGUST 17-23
8/20 - Purlife Fitness at The Square at Old School Square Park, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 8-9 am. Free. Registration: 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/ events
Garcia
Drs. G. Peter Gliebus, Amy Laitinen and Frank Vrionis (l-r) were recently named participants in the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s inaugural scholars program. They are accompanied by hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez (rear) and (l-r) Wendy Elliott, Dr. Warren Selman and Dr. Jack Ziffer.
Photo provided
On the Water
Wahoo can be caught year-round in South Florida, but the absolute best time of the year to catch them is around the full moon in August.
With a full moon on Aug. 9, offshore anglers should target the speedy, tasty gamefish from now through most of the week after the full moon.
“We’ve caught them on the day of the full moon, but if I had to choose, I’d probably fish Thursday and Friday, and Sunday through Thursday,” Capt. Tony DiGiulian said.
Live bait such as goggle-eyes will catch wahoo, but among the best baits this time of year are small bonitos and skipjack tunas.
It’s not unusual for anglers to be fighting those species when they feel a thump and reel in fish heads.
“We’ve all reeled them in cut in half,” said Tom Greene, who added that anything from a 1- or 2-pound bonito to a 15-pounder can be used for bait.
“Think of any one you reeled in cut in half, that’s how big a bait you can use.”
Greene is the former owner of Custom Rod and Reel in Lighthouse Point, who got his start in business as a teenager working at Boca Tackle. He said to look for small bonitos flipping on the surface and troll a quill rig below the surface to catch a few.
He rigs the bait by running
The full moon has anglers singing ‘wahoo’
a wax loop behind its nose and securing it to a J-hook, which can be as large as an 11/0 for a big bonito. A second hook attached by a piece of wire to the front hook is lightly hooked in the skin of the bait near its tail. A 4- to 6-foot wire leader
tied to a 10- to 15-foot 60- to 100-pound monofilament leader completes the rig.
Greene said the long leader provides better control of a wahoo when it’s at the boat and added that the boat should be moving forward as you gaff the fish to prevent the wahoo from going under the boat.
DiGiulian, who likes to slowtroll live baits on downriggers, noted that wahoo slice their prey in half, then spin around to eat both pieces, so anglers need
Capt. Tony DiGiulian holds up a nice wahoo on a recent fishing trip.
DiGiulian, who likes to troll for wahoo, says anglers looking to reel in the speedy gamefish should pay attention to the position of the moon. Good times are when the moon is directly overhead or when it's just above the horizon, whether it’s rising or setting.
Steve Waters/The Coastal Star
to pay attention.
“If you get a wahoo bite and it’s a short bite, if you free-spool the bait back immediately, that wahoo will come back and eat it,” said DiGiulian, of Fort Lauderdale.
DiGiulian also trolls doublehooked bonito strips and bellies and ballyhoo for wahoo. He rigs the baits behind a mylar Sea Witch, available at local tackle stores.
“The more waggling of the bait that you can get, the better
Outdoors Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 7/23. Please check with organizers for any changes.
AUGUST 2
Saturday - 8/2 - Seining the Lagoon at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Explore grasses/flats of the Intracoastal Waterway behind Gumbo Limbo. Wear clothes that can get wet. Closed toed shoes required. Ages 7-adult; child must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/31 9-10:30 am. $15/member; $19/non-member. Reservations: 561-5448605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
8/2 - Outdoor Marine Aquarium
Feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. Daily 12:30 pm. Free. 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
8/2 - Resident Sea Turtle Talk at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. Daily 1-1:15 pm. Free. 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar. aspx?CID=47
AUGUST 3-9
Friday - 8/8 - After-Hours Guided
Tours at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Guided tour through outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, nature trail; ends w/ sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the beach by the Seminole Chiki. Ages 7-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/22 6:30-8 pm. $10/resident & member; $13/
off you’re going to be. We break the backbones of the ballyhoos so they’re more flexible and pliable and we use big strips,” DiGiulian said.
W hen trolling, DiGiulian uses planers, which get the baits well below the water’s surface. He’ll zigzag the boat between 130 and 300 feet of depth.
Fishing around schools of small bonitos or blackfin tunas and where flying fish are being chased can produce wahoo, which DiGiulian said often “hunt and eat in big packs.”
“When trolling, when you catch a wahoo, you want to make sure you go over the same spot many times.”
Given the hot weather, early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to fish. Ideally, DiGiulian said the start of an outgoing or incoming tide is best.
He also pays attention to the position of the moon. Good times are when the moon is directly overhead and just above the horizon, whether it’s rising or setting.
The daily bag limit for wahoo is two per person and there is no size limit, but one big fish will feed a lot of people. And you don’t even have to cook it.
“Wahoo raw is hard to beat,” DiGiulian said. “My favorite way is to sear it on the outside and slice it thin so it’s raw in the middle.”
non-resident. Register: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
Saturday - 8/9 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat America: A Boating Safety Course at Spanish River Park HQ Building, USCG Auxiliary Classroom, 3939 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, regulations, more. Course provides knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate; possible insurance discount. 9 am-5 pm. $35/adult; $5/teen. 561-391-3600; peauxboca@gmail. com
8/9 - Intracoastal Adventures: Intro to Canoeing at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Ages 12-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/ member; $25/non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar. aspx?CID=47
AUGUST 10-16
Sunday - 8/10 - Intracoastal Adventures: Advanced Kayaking at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Includes short talk about South Florida’s unique animals/ecosystems. Ages 7-adult; each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/resident & member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/ calendar.aspx?CID=47
Tuesday - 8/12 - Island Treks at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Visitors will be guided on a short trek along the shaded boardwalk through the tropical hardwood hammock
Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol. com.
forest, pausing for some intracoastal views through the mangroves. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/26. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-5448605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
AUGUST 17-24
Saturday - 8/23 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat America: A Boating Safety Course at Harvey E. Oyer, Jr. Park, 2010 N Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach. Boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, regulations, more. Course provides knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate; possible insurance discount. 8 am-4 pm. $20. 561-312-6439; birdlover5@ bellsouth.net
8/23 - Intracoastal Adventures: Intro to Kayaking at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Includes short talk about South Florida’s unique animals/ecosystems. Ages 7-adult; each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/resident & member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar. aspx?CID=47
Sunday - 8/24 - Family Fun Snorkel at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Snorkel shallow intracoastal waters, study animals sheltered/protected from ocean’s dangers. Bring your own snorkel, mask, water shoes (no fins allowed). Age 10-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 9-10:30 am. $15/member; $19/ non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
Tots & Teens
Children and parents to learn together at Delray Beach temple
By Faran Fagen
A new Jewish studies program encourages parents, grandparents or guardians to attend each week alongside their children, making Jewish learning a true family experience.
“It’s a chance for kids and parents and their families to learn together,” said Rabbi Joyce Siegel, program director and founder.
The program, Jewish Family Experience/ Beit Mishpacha, begins Sept. 7 at Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County, 2475 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.
The program aims to meet families where they are on their Jewish journey — whether just beginning or continuing
traditions. Beit Mishpacha features project-based and experiential learning through music, storytelling, art, cooking, games and more.
Important goals will also embrace the traditional concepts of loving your neighbor and repairing the world.
There are no temple membership fees — just one all-inclusive tuition fee per child. The fees are for tuition, supplies, teaching staff and the program itself. For families whose goal is a bar or bat mitzvah, the program will help prepare them for that path.
“Many families today don’t want to pay for membership and commit to one place,” Siegel said. “I wanted to reach out to families not part of the temple and give them the opportunity to participate.”
The program is open to families with children in grades K-7. All Jewish and interfaith
& Teens Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 7/23. Please check with organizers for any changes.
AUGUST 2
Saturday - 8/2 - Back to School Bash at Norman J. Wimbley Gymnasium, 1515 Winfield St, Lake Worth Beach. Lake Worth Beach students in elementary, middle, or high school are invited. Each student will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies to help kick off the year. Must live within zip codes in the 33460-33461 area and provide a Lake Worth Beach utilities bill and valid photo ID. 9 am-2 pm. Free. 561-533-7363; lakeworthbeachfl.gov/backto-school-bash
8/2 - Drop-In Family Storytime at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Up to age 5. Every Sat. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary. org
8/2 - Saturday Morning ART (smART) at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Based on artwork at the Museum, links art making w/learning about art. Ages 5+. Held again 9/6. 11:15 am-12:15 pm. $15/ member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-392-2500; bocamuseum.org
8/2 - Haitian Folkloric Dance Class at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Ages 6-17. Every Sat through 8/30. Ages 13+. 12:30-1:30 pm. $60/ resident; $75/non-resident. Registration: 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/2 - Teen Broadway Camp Show: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St. Two shows: 2 pm & 7:30 pm. $20/adult; $15/child. 561-272-1281; delraybeachplayhouse.com
AUGUST 3-9
Tuesday - 8/5 - Pop-Up Pages at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment: stories, music, movement. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 0-5. Held again 8/17 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
8/5 - Sustainability Skills for Teens: Lotus Book Binding at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Ages 13-17. 6-7 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Thursday - 8/7 - Drop-In Family Storytime at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Up to age 5. Every Th 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
families are welcome.
Beit Mishpacha’s curriculum will cover Jewish holidays, Jewish Lifecycle, Bible, Hebrew, prayers, Israel, tikkun olam and mitzvot. For the older students/ families, the Holocaust and antisemitism will be included.
Small classes are offered with personalized attention.
Lynne Weinstein has been part of the leadership at Temple Sinai for more than 20 years and is past president of the congregation.
“Our senior rabbi, Steven Moss, Rabbi Joyce Siegel and our leadership are committed to fostering a robust Jewish community in a world with many challenges,” Weinstein said.
The new program at Temple Sinai is a creative approach to supplemental Jewish family education. Its primary goal is to offer traditional and contemporary families a shared learning opportunity to
Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 13-17. 5-7:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-2660194; delraylibrary.org
Saturday - 8/9 - Splash Back To School Party at John H. Denson Pool, 225 NW 12th Ave, Boynton Beach. All ages. 12:304:30 pm. Regular admission applies. 561742-6645; boynton-beach.org
AUGUST 10-16
Sunday - 8/10 - Discovery Series: Sea Turtle Cycles at Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Outdoors, limit 5 families per class. Ages 3-5. Noon. Child: $12/non-member, $2/ member; Adults: $10/non-member. RSVP: 561-274-7264; sandoway.org
8/10 - Young Scientists Turtle Exploration Adventures: Nest Excavation at Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Ages 5-9. 1:30 pm. $10/non-member. RSVP: 561-274-7263; sandoway.org
Monday - 8/11 - 3D Printing 101 at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 13-17. 2-3 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Tuesday - 8/12 - Teen Tuesday at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 13-17. Every T 5-7 pm. Free. 561-7426393; boyntonlibrary.org
Wednesday - 8/13 - Game Day at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 13-17. Every W 4:30-6:30 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Thursday - 8/14 - Make & Take: Ninja Stress Balls at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Saturday - 8/16 - Wild Wonders (formerly Little Wonders & Nature Detectives) at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Hike, crafts, stories. Ages 3-6 w/an adult. 9:30-10:15 am. $8/resident & member; $10/non-member. Reservations: 561-5448605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47 8/16 - Bones to Books at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Children read to friends from Bonafide Therapy Dogs. All ages. 1-2 pm. Free. Registration: 561-7426390; boyntonlibrary.org
AUGUST 17-23
Monday - 8/18 - Discovery STEAM for Preschoolers - Creepy Crawlies at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 2-5. 3:15-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
8/18 - Sci-Fi Summer Movie Night: Mockingjay Part 2 at Delray Beach
embrace many aspects of their Jewish heritage.
The Jewish Family Experience embraces families with a diverse Jewish heritage seeking balance in their parenting, professional and recreational lives.
“The experiential curriculum is designed for the students, parents and grandparents to learn together in classrooms and the community as well as continue the shared process in monthly home activities,” Weinstein said.
Families were invited to a free open house on July 27 where they met educators, toured the space, and enjoyed a hands-on taste of this approach to Jewish learning.
“ Temple Sinai is so excited to welcome young families,” Siegel said. “Jewish learning should be joyful, welcoming and shared.”
Thursday - 8/21 - Make & Take: Wind Spinners at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Friday - 8/22 - Discovery STEAM for K-2nd Graders - I Dig Dinos at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. For grades K-2nd. 3:15-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Saturday - 8/23-24 - Creation Station at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Limited seating. Noon-4 pm. Free w/ admission. 561-392-2500; bocamuseum. org
AUGUST 24-30
Sunday - 8/24 - Discovery Series: Tortoise Time at Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Outdoors, limit 5 families per class. Ages 3-5. Noon. Child: $12/non-member, $2/ member; Adults: $10/non-member. RSVP: 561-274-7264; sandoway.org
8/24 - Young Scientists Turtle Exploration Adventures: Storms & Sea Turtles at Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Ages 5-9. 1:30 pm. $10/non-member. RSVP: 561-2747263; sandoway.org
Monday - 8/25 - Discovery STEAM for Preschoolers - Color Red, Yellow, Blue … What I Make From You! at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 2-5. 3:15-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
8/25 - TAB (Teen Advisory Board) Meeting at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 13-17. 5-6 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.
org Tuesday - 8/26 - Toddler Tales at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Stories, music, movement. Ages walking to 23 mos. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Grades K-3 will meet twice a month on a Sunday morning for three hours, plus family shabbat dinner and service once a month.
Grades 4-7 will meet Sunday mornings three times a month, plus family shabbat dinner and service once a month.
In addition, grades 4-7 will meet on Zoom for 30 minutes a week for a Hebrew learning experience.
Siegel’s goal is for the children to lead the shabbat services. The idea behind the program is something that Siegel has wanted to bring to fruition for many years.
“We’re really building a community — that’s my vision,” she said.
Enrollment is open. Visit jewishfamilyexperiencedelray. org or email info@jewish familyexperiencedelray.org.
To learn more or schedule a visit, call Rabbi Siegel at 561276-6161, ext. 119. P
8/26 - Reinventing Embroidery for Tweens: Lotus Book Binding at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Ages 9-12. 6-7 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Wednesday - 8/27 - Reading & Rhythm for 2-3s at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment class. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Every W. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561393-7968; bocalibrary.org
8/27 - Doll Diaries: American Girl Doll Adventures at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Ages 7-8. Every W. 4-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Thursday - 8/28 - Make & Take: Perler Beads at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Friday - 8/29 - Baby Bookworm at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Storytime for infants accompanied by an adult. Every F 11-11:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7852; bocalibrary. org 8/29 - Discovery STEAM for K-2nd
Graders - Sea Turtles Rescue at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. For grades K-2nd. 3:15-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
AUG. 31-SEPT. 6
Wednesday - 9/3 - Bilingual Outdoor Storytime at Boynton Beach Library under the Banyan tree, 100 E Ocean Ave. Stories, rhymes, more. Ages 5 & under. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Thursday - 9/4 - Make & Take: Mexican Paper Flowers at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Ages 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org Friday - 9/5 - Discovery STEAM for K-2nd Graders - Move It! Move It! at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. For grades K-2nd. 3:15-4 pm. Free. 561742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Saturday - 9/6 - Sustainability Skills for Tweens & Teens: Soap Making at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Ages 9-17. 2-3 pm. Free. Registration: 561-3937968; bocalibrary.org
Siegel
Community Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 7/23. Please check with organizers for any changes.
AUGUST 2
Saturday - 8/2 - Summer Cyanotype Workshop at Delray Beach Historical Society Historic 1926 Bungalow, 3 NE 1st St. 9:30-11:30 am. $35/members; $50/ non-members. Registration: 561-274-9578; delraybeachhistory.org
8/2 - Freestyle Saturdays Art Class at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Ages 18+. Every Sat through 8/30 10 am-12:30 pm. Per class $29/ resident; $35/non-resident. Registration: 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/2 - Charcoal Dramatic Still Life & Reflective Surfaces at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10 am-1 pm. $55. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/2 - $5 Studio Days at Creative Arts School, 51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Ages 5+. Held again 8/16 & 9/6. 1-3 pm. Free. 561-243-7209; delraybeachfl.gov/cas
8/2 - 5th Annual Delray Beach Unity Festival at Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd St. 3-9 pm. Free. 561-243-7356; delraybeachfl. gov
8/2 - Memphis Lightning at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $45$50. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
8/2-3 - Boca Ballet Theatre: Summer Breezes at Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Rd, Boca Raton. Sat: 7:30 pm; Sun: 2 pm. $35$55/adults; $25-$45/seniors & children. 561-995-0709; bocaballet.org
8/2-3 - Hair The Musical at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Runs through 8/3. F/Sat: 7:30 pm; Sat/Sun: 2 pm. $40/show; $66-$116/dinner & show. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
AUGUST 3-9
Sunday - 8/3 - Boca Raton Green Market every Sunday at Royal Palm Place, 508 Via de Palmas, Boca Raton. Fresh fruits & vegetables, local artisans, fresh meats and seafood, locally-grown flowers, and a variety of handcrafted wares. 9 am-1 pm. Free. bocagreenmarket.com
8/3 - Exhibit Opening Reception at Artist’s Eye Gallery Boutique, 604 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth. Runs through 8/29. 2-4 pm. Free. 561-586-8666; lwartleague.org
8/3 - Rob Thomas - The All Night Days Tour presented by Live Nation at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Doors open 6:30 pm; show 7:30 pm. $88 and up. 561-393-7890; mizneramp.com
Monday - 8/4 - Advanced Squares at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. All ages. Every M 2-4 pm. $6. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/4 - Graze for Good at Restaurants at Compson Place, 1880 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach. Proceeds benefit The Soup Kitchen. 5-7 pm. $20. Registration: 561-395-4433; compsongrazeforgood. eventbrite.com
8/4 - Pickleball at Hester Center, 1901 N Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach. Combines badminton & tennis. Adults. M/F 6-8 pm. $5-$7; $50-$65/24-visit pass. 561-7426550; boynton-beach.org
Tuesday - 8/5 - Career & Employment Help w/CareerSource PBC at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Representative fluent in English, Creole, French. Adults. Every T 9 am-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
8/5 - Wills, Trusts, and Estates at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 11 am-noon. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
8/5 – Socrates Café at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Philosophical discussions. Every T 1:30-3 pm. Free. 561393-7852; bocalibrary.org
8/5 - Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: The Secret Hours by Mick Herron at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 2-3 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
8/5 - 100 Years, Bites, & Cheers at The Shops at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. In honor of City of Boca Raton’s 100th anniversary. 5-7 pm. $26.75. bocacenterdinearound.eventbrite.com/
8/5 - Movie Night at Highland Beach Library, 3618 Ocean Blvd. 5:30 pm. Free. 561-278-5455; highlandbeach.us
8/5 - Comedy Open Mic at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Every 1st T 8-10:30 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
8/5-6 - Auditions: Little Shop of Horrors at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Puppeteer Audition: 8/9
1-4 pm. Production dates 10/3-19. By appointment only at 7 pm: 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
8/5-8 - 2025 Summer Playwright Festival at The Stonzek Studio Theater, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach. 7:30 pm. $10. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse. org
Wednesday - 8/6 - The Greatest Decisions in Presidential History w/Robert Watson at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/ annual membership; $35.20/member; $44/ non-member. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/6 - Mozart’s String Quartets at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 1:30-3 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
8/6 - YMCA Casino Night at Flagler Credit Union Stadium at FAU, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Proceeds benefit YMCA. 5:30-9 pm. $50/person; $95/couple; $150/entry to Poker tournament. Registration: 561-3954433; ymcaspbc.org/events/casino-night 8/6 - Downtown Delray Beach Drum Circle at Old School Square Park, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Every W 7-10 pm. 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare. com/events
Thursday - 8/7 - Quilters meet at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Share quilting information, perpetuate quilting as a cultural & artistic form. Limit 10 quilters at a time. Every Th 9 am-noon. 561-742-6886; boyntonlibrary.org
8/7 - Light, Shadow & Drama: Create Depth Like a Renaissance Painter at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10 am-1 pm. $65. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
8/7 - Line Dancing at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. All ages. Every Th 10:30-11:30 am. $6. 561742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/7 - Drawing the Outlines of the Middle East: A History Rooted in Bad Faith w/Ralph Nurnberger at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $10.40/member; $13/nonmember. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/7 - Film - Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Held again 8/14. Two times: 2-3:30 pm & 6-7:30 pm. $5/member; $10/ non-member. 561-392-2500; bocamuseum. org
8/7 - Golden Hour Photography at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. Every Th through 4/28. 5-8 pm. $200. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/7 - Wine Down & Relax at Sunscape Boca Raton, 22501 Boca Rio Rd, Boca Raton. Proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Association. 5:30-7:30 pm. $25/ person. Registration: 561-395-4433; winedowntoendalz.eventbrite.com
8/7 - Floral Arranging with Summer Blooms at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 6-8 pm. $85. 561330-9614; artswarehouse.org
Friday - 8/8 - Beginner Squares at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. All ages. Every F 6-7 pm. $6. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/8 - Castoffs Square Dance at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Basic modern western square dancing. All ages. Every F 6-9 pm. $6. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
8/8 - 5th Annual Battle of the Bands & Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Bring blankets/chairs; chairs for rent $5. Doors open 6 pm; show 7 pm. Free. 561-393-7890; mizneramp.com
8/8 - Golden Bell Sunset Happy Hour at Beach Club at The Boca Raton, 900 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Proceeds benefit Golden
Municipal Meetings
8/4 – Ocean Ridge Town Hall, 6450 N Ocean Blvd. 6 pm. Agenda: oceanridgeflorida.com
8/5 – Highland Beach Town Hall, 3614 S Ocean Blvd. 1:30 pm. Agenda: highlandbeach.us
8/5, 19 & 9/2 – Boynton Beach City Hall, 100 E Ocean Ave. 6 pm. Agenda: boynton-beach.org
8/8 – Gulf Stream Town Hall, 100 Sea Rd. 9 am. Agenda: gulf-stream.org
8/11 – Lantana Town Hall, 500 Greynolds Cir. 6 pm. Agenda: lantana.org
8/12 – South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. 2 pm. Agenda: southpalmbeach.com
8/12, 19 & 9/3 – Delray Beach City Hall, 100 NW 1st Ave. 5 pm. Agenda: delraybeachfl.gov
8/26 – Boca Raton Auditorium, 6500 Congress Ave. 6 pm. Agenda: myboca.us
8/28– Briny Breezes Town Hall, 4802 N Ocean Blvd. 4 pm. Agenda: townofbrinybreezes-fl.com
Bell Education Foundation. 6:30-8:30 pm. $50/person. Registration: 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/8 - Comedy on The Intracoastal at Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach. Doors open: 7 pm; show: 8 pm. $20/advance; $25/at the door. 561-742-6641; boynton-beach.org
8/8 - The Blues Brothers Soul Band at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $50-$55. 561-450-6357; artsgarage. org Saturday - 8/9 - Calling All Serious Writers! Saturday Writers Studio presented by Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. All other Sat via Zoom. 10 am. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
8/9 - Wild Garden: Expressive Floral Art in Watercolor & Ink at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $40. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
8/9 - Open Figure Studio w/Model at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Ages 18+. Held again 6-8 pm 8/28. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $15. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/9 - Creative Arts & Culture Fest at Creative Arts School, 51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Noon-4 pm. Free. 561-2437209; delraybeachfl.gov/cas
8/9 - History Tour of Boca Raton at The Boca Raton, 501 E Camino Real. Held again 8/16. 2-3:30 pm. $29. Registration: 561395-6766; bocaratonchamber.com
8/9 - Ben Bankas at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 7:30 pm. $30. 561-203-3742; thestudioatmiznerpark. com
8/9 - Gafieira Rio Miami - Brazilian Big Band at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $50-$55. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
AUGUST 10-16
Sunday - 8/10 - Summer Heritage Lecture: The Future of Florida’s Coasts w/Evan Bennett at Delray Beach Historical Society, 3 NE 1st St. Annual fundraiser. 6 pm. $10/nonmember. Registration: 561-274-9578; delraybeachhistory.org
Monday - 8/11 - Monday Movies
- Documentary: The Great Buster: A Celebration directed by Peter Bogdanovich at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 5:30-8 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
8/11 - Hat’s Off to Teaching Children to Read at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 6-8 pm. $50/ person. Registration: 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
Tuesday - 8/12 - The Supreme Court at a Crossroad: Rights, Power, and the Future of Governance w/Irving Labovitz presented by FAU Lifelong Learning Institute at The Vintage Gym at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 10:30 am-noon. $30.40/ member; $38/non-member & guest pass 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
8/12 - Comedy Without Borders w/Shelly Isaacs at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every T through 9/2. 2:30-4:30 pm. $60/ annual membership; $80/non-member; $30/guest pass. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/12 - The Music of the 1960’s: From Evolution to Revolution w/Thomas Cimarusti at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 3-4:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $30.40/member; $38/non-member. 561-297-3185; olli.fau. edu
8/12 - 15th Annual White Coats-4-Care Fundraiser at The Addison, 2 Camino Real, Boca Raton. 6 pm. Tickets start at $250. 561-297-4828; fau.edu/medicine/white-
coats-4-care/ 8/12 - Pickleball with Purpose: A Rales JFS & Fuller Center Event at Fuller Center West Campus Pickleball Courts, 10130 185th St S, Boca Raton. 6-8 pm.
$36/person. Registration: 561-395-4433; ralesjfs.org/pickleball
8/12 - Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 6 pm. Free. Registration: 561266-0194; delraylibrary.org
8/12 - Delray Beach Orchid Society Meeting at Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach. 2nd T 7 pm. Free. 561-5732422; delraybeachorchidsociety.org
8/12 - All Arts Open Mic Night at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Every 2nd T 8-10:30 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Wednesday - 8/13 - Experimental Printmaking with Gelli Plates at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-2:30 pm. $90. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
8/13 - Wheel Throwing for Beginners & Experienced Potters at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Ages 16+. Every W through 9/3 11:30 am1:30 pm. $360/4 sessions. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/13 - Annual Fondue Raiser at The Melting Pot, 5455 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 4:30-10 pm. Reservations: 561-9977472; bocaratonchamber.com
Thursday - 8/14 - Still Life, Full Throttle: Bring the Ordinary to Life in Acrylic at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10 am-1 pm. $65. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/14 - How the Six-Day War Shaped the Course of Middle East Peace w/Ralph Nurnberger at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $10.40/member; $13/non-member. 561-297-3185; olli.fau. edu
8/14 - Long Pose Open Figure Studio w/Model at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Ages 18+. 6-8 pm. $15. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/14-15 - Portrait Painting with Acrylic at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $70/2 day class. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse. org
Friday - 8/15 - Wheel Throwing for Beginners & Experienced Potters at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Ages 16+. Every F through 9/5 11:30 am-1:30 pm. $360/4 sessions. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
8/15 - RF Factor at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 7:30 pm. Tickets $35-$50. 561-203-3742; thestudioatmiznerpark.com
8/15 - The Kittens at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $20-$25. 561450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 8/16 - AARP Safe Driver Course at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 9 am-3 pm. $20/AARP Members; $25/non-members. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
8/16 - Abstract Painting Intensive for Intermediate Level Full-Day Class at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10 am-4 pm. $140. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
8/16 - Rock the Plaza at Ocean Plaza, 640 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 2-6 pm. Free. Featuring Rogue Theory in concert, family-friendly activities and retailers' promotions. boyntonbeachcra.com
8/16 - Sarge: Half the Man I Used To Be at The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, 7901 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 7:30 pm. $40-$60. Reservations: 561-995-2333; thewick.org
8/16 - Heart Shaped Box: Nirvana Tribute at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40-$45. 561-4506357; artsgarage.org
AUGUST 17-23
Sunday - 8/17 - Story Central Storytelling Slam at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 3-4:30 pm. Free. 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Monday - 8/18 - Boca’s Got Talent at Crazy Uncle Mike’s, 6450 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 5-8 pm. $40. 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
Tuesday - 8/19 - Book Talks - NonFiction/Biographies: Visionary Women by Andrea Barnet at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 2-3 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org 8/19 - It’s All Greek to Me: Mythology in Opera at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 3 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
8/19 - Chopstick Challenge at Wyndham Boca, 1950 Glades Rd/Wyndham Way, Boca Raton. 6-8 pm. $50. Reservations: 561-3954433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/19 - 15th Annual Cocktails for JARC at Good Night John Boy, 33 SE 3rd Ave, Delray Beach. 6-8 pm. $40/advance; $45/ at the door. 561-558-2550; jarcfl.org/event/ cocktails-for-jarc-2/
8/19 - Spoken Word Open Mic: Poetry, Storytelling & Lyrics at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Every 3rd T 8-10:30 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
8/19 - FAU Astronomical Observatory public viewing at FAU Science & Engineering Building 4th floor, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 1st F & 3rd T 8 pm. Free. Schedule subject to change; check website: 561-297-7827; physics.fau.edu/ observatory/events/ Wednesday - 8/20 - Book Buzz Adult Book Club at Boynton Beach Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 10:30 amnoon. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
8/20 - Abstract Acrylic Painting in a Neutral Palette at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-2:30 pm. $95. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/20 - The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People w/By Experience at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-3:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $20/member; $25/nonmember. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/20 - Coral Reef Conservation & Restoration at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 2 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
8/20 - Home-akase at Sushi by Bou, 409 SE Mizner, Ste 71, Boca Raton. 5-7:45 pm. $85. Reservations: 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
Thursday - 8/21 - Wild Horizons: Abstract Your Landscape at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10 am-1 pm. $65. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/21 - The Significance of the Oslo Peace Process w/Ralph Nurnberger at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $10.40/member; $13/nonmember. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/21 - Summer Sips & Sounds: Boca in the 1940s at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N Federal Hwy. 6-8 pm. $40/person. 561-395-6766 x100; bocahistory.org
Friday - 8/22 - Sunset Concert Series: Turnstiles - Billy Joel Tribute at Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 5 pm. $50/VIP; free/ general admission. 561-243-1077; tickets. delrayoldschoolsquare.com
8/22 - Battle of the Bartenders at Boca Raton Marriott, 5150 Town Center Circle. Benefits Best Foot Forward. 6-8 pm. $40. 561-470-8300; bestfoot.org
8/22 - Yacht Rock at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $50-$55. 561450-6357; artsgarage.org
8/22-23 - Self Portrait Painting with Primary Colors at Arts Warehouse, 313
NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $70/2 days. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
Saturday - 8/23 - Shells and Shark Teeth in Watercolor at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Adults. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $40. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
8/23 - Boca School for Autism
After Dark Cocktails, Cornhole & Comedy Night at FAU Forkas Alumni Center, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 6-8 pm. $45. Reservations: 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/23 - Big Momma Blues featuring Kat Riggins at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $45-$50. 561-4506357; artsgarage.org
AUGUST 24-30
Sunday - 8/24 - Bowling for Bread at Bowlero, 21046 Commercial Trail, Boca Raton. Noon-2 pm. Sponsor a kids’ lane for $500, a child for $100. Reservations: 561395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
Monday - 8/25 - The Book Censor’s Library by Bothayna Al-Essa at Delray Beach Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 1 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0196; delraylibrary.org
8/25 - Margarita Monday at Rocco’s Tacos, 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. Benefits Speak Up for Kids. 5:30-7:30 pm. $40/advance; $45/at the door. 561-3954433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/25 - Monday Movies - Feature Film:
Phantom Thread directed by Paul Thomas Anderson at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 5:30-8 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
8/25 - Trivia Night at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6-7:30 pm. Free. 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Tuesday - 8/26 - Seminar: Surprise in Warfare: From the Trojan Horse to Gaza w/Edward Shapiro at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 1-2:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $40/member; $50/non-member. 561-2973185; olli.fau.edu
Wednesday - 8/27 - The Worse Decisions in Presidential History w/Robert Watson at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $35.20/member; $44/non-member. 561297-3185; olli.fau.edu
Thursday - 8/28 - The Musical Theater
Golden Age: How the British Stole the American Musical w/Steven Friedman at FAU Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $10.40/member; $13/nonmember. 561-297-3185; olli.fau.edu
8/28 - History & General Practices of Beekeeping with the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6-7:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-3937906; bocalibrary.org
8/28 - AACY Game Night at Biergarten Boca, 309 Via e Palmas, Ste 90, Boca Raton. 6-9 pm. $40. 561-395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/28 - Friends Virtual Book Club: Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson presented by Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. 561393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Friday - 8/29 - Black Business Pop-Up at Hester Center, 1901 N Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach. 5:30 pm. 561-742-6650; boynton-beach.org
8/29 - Jaws 50th Anniversary Outdoor Screening at Delray Beach Historical Society Historic, 3 NE 1st St. 6:30-8 pm. Free. Registration: 561-274-9578; delraybeachhistory.org
8/29 - French Swing Collective at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $50-$55. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 8/30 - Bingo and Brunch 4 Kids at Crazy Uncle Mike’s, 6450 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. Noon-3 pm. $50. 561395-4433; bocaratonchamber.com
8/30 - Party in Paradise: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffett at Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 5-10 pm. $60/VIP; $20/ general admission; $5/kids 12 & under; free/kids 2 & under. 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
8/30 - Drag Queen Bingo at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Ages 21+. 7 pm. $30.52. 561-586-6410;
lakeworthplayhouse.org
8/30 - The Dirty Doors - A Tribute to The Doors at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $50-$55. 561-4506357; artsgarage.org
AUG. 31-SEPT. 6
Sunday - 8/31 - Boca Raton
Championship Wrestling at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 5 pm. $35. 561-203-3742; thestudioatmiznerpark.com
Monday - 9/1 - Labor Day
Tuesday - 9/2 - Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: Harmattan Season by Tochi Onyebuchi at Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 2-3 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
9/2 - Comedy Open Mic at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Every 1st T 8-10:30 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357;
artsgarage.org
Friday - 9/5 - First Friday @ 5 Concert:
Six After Midnight at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave. Featuring food trucks, artisan market, children’s activities and music. 5-9 pm. Free. 561-7426024; boynton-beach.org
9/5 – The Art of Laughter with Headliner Ahren Belisle featuring Michael Glatzmaier at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40. 561450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 9/6 - A Night Together presented by Abisax at Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Studio Theatre, 713 Lake Ave. 8 pm. $45. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
9/6 - Selwyn Birthwood Returns at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $45-$50. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
ABLE TREE
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