Page Two: Barry’s Buzz – Jan. 20, 2016
Boca Raton City Council decided to grant $50,000 for the first city welcome center back in September, but didn’t get around to it until the Jan. 11 meeting. The grant for the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum was part of the consent agenda. So it passed without discussion, and even executive director Mary Csar was unaware it was happening… until it did.
Staples and Office Depot will extend their merger contract past the Feb. 4 deadline set last year when the office-supply retailers’ proposed $6.3 billion merger was announced. The companies said they would extend the merger agreement to May 16. The trial in the lawsuit of the Federal Trade Commission versus Staples and Office Depot is set for May 10.
Three student housing complexes near Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton sold for a combined $105.25 million. The sellers were all a partnership between Deerfield Beach-based Rosemurgy Properties, Giles Capital and Lewis Rental Properties. The buyers were all affiliates of New York-based Investcorp International Realty.
Boca Raton Fire-Rescue swore in the most new firefighters in memory and honored four of its own for water rescues. Capt. Ron Hartley, who retired last October, was also presented with a framed fire hatchet and a plaque from his union at the Last Roll Call, Badge and Award Ceremony at the headquarters building at 6500 Congress Ave. on Jan. 8. His son Cameron was among the 14 new hires.
The Boca Raton Public Library is turning a new page with its first community reading experience. Boca residents are invited to join the initiative, One Book Boca, by reading the book “Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination” by J.K. Rowling. The goal of the program, which will run through February, “is to create unity through the reading of literature, which will foster community and discussion and bring together readers from different generations,” city spokeswoman Chrissy Biagiotti said.
Arthur J. Ross III, M.D., M.B.A., has joined the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine as interim dean. As interim dean, Ross will determine how to best position FAU’s College of Medicine for its next phase of growth.
Shred Trust comes to you to shred old documents very inexpensively. Call 954.978.2077 or visit www.shredtrust.com. They also do medical waste.
West Boca Medical Center is the first hospital in Florida and just on in 10 nationwide to earn the Joint Commission’s new Perinatal Care Certification.
West Boca Leaders is the best networking group in the area. One of a kind networking group. www.westbocaleaders.com. First and Third Thursdays. Next meeting is Jan. 21, 2016, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tulipe Café, Boca Grove Shopping Center. $60 per quarter. Fill out form on site if you qualify and bring $60 for fourth quarter. For more information or questions, call 561.852.0000.
Taking Sides by Ronald Harwood is at the JCC Sandler Center, Jan. 21-Feb. 7. $20, VIP $25, A&L Gold Members: $15, A&L Platinum Members: Free. Call 561.558.2512 for tickets.
Dirty Grandpa and the 5th Wave opens at the Boca Cinemark. The Lady in the Van opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres, the Classic Gateway in Ft. Lauderdale, the Movies of Delray and the Movies of Lake Worth, which also opens Dirty Grandpa and Dawn of the Dead. Danish Girl and Heart of the Sea opens at the Last Picture Show in Tamarac. See movie capsules at http://www.publicrelations.nu/movie-capsules-by-barry-epstein-jan-15-2016/.
Acclaimed for its ‘magic’, ‘simplicity’, and ‘compassion’, Carnival blends music, comedy, and pathos into what has been referred to as ‘America’s Magical Musical’. Carnival will open at Margate’s Stage Door Theatre on January 22nd and run through February 28th. Tickets for Carnival are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoortheatre.com. Group and Subscriber Discounts are available for all Stage Door productions.
It’s a parking lot full of great vendors at the Boca Raton Green Market, in its 19th year, open every Saturday, 8am to 1pm, at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton, offering farm-to-table, fresh-picked produce from local growers, plants and flowers, prepared foods, doggie treats, and lots more. Live music on the Piazza stage this week features the Sheffield Brothers who have been performing their special diversified musical repertoire, something for everyone, for over 20 years.
Digital art moves into the mainstream as HotWorks.org brings the seventh annual Boca Raton Fine Art Show back to Sanborn Square in downtown Boca Raton. This is the show’s fourth year at 72 N. Federal Highway. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24, and admission is free.
Citizens For National Security presents a briefing by Pete Hoekstra, former chairman, House Committee on Intelligence, “Switching Sides to Radical Islamists: Lessons Learned”, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Club at Boca Pointe. Advance registration is mandatory! This event is inside a gated community. Registration fee $40.00 per person donation. Complimentary attendance for CFNS Chairman’s Roundtable members. All CFNS members may bring one guest, free of charge. Refreshments, valet parking and handouts included. Email: debbie@cfns.us or call 561.483.6430.
Violet, presented by the SlowBurn Theatre Company is Jan. 22- at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale. Call 954.462.0222 for tickets or visit www.browardcenter.org.
Author, Actor, Director and Producer Henry Winkler is at B’Nai Torah Congregation, 6:30 pm cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, 7:30 program, Feb. 23. Couvert is $95 with a minimum household gift of $365 to the 2016 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Annual Campaign. Call 561.852.5031 or RSVP at jewishboca.org/theevent. Email to kathleenb@bocafed.org.
The Rolling Stones/Bruce Springsteen Tribute Concert is 7:30 pm, Jan 23 at The Countess de Hoernle Theatre, Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Road. Call now for best seats. 561.912.1453, or email info@templebethshira.org.
Goldie Hawn will headline the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation Black Tie gala, sponsored by longtime Boca philanthropists Dick and Barbara Schmidt, 6:30 pm to 11 pm, Jan. 23, with Heat Wave band returning by popular demand. Tickets are $400 and sponsorships range from $1200 to $100,000 for such amenities as vale, cocktails and registration. Sponsorships at the $15,000 level and above will include a VIP reception with Hawn. Call 561.955.5186 or email: kread@brrh.com for more information and tickets.
Ionescopade, a Vaudeville musical based on works by Eugene Ionesco is at the FAU Theatre Lab, 7:30 pm Jan. 23 or 2 pm Jan. 24. Tickets are $20, $10 for students. Call 800.564.9539 for tickets or more information. Come early to enjoy some food and drink in the gallery space.
The Book of Mormon is at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, Jan. 26 to Feb. 7. Call 954.462.0222 for tickets or visit www.browardcenter.org.
Glenn Miller will be performing his Comedy Hypnosis Show 8 pm Jan.30 at the Boca Black Box Theatre, 8221 Glades Rd. Suite 10, Boca Raton. Tickets at 561.483.9036. Check out www.glennmillerhypnosis.com. Also available for corporate events, private bookings, etc. Call 561.852.0000 for details.
Other Desert Cities is at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St. Delray Beach, Jan. 30 – Feb. 14. For reservations, call The Delray Beach Playhouse Box Office at (561) 272-1281 Ext. 4. Tickets are $30.00. [Student tickets are half-priced.]
The South Florida Fair runs to Jan. 31 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Discount tickets are available at all Palm Beach County Publix supermarkets. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate for adults and $5 in advance and $8 at the gate for children. See www.southfloridafair.com for more information.
Singles can improve their online dating profile by going to www.myprofileguru.com.
“South Pacific” plays through Feb. 14 at The Wick Theater, 7901 N. Federal Highway, in Boca Raton. Tickets are $70 to $80, matinees Wednesdays through Sundays; evening performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit thewick.org or call the box office at 561-995-2333.
Pompadour, a Brand New Musical by Michael Leeds & Kevin Black is at the Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, to Jan. 31. Tickets are $38-$42. Call 954.344.7765 or visit http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/. Don’t miss it. It is terrific. Best show ever at the Stage Door Theatre, bar none!
The Jazz Singer will through Jan. 24 at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park. Tickets are $35. Group tickets are $22. Call 561.347.3048 or visit www.willowtheatre.org/the-jazz-singer-the-musical for more information.
The Friends of the Boca Raton Library’s “Sunday Matinee Music Series” presents vocalist, Sharon Ruben, Sunday, February 7, 3-4pm, at the Downtown Library located at 400 NW 2nd Avenue in Boca Raton. Reservations are required. Computer users need to enroll via the Library Event Calendar on the Library website, www.bocalibrary.org Non-computer users may call (561) 807-7141 for enrolling.
Patriot Placements and Alpine Jaguar present a free “Celebrate Our Heroes” cocktail party fundraiser to fund job placements services for our veterans and their spouses at no cost, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Jan. 28, Alpine Jaguar, 6606 N. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale. RSVP at carmelita@patriotplacements.org.
Arlene Herson is the Master of Ceremonies for the Showtime Entertainment Series at Spanish River High School Theater. The series consists of 3 more shows, Hal Linden with Freddie Roman on Thursday, January 28th at 7:30PM, Clint Holmes with Dick Capri on Thursday, February 18th at 7:30PM and Tony Orlando in Concert on Sunday, March 6th at 3:00PM. If you are interested, please call Arlene Herson at 561-997-6711.
Wings of Freedom Tour will be at the Boca Raton Airport on Airport Road, Jan. 28-31. Visit www.cfdn.org or call 1-800-568-8924 for more information.
Unlikely Heroes, directed by and starring Avi Hoffman will run from January 28th through February 21st at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center (2nd Floor). The theatre is located at 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park (opposite Lord & Taylor). Tickets for Unlikely Heroes are $35 (plus $4.50 S/C). Excellent group rates (10 or more) are also available at 828-536-0963. Tickets for Unlikely Heroes can be purchased on line at www.UnlikelyHeroesPlay.com, or by phone at 800-595-4849. Performances days and times are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.
The Caribbean Cowboy Ball is January 30, 2016. Tickets are $175. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. Call 561.347.6799 for details.
Prominent international human rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali will provide a riveting keynote to 500 women philanthropists at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s annual Lion of Judah Luncheon on Feb. 3 at the Polo Club in Boca Raton. Born in to a Muslim family in Somalia, she questioned her faith and fled an arranged marriage to become an educated, courageous and highly respected advocate and analyst. The luncheon couvert is $95, with a Lion level individual woman’s gift of $5,000 or above to the 2015 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Annual Campaign required to attend. Dietary laws will be observed. For more information, call 561.852.6058 or email francescaw@bocafed.org.
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy will run from Feb. 4 to March 27 at the Palm Beaches Theatre (formerly Florida Stage/Plaza Theatre). Tickets are 4$40-$65 at 1.844.448.7469 or mysonthewaiter.com.
The Friends of the Boca Raton Library’s “Sunday Matinee Music Series” presents vocalist, Sharon Ruben, Sunday, February 7, 3-4pm, at the Downtown Library located at 400 NW 2nd Avenue in Boca Raton. Reservations are required. Computer users need to enroll via the Library Event Calendar on the Library website, www.bocalibrary.org. Non-computer users may call (561) 807-7141 for enrolling.
The Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival will be at the Boca Cinemark Feb. 7-10. Call 877.318.0071 or visit www.pbjff.org for tickets and schedules.
A groundbreaking evening is in store on February 9, 2016 as nine remarkable local Jewish women take the stage at this year’s Night of Inspiration at Olympic Heights Performing Arts Center. 20101 Lyons Rd. at 7:00 pm. Each of these professionals is a significant leader in South Palm Beach County’s Jewish community, and each has an inspiring, unique perspective on Jewish life and leadership. To register, or for more information, visit www.jewishboca.org/inspiration or contact the rabbi at 561.852.3173 or joshb@bocafed.org.
Lawrence Dermer: From the Lower East Side to Tinsel Town will be at the JCC Sandler Center, 21050 95th Ave. South, Boca Raton, 7:30 pm, Feb. 9, 16, 23 and March 1, 15. Tickets at http://levisjcc.org/culture/university/index.html or call 561.558.2520.
Boca police are offering a free self-defense program for women and teen girls. The Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange, or S.A.F.E., program is a crime-victim-prevention class that educates women and teenage girls about realistic options that will help them avoid, escape and survive assaults. Classes will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Boca Raton Police Training Building located at 6500 Congress Ave. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. To learn more about S.A.F.E. or to register for the program, visit ci.boca-raton.fl.us/police/safe.shtm. Enrollment is limited to 20 people per class.
Junior League of Boca Raton presents Flavors of Boca, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at The Addison, 2 East Camino Real. Tickets are $50 in advance to Feb. 1 and $65 after Feb. 1. VIP tickets are $125. RSVP at www.jlbr.org/flavors-of-boca-raton or call 561.620.2553 for sponsorship opportunities.
Rock of Stages, a tribute to Rock Musicals is at the JCC Sandler Center, 21050 95th Ave. South, Boca Raton, 7:30 pm Feb. 13. Call 561.558.2512 for info.
Dr. Bennet Omalu, who was portrayed by Will Smith in Concussion, and the first doctor to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy in NFL athletes, will be at the FAU LifeLong Learning Society auditorium, 5353 Parkside Drive, PA-134, Jupiter, 7 pm Feb. 16. Fee is $65. Call 561.799.8547 or register at www.fau.edu/llsjupiter.
ADT’s chief executive Naren Gurshaney will be honored with the Florida Atlantic University’s 2015 Business Leader of the Year Award 8 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. Call 561.297.4732 or email tmay@fau.edu for more information and tickets.
Free smoking cessation program is at the Faulk Center for Counseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca, 6:30-8:30 pm Feb. 17. Call 561.483.5100 X 105.
Alan Bergstein debates Rabbi Barry Silver 7pm, Feb. 17 regarding the upcoming Presidential elections at L’Dor Va’Dor Synagogue, 3475 Woolbright Rd. Suite, #19, Boynton Beach (Village Square Shopping Center), followed by Q and A. All are invited, no charge or registration. Proper decorum requested.
Proving a single person can change the lives of thousands of others, Sabrina Kurzman will be honored for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) during the 26th Annual Book of Hope Luncheon on February 18, 2016. The elegant affair includes a fashion show featuring Spring and Summer collections from Saks Fifth Avenue and takes place at the Boca Raton Resort & Club starting at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $150 per person. Those interested in attending the luncheon or wishing to become a sponsor may contact Jennifer Wieczorek by email at jwieczorek@ccfa.org or by calling 561-218-2929 (#1, Ext. 2).
Henry Winkler speaks at The Event 2016, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23, at B’nai Torah Congregation. Register at jewishboca.org/theevent or call 561.852.5031.
Melissa Rivers is featured at the JFS Reflections of Hope Luncheon 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, Mizner Center, 501 E. Camino Real. Call 561.852.3333 or email jillw@ralesjfs.org for tickets and information. www.ralesjfs.org.
Faulk Center for Counseling presents Psychodrama to raise awareness about Mental Health, 5 pm Feb. 25, minimum fee $5. Call 561-483-5300 x105.
Palm Beach County Mayor Mary Lou Berger hosts the 2016 Mayor’s Ball to benefit the Homeless Coalition Feb. 27 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The black tie gala will include a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing. The theme of this year’s ball, “Be Inspired” — encourages guests to create change in the community. Tickets are $250 at Homeless Coalition’s web site, www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Syndicated Columnist and Commentator Dr. Charles Krauthammer speaks at the St. Andrews Country Club, Feb. 29, 2016. For more information, call 561.835.0510 or email: southeast@afmda.org.
The 10th Annual Festival of the Arts BOCA, presented by the Schmidt Family Centre for the Arts, will have everyone “on their feet,” March 4 – 16, 2016 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real and Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, 201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor) in Boca Raton. Among the performers and authors recently announced as part of the lineup for the 10th annual Festival of the Arts BOCA are: Herb Alpert and his wife; violinist Joshua Bell conducting the Lynn Philharmonia in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”; a cirque act and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” each with a live orchestra; and CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. Also on the bill are an English translation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and 12-year-old jazz pianist Joey Alexander, who performed at Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater last year.
JARC 30th Annual Gala Dinner Dance is March 6, 2016 at Boca West Country Club, featuring Live and Silent Auction. For more info, call 561.558.2572.
The 8th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities is 10 am to 3 pm March 12 in Spanish River Park on A1A in Boca Raton. Mobility Mats on the sand make the beach accessible for folks in wheelchairs. Thanks to the kindness of the membership of Boca’s own Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, half hour boat rides on the Intracoastal will be one of the event’s most popular offerings. Guest will also receive complimentary admission and parking at Spanish River Park, thanks to the City of Boca Raton, a free BBQ lunch, a nonstop concert with numerous performing and recording artists, DJ’s providing dance music in various park locations, and a dozen costumed action heroes – including Captain America, Spiderman, Superman, Snow White and many others. A perennial favorite therapy ponies and service dogs will be there mixing with guests as well. Even Ronald McDonald will be on hand to delight youngsters with his magic tricks. A significant feature of the event will be the 30+ exhibitors drawn from across the full spectrum of disability goods and services, on hand to provide information and counseling for caregivers, family members and those with challenges. Supported by a year-round Planning Committee of 30 local volunteers, the ranks of the Bash swell to nearly 500 volunteers the weekend of the event. “We are a totally grass-roots, community-driven organization,” says Van Vechten. “Our volunteers come from local high schools and colleges, civic groups, corporations, churches and synagogues. If folks have the stamina for a full day on their feet, we’ve got a place for them,” he says. Deductible Contributions are now being accepted by the Bash’s not-for-profit-sponsor, the American Disabilities Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3). Send checks to the American Disabilities Foundation, Inc., PO BOX 99, Boca Raton, FL 33429. If you prefer to make a donation on line, visit the Bash website, www.boatingbeachbash.com, where there is a direct link to PayPal.
Jewish Family Services golf outing is March 21, 2016 at St. Andrews Country Club. Golf, cocktails, dinner and award presentations. Reservations at jilw@ralesjfx.org or call 561.852.5013.
The 14th Annual Doggie Ball to benefit Canines & Felines, has been rescheduled to Sunday April 10, 2016 at Boca West Country Club. This is the 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Tri-County Animal Rescue. Call Erica Tricarico at (561) 482-8110 or email Erica@TriCountyHumane.org.
West Boca News, Sun-Sentinel, Jewish Journal, South Florida Business Journal and Palm Beach Post contributed to this column.
Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the luxurychamber.com, the westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. Email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000. Read his blog on www.barry’s.buzz. His blog is also on bocatribune.com, facebook.com/BarryEpstein and on his website: publicrelations.nu.
