Page Two: Barry’s Buzz – March 9, 2016
Dr. Pierre Chanover, Hidden Child of France Holocaust Survivor, will be the guest speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com lunch, 11:30 am at City Fish Market, Glades and the Turnpike. RSVP now at www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com/registration or call 561.702.0000.
A plan to widen Glades Road from six to eight lanes has taken a back seat to a new concept developed by a consultant to the Florida Department of Transportation. The department presented its new plan for the busy thoroughfare to the Boca Raton City Council. Instead of adding through lanes, the department is proposing two new ramps to Interstate 95 and additional turn lanes at the highway’s off-ramps which the Council liked.
Paramedics aboard Boca Raton’s ambulances will soon have a bird’s-eye view of the city’s streets. The City Council decided to accept funding from Palm Beach County for high-tech cameras on 10 of the city’s ambulances to assist first-responders in maneuvering Boca’s streets.
The city of Boca Raton has asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges it provided special treatment to the Chabad of East Boca. Last month, Boca residents Gerald Gagliardi and Kathleen MacDougall filed a lawsuit, alleging the city participated in secret dealings related to the project.
Seven beachfront properties have been identified for possible purchase by the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, under a new initiative to set them aside for a public park. The properties would ideally be used to create a park, with a parking lot and a tunnel under North Ocean Boulevard.
Starboard Value, the New York hedge fund that instigated the merger of Office Depot and Office Max and then pushed for Staples to acquire Office Depot has sold its Office Depot shares, except some options to buy the stock, according to regulatory filings.
After months of discussion, the time has arrived for the Palm Beach County Commission to decide whether it wants to ask voters to raise the sales tax, County Mayor Mary Lou Berger said. She’s hoping to vote on the issue on March 22, which would meet an April 15 deadline set by the School Board.
It was touted as an historic moment, when survivors would finally be compensated for a French railroad’s role in the Holocaust. But 15 months after the U.S. government accepted $60 million from France, survivors have yet to see any money. Some worry they never will.
Florida legislators racing against the clock on Sunday reached important budget deals on everything from school construction to pay raises to state workers. Lawmakers must have a new state budget finished by Tuesday in order to wrap up their session by this coming Friday.
Congratulations to Rick and Peggy Versace, A1A Limo for being the winner of the 2016 LCT Operator Of The Year Award in Las Vegas.
Child care chain, The Learning Experience opened a franchise at 331 Yamato Road, serving children from 6 months old to age 5.
The 52,000 sq. ft. Boca Grove Centre at 21301 Powerline Road was sold by SF Partners, purchased for $6.9 million in 2013 for $11.8 million to TJAC Development, planning a shopping plaza on the site now being used for overflow parking.
Verizon Wireless has opened a 4,800 sq. ft. store at 9982 Glades Road in Boca Raton, one of 20 in South Florida.
Visitors to the Place of Hope in West Boca won’t recognize the old recreation hall, the latest transformation on the former The Haven campus now dotted with cottage-style accommodations for children eligible for foster care or who have aged out of the system. The building still stands. But what was one big empty room is now The Jeannine and Leland Morris Art, Education and Wellness Center. There’s a sleek commercial teaching kitchen, a 500-square-foot gym, a coffee bar, study areas and places to gather inside and out. There’s even a patio.
According to Chanah Freiden of Boca Raton, the exponential growth of the Orthodox Jewish community in Boca had created a need for a girls high school for Orthodox families to send their daughters to. Such was the reason behind the birth recently of Hadar High School for Girls — which is scheduled to begin with a class of ninth-graders in the fall.
After months of debates and campaign stumping, voters began heading to the polls in Broward and Palm Beach counties Saturday in Florida’s influential presidential primary. Early voting kicked off at 20 locations in Broward and 13 locations in Palm Beach counties. The Presidential Preference Primary is March 15, but early voting is underway through March 13. It’s countywide and in Boca and West Boca at two libraries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The West Boca Branch Library at 18685 State Road 7 is among 13 sites in Palm Beach County. This is the first time the city’s Downtown Library at 400 Northwest Second Avenue will be an early voting site, according to the city and Susan Bucher, Palm Beach County supervisor of elections. Last time, early voting took place in the vacant former downtown library.
Jewelry retailer Alex and Ani plans to open in Town Center, 6000 Glades Road in May, one of five locations in the region.
Jared Smith has been named Chief Operating Officer of Delray Medical Center.
Women’s Conference is 10 am-3:30 pm March 9-10 at Temple Torah Emet, 8600 Jog Road (sw Corner of Gateway Blvd,) led off by Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson discussing History of the First Ladies. $119 both days, includes classes, bagels, coffee and lunch. Register at 1.8777.354. 1077 or info@grandeventures.com. More info: www.grandventures.com
Dream Builder Cocktail Reception for Special needs is 5:30-7:30 pm March 9 and the home of Barbara & Jerry Lewin, 7050 Ayshire Lane in St. Andrews Country Club. Minimum Donation of $500. Kosher style. Business Attire. Special recognition to Boca Raton Regional Hospital represented by Jerry Fedele, President and Chief Executive Officer. RSVP at https://levisjcc.org/events/rsvp/special_night_special_needs_030916/.
Becoming Dr. Ruth An Unexpected Journey is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 9-13. Tickets are $39. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
Love, Loss and What I Wore by Nora & Delia Ephron is at the Levis JCC Sandler Center, March 10-13. This intimate collection of stories by Nora and Delia Ephron based on the best-seller by Ilene Beckerman uses clothing and accessories as a time capsule of a woman’s life to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to. VIP Seating: $36, General Admission: $25, A&L Gold Members: $23, A&L Platinum Members: Free.
The 21st Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival’s Student Showcase of Films is 9:30 a.m., March 11 at Lynn University’s’ Wold Performing Arts Center, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca. $11,500 in Awards! Celebrity Presenters! Student Film Clips! Paparazzi! Film School Exhibits! RSVP by March 4th by calling 561.233.1000.
Knight of Cups and The Young Messiah opens at the Boca Cinemark. Colliding Dreams opens at the FAU Living Room Theatre, the Movies of Delray and at the Movies of Lake Worth. Knight of Cups and Grimsby opens at the Classic Gateway. Race, Where to Invade Next, Colliding Dreams and opens at the Last Picture Show in Tamarac. See movie capsules at http://www.publicrelations.nu/barrys-buzz-March 11-2016/.
Verde Elementary School’s PTA will host a carnival March 11 to raise money for the school’s learning programs. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., local vendors of bounce houses, face painting, food and games will take over the school’s field at 6590 Verde Trail. The carnival is open to the public.
Tony Bennett is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 11. Tickets start at $36. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
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, cooking demonstrations, and lots more. Live music on the Piazza stage this week features Jim Kovalcik on flute and Jason Hanley on keyboards with their own special brand of music.
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.
Chris Hansen speaks at the KidSafe Foundation 7th Annual Gala, 7-11 pm March 12, Woodfield Country Club, 3650 Club Place, Boca Raton. $125 per person until Feb. 20th, $150 per person after Feb. 20. Cocktail attire, Premium open bar, dinner, dancing, Silent and Live Auction by Neil Saffer. Sponsorship opportunities available. Visit www.kidsafefoundation.org/kidsafegala2016.
Watch Boca Raton FC take on the legendary New York Cosmos on, March 12th, 7:00PM at Boca Raton HS Stadium. For tickets, click here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boca-raton-fc-vs-new-york-cosmos-tickets-22459231165
Kinky Boots is at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through March 13. Tickets at http://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/kinky-boots.
Pack OnThe Go is not your average moving company. They are a concierge full service, packaging, shipping moving and delivery company at affordable pricing. Their goal is to stand above the rest, by offering professional packing and moving assistance. Call 561.498.7801 for a free quote.
Singles can improve their online dating profile by going to www.myprofileguru.com.
The 10th Annual Festival of the Arts BOCA, presented by the Schmidt Family Centre for the Arts, will have everyone “on their feet,” through March 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.
What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era will run through March 27 at The Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Marggte. Tickets are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Call 954-344-7765 or go on line at http://www.stagedoorfl.org.
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy will run to March 27 at the Palm Beaches Theatre (formerly Florida Stage/Plaza Theatre). Tickets are $40-$65 at 1.844.448.7469 or mysonthewaiter.com.
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, cooking demonstrations, and lots more. Live music on the Piazza stage this week features DYMIN and her special brand of island music. 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, March 15. Tickets at http://levisjcc.org/culture/university/index.html or call 561.558.2520.
Capitol Steps: Mock the Vote is at the Kravis Center,701 Okeechobee Blvd.West Palm Beach March 15-27.Tickets are $40.Call 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.
Words…Alive! Women of Wit is at the JCC Sandler Center 2 pm March 15. $18, A&L Gold Members; $15, A&L Platinum Members: Free. Call 561.558.2512.
Lynn University political professor is moderating a free panel on national security issues with two leading scholars at the Amarnick-Goldstein Theatre 11-12 noon March 15. No ticketing. First come, first served.
The Jewish Women’s Foundation (JWF) of South Palm Beach County is hosting its 2016 Granting Wishes cocktail reception on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Boca Rio Golf Club. Guests will be the first to learn about JWF’s 2016 grant awards. They’ll also hear from guest speaker Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author of the women’s books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series as well as other self-help books, host of the PBS television show Happy for No Reason, and a leading national speaker on happiness, success and unconditional love. The Granting Wishes event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine, with dietary laws observed. The couvert is $85 per person, and all are welcome to attend. To register, and for information about the event or about becoming a JWF Trustee, visit jewishboca.org/grantingwishes or contact Lisbeth Rock Cauff at 561.852.3188 or lisbethc@bocafed.org.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in partnership with AB Bernstein, will present 50 Children: The Story of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus on, March 16th at the Boca West Country Club. This program will feature the HBO film, produced in association with the Museum, chronicling the efforts of Gilbert Kraus and his wife, Eleanor—two Americans who undertook the successful rescue of 50 Jewish children from Vienna in the late spring of 1939. There are two ticket options for this event: 1) Pre-Event Private Reception ($100) – 6:15 PM There are two ticket options for this event: 1) Pre-Event Private Reception ($100) – 6:15 PM Includes full open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a signed book, meet and greet with Steven Pressman, film screening, panel discussion with special guests, and a dessert reception. 2) General Admission ($25) – 7:30 PM Includes film screening, panel discussion with special guests, and a dessert reception.* Online Registration: www.ushmm.org/events/50children-boca.
Outreach Performance Project of Boca Raton High School will host “I Rise,” an evening of dance, singing and entertainment, April 16, 2016 at the Kathryn Lindgren Theatre at Boca Raton High School at 1501 NW 15th Court, which is near the I-95 Exit to Glades. The cost is $20 for VIP seating, $15 for general seating and $10 for students. All proceeds go to cancer research at the Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton. The event will feature top high school and university student talent plus young professionals from the surrounding community. The Outreach Performance Project is a nonprofit organization which brings talented dancers, singers and thespians together to raise money for local medical and health causes. For tickets and information call Maria Lasso at 561-212-3924 or outreachdance@icloud.com. Tickets available online at www.irise.myevent.com
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 March 17, 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.
“Tales of Hollywood by Bob Perlow” will be at the Theater of the Palm Beaches, in Manalapan, 7 pm March 20. Call 561.362.1234 for tickets and info.
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.
Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 22-27. Tickets start at $27. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
The city of Boca Raton is moving ahead with its most extensive traffic study. The public is invited to attend a second workshop regarding the intersection of East Palmetto Park Road and NE/SE Fifth Avenue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 23 at the Boca Raton Downtown Library, located at 400 NW Second Ave.
The Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St. presents Little Shop of Horrors, March 26-April 10 . Tickets are $30 ($15 for students 18 and younger) and can be purchased by calling 561-272-1281 Ext. 4.
An Evening with Sophia Loren is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 28. Tickets start at $39. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
Johnny Mathis: The 60th Anniversary Concert Tour is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 28. Tickets start at $30. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
Michael Feinstein Conducts the Kravis Center Pops Orchestra Hooray for Hollywood is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 30. Tickets start at $30. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
A free Young at Heart Women’s Expo is 9 am to 2 pm March 31, 2016 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. Call 954.574.5341.
Honor Your Doctor Luncheon sponsored by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is 11:30 a.m. March 31 at Boca West Country Club,20583 Boca West Dr. benefitting medical and nursing school students attending four local universities: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, Lynn University and Palm Beach State College. The public is invited to share in the celebration by nominating their favorite doctor (including dentists) by downloading, completing and submitting a nomination form online and donate $40 per nomination or $100 for 3 nominations. There is no limit to how many doctors a patient can nominate or how many times a patient nominate them. Nominated doctors will be invited to attend the luncheon as a guest with the physician receiving the most votes recognized as the 2016 ‘Doctor of Distinction’. For nominations, sponsorships, information and reservations, visit www.RotaryDowntownBocaRaton.org or contact Deborah Freudenberg at (561) 299-1429. https://www.prlog.org/12533671-18th-annual-honor-your-doctor-luncheon-presented-by-rotary-club-downtown-boca-raton-thurs.html.
Kelly Carlin: A Carlin Home Companion, daughter of legendary comedian and social critic George Carlin, is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach March 31-April 2. Tickets are $39. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
A Concert for the Children starring the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin with the Symphony of the Americas and a tribute to Natalie Cole. Also, featuring the Atlantic City Boys, sponsored by The Boca West Foundation is 6 pm April 5, on the great lawn at Boca West Country Club. $175 per person to benefit childrens’ charities. To purchase tickets, please call Debbie Corso at 561.852.3142, email debrac@bocafed.org. or visit jewishboca.org/bwfoundation.
The Palm Beach International Film Festival is April 6 – April 14, 2016. See http://www.pbifilmfest.org/ for schedules and tickets.
The 14th Annual Boca Bacchanal Wine & Food Festival benefitting the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum is Bacchanalia 7 pm April 8th and Vintner dinners April 9th at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real and Vintner dinners at various residences in Boca Raton. Cost is $125 for the Bacchanalia and $325 for Vintner dinners. Tickets at www.bocabaccahanal.com or call 561.395.6766 Ext. 101.
The Friends of the Boca Raton Library’s “Sunday Matinee Music Series” presents 33 YEARS, April 10, 3-4pm, at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue. This dynamic group of musicians, featuring Paula and Kevin Tolly, and bass guitarist Dr. Robert Watson, consider themselves Americana as they like to perform covers from traditional and contemporary country, rock, blues, and bluegrass music. 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 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.
The 2016/2017 Broadway series at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts include Cinderella, Cabaret, The Little Mermaid, Something Rotten!, Matilda and Finding Neverland. More info at www.browardcenter.org.
West Boca News, Sun-Sentinel, South Florida Business Journal, Boca Life Magazine, New Times 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.
