Published On: Fri, Aug 11th, 2017

Robert’s Community Report: 8/3

– While Governor Rick Scott has not relocated to Boca Raton, his regular visits to our city are clearly an indication that he likes what he sees. Last week, he came to Boca Raton to highlight one of our city’s greatest success stories, Modernizing Medicine, one of the fastest-growing tech companies in South Florida. The Governor announced a further expansion at Modernizing Medicine, which would result in the creation of 800 new jobs in our city!  Modernizing Medicine, in case you haven’t heard, developed an electronic medical records and data system for specialty physicians, throughout the United States.

– Co-founder Daniel Cane, who settled in Palm Beach County to found the company and raise his family grew up and attended public school in Lake Worth Modernizing Medicine’s iPad-delivered system is used by more than 10,000 specialist physicians who focus on gastroenterology, orthopedics and ophthalmology. The company was founded in 2010 by Cane with Dr. Michael Sherling, a Lake Worth dermatologist who is now chief medical and strategy officer for the company. Already employing 550 people, this “home-grown” company has demonstrated startup’s can attract the necessary venture capitol to succeed in grand fashion.

– While in the City Boca Raton, Governor Scott made a side trip to visit members of our Boca Raton Police Services department.  Greeted by Chief Dan Alexander and his command staff, the Governor was given a tour of the faculties and spoke about his commitment to public safety, which is a prerequisite to being a place where people want to relocate their families and their businesses.

– The City of Boca Raton, Florida is clearly the place for businesses to plant their flag with an educated work force, a business friendly environment and great neighborhoods to attract additional employees for the future (not to mention recreational amenities designed to make living here extremely enjoyable). The proof of that is that we’ve added or retained over 10,000 jobs in the last 8 years.

– This week, the fourth class of medical residents arrived to take their place in our community as they continue their learning. When Boca Raton Regional Hospital opened its doors to the first class of Internal Medicine Residents from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in July of 2014, the welcoming extended well beyond the halls of the Hospital. Dozens of local civic-minded individuals joined together to create The Resident Physician Community Partnership, a unique program providing social support and mentorship to our medical residents and their families.

– The Partnership interacts with the residents by hosting social outings and networking events, providing information and insight on housing, religious affiliations, school systems, child care services, spousal job relocation assistance, area restaurants, shopping, recreational activities, parks, and other issues of importance to the lives of the residents beyond that of their training.  The Partnership develops key friendships between its members and the doctors, which can be used to share insight, experience and advice on a host of matters important to these young clinicians.  In the final analysis, the Partnership is truly a win-win for everyone involved.

– It was an amazing sight! Hundreds of families lined up waiting for an opportunity to select school supplies at the annual Boca Chamber Festival Days Back to School Bash sponsored by Spirit of Giving and Bell Rock Capital and joined by many organizations providing information and a multitude of services. In addition to the volunteers from the Spirit of Giving and Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce were members of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Junior League of Boca Raton and In Jacob’s Shoes (providing over 2,000 new and gently used pair of shoes).  It was a truly amazing outpouring of community spirit with over 4,000+ at risk children, served by the organizations that make up the Spirit of Giving. The opportunity to begin school with new backpacks and supplies so that they have the tools they need to learn is an invaluable gift from these volunteers.

– We participated in the first annual Tri-County Animal Rescue Telethon at the WPEC 12 studios. TCAR partnered with CBS 12 News for a first ever, Live Telethon. Notwithstanding Tropical Storm Emily, which unexpectedly formed in the early morning hours, the station gave the telephone a great deal of exposure with segments all through the day. Along with Heather Shaw (soon to be making her dancing debut at the 10th Annual Ballroom Battle for the George Snow scholarship on August 18th), we joined community volunteers taking calls all throughout the to help TCAR replenish its Emergency Medical Fund which provides life-saving surgeries and treatments for animals in their care.

– As executive Director, Suzi Goldsmith explained, animals often come to them from deplorable conditions.  With the funds in their Emergency Medical Fund, TCAR is able to save countless animals, many rescued from “kill” shelters. The Emergency Medical Fund enables TCAR to act fast and provide life saving care for the animals that come in with serious medical concerns. As a 100% no-kill shelter, TCAR does not receive any funding to continue its mission, which is why they rely on the generous support from the community/ Missed the telethon, call TCAR today at561.482.8110.

– Virtually everyone in our community has been touched by mental illness. Rita Thrasher has taken it as her mission to make it OK to take the subject public. Through Boca’s Promise / Boca Brave her mission has been to have a conversation about mental illness and suicide as a first step to helping people find the help they need. Recently Thrasher hosted a dinner where she and her daughter, Marla, invited community leaders to discuss initiatives Boca Brave should to mount to further its mission which, simply put, is to identify mental health needs and resources in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County and provide education and awareness activities for early identification and access to services. If you are in need of help or information, for yourself or someone you know, you can dial 211 to be connected with someone who can provide assistance.

– A quick reminder, with the summer rains come puddles. Puddles area breeding ground for mosquitoes and mosquitoes are, potentially, carriers of the Zika virus. Drain and cover around your residence of business to keep us all safe.

– Kudos to State Rep Emily Slosberg as she takes her fight to make texting while driving a primary offense to “the people.”. Over the past few weeks she has crisscrossed the state seeking the support of municipal governments in her quest to get a hearing for her bill, which, during the previous regular session, failed to get out of committee. The City of Boca Raton and Delray Beach have each supported her effort with resolutions. Slosberg, who 20 years ago was seriously, injured in an accident which left her sister and 4 other teens dead, has taken up the campaign, begun by her father, former State Rep Irv Slosberg, in making automobile safety her mission. Emily has also taken up the cause of addressing a law that allows a child to be left in an unattended vehicle for up to 15 minutes. Given the extreme heat in South Florida and the oft-repeated tragedy of children dying from its effects, Slosberg believes the duration needs to be significantly reduced.

– If you bump into Doug Mosley he’s probably gonna have a big grin on his face. As he tells it, he and his staff came up with the idea of creating a competition to select the person who would perform the National Anthem at the Boca Raton Bowl (mark your calendars for December 19th at 7PM at the FAU Stadium for the 4th playing of the Boca Raton Bowl). The idea of creating a contest where Palm Beach County residents would vie for the top honor sounded good but who knew if the community would embrace it.

– Well, embrace it they did. First with over 8,000 online votes cast to select 8 finalists from 20 selected applicants. Then, as part of the Boca Chamber Festival Days celebration, an “Idol” competition which took the 8 finalists down to three and finally, the one winner, in front of a standing room only audience at the Tilted Kilt Restaurant.

– Congratulations to all of the contestants — a great performance by one and all! Nick Aquilino took top honors so he will be on the field performing the National Anthem​ at the big game. A big thank you to Samir Changela​ for opening your restaurant to this inaugural event.

– Susan Diener​ and Ann Rutherford​ appreciated the generosity of the audience whose contributions will help buy more school supplies for the children who missed the Back to School Bash.

– The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce asks, do you think your child has what it takes to launch his or her own business? If so, check out the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Boca Raton. This 30-week program will takes a business from an idea to a reality! Applications are due on September 15th.  To learn more, go to www.BocaChamber.com/YEA

– Coming up: On Saturday, August 5th at 8PM and Sunday, August 6th at 2PM the Boca Ballet Theatre presents a Brilliant Summer at the Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River Community High School in Boca Raton. This delightful mixed repertory dance concert include David Parsons’ contemporary comedic classic The Envelope, George Balanchine’s La Source featuring Miami City Ballet’s Jennifer Lauren and Kleber Rebello, a world premier by Sanjay Saverimuttu and Dan Guin’s Graduation Ball. For tickets, go to: https://www.bocaballet.org/box-office/

– Don’t miss the opening game of the 2017 FAU Football season when Florida Atlantic University Owls hosts the NAVY Midshipmen on Friday September 1st at 8PM. Tickets for this game are going fast. This highlighly anticipated matchup will be Coach Lane Kiffins’ opportunity to show what he has accomplished since coming onboard, late last year. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster by following this link: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/florida-atlantic-university-owls-football-vs-boca-raton-florida-09-01-2017/event/0D0052C7B7228AF6?artistid=821796&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=8#efeat4212

– The Boca Raton Public Library has joined more than 1,000 libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century: the Great American Solar Eclipse.  During this event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that hasn’t occurred in decades. In fact, the last total solar eclipse for the United States was nearly 40 years ago. Join the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Spanish River Library on the Lakeside Patio on August 21st from 1-4PM. There will be free solar eclipse glasses; cookies and lemonade will be provided (while supplies last).

– As part of the Boca Chamber Festival Days, there are a number of events throughout the month of August, which are worthy of your attention. As part of BCFS, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is celebrating the opening of four exhibitions with a preview reception open to the public. The Midsummer Party at the Museum takes place on Monday, August 7th from 6-8PM.

– Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) presents Feed Your Funny Bone for JFS, a night of comedy, hors d’oevres and drink on Tuesday, August 8th 5:30-7:30PM. Unique Gifts and Premiums is sponsoring this “fun with philanthropy” evening in support of the wonderful work that JFS does in our. Tickets are $25 and can be obtained online through www.ralesjfs.org/funnybone or by contacting Ronni Sommer at 561.852.3360 or RonniSo@RalesJFS.org.

– Twin Palms Center for the Disabled Street Market will create fun BBQ Time. Attendees will be fed a lip-smacking BBQ meal of pulled pork, brisket, chickens, baked beans and cole slaw. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boca Raton Society for the Disabled, Inc. d/b/a Twin Palms Center for the Disabled, a 501c(3) public charity. Reserved attendance is only $20.00 per adult, $10 for children 12 & under, or $25.00 per adult at the door.

– Aloha! Welcome to Habitat for Humanity’s Block Party Hawaiian Luau in Historic Pearl City on Saturday, August 12th. Envision sounds of the steel drum, floral leis to welcome you in the spirit of the islands, Hawaiian luau inspired menu, tropical mocktail beverages and homemade Flavors of the Island Gelato, just to name a few highlights. Complete with the sounds of the steel drum, floral leis to welcome guests, a Hawaiian luau-inspired menu, tropical beverages, homemade Flavors of the Island Gelato, children’s activities and neighborhood tours, Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County (HFHSPBC) is hosting a Block Party Hawaiian Luau in Historic Pearl City on Saturday, August 12 from 10:30AM -1:30PM. Co-sponsored by Sklar Furnishings and Allegiance Home Health. Admission is a $20 per person donation; $10 per child age 13 and under. All proceeds support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County. Attire: their favorite Tommy Bahama and Lily Pulitzer tropical island-themed attire.

– Whether you’ve got a hidden talent or want a fun filled night networking, join us at the famous Dubliner in Mizner Park for a great evening of talent and drinks on August 14th at 5:30PM. For the 4th year the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation will join forces with the Boca Chamber Cost: $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

– Back the Blue to benefit the Boca Raton Police Foundation. Join us for a drink, delicious appetizers and police vehicles on display at Pinon Grill. Funds raised will enhance equipment, training and technology for the Boca Raton Police Services Department. Tickets are $30 per person (by August 14) and include one drink and Pinion’s favorite appetizers. $40 per person at the door.

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