Robert’s Community Report: 10/20

• The Mayor and I joined Governor Scott and Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam in Washington DC as he spearheaded our “ask” at a meeting with members of the Florida Congressional Delegation.
• Thirty elected leaders participated in the Florida League of Cities Fast Fly-in to secure commitments from our Members of Congress to support Rep. Frankel’s bill to limit de-obligations (a/k/a “clawbacks”) by FEMA. The City of Boca is currently faced with a FEMA “clawback” claim of over $4 million from Wilma (12 years ago). Due, in part, to the pressure brought to bear on our storm debris hauler, the threatened increase in cleanup costs (doubling the contract rate) was rolled back saving our residents millions in extra fees!
• FAU continues to demonstrate it’s not satisfied with being anything but the best. The term “Unbridled Ambition” has been used by FAU President John Kelly to make it clear that he expects only greatness from Florida Atlantic University.
• This week the Council on Undergraduate Research selected Florida Atlantic University as one of three recipients of the 2017 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments. This national award recognizes institutions that have developed exemplary programs that provide high-quality research, scholarship and creative experiences for undergraduates.
• FAU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry was commended on its “Distinction through Discovery” program, which aims to improve student learning by creating a culture of undergraduate research at the University.
• The 14th Annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation Go Pink Luncheon was held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club with celebrated journalist, author and breast cancer survivor, Joan Lunden. The Luncheon raised over $1 million for the benefit of the Go Pink Challenge and the fight against cancer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. London, who famously appeared on the cover of People Magazine shaved bald while she was undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, has made it her mission to empower women to be vigilant about their breast cancer screening and to become their own health advocates.
• It’s hard to imagine the City of Boca Raton, Florida without the indelible imprint made to its DNA by IBM. Home of the Personal Computer, 50 years ago a team of two dozen IBM employees came to Boca Raton to transfer the nascent manufacturing and marketing operations for their low-end mainframe for the system 360 model 20 from San Jose CA to Site X (Boca Raton). The new employees braved alligators, “walking” catfish and a municipal infrastructure playing catch-up with the sudden influx of new residents. The city of Boca Raton is joining with IBM alumnae to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of IBM Boca Raton, a company that fundamentally changed the way we learn, do business and communicate.
• South Florida families experienced the excitement around the change of seasons at the 1st Annual Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival that took place October 14 & 15 at Mizner Park Amphitheater.  The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival featured a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including a giant pumpkin patch in the center of all the action with more than 2,500 pumpkins and a carnival for all ages! Plus, families enjoyed our fall-themed attractions such as a corn stalk maze, a dress-your-own scarecrow village and beautiful fall photo vignettes! Included in the entrance fee were unlimited carnival rides, our fall attractions, and on-going shows & activities on our main stage!
• As a result of increased attendance, the 3rd Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball moved to the Boca Raton Resort & Club this week. The event honors the City’s elected officials who exemplify Rotary International’s motto, ‘Service Above Self’ and visionaries past and present who have elevated the community while raising funds to the support health and wellness needs of Boca Raton nonprofits.  The highlight of the night was the presentation of the George Long Awards – named for the City’s first appointed mayor in 1924. This year’s event honored the following that has each championed the tradition of bringing indelible visionary ideas and transformation to Boca Raton, Bobby Cambell (Individual), Florida Atlantic University (Nonprofit) and Kaufman Lynn Construction.
• Burtons Grill & Bar opened this week and Allison Lewis, associate editor at Boca Raton Magazine, reviewed the new restaurant and concluded, Burtons Grill & Bar, which s located at 5580 N Military Trl in Boca’s Park Place shopping center (at the far corner of the plaza, detached and on its own food island of sorts, in the parking lot). This is the first Florida location for owner Denise Baron Herrera, who has been with the company since its infancy. She originally started at Burtons as a chef, and most of the recipes on the menu today are her originals.
• Since the founding of the very first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California in 1921, Soroptimist International has sought to bring about change to the lives of women and girls worldwide. Each year Soroptimist International of Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach hosts Woman of Distinction Breakfast.  They honor the women of our community who are making a difference in the lives of others.  This year Barbara Gutin received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award and Terry Fedele served as Honorary Chairperson.
• On October 19^th there was a heartwarming gathering of support to recognize devoted families in our community who are raising children with developmental disabilities at the rescheduled “In My Shoes” Luncheon. The luncheon benefits the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center (providing family enrichment, resources and respite care to children with developmental disabilities).
• The Inner Circle Executive Club Networking Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity was held on Thursday October 19^th  As always, entry was free, complimentary cuisine, and drink specials were available at the Pinon Grille at Town Center at Boca Raton.
• Also on October 19^th, Team Jerry’s Kids was at Barrel of Monks Brewing (1141 S Rogers Cir).  Patrons experienced great beer and tasty tacos with the proceeds benefiting Jerry’s Team’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Looking ahead:

• “Art in the Arthouse,” featuring a series of 14 photographs by celebrity/fashion photographer, Rose Hartman can be viewed now through October 22^nd at the Levis JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center on the Jewish Federation Campus in Boca Raton. Hartman will attend the exhibition’s final evening on October 22^nd and lead a gallery tour and screening of the film, “The Incomparable Rose Hartman.”
• The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra is seeking musicians of all ages that would enjoy playing in an orchestra. Musicians are welcome to attend an Open House rehearsal Thursday, October 26th in Boca Raton. Bring your instrument and test-drive their orchestra to see if the orchestra suits your comfort level. The founder/conductor, Lorraine Marks-Field welcomes you to join in the fun of playing in an orchestra in a friendly, non-intimidating way. This diversified ensemble” blends the generations through music”.Players on all symphonic instruments can participate with the Full Orchestra from 7 – 9PM and 9 – 9:30PM for the Chamber Orchestra. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings in Boca Raton. Youth scholarship opportunities are available by calling 561 482-8206The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra is a unique program that consists of members from ages 9–99 of all skill levels, striving for high artistic excellence in a non-competitive but strongly educational environment. Playing with an orchestra is a richly rewarding experience that bolsters a player’s musicality and adds a new element of fun to the relationship between instrument and musician. FLIOA has been providing that experience to musicians of all ages for 13 years in South Florida. For rehearsal location or other information call 561 482-8206 or email strings4all@aol.com or see the website at www.flioa.org
• Join the Twin Palms Center for “A Nautical Art & Wine Extravaganza” “Hook, Wine & Sinker” benefiting the Disabled. Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center will become a “Cork Popping, Paint Dropping Extravaganza” on Friday, October 27^th from 6 – 8:30PM. The event activities will include extraordinary local artists displaying and selling their artwork, live and silent auctions, and raffles. Wine will be flowing and music playing by Jade Sanders. Take a picture with live Mermaids, sample brews by Saltwater Brewery and Tequila sampling by Baja Café.
• The International Coastal Cleanup originally scheduled for September 23^rd will take place at Red Reef Park and South Beach Park on October 28th.  Adults and families will join forces attacking the marine debris washed up on the beach.
  • Pre-registration is required for this event; individuals and families may register online. For group registration, the adult organizer must call 561-544-8615.
  • Registration closes 48 hours prior to the event.
  • Space is limited.
  • Meet at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
• Place of Hope will be holding HOPE BASH BOCA “A Night in Old Havana” on October 28^th at 6:30 at Boca West Country Club.  For tickets and information: PlaceOfHopeRinker.org/hopebashboca
• The Boca Ballet Theatre Guild cordially invites you to the 26th Annual “A Princely Affair” Luncheon and Performance on October 29^that 12:00pm.  The event will be held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There will be an Auction/Mimosa Social Hour followed by Luncheon and Performance featuring Boca Ballet Theatre with American Ballet Theatre’s Sarah Lane and Aran Bell.
• Unicorn Children’s Foundation presents its second annual Halloween Masquerade: “Drag Out Awareness.” The Dinner & a Drag Show will be held on the evening of October 29^th. Help the Unicorn Children’s Foundation “Drag Out Acceptance” when you see the men transform into dazzling divas! Proceeds support and impact their special needs youth and their families. This year’s DIVAS: Eddie Dominguez; Gregory Fried; Kurtis Lutz; Derek Morrell and Max Tucci
• There will be two walks on November 5^th.
  • At 9AM the Keep Memories Alive Walk will be held in the Mall to benefit the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center. At 10AM, it’s Moving Day Boca Raton at FAU to benefit The Parkinson’s Foundation.
• Join the Child Rescue Coalition for the inaugural Coalition Cup Golf Tournament on November 5^th at The Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach! Bring your A-game and they’ll provide a morning of golf on a beautiful course, mouth-watering BBQ, 4-hour open bar, prizes and much more! Register at: https://501auctions.com/coalitioncup/tickets?type=10858
• On November 9^th the Faulk Center for Counseling will holds its CommunityImpact Awards. The awards will recognize individuals who support the Faulk Center for Counseling’s mission of providing free and low-cost mental health services to individuals of all ages. For more information about our commemorative ad journal contact Ali Rubin at 561-5300 or a.rubin@faulkcenterforcounseling.org. This year, the Center will honor Dr. Holly Katz for her education excellence as the Faulk Center celebrates its 15 years of service to our community! The Mental Health Advocacy Award will be presented to Rita Thrasher, President & CEO of Boca Raton’s Promise; and the Caring Heart Award will be presented to Gerald Yass, Yass Family Fund for Children & Family Therapy at the Faulk Center
• Also on November 9^th The Boca Bowl is hosting its Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase and college Spirit Night from 6-8:30PM at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel. Admission includes open bar, plenty of ‘not so typical tailgate culinary fare’ and lots of spirited FUN! It is a Lead-in community ‘fan-raising’ and ‘fund-raising’ event to promote the fourth annual Boca Raton Bowl. It’s a friendly competition among Boca’s top chefs as they showcase their culinary tailgate fare seeking one of the judges and people’s choice awards. The evening benefits the Spirit of Giving’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, granting Holiday wishes to over 4,000 underserved children in our community.
• The calendar is jam-packed. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @BocaCalendar and check out our new website, www.BocaCal.com