Robert’s Community Report: 10/6
Things are beginning to get back to normal as events, postponed by Irma, are now coming back online. One of those events, the monthly membership breakfast for the Greater Boca Raton Chamber, was held at the Via Mizner Country Club on Thursday September 28th. For the students many of the public schools in Boca Raton, this was their opportunity to receive grants from the Chamber’s Golden Bell Foundation. Over $80,000 was distributed to the schools to support enhanced educational activities.
Congratulations to the FAU Owls on an impressive 38-20 Conference USA victory against Middle Tennessee to start off their conference play with a record of 1-0! The fans were treated to an exciting game with Singletary rushing for 133 yards and 4 TD’s; Howell added 88 yards; Driskel added 187 yards and a TD; and Bryant added 93 yards and a TD. Lane Kiffin can claim the first victory against MTSU since 2007! Looking forward to a great season!
The City Council was likewise playing catch-up from the storm as it held the final budget hearings on Monday night. In “normal” years, municipalities and taxing districts are required to have their budgets approved prior to the end of September to allow the Florida Department of Revenue and opportunity to revue and certify the budgets prior to the Tax Collector loading the new millage (tax rates) into their systems to generate the property tax bills for FY 2017-18. Due to Irma’s impact on the state, Governor Scott allowed extra time to complete the process. The City Council approved the budgets for Boca Raton on Monday night after making last minute adjustments. As part of the budget process, the Council approved the distribution of over $400,000 to area non-profits.
On Tuesdat, the Lewis Katz Industry Icon Series of the Jewish Federation of SPBC‘s Business & Professional Division was held where World-renowned photographer, Marc Serota, presented a photographic essay of Irma’s impact on the Florida Keys. After riding out the storm in Boca Raton, Serota went back to capture the storm’s aftermath. Serota had a camera in his hand since high school. His attention to detail and early practice days have led to the release of numerous iconic coffee table photography books, work detail in war zones, at political rallies, on crime-filled streets, along Super bowl sidelines and most recently the aftermath of Irma.
That afternoon, the Boca Chamber’s International Business Alliance (held at Lynn University) featured Paul Frost, Commercial Officer at the US Department of Commerce.
Frost presented a comprehensive discussion of the tools available to companies seeking to export goods and/or services to international locations. In cooperation with Enterprise Florida, Frost assists US companies throughout South Florida’s in their quest to compete in international commerce. Paul will be a moderator of a panel discussion during the upcoming Symposium at Lynn University on November 15, 2017 organized by the College of Business & Management at Lynn University in strategic partnership with IBA and the Human Resources Association of Palm Beach County. Tickets may be purchased through the Lynn University box office or online at www.Lynn.edu/LynnSym Exhibitor & sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Rounding out the day was a reception hosted by Habitat for Humanity to kickoff their “CEO-Build” program. Habitat prides itself on being able to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County’s CEO Build, chaired by BRRH CEO Jerry Fedele, celebrated the unstoppable power of Boca Raton’s corporate leaders to come together to help transform the community by helping and working alongside local, hard working, low-income families with a hand up, not a hand out to build a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. Randy Nobles, president and Kari Oeltjen, Chief Development Officer, introduced the deserving family who will ultimately be able to call the new building their home!
The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University held its third annual Research Park Annual Awards celebration on Wednesday, October 4th at The Addison Restaurant. The awards recognize distinguished contributions to the Research Park’s mission to create and sustain the ideal environment for innovation and invention, maximizing the academic and entrepreneurial talent and regional resources in South Florida to accelerate economic development and prosperity. The award recipients for 2017 were:
Distinguished Researcher: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D. is currently a tenured associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Robert S. Flippo, who has worked in both start-up environments as well as Fortune 500 companies over the last 16 years.
Distinguished Leader: Jeff Atwater, who recently began his new role as vice president for strategic initiatives and chief financial officer at Florida Atlantic University..
Distinguished Organization: Boca Raton Airport Authority, which manages the Boca Raton Airport which is a major economic engine and asset to both Boca Raton and all of South Florida.
The Junior League of Boca Raton held its 30th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year (WVOY) Luncheon on Thursday, October 5, at the beautiful Boca Raton Resort & Club. The Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute was this year’s Award Sponsor and Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton returned as the Fashion Show Sponsor. Saks presented a Fall Trends fashion show with over 50 fashions presented. The luncheon celebrated outstanding, local women in the community by recognizing nominees from nonprofit organizations throughout the county for their dedication and expertise as volunteers. The 2017 Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon honored 42 amazing women and their contributions to building a better community. The Honorary Chair was Barbara Schmidt with Kirsten Stanley serving as Chair. Joyce DeVita was selected this year’s WVOY! Congratulations to all nominees.
On the Horizon:
On October 7th from 5-9PM, come celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month at the Peter Blum Family YMCA with Baila Conmigo. This is a FREE event with fun for the entire family!
The Inner Circle Executive Club Power Networking will be featuring the Anti-Defamation Leagueat its rescheduled networking event on Monday October 9th from 5:30-7:30PM at Pinon Grill. Admission is free. There will be Raffle Prizes; Complimentary Cuisine and Drink Specials with proceeds of the event benefiting the ADL.
On October 11th the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will host its monthly lunch and learn. State Attorney David Aronberg will address the group on topics “ripped from the headlines.” Lunch and meeting is $35.00 for first timers. For tickets and information, go to: www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com
“Art in the Arthouse,” featuring a series of 14 photographs by celebrity/fashion photographer, Rose Hartman can be viewed now through October 22nd 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 22nd and lead a gallery tour and screening of the film, “The Incomparable Rose Hartman.”
On October 14th it’s the 3rd Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball. A Red Carpet Black Tie Reception, Dinner, Dance and the George Long Award Presentations. This years Honorees are Bobby Campbell, Florida Atlantic University and Kaufman Lynn Construction. Proceeds are distributed to local non-profits for health and wellness needs through the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton “Service Above Self” Grant Program.
South Florida families will get to experience the excitement around the change of seasons at the 1st Annual Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival taking place October 14 & 15 at Mizner Park Amphitheater, from 10AM – 6PM each day. The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival will feature 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 will enjoy our fall-themed attractions such as our corn stalk maze, a dress-your-own scarecrow village and beautiful fall photo vignettes! Included in the entrance fee are unlimited carnival rides, our fall attractions, and on-going shows & activities on our main stage!
For separate fees, attendees can also enjoy picking their perfect pumpkin in our patch (prices vary based on size), decorating their pumpkins in our Pumpkin Decorating tent (we provide all the supplies, and clean up the mess too), and yummy offerings in our Pumpkin Food Court featuring savory & sweet pumpkin delights (and delicious fair food)! Adults can also enjoy a “cold one” at one of our Pumpkin Beer Bars! More information: https://www.bocapumpkinpatch.com/
Please join me on October 19th for 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 luncheon will be held at Boca West Country Club from 11:30AM – 1:30PM You can still purchase tickets at:: https://www.jafco.org/events/jafco-in-my-shoes-luncheon/
SAVE THE DATE! The Inner Circle Executive Club Networking Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity on Thursday October 19th at 5:30PM,As always, free entry, complimentary cuisine, and drink specials at the Pinon Grill iat Town Center at Boca Raton.
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 27th from 6PM to 8:30PM in the beautiful setting of Boca Raton’s Mizner Park. Guests will mingle and socialize while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvers provided by Mississippi Sweets and exceptional wines. 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.
As I said, we’re back to business and the calendar is jam packed. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @BocaCaledar and check out our new website, www.BocaCal.com
