Robert’s Community Report: 3/23
The New Directions for Women Luncheon, benefiting National Jewish Health, was held on March 16th. National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. The luncheon raised funds to support research and treatment, including heart and lung diseases. Guest speaker, Jill Zarin, an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, is leveraging her business, marketing and retail savvy, having built several personal brands including the Jill Zarin Jewelry Collection and Skweez Couture shapewear. She has coauthored, “Secrets of a Jewish Mother,” with her mother, Gloria Kamen, and her sister,Lisa Wexler (host of The Lisa Wexler Show.) Proceed of the luncheons wil benefit National Jewish Health, where patients receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care from a team of medical professionals advancing the research and treatment of respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders and never based on the ability to pay.
On Saturday, our community celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi which marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. It is also the day to forgive enemies and let go of grudges. A holiday celebration was held at Spanish River Park with vibrant colors and delicious Indian delicacies. Happy Holi 2018!
The 8th Annual Walk In My Shoes awareness walk arrived in Boca Raton on Saturday afternoon on its 14 day trek from Tallahassee to Key West. State Senator, Lauren Book, Lauren’s Kids’ founder and CEO, was a victim of childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of her female nanny. Armed with the knowledge that 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness, Lauren has worked to turn her horrific personal experience into a vehicle to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors heal.Lauren’s Kids is based in South Florida and educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention through in-school curricula, awareness campaigns and speaking engagements around the country and the world. For the past eight years, Lauren has lead the an annual, statewide “Walk in My Shoes” awareness walk across the state of Florida – 1,500 miles from Key West to Tallahassee – and provides more than 9-10 million education and awareness materials statewide through direct mail every year. The foundation has helped advocate for the passage of nearly two dozen laws to support survivors and protect children from predators. The ultimate goal is to prevent sexual abuse through education and awareness, and to help survivors heal with guidance and support.
Its 32nd Annual Gala was a JARCMania experience at Boca West Country Club on Sunday. JARC Florida has been teaching, guiding and nurturing adults with development disabilities for over three decades. They are particularly proud of the Community Works Program which prepares JARC clients to be productive and valuable employees. The Community Works Program first launched in late 2014 thanks to a partnership with Marshalls. Following an $180,000 sponsorship grant by the State of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity, the Community Works Program has grown to include partnerships with Marshalls, The Cheesecake Factory, Woodfield Country Club, Grand Lux Cafe, T.J. Maxx, Boca Beauty Academy and Arthur Murray Dance Studio. The program supports a growing number of JARC clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities in getting real-world work experience.
Gov. Rick Scott was at the Boca Raton Police Department HQ where he signed a bill that limits opioid prescribing and provides tens of millions in new funding to combat an overdose epidemic that is killing more than 1,000 people in South Florida every year. Flanked by elected leaders and law enforcement, Scott the Legislature set aside $65 million to expand treatment and provide the overdose antidote naloxone to law enforcement and paramedics. The package also will impose a three-day limit on most opioid prescriptions, though doctors could provide a seven-day supply if “medically necessary.” Previously, state law didn’t limit opioid prescriptions. The new limits will not apply to patients with pain related to cancer, terminal illness, palliative care or serious traumatic injuries. Physicians will now be required to check a prescription-monitoring database to prevent doctor shopping. The new laws take effect July 1.
Coming up:
Grab your shopping bags and head on over to the Boca Raton Green Market held every Saturday, 8AM to 1PM, through May 13, 2018. Now in its 21st year of operation, the Market takes place at the south end of Royal Palm Place in the Monument Piazza parking area located at the intersection of S Federal Hwy and SE Mizner Blvd. Plenty of parking is available adjacent to the Market vendor site. Boca’s Green Market has continually been dedicated to local food production and consumption — produce that travels from farm direct to the dining table — and through the process supporting the Florida agricultural industry and the economy of our south Florida area. Each Saturday, fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables as they become available in their individual growing seasons—along with fresh-read-to-cook chickens, eggs, fresh herbs, soaps & lotions, juices, potted orchids, ocean shells, fresh cut flowers, assorted variety of plants, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, oils & vinegars, gourmet foods, hydroponic and organic foods, fresh fish and seafood, fresh pasta, doggie treats —are available for purchase. Several of the vendors have participated since the Market began in 1996, with a few new vendors joining each year. Community service organizations participate from time to time to share information or to promote a special project.
On Tuesday March 27th The Crest Theatre at Old School Square invites you to join conductor Alastair Willis and The SYMPHONIA, BOCA RATON for a journey ‘beyond the music’ with an insider’s guide into 18th and 19th century Vienna. With rich stories, dramatic video, and some of the most celebrated compositions of the day, guests will be transported back to old Vienna in this unique, interactive experience, combining classical music in a lively environment! $49 (premium – includes a post-concert meet and greet reception.
The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is proud to, again, produce the Honor Your Doctor Luncheon to be held at Boca West Country Club. Proceeds from the event provide scholarship funds for deserving medical, nursing, and healthcare students who attend the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, Lynn University, and Palm Beach State College. The Honor Your Doctor Luncheon was founded by Helen Babione, a longtime resident and philanthropist in the Boca Raton Community who will serve as the Honorary Chair for the upcoming 20thAnnual event. The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton has produced the event for the last five years; previously the GFWC Boca Raton Woman’s Club was the event sponsor. The Honor Your Doctor Luncheon is chaired by Alan Kaye and Janice Williams, two founding members of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton. Janice Williams has been involved in the event for eighteen years and was very instrumental in bringing the event to the Club. As the Club is dedicated to Health & Wellness, this was a perfect fit as the Club continues to grow the event each year.
The Men’s Division of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County invites you to an Insider Briefing with Peter Lerner, former IDF Spokesman for the Foreign Media. Mr. Lerner was the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson for four years, leading a staff of more than 60 that communicated to the world about the IDF. Cocktails and dinner will be served (dietary laws observed). Event chairs areIra Holtz, Ken Lebersfeld and Chuck Lichtman Register at http://www.jewishboca.org/
The Boca Raton Welcome Club invites you to attend their monthly Happy Hour Birthday Bash. This month it is being held at Duffy’s Grill (21212 St Andrew’s Blvd Boca Raton, 33433) from 4:30 – 6:30PM. The Welcome Club is for women living in the greater Boca Raton area, particularly those who are new to the area, but all are welcome. The Club provides several monthly activities to introduce women to what is available in the Boca area and to meet some welcoming women who live here.
On Saturday, March 30th the Daggerwing Nature Center is hosting Fishing Fun For all ages 8 and older at $10 per participant. Reservations required by calling 561-629-8760. Learn the basics of freshwater fishing and practice learned skills. The class includes fishing pole basics, casting tips, and freshwater fish identification. All fishing supplies are provided. Please bring a water bottle, sun protection, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet/muddy.
Join United We Stand for a night of laughter as comedians from the United States Armed Forces perform to benefit local veteran’s non-profit organizations. Show Time: 8PM (Doors open at 7PM) Tickets: $20 GA / $25 Reserved / $30 VIP Location: Mizner Park Cultural Center – 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (Next door to Yard House Restaurant) Purchase tickets over the phone at (786) 564-2291 Ages 18+ | First come first serve GA Seating.
