South Palm Beach County Social Scene

By Pamela J Weinroth

This week’s events, although lean of “social scene” activities, is filled with events and happenings that make living in South Palm Beach County so special. Our community has consciously integrated the spirit of giving into many aspects of our lives.  This is our culture. This is the heart of philanthropy. This is us.

This past Sunday was the first of many tributes to our fallen members of the military. A beautiful service held at Boynton Beach Memorial Park in Boynton Beach.

City of Boynton Beach Mayor Steven Grant, along with City Commissioners Christina Romelus, Ty Penserga and County Commissioner Robert Weinroth  each spoke of the bravery of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

On Memorial Day we attended a tribute at Veteran’s Park. It was wonderful to see so many come out the honor our veterans.

Throughout the county, throughout the country, Americans paused to remember – all gave some; some gave all.

Tuesday afternoon the Greater Boca Raton Chamber’s Trustee Members gathered for Legislative Reception at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel.

It was great to catch up with members of our legislative delegation with the 2019 regular legislative session now completed. They spoke of the accomplishments during the session and are looking forward to an even better 2020.

Pictured: Tina Polsky, Lori Berman, Troy McLellan and Robert Weinroth)

That evening there was a celebration for the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute graduating class.

The institute is a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to give a select group of young professionals an up-close and personal view of the programs, policies, and expertise of the nation’s premier civil rights organization.

The program serves as a comprehensive introduction to ADL and provides a pathway into an impressive circle of ADL young professional leaders in the Washington, DC region.

Glass Leadership Institute participants engage in ten months of dynamic, interactive evening sessions on a broad range of ADL topics.

Participants gain first-hand exposure to ADL’s activities and issues including:
Monitoring, Tracking, and Combatting Hate Groups, Terrorism, and Extremism
Anti-Semitism: Local, Regional, National, and Global Incidents and How ADL Responds
Anti-Bias and Diversity Education
Policy Development and Legislative Initiatives
Law Enforcement Resources, Support, and Training
Security Awareness for Religious Institutions and the Community
Interfaith and Intergroup Affairs

The high point of the GLI program comes this weekend with the annual National Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where participants will have the opportunity to hear from high-ranking officials, opinion leaders, and renowned experts, as well as meet with legislators on Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of ADL.

The National Leadership Summit is attended by hundreds of GLI participants and ADL leaders from across the country.

Pictured: Robert Weinroth, Alexandria Ayala, Rob Long and Jon Carter)

Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of the customs facility at our own Boca Raton Airport.  The staff conducted tours to show how this important economic driver of South Palm Beach County continues to support our community’s general aviation needs.

With almost $500 million in goal business sales, the airport plays an integral role in the business attraction and retention goals of south county.

The airport primarily supports recreational flying, business activity and flight training. Due to a large concentration of corporate HQ’s in Boca Raton, BCT is a frequent arrival and departure point for high profile visitors.

Florida’s aviation system keeps Florida connected to the global marketplace. With the availability of a customs facility, the airport is positioned to be a gateway to South American destinations.

Pictured: Jon Carter, Robert Weinroth, Clara Bennett, Mitch Fogel and Jim Nau)

Triple treat at Spanish River Park on Thursday afternoon as Gumbo Limbo Nature Center released three turtles that were nursed back to health.

Over $1.5 million in scholarships were distributed at the annual scholarships’ awards dinner for the George Snow Scholarship Fund on Thursday evening. The Fund has distributed over $12 million since inception.

The message from the Robert S Howell Spirit of Service Award recipient, Elias M Janetis, to the scholars, Pay It Forward. AT some point in the future, they have a responsibility to offer a hand up to a deserving individual just as they are being given a hand up by the scholarship and assistance, they are receiving from the George Snow Scholarship Fund, and others.

The George Snow Scholarship Fund has, truly, become a community asset. It comprises a family of individuals, corporations, private foundations, and community service organizations who share the belief that education is the key to a better life for the young people in our community. Its mission is to help hard working students in South Florida to graduate from college by providing financial aid and support services. Their goal is to ensure no student is deprived of an education because of a shortage of funds or a lack of support.

In addition, each Snow Scholar was sent home with his/her own duffel bag packed with supplies and goodies that they can use in college. A big thanks goes to Douglas A. Rolfe, DDS, PA, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Spirit of Giving, Newell Brands, BarCharts, Inc. publishers of QuickStudy, and Microsoft.

(Pictured: Tim Snow and Robert Weinroth)

The Delray Beach Police Department and Delray Citizens for Delray Police 16th Annual Employee Awards Dinner was hosted by the Delray Beach Marriott. Wonderful night to mingle with and thank the men and women who protect the residents of Delray Beach.

Congratulations to the 2018 “Patricia Taylor” Employee of the Year, Service Population Advocate Ariana Ciancio and 2018 Officer of the Year Detective Joseph Grammatico.

Delray Citizens for Delray Police is a grass roots not for profit police community relations organization.  It morally and financially has supported Delray Beach Police Officers, their families and the department for 31 years.

Providing an annual scholarship for sworn officer’s children has been one of the mainstays of the organization.  They have partnered with many organizations and held numerous events to assist the Delray Beach Police.

In addition, for 23 years they have joined forces with Delaire Country Club to purchase an extensive inventory of crime fighting and lifesaving equipment.

Pictured: Perry DonFrancisco and Andre Fladell)

Mangos DO grow in trees. Height is an attribute when harvesting them (or a big stick with a net at the end).

CROS Ministries “gleanings” take place on Saturday mornings from late November through most of July and Sunday mornings from mid-January to mid-April.

Large groups can schedule a gleaning event on a Monday or Friday with advance notice.

Mango gleaning in June will have some weekday dates.

Gleaning events are typically 8:30AM until 11:30AM. Directions are emailed out weekly.

Participants are responsible for getting to the fields themselves.

Examples of the produce gleaned include: beets, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, green peppers, potatoes, avocados, mangos, and whatever else might become available to us.

This produce is then distributed free of charge by the Palm Beach County Food Bank free of charge by distribution partners to local hunger programs.

To sign up for a gleaning event, go to:    www.precinctfind.com/cros/index.php?op=overview

In 1978 a group of United Methodist Churches located in Palm Beach County came together to form Christians Reaching Out to Society Inc. (CROS Ministries). These congregations realized that together they could make a bigger difference assisting the community’s hunger needs. Overtime, CROS Ministries became both ecumenical and interfaith, partnering with other denominations and faiths. Their primary goal is to alleviate hunger in our community through programs designed to provide food so that their clients can use their limited resources on other basic needs, such as medicine and housing.

In addition to feeding those in need, CROS Camp has a nine-week summer day camp program for children, who have completed kindergarten and just finished 8th grade, living in Title I zip codes (neighborhoods receiving federal funding for schools where at least 40% of the students are from families with low incomes) in Boynton Beach and Lake Worth. The camp program promotes school readiness, ensures proper nutrition, and guarantees a safe nurturing place for campers to call “home” during the day.

Pictured: Keith Cutshall and Robert Weinroth)

Start planning:

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC: June 11 @ 4:30PM

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith is a third-generation law firm that has grown to 12 attorneys with more than 300 years of 92 years, focusing on personal injury and wrongful death matters. The firm’s lawyers’ credentials include being “AV”-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating in ethics and legal ability. The firm provides personal, “hands-on” service for clients, carefully walking them through every step of the legal process while working tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome.

Jason Hagensick’s – Boca’s Ballroom Battle Kick-Off Fundraiser: June 11 6 – 8PM

Please Plan on joining Jason “TWINKLE TOES” Hagensick for his kick-off fundraiser supporting the George Snow Scholarship Fund and the 2019 Boca’s Ballroom Battle. It’s all happening at M.E.A.T. Eatery and Taproom
To purchase tickets or donate, please visit: https://secure.scholarship.org/np/clients/scholarship/donation.jsp?campaign=765&fbclid=IwAR3eTs9EYKDtv7jmHPpDViMiDoPEkfuqmfTK1PZnRmnolBflaMgw_MCFxDw 

‘BAR BRAWLS’ IS A THING AGAIN: South Florida’s Top Bartenders to Compete For All The Glory in 12-Week Bartender Showcase

Death or Glory Bar in Delray Beach has resurrected the popular ‘Bar Brawl’ competition series, and will kick off this fast-paced, cutthroat, no holds barred (pun intended) bartender showcase on Wednesday, June 12 at 9PM.  The battle for the coveted crown will continue for 12 weeks, pitting 24 of the most badass cocktail-makers from Stuart to Fort Lauderdale against each other in a single elimination competition that culminates with the finals on August 28.

“This competition is very similar to Game of Thrones,” said Ayme Harrison, co-owner, Death or Glory Bar. “Just without dragons and White Walkers. Or, well, a throne.”

Still, organizer and host Bob Higginbotham says, “Watch out. The competition for this title is fierce.”  Originally the brainchild of Higginbotham, notable cocktail connoisseur, ‘Bar Brawls’ competitors will demonstrate their craft using their knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits and bar techniques, then be judged by a panel of cocktail ‘experts’ (i.e., people who drink a lot of cocktails.) The winning bartender will receive a cash prize of $750. Tickets to attend each weekly event start at $10 for general admission, or ringside seats can be purchased for $25. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior Project.

‘Bar Brawls’ will start each Wednesday at 9PM at Death or Glory Bar, 116 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach. Full dinner service will be available during ‘Bar Brawls’ both inside and in the outdoor dining area until 11PM, then a late-night menu will be available until closing.  

Jimmy Buffet by Caribbean Chillers: June 14 @ 6:30PM, sponsored by The City of Boca Raton
Doors Open at 6:30PM with the show starting at 7:30PM (Free and Open to the Public). Bring a chair or blanket, chairs will also be for rent inside for $5

For event more events visit my website at www.BocaCal.com