Robert’s Community Report: 12/21
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (recently rebranded as the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, the agency held its meeting at the Spanish River Library in Boca Raton, after which a luncheon was provided to participants and residents. The TPA is responsible for establishing transportation priorities and reviewing and funding upgrades to our transportation infrastructure. Boca Raton Mayor, Susan Haynie, who has been chair of the panel since 2013, was unanimously re-elected chair for another year. Palm Beach County Commissioner Hal Valeche was re-elected vice-chair. Along with Executive Director, Nick Uhren, they accepted several awards presented to the PBTPA for Innovation, Outstanding Infrastructure, and an award of merit for Best Practices.
The Chabad of Boca Raton hosted its annual Menorah lighting on Thursday December 14th at Town Center Mall. We saw live ice sculpting of a beautiful 6 ft ice Menorah! There was family friendly entertainment, latkes, gelt and dreidels.
Selena Gomes called it a Christmas wish come true; after months apart, her husband U.S. Army Private Joao Paou Gomes made the journey from Germany to Florida Atlantic University to surprise her as she walked across stage at graduation. “He told me that he was jumping out of a plane and going on a 12 mile walk somewhere, so I just thought that he was in the woods doing Army things; didn’t think he was on an actual plane here,” she said as she wiped tears from her eyes. Private Gomes flew in the night before and had Selena’s mom secretly check him into a hotel so he could surprise her just hours later at her college graduation. “It is very special because it is probably the biggest accomplishment in her life and I just wanted to be here and make sure I was a part of it,” Private Gomes added.
Later on Friday afternoon, the Akron Zips arrived for the cheribundi® Boca Raton Bowl. Even though FAU did not jet across the US to the bowl game it earned by its perfect Conference-USA record (8-0), it did not miss out on the perks of participation. As the “home” team representing Conference-USA, they stayed at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
On Saturday December 16th the 41st Annual Boat Parade was held. Proceeding from the C-15 Canal on the Intracoastal Waterway and proceeded south, through Lake Boca, spectators saw more boats than have participated in recent years adorned in lights and holiday decorations.
SNOW came back to Sugar Sand Park on Saturday December 16th! It was a fun time for the children to throw snowballs and slip and slide in the mountain of snow!
On Monday the City geared up for the 4th playing of the Boca Raton Bowl, this year with its new title sponsor, cheribundi tart cherry juice. A Kickoff Luncheon was held to welcome the teams. The luncheon was held at Palm Beach County Convention Center where former Miami Hurricanes and NFL quarterback Steve Walsh received this year’s Built Ford Tough PBC Football Legends Award for his contributions both on and off the football field.
In the evening, Mayor Haynie and the Council attended a community pep rally for our Conference-USA Champion FAU Owls. The pep rally, held at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre, featured the FAU marching band parading through Mizner Park.
On Tuesday it was the “big game!” The 2017 playing of the cheribundi® Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium began at 7PM. The “fan-zone” for family fun opened at 3PM on the FAU grounds. Opening on-field ceremonies began at 6:30PM with IDOL competition winner, Nick Aquilino, singing the National Anthem. This year the Bowl featured teams from the Mid-American Conference and FAU (Conference-USA Champion). Lane Kiffin’s first bowl game at Florida Atlantic was the perfect end to his first season with the Owls. After agreeing to extend his contract with FAU from 4 to 10 years, the Owls took it to the Akron Zips on commanding fashion. Devin Singletary ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns, Jeff Driskel was credited with four scores and FAU rolled past Akron 50-3, finishing the season on a 10-game winning streak.
Coming up:
On Friday December 22nd, the City of Boca Raton presents The Polar Express movie and activities at Mizner Park Amphitheatre (under the stars). Doors open at 4:30PM with family friendly activities and the free movie will begin at 5:30PM. Feel free to bring your chairs or blankets for seating or, for your convenience, chairs can be rented for $5 cash. Food and beverages will be available to purchase inside the venue. No outside food or beverages are allowed. The show is rain or shine.
December 23rd at the Willow Theater is The Snow Queen. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of adventure comes to life in this musical adaptation! Gerda must save her friend, Kay, who has become enchanted and can see no good in the world. Gerda seeks help from a talking (and singing) crow, the notorious (and comic) Robber Prince, and a Reindeer Herder (and her audience participant reindeer), as they try to save Kay from the mysterious Snow Queen. Rated G. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Family Shows include juice & cookies with each child’s ticket after the show. Attendees of all ages must have a ticket.
www.willowtheatre.org/the-
Come join a FREE Christmas 5k Holiday Fun Run/walk at 7AM at Runner’s Edge (3195 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton) this Saturday December 23rd. No need to signup! Sponsored by Mizuno Running and raffle prizes include Mizuno Running shoes and Runners Edge Gift Certificates! They will run the certified 5k course at 7AM (or you can run longer at 6AM with the training group) followed by cookies, Carol’s mimosas, hot chocolate and special Christmas savings at the Runner’s Edge.
And for something different, how about Joan & Friends starring master puppeteer Jerry Halliday. This will be a special presentation by the Mizner Park Comedy Club at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center (201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432). Celebrity puppets include Joan Rivers, Marilyn Monroe, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Mae West and more! Crafted by world-class puppet designer, Jerry Halliday. Halliday brings his puppets to life with his incredible skill. Every performance is a carefully crafted comedy gem that leaves audiences mesmerized and rolling with laughter. His living, breathing characters don’t just say funny things, they are naturally funny. He is a true original, the best in the business at what he does. The show will be at 5PM on December 23rd (Doors open at 4:00 PM). Tickets: $20 General Admission – 10% off with promo code: FB Purchase tickets over the phone at (786) 564-2291
Later that evening, Sick Puppies Comedy Club will be performing. Come see some of South Florida’s finest improvisers make up an entire comedy show on the spot just for you. Similar to what you might find at Second City in Chicago, Sick Puppies Comedy is a high-energy show created by your suggestions. Established in 2012, Sick Puppies Co. Nearly 5 years later, the company has expanded to 23 cast members, 50 current students and over 400 past students to create 3 ensemble teams as well as 2 house teams. woof@sickpuppiescomedy.
Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Manchester will be in concert at The Wick on December 24th and 25th. The renowned entertainer will be performing all her classic hits, plus songs from her new release, The Fellas, a radiant encomium to the men, including Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin, and the iconic songs they made famous.
Muttville Comix in the Willow Theatre on December 27th.
Johnny Peers, a Ringling Bros Clown College graduate, and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! Starring rescue dogs like Noodles the skateboarding Basset Hound, and Murphy the ladder climbing Fox Terrier, this is a show the whole family will enjoy. Rated G http://www.willowtheatre.org/
On December 28th at Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center there will be a glamorous pre-show reception followed by an intimate question-and-answer session as Talk Show Host, BeckyinBoca, asks these two Bravo (US TV channel) reality show co-stars, Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Siggy Flicker and Dolores Catania, the questions you want answered. They’ll dish about men, dating, love, sex, relationships, plastic surgery, friendship, female jealousy, money, celebrity and more. Nothing is off the table.
Ring in the New Year with seven-time Emmy Award-winning Actor Hal Linden as he takes the stage in Barney & Me. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look inside the life and career of this incredible performer. Linden’s high energy show, backed by a live orchestra, has everything from Broadway Classics to Dixieland with some serious Swing mixed in. 2 NYE Shows-December 31st at 5:00 with Champagne Toast. December 31st – 10:00 Show.
“THE BIGGEST FREE YOGA CLASS SOUTH FLORIDA HAS EVER SEEN” is coming back to the Mizner Park Amphitheater on New Years Day 2018. Join Leslie Glickman, the Yoga Journey team and an amazing group of teachers from all over South Florida. Connect with friends, family, and other like-minded people in creating something truly special, SOMETHING BIG. What an incredible way to start the New Year… set your intentions and feel the vibration of thousands of people practicing yoga together!
*Check in begins at 10am
*Yoga with Leslie begins at 11am
*Live Music with DJ Drez and Marti Nikko throughout the morning
*Community Marketplace filled with products from our conscious vendors
Don’t forget – if you wish to take advantage of the 3% discount on the payment of your property taxes, your payment must be received by the PBC Tax Collector before end of business on December 31st.
Shakespeare Miami brings Hamlet to Mizner Park Amphitheater for its sophomore performance. Great for all ages and cultures this weekend long run of free performances tells the story of Hamlet starting in the royal court of Denmark; a place of political maneuvering, spies and deceit, and moves through a tale about ghosts, love, betrayal, revenge and death by the sword. Director, Colleen Stovall’s take on the 400+ year old play will stick to the script, but will contain some surprises. Be sure to pack a blanket and chairs for this dreamy night of theatre under the stars. It’s at Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real Boca Raton FL 33432) for three nights (Friday Jan 5th, Saturday Jan 6th and Sunday Jan 7th) at 8PM.
The 8th Annual emb(race)® on Sunday, February 11, 2018 will bring together people with and without disabilities for a morning of racing, walking and fun. emb(race)® is an opportunity for friends, family and neighbors to come together and learn side by side about diversity in our community. The event will be held on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. The event will feature a 5K and one-mile family walk and include people of all ages and abilities. Whether participants run, walk, stroll, roll, use a wheelchair or hand cycle, everyone can enter. There will be games for children, live music, food, prizes, awards and much more! For registration or additional information, go to:https://embrace.
There are lots of things going on (this is just a sample). Follow me on Twitter at @bocacalendar and check out our new website www.BocaCal.com to stay informed.
