Boca Raton Observer August2014 by Boca Raton Observer

All That Jazz

A Transgender Child Bravely Battles To Be Herself

Shelter From The Storm

Fostering A Child May Be The Most Rewarding Job You’ll Ever Do

Keeping Up With The Joneses

What’s Trending For Mom, Dad And The Kids In 2014

It’s A

Hough “DWTS” Breakout Star Derek Hough Opens Up About Dance, Family And His BFF, Sister Julianne

Gotta Have Sole

How Some Simple Doodles Sparked A Family Business August 2014

The family Issue

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VOLUME XI NUMBER 7

08.2014

contents THAT JAZZ 52 ALL With Her Family’s Help, A Transgender Child Bravely Battles To Be Herself

HAVE SOLE 60 GOTTA How A Gifted Student’s Doodles Morphed Into The Family Business

FROM 64 SHELTER THE STORM Taking In Foster Children Can Be The Most Rewarding Job You’ll Ever Do

UP WITH 68 KEEPING THE JONESES What’s Trending For Mom, Dad And The Kids In 2014

46 It’s A

Hough “DWTS” BREAKOUT STAR DEREK HOUGH OPENS UP ABOUT DANCE, FAMILY AND HIS BFF, SISTER JULIANNE

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Photo by Gary Fitzpatrick

THE FAMILY ISSUE

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contents departments

19 observed HOT STUFF & THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN 19 The Buzz 24 Trends 26 La Vida Boca

29 media blitz THE QUINTESSENTIAL ARTS REPORT 29 On Screen 30 In Print 32 On Scene

37 that’s life A GUIDE TO PERSONAL GROWTH 37 Relations 40 Parents 44 Destinations

83 taste THE DISH ON FOOD, WINE & RESTAURANTS 83 Bites 84 Recipes 90 Review 92 Listings

109 happenings THE ESSENTIAL SOCIAL DIGEST 109 Around Town 114 Calendar 118 Flash

124 fyi

141

LOCAL NOTABLES & REAL DEALS 124 Now & Noteworthy 126 At Home

86 84

128 giving back CHARITY NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

114 ALL THAT JAZZ A TRANSGENDER CHILD BRAVELY BATTLES TO BE HERSELF

THE FAMILY ISSUE

GOTTA HAVE SOLE HOW SOME SIMPLE DOODLES SPARKED A FAMILY BUSINESS

SHELTER FROM THE STORM FOSTERING A CHILD MAY BE THE MOST REWARDING JOB YOU’LL EVER DO

It’s A

Hough “DWTS” BREAKOUT STAR DEREK HOUGH OPENS UP ABOUT DANCE, FAMILY, AND HIS BFF, SISTER JULIANNE

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES WHAT’S TRENDING FOR MOM, DAD AND THE KIDS IN 2014 AUGUST 2014

VOLUME XI NUMBER 7 ON THE COVER: DEREK HOUGH PHOTO BY: GARY FITZPATRICK Volume X1, Number 7, The Boca Raton Observer, (USPS 024758, ISSN 1940-4239) is published monthly except for July by A&A Publishing Corp. Executive Offices: 950 Peninsula Corporate Circle, Suite 1020, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Periodical Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Boca Raton Observer, 950 Peninsula Corporate Circle, Suite 1020, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

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CELEBRATING A DECADE OF COMMUNITY

CONTRIBUTORS writers Lynn Allison

Bill Bowen Linda Haase Leslie Kraft Burke Susan R. Miller Emily J. Minor Andrea G. Rollin Dianna Smith

photographers Carlos Aristizabal

Janis Bucher Lucien Capehart Photography Joseph Cristina Patty Daniels Downtown Photo Gary Fitzpatrick Austin Hargrave Michael Price Jeffrey Tholl Photography Claude Zick

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Your Style For Life

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from the publisher 08.2014

Linda L. Behmoiras linda@bocaratonobserver.com

cannot believe it’s time for our children to go back to school already. This means it’s also time for our August Family Issue, dedicated to all things related to parents and their kids. I would like to dedicate this family-themed issue to my friend Steve Brown. Steve passed away on April 9 in a biking accident. He was not just a supporter of this publication since its inception; he was my friend and neighbor. We served on a nonproﬁt board together and I’d often see him at meetings or around our neighborhood. Since we both had children, we would share stories and discuss child rearing, schooling, synagogues and most of all, sports, which is a passion our sons share. I remember him telling me on many occasions that things with kids always worked themselves out. He was right. The most impressive things about Steve were his devotion, dedication, passion and love for his family, which includes wife Dana, children Susie, Andrew and Jordan, parents Murray and Carol, siblings Pam and David, his in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, soon-to-arrive grandchild, and many friends. Steve was also an impressive businessman. He built Brown’s Interior Design, a successful family business, and was an active advocate for Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Jewish Fed-

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

eration of South Palm Beach County and Temple Beth El. I attended his funeral not as a business associate or community member, but as a friend. I sat with my husband and one of my best friends and I cried. Not only because of the sudden, terrible way Steve was taken from us but because of the incredible legacy he left behind. As I looked around the standing-room-only crowd and listened to the eulogies, I realized that Steve was the epitome of family. He made everyone feel like they were part of his family and was the quintessential family man. As I listened to the words of an E.E. Cummings poem in Rabbi Dan Levin’s eulogy and the words of Steve’s children, siblings and wife, I knew that life would never be the same without Steve. Not because I would make sure my teenage boys wore their bike helmets, or rode on the sidewalk whenever possible, or called me when they arrived at their destinations, even if they were only three blocks away. What touched me the most were the lyrics from one of my favorite show tunes, “For Good” from “Wicked,” which was sung beautifully that day. “So much of me is made of what I learn(ed) from you You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart And now whatever way our stories end I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend” I am not sure that I will always make the right decisions in life, but I know that when it comes to my family, I will be a better person because of Steve Brown. As Rabbi Levin said in his eulogy, “While the commercials used to invite us to want to be like Michael Jordan, I think we all wanted to be like Steve Brown.” I know that he is looking down proudly at his amazing family and friends, wearing his beloved fanny pack and smiling. Rest in peace my friend. I know in my heart that your memory will forever be a blessing. And speaking of family—this issue is for all the moms, dads, kids and grandparents in Boca.

We start with our cover story about Derek Hough, the latest breakout star of “Dancing with the Stars,” who spoke exclusively to The Boca Raton Observer about his career, TV show and close relationship with his equally talented sister, dancer/actress/singer Julianne. Before Hough arrives in town later this month for the Killick Klassik Dance-Sport Event at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, get to know him in “It’s A Hough Life” (page 46). Next in this issue is a story close to our hearts here at the magazine. Inside we introduce you to Jazz, an extraordinary child with a very special family. Jazz was born transgender—that is, she was born with the body of a male, but the identity of a female. Now living as a girl, she and her family talk exclusively with us about her struggles and triumphs, and we were very impressed by her strength and poise. We think you will be, too. Read about her in “All That Jazz” (page 52). And speaking of strength, inside we delve into what it takes to become a foster parent. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs a person can take on, and can make all the difference in the world for a displaced child with nowhere else to go. To learn how, read “Shelter from the Storm” (page 64). Also in this issue, we explore the latest trends in families (“Keeping Up with the Joneses,” page 68) and introduce you to a young local artist who, along with her mother and a family friend, are taking the college world by storm with her fun, colorful sneaker designs (“Gotta Have Sole,” page 60). As author Alex Haley wrote, “Family is our refuge from the storm, our link to the past and our bridge to the future.” Best wishes for a safe, enjoyable, family-ﬁlled end of summer.

Photo by Carlos Aristizabal

FAMILY–A LINK TO OUR PAST AND A BRIDGE TO OUR FUTURE

from the editor 08.2014

THE FUN IN DYSFUNCTION utting together this month’s Family Issue led me to thinking about my own crew. Like every family, we’ve got our quirks. When I was a kid, for instance, my mother was notorious for misplacing her car keys, and then blaming me for taking them. “They were right here—you had to have moved them!” she’d accuse, frazzled and frustrated. As if at 6 years old, I’d been planning a joyride. Of course, I didn’t have them. But like clockwork, she’d spend the next 10 minutes turning the house upside down, rummaging through her purse, and eventually dumping its contents onto the kitchen table. At which point I’d hear that familiar jingle of keys. “Oh,” was all she’d say. This is now a running joke in our family and while my mother still periodically loses her keys, she no longer blames me (only because we live in separate houses). I can laugh about it. Now. My family is the stuff of which sitcoms are made: from the way we speak over each other during holiday meals (guests are often bewildered), to our collective phobia of having our curly hair cut too short (curly hair shrinks!) and how we treat our pets like little people (mom’s Yorkie, Courtney, has more outﬁts than I do).

Felicia S. Levine felicia@bocaratonobserver.com

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

All families have such “lore.” It’s why sitcoms like ABC’s “Modern Family” are so popular. It’s why we’re drawn to websites like awkwardfamilyphotos.com, a voyeur’s feast of embarrassing pictures, and the reason for the millions of mommy blogs sprouting up weekly. We watch and we read because we want to know we’re not alone in our weirdness. And while family dysfunctions can range from the silly to the serious, even those on the extreme side of the spectrum can be approached with humor. Laughter can be therapeutic, says Martha Beck, Oprah Winfrey’s favorite life coach. “Watch stand-up comics to see the enormous fun they can have describing appalling marriages, ghastly parenting or poisonous family secrets,” she writes on her website, marthabeck.com. “When you’re back among friends, telling your own wild stories, you may ﬁnd that you no longer suffer from your family’s brand of insanity; you’ve actually started to enjoy it.” Like the old adage goes: You can’t choose your family. But you can laugh at them.

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the buzz

trends

la vida boca

HOT STUFF & THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN

SCHOOL DAZE

[EDUCATION]

How did a nice guy like David Mech end up in porn? That’s the million-dollar question the public is asking as the 38-year-old former adult film star, known as David Pounder, throws his hat into the August 26 election for a seat on the Palm Beach County School Board. “Unfortunately, they aren’t looking at my stellar record as a property owner, taxpayer, successful math tutor and downright good citizen,” Mech tells The Boca Raton Observer, which as a policy does not endorse any candidates. “I have no criminal record, never did drugs and serve as treasurer on the board of my condo building.” The fact that Mech was a porn actor went public when someone on the school board unearthed the “secret” and forced him to take down signs advertising his math tutoring company, Happy/Fun Math Tutor, which he founded after leaving the adult film industry in 2010. He launched a lawsuit against the board, which is scheduled for trial in November. Mech argues that his passion for higher learning—he holds a graduate degree and is working toward two doctorate degrees—makes him the perfect candidate for the job. “I have a master’s in information management, and I’m a Ph.D. student both in media economics and computer science,” he says. Instead of spending time and money on an overt campaign, he says he wants voters to check out his website and learn about the issues he’s tackling (MechForPBCschools.com). He has five agenda points: technology, innovation, equality, sex education and secular social values. “I believe that we’re not preparing today’s student for the technological advances of the future,” says Mech. “I also believe that we need to update the religious impact on our schools’ social mores and use common sense. We should be offering condoms in our high schools at the nurse’s office so that we can prevent the rising number of teenage pregnancies. We simply cannot close our eyes to the reality that our teens

PASSION FOR EDUCATION: David Mech

are having sex by ignoring a viable solution.” He acknowledges that his former career makes him an easy target. “I work with kids all the time and I’m a great math teacher,” says Mech, a single guy who spends his spare time surﬁng and kayaking. “Should parents be worried? Why? If a guy used to own a bar, should you be worried that he’ll serve liquor to high school students? I am willing to take on any debate based on real issues and not hypocrisy.”

The former banker still has a production company that makes documentaries on human sexuality and has written a book on the subject. And, he insists, his former porn career has nothing to do with his profession as a math tutor—or any future career he hopes to have. “If I win this election, I just may lose my easygoing life,” he says. “But on the other hand, the kids will be winners. Once I make a commitment, I give back 110 percent.”

The Buzz by Felicia S. Levine Got a tip? Email the Editor at Felicia@bocaratonobserver.com

– Lynn Allison

AUGUST 2014

observed buzz [HEALTH]

“Red Dress” sculpture by Nathan Sawaya

FAT BE GONE When away at college for the ﬁrst time, students can gain invaluable knowledge, life experience—and weight. To help combat the dreaded Freshman 15, Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Miami is offering a “Back to U” program designed to teach students how to lead healthy lives while in school. The weeklong program, scheduled to take place August 9-16, will include lectures on nutrition, ﬁtness classes, tennis and golf clinics, low-cal meals catered by gourmet chefs and more. Prices start at $4,200 per person based on double occupancy. Who said weight loss had to be painful? For more information, call 888-2541462 or visit pritikin.com.

FALLING TO PIECES When thinking of LEGOs, the agony of stepping on one (if

No.1 [STATS]

BOCA RATON NABBED THE TOP SPOT IN A RECENT STUDY— and not for the number of crooked psychics or worst places to be single! According to CreditDonkey.com, ours is Florida’s top city in which to live. The credit card comparison website lauded Boca Raton for its low crime rates, short commute times and residents’ well-above-average incomes. Other Palm Beach County cities that made the list were Jupiter at No. 5 and Delray Beach at No. 7.

– Linda Haase

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

yo have kids, this has happened to you) probably comes to you mind before any thought of fine art. But artist Nathan Sawaya is m renowned for using these colorful plastic bricks to create awere iinspiring sculptures. Back by popular demand for a fourth year at The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, his exhibit, called “In Pieces,” will be on display through August 17. It features a blend of new and classic works, and runs in tandem with the oversized photographs of Dean West, with whom Sawaya spent years working to create a showcase of hyper-realistic images that complement his vibrant 3D works. The exhibit also includes an interactive area where visitors can make theiri own LEGO art and a Florida Brick Creation Challenge contest, th with winners announced during an August 10 celebration. For more information, call 954-921-3274 or visit artandculturecenter.org. – Chris Maiorana “Red Dress” photograph by Dean West

Images courtesy of brickartist.com

[ART]

Late Summer

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observed buzz [OVERHEARD]

“

The program is vitally important because about 50 percent of the residents who train here will remain in this area.

”

– Robert Pearlman, chief development and strategy ofﬁcer for Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, about the school’s medical residency program, which just began its ﬁrst year.

5.4

BILLION

[STATS]

THE RECORD SALES GENERATED FROM FLORIDA Lottery tickets and scratch-offs through June 2014. According to its website, “The Lottery also expects to transfer a record $1.49 billion to help Florida’s students and schools.” Source: flalottery.com

[EVENTS]

[TRAVEL]

VOILA: YOU’RE IN

A THEME PARK Dalton, Landon, Trysten and Griffin Tice

GAME ON The Boca Raton Tice family will be omnipresent at this year’s JCC Maccabi Games, scheduled to take place August 10-15 at Boca’s Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. Fraternal triplets Landon, Grifﬁn and Dalton, 15, will compete in ﬂag football while sister Trysten, 12, will report from the sidelines, tweeting and blogging on behalf of the games. The week-long annual sporting event attracts thousands of Jewish athletes ages 13-16 from as far as Mexico, Panama and Israel. The triplets, who also competed in the 2012 Memphis games, are ready. “They all bond through sports and team building,” says their mother, Marni. “When the games are over, they are no longer separate teams, but one.”

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

The Harry Potter book franchise may have run its course, but the magic remains. For proof, consider Universal Studios Florida’s newest tribute to the popular tale: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, which opened last month. The theme park transports visitors to the streets of London, where seven fantastically appointed stores range from Ollivanders wand shop (where wands choose their wizards) to Magical Menagerie (the place to buy assorted fuzzy, scaly “creatures”). Visitors can sip Butterbeer and dine on authentic British fare at the Leaky Cauldron, grab frozen treats at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and experience the excitement (or nausea, depending on your tolerance) of the 3D thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The new attraction complements the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade, which is located at next door’s Islands of Adventure, and the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station transports guests between parks. Harry Potter has been in the news for other reasons as of late: J.K. Rowling released a short story about her beloved characters— the first since her final book was published seven years ago. – C.M.

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observed trends

GET SMART

These Accessories Put The Cool In Back To School BY FELICIA S. LEVINE 1. STUFFED ANIMAL PENCIL POUCHES let little ones personalize back-to-school collections with plushies perfect for holding crayons, markers, pencils and more. Available at officedepot.com 2. OFFICE DEPOT NOTEBOOKS are available in a variety of styles and colors, including these glitter spiral notebooks in vibrant shades. Available at officedepot.com 3. JONATHAN ADLER HIGHLIGHTERS add style to your studies with a set of five lively colors in funky patterns. Available at jonathanadler.com

4. JELLYFISH GO-GO JUICE POWERBANK PORTABLE CHARGERS are small, lightweight, provide a full charge for your smartphone or tablet and feature built-in LED flashlights. Available at bedbathandbeyond.com 5. MUSTARD BRIGHT IDEA USB LAPTOP LIGHT is ideal for late-night cram sessions or when you just need some additional light for your desk or keyboard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s USB-powered and features a convenient bendable arm. Available at bedbathandbeyond.com

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

observed trends

6. PINK DOTTIE POM-POM LOCKER CURTAIN is totally cute, crafted of pure cotton canvas with a magnified strip that makes for easy hanging. A sweet pom-pom trim creates a chic conversation piece. Available at pbteen.com 7. GEAR-UP BLUE DIGI PLAID HOMEWORK HOLDER in a preppy pattern features an exterior pocket for pens and pencils, and is compact enough to fit easily into a backpack. For a personalized touch, have it monogrammed. Available at pbteen.com 8. JONATHAN ADLER GIANT ERASER in the shape of a Scottie pup makes correcting mistakes fun while adding whimsy to your academic arsenal. Available at jonathanadler.com 9. GEAR-UP POOL PAISLEY BACKPACK in fun fashion colors includes a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet, drawstring side pockets and an MP3 holder with a port for headphone wires. Available at pbteen.com

10. COLORED SMENCILS made from recycled newspapers come in a rainbow of colors and scents such as root beer, black cherry, watermelon, bubble gum and more. Available at uncommongoods.com

11. LILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ELEPHANT PAPER CLIPS are whimsical and provide a creative way for kids to keep homework organized and in place. Available at containerstore.com 12. QUIRKY WRAPSTER HEADPHONE CORD ORGANIZERS make tangled earbuds a thing of the past with sleek, compact designs that fit easily in your pocket. When not wrapped, they double as iPhone stands. Available at bedbathandbeyond.com

AUGUST 2014

observed la vida boca TO THE RESCUE: Dr. Benjamin J. Carter with his dogs

ANIMAL HOUSE Boca Raton’s Traveling Vet Lets Pets Feel At Home BY SUSAN R. MILLER

ny animal lover will tell you their pets are part of the family. We buy them premium food for their well-being, toys to satisfy their playful sides, smother them with kisses (whether they like it or not) and let them sleep in our beds. Last year, Americans spent $55.7 billion on beloved dogs, cats, hamsters and the like, and that ﬁgure is expected to reach nearly $60 billion this year. The market has responded with a host of animal-centric parks, hotels, spas and more. And now there’s a pet-loving vet who makes house calls. Dr. Benjamin J. Carter, 26, earlier this year launched Signature Veterinary Care, a concierge service for dogs and cats. Call him the Marcus Welby of the animal world. While Dr. Carter is among a handful of traveling South Florida veterinarians, what sets him apart is that he works with a vet tech, (most vets travel solo, he says) and is available 24/7. “I give out my cellphone number and clients are texting me pictures and sending me questions around

“

I give out my cellphone number and clients are texting me pictures and sending me questions around the clock. – Dr. Benjamin J. Carter

the clock,” says Dr. Carter, whose services include basic preventive care and yearly vaccinations, emergency services and more. Prices are competitive with brick-and-mortar establishments, he says. Dr. Carter serves about 100 clients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerﬁeld Beach and CAPTION: Siggy Flicker Parkland. His most unusual call came 26

”

from the owner of a Morkie Poo that got its leg stuck in a chair. “We used some lubricant jelly and one of my surgical tools to spread the bars and we worked the foot out,” says Dr. Carter, who also works a few days a week at Lund Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, where he has an arrangement to work on animals in need of more complicated proce-

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

dures. “It wasn’t practicing medicine, but I was still helping a pet.” The foot was ﬁne and the dog went on its way. Dr. Carter started making house calls to just a few patients, but quickly realized how much better the animals responded because they were in their own environments. “Patients are not waiting in an exam room for two hours,” he says. “It decreases stress for the animals and the owners.” The owner of three rescue dogs— two Affenpinschers and a Shih

Tzu—Dr. Carter knows that because our pets are family, it’s extremely painful when it’s time to say goodbye. “When I was still a student at the University of Florida my own pet had cancer, and I could think of nothing worse than bringing him in the ofﬁce and having to say goodbye to him there,” says Dr. Carter. “Two of my professors were nice enough to put my dog to sleep on his favorite blanket under his favorite tree. I could think of nothing better than to end his life in that manner.” O

[on screen in print on scene]

THE QUINTESSENTIAL ARTS REPORT

HITS THE RIGHT NOTE

With These Songs, “Jersey Boys” Can’t Go Wrong BY BILL BOWEN

lint Eastwood’s summer salute to Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” is like an episode of “Behind the Music” on steroids, telling the often sordid story of four streetwise teens singing and hustling in Newark, N.J. as they strive to become the iconic Four Seasons. While viewers know the payoff that’s coming, director Eastwood takes his sweet time delivering it, dedicating a hardscrabble hour to the band’s performances in seedy bars, bouts of breaking and entering, and even a few prison sentences before discovering their sound in the breakthrough hit “Sherry.” But when the four-part harmonies from the band’s 27 1960s radio hits—which would sell 100 million records—cascade in surround sound, such nitpicking evaporates. The film, which features a soundtrack of songs by the actors, along with original recordings by The Four Seasons and/or Frankie Valli, benefits greatly from the presence of John Lloyd Young, who won a Best Actor Tony Award for portraying Valli in the Broadway show, which opened in 2006 and is still running. Young is joined in the film by Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio, the group’s songwriter and keyboardist; Vincent Piazza as lead guitarist Tommy DeVito, the self-pro-

claimed leader of the group; and Michael Lomenda as bassist and baritone Nick Massi. The band members’ relationships—largely unknown in their heyday because of the era’s lessinvasive celebrity culture—were ﬁrst ferreted out by producers of the stage show, who interviewed principals, including Valli, Gaudio and DeVito. From this research emerged the story of the group’s dynamics, touring pressures and DeVito’s lax ﬁnancial practices, which led to friction in the band. Mob boss AngGyp DeCarlo, played by Christopher Walken, is a constant presence, providing assistance when DeVito’s debts threaten the group’s well-being. Renee Marino, a veteran of the Broadway pro-

duction, plays Valli’s wife, who disintegrates under the weight of too many nights alone with their three daughters, and Lacey Hannan plays a newspaper reporter with whom he has a subsequent relationship. While Eastwood stars in many of his films, his only “Jersey Boys” appearance is when a hotel room TV screen briefly flashes his old

“Rawhide” character, Rowdy Yates. Eastwood has been hugely successful at directing, with his ﬁlms “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby” each winning Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture; he also received nominations in both categories for “Mystic River” and “Letters from Iwo Jima.” He’s known for his unhurried pacing, but that tried and true approach is perhaps not as effective with this ﬁlm’s viewers, who enter the theater primed to hear those stirring fourpart harmonies. Still, when Young and his fellow faux Four Seasons belt out the songs, all is forgiven. O RATED R: Contains adult language throughout. RUNNING TIME: 2 hours, 14 minutes

AUGUST 2014

media in print

BONDS THAT BIND

Love, Scandal And Heartbreak Make For Compelling Literary Lineage BY LINDA HAASE There’s no bond stronger than that of family—and few subjects more curious. The following books tell the stories of five high-profile lineages both past and present, from the Romanovs to the Obamas. They’re not just fascinating, but demonstrate that no matter how famous the family, we’ve all got skeletons.

Hilton’s short-lived marriages to Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor, to socialite Paris Hilton’s sex tapes. Taraborrelli’s premise is that “behind the glamour unique to the Hilton name is the story of everyday people” and he strives to show that despite the fame, wealth and notoriety, the Hiltons continue to share a bond—just like all families.

answers that question and more as she dishes up the goods on the ﬁrst family. The book “reveals what they gained and what they were stunned to lose, who they used to be in public and who they still are in private, who they wanted to be and who they have become,” the jacket promises. In addition to discussing the couple, there’s plenty of fodder about Malia and Sasha’s lives, and mom and dad’s anxieties about combining parenting and politics and, ultimately, how they came to grips with living a very public life. An enclosed layout of the White House makes it easy to visualize their day-to-day life, which includes gathering for dinner in the dining room every night at 6:30 p.m. Just like any other “normal” family.

how to manage a staff of 80-plus and host the family’s lavish parties. The 329-page book is packed with tidbits about the couple’s lives— the travels, struggles, joys and then, their inevitable split. Ultimately, their castle was turned into a home for evacuee children and a training ground for soldiers during the Second World War. These days, it’s the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. There’s a lot of complex history here, and thankfully, the author includes a family tree to help sort out the lineage.

The House of Redgrave: The Lives of a Theatrical Dynasty

The Hiltons: The True Story of An American Dynasty

By Tim Adler

By J. Randy Taraborrelli It’s hard to believe there’s anything that hasn’t been written about the infamous, eccentric Hilton family. Still, J. Randy Taraborrelli manages to dig even deeper, revealing another side of this prominent household. The 519 pages in this engrossing book trace the family’s lust for Hollywood and all its trappings—from their rags-to-riches climb to the top, to the challenges of reaching it— with plenty of drama, sex, money and power along the way. Readers might need a scorecard to keep up with the family’s antics, going back decades to the late Conrad “Nicky” 30

Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey By The Countess of Carnarvon

The Obamas By Jodi Kantor It’s tough not to be captivated by the Obamas’ private lives. Are they really the typical All-American family they appear to be? New York Times correspondent Jodi Kantor

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Fans of popular TV series “Downton Abbey” will want to pick up a copy of this behind-the-scenes tome featuring the real lives of the former inhabitants on which the show’s characters are based. This includes intriguing Lady Catherine Wendell, the wealthy, glamorous American who became the darling of London society, married Lord Porchester and at age 19, learned

The Redgraves are no strangers to fame or fortune. And, as it turns out, misfortune. In his book, the family—known as one of the greatest dynasties in British ﬁlm and theater—comes across as darling as it is dysfunctional. Their lives are on full display here, from the reaction to actress Vanessa Redgrave’s birth to the tragic death of her daughter. Nothing seems to be off limits in this tell-all, be it inﬁdelity, power plays, joys or sorrows. It covers a lot of ground, spanning back all the way to 1928, but Adler manages to keep the storyline from becoming too convoluted. Al-

media in print

though Vanessa Redgrave refused to cooperate with the book, critics have embraced it. Perhaps Playbill sums it up best: “This book is a highly readable page turner which will keep your eyebrows in a semipermanent state of raised.”

The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra By Helen Rappaport Some say the much-loved Romanov sisters—Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia—were the Princess Dianas of Russia in their day. But the Grand Duchesses’ privileged lifestyles weren’t enough to stave off tragedy, and they met untimely deaths in an Ekaterinburg basement during World War I and the Russian Revolution. In her book, Rappaport reconstructs their lives using previously unpublished letters, diaries, archival sources and private collections. The siblings had such a large family and so many friends that the author thoughtfully includes a four-page who’s who guide. “This is a book about the real Romanov sisters,” Rappaport writes. “Living with the four sisters has been an intense, emotional experience, but also a gratifying one. I hope I have done them, and their all too short lives, justice.” O AUGUST 2014

media on scene

SHE’S SO POPULAR Tori Amos Waxes Melodic At The Fillmore BY LINDA HAASE

n high school, Tori Amos was voted homecoming queen and “Most Likely to Succeed.” Fast-forward and years later, the singer, pianist and composer is still Ms. Popularity: She’s landed on People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful” list and has received eight Grammy nominations. It’s no wonder fans are eagerly awaiting her “Unrepentant Geraldines Tour,” which includes an 8 p.m. show on August 24 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. During the show, she’ll perform new hits, along with longtime popular tunes. There’s a good chance she’ll share “16 Shades of Blue,” her melody about aging (she has “ﬁnally” accepted turning 50, she divulged in an interview with last.fm). It’s been a long, winding road for Amos, the classically trained musician and daughter of a Methodist preacher. She began singing and playing piano in her church choir at age 4, started performing at

13 and later tried the rock band life with a group called Y Kant Tori Read. The band’s name was a play on her dismissal from the esteemed Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University at age 11 for insisting on playing by ear instead of reading music. When the band’s album flopped Amos went solo, a move she says she’s never regretted. She’s been touring solo since 1991 and Rolling Stone voted her one of the best live performers of all time. She finds inspiration in art, especially the work of post-impressionist French painter Paul Cézanne, which heavily influenced Unrepentant

Geraldines, her 14th and latest album. “I’ve always been inspired by visual artists of all mediums because, as with music, art is not a job you can go to and leave from; but it is something that deﬁnes who and what you are,” she wrote on her website. She’s also dabbled in TV: Blink and you may have missed her appearances on a Kellogg’s Just Right commercial and guest role in the courtroom drama “Trial by Jury.” O For more information, call 305-673-7300 or visit fillmoremb.com.

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T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

media on scene

welcome summer with a splash of Tropical treats.

COUNTING LUCKY STARS OneRepublic Takes The Stage At Cruzan Amphitheatre BY LINDA HAASE

pectators who remained seated during this past Super Bowl’s commercial break got an unexpected musical treat when OneRepublic belted out “Counting Stars” during the zany Bud Light ad. Energetic band members showed audiences around the country just how talented they are. Now South Florida fans can check them out when OneRepublic performs live as part of the “Native Summer Tour,” which stops at Cruzan Amphitheatre on August 17 at 7 p.m. The Script will also perform. The Colorado-based rock/pop musicians have become so popular they had to add more shows, much to their surprise. “We always knew we were going to go out again in the summer, we just didn’t know in what capacity or how big or whatever,” lead singer Ryan Tedder told Billboard. “To test the waters, we picked mostly the major markets for the June tour, and it blew out so quickly in so many of the cities that... we were just kind of stupeﬁed.” The band has made great strides

since releasing “Apologize,” the popular single off their debut album, Dreaming Out Loud in 2007. And as the band discovered, the fast track isn’t the only road to success. “It’s always been a building experience for us,” Tedder told Billboard. “We are the tortoise; we’re the kid in the back of the classroom that doesn’t really talk a lot and by the end of the school year might just end up being the valedictorian.” What can concertgoers expect? “We’re introducing new songs; we’re mixing up the set list,” he noted. “We’ll probably introduce a song or two from stuff we’re working on for the next album. We’re trying to raise the bar.” And while the band is harmonious—literally and ﬁguratively— Tedder is its most recognized member. He’s also a songwriter and has penned lyrics for many top acts. He co-wrote and produced Adele’s “Rumour Has It,” Beyoncé’s “Halo” and “XO,” and other hits. O For more information, call 561-7958883 or visit cruzanampitheatre.net.

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AUGUST 2014

media on scene

WEARS MANY HATS

Brad Paisley Plays Big Show At Cruzan Amphitheatre BY LINDA HAASE

with some fresh tunes, including “River Bank,” from his new album, Moonshine in the Trunk, which is scheduled to be released this month. He’ll celebrate the album’s launch with an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” summer concert series on August 29. No doubt he’ll be wearing one of his Stetsons. It’s a personal thing, he tells Rolling Stone: “A hat has to be shaped to a person’s face so it ﬁts just right. If you put my hat on, with my shape, you’d look like an idiot. If the bill is too high or too saggy, you look like a European tourist going to their ﬁrst country concert.” Paisley actually wears many hats: He’s a threetime Grammy winner with more than 22 No.1 hit singles, a Grand Ole Opry’s Hall of Fame inductee and a judge on ABC’s “Rising Star.” But for Paisley, it’s mostly about just strumming his guitar. O

hen Brad Paisley was 8 years old, he received a Christmas gift that changed his life: a Sears Danelectro guitar from his beloved grandfather. “No matter how I have changed, learned and evolved as a person, the guitar has been a major part of it, and really the only constant,” Paisley wrote in “Diary of a Player,” his autobiography. “When life gets intense, there are people who drink, who seek counseling, eat or watch TV, pray, cry, sleep and so on. I play.” And does he ever. When he takes the Cruzan Amphitheatre stage on August 16 at 7 p.m., fans will be in for a rip-roaring good time. Paisley’s dynamic gigs are shows within shows, complete with videos, lighting extravaganzas and lots of interaction with the audience. “Putting on a big show is all about bringing our music to the people in ways they wouldn’t expect to be possible,” he says. There’s a good chance he’ll mix old favorites such as “Letter to Me” or “Waitin’ on a Woman”

THE DRIVE TIME BEATS THE WAIT TIME.

For more information, call 561-795-8883 or visit cruzanampitheatre.net.

FLORIDA AVERAGE ER WAIT TIME 25 minutes

NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER AVERAGE ER WAIT TIME 12 minutes

NATIONAL AVERAGE ER WAIT TIME 26 minutes

A short drive. A short wait. An ER that’s worth the trip. In an emergency, every second counts. That’s why you may think it’s critical to drive to the closest emergency room. What if we told you that you’d save time and see a doctor sooner by coming to Northwest Medical Center? It’s true. Our ER wait times average about 12 minutes. That beats the national, state and even local competitors’ average wait times by more than half.

Visit Northwest Medical Center for all your emergency needs. For more information, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 954.601.8094 or visit NorthwestMed.com. Source: Medicare.gov/HospitalCompare Voted Favorite Pediatric Emergency Room for the third year in a row by Coral Springs/Parkland City News. 2801 North State Rd. 7 • Margate, FL 33063

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

media on scene

LAUGH FEST

Wayans Brothers Bring Comedy To Hard Rock Live BY LINDA HAASE

he Wayans Brothers know how to make people laugh. After all, the four siblings have been cracking us up for decades. The comedic family—featuring Damon, Keenen Ivory, Marlon and Shawn—will bring their jokes and hybrid sketch/stand-up show to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Hard Rock Live on August 15 at 8 p.m. as part of their much-anticipated summer tour.

winning series, “In Living Color” and the director of the ﬁlm, “White Chicks,” starring Shawn and Marlon. Marlon and Shawn also starred in popular spoof ﬁlms “Little Man” and “Dance Flick,” while Damon spent time on the national standup comedy circuit and then landed a regular slot on “Saturday Night Live” for one season in 1985-1986. Although Damon is a popular comedian and has appeared in many

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Life wasn’t always funny for the brothers, who grew up in a large family in a Manhattan housing project. ‘’We called my dad an entre-poorneur,’’ Marlon Wayans told bio.com. But the brothers found humor in daily life at early ages and their wacky shenanigans caught on quickly. Shawn and Marlon starred in “The Wayans Brothers,” a situation comedy that aired on the nowdefunct WB network. Marlon went on to co-write and act in the blockbuster horror spoof “Scary Movie,” which was directed by Keenen Ivory (who also directed the three sequels). Keenen Ivory was the creative force behind the Emmy-

venues, he takes nothing for granted. “I don’t ever want to be number one because once you become number one, you start to change,” he told bio.com. “You get scrutinized on everything you do and you’re suddenly afraid to take chances. I need to take chances. I need to work. I don’t want to be a superstar.” Marlon has his own way of getting pumped for a performance: He listens to “Lose Yourself ” by Eminem. “I put that on and I think, ‘I can’t lose. I won’t lose,’” he told the Kansas City Star. O For more information, call 954-797-5555 or visit hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.

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AUGUST 2014

[relations parents destinations]

A GUIDE TO PERSONAL GROWTH

EMPTY NEST SYNDROME

When Kids Fly The Coop, Parents Are Left To Pick Up The Pieces BY EMILY J. MINOR

his fall, an estimated 3 million American teenagers will leave home for college, and mother-ofthree Janice Clough knows just how some of those parents will feel. Lost. Sad. Even a tad disoriented. “It’s like you’re losing a part of you,” says Clough, a West Palm Beach resident who stayed home to help raise all three of her kids. “It physically hurts.” Yes, Clough knows the drill. And for her and her husband, Randy, getting used to an empty nest has been extra challenging because they’ve experienced it several times—ﬁrst when their kids left for college, then when they left for their careers. And when there are three children, that revolving door back

into the childhood home can spin pretty quickly. “They’ve come and gone,” says Clough, whose son and two daughters are grown. “So you get used to them being gone, then you get used to them being home, then they leave and you have to get used to that again.” Most recently, the couple’s oldest daughter left for Africa (for a sec-

“

It would be a lot harder if they weren’t happy. It’s almost like it would be selfish of me to be sad.

”

– Marge Keller, teacher and single mother, Royal Palm Beach

ond time), where she’s working on a family-run nonproﬁt organization that helps school-age children get a secondary education. “Now I can’t even talk to her,” Clough says. “My daughter’s in the bush in Africa, so I’m lucky if I can get her on the phone for a few minutes.” It’s been harder for her than Randy, she admits, though she has learned to cope. For her, saying goodbye has meant recognizing what changes are ahead and allowing herself to be sad—even lounging around in bed for a few days, watching mov-

ies and getting all weepy—before pulling herself back together. “The hard part is, you spend so many years preparing your kids to go out into the world, but when they do, you’re heartbroken,” she says. Heartbroken but also happy, which is why an empty nest can pack such a poignant punch. Life can be an emotional roller-coaster when you start waking up without an offspring (or two or three) taking up space in the house. Happy. Sad. Happy. Sad. Happy. Happy. Sad. AUGUST 2014

life relations

And some mornings, that’s just before the second cup of coffee. Empty nester Marge Keller, a Palm Beach County school teacher who raised her kids as a single mother for years, finds that her kids’ happiness has helped her find her own. “It would be a lot harder if they weren’t happy,” says Keller, whose son is still in college and whose daughter has a master’s degree in international relations and wants to head (back) to Hungary and work overseas. “It’s almost like it would be selfish of me to be sad.” Does she miss them? Absolutely.

“

It’s like you’re losing a part of you. It physically hurts.

”

– Janice Clough, mother of three, West Palm Beach

But she and her daughter talk frequently. “That’s what Skype is for,” she says. And even her less-talkative son is a chatterbox when he misses his mother. Keller’s using this time to be good to herself. She took a road trip to see a few Bruce Springsteen shows. She’s been walking a lot. And she’s doing yoga. These were not things the single school teacher from Royal Palm Beach did when she had two kids at home. “It’s hard at ﬁrst, but you get used to it,” she says, still almost surprised at this notion of complete solitude. You can wake up in the middle of the night and plod to the bathroom in your undies. Cool Whip from the container? Why not? You’re free to skip dinner, turn the TV volume way up, even throw your dirty clothes on the ﬂoor (as if a mother would ever do such a thing). “It is nice to have the house to myself,” she says. So if you’re packing someone up 38

for college, don’t forget the extralong twin sheets. And don’t forget to have a plan for you—that is, some ammunition for when you need a pick-me-up. For some advice, we turned to Dr. Phil, a guy who doesn’t pull any punches. The TV show psychologist and his wife, Robin, wrote a recent column reminding new empty nesters to be happy that their kids are on their own “and moving toward their own lives.” Some other things they suggest

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

empty nesters think about: Motherhood is an evolution. You might not be making daily decisions in your child’s life, but you still have an important role. You’re gonna be sad. Be sad, then move on. Don’t lie in bed for days on end, and do not call or text your child every five minutes. Appreciate your child’s new life and responsibilities, and find reason to compliment them as they venture toward self-sufficiency.

And most importantly, say those who’ve been there, this is your time to do what you want to do. Volunteer. Start a book club. Take Pilates. Have a date with your hubby. Clough says her marriage was always good, but that now it’s even better with everyone out of the house. “An empty nest really does mean that you get to know your spouse again,” she says. “It puts the focus on your relationship and not your kids. We’re so happy. I think we appreciate each other more.” O

life parents

THE THUNDER YEARS

Parents Feel The Angst When Their Kids Become Teens BY DIANNA SMITH

n Mother’s Day in 2013, while other moms were being pampered by their families, Melissa McKay‘s daughter moved out of their Sunrise home for the very ﬁrst time. Then 18, she wanted to live with her older boyfriend, but McKay forbade it. So her daughter said what most kids her age might say: “I’m 18 and I don’t have to follow your rules anymore.” Then she packed and left and the two didn’t speak for four months. Not a happy Mother’s Day, to say the least. “I felt awful,” says McKay, who also has 13-year-old twins and a 3-year-old daughter. “I couldn’t believe she would just do that after everything I had done for her and how I raised her.” 40

Now, a year later, the two have a closeness that even McKay didn’t expect. Her daughter eventually split with her boyfriend and called her mom for support. Since then they’ve formed a bond they never had before and McKay believes that experience actually made their relationship better. But while it was happening, it also made her life a stressful mess. In a world where media focuses on the melodrama of teenage life, it seems the parents are often overlooked. Sure, the adolescent years are ridden with angst and complicated issues ranging from dating to drugs to bullying, and there are plenty of materials available to explain how worried parents can deal with whatever problem their teens are tackling.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

But what about the parents’ problems? When their teens suffer, they do too. And so do their marriages. Some couples argue. Others can’t focus on work or the rest of the family because they’re dwelling on a speciﬁc child’s is-

of many medical issues, but we don’t look at it as a thing we need to get a handle on.” According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” survey released earlier this year, teenagers rated their stress

“

I worry I’m not going to do a good enough job, or I haven’t taught them well enough, or they aren’t going to make the right choices. I think about it all the time. There’s a lot of fear. – Melissa McKay, mother of four, Sunrise

sues. Ultimately, some divorce. And there’s all that tension. South Florida marriage and family therapist Katie Lemieux says stress hurts us more than we realize. “I don’t believe people really get how much it affects us,” Lemieux says. “It’s one of the biggest causes

”

during the school year at an average of 5.8 on a 10-point scale, while adults averaged a 5.1. A healthy stress level was considered a 3.9. That means that during the school year, the entire household is likely experiencing anxiety most days—leading to irritable adults

Florida Residency–

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The Sylvia Group will be holding exclusive workshops throughout 2014 at our Palm Beach office. Contact Tyler Hillson, Client Service Associate, for more information on our workshop calendar or to schedule a private consultation. 561-659-9527 tyler.hillson@ubs.com These workshops are best suited for individuals with a net worth of $2,000,000 or more. UBS Financial Services Inc. Private Wealth Management 440 Royal Palm Way, 2nd Floor Palm Beach, FL 33480

ubs.com/team/pwmpalmbeach Accolades are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees pay a fee in exchange for these ratings. Accolades can be based on a variety of criteria, including length of service, compliance records, client satisfaction, assets under management, revenue, type of clientele and more. For more information on a particular rating, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. This seminar is funded in part by one or more of our firm’s third party product partners. UBS Financial Services Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. Please contact your tax advisor regarding the suitability of taxexempt investments in your portfolio. If sold prior to maturity, municipal securities are subject to gains/losses based on the level of interest rates, market conditions and the credit quality of the issuer. Income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and/or state and local taxes based on your state of residence. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Private Wealth Management is a division within UBS Financial Services Inc., which is a subsidiary of UBS AG. 1.00_Ad_8.5x11_3K0520_SylK 0514210 exp. 5/23/16

life parents and children alike. Not exactly the ingredients for a happy home. Even when a teen is behaving perfectly, some parents worry about things to come. McKay already frets constantly about her twins, who are just entering the tween world: Will they steer clear of bad inﬂuences? Party too much? Get good grades? Listen to her? “I worry I’m not going to do a good enough job, or I haven’t taught them well enough, or they aren’t going to make the right choices,” she says. “I think about it all the time. There’s a lot of fear.” Consequently, her anxiousness leads to a loss of appetite. She also loses sleep, which makes her more irritable. “I could drive myself mad,” she admits.

“

Parents have a difficult time protecting children from everything out there in the world.

”

– Katie Lemieux, marriage and family therapist

Stress becomes magniﬁed for parents during the teen years because that’s when their kids start making decisions for themselves. They choose their classes at school, decide what activities they want to be a part of and whether they want to go to the popular kid’s party with alcohol. “Parents have a difﬁcult time pro42

tecting children from everything out there in the world,” Lemieux says. While their children are becoming more independent, there are things parents can do to connect more as a family. Lemieux suggests having dinner together a few times a week, establishing a family game night or even doing silly things like

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having a spontaneous water balloon ﬁght or thumb wrestling contest. “Be creative and clever,” she says. And parents: Make time for yourselves to decompress. Take a yoga class or join a softball league. Can’t make it to the gym because of a busy schedule? Try exercising in front of the TV, or take a simple walk around the block. Studies have shown that exercise produces endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improves the ability to sleep and concentrate, which in turn reduces stress, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Even ﬁve minutes of exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Another piece of advice: Avoid burying yourself in negativity. “Our minds are like automatic robots and if we don’t get a handle on them they tend to wreak havoc on our lives and reality,” Lemieux says.

When McKay starts questioning her parenting skills—which many parents do—she reminds herself that she’s doing the best she can. She punishes her kids when they deserve it and doesn’t let them get away with things like talking back or receiving bad grades. She talks to them openly about sex and dating so they know they can approach her with questions. She’s happy her children still stay home on weekends to watch movies and eat popcorn as a family and dreads the day they’d rather be doing something else. “Sometimes the decisions I make are for their own good and they may not realize it right now, but they will … or maybe they won’t,” she says with a sigh. She has one last piece of advice for fellow parents, and says it can make a world of difference. “Make sure you tell your children you love them,” she says. “It’s so important. I tell mine several times a day.” O

Congratulations, Class of 2014 Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School at Donna Klein Jewish Academy

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life destinations

REMOTE ACCESS

Give Reality The Slip At Indulgent Sunset Key Guest Cottages BY FELICIA S. LEVINE

ho hasn’t fantasized about escaping the daily grind for the peace and tranquility of some remote private island? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Just a four-hour drive from Boca Raton and a 10-minute ferry ride from Key West, Sunset Key Guest Cottages, a Westin Resort, is the destination of which bucket lists are created: an exclusive 27-acre isle with palm-lined beaches, ﬁne oceanfront dining and some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets. No cars, streets or commercial buildings here: just 40 pastelcolored cottages, a decadent spa, tropical pool, chic boutique and renowned gourmet restaurant. The property is all about high-end luxury—minus the pretense. This broad appeal makes it an ideal destination for weddings and couples’ getaways, as well as family vacations and reunions. It also makes it somewhat pricey, with nightly rates starting at $595-$3,895, depending on the cottage booked. But, as my boyfriend and I discovered, this place is worth it. Guests get what they pay for—and then some—at Sunset Key. To reach the island, we parked at the property’s sister hotel, the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, and hopped one of the ferries that run every half hour. Sunset Key is located just 500 yards from town, though the tourists and hubbub seemed worlds away as we breathed in the salty air, growing closer to its rich foliage, festive tiki huts and pristine shoreline. Service is impeccable here, which became apparent the moment we stepped off the pier and were greeted by a solicitous concierge, who 44

walked us to our accommodations. The grounds were blissfully quiet as we strolled a winding path, past two tennis courts, a basketball half-court, fitness center and check-in area. Our guide explained that part of the property houses million-dollar residences, with vacation cottages comprising seven acres. Accommodations range from one-bedroom villas with garden views to four-bedroom waterfront town homes with private pools. Our two-story cottage was straight out of a vacation fantasy: It featured a second-floor veranda, first-floor

Service is impeccable here, which became apparent the moment we stepped off the pier and were greeted by a solicitous concierge, who walked us to our accommodations. lanai steps from the beach, and a giant hammock for two, swaying in the breeze. Inside, the three-bedroom, three-bath house was spacious and immaculate; it could easily have accommodated several couples or a large family. The decor was casual chic with wood ﬂoors, a central living room and fully equipped kitchen stocked with glassware, utensils, Starbucks coffee, and a shopping list from which we could order groceries to be delivered. It was everything one could ask for in a posh home away from home. The property even leaves fresh-squeezed orange juice in the fridge, to be enjoyed with the picnic basket left on your doorstep each morning, ﬁlled with fruits and fresh-baked pastries. (They’re courteous enough not to knock, lest they wake you; they think of everything at Sunset Key.) As we settled in, we noticed the

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welcome box of fine chocolate truffles and chilled bottle of Champagne. I remember thinking: I could get used to this. After pouring drinks we headed to the veranda, a sublime viewing spot for watching sailboats, herons and the occasional dolphin. A family jogged past on the beach below. It was the first of several we’d see during our stay. Sunset Key was named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Hotels for Families” and offers several vacation packages that nurture the well-deserved accolade. Now through December 15, a “Tweencation Relation Trip,” custom-tailored for kids 9-12, is packed with agespecific activities designed to promote parent/child bonding, such as dual spa treatments, volunteering in nature centers and charter fishing excursions. There’s also a “Mother May

I” package available through October 9, which includes a family photo shoot, nightly cookies and milk for the whole crew and, just for mom, a spa treatment and handmade ﬂoral necklace upon arrival. And get this: the entire island— cottages, restaurant, boutique and spa—can be booked for family reunions. It’s also a primo spot for weddings. Named a “Top Romantic Getaway” by Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, the property can accommodate events with up to 150 guests. There’s a wedding specialist available to help plan everything from the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the main event. Your guests will marvel at the meticulously maintained property and all there is to do: Be it chilling on the island, renting water sports equipment at nearby Westin Key West Resort & Marina, or visiting the town’s attractions, such as the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Aquarium and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. They

Photos courtesy of Sunset Key

life destinations

can even swim with dolphins (we dare you to find another wedding site that offers that). But on this sunny, lazy afternoon, my boyfriend and I luxuriated in doing… nothing. When dinnertime rolled around, we walked the few minutes to Latitudes, lauded as one of Key West’s superlative restaurants. It’s here that Executive Chef Todd Holender demonstrates his culinary prowess, serving sumptuous dishes using locally sourced fish and seasonal tropical fruits. We dined outdoors, where a friendly, talkative crowd grew silent as the famous Key West sunset turned the sky a burnt orange before fading into the Gulf of Mexico. My Burrata Cheese appetizer was rich and decadent, with cream-filled mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato and

basil terrine, topped with balsamic pearls, ﬁrst-pressed olive oil foam and basil. My boyfriend’s Grilled Jumbo Shrimp was abundant, served with a corn griddlecake, smoked tomato coulis, arugula, melted tomatoes and cilantro vinaigrette. We both ordered Dry-Aged New York Strip steaks that were perfectly cooked, served in black garlic butter, complemented with potato cakes, roasted baby vegetables and veal jus. As content as we were to remain on Sunset Key, we felt compelled to visit town once during our stay. We took the ferry to the mainland and drove to Better Than Sex, a popular haunt known for its desserts and cocktails. We’d been warned to make reservations, as this place gets packed. Unassuming on the outside, the crowded dining room boasts a Mou-

lin Rouge vibe, decorated with heavy curtains, dim chandeliers and lots of candles. The menus are on tablets, and desserts have cheeky names like Peanut Butter Perversion and Jungle Fever. My boyfriend ordered the Tongue Bath Truffle (dense wedges of flourless Belgian chocolate truffles served with raspberry sorbet), while I got the 2013 Master Chef Award-Winning Twist & Stout (moist chocolate cake with a hint of Young’s Double Chocolate Stout beer, bitter Chocolate Stout glaze and dark chocolate frosting, served with Irish Cream ice

contact Check-in and boat launch to Sunset Key Guest Cottages are at Westin Key West Resort & Marina, located at 245 Front Street, Key West. For more information, call 305-292-5300 or 888-477-7786, or visit WestinSunsetKeyCottages.com.

cream topped with a salted caramel pretzel). The establishment also serves cocktails, wines and coffees in glasses rimmed with a choice of chocolates and caramels. Pure decadence. So was this place better than sex? I’ll only say that if you love sweets, not visiting this place would be a sin. More decadence awaited the following morning at the Spa at Sunset Key, an impeccable little gem where guests can enjoy chocolatecovered strawberries and fruitinfused waters, and choose from a menu of facials, massages, skin treatments and salon services. A unique feature is the blending station, where guests can create personalized lotions to be used during treatments, and all rooms feature private showers, powder rooms and ensuite patios for post-treatment relaxation. My Classic Swedish Massage left me relaxed and revived, as did my entire experience at Sunset Key Guest Cottages. O AUGUST 2014

It’s A

“DWTS” BREAKOUT STAR DEREK HOUGH OPENS UP ABOUT DANCE, FAMILY AND HIS BFF, SISTER JULIANNE

s a kid, no matter what the family occasion, Derek Hough was always the only boy. Always. He grew up with four sisters, and mostly female cousins. “We had a lot of estrogen in the family,” says the ﬁvetime winner of the ABC hit reality TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” So from early on, to survive in this gaggle of girls—which includes stunning little sis, actress and former “DWTS” pro Julianne Hough—he quickly learned to go with the ﬂow. When his mom, Marriann, started dragging him to dance lessons before he was even 10, Hough went. Albeit, kicking and screaming. “Dance is for girls,” he’d protested at the time. Talk about changing your tune. Today Hough, 29, has won the show’s coveted Mirror Ball trophy more than anyone in the series’ 18 seasons. The second-toyoungest kid from a big Mormon 46

family, Hough is what’s known in the entertainment industry as a quadruple threat: he dances, sings, acts, even directs. And whether it’s samba, jazz or his beloved Latin hip hop, Hough’s renowned choreography, costuming and stage agility are inarguably impressive, usually jaw-dropping—and almost always sensitive and seductive. He’s been on “DWTS” for so long—he joined in 2007, in the fourth season—that devoted viewers have watched the wholesome young man from Salt Lake City, Utah grow up right there on screen, going from a smooth-skinned kid with boufy hair to the buff, brawny performer he is now. “I don’t even think the show thought they’d be around this long, and here we are going into Season 19,” he says, about America’s long love affair with “DWTS.” Now he’s regrouping a bit after a 48-show summer “Move Live” dance

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Photo by Gary Fitzpatrick

BY EMILY J. MINOR

Hough

LONDON CALLING When you grow up with lots of kids under one roof, you can’t help but grow close. And the Houghs grew up with lots of kids under one roof. Besides Derek and Julianne, there are three older sisters: There’s Sharee. “She was the ﬁrst to dance,” says her little brother. Marabeth. “She has such an amazing spirit and just a re48

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Photo by Gary Fitzpatrick

tour with Julianne, which included five South Florida stops this past June. He’ll stop by Boca Raton this month for a three-day dance competition. And on August 5 he’ll have a new book out, “Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion.” All that considered, Hough was in the mood recently to reminisce about family, fitness and the lifechanging advice he received during those early studio years. Dancing is a great gig for guys. “I had this great coach. His name was Rick Robinson, and he just made it cool for me,” Hough says, talking to The Boca Raton Observer from his hotel room in Cincinnati, where he and Julianne performed as part of their tour. “There was this really nice community of kids and all of a sudden I became a part of a team. It was great. Then I got to dance with girls,” he adds, “and I thought that was amazing.” What’s also amazing is the stardom he’s achieved: he lives in Los Angeles and enjoys all the perks of celebrity. Still, he says, at the foundation remains hard work, sacrifice and the constant physical challenges of taking his dancing “one level further.” And, of course, there’s family. “We have our moments; we have our issues,” says Hough, whose parents divorced when he was 12. “But one thing about our family is we always come back to love and support.” He’s especially bonded to Julianne, 26, who has two Mirror Ball trophies all her own. “I’m closest to Julianne,” he says. “I guess you could say we’ve always had like-minded goals.”

Photos by Gary Fitzpatrick

“

Both my parents have always been very supportive. We have great, great parents.

”

ally positive outlook on life,” he says. And Katherine. “She’s the light,” Hough says. “She just lights up the room when she walks in.” In the early years they were the typical American family, and typically Mormon to boot. “If you look at all the old home videos, we were always dancing,” Hough points out. “They’re really funny to watch. Just me and all these girls.” That they were dancing even back then is no surprise. Rhythm is in their genes: Not only did Hough’s parents meet in college while performing on the same ballroom dance team, but both sets of his grandparents were dancers, too. “It’s pretty crazy,” he admits.

As the matriarch, mom Marriann nurtured the performance aspect of all her children’s lives, taking them to dance lessons and dressing them in cute little western outﬁts. For a while, they were known as the “Blond Osmonds.” Today, Marriann remains a proud mama, also spending time with her grandkids— her oldest daughter has six children—and blogging about her two most-famous offspring. Their father, Bruce, today a successful business executive and Republican party leader, was busy with work, but still made family life a priority. “Both my parents have always been very supportive,” Hough says. AUGUST 2014

“

time,” says Hough. “In general, it was something that was frowned upon, especially in that culture. It was difﬁcult.” It was also a time that would help shape the life he has today. Before the divorce, Derek had already been working with British dance coaches Shirley and Corky Ballas, traveling with them, sometimes even internationally. When the Houghs announced they were splitting, the two families decided there was an easy way to smooth the emotional edges of the divorce: Derek would move to London with the Ballas family and work on his dancing full time. He also attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, and subsequently even taught there.

”

Julianne, who was also pursuing dance, came to live with them a few months later, but stayed only a few years. For Derek, it was the right ﬁt at the right time, he says, and he has remained close with both his parents. He calls his mother “amazing” and his “biggest cheerleader.” Shirley Ballas, however, is still key in his career. In fact, Ballas is the one bringing him and son Mark to South Florida this month for her inaugural international “Killick Klassik DanceSport Event,” which will take place August 13-16 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. “I’d do anything for her,” Hough says. “She’s a very important part of my life.”

Photo by Austin Hargrave

I’m closest to Julianne. I guess you could say we’ve always had like-minded goals.

“We have great, great parents.” He remembers his youth with great affection. There were plenty of aunts and uncles and church friends. Holiday celebrations were big affairs. And they were an athletic bunch, always racing around outside. His favorite childhood memory? Each summer, they’d pile into the family car and drive the 12 hours from Salt Lake City to grandpa’s houseboat on Idaho’s magniﬁcent Lake Coeur d’Alene. “We’d sing. We’d play games,” he recalls. “We’d torment each other.” Hough still recalls the thrill of ﬁnally arriving. “All of a sudden, you’d come up over a hill and you could see the lake and the houseboat,” he says. “It was a really special place.” But Hough’s storybook life fell apart in 1997 when he was 12 years old and his parents announced they 50

were divorcing. There are a lot of myths about the lifestyles of modern-day Mormons, so it might be good to set some things straight right now. For the record, they do listen to music, they are monogamous and, clearly, they do dance. But the one thing they don’t do—at least not at the same pace as the rest of America—is divorce. “It was deﬁnitely unusual at the

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It was supposed to be a patchwork solution, maybe for just a year or two. But ties with the Ballases—including their son, Mark, who is also a dancer, Derek’s dear friend and two-time winner on “DWTS”—only grew stronger. Derek stayed 10 years. “It was a serendipitous moment,” he says, about moving to London when he was just 12.

Through his years on “DWTS,” Hough has danced with some big names, some small names, and some in-between names, and he’s won with five of those partners. Remember Jennifer Grey of “Dirty Dancing” fame? They took it all in Season 11. He and rapper Lil’ Kim didn’t do as well in Season 8, coming in fifth. But then he won first place again with “American Idol” star Kellie Pickler in Season 18. Mostly recently, though, it was his second-place finish with Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy that stole our hearts. Purdy dances on two prosthetic feet, after having lost her legs to bacterial meningitis when she was 19. Their weekly performances were spellbinding. “That was an incredible experience,” he says. Besides dance, Hough has also grown into a respected choreogra-

Photo by Gary Fitzpatrick

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Photo by Austin Hargrave

pher, winning a 2013 Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography. He helped Julianne with her “DWTS” choreography, back when she won with Olympic skater Apolo Anton Ohno. And remember ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White? It was Hough who choreographed their gold medal routine for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The two later competed on “DWTS,” demonstrating that in show business it very well might be who you know. Today, Hough is waiting (rather impatiently, at that) for the release of his book, which he says is a compilation of stories about his life and career and how he uses fortitude and finesse to turn his dance partners into “confident, charismatic champions.” It’s rather the same message he and Julianne took on the road this summer with their “Move Live” tour. “We wanted to just create energy and get people moving,” he says. Indeed, Hough’s personal workout regime is strict and he’s known as a bit of a perfectionist. Before dancing, he stretches, maybe with a little yoga. And because he often performs songs, he does some vocal exercises. After all these years, he has a certain pre-performance routine. “It’s all about eating the right foods and drinking enough fluids,” Hough says. Certainly, he was at the top of his game this summer while performing his “Move Live” show, a high-energy mix of dance, song and interaction with the crowd. Yep, they hauled people up on that stage and encouraged them to shake their booties. “Between the two of them, there wasn’t a single move in 90 minutes that seemed contrived, inauthentic or less than full-out,” wrote a critic for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Hough says he appreciates that the show’s “motion equals emotion” message was so well-received. “It’s so important,” he says. “The way you hold your body. Your posture. The way you move. It all affects the way you feel emotionally.” And right now, from the way he’s moving, Hough should be feeling pretty darn good. O AUGUST 2014

you really didn’t want. To be labeled a gender that you know in your heart just isn’t who you are. For many transgender people, this realization is confusing and scary and it remains a dark secret for fear of being disowned by their families and ruining reputations. But for Jazz and her family, the understanding has

All That BY DIANNA SMITH

With Her Family’s Help, A Transgender Child Bravely Battles To Be Herself But Jazz never felt quite right. Even at the age of 2, when most kids were learning basic things like colors, Jazz was asking her parents when her private parts would match her sister’s. She gravitated to dancing in dress-up clothes and plastic high heels and she didn’t just wish she was a girl; she would say, “I am a girl.” And now at 13, that’s what she still tells people today. “I have a girl brain,” she says, “and a boy body.” Imagine how that must feel. To live inside a body that 52

only brought them closer. They embrace Jazz for being true to herself and not only share her story with loved ones, but with the world. They’ve been interviewed by Barbara Walters twice and have shaken the hands of celebrities, including famous transgender advocate Chaz Bono and former President Bill Clinton. The poised child has spoken before thousands of people across the country without breaking a sweat and recently co-authored a book called “I Am Jazz” with writer Jessica Herthel, which will hit bookstores next month.

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Photo by Michael Price

azz has spent most of her young life feeling trapped in the wrong body. Born a biological boy, she spent her ﬁrst couple of years with a different name, dressed in blue and getting short haircuts. She completed her family of six—a big sister, twin brothers and two doting parents.

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY: (Clockwise from Left) Greg, Ari, Griffen, Jeanette, Sander and Jazz

AUGUST 2014

to grow was her belly. So when she learned that Jazz was a boy in her second trimester, Jeanette was shocked. That said, she didn’t care about the gender. All she wanted was a

‘‘

At first I was oblivious. Then I was in denial. Initially I had difficulty accepting that my child was transgender. Young Jazz has more fascinating stories to share than most grownups, and while the family is willing to let The Boca Raton Observer’s readers peek into their world, they are concerned for Jazz’s safety, so we will not divulge their last name or city of residence. Many supporters are accepting of transgender people, but others don’t understand and sometimes are even hateful toward the little 13-year-old. Those are the people 54

– Greg, Jazz’s father

whom Jazz believes need to open their minds and learn acceptance and peace. They’re the same people she hopes to educate—which is why she’s sharing her story today. Readers, meet the unforgettable Jazz.

A CHILD IS BORN When Jeanette was pregnant with her fourth child, she was convinced she was carrying a girl.

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The signs were all there. Her body changed just as it did when she was pregnant with her oldest child, daughter Ari. Everything got bigger, she remembers. When she was pregnant with her twin boys, the only body part that seemed

healthy baby to cuddle. And when she was born in October of 2000, that’s exactly what Jazz was. Jeanette and her husband, Greg, gave their son a name different from Jazz, one they didn’t wish to reveal in this article, and, of

course, they began to raise their youngest as a boy. But at around the age of 2, Jazz began playing with Ari’s toys, dressing in girl clothes and was extremely feminine. Like most parents, they thought it was simply a phase, but phases end and this one never did. Then Jazz started insisting she was a girl and was so persistent that Jeanette, who has a master’s degree in clinical counseling, started researching to see if Jazz’s comments were normal. She came across gender dysphoria (formerly known as gender identity disorder), which is where a person is conflicted between his or her physical gender and the gender he or she identifies with. Jazz matched all of the criteria perfectly. Jeanette and Greg went to their pediatrician and then to a specialist, who met with Jazz and confirmed Jeanette’s suspicion that Jazz was a transgender child. “At first I was oblivious,” admits Greg. “Then I was in denial. Initially I had difficulty accepting that my child was transgender.” And Jeanette was sick to her stomach because her immediate thoughts turned to what her child’s future might be. Would she be accepted and loved? Or shunned and hated? While Jazz was begging to wear dresses and be in dance recitals, her parents continued their research. They learned of high suicide rates in transgender children who could not be the gender they wanted to be and quickly agreed they’d rather have a daughter who was alive then a son who was dead. So they embraced the fact that their son really was a girl. They let their child create a

stressful, but after years of persistence, progress was made. Jazz’s school records now indicate she’s a girl and the school district has a policy that does not tolerate discrimination of people with gender identity issues. While that battle had ﬁnally ended, another had been brewing. Jazz was part of a girls’ team in a local soccer league but when she turned 8, the state soccer board banned her from playing because she was biologically born a boy. “It was devastating. I didn’t understand,” Jazz recalls. “They thought since I was born a boy, I had an advan-

Jazz sitting on the sidelines, the USSF intervened and allowed Jazz once again to play on the girls’ team. As a result, the USSF implemented a trans-inclusive policy for transgender soccer players of all ages throughout the United States. Jazz still plays soccer for the league today. And while these victories will help pave the way for transgender children in the future, this strong-willed

‘‘

new name—Jazz—which was taken from the Princess Jasmine character in the Disney animated film, “Aladdin.” Planning Jazz’s transition into becoming a girl was a long process and both parents agree it wasn’t easy. But in the end, all they wanted was for Jazz to be happy and if living life as a girl was what she wanted, then they wanted to help. “The doctors said don’t encourage it, but support it,” Jeanette remembers. So that’s what they did. Jeanette and Greg slowly began changing their pronouns when referring to Jazz, calling her a “she” instead of a “he” and finally, at age 5, they began allowing her to wear dresses in public. Jazz still fondly remembers the first day she was acknowledged by her family outside of the house as a full-fledged girl. “I went to Disney and wore a pink dress with a Tinker Bell symbol on it,” Jazz says. “It was the happiest day of my life.” Their youngest son officially became their daughter when pre-school ended and kindergarten began. Everything was new then—the building, the teachers, the friends. It was a good time for the transition because Jazz could start fresh and be that little girl she longed to be. Still, it wasn’t easy. The elementary school Jazz attended didn’t want to recognize her as a girl, nor did they want her to use the girls’ bathroom. Jazz refused to use the boys’ bathroom so sometimes she would have accidents because she tried to keep her bladder from exploding a little too long. She was forced to use the nurse’s restroom until the fifth grade. Attorneys were involved and some days were beyond

I have a girl brain and a boy body. – Jazz

they had really wished he had been born a girl. Jeanette and Greg say they find such rumors baffling, especially in light of the fact that Jazz has an older sister. “You just have to look the other way. It’s uncomfortable,” she says of the gossip. “But I know the people who have my back.” She admits she dislikes being the object of criticism and isn’t as self-confident as her daughter. Jazz is beautiful inside and out, with long brown hair that she curls for special occasions and a slender, tanned body she loves to cover in dresses. Her ears are pierced,

down from tough questions and speaks with authority and even hints of wisdom. Being transgender has made her more conﬁdent, she says, and it’s helped her learn how to not let people bring her down. “That’s not something I taught her,” Jeanette says. “It’s just who she is.” Her mother calls Jazz an “old soul.” But she’s also one tough cookie. She had to learn to be. The kids at school haven’t always been nice. She has her group of close friends and most are accepting, but other students are mean, she says. Like the time a girl was sick and her cold caused her

she wears a bra and her eyelashes are so long that people think they are fake. She’s as girly as a girl can get. She also has the composure of girls twice her age and speaks frequently at conferences and during interviews on the subject of being transgender. She doesn’t stumble over her words, won’t back

to have a deep voice. Another kid joked and said, “Oh, you’re like Jazz now.” She’s been called an “it” and a “freak,” and when she hears these things, she tries to explain that being transgender is not a choice. “It’s just who we are,” she says. Jazz tells kids that she doesn’t have a disease nor is

TRICK OR TREAT: Jazz, Ari, Sander and Griffen on Halloween

tage even though I didn’t at all. Many of the other girls were bigger than me. I was a dainty child. It was ridiculous.” Jeanette and Greg once again had a ﬁght on their hands. They challenged the board’s decision and brought it before the United States Soccer Federation. After almost two and a half years of

family still ﬁghts little battles every day. Greg and Jeanette are very aware that not everyone supports their decision to embrace their daughter’s wishes. They know people whisper and point and stare, and they’ve heard the ridiculous rumor that they turned their son into a daughter because

AUGUST 2014

Photo by Michael Price

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“Their opinions aren’t important to me,” Jazz says. “I understand that not everyone is going to understand and I move on.” The haters tend to empower Jazz even more. Their ignorance encourages her to help teach the world about diversity and acceptance. Because she knows that these things can make the world a better place.

POWERFUL MESSAGE While most 13-year-olds spend their summers lounging by the pool with friends, Jazz is spending this par-

ticular hot, sunny day on a road trip to Philadelphia, where she will take part in the 13th Annual TransHealth Conference. She’s crammed in a car with her mother, her 18-year-old sister, Ari, and her 16-year-old twin brothers, Sander and Griffen. Greg, an attorney, had to stay behind for work but planned to meet everyone a few days later at the conference. Ari, Sander and Griffen have spent the past few years traveling together as a team with Jazz, attending her lectures at conferences, symposiums, medical schools and colleges. And sometimes they’re even part of it. They accompany

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she sick. She’s just as normal as any other kid her age. “Some people think being transgender can be contagious, that’s how crazy it is,” she says. She realizes that not everyone believes these things. Her best friends are girls and they love her. And she’s hoping in the distant future, that she will one day ﬁnd love, too. Jazz is attracted to boys. She’s already talked with her parents about how complicated dating may be, and that she has to be honest about who she is. “There have been other transgender people who have been murdered because they didn’t tell the people they were dating that they were transgender,” she says. “So I know I’ll have to be careful. It doesn’t make me nervous, but it makes me cautious.” Jazz, along with her parents, made the decision when she turned 11 to begin taking hormone blockers so her body won’t change like other boys’ bodies once puberty hits. She doesn’t want the deep voice and rough facial hair. Instead, she wants smooth skin, breasts that can ﬁt into a bra and maybe one day, gender reassignment surgery to make her transition complete, but that decision doesn’t need to be made for now. The blockers, which are implanted in the arm, can last one to two years. Her blood is tested every few months to make sure they continue to work. “It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Jazz says. As she begins her teen years, even as she works diligently to avoid male puberty, she’s aware that she’ll continue to encounter discrimination. And if her peaceful approach of explaining doesn’t work, she says, it will be easier just to walk away.

A lot of people say, ‘Your sister is a boy.’ I say, ‘No you’ve got it all wrong.’… That’s what people don’t understand most of the time. – Ari, Jazz’s sister

her on stage and sit on panels to speak about what it’s like to have a sister who is transgender. They also take part in media interviews, and Jeanette, Greg and all of their children have been recognized as a family for being an ally for the transgender community. They feel like Jazz’s protectors and are the ﬁrst to defend her. “A lot of people say, ‘Your sister is a boy.’ I say, ‘No

you’ve got it all wrong,’” says Ari, who explains that your private parts don’t deﬁne you as a person. “That’s what people don’t understand most of the time.” They admit they wouldn’t be as open-minded if it weren’t for Jazz and that she taught them how to speak up for what they believe in. Her entire family is so dedicated to making a change for the transgender population all over the

world that they started the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation in 2007, which supports young transgender people and their families across the globe. Supporters can donate money online and Jazz helps raise funds for the foundation by creating and selling lifelike mermaid tails she makes from silicone. She’s obsessed with mermaids as are many transgender people because mermaids don’t have body parts to deﬁne their gender. Instead, the only parts below their waists are tails. She’s become so good at making them that she started her own company—Purple Rainbow Tails—and she recently fulﬁlled an order for AUGUST 2014

Photo by Michael Price Jazz and Jeanette with Chelsea and Bill Clinton

the popular tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs, in Weeki Wachee, Fla., where performers put on underwater mermaid shows. They plan to wear the tails for their annual calendar, Jazz says. (The tails can be purchased at purplerainbowtails.com.) Proceeds from her book, “I Am Jazz,” will also help support the foundation. Expected to be released on September 4, the book is about her journey thus far as a transgender child. The company behind the book, mega58

The family with Barbara Walters

publisher Penguin Books, will make sure it’s available in bookstores across the country, as well as online. The book has been endorsed by Barbara Walters and by Laverne Cox, an ac-

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

tress on the Netﬂix drama “Orange Is the New Black.” Cox is the ﬁrst transwoman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television show and she was recently featured on the

cover of Time magazine for her role as a public leader of the transgender movement. Jazz met Cox recently and the actress called her an “inspiration.” Jazz is hoping her book will be an inspiration as well. “Children are more open to change than adults so if the upcoming generation is OK with transgender people, then the world could change completely,” she says. Though her book will make her a notable advocate for the transgender community, Jazz already has been highlighted as a beacon of change. She’s been recognized at the GLAAD media awards, was the youngest recipient of the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award and most recently was honored by LOGO TV with a Trailblazer Award for her dedication to community activism.

Along with these accolades came opportunities to meet celebrities such as Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, “Glee” star Alex Newell and former President Bill Clinton. And while most people would ﬁnd meeting these famous folks daunting, Jazz says being in the limelight and around the rich and famous isn’t really a big deal. She doesn’t care to tout the fact that she’s met them, or that framed photos of her posing with them hang on her walls at home. What she does care about is that they help with her cause, since they’re the kind of people others listen to. “They have a big voice in the world,” she says. But Jazz’s voice is pretty powerful too. And chances are it is only going to get stronger. O

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Photo by Michael Price

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Children are more open to change than adults so if the upcoming generation is OK with transgender people, then the world could change completely. – Jazz

AUGUST 2014

gotta BY EMILY J. MINOR

l S e

Have

HOW A GIFTED STUDENT’S DOODLES MORPHED INTO THE FAMILY BUSINESS Jordana Schrager likes to draw. That’s an understatement, really, considering what she’s already done with her doodling. At 20 years old, the Spanish River Community High School graduate is running a college sports-themed sneaker company, also managed by her mother and her mother’s college friend. Schrager might be studying art and design at the University of Michigan, but she knows the business end of life—marketing campaigns, the ﬁve-year plan, the snafus on the manufacturer’s ﬂoor... She’s had a few big-name 60

clients, too, most notably Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross whose wife, Kara, hired Schrager to design a University of Michigan sneaker for her hubby, since he’s a UMichigan grad. And this month her company, called Skicks Sideline Sneakers, is launching an online store that will allow the word to really get out.

A Sneaker Suspicion What’s the word? Schrager designs what could inarguably be the most adorable college-team sneakers on the

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planet, and it all started when she got sent to her room in the 10th grade. “I was grounded one night and I found a pair of shoes in my room (new white Vans) and just started doodling,” says Schrager, who is about to enter her junior year at U-Michigan. “When I showed them to my parents, they loved them. They wanted me to make more.” So she did.

From there, one thing led to another in that OMG-high-school sort of way. “All these kids started wearing them,” says her

Images courtesy of SKICKS

“I was grounded one night and I found a pair of shoes in my room and just started doodling. When I showed them to my parents, they loved them. They wanted me to make more.” – Jordana Schrager

AUGUST 2014

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mother remembers. “It was like wearing your own personality on your feet.” And, boy, did those kids have some personalities. Musical notes, hearts and Hello Kitty. Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” polka dots and eyeballs. Boca Raton resident Lisa Benedict, who’s known Meryl since their days at

Images courtesy of SKICKS

mother, Meryl, who today handles most of the sales and travel for the company. In those early years, Schrager always preferred new white Vans for her canvas. “She would just draw right on top of them with a Sharpie and make anything the person wanted—a dog, a cat, sushi, pizza, anything you could imagine,” her

“I just continued with the Michigan tailgate sneaker,” she says. And all the co-eds wanted them. At this point, Schrager was still drawing her tail-

all the kids were literally dressed from head to almost toe,” Benedict says. “They had everything except the shoes.” That’s when she had an epiphany.

have a ﬁnancial interest, and all three women just spent the last 12 months securing licensing rights for some 30 college logos. “We ﬁgured we had to mass produce,” says Meryl.

“She would just draw right on top of them with a Sharpie and make anything the person wanted—a dog, a cat, sushi, pizza, anything you could imagine. It was like wearing your own personality on your feet.” – Meryl Schrager, Jordana’s mother and business manager

gate sneakers pair by pair, and they were always a hit at pre-game parties, whether at someone’s home, or a fraternity or sorority house. “Everyone gets very decked out,” she explains. Syracuse University, heard about Schrager’s designs from her sons, who are close to Schrager’s age. But the ﬁrst time she really saw one was one year during high school prom, when her son’s best friend asked his date by presenting her with a pair of Schrager’s sneakers. They were slip-ons, simply adorable, with all sorts

of little bedazzling artwork that said “prom.” “I started seeing her work on Instagram and it was sort of the buzz around town,” Benedict recalls. After graduating from Spanish River in 2012, Schrager headed off to a whole new world in Ann Arbor, Mich. No parents. Dorm living. And Big 10 football.

Drawing On Success It was around this time that Benedict made it to a Michigan game with her middle son, who also attends UMichigan. “It was football weekend and we went to one of the tailgate parties and

When Benedict returned to South Florida, she called her college pal Meryl to talk about Schrager’s designs, college football, and the tennis shoe that would eventually grow into this company with the marketing banner: “Skicks Sideline Sneakers. The Sole of a True Fan.” Today, Schrager is the artist; her mother now lives in New York City, from where she conducts business, and Benedict, who still lives in Boca Raton, is the main marketing manager. It works, they say. Both moms

SHOE STORY: Lisa Benedict, Jordana Schrager and Meryl Schrager, partners and founders of Skicks Sideline Sneakers

They’ve had a few trunk shows and full sales start online this month. Made in China by Skicks, the low tops sell for $59.99 and the high tops sell for $69.99. You can check them out at skicks.com. What’s next for the biz? “After the colleges, we want to move on to sororities or professional sports,” says Schrager. “I just hope everyone wears them.” O AUGUST 2014

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you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, the system certainly could use you. In South Florida, there are thousands of children in need of homes and not enough people stepping up to help.

cent of these kids are under the age of 5. Currently there are an estimated 240 foster homes in Palm Beach County and they need many more. “It’s out of control,” says Wendy Smith, director of

These are things that no child should have to endure. But many do. What these kids really need is to be with families who can give them patience, kindness, love and protection.

children, which can at times be immediate, chances are good they’ll never regret becoming a part of this world. And suddenly, they find themselves on a fostering journey they hope will never end.

Shelter From The

day she got her license. “Basically in Palm Beach County, it’s one school busload of children per week that is brought into foster care,” Carty says. “So out of the seven children I’ve had over the course of the last two years, I’ve been without a child for one week and that’s it. The need is tremendous.” Her current foster child

STORM { { Every day boys and girls of all ages are plucked from their parents’ care because someone with authority decided their mothers and/ or fathers could no longer keep them safe. Often petrified and alone, they need a place to live while parents work on bettering themselves in the hopes of getting their kids back. That’s where foster parents come in. The couple without kids, the family with an extra bedroom, the single woman who has a special place in her heart for children… It takes all types to foster these kids. The number of children in need of foster care has increased dramatically during the last few years. On any given day, there are almost 400,000 kids in state care in the United States, according to childrensrights.org. In Palm Beach County, officials are seeing at least 80 children a month join a child welfare system already overloaded with broken families. About 60 per-

Taking In Foster Children Can Be The Most Rewarding Job You’ll Ever Do

foster home recruitment and quality at ChildNet, a nonprofit South Florida agency chosen by the Florida Department of Children & Families that manages the local system of services for children in need. “Kids are coming in faster than we have foster homes.” The biggest reason for the jump in numbers is parental substance abuse,

“

“You help them heal a broken heart,” Smith says. She insists that becoming a foster parent isn’t the headache often portrayed on television, where a kid sets the house on fire or kills the family pet. Most of these kids aren’t bad—they’ve just had bad things happen to them. And foster parents learn to help them. The adults are

IT’S ABOUT TIME

Boca Raton resident Kim Carty had always wanted children. The single 40-year-old, who is the chief operating officer for a medical oncology group, had thought about becoming a foster parent in the past, but it never seemed to be the right time.

It’s a great joy to love these kids and it’s worth it. They just sort of fold into your life. There’s nothing more incredible.

she says, calling the state of Florida “the pill mill capital of the world.” And those pills—or even alcohol and other drugs— can lead to domestic violence, physical abuse and neglect or abandonment.

– Kim Carty, foster parent

trained beforehand how to handle certain situations and they have support from agencies and other foster parents along the way. Once foster parents start to see the difference they’re making in the lives of these

”

Finally, in 2012, she decided she was ready, underwent the necessary training and on July 17, 2012, officially became a foster parent. Much to her surprise, she was given a child the same

is a 9-month-old girl who she picked up from the hospital just two days after her birth. Carty had already been caring for the baby’s older half-sister (who was removed from her mother’s home for aggravated child abuse) and though she normally doesn’t take newborns, she made an exception because they were siblings. Carty’s mother came to town to help with the infant while Carty worked and other foster parents helped babysit until the baby entered daycare. (Carty really touts the support system among foster parents, noting that they are there to lend anything from a shoulder to lean on to children’s clothes to a baby crib. Whatever you want or need, other foster parents are there for you, she says.) AUGUST 2014

While the baby’s halfsister was reunified with her father in November 2013, the baby is still in Carty’s care. Carty has been there for milestones, such as her first tooth and her first spoonful of solid food. She doesn’t know how long she will have the baby. “For the length of time they are in your home, they are your child. You love them, you take care of their scrapes and you take care of them when they are sick,” Carty says. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the greatest thing I’ve ever done.” When the time comes to say goodbye, she knows the best way for her to alleviate her grief will be to begin helping another child mend his own broken heart. It’s her privilege, she says, to be a part of their lives. “It’s a great joy to love 66

these kids and it’s worth it,” she says. “They just sort of fold into your life. There’s nothing more incredible.”

FEAR OF ATTACHMENT Finding candidates such as Carty can be difﬁcult, especially because people don’t realize what being a foster parent involves. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, Smith says, and her job is educate people. For example, some think they have to adopt the children. But what they don’t realize is that about 80 percent of kids are reuniﬁed with relatives or parents. The whole point of foster care is to place children in a safe place until, hopefully, their parents become healthy and whole again. “The truth is, (the parents) are hurting and not all of

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them are horrible,” she says. “Many of the kids go home.” Others won’t become foster parents because they’re afraid they’ll fall in love with the children and be distraught when they have to leave. Smith, who is a foster parent herself, admits that part is difﬁcult. But she says you learn to have the mindset that your goal is to mend this child’s spirit so he or she can be happy.

“

THE SMITH FAMILY: Biological son Matthew, adopted son Caleb, father Greg, mother Wendy, biological son Christian, and the couple’s foster daughter, who we’ve kept anonymous for privacy

Still other people have ﬁnancial concerns, but foster families actually receive beneﬁts. The medical and dental care for the child is free (by way of Medicaid) and if the parent works,

children, if any) that can cover anything from groceries to swimming lessons. If a foster parent adopts a foster child, the free medical and dental care continues, plus a monthly $350 subsidy until the child turns 18, at which point the child gets free tuition to any Florida college. “I tell people it doesn’t cost you anything to be a foster parent but your time and your love,” Smith says.

He came to me a frightened boy who would not make eye contact and in two years he went from angry to saying, ‘I love you mom.’ – Wendy Smith, foster parent and director of foster home recruitment and quality, ChildNet

“You take them at the moment of their greatest crisis,” Smith says. Ask yourself, she adds: “Are you willing to let your heart be broken so their heart can heal?”

daycare is free as well. Families also receive $500 a month per foster child (a family can have up to ﬁve children in a home, including the parent’s biological

”

Those curious about foster parenting can attend a free class where they learn about things such as caring for children who have been abused, traumatized

or have attachment issues. Typically, at least half of the people who take classes do not continue to be foster parents. Smith, who lives in Coconut Creek, became a foster parent eight years ago because, while working in the system, she noticed the need for more foster homes. She has two biological boys and, at the time, they were ages 13 and 10. Her ﬁrst foster child was a 5-year-old boy who, after his ﬁrst night in her home, told her he slept well because, “There are no monsters here.” She had another boy live with her for two years and, even though he left to live with relatives six years ago, the two still talk and have a special bond. “I cried for six months when he left,” Smith recalls. “He came to me a frightened boy who would not make eye contact and in two years he went from angry to saying, ‘I love you mom.’” When Smith says foster parenting changed her life, she really means it. Her years of fostering children led to an extension of her family. Because of it, she adopted her son, Caleb, and has a foster daughter as well. “You can’t save every kid, but you can help the ones who have been placed in your path,” she says.

or four, and it’s hard to find a family with room for everyone. Agencies try their best not to split up families, so sometimes they end up in shelters or group homes, as do teenagers. When a child is removed from a home by the Florida Department of Children and Families—typically following an investigation of some type of abuse in the home—the state immediately tries to find a relative with whom the child can stay, and if no one is available, they’re taken to a shelter and then, preferably a foster home. Teens are harder to place in foster care because they’re older and, understandably, a little more difficult than, say, a 6-year-old. This is why so many remain in some type of group home. Place of Hope is one of

ing the lives of these lost boys and girls. Launched out of the Christ Fellowship Church in 2001, its vision was and remains to motivate churches to do something about improving child welfare. It’s helped more than 5,000 children and hopes to help many more. “It’s such a need and it’s not something that just the government can ﬁx,” says Joshua Kolkana, director of foster care, adoption and independent living for Place of Hope. “It’s got to involve the community.”

“

tages, where a couple lives in each home with six foster children and runs the household as a traditional family would. The couple has to commit to one year and is given a salary, health insurance and even a car. They cook and eat meals together, vacation together and attend school sports. The goal is to make life for the kids as normal as possible, Kolkana explains. Place of Hope also offers a maternity home for pregnant teens (because once foster kids become pregnant they’re no longer

There’s this mentality that foster parents are very homey. That they’re people who take in 17 kids and make their own clothes. But the majority of our foster parents are middle-aged people who work or who have children of their own.

”

– Joshua Kolkana, foster parent and director of foster care, adoption and independent living, Place of Hope

NOT ALL RELATIVE In Palm Beach County, as many as 1,200 kids at any given time are in need of foster homes, and agencies usually have to rush to ﬁnd them somewhere to go. They have a tougher time placing teens and sibling groups. Many groups are brothers and sisters of three

these homes. The, nonprofit faith-based, state-licensed child welfare organization provides a variety of support to children in need. From family-style foster care to transitional housing to maternity care, the organization focuses on improv-

now allow foster children who turn 18 to voluntarily be part of the system until they turn 21. The Department of Children and Families continues to pay their normal expenses, but they must meet certain requirements, including being in school or working full time. “The biggest goal in our extended foster care program is to get our youth to the point of achieving a high school diploma,” Kolkana says. “This is so rare among aged-out foster youth and we know it’s connected to lifelong success.”

SUPPORTIVE STAFF: Place of Hope employees Joshua Kolkana, Daina Reade, Jenni O’Neal, Ashley Powell, Stephanie Keul and Jerris Gay

The four campuses throughout Palm Beach County include family cot-

allowed to remain in their foster homes) and even extended foster care, where foster kids who turn 18, but choose to remain part of the state’s system, can live in a dorm-style apartments with adult supervision. As of January 2014, laws

Kids matched with nurturing foster parents often succeed at school because they have the support they need. One of Kolkana’s responsibilities is to recruit foster parents, though he realizes it’s not for everyone and calls it “a sacriﬁcial decision.” He should know: Before he and his wife, Kami, had two biological children, they fostered two kids they ended up adopting. Now ages 11 and 9, Kolkana says he couldn’t imagine life without them. “There’s this mentality that foster parents are very homey. That they’re people who take in 17 kids and make their own clothes,” he says. “But the majority of our foster parents are middle-aged people who work or who have children of their own. Some are single… the need is so great. If you can raise children, you can be a foster parent.” O AUGUST 2014

Keeping Up With

YOU DON’T SAY?

THE JONESES WHAT’S TRENDING FOR MOM, DAD AND THE KIDS IN 2014 EVERY WONDER WHAT DRIVES THE LIVES OF TODAY’S MODERN AMERICAN FAMILIES? TECHNOLOGY, FOR ONE THING: PARENTS ARE NOT AFRAID TO UTILIZE GADGETS AND GIZMOS DESIGNED TO MAKE CHILD REARING A BIT EASIER, AND KIDS MORE THAN EVER ARE TURNING TO THE INTERNET AS A DAILY MAINSTAY. FAMILIES ARE ALSO BONDING OVER WELLNESS-THEMED VACATIONS; BABY NAMES ARE REFLECTING A FONDNESS FOR NOSTALGIA; AND ECCENTRIC INCLINATIONS ABOUND (HAVING JEWELRY MADE FROM OUR KIDS’ BABY TEETH, FOR EXAMPLE). WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LIVES OF TODAY’S FAMILIES? CULLED FROM THE WEB’S MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE PARENTING AND POP CULTURE SOURCES, WE PRESENT THE TRENDS FOR 2014—AND BEYOND. EYOND. i, Ko Aulan ii a w a H

, Olina

TRAVELING WELL Why should adults enjoy all the pampering? Such is the e thought process behind family-friendly hotel spas and wellness programs cropping up across the country that provide treatments for parents and kids alike. Here are three examples. AULANI, KO OLINA, HAWAII ❱❱❱ Created by the folks who know families the best best, this Disney resort

caters to all generations. It boasts the only hydrotherapy garden on the Hawaiian island of Ko Olina, and plenty of treatment rooms to accommodate two or more guests at a time—an important feature for a familybonding experience. More than 150 treatments are offered, including infant and family massages, and The Pulu Bar lets guests create their own body polishes and scrubs by blending authentic Hawaiian fragrances, sugarcane sugar, sea salt and natural oils. Teenagers will appreciate Painted Sky, the only teen spa in Hawaii. For more information, call 866-443-4763 or visit resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort. RANCHO LA PUERTA, BAJA, CALIF. ❱❱❱ Founded in 1940, this popular resort was one of the country’s first to specialize in cutting-edge athletic activities and spa treatments. It’s annual “Camp Kuchumaa”themed Family Week, which this year takes place August 2-9, offers integrative wellness for all ages with exercise, sports, gourmet organic cuisine and relaxation. Hiking, bird watching, martial arts, cooking, music classes, dancing and sing-alongs are some of the activities families can enjoy together. For more information, call 800-443-7565 or o visit rancholapuerta.com. THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT, HOT SPRINGS, VA. ❱❱❱ Newly committed to the family spa market, The Omni Homestead Resort offers a special Family Spa Suite, where parents and kids ages 5-13 can pick from signature and customized treatments, and teenagers 14-17 can choose their own fitness and spa activities. Family-friendly aactivities abound here, with horseback riding, archery, fly fishing and ka kayaking. And when parents want alone time, there’s an adults-only Sp Spa Garden that features walking paths, a therapeutic geothermal minera eral bath and river reflexology bed. For more information, call 540-83917 1766 or visit thehomestead.com.

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Is there anything we won’t try in the name of parenting? Apparently not, according to ParentDish.com. The following trends may leave you thinking “great idea”—or just leave you scratching your head. PURITY BALLS ❱❱❱ These formal events are attended by fathers and daughters to commemorate young girls’ decisions to remain sexually abstinent until marriage. These are often spectacular affairs with dinner, dancing, speeches and chastity ceremonies where fathers promise to protect their daughters’ purity of mind, body and soul, and daughters pledge their virginity. These events currently take place in 48 states. BIRTHDAY CROWNS ❱❱❱

Because parents want their children to feel like royalty, they’re bypassing traditional paper party hats in favor of custom-designed birthday crowns. Parents often make the crowns themselves, saying they enjoy the freedom to personalize them. BABY TEETH JEWELRY ❱❱❱ Forget BAB the tooth to fairy. Moms are immortalizing their kids’ baby teeth by turning them into pendants. It’s a modern update to bronzed bro baby shoes, and hand and feet cast impressions, sion says Jackie Kaufman, owner of the Etsy store Rock Roc My World, which creates custom-made silver impressions im of teeth. She was recently asked to provide vi pendants for an episode of HBO’s “Girls.” HALF BIRTHDAYS ❱❱❱ Considered the new “it” mileHAL

stone of 2014, many parents are celebrating not just the date of their child’s arrival on this earth, but the six-month mark in between. Two parties are better than one. SHOTGUN-A-BEER PARENTING ❱❱❱ This response to

helicopter parenting, created by child psychiatrist Jasper Lambsharkssen, suggests that whenever children make inappropriate or selfish demands, rather than give in, parents should shotgun a beer—pierce a hole in the bottom of the can, open the top and chug away. Yes, um, that will show ’em. FORGO SCHEDULING PLAY DATES ❱❱❱ Realizing the absurdity of having to

schedule play time with other kids’ parents months in advance, parents are telling their kids to just go out and play—whenever. Spontaneity can be a beautiful thing. GOING TO UNSCHOOL ❱❱❱ Considered a subset of

home schooling, this philosophy created by educator John Holt rejects compulsory school, standard curricula and conventional grading methods. Instead, kids learn through life experiences, such as play, household chores, personal interests, travel and social interaction.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

MAKING THE GRADE School’s about to start, which means parents are getting bombarded with kids’ must-have, must-see and must-do lists. It’s OK to give in—just not all the time, say parenting experts at Common Sense Media. Here are their top trends for the coming school year and how to navigate them.

These days, baby names are inspired by everything from favorite TV characters to great-great grandparents. There’s definitely an old-fashioned slant to the Top 10 most popular choices for boys and girls on nameberry.com, the authority on such matters.

BIG PROMOTIONS ❱❱❱ Dora the Explorer, Ben 10, Barbie and Angry

Birds might be all the rage for lunchboxes, backpacks and the like, but parents run the risk of turning their kids into walking advertisements—and kids are fickle. It’s best to shop for back-to-school supplies online without children nearby to find a wider range of non-branded, less-expensive merchandise. STREAMING VIDEO SITES ❱❱❱ Watching TV online is a favorite for kids, who’ve come to depend on sites such as Hulu, Xfinity and Netflix. But with this trend comes access to age-inappropriate content—and kids at school talk to each other, creating temptation to see it. Place the family computer in a central household location so what your children are watching is visible and if needed, offer kid-friendly alternatives. THE YOUTUBE POOP ❱❱❱ These random YouTube videos are not all as innocent as they seem. They often combine cartoons with games and sometimes, disturbing language. Kids seem to love YouTube Poop, but it’s best to limit their access by turning on the safety mode—found at the bottom of each of page—which makes it more kid friendly. GONE MOBILE ❱❱❱ MP3 players, e-readers and iPhones have been marketed specifically to children as “must-have” mobile technology, complete with kid-appealing decorations and accessories. Resist the hype to buy them, unless children need these devices for learning or safety. Tell your kids that the family decides what to buy based on need, not just because others have these items.

GETTING TOGETHER Family reunions are big business in South Florida. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau devotes a website page to such gatherings and the Palm Beach County Convention Center offers a “With Our Compliments” program with tips for visitors. Popular activities include picnics at parks and beaches, formal dinners at hotels and restaurants, shopping trips to malls and outlet stores, and spending time at local casinos. Here are their tips for planning a successful reunion. BEGIN PLANNING

18-24 months ahead. DESIGNATE A LEAD PERSON who can

delegate duties—with a timetable—to get others to commit to the event. MAKE PLANS appealing

to adults and kids, but be imaginative and flexible based on weather, group size and time constraints. INCLUDE AN ORAL HISTORY PROJECT,

which is an excellent way to spark conversations

across generations and cultural backgrounds. GET A FREE FAMILY REUNION PLANNING KIT from the Greater Fort

Lauderdale CVB (minimum 10 room nights required), which includes welcome bags, a visitors’ guide, discount coupons, promotional item giveaways and more.

For more information, visit sunny.org/multicultural/reunions or palmbeachfl.com/ meetings/tools/woc.

GIRLS

BOYS

Khaleesi

Asher

Imogen

Declan

Charlotte

Atticus

Isla

Oliver

Cora

Henry

Penelope

Silas

Violet

Jasper

Eleanor

Milo

Amelia

Ezra

Hazel

Finn

THINKING AHEAD From baby gear, to medical technology, to social media—this year’s parents-to-be are seriously savvy, according to thebump.com and ParentDish.com. Here’s the latest and greatest in parenting innovations. BEING SOCIAL ❱❱❱ Forget phone calls, texts, emails and snail mail. According to a survey by thebump.com, 63 percent of moms this past year used social media to let friends and family in on the baby news. And they’re super creative: From sonogram sketches and coffee stencils outlining “I’m Pregnant” messages in drinks, to YouTube rap videos and more, watch for overthe-top announcements in newsfeeds. EXPERIENTIAL REGISTRIES ❱❱❱ Along with registering for gear, parents are requesting experiences. New to the game are experiential registries that allow parents-to-be to ask for massages, date nights, (post-birth) wine nights and more. TECH IT OUT ❱❱❱ From car seats that install

themselves and onesies made with chips that monitor babies’ functions, to tubs that keep clean water circulating and monitors that snap photos and videos (and send them to your iPhone), parents are turning to innovative products that make child rearing easier. DESIGN OF THE TIMES ❱❱❱ Decor in the nurs-

ery room is now as important as it is in the rest of the home, with bright colors, bold shapes and contrasting textures making big style statements. Chic finishes make the room one parents can enjoy, and that the baby can grow into rather than just outgrow. GRANDMA BABY SHOWERS ❱❱❱ Grandparents’ houses often serve as babies’ second homes—why should they have to buy everything themselves? “Grandma Baby Showers” honor the increasingly involved roles grandparents play and helps gift them with essentials they’ll need when babysitting or just spending quality time with the grandkids. SKULL THEORY ❱❱❱ In an effort to get an early determination (pre-20-week ultrasound) of their unborn baby’s gender, expectant parents are examining the shape of his or her skull. The theory dictates that boys have larger, blockier foreheads, while girls’ heads are rounder. RAISING THE BARRE ❱❱❱ Prenatal fitness is no longer relegated to just yoga and Pilates. Barre-based workouts—which incorporate a ballet barre into a full-body fitness routine—provide exercise that’s fun, low-impact and safe for mom and baby. O

AUGUST 2014

MEN AT

WORK

ONE REASON SOUTH FLORIDA IS SUCH A BUSTLING HUB OF COMMERCE IS ITS EXPANSIVE RANGE OF SMART AND SAVVY BUSINESSMEN. FROM REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, RISK ADVISORS, EDUCATION EXPERTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS, TO NONPROFIT LEADERS, SPORTS EXECUTIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS, WE’VE GOT IT ALL. MEET SOME OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S SUCCESSFUL, ENTERPRISING MEN AT WORK.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 71

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Building A Strong Community Rabbi David Steinhardt Brings Global Perspective To B’nai Torah Congregation

Rabbi David Steinhardt

abbi David Steinhardt is dedicated

homeless families and this year is undertak-

and learning programs for children, teen-

to creating a community where

ing an initiative to improve literacy in the

agers and adults. “Our open classroom

Jewish people of all ages can explore

community through its Tzedakah, Learning

model for Hebrew learning has been very

and express the deeper values in life. “I

and Chesed (TLC) Program. “Boca Raton

successful and attendance has grown by

believe that Judaism can flourish in today’s

has many young retirees and we can of-

32 percent in the past two years,” he says.

multicultural society because it is rooted in

fer them meaningful activities in their lives,

Rabbi Steinhardt was ordained 32 years

such profound ideas and values,” says the senior rabbi at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. “To do so, Judaism must provide our young people with an understanding of the past, help them learn about

“I ENJOY SERVING AND HELPING LEAD A GROWING JEWISH CONGREGATION WHERE PEOPLE CAN PUT DOWN SECURE ROOTS AND FIND MEANING BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE AND THE MATERIAL.”

our faith and offer opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.” At B’nai Torah, Rabbi Steinhardt has

such as tutoring young people and par-

ago by The Jewish Theological Seminary,

ents in literacy skills,” he says.

which recently honored him with an hon-

led the growth of the congregation by

As a senior rabbinic fellow and former ad-

orary Doctorate of Divinity. He and his

developing innovative programs, uphold-

visory board member at the Shalom Hart-

wife, Dr. Tobi Richman-Steinhardt, are the

ing high standards and creating an open

man Institute in Jerusalem, Rabbi Steinhardt

parents of five adult children. As he says, “I

environment that brings the world and the

lends a global perspective to B’nai Torah,

enjoy serving and helping lead a growing

ideas of the Jewish people together.

bringing authors and scholars from around

Jewish congregation where people can

to world to speak to the congregation.

put down secure roots and find meaning

For example, B’nai Torah participates in the interfaith Family Promise program for

He has also built dynamic arts, cultural

beyond the immediate and the material.”

B’nai Torah Congregation is located at 6261 S.W. 18th Street, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-392-8566 or visit bnai-torah.org.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Barry Liebowitz

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Making The Grade Barry Liebowitz Of International College Counselors Helps CollegeBound Students Shape Their Futures

t’s never too soon to start thinking

Liebowitz prides himself on his ability to

choice,” says Liebowitz. “Starting early lets

about college. Where will your child

work with students of all backgrounds to

you plan the best high school curriculum,

go? What kind of extracurricular and

find their best-fit college. “Through person-

extracurricular activities and summer op-

community service activities should your

alized one-on-one consulting, I help each

portunities, while also allowing the student

child be doing? What should your child be

student reach his or her individual goals,”

ample time to ask themselves what they

doing today that will help them to get into

says Liebowitz.

are looking for in a college experience.”

their school of choice? To navigate the confusing and often stressful college admissions process, parents from all over the world turn to Barry Liebowitz of International College Coun-

“I THRIVE ON EXTRACTING WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL, BUILDING UPON IT, HIGHLIGHTING AND LEVERAGING IT TO GET THE STUDENT INTO THE SCHOOL OF HIS OR HER CHOICE.”

selors in Boca Raton. He and his team of advisors provide unparalleled college admissions counseling services.

Liebowitz has worked with student ath-

As competition continues to grow for

letes, fine art majors, those bound for Ivy

spots at universities nationwide, it is imper-

Now in its 10th year, International Col-

League universities, international students,

ative for students to have a strong support

lege Counselors has quite the track re-

first-generation college students and those

system, game plan and positive attitude.

cord. In 2014, 160 students gained admis-

with special needs.

“Our one-on-one approach gives us

sion to 63 different schools, including all

“Each student is unique. I thrive on ex-

the insight needed to find the best possible

eight Ivy League institutions and the best

tracting what makes them special, building

schools for our students and families, mini-

public and private universities across the

upon it, highlighting and leveraging it to

mizing their stress while maximizing their

country.

get the student into the school of his or her

opportunities.”

International College Counselors is located at 1200 North Federal Highway, Suite 200, Boca Raton. For more information, call 954-414-9986 or visit internationalcollegecounselors.com.

AUGUST 2014

MEN AT

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Spectacular Success John Wash Expands International Polo Club’s Appeal John Wash

hether drawing new fans to

able 152 percent increase in ticket sales. The

terest in the sport.

the “sport of kings” or providing

increase in fans in 2014 equates to an atten-

While polo draws headlines during the first

a unique venue for special events,

dance of more than 160,000 during the four-

months of the year, IPC keeps busy through-

John Wash, president of club operations,

month period, including a record 12,000

out the remaining months by hosting junior

is strengthening the connection the

spectators for the prestigious Maserati U.S.

equestrian events, rugby, cricket and cro-

International Polo Club (IPC) has with

Open Polo Championship. Discover The

quet competitions. Recently, IPC was cho-

residents of Palm Beach County and the

Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s offi-

sen to host the American Youth Soccer Or-

winter visitors who vacation here. “We are strategically cultivating our spectator base to attract new fans living in the Palm Beaches, as well as the mil-

“THE EXCITEMENT OF WATCHING A COMPETITIVE POLO MATCH IS AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO SPENDING ANOTHER DAY SITTING AT A POOL.”

lions of travelers who visit,” says Wash. “The excitement of watching a competitive

cial tourism agency, recognized IPC with its

ganization’s 2016 AYSO National Games, a

polo match is an attractive alternative to

coveted Providencia Award as the fastest-

tournament that will bring more than 10,000

spending another day sitting at the pool.

growing tourism destination in the region.

individuals to Palm Beach County.

An afternoon at IPC has it all, including

“The 2015 Palm Beach polo season will

“We also help raise funds for an array

polo, fashion, entertainment and fine din-

run from January 4 to April 19, and the

of worthy organizations, as well as provide

ing,” Wash adds.

‘buzz’ is already building,” says Wash. In

opportunities for youth groups to have an

As the saying goes, “Success is in the

June, NBC broadcasted the Maserati U.S.

equestrian experience,” Wash says. “We

numbers.” During this year’s 16-week winter

Open Polo Championship to a worldwide

are dedicated to serving our community

polo season, the club achieved a remark-

audience, a testament to the growing in-

and growing the local economy.”

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington. For more information, call 561-204-5687 or visit internationalpoloclub.com.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Andrew Kravit

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Gem Of An Appraiser Andrew Kravit Of Kravit Estate Holdings Helps Clients Value And Liquidate Estates

ndrew Kravit knows how to deter-

our flexible, transparent and cost-effective

School of Business at New York University.

mine the value of jewelry, precious

liquidation services.” For example, Kravit

When not working, Kravit enjoys spending

gemstones and the contents of a home.

offers clients representation of their jewelry

time with his family. He and his wife have

One of the state’s few certified estate

collections to international markets for a

one son with another child due this fall. “I

appraisers, Kravit is also a Graduate

10 percent commission—far less than local

coach youth basketball and am active

Gemologist from the Gemological Institute

and national auction houses.

in many philanthropic organizations,” he

of America and holds other professional credentials.

Before launching the firm in 2012, Kravit studied gemology and spent a decade

says. “I strongly believe in giving back to our community.”

“We focus on excellence in personal property appraisal, liquidation, advisory and expert testimony,” says Kravit, founder and president of Kravit Estate Apprais-

“AS A TRUSTED ADVISOR, WE TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES SERIOUSLY. THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT TO US THAN A CLIENT’S SATISFACTION.”

als LLC, a certified appraisal and estate liquidation firm in Boca Raton with ex-

with an acquisition firm. A member of

A master in the science of apprais-

perienced appraisers in 30 asset classes,

the National Association of Jewelry Ap-

als and the art of liquidating assets, Kravit

including fine arts, timepieces, fine wine,

praisers and a Certified Member of the

helps individuals, families and trustees ad-

coins and currency.

International Society of Appraisers, Kravit

dress both the emotional and financial as-

provides expert testimony on valuations in

pects of letting go of treasured assets. “As a

legal cases.

trusted advisor, we take our responsibilities

“We provide appraisals for estate tax purposes, insurance and charitable contributions,” he adds. “We also help clients

Kravit grew up in South Florida and

seriously,” he says. “There is nothing more

maximize the value of an estate through

earned a bachelor’s degree from the Stern

important to us than a client’s satisfaction.”

Kravit Estate Holdings is located at 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 100, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-961-0992 or visit kravitestate.com.

AUGUST 2014

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Keeping It Green The Palm Tree Doctor’s Doug Giles Offers Personalized Attention And Arborist Expertise Doug Giles

hen you think of South Florida, you

unique method proven to rehabilitate and

team is an ISA Certified Arborist, the gold

think sunny skies, sandy beaches

strengthen your palms. “Our maintenance

standard of the industry. An ISA Certified

and lush tropical palm trees. But like people,

program provides preventive health care

Arborist not only must have several years

palm trees sometimes become stressed,

for your palms. Consistent fertilization is the

of experience working in the professional

sick or injured. And, like people, they need

best practice to combat disease, environ-

tree care industry, but also must pass a rig-

the proper care to get better.

mental conditions and secondary pests. It is

orous examination covering all facets of

For more than 20 years, Doug Giles, aka “The Palm Tree Doctor,” has cared for and treated palm trees all across South Florida. “What many people don’t realize is that if their palm doesn’t look good, in most

“WE HAVE PROPRIETARY METHODS WE HAVE CREATED OVER THE YEARS THAT ALLOW US TO ACHIEVE RESULTS THAT YOUR LANDSCAPER DOESN’T HAVE.”

cases we can reverse its decline and save it, instead of having to replace it,” says

much easier and less expensive to prevent

arboriculture. Continuing education is also

Giles, who started in the business with his

malnutrition than to rehabilitate a sick palm.”

mandatory to maintain certification.

father Bill when he was a teenager. Being

“We have proprietary methods we

“Most landscapers don’t even have a

a small family-run business gives Palm Tree

have created over the years that allow

Certified Arborist on staff, let alone out in

Doctor the ability to offer the kind of per-

us to achieve results that your landscaper

the field,” says Giles. “We have three Cer-

sonalized service and attention to detail

doesn’t have,” says Giles.

tified Aborists in the field every day who

that national companies don’t. Palm Tree Doctor has developed a

Another thing that sets Palm Tree Doctor apart from others is that everyone on his

have a passion for your palms. That’s what sets us apart.”

Palm Tree Doctor is located at 430 South Dixie Highway, Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-946-3600 or visit palmtreedr.com.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

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The Ultraluxury Expert Scot Karp And Premier Estate Properties Connect Buyers And Sellers In Top Markets

Scot Karp

ith his decades of experience

service we provide,” says Karp. “We are

Committee-Ethics and Arbitration. He is a

and wealth of knowledge, Scot

adept at marketing the most beautiful resi-

Gitomer Certified Advisor, trained to teach

Karp is the go-to expert in Boca Raton’s

dences, as well as identifying excellent op-

sales, marketing and customer service

ultra-luxury condominium market. Ranked

portunities for our buyers.”

courses. He also is certified by the Body

by The Wall Street Journal in 2013 as one

Karp earned a degree in Architecture

Language Institute of Washington, D.C. as

of the top 250 real estate agents in the

and Urban Planning, enhancing his ability

an instructor in body language and lie de-

nation, Karp has sold more than $1 billion

to explain the nuances of floor plans, interior

tection.

in high-end properties during his 35-year career. “There are only a handful of agents in the world who do what I do,” says Karp, director of the Ultraluxury Condominium Division for Premier Estate Properties.

“WE ARE ADEPT AT MARKETING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RESIDENCES, AS WELL AS IDENTIFYING EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR BUYERS.”

Known for his unsurpassed understanding of the Gold Coast’s finest condomin-

designs and building construction to local

Today, Karp takes pride in serving his

ium buildings, as well as current trends in

buyers, as well as those who are new to the

growing base of affluent clients. “I greatly

the ultra-luxury market, Karp leads a five-

Florida lifestyle.

enjoy working with different people, per-

person professional group that serves af-

Karp, who frequently speaks at confer-

sonalities and of course, the magnificent

fluent U.S. and international clients with

ences and coaches other agents locally

and beautiful properties I see every day.

integrity and discretion. “Both sellers and

and internationally, also serves on the area

I am truly the luckiest guy in the world—

buyers appreciate the ultra-high level of

Board of Realtors® Professional Standards

when you love what you do, it’s not work.”

Premier Estate Properties is located at 800 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. For more information call 561-441-7902 or visit premierestateproperties.com.

AUGUST 2014

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The Consigliere Consultant STiR-communications’ Greg Salsburg Is A Trusted Advisor To CEOs

Greg Salsburg

TiR-communications’ Greg Salsburg is

people who can argue with the boss, and

ing public relations or advertising initiatives

a “fixer” for businesses and individuals

is often tasked with challenging the boss

nationally or regionally for celebrities, CEOs,

alike. He lives in the shadows, just the way

when needed to ensure subsequent plans

major brands and professional services firms.

he—and his clients—like it.

are foolproof. Most importantly, it’s some-

Salsburg possesses a great sense of hu-

one a boss can be emotionally vulnerable

mor, colorful socks and a personality far

It is from behind the curtains that Salsburg acts out his true calling: “Consigliere Consultant,” serving as the trusted advisor to global corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and high-profile celebrities who are

“FOR MORE THAN 20-PLUS YEARS, SALSBURG HAS ATTAINED GLOBAL SUCCESS SPEARHEADING NUMEROUS HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTS.”

looking for a different approach to the intangibles intersecting in business and life.

in front of without fear or repercussions.”

larger than his stature. “I’m short, not shy,”

“In its traditional sense, a consigliere

For more than 20-plus years, Salsburg has

he is known to say.

serves as a counselor to the Mafia boss,”

attained global success spearheading nu-

says Salsburg, the CEO and The Big STiR

merous high-profile projects. He was hailed

Yvonne and two children.

of STiR-communications, a South-Florida-

as a “PR wunderkid” by New York Daily

active role in the community and serves

based award-winning public relations and

News, called “a sagacious marketer with

on the board of Make-A-Wish® Southern

marketing company. “This term is relevant

keen tactical instincts” by Crain’s New York

Florida. As he says, “South Florida is a won-

to today’s CEOs as it reflects a close trust-

Business, and named South Florida CEO’s

derful place to live and grow a business.

ed friend and confidant, and someone

“Power Player” in Florida. Today, he serves

I am thrilled we relocated nine years ago

who will protect all secrets. One of the few

as CEO of STiR-communications oversee-

from the New York area.”

Salsburg lives in Boca Raton with his wife He plays an

STiR-communications has offices in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. For more information, call 305-407-1723 or visit stir-communications.com.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

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The Real Deals Jarred E. Elmar Of The Geneva Group Finds Real Estate Opportunities For Investors

Jarred E. Elmar

arred E. Elmar says shopping centers,

quired and managed more than 1.3 million

serves on the board of advisors for the

warehouses and apartment complexes

square feet of retail, multi-family and resi-

Jewish Federation of Broward County and

can provide solid investment opportunities

dential properties throughout the Southeast.

is co-chair for the Federation’s real estate

in South Florida’s commercial real estate

“Understanding the market you invest in is

division.

market. Elmar is a managing partner of

half the battle,” says Elmar. “We pride our-

Like many South Florida profession-

The Geneva Group, a private equity firm

selves in pointing out investments within a lo-

als, Elmar balances family and business,

that enables accredited investors to add

cation our investors know and understand.”

spending time with his wife Stephanie and

commercial real estate holdings to their

Elmar is the president of Lextor Financial,

daughter Olivia. He enjoys working out

portfolios. Under Elmar’s leadership, The Geneva Group follows a clear investment strategy: focusing on “value-add” commercial properties, curing vacancies and ultimately finding “fixable holes” within the

“EVEN IN A MARKET DOWNTURN, IT DOESN’T CHANGE MY LOVE OF THE INDUSTRY. I CAN’T WAIT TO GET INTO THE OFFICE AND LOOK FOR THE BEST DEALS IN SOUTH FLORIDA.”

asset. “We buy based on what is—not

a full-service wealth advisory firm catering

and playing golf when he has the chance.

what will be,” says Elmar. The group has

to high net-worth individuals, and a former

But real estate has long been his profes-

produced double digit returns on their real

ethics chairman of the Association of In-

sional passion. “For me, Monday is still my

estate investments year over year.

surance and Financial Advisors. Recently,

favorite day of the week,” he says. “Even

A native South Floridian, Elmar attended

he was named to the board of advisors

in a market downturn, it doesn’t change

school in Atlanta, Ga. and actually began

for the Boca Raton chapter of WOAMTEC

my love of the industry. I can’t wait to get

his real estate career in Atlanta at age 22.

(Women On A Mission To Earn Commis-

into the office and look for the best deals

Since then, he and his partners have ac-

sion), a premier networking group. He also

in South Florida.”

The Geneva Group is located at 6810 North State Road 7, Coconut Creek. For more information, call 800-815-0078 or visit genevacommercial.com.

AUGUST 2014

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Education’s Future Richard Weissman’s The Learning Experience® Is Leading Innovative Preschool Education Richard Weissman

ichard Weissman has been a dis-

veloping each child’s potential,” says Weiss-

New Jersey, and relocated the company

ruptive force in the early education

man, who is turning “Bubbles the Elephant®”,

to Boca Raton seven years later. “Boca

business by driving innovation in the pre-

the company’s mascot, into a nationally rec-

offers a healthier lifestyle and it’s a great

school industry.

ognized brand. “Our goal is to help children

place to raise a family,” says Weissman. He

learn, play, and grow!”

and his wife Robin have four children: Josh

As president of The Learning Experience , the nation’s fastest-growing early learning

A Boca Raton native who graduated

and Chad who work for The Learning Ex-

academy for children six weeks to 5 years

from the Boca Raton Academy, now called

perience®, and Andrew and Casey, who

old, Weissman is blending proprietary curriculum developed over the past 30 years with today’s technology, resulting in a participatory approach to learning through 77-inch interactive, Wi-Fi connected touch-

“WE PROVIDE A SAFE AND SECURE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHERE PARENTS KNOW THEIR CHILDREN ARE GETTING AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION. THAT’S BEEN THE SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS.”

screen whiteboards. This technology enare college and high school students.

ables broadened teaching techniques, in-

Pine Crest School, Weissman helped his par-

cluding visuals, sound and connectivity to

ents, Michael and Linda Weissman, operate

Today, The Learning Experience® has

real life examples.

the family’s educational company in the

more than 200 centers operating or under

Additionally, Weissman is introducing an

early 1980s. After several years in investment

development, including nine in South Flor-

online component to lessons taught in the

banking, Weissman joined his parents in

ida. “We provide a safe and secure learn-

classroom to expand upon the potential

building a national educational company

ing environment where parents know their

of learning, delivered at the point of need

that was sold to Childtime Learning Centers.

children are getting an excellent educa-

and the point of access. “Making preschool

In 2002, he restarted his family’s original

tion,” says Weissman. “That’s been the se-

learning fun and exciting is important in de-

concept, The Learning Experience®, in

cret to our success.”

The Learning Experience® Academy of Early Education Headquarters is located at 4855 Technology Way, Suite 700, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-886-6400 or visit thelearningexperience.com. 80

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

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It’s All About Choice Mike Zubero and William “BJ” Michaud

William “BJ” Michaud And Mike Zubero Of Triton Insurance Group Offer Clients More Options And Savings

et’s face it; buying insurance isn’t

assets, all deserve more than 15 minutes of

We are not an impersonal call center; we

something that most people want

our time to custom-tailor insurance pack-

don’t sell you a policy and then ship you

ages for your needs,” says Michaud.

off to a service center. We retain your busi-

to think about. It’s a hassle trying to find the right policy at the right price. Even

Established in 1993, Triton Insurance

more difficult is finding the right agent

Group services all of Florida. “It’s really very

relationship—someone you can trust with

simple. We spent our careers forging and

Some insurance agents work for just one

your most valuable assets.

refining relationships with more than 75 car-

company and they can’t offer more than

riers to deliver more options to our clients.

one brand. Triton Insurance Group works

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agents can help you navigate through a multitude of choices and find the policy that’s right for you and your budget. Owners William “BJ” Michaud and Mike Zubero are committed to providing

ness through exceptional personal service and always offer alternative options.”

“IN AN ERA WHEN COMPANIES ARE TRYING TO EARN YOUR TRUST IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS,WE FEEL THAT YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR ASSETS, ALL DESERVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES OF OUR TIME TO CUSTOMTAILOR INSURANCE PACKAGES FOR YOUR NEEDS.”

the largest selection of insurance options for their clients. Whether you are looking

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or your business, Triton Insurance Group is

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Michaud. “We are for those who value

we shopped every relevant carrier in the

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surance and who want to protect them-

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there to cover every aspect of your life.

Triton Insurance Group has offices state wide. For more information, call 866-400-7674.

AUGUST 2014

inside

Sumptuous steaks, bountiful breakfasts, deli delights and more...

recipes

reviews

bites

THE DISH ON FOOD, WINE & RESTAURANTS

SWEET AND SAVORY: (Clockwise from Right) Cajun-style Shrimp & Grits; BLT Benedict; Bruleed Banana Waffle

APPETITE FOR GROWTH

Florida-Based First Watch Opens New Location In Deerfield Beach

uinoa Power Bowls, housemade granola, eggs, biscuits, wafﬂes… Diners in Deerﬁeld Beach can now enjoy this and more at First Watch, the restaurant chain that prides itself on its “honest” approach to fresh food (no microwaves, heat lamps or deep fryers). The chain recently opened its 43rd Florida location just off West Hillsboro Boulevard. The eatery, which serves breakfast and lunch daily, features hearty, traditional American chow made to order. New interior design installations make use of natural light and cozy color tones provide a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. While eating, guests can take advantage of complimentary newspapers and Wi-Fi. The popular chain has been

opening new locations across the country, but it’s still a Bradenton, Fla. original with solid roots in the Sunshine State, as evidenced by the addition of its newest eatery. “After more than 30 years in Florida, we still get requests for new restaurants and look forward to now being a part of the community of Deerﬁeld Beach,” says Chris Tomasso, chief marketing ofﬁcer. Lucky us. First Watch offers a treat for early risers with 100-percent fresh-squeezed orange juice and slow-roasted premium blend coffees, and has earned kudos for traditional omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, salads and roasted veggies prepared daily. The restaurant has won more than 200 “Best Of ” merits in various markets across the country, in

addition to a “MenuMasters Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News. Not one to rest on its laurels, First Watch has also added new seasonal dishes to its menu. There’s a Cajunstyle Shrimp & Grits plate, which includes sautéed shrimp served with Andouille sausage, roasted vegetables and cheddar parmesan grits. Or try the richly appointed BLT Benedict, stacked with two poached eggs and bacon, served on toasted ciabatta bread and dressed with ﬂavorful hollandaise sauce. And making a decadent comeback this year is the

Bruleed Banana Waffle—bruleed bananas, brown sugar-glazed bacon, a sweet cream sauce drizzle, and baconinfused syrup set atop a fluffy waffle. “We’re excited to offer a new spin on some breakfast and brunch classics,” says Tomasso. “A little sweet, a little savory.” The pleasure’s all ours. O First Watch is located in the Deerfield Mall, 3644 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach. For more information, call 954-429-2901 or visit firstwatch.com. – Chris Maiorana

AUGUST 2014

c i g l a t s o N aste T

ATS E R T E G A VINT ORIES M E M T E WE CREATE S

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

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People seem to pay more attention to their smartphones than each other—and time passes quickly. Before you know it, our toddlers will be off to college. May we suggest spending some quality time bonding over classic baked goods? “Deliciously Vintage” by Victoria Glass features decadent, nostalgic recipes you grew up with and that your kids will love. Why not create them together, along with some new memories?

CINNAMON ROLLS These buttery swirls are delicious topped with a tangy cream cheese icing. Best eaten on the day they’re baked, these rolls are the ultimate weekend breakfast treat. (Makes about 12) INGREDIENTS FOR DOUGH ¾ cup whole milk, plus extra to glaze 4¹/³ cups strong white bread flour 5 tbsp. cold butter, cut into cubes 5 tbsp. granulated sugar 1 tsp. salt .25 oz. rapid-rise yeast 4 egg yolks 1 egg Sunflower oil INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING 6½ tbsp. unsalted butter, melted ¾ cup, plus 2 tbsp. light brown sugar 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon Pinch of salt INGREDIENTS FOR ICING ¹/³ cup cream cheese 3 tbsp. milk 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 8 x 10-inch ovenproof dish, greased INSTRUCTIONS

Put milk in a saucepan over gentle heat to warm slightly. Meanwhile, sift ﬂour into a large mixing bowl and rub

in the butter with your ﬁngertips. Stir in sugar, salt and yeast. Make a well in the middle; pour in milk, egg and yolks. Beat milk and eggs with a fork; start adding dry ingredients until combined. Tip dough onto an oiled surface and knead for about 10 minutes. Oil a large bowl and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap; leave to rise for 1 hour. Place on work surface and knead for another minute. Roll dough out to a 3⁄16-inchthick rectangle and paint with melted butter, leaving a 1-inch gap around the edges. Stir together sugar, cinnamon and salt, and sprinkle over and press into the dough. Beginning with the longest edge of the rectangle facing you, tightly roll dough into a sausage. Pinch together the seam and roll the sausage over, seam-side down. Cut dough into 12 pieces and arrange next to each other, cut-side down, in the prepared dish. Cover dish with a clean kitchen towel; leave to rise again for about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush dough with milk to glaze and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. While rolls are baking, mix icing ingredients until completely smooth. Remove rolls from oven and leave to cool slightly before spreading them generously with icing.

SNICKERDOODLES Sweet and fragrant with cinnamon, these popular cookies are crisp on the outside with soft, chewy centers. They’re simple to make and fun to bake. (Makes about 60) INGREDIENTS FOR COOKIES 1½ cups granulated sugar 15 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 2 eggs

2 ²/³ cups plain flour

2 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 2 large baking sheets, lined

INGREDIENTS FOR CINNAMON COATING ¼ cup granulated sugar 3 tsp. ground cinnamon

with parchment paper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl until pale and fluffy. Gradually whisk in eggs and sift over the flour, cream of tartar, baking powder and salt. Mix to form the dough. Put dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm. Dust your hands with flour and roll dough into hazelnut-sized pieces. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the mixture until thoroughly coated. Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm. Leave cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Cinnamon Rolls LEFT: Snickerdoodles

AUGUST 2014

PEACH COBBLER Rustic, homey and filling, this peach cobbler makes a comforting end to any meal. This is delicious family food at its best—satisfying and perfect for sharing. (Serves 6-8) INGREDIENTS 8 fresh peaches, peeled and pitted ¼ cup light brown sugar 3½ cups self-rising flour 1 generous cup buttermilk 1 tsp. salt

2 sticks cold butter, cut into cubes ¾ cup granulated sugar Seeds of 1 vanilla pod 1 generous cup buttermilk 10 x 8-inch ovenproof dish

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice peaches and arrange in an even layer in the dish, then sprinkle over the light brown sugar. In a large mixing bowl, sift together ﬂour and salt, and rub in the butter with your ﬁngertips. Stir through the granulated sugar and vanilla. Add buttermilk. Beat together with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Drop mounds of dough off a tablespoon on top of the peaches to create a cobblestone effect. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and fruit is soft. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or hot custard sauce.

“Deliciously Vintage” is written by Victoria Glass, with photography by Isobel Wield. It’s published by Ryland Peters and Small and retails for $24.95. It can be found at rylandpeters.com or wherever books are sold.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Invented in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Mass., these American classics are buttery and studded with nibs of dark or bittersweet chocolate. (Glass of cold milk highly recommended.) (Makes about 20) INGREDIENTS 1 stick unsalted butter, softened ¹/³ cup light brown sugar ¹/³ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 cups plain/all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 6 oz. dark/ bittersweet chocolate chips 2 baking sheets, lined with parchment paper INSTRUCTIONS

Cream butter and sugars in a large bowl until just combined. Beat in egg, followed by pure vanilla extract. Sift the ﬂour, baking soda and salt, and mix in. Fold in chocolate chips. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough into golf ball-sized rounds; space them about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Slightly ﬂatten each ball with the base of your palm. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until slightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

CHOCOLATE AND HAZELNUT BROWNIES Despite only gaining popularity in the early 20th century, it feels as though brownies have been part of American culture forever. These sticky, dense squares of chocolate cake are perfect for picnics or packed lunches. (Makes 16) INGREDIENTS 8 oz. dark/bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces 2 sticks unsalted butter ½ cup, plus 2 tbsp. light brown sugar

½ cup, plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar 4 eggs, beaten ¼ tsp. salt 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract ²/³ cup rice flour ¹/³ cup, plus 1 tbsp. cocoa powder

½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda 3½ oz. whole milk chocolate/semisweet chips ½ cup chopped hazelnuts 8-inch square cake pan, greased and lined with parchment paper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°F. Put chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally, until all ingredients have melted. Meanwhile, whisk sugars, eggs and salt in a large bowl until light and creamy. Whisk in the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Sift the ﬂour, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda, and mix together. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts; pour mixture into the prepared cake pan. Level the top with a palette knife and bake 35-40 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack before turning out and cutting. O 88

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

taste review

FEAST YOUR EYES: (Clockwise from Left) dining room; Tiramisu; Osso Buco; Black Skillet-Roasted Mussels

WELL DONE Dining At Fort Lauderdale’s Timpano Italian Chophouse Is A Rare Treat BY LESLIE KRAFT BURKE

inding more than just a great steak is challenging at most traditional chophouses. One certainly doesn’t expect to ﬁnd excellent seafood and fresh homemade pasta—but you’ll ﬁnd this and more at Timpano Italian Chophouse in Fort Lauderdale. Begin your evening at Timpano’s Starlight Lounge, a lively, sophisticated spot reminiscent of an urban Chicago supper club. Standout cocktails include the Pear-fect Martini, made with divine pear puree, lemon, Grey Goose Pear vodka and moscato. Gin lovers will be thrilled with the Cucumber Sage Martini, crafted with lemon and Hendrick’s gin. For a true treat, order one of Timpano’s luscious, oversized martinis. Whether enjoying drinks at the bar, or dinner in the

chic dining room, guests here are treated like cherished VIPs. This is the Timpano philosophy and Chef Tim Hmay wouldn’t have it any other way. “Elevated quality for our guests in every form—whether it’s the quality and creativity of our food, or the attention to detail in our service— is of ultimate importance to us,” says Chef Hmay, who knows all about VIP service, having cooked for the likes of Micky Arison, and special guests of the Miami Heat and Miami Marlins. Quality and creativity are the watchwords here, as reﬂected in Timpano’s outstanding appetizers and seafood. We’ve never enjoyed

where

such plentiful Clams Oreganata, and the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops are a feast adorned with asparagus, sweet creamy polenta and lobster cream sauce. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, served with roasted red pepper béarnaise, arugula and lemon conﬁt. FireRoasted Meatballs are another excellent appetizer, accompanied by rich housemade marinara, basil chiffonade and garlic crostini.

Timpano Italian Chophouse is located at 450 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 954-462-9119 or visit timpanochophouse.net.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Even the salads here are an adventure. Try the Watercress & Arugula, with blue cheese, spicy candied walnuts, Granny Smith apples and Champagne vinaigrette. Another great option is The Wedge, with crispy iceberg lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, grape tomatoes, maple Cajun bacon, chives and housemade blue cheese dressing. Traditional Italian classics such as Veal Parmesan and Osso Buco are favorites, both exceptionally tender and ﬂavorful. The Eggplant Rollatini is truly the best I’ve ever tasted, made with crispy eggplant rolled with ricotta,

housemade mozzarella and basil tomato sauce. The pìece de résistance, of course, is the steak, and the Bone-In Rib-Eye is magnificent. Hand-cut, brimming with flavor and grilled to perfection, this dish will please the most discriminating carnivore. Pair it with the Sautéed Spinach with garlic and chili flakes, and Truffled Mac & Cheese for an unforgettable main course combination. And save room for dessert. Timpano’s Tiramisu is a rich reminder that the best of sweets complete the most satisfying of meals. O

LIC. #CBC1251294

SIW WINDOWS & DOOR

M A N U FA C T U R I N G , L L C

975 SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 102, DELRAY BEACH, FL FACTORY/SHOWROOM 561.274.8283 TOLL FREE 877.274.8283 WWW.SIWIMPACTWINDOWS.COM MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM SATURDAY 11AM - 3PM

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CASEMENTS | PROJECT-OUTS | ROLLING | SINGLE HUNGS | FIXED AND ARCHITECTURAL WINDOWS

taste listings AMERICAN/STEAKHOUSES

B I T E S/

ABE & LOUIE’S Glades Plaza

❘ 2200 W. Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.447.0024 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday,

Dinner nightly, Sunday Brunch. ANGLE Eau Palm Beach Resort &

Spa ❘ 100 South Ocean Boulevard ❘ Manalapan ❘ 561.540.4850 ❘ Dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Saturday. ATLANTIC GRILLE Seagate Hotel & Spa ❘ 1000 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.665.4900 ❘ Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday. BISTRO N Nordstrom at Town Center at Boca Raton ❘ Second Floor ❘ 5820 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.620.3286 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Monday-Sunday. BISTRO 241 241 N.E. Second

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.330.4080 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. Brunch Friday-Sunday. BOGART’S BAR & GRILLE

Cinemark Palace 20 ❘ 3200 Airport Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.3044 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. BONEFISH GRILL Shoppes at

Boca Grove ❘ 21065 Powerline Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.483.4949 ❘ Lunch Saturday-Sunday, Dinner nightly. BREWZZI Glades Plaza ❘

2222 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. 561.392.2739

BURT & MAX’S Delray Marketplace ❘ 9089 W. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.638.6380 ❘ Brunch Saturday-Sunday, Dinner daily.

NOSH FROM NEW YORK Boca’s Authentic Kosher Deli Wins Two National Awards

ocals know that Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers in Boca Raton specializes in savory Jewish soul food. For 42 years, since the family-owned operation set up shop in New York, its motto has been, “We cure our own corned beef; our chicken soup cures everything else!” Pundits have taken notice. TripAdvisor, the online travel website, awarded the restaurant with its certificate of excellence—one of only a handful of restaurants selected yearly to earn this esteemed distinction—based on reviews submitted by travelers from all over the world. And recently, the chain earned the National Restaurant Association’s 2014 Restaurant Neighbor Award for its community activism, providing free meals to the needy and organizing a series of charitable events. “Being in the restaurant industry,” says CEO Ronnie Dragoon, “it has always been imperative to find ways to help those

who go hungry.” Kosher connoisseur or not, there’s something for every appetite at Ben’s, including specialty sandwiches such as the foot-long Israeli Hero (which can feed “three average mensch,” according to the menu), to Ronnie’s Tastemaster, “where the meats meet.” There’s also a kids’ menu featuring smaller servings of traditional favorites. Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers is located at 9942 Clint Moore Road. For more information, call 561-470-9963 or visit bensdeli.net. – C.M.

BUTCHER BLOCK GRILL

Fountains Center ❘ 7000 West Camino Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.409.3035 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner daily. THE CAPITAL GRILLE Town

Center ❘ 6000 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.368.1077 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. CHOPS LOBSTER BAR 101

Plaza Real South ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.395.2675 ❘ Dinner nightly. TWO GEORGES AT THE COVE MARINA 1754 S.E. Third Ct. ❘

Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ 954.421.9272 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. 92

CUT 432 432 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘

Delray Beach ❘ 561.272.9898 ❘ Dinner nightly. DADA 52 North Swinton Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.330.3232 ❘ Dinner nightly. FARMER’S TABLE 1901 North

Military Trail ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.417.5836 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily; Brunch Saturday and Sunday. FIFTH AVENUE GRILL 821

South Federal Hwy. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.265.0122 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily; Brunch Saturday and Sunday.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

GRAND LUX CAFE Town

Center ❘ 6000 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.2141 ❘ Breakfast Saturday-Sunday. Lunch and Dinner daily. THE GRILLE ON CONGRESS

5101 Congress Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.912.9800 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday. HENRY’S The Shoppes at

Addison Place ❘ 16850 Jog Rd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.638.1949 ❘ Lunch Monday-Saturday, Dinner nightly.

HOUSTON’S 1900 N.W.

Executive Center Circle ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.998.0550 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. J. ALEXANDER’S University Commons ❘ 1400 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.9875 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. KEE GRILL 17940 N. Military Trail ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.995.5044 ❘ Dinner nightly. MARIPOSA Neiman Marcus at

Town Center ❘ 5860 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.2320 ❘ Lunch daily.

taste listings MAX’S GRILLE Mizner Park ❘ 404 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.368.0080 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday.

SIX TABLES 112 N.E. Second St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.6260 ❘ Dinner Tuesday-Saturday by reservation.

MAX’S HARVEST 169 N.E.

SUNDY HOUSE 106 S. Swinton

Second Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.381.9970 ❘ Dinner nightly, Brunch Saturday-Sunday.

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.272.5678 ❘ Lunch Tuesday-Saturday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Brunch Sunday.

MEAT EATERY & TAPROOM

13 AMERICAN TABLE 451 E. Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.409.2061 ❘ Dinner MondaySaturday.

Cendyn Spaces ❘ 980 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Suite 115 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.419.2600 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Monday-Friday, Lunch and Dinner Saturday and Sunday. MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE

The Shops at Boca Center ❘ 5050 Town Center Circle ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.7724 ❘ Dinner nightly. NEW YORK PRIME 2350 N.W.

Executive Center Dr. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.998.3881 ❘ Dinner nightly. OCEANS 234 234 N. Ocean Blvd. ❘ Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ 954.428.2539 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Sunday. THE OFFICE 201 E. Atlantic

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.276.3600 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. PARK TAVERN 32 S.E. Second

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.265.5093 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. THE PAVILION GRILLE 301

Yamato Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.912.0000 ❘ Lunch TuesdayFriday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. RACKS DOWNTOWN EATERY & TAVERN Mizner Park ❘ 402

Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.395.1662 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. Brunch Saturday-Sunday. REBEL HOUSE 297 E. Palmetto

Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.353.5888 ❘ Dinner nightly. RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Mizner Park ❘ 225 N.E. Mizner Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.6746 ❘ Dinner nightly. SALT SEVEN 32 S.E. Second

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.274.7258 ❘ Dinner nightly. SEASONS 52 2300 N.W. Executive Center Dr. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.998.9952 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

ASIAN/SUSHI ASIA SUSHI/WOK/GRILL (KOSHER) The Fountains ❘

7600 Camino Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly except Friday and Saturday. 561.544.8100

BUDDHA SKY BAR 217 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.450.7557 ❘ Dinner nightly.

21073 Powerline Road #41 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.852.5770 ❘ Lunch and dinner daily. KAO TONG 217 E. Palmetto Park

Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.2999 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. KAPOW! NOODLE BAR Mizner Park ❘ 431 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.7322 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. LA TRE 249 E. Palmetto Park

Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.4568 ❘ Dinner nightly. LEMONGRASS ASIAN BISTRO

420 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.5050 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday Dinner nightly. 101 Plaza Real South ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.8181 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. MAI HIBACHI 4801 Linton Blvd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.499.2766 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

RISE MODERN ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI 6060

S.W. 18th St., #108 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.8808 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly. SAITO’S JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 8841 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca

Raton ❘ 561.218.8788 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. SHINJU BUFFET 7875 Glades

Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.488.4040 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. STIR CRAZY FRESH ASIAN GRILL

Town Center ❘ 6000 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.338.7500 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. SUSHIGO 477 N. Federal

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.7888 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner Thursday-Sunday.

BLUEFIN SUSHI THAI GRILL

861 Yamato Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.981.8986 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly. CAY DA VIETNAMESE 7400 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.998.0278 ❘ Lunch TuesdayFriday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. EURO FUSION RESTAURANT AND BAR (KOSHER) Wharfside

❘ 6877 S.W. 18th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily. Closed Friday night. 561.395.1109

FAH ASIAN BISTRO Boca Valley

Plaza ❘ 7461 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.241.0400 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. HOUSE OF SIAM 25 N.E. Second

Ave., #116 ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.330.9191 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. JAPANGO Regency Court ❘

3011 Yamato Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ Shoppes of Parkland ❘ 7367 N. State Road 7 ❘ Parkland ❘ 954.345.4268 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. Delray Marketplace ❘ 14811 Lyons Rd. ❘ #106 ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.638.9996 ❘ Lunch TuesdayFriday, Dinner Friday-Saturday. 561.999.1263 Riverstone

JIDAI KAITEN SUSHI & SAKE BAR Shoppes at Boca Grove ❘

New York Prime's Porterhouse

SUSHI RAY Shops at Boca Center ❘ 5250 Town Center Circle ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.394.9506 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

PEI WEI Fifth Avenue Shops ❘ 1914 N.E. Fifth Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561. 226.0290 7152 Beracasa Way ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.322.1001 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

SUSHI THAI 100 N.E. Second St. ❘ Boca Raton 561.750.4448 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO

TEMPURA HOUSE The Reserve ❘

University Commons ❘ 1400 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.393.3722 ❘ Lunch MondaySaturday, Dinner nightly. PINE GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT 1668 N. Federal

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.395.7534 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

9858 Clint Moore Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.883.6088 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. THE SEA SOUTH EAST ASIAN KITCHEN 16950 Jog Road #1015

❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.270.3569 ❘ Lunch and Dinner MondaySaturday, Dinner Sunday. AUGUST 2014

taste listings

UNCLE TAI’S The Shops at Boca

Center ❘ 5250 Town Center Circle ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.368.8806 ❘ Lunch Monday-Saturday, Dinner nightly. YAKITORI SAKE HOUSE 271 S.E. Mizner Blvd., #41 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.0087 ❘ Lunch and Dinner nightly. YAMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

FLEMING’S BISTRO 6060 S.W. 18th St., #103 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.1117 ❘ Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

CARPE DIEM 110 E. Atlantic

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE The Shops

Ave., #120 ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.455.2140 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Sunday.

at Boca Center ❘ 5050 Town Center Circle #239 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.3777 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

JOSEF’S TABLE Polo Shops ❘

CASIMIR BISTRO Royal Palm

CAFFE LUNA ROSA 34 S. Ocean Blvd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.274.9404 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

5030 Champion Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.353.2700 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly.

200 N.E. Second Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.266.9929 ❘ Lunch Monday-Thursday, Dinner daily.

LA CIGALE 253 S.E. Fifth Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.265.0600 ❘ Dinner Monday-Saturday.

YOKOHAMA 9168 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.451.1707 60 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.9328 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

LE RIVAGE 450 N.E. 20th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.620.0033 ❘ Lunch Tuesday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

BARBECUE LUCILLE’S BAD TO THE BONE BBQ Regency Court ❘ 3011 Yamato

Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.997.9557 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. MISSISSIPPI SWEETS BBQ CO.

2399 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.394.6779 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday, Dinner Sunday. PA BBQ GRILL 1198 N. Dixie

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.416.7427 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. SHORTY’S BAR-B-Q The Reserve

❘ 9858 Clint Moore Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.487.0024 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

OLIO BISTRO 42 S.E. Second Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.6633 ❘ Dinner Thursday-Saturday. ST. TROPEZ 7860 Glades

Rd. Suite 130 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly. 561.368.4119

TEA-LICIOUS TEAROOM & GIFTS 4997-B W. Atlantic

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.638.5155 ❘ Breakfast and Lunch, MondaySaturday. THE BOCA BEACH HOUSE 887 E. Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.826.8850 ❘ Breakfast and Lunch daily. Closed Monday.

FONDUE

CARIBBEAN

THE MELTING POT 5455 N.

CARIBBEAN GRILL 1332 N.W.

561.997.7472

Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Dinner nightly.

Place ❘ 416 Via De Palmas, #81 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.955.6001 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. KATHY’S GAZEBO CAFÉ

Spanish River Center ❘ 4199 North Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.395.6033 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. LA NOUVELLE MAISON 5 Palms

Building ❘ 455 East Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.338.3003 ❘ Dinner daily. MIMOSA Polo Shops ❘ 5030

Champion Blvd, #D3 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Lunch TuesdayFriday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. 561.997.0027

BIERGARTEN Royal Palm Place ❘

309 Via De Palmas #90 ❘ 561.395.7462 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

GREEK ESTIA TAVERNA & BAR Royal

Palm Place ❘ 507 S.E. Mizner Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.245.8885 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

561.362.0161

ROCKSTEADY JAMAICAN BISTRO 2399 N. Federal Hwy. ❘

TAVERNA KYMA 6298 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.994.2828 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

Boca Raton ❘ 561.465.3167 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily 1179 S. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.910.1562 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

TAVERNA OPA 270 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.303.3602 ❘ Dinner nightly.

ITALIAN

CONTINENTAL

ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA

BOHEME BISTRO 1118 E.

Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.4899 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

FRENCH

Shops at Boca Grove ❘ 21065 Powerline Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.218.6600 115 N.E. Sixth Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.7911 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

DORSIA RESTAURANT 5837 N.

BISTRO PROVENCE 2399 N.

ARTURO’S 6750 N. Federal Hwy.

Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.961.4156 ❘ Dinner daily.

Federal Hwy., #4 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Dinner nightly.

561.368.2340

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Second Ave. ❘ Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ ❘ Lunch WednesdaySunday, Dinner daily, Brunch Sunday. 954.596.5840

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

Town Center ❘ 6000 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.368.2805 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL

Wharfside Plaza ❘ 6909 S.W. 18th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.8838 ❘ Lunch Saturday-Sunday, Dinner nightly. CASA D’ANGELO 171 E. Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.996.1234 ❘ Dinner nightly.

GERMAN

MILOS TAVERNA 1600 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.750.6720 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner nightly.

Second Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

CAFE MED BY BICE 2096 N.E.

❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.997.7373 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.

D’ANGELO PIZZA, WINE BAR AND TAPAS Addison Place ❘

16950 Jog Rd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner Saturday-Sunday 561.381.0037

DAVITO’S 19635 State Road 7 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.482.2323 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. DOMINICS 8177 W. Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.487.3186 Westwinds of Boca ❘ 9834 W. Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.487.6325 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. FRANK & DINO’S 718 S. Federal Hwy. ❘ Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ 954.427.4909 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. IL GIRASOLE RESTAURANT 1911 S. Federal Highway ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.272.3566 ❘ Dinner nightly IL BACIO 29 S.E. Second Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.865.7785 ❘ Dinner nightly. JOSEPHINE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 5751 N. Federal

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.988.0668 ❘ Dinner Wednesday-Monday. LA STELLA'S RESTAURANT 159 E. Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.2081 ❘ Dinner MondaySaturday.

taste listings

LA LUNA BISTRO The Polo Shoppes ❘ 5030 Champion Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.997.1165 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. LA VILLETTA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 4351 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.362.8403 ❘ Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. MAGGIANO’S 21090 St. Andrews Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.361.8244 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. MARIO’S OSTERIA 1400 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.239.7000 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. MATTEO’S RESTAURANT 233 S. Federal Hwy. ❘

Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.0773 ❘ Dinner nightly. MEATBALL ROOM Regency Court ❘ 3011 Yamato Road, Suite A19 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561-4094111 ❘ Dinner daily. NICK’S NEW HAVEN-STYLE PIZZERIA & BAR 2240 N.W. 19th St., Suite 904 ❘ Boca

Raton ❘ 561.368.2900 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. NINO'S Fifth Avenue Shops ❘ 1930 N.E. Fifth Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.362.8990 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. PASTA FEVER 4251 N. Federal Hwy. ❘

Boca Raton ❘ 561.338.0012 ❘ Lunch TuesdayFriday, Dinner nightly. Closed Monday.

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

PELLEGRINO'S RISTORANTE 3360 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.368.5520 ❘ Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

$5 OFF FULL HOUR

PICCOLINO RESTAURANT 78 S. Federal

(Regularly Priced $35) with mention of this ad *

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.395.8858 ❘ Dinner Monday-Saturday. POSITANO 4400 N. Federal Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.2920 ❘ Dinner nightly. RENZO’S OF BOCA 5999 N. Federal

Hwy. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.994.3495 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. RISTORANTE SAPORI Royal Palm Place ❘ 99

Royal Palm Place ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.367.9779 ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. TABLE 42 KITCHEN & WINE BAR Royal

Palm Place ❘ 399 S.E. Mizner Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.826.2625 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

Asian Foot Relaxation Men, Women and Children Welcome

TANZY iPic Theaters at Mizner Park ❘ 301 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.922.6699 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. TERRA FIAMMA Delray Marketplace ❘ 9169

19635 State Road 7 (Boca Greens Plaza, Bay #35), Boca Raton 561-923-9785 *Expires August 31st

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

West Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.495.5570 ❘ Sunday-Saturday Lunch and Dinner, Monday Dinner only.

taste listings

CHEF FRANK ROSANO & WIFE ANTONELLA Exclusively at Villa Rosano

TRAMONTI 119 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray

Beach ❘ 561.272.1944 ❘ Lunch Monday-Saturday, Dinner nightly. TRATTORIA ROMANA 499 E. Palmetto

Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.393.6715 ❘ Dinner nightly.

Genuine Cuisine From The Homeland

TUCCI'S FIRE N COAL PIZZA 50 N.E.

The Boca Raton Observer

First Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.620.2930 ❘ Lunch Tuesday- Saturday, Dinner nightly.

Best Of Boca And Beyond 2009

VIC & ANGELO’S 290 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘

Boca Raton Magazine

Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.9570 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday.

One Of Those Fabulous Finds Palm Beach Post-2010

VILLAGIO ITALIAN EATERY Mizner Park ❘

★★★1/2 Sun Sentinel-2010

344 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.447.2257 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. VILLA ROSANO The Reserve ❘ 9858 Clint

Moore Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.470.0112 ❘ Lunch Monday-Saturday, Dinner nightly. VINO WINE BAR AND ITALIAN TAPAS

114 N.E. Second St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.869.0030 ❘ Dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

LATIN

CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS ~ NOW ACCEPTING CALL AHEAD SEATING Monday-Saturday Lunch 11:30-2:30

Dinner Every Evening 5-10

V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B AT W W W. V I L L A R O S A N O. C O M

AZUCAR CUBAN CAFE Boca/Ray Plaza ❘ 4900 Linton Blvd. Suite 14 ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.495.4427 ❘ Lunch Tuesday-Friday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. THE CUBAN CAFE Plumtree Centre ❘

3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly. Closed Sunday. 561.750.8860

CABANA RESTAURANT 105 E. Atlantic

Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.274.9090 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. PADRINO’S Mission Bay Plaza ❘ 20455 State Road 7 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.451.1070 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

MEDITERRANEAN/TURKISH BOCA SKEWERS Mizner Plaza ❘130 N.E. Second St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.9961 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. MOZART CAFE (KOSHER) The Fountains ❘ 7300 W. Camino Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.367.3412 ❘ Breakfast and Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner daily.

MEXICAN BAJA CAFE DOS 1310 S. Federal Hwy. ❘ Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ 954.596.1304 ❘ Lunch Monday-Saturday, Dinner nightly.

AUGUST 2014

? yet

reservations have you made your

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

once, you only live

so why not...

eat, drink & love the places you dine at & the cuisine you experience

taste listings

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR The Shops at Boca Center ❘ 5250 Town Center Circle ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.416.2131 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. SEÑOR BURRITO 513 N.E. 20th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.347.6600 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. UNCLE JULIO’S Mizner Park ❘ 449 Plaza

Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.300.3530 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday.

ORGANIC APROPO KAFE 147 S.E. First Ave. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.393.1223 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. 4TH GENERATION ORGANIC MARKET

75 S.E. Third St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.338.9920 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

PUBS/SPORTS BARS BRICK YARD MICRO BREWERY The Garden

Shops ❘ 7050 W. Palmetto Park Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ ❘ Lunch Saturday, Dinner nightly.

561.544.0001

DUFFY’S SPORTS GRILL 21212 St. Andrews Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.869.0552 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. THE ENGLISH TAP & BEER GARDEN

5050 Town Center Circle, #247 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.544.8000 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Monday-Sunday. HOLLOWAY'S PUB Royal Palm Place ❘ 504 Via De Palmas ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.361.8445 ❘ Dinner nightly. HOOTERS Boca Commons ❘ 2240 N.W. 19th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.391.8903 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS Mission Bay ❘ 10125 Glades Rd. ❘ 561.218.8848 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. MILLER’S ALE HOUSE Shoppes at Blue Lake ❘ 1200 Yamato Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.988.9142 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. Boca Lyons Plaza ❘ 9244 W. Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.487.2989 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. THE WISHING WELL IRISH PUB Royal

Palm Place ❘ 111 S.E. Mizner Blvd., #9 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.750.5208 ❘ Dinner nightly. YARD HOUSE Mizner Park ❘ 201 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.417.6124 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily.

SANDWICHES/DELI BEN’S KOSHER DELICATESSEN RESTAURANT & CATERERS The Reserve ❘ 9942 Clint Moore

Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.470.9963 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

CORNER BAKERY CAFE Boca Commons ❘ 2240 N.W. 19th St. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.417.6060 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. GRILL TIME (KOSHER) 8177 Glades Rd. ❘

Boca Raton ❘ 561.482.3699 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Sunday-Thursday. SHULA BURGER Delray Marketplace ❘

14917 Lyons Rd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561. 404.1347. ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily. TOOJAY’S GOURMET DELI

Polo

Shops ❘ 5030 Champion Blvd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.241.5903 Boca Commons ❘ 2240 N.W. 19th St., #700 ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.392.4181 Regency Court ❘ 3013 Yamato Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.997.9911 ❘ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.

SEAFOOD BOSTON’S ON THE BEACH 40 S. Ocean

Blvd. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.278.3364 ❘ Breakfast Saturday-Sunday, Lunch and Dinner daily. CITY FISH MARKET 7940 Glades Rd. ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.487.1600 ❘ Lunch MondayFriday, Dinner daily. CITY OYSTER 213 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.272.0220 ❘ Lunch daily, Dinner nightly. DECK 84 840 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray

Beach ❘ 561.665.8484 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday. 50 OCEAN 40 S. Ocean Blvd. ❘ Delray

Beach ❘ 561.278.3364 ❘ Brunch Sunday, Lunch and Dinner daily. JB'S ON THE BEACH 300 N.E. 21st. Ave. ❘

Deerﬁeld Beach ❘ 954.571.5220 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Breakfast Saturday and Sunday. J & J SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL 634 E.

Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.272.3390 ❘ Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. RACKS FISH HOUSE + OYSTER BAR

letshowus you the way

taste listings

introduce you to the best chefs, restaurateurs, owners & maitre d’s of our area’s most enticing restaurants

reserve your spot

today in the food & wine issue

coming

10.2014

Five S.E. Second Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.450.6718 ❘ Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch Saturday-Sunday. 32 EAST 32 E. Atlantic Ave. ❘ Delray Beach ❘ 561.276.7868

❘ Dinner nightly.

TRULUCK’S Mizner Park ❘ 351 Plaza Real ❘ Boca Raton ❘ 561.391.0755 ❘ Dinner nightly. O

561.982.8960 For more information on our Dining Guide, please call 561.982.8960 or email sales@bocaratonobserver.com.

sales@bocaratonobserver.com bocaratonobserver.com AUGUST 2014

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN BOCA RATON,

FOCUSING ON STUDENT SUCCESS

IN CLASSROOM AND BEYOND

ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL

GIVES STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITIES AND TOOLS TO SUCCEED

hoosing a school for your child’s education isn’t an easy decision. At St. Joan of Arc, ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL we understand that. We also understand that many parents are looking for an educational 501 S.W. 3rd Ave. Boca Raton, Fl 33432 environment that supports traditional values, faith formation, academic excellence, individualized 561.392.7974 • info@stjoan.org attention for each child, and a rigorous discipline code. These characteristics of Catholic education w w w. s t j o a n . o r g are embodied by our own mission and curriculum at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School which leave This year, we are able to add two more names parents feeling confident they’ve found a supportive learning environment for their children. At St. Joan of Arc, we are proud of our history as high caliber educators, our dedication to providing a modern education rooted in traditional values, and the many talented children who’ve passed through our doors and gone on to become accomplished students in high school and beyond.

WE’VE CALLED SOUTH FLORIDA HOME FOR A LONG TIME.

St. Joan is accessible to those who want to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School has been thriving in learn in a Catholic environment. This is why we Boca Raton for over 50 years. In 1960, the school participate in Step Up for Students (a program was established by the Sisters of Mercy along with that provides scholarships to families who meet financial need guidelines). SJA’s tuition is a group of parish parents. Since its inception, the school has grown to its present size of approximately comparable to other Catholic schools in the area. 550 students in Pre-Kindergarten 3 to Grade 8. As Our dedication to opening doors and providing a strong educational foundation has even earned us we continue to grow, we are conscious of staying close to our roots and maintaining the integrity of a the Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, ranking us Catholic education. Just as important, we are among the highest performing schools in the nation. continually drawing from highest standards in And of course, this excellent academic standing is education and evolving our curriculum to include new approaches to learning, ensuring that all of our accomplished in an environment dedicated to the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church, where students stay ahead of the curve. the uniqueness, and the dignity of each student, as a child of God, is respected and nurtured. WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW AND LEARN.

At St. Joan, we’re dedicated to providing opportunities for our students to live up to their learning potential. That means offering a growing number of advanced subjects at the high school level, providing individualized learning assistance, and increasing students’ access to cutting edge technologies, such as 1:1 take home iPads that will be issued to middle school students in the coming 2014-2015 school year to enhance learning both at school and at home.

OUR STUDENTS CONTINUE TO SUCCEED. At St. Joan of Arc, we love to watch our students flourish in our classrooms, but we are equally delighted and honored to see our alumni succeed after passing through our doors. In the past 8 years, 15 St. Joan of Arc alumni have been named Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their local high schools, and an increasing number of students are graduating in the top 10% of their class.

to our list of academic victors. Esther Ponce de Leon and Julia Lewis both graduated from Pope John Paul II High School this year at the top of their class. Esther was named the class Valedictorian and was accepted to 7 top universities throughout the country. She accepted her offer to University of Miami, where she was also granted a scholarship, and will be studying finance in the fall. The school’s Salutatorian, Julia, spent her high school years balancing an MVP position on the varsity tennis team with a rigorous academic course load. She will be attending the University of Florida this summer. St. Joan of Arc would like to congratulate Esther, Julia, and all St. Joan alumni graduates on their achievements this year. By instilling in students a strong work ethic, confidence to develop their talents, and a love of learning, St. Joan of Arc alumni can always be counted to stand tall above other elementary school graduates.

WE’RE AN OPEN BOOK. The honors, achievements, and recognition that St. Joan of Arc receives are appreciated, but they are not what sustain us. We pride ourselves on our connection to students and parents more so than the ribbons on our wall. If you have any questions about St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, please reach out to us. We can only grow and continue to share our passion for a dynamic education if we are communicating with the St. Joan of Arc families of the present and future.

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spotlight

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Amy Ferguson

FAMILY FUN

Delray Marketplace Offers A Unique Dining, Shopping And Entertainment Experience BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN tart with 254,686 square feet of prime real estate in West Delray Beach. Build 42 great businesses—restaurants such as Burt & Max’s Grille, ﬁne retail shops like Francesca’s Collections, specialty shops such as Hair Studio Artists; services like AT&T, and even a Frank Theatres’ CineBowl and Grille, complete with IMAX movie palace and 16 bowling lanes. The result: Delray Marketplace— a mega outdoor shopping destination with incredible appeal. “We bring much-needed shopping, dining and entertainment options to the local Delray market, plus the Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and southwest Palm Beach County areas,” explains

General Manager Amy Ferguson. “Residents and visitors no longer have to drive south 25 minutes to enjoy one convenient, all-inclusive destination where they can grocery shop (at Publix) and get a manicure and haircut at the same place they can enjoy dinner and a movie—the options are endless!” Delray Marketplace, which was completed in February

“

are free and open to the public,” Ferguson points out. “We offer something for everyone—from live concerts to special holiday productions.” The center’s Family Fun Day event series, for example, is a summer rotation of kidfriendly activities in the amphitheater that takes place every other Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. through August 13. The Marketplace Music Fest,

event in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our $1,000 Shopping Spree Sweepstakes will kick off and continue each week in November, just in time for the holiday shopping season,” adds Ferguson. As if this wasn’t excitement enough, Delray Marketplace recently introduced its new “Delray Diva,” Jen Stone, who blogs about the

The majority of our events are free and open to the public. We offer something for everyone—from live concerts to special holiday productions. 2013, presents not only terriﬁc shops, restaurants and entertainment, but special events held on a regular basis. “The majority of our events

– Amy Ferguson, general manager

which features live music in the amphitheater, happens every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. “We’ll also host our annual ‘Taste of Delray Marketplace’

”

center’s restaurants and retailers, featuring fashion tips and trends, dining news, store promotions and specials, event updates, and more. Due to the growing in-

Delray Marketplace is located at 14851 Lyons Road in Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-865-4613 or visit delraymarket.com. 106

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ﬂux of visitors to Delray Marketplace, as well as new tenants like Soma Intimates, LOFT, Oh My Bod, and, in late fall, Apeiro, a Mediterranean restaurant (Rapoport Restaurant Group’s second concept at the center), there will be plenty of parking available as the center was recently approved to add 439 more spaces for a total of 1,492. “The Marketplace has become increasingly successful since opening, and we’re committed to better accommodating patrons’ parking needs,” Ferguson says. Shopping, dining, entertainment, enjoyment—all at one extraordinary destination. Check out Delray Marketplace and see what all of the hoopla is about! O

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flash

Photo by Janis Bucher

THE ESSENTIAL SOCIAL DIGEST

HIGH STYLE

Go Pink Luncheon To Feature Famous Fashionista Stacy London

he color pink just got even chicer: Stacy London, frequent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;? show style commentator, best-selling author and breast cancer advocate, will be the keynote speaker at the 11th Annual Go Pink Luncheon, which will take place at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on October 24. The event raises funds and awareness for the ďŹ ght against breast cancer at the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christine E. Lynn Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health & Wellness Institute, and the keynote speaker is being presented by the Edward and Freyda Burns Enhanced Living Initiative. Passionate about helping women with cancer regain their conďŹ dence, London works with the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look Good Feel Betterâ&#x20AC;? program for breast cancer patients. She also supports the Triple

Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, providing makeovers for doublemastectomy survivors. She co-hosted TLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;What Not to Wearâ&#x20AC;? from 2003-2013, has decades of experience in fashion styling for Vogue and Mademoiselle, has worked with celebrities including Katie Holmes and Kate Winslet, and has consulted for design-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Truth About Styleâ&#x20AC;? is a New York Times best-seller and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a contributor to People, The New York Times and other publications. Event highlights will include the live auction of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Apple Goes Pink! with Saks Fifth Avenue and Donna Karan,â&#x20AC;? a package that will include two tickets to the Donna

Passionate about helping women with cancer regain their confidence, London works with the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look Good Feel Betterâ&#x20AC;? program for breast cancer patients. She also supports the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, providing makeovers for double-mastectomy survivors. ers Vivienne Tam and Rebecca Taylor. Along with her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;? role, she has appeared as a style expert on Access Hollywood and CNN. Her latest book,

Karan Fall Runway Show in New York during Fashion Week, a meetand-greet with the iconic designer, and much more. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will

The Go Pink Luncheon Committee: (Front Row) Judy Levis Markhoff, Lana Rosenzweig, Charlotte Robinson, Helen Babione, Sally Brisker, Anne Jacobson, Amy Ross and Robin Rubin (Second Row) Gwen Herb, Barbara Gutin, Debbie Leising, Marilyn Barry, Nickie Siegel and Jo Ann Procacci (Third Row) Dr. Nicole Edeiken, Stacy Atwater, Vanessa Carosella, Robin Smollar, Chim Francisco, Liz Linden, Jan Savarick, Patti Carpenter, Pat Thomas, Marie Occhigrossi, Jodi Colton, Linda Behmoiras, Terry Adelman and Doreen Alrod. Note: Some members are not pictured.

also feature the popular MercedesBenz of Delray Pink Daisy Pick RafďŹ&#x201A;e with hundreds of great prizes. Christine Lynn, Judy Levis Markhoff, Barbara Gutin and Thea Stoneman are the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorary chairs and Patti Carpenter again serves as committee chair and will host the event. O For more information, call 561-9554142 or visit brrh.com.

Around Town includes news about community and social events, parties, charities, fundraisers, special recognitions and more. Have something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to include? For consideration, please email no less than 500 words about the event, along with photos that include caption information, a phone number and a website address to editor@bocaratonobserver.com. Please write â&#x20AC;&#x153;Around Townâ&#x20AC;? in the subject line, and note that submissions will be edited for clarity and length. Photos become the property of The Boca Raton Observer. AUGUST 2014

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happenings around town

CLASS ACT

Helena Levine Named Donna Klein Jewish Academy’s Head Of School

he Donna Klein Jewish Academy Head of School search committee and the board of trustees have announced that Helena Levine, MSW, will be the next head of school at DKJA. The transition to her new position will take place in January 2015. Levine’s appointment represents the successful culmination of a process that began last July, during which more than 40 candidates were evaluated by the school’s search committee. The committee was comprised of administrators, community members and school parents. Levine has been an integral part of DKJA for the past nine years, the last three of which were as principal of Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School.

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In her position as principal, she demonstrated outstanding organizational skills, a proven ability to lead and a passion for Judaism— all achieved in a synergistic management style that impressed and inspired tremendous conﬁdence in the search committee. “Mrs. Levine’s manifest dedication to DKJA, her desire to expand DKJA’s place in the Jewish community and her willingness to embrace new ideas clearly set her apart as the best candidate to assume this position of national prestige,” said Genevieve Menaged, president of the board of trustees as of May 2014. “We extend our thanks to current Head of School Karen Feller for leaving a legacy of outstanding academic excellence and a commitment to Jewish life and

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Genevieve Menaged

learning that will continue with Mrs. Levine.” Levine will remain as principal of Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School until she assumes her new position. The hiring process for a new high school principal is currently underway. Other changes at DKJA include the appointment of Sydney Siegel

Helena Levine

as the new middle school principal. Siegel has held positions as middle school guidance counselor, advisory teacher and assistant middle school principal. Her position begins this 2014-2015 academic year. O For more information, call 561-5582122 or visit dkja.org.

happenings around town

MAKING THE GRADE

Lynn University President Kevin M. Ross Joins Liberal Arts College Steering Committee

evin M. Ross, president of Lynn University, has been named to a new steering committee of college and university presidents that will assess the future of independent colleges. The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) has organized the 22-member panel to develop a plan that encourages independent colleges and universities to revitalize their missions and business models. The project on the Future of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges is funded by the Lumina Foundation. With the guidance of the steering committee, the project will explore new approaches to higher education, alternative college business models, and potentially disruptive trends in American society and education, along with the traditional characteristics and missions of independent

liberal arts colleges that are regarded as essential to their success. The project will provide a new opportunity for CIC members to lead the national conversation about what it means to offer a high-quality education in the 21st century.

“

I’m looking forward to engaging in discussions with such an innovative group of independent college leaders. It’s time for the rise of independent colleges. – Kevin M. Ross

”

“Predictions about the future of higher education by politicians, journalists and policy analysts often disregard or deride the effectiveness of traditional colleges and universities,” said CIC President Richard Ekman.

Kevin M. Ross

“CIC, however, has always tried to ﬁnd an appropriate balance between innovations in higher education that show real promise for the future and the existing features of member institutions that have long demonstrated

their value. In this spirit, CIC’s new project will explore the future of independent colleges.” During its initial meeting—which will convene on September 16–17 in Washington, D.C.—the steering committee will focus on the development of a research agenda for the coming year. CIC staff and others will then conduct the research and prepare several framing papers based on the steering committee’s guidance. The committee’s second meeting will be devoted to development of an action plan to help CIC member institutions re-examine their missions and long-term strategic plans in intentional ways. “I’m looking forward to engaging in discussions with such an innovative group of independent college leaders,” said Ross. “It’s time for the rise of independent colleges.” O

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happenings

08.2014

calendar

[concerts

]

sporting events lectures art exhibits plays and so much more

AUGUST 6 When rock super-group Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) formed in the late 1960s, each member was already an established musician: David Crosby was with The Byrds, Stephen Stills with Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash with The Hollies. Their seamless three-part harmonies quickly struck a chord with fans, and in 1969 their self-titled first album was a huge hit (digitally remastered in 2009), with singles such as “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express” and “Guinnev-

ere.” The band at times was joined by Neil Young and called Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and through the years made an indelible mark on American culture (for their music, as well as their political activism and tumultuous in-fighting). CSN was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and members continue to tour individually and as a group. Check them out at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, where the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Sunset Cove Amphitheater 12551 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, 561-488-8069; ticketmaster.com

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722; arshtcenter.org

AUGUST 16 Slightly Stoopid Show begins at 6:30 p.m.

AUGUST 1-31 “H2OMBRE: Brave the Elements” Show times vary.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222; browardcenter.org

GUITAR MAN: Slash performs with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators on August 29 at 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Live

AUGUST 6 Crosby, Stills & Nash Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

AutoNation IMAX Theater

AUGUST 15 Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest Show begins at 7 p.m.

Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6637; mods.org AUGUST 2-3 “Flight of the Butterflies”— An IMAX 3D Experience Show times vary.

BB&T Center One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, 954-835-7469; thebbtcenter.com AUGUST 15-16 Monster Jam Show times vary. AUGUST 22-24 Crush Games 2014 Games begin at 8:15 a.m.

Cruzan Amphitheatre 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach; 561-795-8883; cruzanamphitheatre.net AUGUST 8 “Carnivores Tour” with Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars and AFI Show begins at 7 p.m. 116

The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater AUGUST 15 “The Summer Nationals Tour Feat” with The Offspring, Bad Religion and Pennywise Show begins at 7 p.m. AUGUST 16 Brad Paisley Show begins at 7 p.m. AUGUST 17 OneRepublic “Native Summer Tour” with The Script Show begins at 7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, One Seminole Way, Hollywood, 954-797-5555; hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com AUGUST 1 Yes Show begins at 8 p.m.

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

AUGUST 15 The Wayans Brothers Show begins at 8 p.m. AUGUST 20 Michael McDonald and Toto Show begins at 7:30 p.m. AUGUST 29 Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators Show begins at 8 p.m. AUGUST 31 Deep Purple Show begins at 7 p.m.

Miami Marlins Park

Parker Playhouse 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222; parkerplayhouse.com AUGUST 14 Classic Albums Live: Elton John’s Greatest Hits Show begins at 8 p.m. AUGUST 23 Artists for Multiple Sclerosis presents “The Pure Zeppelin Experience” Show begins at 8 p.m.

Sun Life Stadium 2269 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens,

501 Marlins Way, Miami, 305-480-1300; marlins.com

305-943-8000;

AUGUST 1-3, 11-17, 19-20 Marlins Baseball Game times vary.

AUGUST 8, 16, 23, 28 Miami Dolphins Pre-Season Football Show begins at 7 p.m.

sunlifestadium.com

1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-7300;

fillmoremb.com AUGUST 9 God Save the Queen Show begins at 8 p.m. AUGUST 23 Pimpinela Show begins at 8 p.m. AUGUST 24 Tori Amos “Unrepentant Geraldines Tour” Show begins at 8 p.m.

events AUGUST 1-3 Boca Ballet Theatre Presents “Swan Lake” Experience this famous classical ballet, staged after the original choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev

happenings calendar Ivanov, and set to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky. Takes place at Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theater in Boca Raton. Show times vary. For more information, call 561-995-0709 or visit bocaballet.org. AUGUST 2, 5, 7 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Team Challenge Meetings Take part in one of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s fun runs, meet-ups or informational meetings devoted to their upcoming Team Challenge season. Takes place at the Foundation ofﬁces in Boca Raton. Starts at 10 a.m. For more information, call 561218-2929 or visit ccteamchallenge.org.

place at the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton. Start times vary. For more information, call 561-852-3206 or visit bocamaccabi.org.

tion, call 561-620-2553 or visit jlbr.org.

AUGUST 12-13 Sandra Bernhard Check out the comedian’s new show, “Sandyland,” which showcases her hilarious insight and sharp wit, along with some rock’n’ roll cabaret and a bit of burlesque. Takes place at Jazziz Nightlife in Boca Raton. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 561-3000730 or visit jazziz.com.

AUGUST 16 Taste History Culinary Tours of Historic Palm Beach County Enjoy a day of great food, art and history as you sample fare from family-owned eateries, bakeries and cultural centers in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. Presented by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History and sponsored by Macy’s. Starts at 11 a.m. For more information, call 561-243-2662 or visit tastehistoryculinarytours.org.

AUGUST 15 The Taste of Royal Palm Place This event presented by the Junior League of Boca Raton will feature food and drinks from an assortment of restaurants in honor of Boca Festival Days. Takes place at Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton. Starts at 6 p.m. For more informa-

AUGUST 19 Party to the Max! Partake in a fun-filled evening of fine food and spirits in honor of Boca Festival Days. Benefits Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation and Hospice by the Sea Foundation. Takes place at Max’s Grille in Boca Raton. Starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call 561416-5037 or visit hpbcf.org.

AUGUST 19 Up the River Cruise Hosted by Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphin Dwight Stephenson, this is the ﬁnal event of the American Cancer Society’s Jail and Bail fundraiser. Takes place at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale. Starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 954-920-1571. AUGUST 19 Third Annual Physicians Talent Showcase Check out live performances by doctors who show off their musical, dancing and comedic talents. Beneﬁts

AUGUST 21 Delray Beach’s On The Avenue Music, art and activities will abound at this fun free event. Takes place along West Atlantic Avenue and S.W. Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach. Starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call 561-278-0424 or visit ontheavedelraybeach.com. AUGUST 30 Wine Country Safari Dress jungle chic and enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, a rafﬂe and silent auction.

AUGUST 8 Sushi & Stroll Enjoy the sound of taiko drums while strolling through tranquil gardens at sunset. Takes place at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. Starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 561-4950233 or visit morikami.org. AUGUST 9 “Bond With Us” Charity Event Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation will host a James Bond-style theme party with red carpet arrivals and the chance to be photographed with John Allen, Palm Beach County’s own Sean Connery impersonator. Takes place at Blue Martini in Boca Raton. Starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call 800-962-7769 or visit giftoﬂife.org. AUGUST 10-15 JCC Maccabi Games Jewish teens locally and abroad will compete in this annual athletic competition that includes social and community service events. Takes

CRASH THE PARTY: Monster Jam takes place on August 15-16 at the BB&T Center

Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches and the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation. Takes place at the Harriet Himmel Theatre in West Palm Beach. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 561-748-0036 or visit adoptafamilypbc.org.

Beneﬁts Twin Palms Center for the Disabled. Takes place at the Boca Museum of Art in Boca Raton. Starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call 561-391-4874 or visit twinpalmscenter.com. O AUGUST 2014

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Photos by Jeffrey Tholl Photography

happenings flash JEWISH FEDERATION MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVENT Basketball legend Walt Frazier helped the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County launch its inaugural program at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. About 160 civic-minded attendees mingled and enjoyed a lecture by Frazier, who spoke about philanthropy, teamwork and success.

1 Walt Frazier and Ron Gallatin 2 Walt Frazier and Craig Donoff 3 Back Row: Charles Lichtman, Stu Ganslaw, Arthur Goldberg, Walt Frazier, Peter Wohlgemuth, Ron Gallatin and Matt Levin Front Row: Chet Kay, Mark Dern, David Katzman, Stewart Kasen, Gary Rubin and Joe Mishkin 4 Gary Rubin, Walt Frazier and David Ross 5 Chet Kay, Peter Wohlgemuth, Walt Frazier, Stuart Ganslaw and Stewart Kasen 6 Sidney Silver, Dan Weiss, Walt Frazier and Samuel Greenberg 7 Frank Russo, Matt Levin and Ralph Behmoiras

6 118 T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Visit Flash Zone at bocaratonobserver.com for more event photos

Photos by Lucien Capehart Photography

happenings flash

NINTH ANNUAL EVERGLADES FOUNDATION BENEFIT The celebrities turned out at The Breakers Palm Beach, where Katie Couric was the emcee and more than 800 guests enjoyed a Southern feast and performances by Jimmy Buffett and the Zac Brown Band. The event raised more than $2 million for the Everglades Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring and protecting the wetlands.

1 Barbara & Jack Nicklaus 2 Sterling & Jeb McCracken 3 Michael Keaton, Katie Couric and Zac Brown 4 Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown 5 Tonya & Eric Eikenberg 6 Kevin & Minnie McCluskey, Bobby Leidy and Liza Calhoun

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Visit Flash Zone at bocaratonobserver.com for more event photos

Photos by Joseph Cristina

happenings flash UNICORN CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION’S ONE HOT NIGHT

Singer Jon Secada was the star attraction at this glamorous fundraiser, where more than 300 guests gathered at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach for an evening of dancing, cigar rolling, Cuban coffee and more. Event proceeds benefited Unicorn Children’s Foundation’s programs, which help kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. 1 Jon Secada 2 Lori & Dr. Rafael Cabrera 3 Back Row: Juliette Ezagui, Valeria Rosenbloom, Milli Hershman, Joanne Gabay, Silvana Halperin, Gwen Taylor, Lady Monica Heftler, Michelle Yellin, Elisabeth Dalfen, Lori Cabrera, Gilda Bejani, Angela Fisher and Dawn DeMarco-Book Front Row: Lily Braun, Andres Garcia, Jr., Madeline Hillsberg and Jeannette Stark 4 Juliette & David Ezagui and Gilda Bejani 5 JD & Genevieve Murphy

6 Marcie & Mark Butters

Visit Flash Zone at bocaratonobserver.com for more event photos

AUGUST 2014

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Photos by Claude Zick and Janis Bucher

happenings flash WOMEN OF TOMORROW WINE DINNER Nearly 140 supporters gathered at New York Prime in Boca Raton to attend Women of Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural sold-out Palm Beach County event. The fundraiser generated more than $39,000 for programs that benefit at-risk girls in all 24 Palm Beach County schools. 1 Fran & Jim Sharon

2 Dr. Scott Thompson, Dr. Judi Schaffer and Dr. Lisa Kay Mao 3 Deborah Martyn, Robbin Newman, Jennifer Valoppi, Laurie Silvers and Dr. Krista Rosenberg 4 Julie Peyton & Dr. Jeffrey Stein and Cindy Dana and Jason Wells 5 Robbin Newman, Eris Sandler, Rosary Plana Falero and Renea Austin 6 Paul & Dr. Krista Rosenberg, Jennifer Valoppi and Marisa Toccin & Hal Lucas 7 Jamie Danburg, Princess Sarvenaz Pahlavi, Christian Berdouare, Ron Klein, Jennifer Valoppi, Susan Roker and Jeff Daniels

4 5

6 122 T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Visit Flash Zone at bocaratonobserver.com for more event photos

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now&noteworthy

Daniel Ganc, M.D.

Pine Crest Boca Raton Parents’ Association Goes Back To The ’80s

Daniel Ganc, M.D. Now Performs Polyp Microdebridement, Turbinate Reduction And Endoscopic Septoplasty In The Office

Sara Medrano, Loren Lins, Rosa Feeney, Patricia Wallace, Keri Herman, Christina Haligman, Stacey Packer, Suma Farsedakis, Lynn Dudgeon and Caryn Schwartz

Patients were delighted with their experience with inoffice Balloon Sinuplasty and its minimal discomfort, rapid recovery and minimal downtime. With the benefit of recent technological innovations, Dr. Ganc is now able to treat nasal polyps, septal deviation and nasal congestion with minimally invasive techniques, in addition to Balloon Sinuplasty for sinusitis. Daniel Ganc, M.D., 1601 Clint Moore Road, Suite 105, Boca Raton, 561-413-9505.

The Pap Corps Donates $4.5 Million To Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Nonprofit organization The Pap Corps donated $4.5 million—$1 million more than last year—to benefit research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The donation took place at The Pap Corps’ annual luncheon, where 500 members gathered at Boca West Country Club. During the event, it was announced that $1.8 million of the funds would go toward establishing The Pap Corps Endowed Professorship in Leukemia. The Pap Corps, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 230, Deerfield Beach, 954-425-8100; thepapcorps.org.

Dr. Steven Nimer, JoAnne Goldberg and Bill Kingston

Massage Heights Body + Face Hosts Grand Opening Event At Regency Court The new retreat in Boca Raton offers professional, customized massages and facial services. Highlights of the event included lunch, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and raffle drawings, and a $500 donation to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Massage Heights Body + Face is an international franchise with more than 110 locations in the United States and Canada. Massage Heights Body + Face, Regency Court, 3013 Yamato Road, Suite B22, Boca Raton, 561-3274156; massageheights.com.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at Massage Heights Body + Face

Promotion

Pine Crest Boca Raton Parents’ Association photo by Downtown Photo

The 2014-15 academic year marks Pine Crest’s 80th anniversary as a preeminent South Florida college preparatory school. To launch a yearlong celebration, Pine Crest’s Boca Raton Parents’ Association hosted an “Awesome ’80s Remix!” auction at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Guests enjoyed reminiscing about their favorite trends and dancing to familiar songs performed by The Spazmatics. Funds raised through silent and live auctions benefitted faculty and student programs. Pine Crest School, 2700 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, 561-852-2800; pinecrest.edu.

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403 SE 1ST STREET • DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483 • 888.851.0649 • DELRAYCENTER.COM

AUGUST 2014

125

happenings at home

SUBDIVISION

ADDRESS

BUYER

SALE PRICE

SELLER

PRIOR SALE PRICE

$300,000

PRIOR SALE DATE

ADDISON RESERVE

16082 VILLA VIZCAYA PL

ROBINSON HARRIET C

BLICHER BERT JAY INDIV TRUSTEE

ADDISON RESERVE

7541 PORTO VECCHIO PL

COHEN NEAL

GRUBER CAROLYN

$1,000,000

$969,421

14-SEP-11 31-JUL-00

ADDISON RESERVE

7965 VILLA D ESTE WAY

ZUCKER JILL

NOTICE BEATRICE

$291,000

$406,600

06-NOV-98

AVALON AT BOCA RATON

9521 PARKVIEW AVE

CHEN JIHONG

WELLS FARGO BANK NA

$460,000

$430,300

03-DEC-13

AZURA

6365 MONTESITO ST

MARKOFSKY BRENT

TOLL FL X LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

$821,060

$5,100,000

05-FEB-10

BOCA FALLS

12390 ROCKLEDGE CIR

CATANIA CHRISTOPHER

COPPOLA MILDRED

$422,000

$395,000

21-OCT-03

BOCA FALLS

12214 ROCKLEDGE CIR

ACEVEDO DORIS

JANSON ROBERT

$475,000

$395,000

30-JUN-03

BOCA FALLS

12317 RIVERFALLS CT

ESKANDAR-GERGIES SHOKRY

THREE SPIRIT VENTURES LLC

$466,500

$354,000

20-SEP-13

BOCA FALLS

12388 CLEARFALLS DR

WHITE PAMELA C

PERRA MATTHEW R

$490,000

$440,000

29-MAY-12

BOCA GOLF & TENNIS CLUB - GREENS

17076 BOCA CLUB BLVD 6

AWAD KAREN

HELLER ELIZABETH S

$345,000

$360,000

30-OCT-07

BBOCA KEYS

790 FORSYTH ST

FEIST JOHN A JR

SIEGER DANIEL S

$925,000

$975,000

30-NOV-06

BOCA KEYS

835 GLOUCHESTER ST

GALDI MARIO T JR

MCMILLAN JOSEPH H

$850,000

$310,000

01-AUG-97

ESTANCIA

6750 ENTRADA PL

SMITH SABRINA

CARDO FRANK J

$445,000

$124,100

29-OCT-13

ESTANCIA

20912 PINAR TRL

SCADUTO ELLINA

FOLEY SHARON

$575,000

ISLAND LAKES AT LOGGER’S RUN

11321 LAKE TREE CT

SIEGEL JEFFREY CARL

UCROS MAURICIO F

$450,000

$345,000

28-AUG-12

ISLAND LAKES AT LOGGER’S RUN

11826 ISLAND LAKES LN

TEDALDI ROSANNE S

BIRD HECTOR M

$440,000

$240,000

01-JUN-98

LAKE ROGERS ISLE

3399 NE 6TH DR

WIT ERIC BRADLEY

KRON CHRISTOPHER M

LAKE ROGERS ISLE

3798 NE 7TH DR

WBT MAISON LLC

MCKAY GARY S

LEXINGTON ESTATES

10063 UMBERLAND PL

AGOR SHANNON

LEXINGTON ESTATES

10269 LEXINGTON ESTATES BLVD

JAIN CHETNA

02-FEB-12

$419,000

$325,000

21-SEP-12

$1,990,000

$2,750,000

09-DEC-05

CHUQUI-CONDER GUILLERMO

$338,000

$329,500

23-MAR-10

DANIELS DONALD W

$435,000

$304,300

01-MAY-97

Source: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Claire, Coldwell Banker’s

Call

“It was a true pleasure working with Claire and her team to buy a home for my daughter and her children. They really went above and beyond to find us the right home at the right price. They are professional, organized and proactive. There is always someone to speak to and ready to help whenever needed. I will definitely use Claire and the Sheres Realty team for all of my real estate needs in the future.” Ray Mark, Clubside, Woodfield Country Club

“Claire Sheres is fabulous, in fact outstanding! She is professional & knows her stuff. She priced our home right, negotiated on our behalf and sold it quickly. This was the 2nd time I used Claire to sell a home & I recommend her to everyone! When I think real estate, I think Claire Sheres.” Michelle Hecht, Boca Raton

“Working with Claire Sheres and her team has been a wonderful experience. They were all very professional, courteous and responsive to any questions I had pertaining to the sale of my property. The transaction was unbelievably smooth. I highly recommend Claire Sheres and her excellent team for any of your real estate needs.”

Claire Sheres Arlene Callender, Lauderhill, FL

Realtor®, GRI, e-PRO, CNS International President’s Premier International Legends Society

561-414-4146 Claire@SheresRealty.com ClaireSheresRealtor.com

happenings at home

SUBDIVISION

ADDRESS

BUYER

SELLER

SALE PRICE

PRIOR SALE PRICE

$326,000

$296,010

PRIOR SALE DATE

MARBELLA LAKES

22788 MARBELLA CIR

MATANA JACOB

ERDOG KEMAL EMRAH

MIZNER COUNTRY CLUB

8430 DELPRADO DR

LANG RENEE

DOWNES SEAN P

$2,300,000

03-SEP-10

MIZNER COUNTRY CLUB

8411 DELPRADO DR

BLACKMAN SHERRY

BOOTHE MICHAEL CARLETON

$1,637,500

$2,350,000

28-SEP-07

MIZNER COUNTRY CLUB

8737 VALHALLA DR

BELANGER ROBERT J

ROBINSON THERESA A

$850,000

$872,909

18-NOV-05

MONTOYA ESTATES

7555 SAN MATEO DR E

ABER REUT

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS LLC

$380,000

$283,000

08-JUL-13

MONTOYA ESTATES

7515 SAN MATEO DR E

STEINBERG DAVID L

ZWICK JACK I

$330,000

$250,000

14-APR-08

PALM BEACH FARMS

1191 SW 16TH ST

WENGERT DOROTHY

JOHNSON MELISSA A

$455,400

$265,200

15-APR-11

PALMA VISTA

9808 PALMA VISTA WAY

SHACHAR HAGIT

SHASHA YOSSI

$495,000

$685,000

01-MAR-05

PARKSIDE

1720 PARKSIDE CIR S

VANGI ANGELA M

FOURNIER GEORGE III

$850,000

10-OCT-13

POLO CLUB - LAKES SUTTON PLACE

5751 BRIDLEWAY CIR

BRAXTON ALAN

BALKIN KAREN ANNE TRUSTEE

$667,000

08-NOV-11

POLO CLUB - VINTAGE OAKS ESTATES

5896 VINTAGE OAKS CIR

MANIN RUTH

JOIO PROPERTIES LLC

$1,025,000

PRESIDENTIAL PLACE CONDOMINUM

800 S OCEAN BLVD 406

COSLOV MICHAEL

VIANEL INDUSTRIES INC

$4,400,000

$2,000,000

01-OCT-95

ROYAL PALM YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

2323 E SILVER PALM RD

SMITH NICHOLAS DEE GLEN

PRESS BETH

$3,100,000

$2,750,000

23-MAY-13

ROYAL PALM YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

2208 QUEEN PALM RD

HASEY WILLIAM J JR

BODNER FRED

ROYAL PALM YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

1772 SABAL PALM DR

STONE BARBARA S

RAU CARL

$3,550,000

$3,600,000

05-FEB-13

ROYAL PALM YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

2255 W MAYA PALM DR

GOLDBERG GARY

HODGEMAN JOHN D

$3,550,000

$2,400,000

06-SEP-06

SANTA BARBARA

6271 NW 24TH ST

NOE AMY

2 DAWGS LLC

$406,000

$360,000

16-APR-12

SATURNIA

19101 SKYRIDGE CIR

MANOS CONSTANTINE NICHOLAS

HSBC BANK USA NATL ASSOC TRUSTEE

$462,000

$395,200

24-SEP-13

SATURNIA

11572 BIG SKY CT

JOHNSON DAVID EUGENE

STERN GARY M

$380,000

$683,000

31-AUG-05

WOODFIELD CC - DEVON PLACE

3950 NW 53RD ST

KLINGSBERG DEBRA D

LEFEVRE KIMBERLY S

21-MAR-13

18-AUG-10

$750,000

03-FEB-05

$1,217,500

01-NOV-11

Source: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Southeast Florida !

#1 Agent in RES 2+ AC

Le Lac $4,999,000

SOLD

Coventry At Woodﬁeld CC $3,250,000 Claire’s Buyer & Seller Scan for New 1-click MLS search

EFRONT LAK

Carlton Place At Woodﬁeld CC $2,995,000

SOLD

Devon Place At Woodﬁeld CC $1,998,000

+ LIV SQ 8000

Devon Place At Woodﬁeld CC $2,749,900

SOLD

Enclave At Woodﬁeld CC $1,699,000

AKE VIEWS LF/L GO

Landings At Woodﬁeld CC $1,398,888

SOLD

Enclave At Woodﬁeld CC $1,550,000

Claire Sheres

TWO NAMES YOU CAN TRUST LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED.

E VIEWS LAK

Landings At Woodﬁeld CC $1,348,888

SOLD

Woodﬁeld Hunt Club $799,999

givingback

[charity never goes out of style]

FOSTERING GREATNESS

Best Foot Forward Foundation Ensures No Student Is Left Behind BY EMILY J. MINOR

t began back when their kids were young and Donna Biase and Debbie Ellman helped run the grade school PTA. They worked great to-

body knows they’re failing Spanish. “Through the years, we just became aware that there was a huge gap,” Ellman explains.

SHOWING CLASS: (Left) Shari Kline, Lisa Cohen, Debbie Ellman, Donna Biase and Laura Reiss (Above) Hilary Fried, Mrs. Morelli, Luz Chandeck and Donna Biase

gether and the Donna-Debbie team survived well into middle school, when their children—now in their early 20s—began working with foster children as a public service project. One thing led to another, and the two Boca Raton moms began to volunteer almost exclusively with foster children. It was necessary work since until this past January, foster kids aged out of the system at 18 (there’s now an option where they can remain in the system until age 21 with certain conditions). Often they attend schools where teachers and classmates are oblivious to the many layers of a foster child’s life. These kids might go home to a group dorm where everybody knows their name, but probably no128

Of course, all foster kids can use a helping hand, but the need to help older students dawned on them about six years ago when Ell-

“

Every relationship these children ever had has been broken. It’s critical they know what consistency is.

”

– Donna Biase, co-founder, Best Foot Forward Foundation

man’s daughter was a high school senior. Ellman knew a foster care boy, also a senior, and she began thinking about all the help she’d give her daughter that year. What about him?

T H E B O C A R AT O N O B S E R V E R

Who would help him keep his grades up? Rent a prom tuxedo? Fill out his ﬁnancial aid paperwork? So in 2010, Biase and Ellman created the Best Foot Forward Foundation, a nonproﬁt 501(c)(3) that collects volunteers to work with foster children. Call these volunteers what you will—life coaches, mentors, tutors, saints, BFFs (for Best Foot Forward)—but they meet with students about once a week and just let them decompress. Like a parent might do. Together, they might clean out the child’s backpack, talk about upcoming exams, discuss the fact that birth mom was a no-show for last week’s visit. Sometimes the BFF

might even call a teacher or a counselor if there’s something derailing the student’s focus. Today, the BFF Foundation has about 61 students in the program. (They’re trying to expand into grade schools.) Overall, they’ve reached about 100 students. Every one of those kids has graduated high school and a half dozen or so have made it to college. Want to help? The foundation always needs money, since they assist with everything from school supplies, to work shoes, to a cute outﬁt for the dance. Most of all, they need volunteers who are dependable. “That was the big thing when we started,” Biase says. “Every relationship these children ever had has been broken. It’s critical they know what consistency is.” And isn’t that what BFFs are for? O For more information about the Best Food Forward Foundation, call 561470-8300 or visit bestfoot.org. The mailing address is 21441 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433.

954.943.6700 909 South Federal Highway 路 Pompano Beach 路 Between Commercial and Atlantic Boulevards www.JoeyAccardiJeep.com