The Boca Raton Tribune
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Palm Health Foundation announced today that it will match donations to its Nursing Advancement Fund dollar for dollar between November 29, 2022, and January 31, 2023, up to $150,000 in total. The match program is open to anyone who donates between $100 and $5,000 to support the aspirations of low-income and firstgeneration nursing students in LPN, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in Palm Beach County. The campaign follows the foundation’s recent success raising and matching over $100,000.
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God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” - Luke 1:26-28
Palm Beach State College will award degrees and certificates during two fall commencement ceremonies at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 20.
ï This year the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl teams will not only battle it out on the football field, University of Toledo’s 120-member band and Liberty University’s 250-member band will go head-to-head in the bowl game’s first-ever joint pep rally on Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. Joining in the competition at the free and open-tothe-public event are the teams’ spirit squads with special guest appearances by Toledo’s Mascot Rocky the Rocket and Liberty’s Mascot Sparky the Eagle. The high-energy rally will be located at the Mizner Park Amphitheater at the north end of Mizner Park where plenty of free garage parking is available.
ï Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D., spoke on “The Future of STEM Education” as the keynote speaker at the Urban League of Palm Beach County’s 12th Annual Youth Empowerment Breakfast at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport.
ï South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) 25th anniversary season continues to shine with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, the world premiere of Ocklawaha by composer-in-residence John Gottsch, and a selection of great opera arias from Puccini, Verdi, and Lara. Led by Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso with guest soloists Catalina Cuervo, soprano and Gerardo Ortega, tenor, the Masterworks programs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., respectively, on January 24 at New World Center in Miami Beach, on January 25 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, and on January 26, opening the season at Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys in Key West.
ï Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) leader April Eisen Leavy was honored by the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) National Women’s Philanthropy division with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. Leavy received her award at the International Lion of Judah Conference, which was held December 11-13, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona.
ï When English Professor David Athey wrote his first children’s book – a whimsical
Christmas tale called The Straw that Healed the Camel’s Back – he chose student Alice Browning to illustrate it.
ï Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, in collaboration with Albany Medical College (AMC) in New York, are among seven institutions nationwide selected to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their innovative pilot projects to enable new medical devices to diagnose and treat both acute and chronic disorders from neuropathic pain to mental illness.
ï In fall 2023, Palm Beach Atlantic will launch its Bachelor of Science in Engineering program, reflecting a robust job market for engineers and a growing number of students seeking engineering education within a Christian worldview.
ï Palm Beach State College will award degrees and certificates to more than 1,600 graduates during two fall commencement ceremonies at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 20.
ï Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) hosted its second Annual Pickleball Tournament at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, on December 11 with 56 players. The King of the Court Tournament and Beginners Clinic included light bites and beverages, music and raffle prizes. Tournament winners were Blake Calder and Chris Ceglanski. Runners up were Meg Eaton and Nancy Mui.
ï The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) announced recipients of the 2022 Golden Pear Grants during a live stream on Facebook in a record breaking $250,000 distribution of funds and an additional $100K in-kind donations through its Educational Foundation.
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This year the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl teams will not only battle it out on the football field, University of Toledo’s 120-member band and Liberty University’s 250-member band will go head-to-head in the bowl game’s firstever joint pep rally on Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. Joining in the competition at the free and open-to-the-public event are the teams’ spirit squads with special guest appearances by Toledo’s Mascot Rocky the Rocket and Liberty’s Mascot Sparky the Eagle. The high-energy rally will be located at the Mizner Park Amphitheater at the north end of Mizner Park where plenty of free garage parking is available.
The community, Toledo Rocket fans, Liberty Flames fans and all college football fans are invited to come out to cheer and get in the game spirit at the official pep rally of Palm Beach County’s own sanctioned Bowl game.
Hosted by the City of Boca Raton and Mizner Park Amphitheater on the night before the 2022 RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl, the live performances by the University of Toledo Marching Band and the Liberty University Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band will
resonate community and team pride and excitement throughout the amphitheater.
“We encourage everyone to come early because you don’t want to miss a minute of the fanfare,” shared Doug Mosley, executive director of Roof-
Claim.com Boca Raton Bowl. “It’s a great opportunity for our Palm Beach County community to roll out the redcarpet welcome for these visiting teams and their fans gathering in celebration of Boca’s annual holiday-timed Bowl tradition.” Attendees are encouraged to extend the fun by enjoying the spirit of the holidays throughout Mizner Park and Downtown Boca Raton that offers plenty of holiday lights, and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
To purchase Bowl game tickets for the 2022 Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl, and more information on and game day parking, tailgate info, tent rentals, stadium policies, and more, visit RoofClaimBocaRatonBowl.com or follow through social media on Facebook (Facebook.com/BocaBowl), Twitter (@BocaBowl), and Instagram (@BocaBowl).
Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D., spoke on “The Future of STEM Education” as the keynote speaker at the Urban League of Palm Beach County’s 12th Annual Youth Empowerment Breakfast at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport.
Parker was introduced at the Dec. 7 breakfast by Leah St. Hilaire, a Suncoast High School and National Urban League Incentives To Excel & Succeed (NULITES) student.
Parker thanked the Urban League for its community support and focus on STEM education, noting that while STEM careers comprise the fastest growing employment sectors with the highest earning potential, African Americans and other minority groups are underrepresented in the fields, with the exception of health-related STEM occupations. She also noted that people of color only represent 5% of engineers and architects and 7% of those who have an occupation using computers.
“It used to be that a college degree was this great equalizer,” Parker said. “However, what often happens in minority communities is that a parent will have this feeling that if they give their child the opportunity for education, then they will have an opportunity for success. While that remains true, the goal post has moved just a little bit. It’s not just that you give them the education, but you really need to start thinking about what they major in and understand that a STEM education is the thing that provides this greater opportunity.”
Parker shared that PBSC is committed to solving these equity gaps in STEM education through a number of ways, including its Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler Equity Institute.
Through the Institute, PBSC brings a research-based interdisciplinary approach to implement changes that will benefit students by solving the challenges and removing barriers that too often prevent minority students from completing their education.
“We start with college readiness and dual enrollment programs in the high schools and offer summer programs that expose students to college education and career pathways. By the time high school students complete the summer bridge program, they have a clear focus on their career goals and how to attain them.”
Parker also noted that according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in STEM fields is projected to grow at double the rate of all other occupations. She pointed out that The Pew Research Center reports that the bulk of job gains in STEM occupations are projected to occur in two STEM clusters: Nearly 1 million new jobs are projected among healthcare practitioners and technicians, and roughly 600,000 among comput-
er workers.
“This is important for us to keep in mind because one thing we do know is that our kids have figured out how to work every video game there is in town. So that means we know that that knowledge can be transitioned to a computer scientist if we just show them some computer scientists to emulate.”
Parker also discussed PBSC’s expansion of its STEM education through new partnerships like the $1 million Collaborative Cyber Pathway Project grant with the School District of Palm Beach County that allows PBSC to enhance technology instruction and resources in local high schools, as well as a new partnership with the University of Florida and several other colleges to share Artificial Intelligence course materials and incorporate them into existing curriculum.
For the teachers, community leaders and business leaders in attendance, Parker also shared her thoughts on how to inspire students to pursue STEM careers.
“We must educate them about the various occupations and the pathways to these fields, the outcomes such as earnings, and the benefits of lifelong professional development. We must identify successful individuals in these fields who look like our students to help students visualize themselves in a STEM career.”
Some examples Parker gave included Mark Dean, an African American computer scientist and engineer who shaped the future of personal computing as a lead engineer at IBM and Mae C. Jemison, an American Astronaut and physician who was the first African American woman admitted into NASA’s Astronaut Training Program.
Even though STEM jobs were the focus of Parker’s speech, she noted that any credential post high school matters.
“Any credential is going to ensure you economic mobility and that is something as leaders and educators in this community that we are most concerned about.”
Others who spoke at the event included Patrick Franklin, president and CEO of the ULPBC who gave opening and closing remarks; WPTV News Channel 5 anchor/ reporter Tania Rogers, who served as the mistress of ceremonies; and ULPBC Board of Directors Chairman Ricky Wade.
Franklin, who thanked Parker for speaking and supporting the Urban League’s mission, said, “Nothing else matters when it comes to the education of our kids, and we are going to really specialize in that area in 2023. Technology is going to bring us forward. Technology is the path, and we must do whatever we can to make sure our students are prepared to get to PBSC, FAU, UF and wherever else they may go, even Harvard. We can’t let our students go forward being afraid of math and science.”
South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) 25th anniversary season continues to shine with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, the world premiere of Ocklawaha by composer-in-residence John Gottsch, and a selection of great opera arias from Puccini, Verdi, and Lara. Led by Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso with guest soloists Catalina Cuervo, soprano and Gerardo Ortega, tenor, the Masterworks programs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., respectively, on January 24 at New World Center in Miami Beach, on January 25 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, and on January 26, opening the season at Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys in Key West.
“This rich and varied program aims to take our audiences on a musical journey,” said Alfonso. “Shostakovich opposed a totalitarian regime in his time delivering a neo-classical work that was considered more of a rebuke than a celebration of ultimate strength and power. His Ninth Symphony certainly resonates with what is presently happening in Ukraine, today. And, in Gottsch’s latest, he similarly reflects on the plight and culture of Native Americans. Finally, who can resist the sheer power of some of the world’s most beloved arias?”
Originally intended to be to a grandiose piece that would glorify Stalin’s regime and Russian victory over the Nazis in 1945, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 rendered a more complex, thoughtful and sometimes carefree composition. The composer was known for his resistance to the Soviet rule and his subversion tactics often promising to compose the piece the regime wanted while actually giving it something else.
SFSO’s composer-in-residence John Gottsch will present the world premiere of Ocklawaha. The Ocklawaha is a river originating in the lakes of central Florida and flowing north through some of the most mysterious, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful parts of the state. As a young boy, the composer traveled the Ocklawaha with his father, learning the history of the river and surrounding lakes, that brought to life on passing shores, the escaped slaves, Seminole warriors, and a Civil War battle. The musical narrative brings to life the storied struggles of Florida’s Native American ancestors through thoughtfully arranged orchestral movements.
John D. Gottsch was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and moved to Florida with his family, shortly thereafter. He spent his youth in the lake country of the Sunshine
State traveling extensively and observing natural habitats. These explorations of Florida gave him an enduring love for its beauty and wildlife. He has been a lifelong composer and a number of his compositions reflect his deep appreciation of the outdoors. Last year, SFSO premiered the live performance of Gottsch’s original composition Princess Yurievskaya, and in 2020,SFSO premiered Sunset, both of which were featured on Gottsch’s 2020 debut album released by Naxos Records, the world’s leading classical music label. SFSO also performed Gottsch’s Bagatelles for Violin & Piano as part of its Summer With the Symphony Series in June 2021. His piano suite, Homosassa, premiered in Palm Beach in 2020. His piano quintet, Maryland Hunt, premiered at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington, DC in 2018 and has been performed in Philadelphia, Vienna, Rotterdam and Baltimore. Gottsch, a full-time doctor, now splits his time between Baltimore and Key West.
In addition, the program includes with a selection of great opera arias performed by Catalina Cuervo, soprano, and Gerardo Ortega, tenor – Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro,” “Un Bel Dì, Vedremo,” and “O Soave Fanciulla,” Agustín Lara’s “Granada,” Verdi’s “La Donna è Mobile” and “Brindisi” (The Drinking Song from La Traviata).
“We are thrilled to bring these masterful works to our audiences,” said Jacqueline Lorber, president and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “Coming off a sold-out holiday Messiah performance at The Parker, we’re energized to perform these pieces at our new home at Miami Beach’s renowned New World Center and we look forward to opening our season at the iconic Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West where the Symphony first formed.”
Upcoming SFSO concerts include Brahms, Sibelius and Berlioz on February 15 and 18, an all Dvoák program on March 22, 23 and 25 and season closer Rachmaninoff and Bruckner on April 26.
Tickets for the Masterworks II program start at $15 for The Parker and $25 for New World Center and Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys. Season subscriptions are on sale, now, for performances at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, opening on January 28. Tickets may be purchased by visiting southfloridasymphony.org/2022-23-season or by calling (954) 522-8445.
For additional information, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445
Founded January 15, 2010 DOUGLAS HEIZER, Publisher
There are people who are so limited only to their own ideas, that they never consider other points of view, nor other reasonable possibilities of solving a problem, beyond what they alone accept to be the only possible solution.
True achievers, however, never confine themselves in this manner. From the start they realize that if plan A doesn’t work, let’s look at other alternatives before giving up their attempts of creating something good, or applying a new methodology or technology to what is being tested!
The insecure individual, who operates with tunnel vision, prefers to
argue, to complain, to discredit, and to do countless more inconsequential things, instead of considering suggested alternatives while there is yet time to accomplish what can bring the desired results.
Through the years I’ve come to recognize that there can be multiple answers to one single question without any reply contradicting the other. A viewpoint depends on the angle though which a person is observing a situation, even if several other persons are attempting the same from the perspective through which they analyze what they contemplate. Most often, it’s through the contribution of several that a
proper conclusion is best reached, on account of the varied perspectives that construct the fuller picture!
Some people, insisting on their single, chosen way of doing things, can spend countless hours, or even days without success, and still dismiss other suggestions to what can be a better way – indeed the most decisive manner of leading that task into the desired resolution!
I’m convinced that many times it’s personal pride that blocks one’s pathway to genuine accomplishment; it’s a person’s insistence in pursuing a road already travelled without ever leading to the sought
destination.
Sadly, some individuals become defensive when their suggestion is rejected and their way is not attempted. They label the detractors with many uncomplimentary classifications, considering defiance as the primary attitude being shown by the true visionaries.
Yet, such is hardly the case because no one is limited to just one way of doing things, nor one single manner of addressing any situation. Issues need to be understood from the inside out, as well as from top to bottom. Those who limit their observation will never attain a satisfactory understanding, if any at all!
The late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a complicated man with a colorful history. He had many notable political experiences and accomplishments, but his early years also included some colossal failures. Fortunately for him, Churchill is remembered today because of his accomplishments later in life. His courageous leadership spurred Great Britain and its allies on to defeat Germany in World War II when victory seemed very unlikely.
Although strategy was an important part of Churchill’s success, his best talent was his wise use of words. In fact, his skill at verbal communication became Britain’s best weapon. Because of his careful selection of words, Churchill knew how to inspire people and rally them around unpopular ideas.
Here is a sampling of some of the famous statesman’s most notable and sometimes humorous quotes:
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”
“For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use to be anything else.”
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
“It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.”
And perhaps Churchill’s bestknown statement, made in 1941 during the midst of World War 11: “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large, or petty – give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparent-
ly overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Each of those statements provokes much food for thought. The British leader certainly understood the power of words. But he was hardly the first person to recognize that. Thousands of years earlier, King Solomon of ancient Israel declared, “The?words?of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook” (Proverbs 18:4). Some verses later, Solomon also observed, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
A couple chapters later, we find this assessment of the value of the spoken word: “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel” (Proverbs 20:15).
We can all think of times when we heard people speak who did not have
such high regard for the spoken word. Perhaps you have been victimized by someone who used words as a weapon for harm, rather than for the good of all who were listening. Perhaps this is why we also find this warning in Proverbs: “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity” (Proverbs 21:31).
The application of these truths is obvious: If we are seeking to lead or influence others, perhaps motivate them to move in a new direction, we need to remember that our words can make a great difference. The setting of goals and objectives is important, as are measuring productivity and keeping track of profits and losses. But our words –whether we use them to impart vision or to inspire and encourage – are among the greatest “weapons” at our disposal as we battle through the challenges of each day.
Have you ever stopped to reflect on the seemingly random events that have contributed to where you are professionally to this point? Whether we’re just getting started in a career, midway through it, or nearing the end of our vocational life, many factors have influenced how we arrived at the present moment.
Personally, when I started college, even though I enjoyed writing I had never considered it as a career option. However, when the instructor for my first English class encouraged me by pointing out my writing potential, I thought there might be a future in it for me. That realization, however, prompted me to transfer to a different university that offered a respected curriculum for aspiring journalists.
There I had a couple of professors who influenced me positive, encouraging me to choose journalism as my career. One time, after several unsuccessful tries, I was able to interview a prominent leader on the university staff. Why did he finally decide to agree for me to interview him? He taught me a principle I never forgot – and have often used since then: “Persistence neutralizes resistance.”
My first job on a newspaper was as the editor of a small community publication. That meant I was not only editor but also the local government reporter, sports reporter, columnist, editorial writer, and photographer. Had I gotten a job at a larger paper, I likely would have been assigned to a specialized role, such as a copy editor, or a reporter on the police or city hall “beats,” or even an obituary writer. I would not have received the well-rounded background that I received at a smaller, less prestigious newspaper.
At each of my stops during my 10-year newspaper career, I worked with astute, seasoned veterans of the industry who taught me much. This “treasure trove” of training
and experience served as preparation for my 20 years on staff with CBMC-USA and CBMC International as editor and publications director, and for the work I have done over the years that followed.
There is a joke about someone asking a local resident for directions to another destination. The native looks at him and says, “You can’t get there from here.” In a very real sense, my career reflects that. I could not have reached each new stage of my career without first going somewhere else, often to a job I would not have considered had circumstances not pointed me in that direction.
Which leads to my conclusion: Whether we realize it at the time or not, God ordains for His children each step they take in life, professionally and personally, out of His great wisdom and special plan and purpose for us. Here are a couple of principles I have learned along the way:
Confident, even though we do not know the way. Admittedly, I often questioned why I was offered this job and not that job, why opportunities I felt fully qualified for were not presented to me. After I entrusted my life to Jesus Christ by faith, I discovered the Lord had a much better understanding of what was best for me than I did. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Clinging to faith in the face of future uncertainty. If it had been up to me, my life and career would have been much different from how they unfolded. Thankfully, God knew exactly how He had designed me and how I could best serve Him.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) leader April Eisen Leavy was honored by the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) National Women’s Philanthropy division with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. Leavy received her award at the International Lion of Judah Conference, which was held December 11-13, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I’m humbled and honored. I’m excited to have celebrated all the winners, and am feeling energized for community engagement and propelled by a hope to do more nationally,” Leavy said.
The Lions of Judah (LOJ) set an exemplary standard of leadership and giving by making an individual woman’s gift of $5,000 or more annually to Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, playing a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity. Those who develop a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) establish gifts of at least $100,000.
Leavy became an LOJ in 1995 and created her Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) in 2014. She chaired Women’s Philanthropy from 2016 to 2018 after serving as Campaign Chair and Lion of Judah Chair. She is now a member
of the National Women’s Philanthropy Board.
Leavy said the LOJ pin is her most precious piece of jewelry as it signifies her ability to help others. She said there were tough times when she couldn’t make the annual LOJ payment.
“So, I put away my pin for at least two years. The best part was when I was getting dressed for an event, and my husband, Roger, said, ‘Why don’t you go into the drawer and take out that jewelry you love so much?’ It was the most amazing, joyful feeling to put it back on,” she said, noting that having the ability to endow her pin ensures her gifts will impact future generations.
A longtime Federation leader for
30 years, Leavy serves as Chair of the Federation’s Partnership2Gether Joint Steering Committee. She says she has tremendous love and passion for Israel and the Federation’s support there. April is also a member of the Federation Board, sitting on the Israel and Overseas Task Force, and a JNFA trustee representing South Palm Beach County. She’s been a Federation ViceChair, a Secretary and Executive Committee member, Israel@60 Community Mission Co-Chair, and the Young Adult Division Co-President.
As a leader at Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center (JCC), Leavy serves as Vice-Chair of Financial Resource Development. Other
JCC portfolios include Vice President of Board Engagement and Co-Chair of the Hanadiv Event. She and Roger received the 2020 Sandler Hanadiv Crystal Award.
Leavy has also served as the Donna Klein Jewish Academy Ball Chair and a B’nai Torah Congregation Board Member. She was honored with the James and Marjorie Baer Outstanding Young Leadership Award and the Dorothy P. Seaman Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Award. Leavy is Co-Owner and Vice President of Marketing, Design, and Product Development for Tassel Depot, the world’s leading manufacturer of graduation, bookmark, program tassels, elastics, and their Promos by TD Division.
She said it’s a blessing to have a spouse who supports her Lion and continues to do so. Their daughter, Alex, is a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the UJA-Federation of New York. Along with Roger, she credits Alex and her husband, Joel, as instrumental in her success.
“Looking forward, I want to continue engaging with and serving as a mentor for younger generations. I want young people to know that although you might be in one place now, you certainly can become a Lion one day,” she said.
When English Professor David Athey wrote his first children’s book –a whimsical Christmas tale called The Straw that Healed the Camel’s Back –he chose student Alice Browning to illustrate it.
Athey said he’s written rough drafts for children’s books in the past, but this one seemed special. He came up with the title The Straw that Healed the Camel’s Back about two years ago and taped it on his desk where it gathered dust until this summer, he said.
“I suddenly realized the straw would come from the manger, and the healing would be a gift of the baby Jesus,” Athey said.
It was important to both Athey and Browning that the illustrations be as accurate as possible. Browning researched the clothing Middle Eastern people wore at that time, and Athey wanted the angels to be depicted as they were in earlier Christian times.
“I was leaning toward having the angels be more traditional, but Alice wanted to be more innovative in their depiction,” Athey said. “I think we found a good, artistic compromise. One professor said they are ‘Giotto-esque.’”
Athey praised Browning’s “captivating” use of vivid colors, as well as her ability to mix realism and imagination. He learned of Browning’s artistic talent when her dad and his friend, physics professor Dr. Fred Browning, showed him a picture she made that was “obviously at a professional level.”
Browning, an English and film ma-
jor, is a self-taught digital artist who “dabbles a lot.” She created the illustrations for Athey’s book using basic pen and paper sketches that she imported into Photoshop, she said.
Browning discovered a knack for drawing as a middle school student and refined her skills in high school and college, she said. She is primarily a
painter using acrylics and water color.
“It’s something that I’ve been working at for a lot of years,” Browning said.
When Athey asked her to illustrate on the book, she got to work immediately, sketching, revising and creating “something amazing,” Athey said.
“Trubba Drom the camel (the main character) is so full of life; and all of the other characters are imbued with great energy and personality,” he said.
The experience has taught Browning that she can actually pursue art as a career. “It showed me that it’s possible,” she said. In addition to the children’s book, Browning has been published in Living Waters, the student literary journal that Athey advises.
In addition to the new children’s book, Athey has published numerous other titles.
The Straw that Healed the Camel’s Back was published on Amazon on Nov. 5. Taylor Smythe, assistant director of Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL), designed the interior layout.
Said Athey, “I hope the story is fun, entertaining, and inspiring, keeping the focus of Christmas on Christ.”
(StatePoint) Stumped for holiday gifts for kids? Brighten the season for little ones by checking out these great gift ideas below:
One-of-a-kind experiences can expand a child’s worldview and help create lifelong memories. There are numerous ideas to consider that will appeal to a broad range of interests. For a sports enthusiast, consider a one-on-one outing to a major or minor league game. Many teams host special theme nights for fans, so you may want to do a little research so you can dovetail your plans with an event geared toward kids.
For a budding musician, consider a gift certificate to a local music center that could be put toward the instrument of their choice or lessons with an instructor.
Finally, if your gift recipient loves exploring the natural world, gift them tickets to the zoo or aquarium, or take them on an outdoor adventure where you can hike the trails and spot realworld flora and fauna.
When it comes to selecting the
best toys, you can take some of the guesswork out of the equation by referring to the Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Toys nominated for this distinction represent the best of the best, and are beloved by kids and parents alike.
Nominated for the Infant/Toddler category this year is the VTech Level Up Gaming Chair. Boasting a swivel chair, joystick and pretend headphones, this preschool game station gives little gamers an opportunity to be just
like big-kid gamers. With no Wi-Fi required, the interactive gaming tablet teaches letters, numbers, animals and music with gaming sound effects, and progresses with kids to teach words and meanings. The tablet even detaches from the tray to be taken on-the-go. Nominated in the Plush toy category is the LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws, a cute, cuddly and customizable friend. Little ones can touch his front paws, ears and back paw for silly reactions, music, lullabies, games
and mindfulness exercises. You can even personalize the play and learning across more than 15 activities by programming Scout with your gift recipient’s name and their favorite food, color and animal. Scout introduces first words, counting, feelings and emotions, and even teaches kids how to spell their own name.
A third TOTY finalist you’ll want to consider putting on your gift list is the LeapFrog Clean Sweep Learning Caddy, which shows kids that cleaning can be all fun and games with boogiedown dance breaks and silly directions like, “Hop while you mop! Now dance to the left and dance to the right!” The cute face on the bucket lights up and sings as kids pretend to clean, with a press of the pedal the mop spins, and as you pump out imaginary soap it makes funny squirting sounds. To shop these and other TOTY-nominated toys, visit amazon.com.
From tailored experiences to this year’s best toys, you can have all your gifts for kids covered and avoid some of the usual stress of the holiday shopping season.
(Statepoint) This holiday season, stretch your budget when shopping for gifts, including toys and stocking stuffers, as well as last-minute needs, meal prep and more!
Spend more time creating memories and less time preparing with a few tips from experts at Dollar General.
One of the best parts of the holidays may be seeing the excited reaction of someone opening a gift, especially children. Save on some of America’s most popular name brand toys at Dollar General, which recently announced an enhanced 2022 toy selection from popular brands such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, VTech, Play-Doh, Barbie, Pokémon, L.O.L. Surprise!, ZURU 5 Surprise and more. Most toys are priced at $10 or less. Another option for the person who has everything is a gift card. Available at neighborhood stores, gift cards provide the recipient with various ways to enjoy your thoughtfulness!
To transform the home, consider choosing one holiday color palette to stay consistent in each room. Color options may include gold and silver, various shades of green, red and green or blue and silver. Next, shop for decorations in your preferred palette and sprinkle throughout the home. Orna-
ments, bows, ribbons and stockings aren’t just for the tree and fireplace. Add accents to the kitchen table, front porch, living room surfaces and everywhere else for more holiday spirit throughout the home.
The holidays are often synonymous with family meals, get togeth-
ers with friends and coworkers and seasonal dishes. For all household essentials, such as canned foods, milk, bread, eggs, baking items and more, consider shopping at a discount retailer to save in one convenient shopping trip. Additionally, consider using healthier variations of the season’s comforting and tasty dishes with DG Better For You recipes found at dollargeneral.com. Created by a registered dietician and nutritionist, these recipes include options like risotto and hamburger soup and all use ingredients available at every Dollar General store.
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but keep your sights on the essentials! Simplify shopping by creating a signature theme for your home décor, finding deals on gifts for everyone on your list, and serving something easy and delicious for the whole crew. Plan ahead this year and enjoy the extra time you’ll have celebrating the season with friends and family!
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, in collaboration with Albany Medical College (AMC) in New York, are among seven institutions nationwide selected to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their innovative pilot projects to enable new medical devices to diagnose and treat both acute and chronic disorders from neuropathic pain to mental illness.
The one-year, $100,000 awards are the first for a new program within the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, called Blueprint MedTech. The seven projects selected for the pilot phase for funding by the NIH all received successful reviews from ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
Along with funding, MedTech will provide an array of specialized support from mentors who bring decades of experience commercializing neurotechnology devices. Project teams will learn to navigate business, manufacturing and regulatory aspects of developing their respective technologies, and prepare to build human-grade prototypes. While the science supporting each technology has met rigorous standards, clinical studies will be needed prior to their authorization for use in patients.
The FAU/AMC project is titled “External Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound Device for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain.” Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive therapeutic technique that directs ultrasonic waves to a specific location. For the proj-
ect, researchers are developing a handheld probe to provide a noninvasive, non-opioid-based treatment for aggravated chronic pain, also referred to as neuropathic pain, for use in a physician’s office or potentially even at home.
The device directs low-intensity ultrasound at the dorsal root ganglia – small bundles of nerves along the spine that control pain signals reaching the spinal cord.
Neuropathic pain occurs if the nervous system is damaged or not working correctly. Pain is felt from any of the various levels of the nervous system from the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and the brain.
“Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care. Importantly, neuropathic pain, when treated with opioid-based drugs, has led to addiction in some patients,” said Julie Pilitsis, M.D., Ph.D., FAU’s principal investigator, dean and vice president for medical affairs in the Schmidt College of Medicine. “In addition to medications such as opioids, tradition-
al treatment of pain also involves physical therapy and steroid injections. However, adverse effects and tolerance occur with many of these therapies and a significant number of patients remain in pain. There is a great unmet need to provide more effective, safer and financially sustainable therapies for patients in pain.”
The handheld applicator under development integrates ultrasound imaging and therapy and is designed to accommodate differences in human anatomical size. As a result, the treatment device and methodology will provide means for precise treatment of back and leg pain.
“It is the noninvasive aspect and all-inone nature of our device that is highly significant as an advancement in treatment of neuropathic pain,” said Pilitsis. “The cost of pain therapies and missed wages secondary to pain results in about $536 million dollars spent each year. Ideally, with this therapy, patients can avoid hospital-
ization and days off work by reducing pain and enabling function.”
Over the last eight years, the FAU/ AMC researchers have shown efficacy of low intensity focused ultrasound in alerting nociceptive responses related to the perception or sensation of pain in multiple pain models over multiple species in both sexes and with repeated treatments.
As part of this new project, Pilitsis and collaborators will conduct a small pilot study to show safety and feasibility of the low-intensity focused ultrasound device. After obtaining an Investigational Device Exemption from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institutional Review Board approvals, researchers will recruit patients from Boca Raton with lower extremity pain for the pilot study.
Blueprint MedTech is an NIH incubator that aims to address challenges that innovators contend with in the process of developing cutting-edge medical devices to diagnose and/or treat disorders of the nervous system. It is a constituent program of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a cooperative effort among the NIH Office of the Director and 12 of the NIH Institutes and Centers that support research on the nervous system. By pooling resources and expertise, the Blueprint supports transformative neuroscience research, and the development of new tools, training opportunities, and other resources to assist neuroscientists.
strong math skills, as they’ll “start right off with Calculus 1,” said Browning. In their first semester they’ll also take Introduction to Engineering, along with general education classes. The second semester will add a prototyping design class, using computer aided design and 3D printers.
The four-year curriculum will emphasize hands-on work and group projects, Browning said, with a two-semester senior design course as capstone. “Employers are looking for students with that kind of experience,” he said, noting that in recent years Palm Beach County’s booming economy has attracted numerous firms needing graduates from STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs.
ty will expand its faculty with new hires in engineering. In addition, Lloyd and Browning have established a collaborative relationship with nearby Florida Atlantic University, so that PBA students might take some very specialized courses at the FAU campus.
In fall 2023, Palm Beach Atlantic will launch its Bachelor of Science in Engineering program, reflecting a robust job market for engineers and a growing number of students seeking engineering education within a Christian worldview.
“All the pieces are in place,” said Dr. Fred Browning, professor of physics, who has led the development of the new engineering curriculum. It’s a challenging major of 130 credit hours, offering four concentrations: computer engineer-
ing, electrical engineering, engineering physics and general engineering.
“We’re getting a lot of inquiries and a lot of enthusiasm from prospective engineering students,” said Dr. Robert Lloyd, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He expects more than 20 students to enroll as freshmen engineering majors in the fall. In preparation, two classrooms are being revamped to become engineering labs.
Prospective students will need
PBA’s engineering grads will be wellrounded, Lloyd said, with a program “embedded in a liberal arts university” and taught in small classes by professors integrating their Christian faith into their teaching. One of those classes in particular, Engineering Seminar, will tackle subjects such as ethics and how one’s faith impacts design and purpose.
In the sophomore year, key classes will include physics and chemistry, with the upper-level engineering courses beginning in the junior year. As students work their way up through the curriculum of this new major, the universi-
PBA’s program received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in October 2022. Lloyd credited Browning for his “tenacious and enthusiastic” research and program development leading up to that milestone. “I was just thrilled at how Fred has risen to the occasion on this,” he said, “and I think engineering will be a great success here.”
PBA’s program received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in October 2022.
Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) hosted its second Annual Pickleball Tournament at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, on December 11 with 56 players. The King of the Court Tournament and Beginners Clinic included light bites and beverages, music and raffle prizes. Tournament winners were Blake Calder and Chris Ceglanski. Runners up were Meg Eaton and Nancy Mui.
Palm Beach State College will award degrees and certificates to more than 1,600 graduates during two fall commencement ceremonies at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 20.
Attorney Gary Lesser, president of The Florida Bar and managing partner of West Palm Beachbased Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC, a third-generation personal injury law firm, will be the keynote speaker at the 10 a.m. ceremony for more than 900 graduates of the Associate in Arts degree program. State Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a PBSC alumna, will be the keynote speaker at the 2 p.m. ceremony for more than 700 graduates of the Associate in Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degree programs and the certificate programs. Both commencement ceremonies are open to guests with tickets. They also will be livestreamed on PBSC’s website.
Lesser’s dedication to The Florida Bar, which serves more than 110,000 members, is longstanding, with 24 years of service, including more than a decade on the Board of Governors, chairing the Legislation and Professional Ethics committees, and serving on the Strategic Planning, Disciplinary Review, Communications and Board Review on Professional Ethics committees.
Lesser often serves as a guest lecturer and media commentator on the topics of personal injury and professional ethics and has held leadership positions in numerous nonprofit and civic-oriented or-
ganizations, including the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County.
A West Palm Beach native, Lesser earned his bachelor’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.
Skidmore, an Ohio native, first served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2010 and was elected back into office in 2020. She serves on the Health and Human Services committee as well as the subcommittees for Professions and Public Health, Government Operations, Health Care Appropriations, and Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy.
Prior to her election in 2006, she worked as a legislative assistant in the Florida House and Senate for almost 10 years. It was during that time that she developed the passion for public service that inspired her to run for office. In addition to her service in the legislature, she has also successfully served in various roles from vice-president of advocacy and public policy for the Florida Chapter of Arthritis Foundation and public relations specialist for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida to her current role as chief executive officer of the Palm Beach County Medical Society.
The Delray Beach Pickleball Club members volunteered their time to help with the event and surprised ACCF with a very generous $5,000 gift. The ACCF’s Platinum Steppers squad kicked off the event with a holiday performance.
Event Sponsors were Prime IV Hydration and Wellness and Dunay, Miskel and
Backman. In-kind sponsors were Diadem, B & B’s Bodega Delray, and Tennis Anyone.
The event raised funds to benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families, a communitybased nonprofit that supports hundreds of local children and their families annually by providing access to year-round programs.
“This sport has become increasingly popular not only in Delray but throughout the nation. We received such a positive response from our first Pickleball tournament and we were excited to bring it back,” said Jessica Hall, Chief Development Officer, ACCF.
A beginner’s clinic was offered by Pickleball pro Scott Golden and rising professional Pickleball players James Ignatowich and Ava Ignatowich.
Lives presents Third Annual Unity Day Expo Fair Saturday, Dec. 17,
The Brightline high-speed train that roars through Boca Raton quite a few times each day will soon be making stops at the new Boca Raton railroad station scheduled to open shortly.
In celebration of the upcoming event, the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museumwill be offering two new special benefits for visitors, said Mary Csar,
the nonprofit’s executive director.
Starting Jan. 7, and taking place on the first Saturday of each month during 2023, the museum will offer free fun Saturdays, waiving the regular admission fee ($12 adults, $8 students and seniors, free for members and children 4 years old and under) for all visitors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Singer Connie Francis, whose chart-topping tunes in the 1950s and 1960s made her a rock and roll icon, invited a group of close friends to her home in Parkland Sunday to help her celebrate her 85 th birthday.
Guests included Boca Raton artist Yaacov Heller and his wife, Sue, who are longtime friends of the music legend.
Changing Lives of Boca Raton, the non-profit homeless resource provider, is presenting its third annual Unity Day Expo Fair on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hughes Park, 200 NE 14th Street in Boca Raton.
The free, outdoor expo fair will feature up to 20 nonprofits and will highlight their no-cost to low-cost services, community services and resources for public assistance.
Changing
to aid homeless
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to herFrom left, Phyllis Kaufman, Pat Brand, Ron Roberts,AnnAnello and Sue Heller. Connie Francis, left, with her friend, Pat Brand. From left,Anita Morehead (AKA“Mother”), Judy Kobak, Phyllis Kaufman, Ron Roberts and Jack McDermott. Hughes Park. (Photo courtesy of City of Boca Raton)
Also on hand were Ron Roberts, an author and president of Concetta records, Connie’s own label; friends Pat Brand, Judy Kobak, Phyllis Kaufman and Jack McDermott, a pioneer Boston disc jockey, publicist and actor who met Connie in the 1950s and helped her to launch her career.
Also attending was Anita Morehead, also known as “Mother,” who performs impersonations of the famed singer. During the celebration, Morehead performed while wearing a red robe and gown, a copy of the outfit that Connie wore during an appearance on The Ed Sullivan show.
Ann Anello, professor of music at Florida International University, was also in the crowd. She has volunteered to be a judge at the Rotary Club of Boca Raton’s Future Stars Talent Competition next year at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.
Sue and Yaacov presented Connie with a bouquet of roses and orchids from Lily’s Bloom Boutique at Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton.
Offering a tribute to Connie, Yaacov said: “Connie Francis’ voice goes directly to your soul. In 10 languages, her voice has been bringing together the people of the world.” He offered a happy birthday “to the kindest, sweetest warmest, smartest, most talented songstress I know.”
Born Concetta Maria Franconero in Newark, N.J., she gained success in the 1950s and ‘60s with songs that encompassed country, rock and roll and traditional vocal pop.
She grew up in a working-class Italian American family. Encouraged by her father, she sang and played theaccordionfrom an early age, and in 1950, she made an appearance onArthur Godfrey’s nation-
ally televised”Talent Scouts”program.
Several months later, having changed her name to Connie Francis at Godfrey’s suggestion, she began a four-year stint on a children’s television variety show inNew York City. Francis landed a contract as a vocalist with MGM Records in 1955. After several non-successful efforts, in 1957, she recorded, “Who’s Sorry Now,” a 1920s standard that became a hit the following year after it was championed by Dick Clarkon his”American Bandstand”television show.
She followed up with songs such as the wistful “My Happiness” (1958), the Neil Sedaka-written “Stupid Cupid” (1958) and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” (1960). At the height of her fame, she frequently appeared on television and acted in several teen-oriented movies, notably”Where the Boys Are(1960),” for which she also sang the title song.
Changing Lives of Boca Raton, the non-profit homeless resource provider, is presenting its third annual Unity Day Expo Fair on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hughes Park, 200 NE 14th Street in Boca Raton. The free, outdoor expo fair will feature up to 20 nonprofits and will highlight their no-cost to low-cost services, community services and resources for public assistance. The event will offer free food and beverages donated by Rebel House Boca, entertainment, health screenings, prizes and activities for children.
Unity Day connects families in need to a variety of resources and finding solutions to fundamental challenges. The goal is to help disadvantaged and underprivileged amilies struggling during these trying times and those at risk of being homeless by providing and informing them of all the great resources each non-profit and organization has to offer. “This will also serve to bring all
By Dale Kingthe amazing local organizations together to better network and help the community,” said Jerry Pagan, director of Changing Lives of Boca Raton.
Among the non-profits attending will be:
First United Methodist Church, which started the men’s shower and laundry program for the homeless. Homeless Hearts Food International, which provides food relief, housing assistance and mentoring.
Breaking the Chains Outreach Ministries, which works with at-risk children, the elderly, homeless, and the needy.
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc.), which promotes violencefree relationships and social change by offering alternative choices to end violence and domestic abuse.
Fun activities will include a museum hunt for kids, with prizes awarded to winners.
Whether visitors of all ages arrive by car, via Brightline or by walking, this is the perfect no-cost opportunity to enjoy the museum’s exciting and interactive exhibitsthat document the growth and development of Boca Raton from a small farming town to the sophisticated internationally known city it is today.
As soon as the new Brightline Station opens,the Schmidt Museum will be offering a$2 discountoff the regular admission to anyone with a Brightline ticket. “This is our way to celebrate both the arrival of Brightline to Boca Raton and to encourage riders to explore all of the wonders—cultural, culinary, and retail—in downtown Boca,” said Csar.
“We also hope people entering or exiting
through Boca’s new Brightline Station will enjoy the fascinating and informative wall panels conceived bySue Gillis, curator at the Boca Raton Historical Society,” Csar added
Located just north of Palmetto Park Road between Mizner Park and the city’s public library, the new station is within easy walking distance or a quick ride tothe Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum in historic Town Hall at 71 N. Federal Highway
The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is the home of the Boca Raton Historical Society, whose mission isto collect, preserve and present information and artifacts relevant to the past and evolving history of Boca Raton and to maintain a visible role in the education and the advocacy of historic preservation in the community.
For information, visit https://changinglives.me/ unity-day-2022/
Changing Lives of Boca Raton, Inc is a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to
enriching the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Its program aims to prepare clients for gainful employment and support individuals’ return to independent and self-sustaining living.
In addition to the spiritual and practical guidance to clients, Changing Livesprovidesassistancewithscholarships for sober living facilities and detox, housing stipends, costs for mentaland physical care, personal documentation and personaldocumentation,andendowme nts for business start-ups.
For more information please visitwebsite athttps:// changinglives.me/, Facebook page @changinglivesBR and Instagram page @changinglivesbocaratonor call 561-961-4635.
The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) announced recipients of the 2022 Golden Pear Grants during a live stream on Facebook in a record breaking $250,000 distribution of funds and an additional $100K inkind donations through its Educational Foundation.
Boca West Children’s Foundation was among the organizations selected for an unrestricted grant in the amount of $5,000.
“We are pleased to present Boca West Children’s Foundation with a Golden Pear Grant. Their application was very compelling, and their work provides such important resources to children and families,” said Deborah Marshall, Chief Operating Officer of the American Fundraising Foundation. “We are grateful for all they are
doing to make a difference. The Golden Pear is part of our logo and symbolizes good health, prosperity, longevity and future happiness –all the things we hope for them and the many organizations that impact lives daily.”
“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Golden Pear Grant! This will enable us
to help even more children in need in Palm Beach County,” Pam Weinroth, Executive Director of Boca West Children’s Foundation said.
The Boca West Children’s Foundation was initiated in 2010 as a not for profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, whose mission is to identify and fund projects in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County areas to aid at-risk children and their families in need.
Since its inception, the Founda-
tion has raised more than $16 million dollars to fund specific programs of more than 30 local charitable organizations. All of these monies have gone to projects and not into general funds. The Foundation has fed, clothed, provided medical and dental services, kept abuse shelters open, sent at-risk children to summer camp
and much more.
Each year, Boca West Children’s Foundation serves more than 9,000 children and its volunteers give 45,000 hours of their time each year to the more than 30 charities with which the organization works.
For more information, visit www. bocawestfoundation.org,
Each year, Boca West Children’s Foundation serves more than 9,000 children and its volunteers give 45,000 hours of their time each year to the more than 30 charities with which the organization works.
West Palm Beach, FL – Palm Health Foundation announced today that it will match donations to its Nursing Advancement Fund dollar for dollar between November 29, 2022, and January 31, 2023, up to $150,000 in total. The match program is open to anyone who donates between $100 and $5,000 to support the aspirations of low-income and first-generation nursing students in LPN, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in Palm Beach County. The campaign follows the foundation’s recent success raising and matching over $100,000 in gifts for behavioral health professions scholarships.
Palm Health Foundation’s scholarships come at a time when the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida is predicting a catastrophic nursing shortage in the state by 2035. The foundation’s scholarships address several needs for growing and diversifying the workforce pipeline, including increasing faculty and graduating health professionals with cultural competencies.
Many Palm Health Foundation scholars’ lived experiences inspire them to pursue nursing careers. When Dalissa Suprina learned she had received a Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship, a donor advised fund at Palm Health Foundation, she burst into tears. After losing her mother in the 2010 earthquake that impacted Haiti, Suprina became a caregiver to her grandmother at age 12 and discovered her life’s purpose was to become a nurse. The scholarship she received will support her career goal to become a wound care nurse and nurse practitioner working with the elderly. Recognizing the generosity of Coffman Howe, Suprina said, “you have to have a big heart to
do this for other people and allow students like me to have opportunity. Her scholarship saved me. It was a miracle.”
Since 2001, the foundation has granted more than $3 million in miracles in the form of nursing scholarships to over 1,000 nursing students for advanced education. Palm Health Foundation scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors, many of whom have established donor advised funds, such as Debra Coffman Howe, and through donations to the The Nursing Advancement Fund.
To maximize support for local nursing students, and have your gift doubled by Palm Health Foundation, please visit palmhealthfoundation.org/the-nursing-advancement-fund or contact Carrie Browne, Director of Stewardship & Strategic Partnerships, carrieb@phfpbc.org, 561-837-2281. Donors may also create their own uniquely named scholarship fund to transform the lives of deserving students through the gift of higher education.
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $89 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.
Florida Atlantic University Athletics has received a $5 million gift commitment from Michelle and Michael Hagerty. In recognition of the gift and as approved by the FAU Board of Trustees, the areas housing the majority of FAU’s athletic facilities will now be known as the Hagerty Family Athletics Village.
Facilities included in the Hagerty Family Athletics Village footprint include the track and related facilities, known as the Hagerty Family Track and Field Complex; the Tom Oxley Athletic Center; Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena; Kimberly V. Strauss Tennis Center; FAU Swimming Facility; FAU Softball Stadium; FAU Soccer Stadium; FAU Baseball Stadium; and FAU Beach Volleyball Complex.
“We are honored and excited to continue our commitment to the young men and women representing Florida Atlantic University as student-athletes,” the Hagertys said. “This gift is meant to ensure that all student-athletes are able to enjoy and thrive in a world-class sports facility. It’s been a real pleasure watching FAU continue to build a national reputation athletically and academically.”
The Hagertys’ $5 million gift will go toward renovations and improvements to those facilities, including a full resurfacing and renovations to the track and related facilities, among other projects.
“We cannot thank Michelle and Michael enough for this incredible
gift,” said Brian White, FAU vice president and director of athletics. “We have nearly 450 student-athletes at Florida Atlantic, and every one of them will reap the benefits of this gift. This gift will truly be transformational for many of our facilities and sports programs.”
A number of signs and recognitions around the athletic facilities will designate the area as the Hagerty Family Athletics Village.
“Sincere thanks to Michelle and Michael Hagerty for their support of FAU Athletics,” said FAU President John Kelly. “At FAU, we’re playing to win — both on and off the field. This generous gift from the Hagertys will help our studentathletes reach new heights as we prepare to join the American Athletic Conference.”
In 2021, the Hagerty family made a $2.5 million gift to support the FAU Football program. In recognition of that gift, the FAU head football coaching position was named the Hagerty Family Head Football Coach in perpetuity.
This most recent gift from the Hagerty family serves as the first transformational principal gift since the kickoff of FAU’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University.” This gift, focused on supporting student success, brings the total raised in the comprehensive campaign to more than $415 million.
TMRW Sports, which is focused on building progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment, has announced its future venue site through a new partnership with Palm Beach State College that will deliver a comprehensive program of educational and professional growth opportunities for the college and Palm Beach community.
TMRW Sports first project, TGL is a new high-tech golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR that will begin primetime play in 2024 from the purposebuilt venue on the Palm Beach Gardens campus of Palm Beach State College. Mike McCarley, Founder and CEO of TMRW Sports, and Ava L. Parker, J.D., President, Palm Beach State College officially announced the partnership today.
“The state of Florida, and Palm Beach specifically, emerged as the prime choice as the inaugural home of TGL. Our partnership with Palm Beach State College, which has served the community for nearly 90 years, will not just build upon our commitment to providing more access and opportunities through our tech-focused approach, but also by partnering on education, professional development and vocational opportunities,” said McCarley. “TMRW Sports plans to tap into the diverse talent pool at Palm Beach State College and will al-
so serve as a resource for students interested in careers in sports, technology, and entertainment.”
“This is a proud moment in Palm Beach State College’s history that promises to advance our institution’s recognition as a leader in providing pathways to innovative careers that transform the lives of our students,” said Parker. “The TMRW Sports partnership will provide many benefits to the College and provide our students with access to training and employment opportunities in emerging tech fields that will set a strong foundation for their future success.”
Additionally, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County has fostered a pro-business environment and thriving business community, contributing to the growth opportuni-
ties for TMRW Sports’ making Palm Beach Gardens and the state of Florida its home.
“For 20 years, the Business Development Board has focused on an innovation and technologybased strategy to recruit and retain companies to Palm Beach County. We are thrilled that TMRW Sports has selected the Palm Beach State College site, which we believe will be a mutually beneficial relationship. We look forward to facilitating the continued growth of the company in our area,” said Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
The Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees recently approved an agreement that will permit TMRW Sports to construct the facili-
ty on a 10-acre parcel of currently unused land on the Palm Beach Gardens campus. Construction is expected to break ground early in 2023. The venue will host TGL with future uses in both sports and entertainment.
The partnership includes support for educational and recreational initia-
tives that will benefit students and enhance the college’s business, marketing, sports management, and technology curricula.
“This is a proud moment in Palm Beach State College’s history that promises to advance our institution’s recognition as a leader in providing pathways to innovative careers that transform the lives of our students,”
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A dominant second-half performance lifted the Florida Atlantic Owls (7-1, 1-0 CUSA) to a C-USA-opening 70-60 win over rival FIU (4-4, 0-1 C-USA), extending the Owls’ winning streak to six on Tuesday evening at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
“It’s really exciting. Obviously, you’re checking two big boxes, it’s your rival that’s down the road, and it’s also your first conference game,” expressed head coach Jennifer Sullivan. “Really excited for our girls and our team. We executed the gameplan great. Did a really good job being locked in with what we’re trying to do, and couldn’t be happier for them for all the hard work they’ve been doing in practice.”
a team second-best 16, shooting an impressive 64 percent (7-of-11) from the field, while pulling down a team-leading seven rebounds, and adding an assist and a steal. Janeta Rozentale rounded out the Owls’ double-figure scorers with 10 points, shooting 67 percent from the field (4-of-6) and the free throw line (2-of-3). Rozentale collected three rebounds, tied for a team-high two assists, and added a steal in the win.
After battling through seven ties and five lead changes to open the contest at 1515, the Owls gained the slight edge through the final two minutes of the first period, taking a 20-19 advantage after one.
Helping lead the Owls to their largest margin of victory under head coach Jennifer Sullivan and the program’s best start in its DI era, Florida Atlantic women’s basketball freshman center Dyllan Hanna has been named Conference USA Freshman of the Week, announced by the league office on Monday.
2022-23 season.
Three Owls recorded double-digit performances in the win, led by Alexa Zaph with a game-high 18 points. Zaph shot 44 percent (4-of-9) from the field, including 33 percent (1of-3) from 3-point range, and knocking down 90 percent (9-of-10) from the free throw line.
FAU extended its lead to three at 24-21 off baskets from Joiya Maddox and Aniya Hubbard, however the Panthers produced a 12-6 run over the final eight minutes of the opening half to put FAU at a three-point deficit entering the halftime break, 33-30.
The Panthers continued their momentum into the second half, producing a 9-4 run to open the half, giving FIU an eightpoint lead, 42-34, at the 6:53-minute mark. Staring down an eight-point deficit, the Owls regrouped after the third-period media timeout to counter punch with an 11-2 run of their own, retaking the lead 45-44 with 1:55 to play in the third. FIU knocked down another shot to take the lead once more at 46-45, but back-to-back trips to the free throw line from Amber Gaston and Alexa Zaph tacked on four more points for the Owls, giving FAU a three-point advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of play, 49-46.
The 2022-23 C-USA Players of the Week are presented by Blenders Eyewear and are voted on by the league’s sports information directors.
The honor marks the first career award for the freshman and the first for the Owls so far during the
The Saint Augustine, Florida native had a career night against Florida National last Tuesday. Hanna tied for the team lead and recorded a career-best 18 points, shooting 89 percent (8-of-9) from the field, and a perfect 100 percent (2-of-2) from the free throw line, while also pulling down six rebounds and adding a block and a steal in the Owls’ dominant 61-point win.
The Owls close out their sixgame homestand tomorrow evening as they open up C-USA play against rival FIU. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
Three Owls recorded double-digit performances in the win, led by Alexa Zaph with a game-high 18 points. Zaph shot 44 percent (4-of-9) from the field, including 33 percent (1-of-3) from 3-point range, and knocking down 90 percent (9-of-10) from the free throw line. She also added three boards and a steal. Aniya Hubbard scored
The Owls dominated the final period of play. The Owls flexed their muscles, producing a 16-5 run over the first eight minutes of the fourth, pushing FAU’s lead to its largest of the contest at 14, 65-51. The Panthers attempted to rally with two minutes to play, outscoring FAU 9-5, but the Owls 14-point advantage was just too much to overcome as the FAU held on for the conference-opening 10-point victory, 70-60.