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YMCA of the Palm Beaches Announces $46M Capital Project at Lake Lytal Park in WPB

COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

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Hosts 29th Annual “Rhinestone” Cowboy Ball

Two Olympic Heights Community High School Students are Awarded $10,000 for Their Philanthropic Project

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American

Boca Raton, FL – Olympic Heights Community High School sophomores Erica Frishberg and Jacob Carrion were awarded $10,000 at the Philanthropy Tank Finals Event on March 8th for their philanthropic project, “Hearing for a Change.” Hearing for a Change is a program made up of high school students who put on book clubs to listen and discuss audiobooks with struggling readers at Palm Beach County School District elementary schools for 45 minutes a week during aftercare. The goal of this project is to expose these young readers to books so they can increase their vocabulary, knowledge, imagination, and comprehension ability.

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East /West Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, FL

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The YMCA of the Palm Beaches announced a $46 million capital project, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department, that will relocate and dramatically expand its flagship branch.

90-Year-Old Boca Raton Author to donate the Proceeds of Her New Children’s Book to Boca West Children’s Foundation

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens’ Bamboo and Bonsai Gala is a Bombastic Success

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First Watch Opens Second Location in Boynton Beach, Serving Chef-Driven Brunch and Seasonal Specialties

Heritage Schools’ Class of 2023 Shines Bright with 23 Presidential Scholar Nominees

George Snow Scholarship

Florida Atlantic is Ready for its Moment

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PAGE TWO The Boca Raton Tribune

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Boca Beat

• Under a twinkling blanket of stars, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens celebrated its annual gala with over 200 well-heeled guests and museum supporters on March 4.

• The American Council on Education (ACE) has chosen Dr. Heather Coltman, Dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), as an ACE Fellow for academic year 2021-2022. The ACE Fellows Program is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for responsible positions in college and university administration.

• The YMCA of the Palm Beaches announced a $46 million capital project, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department, that will relocate and dramatically expand its flagship branch.

• Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have successfully established a queen conch farm on Grand Bahama Island. This new development is a significant milestone in efforts to protect the vulnerable queen conch species and support the sustainable seafood industry in the region. The project was led by FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, which worked in collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Bahamian government and community groups. The researchers spent three years developing the technology and methods needed to breed and raise queen conchs in a controlled environment.

• American Heritage Schools has recently announced that 23 students from the Class of 2023 have been nominated for the prestigious Presidential Scholars award, with 16 of them from the Broward Campus and seven from the Palm Beach Campus. American Heritage Schools is widely recognized as the No.1 ranked PK3 through 12 college preparatory schools in the United States, according to Niche. Furthermore, the school’s combined total of 86 National Merit Scholars semifinalists has made it the No.1 and No.2 high schools in the state of Florida.

• Only one year after its groundbreaking,El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company, celebrated the topping off of ALINA 210 at ALINA Residences Boca Raton, an award-winning, world-class residential destination in the heart of downtown Boca Raton, on March 15. ALINA

Quote of the Week:

Peter 5:10

a little while.”

Residences broke ground on its phase two development in March 2022, which includes two buildings: ALINA 210 and ALINA 220. Once phase two is complete in late 2024, ALINA Residences will be complete, comprising of three total buildings: ALINA 200, ALINA 210 and ALINA 220, which will offer 303 total residences. ALINA 200 is sold out and occupied.

• Researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have conducted a study on the impact of independent play on child development, and the results are significant. The study, which involved observing over 300 children between the ages of two and five, found that encouraging independent play can lead to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children.

• Brightline, the leading provider of modern, sustainable intercity rail in the US, has expanded its first and last-mile mobility options in South Florida with the launch of new bi-directional fixed-route shuttles called Brightline+. The shuttles offer pickups at Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and three Miami Beach destinations, providing transfers to respective Brightline stations.

• First Watch, a popular Daytime Dining restaurant known for its chef-driven menu of brunch favorites and seasonal specialties, has announced the opening of its second location in Boynton Beach, Florida. This new location is situated at 1880 N Congress Ave, Ste 170, and spans over 4,060 square feet, accommodating more than 160 guests with its expansive dining room, dedicated to-go entrance, and outdoor patio. The restaurant is also proud to employ around 30 team members.

• Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) and Hopportunities hosted the second Annual Cornhole for the Kids Tournament on March 4 at Hopportunities. The event raised $6,500, which is almost double from last year. Thirty teams with a total of sixty people played. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place teams. The event featured raffles, music, Rossanos Vintage Neapolitan Food Truck and live entertainment.

COMMUNITY The Boca Raton

Two Olympic Heights Community High School Students are Awarded $10,000 for Their Philanthropic Project

Boca Raton, FL – Olympic Heights Community High School sophomores

Erica Frishberg and Jacob Carrion were awarded $10,000 at the Philanthropy Tank Finals Event on March 8th for their philanthropic project, “Hearing for a Change.” Hearing for a Change is a program made up of high school students who put on book clubs to listen and discuss audiobooks with struggling readers at Palm Beach County School District elementary schools for 45 minutes a week during aftercare. The goal of this project is to expose these young readers to books so they can increase their vocabulary, knowledge, imagination, and comprehension ability. Frishberg and Carrion will use the awarded funds to expand their program under the mentorship of former Otis Elevator senior executive, Tom Vining.

Five student-led group Finalists presented their philanthropic ideas to a panel of Philanthropist Investors at the livePhilanthropy Tank Finals Event at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

The Philanthropist Investors awarded a total of $47,000 to the projects. They also each chose a student group to mentor to help them execute their initiatives and increase their ability to make meaningful change throughout Palm Beach County.

Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers, and equips the next generation of CHANGEmakers to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities.

The four remaining groups who were awarded funding include:

· Endgame Education: Maya Behura (10th Boynton Beach) from American Heritage School (Palm Beach County Campus): Endgame Education is a chess centered organization that provides young people with exposure to the game, as well as tutoring for those looking to compete by hosting in person and virtual events. The goal of the organization is to expand the minds of youth through the problem solving and critical thinking that is needed to excel at the incredible game of chess.

· Hooks with Heart: Anna Johnson (10th Delray Beach), Senai Newby (10th Lake Worth), and Donna Cornish (11th Delray Beach) from Atlantic Community High School: Hooks with Heart is a crocheting club with the mission of teaching the art of crochet while providing a safe space to encourage human connection, promote animal welfare, and mental health improvement of youth and adults.

· Down to Earth: Daisy Li (11th Jupiter) from Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts: Down to Earth seeks to educate fourth and fifth grade students in Palm Beach County public and charter schools about climate change, and mobilize them and their families to practice sustainability through the perspective-shifting opportunity to view Science on a Sphere, a six-foot diameter NOAA globe projection screen that visualizes Earth systems in three dimensions.

· TaTa for Now: Jessie Baxter (10th Jupiter), and Holly Milsom (10th Jupiter) from Jupiter High School: TaTa for Now

focuses on providing quality and well fitted undergarments to school aged girls in Palm Beach County who are clothing insecure. This goal of this initiative is to boost the self-esteem of young women by providing for a very basic need that is often overlooked.

This year’s Philanthropist Investors were Don Byrd, Executive Vice President, TBC Corporation, representing the Honda Classic, Debra Elmore, Founder of A.K. Consulting, Chadi Irani, Regional Vice President of Advertising at LocaliQ, representing the Palm Beach Post, and Tom Vining. WPBF 25 First Warning Meteorologist Glenn Glazer served as Master of Ceremonies.

To date, Philanthropy Tank student-led programs in Palm Beach County and Baltimore have impacted more than 300,000 lives; more than 1000 students have participated in the student programs; and more than $750,000 in grant money has been awarded to nearly 70 student-led projects.

AT&T Connected Learning

the

West Palm Beach, FL – A new AT&T Connected Learning Center at The Salvation Army NW Community Center is helping bridge the digital divide in Palm Beach County by providing internet access and educational tools for youth, families, and seniors.

“We are grateful to AT&T for their generous support which will allow us to offer more programming opportunities at our NW Community Center. Corporate supporters like AT&T are vital to our efforts to provide hope to those in the community who need it,” said Major James (Chip) Hall, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County. “We are pleased to have these new computers as we continue to pilot new educational programs for our Palm Beach Community.”

As part of AT&T’s 3 year $2 billion commitment made in 2021 to address the digital divide, the goal of the center is to encourage more community members to get connected through free access to the internet and education resources that teach the value of broadband and how to use it safely and effectively.

“At AT&T, we are proud to provide connectivity, digital tools and educational resources that give Palm Beach County residents the opportunity to succeed today and tomorrow. AT&T’s investment in the Connected Learning Center at The Salvation Army NW Community Center direct-

ly reflects our commitment to helping bridge the digital divide and making an impact in the communities we serve,” said Joe York, president, AT&T Gulf States. “The Connected Learning Center will help equip South Florida youth, families and seniors with the resources they need to strengthen digital literacy skills, apply for jobs or access healthcare.”

The new center will help to bridge the digital divide by providing free access to a range of digital resources all under one roof, including: high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers – as well free education resources, tutoring and mentoring from AT&T employees. As part of its ongoing commitment to championing digital inclusion for underserved communities, Dell Technologies donated Dell OptiPlex computers and Dell monitors which feature integrated audio and webcams to support virtual learning. Additionally, World Wide Technology, a Black-owned company and the largest minority supplier of IT services globally, is providing configuration and installation services.

For more information on AT&T Connected Learning, visit att.com/ connectedlearning.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, please visit: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/westpalmbeach. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

Boca Raton, FL – 90-year-old Mona Pearl will donate the proceeds of her new children’s book, Children’s Stories by Mona, to Boca West Children’s Foundation (BWCF). Pearl started by reading her stories to her grandchildren at bedtime. In the 1980s, she read stories to sick children at a hospital in New York City. Now, the Boca West Country Club resident will donate all proceeds from the book to Boca West Children’s Foundation.

“Each story has Mona’s charm and wisdom, mixed with her ability to craft a memorable tale,” said Richard Zenker, Board Chair of the Boca West Children’s Foundation. “We are delighted that she has decided to donate the proceeds from her book to our organization.”

Pearl has included 12 stories in the book and it can be purchased on

Amazon by visiting https://www. amazon.com/Childrens-Stories-Mona-Pearl/dp/B0BSJQGY8R The book includes the story The Pencil People which has been a favorite of children over the years.

No human has ever been born in the state of inadequacy, even though several give the impression of having been reared there, and never left it. It is not a geographical territory, but neither is it a condition to prevent good things that can happen and may be easily achieved!

The world is filled with individuals born with some impairment which never needs to keep them from fulfilling noble deeds which truly benefit many others.

If unable to speak, one can still wave a hand in a friendly greeting; if

POSITIVE LIVING

By: Dr. Synesio Lyra

Prepare Yourself for Positive Tasks!

paralyzed, one can offer the gift of a smile to refresh a weary soul. Countless more examples can be multiplied as graphic confirmations of this possibility!

A friend of mine, many years ago, wrote something which stayed with me ever since. He stated that God has no waste-baskets, for He has a purpose and a plan for anyone, anyhow, anywhere, in impacting other lives in ways that no one could ever imagine.

Sometime back, when she was still alive, I often visited a nonagenarian lady at her home. As we chatted, she

commented that from where she daily sat in that living room, she could observe many of the movements of neighbors dear to her. By looking through the large window in that living room where she spent most of her day, she could see when each neighbor left the house, whether to work, or to some other engagement outside the house.

She used each occasion to ask God to protect them, to help them through the day, and to bring them safely back at their appointed time, each afternoon. It was a source of

FAITH

By: Rick Boxx

personal satisfaction for her, and of immense benefit to those neighbors who were totally unaware of that daily discipline from their elderly neighbor, confined to a chair all.

You also, regardless of age or condition, can accomplish far more than you imagine, for the sake of many others and for your own joy. The thing to remember always is that as long as there is life and breath, some significant accomplishment remains open to anyone ready to respond to varied opportunities ever present to attempt something for others!

The Importance of Self-Control

This was why, however, I was stunned when I discovered the two partners were seriously discussing buying a donut franchise in addition to their business. What do donuts have to do with printing? Fortunately, I was able to convince them it was a bad idea.

Business leaders, especially those who are successful and attract attention, are offered new business opportunities almost daily. Sometimes sales pitches and projections can sound very tempting. Without self-control, it can easily lead to chasing something far off track from your God-given calling or purpose.

We find the need for self-control

and focused thinking addressed in the Bible: “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Proverbs 25:28). The question is, with so many enticing opportunities coming our way, how do we sort through them and determine which are the ones worth pursuing?

This is one reason mission statements are important, both corporately and personally. They help to define things such as, “who are we?”, “what do we do?”, “why are we here?”, and “what do we intend to accomplish?” I know of business owners and executives who have crafted mission statements and regularly refer to them as constant reminders of what they and their companies should be about. These can, in effect, serve as self-control mechanisms to keep us from diverting away from our mission and goals.

Another proverb that fits this discussion is, “Where there is no revelation [prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18). There are many applications for this verse, but certainly having a clear sense of mission and vision can help us in maintaining self-control, rather than following rabbit trails that can take us far off track.

A well-known passage, Galatians 5:22-23, describes the “fruit of the Spirit,” characteristics of a truly spiritual person who is faithfully following Jesus Christ. These are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and… self-control.” Then it says, “Against such things there is no law.”

These are all traits that should be exhibited by believers in the business and professional world – what 2 Corinthians 5:20 calls, “Christ’s

ambassadors.” The self-control spoken of relates to not becoming controlled or consumed by ungodly things, and demonstrating proper actions and words. But it also can apply to being able to avoid – as did the business partners I was working with – making unwise decisions that could hurt their effectiveness in the workplace.

Besides having a clearly defined mission statement, one other asset for maintaining self-control is seeking to remain constantly aware of the presence and guidance of God in your life. When seeking to evaluate a new, intriguing opportunity, it helps to remember, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). To protect the future of your business, learn self-control and the courage to say “No” to everything that doesn’t fit your mission.

ROSA CAVALCANTI GABRIELA BARBIERI SCOTT SINGER Our Writers/Reporters and Columnists Editorial PEDRO HEIZER Online Edition PEDRO HEIZER DINI HEIZER

TROY M. MCLELLAN JESSICA DEL VECCHIO KENNY SPAHN

Years ago, a consulting client of mine was in a printing-related industry. The principal partners enjoyed numerous opportunities within their industry, many of which were strategic to their company’s future growth.

COLUMNISTS The Boca Raton Tribune

By: Robert J. Tamasy DAILY BREAD

Living a Life to Die For

The English language has a phrase, “to die for.” This basically means something is good beyond imagining. For instance, “The steak at this restaurant is to die for.” It is so good it defies description.

Thinking along those lines, have you ever experienced anything you could say was “to die for”? Maybe it was food, a travel destination, or a spectator experience that surpassed your greatest expectations?

What about living a life to die for? For some that might mean immersing in favorite pastimes, such as fishing or golfing, music or traveling. Others might think of a life dedicated to the pursuit of wealth, or professional success and achievement. Each of those can offer a level of satisfaction, but in pursuing those alone, we might one day find ourselves singing the old song refrain, “Is that all there is?”

Living a life to die for, in my view, is one lived intentionally and purposefully, defined by an unwavering sense of mission. A life in which the person clearly understands who he or she is, why they are here, and feels propelled to fulfill that purpose. Ultimately, a life that influences many people in positive, life-changing ways. When that individual’s life on earth is ended, an enduring legacy remains.

During my lifetime I have had the privilege of knowing a few people like that, but only a few. Recently my longtime friend, David Stoddard, founder of the non-profit I have worked for the past 12 years, went home to be with the Lord. Dave was one of those rare, larger-than-life people.

He had several distinctive traits – an ever-present smile, genuine humility, great kindness and generosity, a love for people, devotion to his family, and deep faith in Je-

sus Christ. The verse, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) aptly described Dave’s life and his unexpected departure from this life at the age of 60.

When I met Dave about 30 years ago, he was an up-and-coming sales executive with a medical supplies company, on a fast track to becoming its top executive. It was worthwhile work, but he felt a calling to do more than sell stethoscopes and surgical equipment. So he resigned, accepting a staff role with CBMC. He oversaw the production of a training series called “Living Proof.” Later, following his vision for having an impact for Christ in companies and corporations of all sizes, Dave started Leaders Legacy. In the 14 years he led the organization, thousands of lives were touched through his unique approach to mentoring, executive coaching, leadership development and team building.

He and I collaborated on his book, The Heart of Mentoring. Its subtitle described the mission he pursued: Developing people to their fullest potential. This encompassed not only professional and personal training, but also helping them discover how to relate spiritual truths to every aspect of their lives. At Dave’s memorial service, dozens of people spoke about the life-changing impact he had on their lives. He would have been quick to point out it was God, not him, that did the changing.

The key for Dave, in business and investing in others’ lives, was total trust and dependence on God. He understood apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5) and we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). Here’s a question for you: Are youliving a life to die for?

Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) and Hopportunities Held Second Annual Cornhole For the Kids Tournament

Delray Beach, FL – Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) and Hopportunities hosted the second Annual Cornhole for the Kids Tournament on March 4 at Hopportunities. The event raised $6,500, which is almost double from last year. Thirty teams with a total of sixty people played.

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place teams. The event featured raffles, music, Rossanos Vintage Neapolitan Food Truck and live entertainment.

“It was a great day of cornhole! We were glad to be able to raise money for an important cause and help the kids,” Steven Murphy, one of the participants said.

Virgin Voyages donated a cruise for two for the event’s raffle for a Sea Terrace Cabin on (almost!) any

First Watch Opens Second Location in Boynton Beach, Serving Chef-Driven Brunch and Seasonal Specialties

of their voyages in 2023. The winner will choose from Mediterranean voyages like French Daze and Ibiza Nights sailing from Barcelona, Greek Island Glow sailing from Athens, or from Miami there are short get-aways to Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini or deeper into the Southern Caribbean to islands like Aruba, Curacao and St. Croix.

Unleash Your Child’s Potential: New FAU Research Shows Encouraging Independent Play Boosts Cognitive and Behavioral Development

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have conducted a study on the impact of independent play on child development, and the results are significant. The study, which involved observing over 300 children between the ages of two and five, found that encouraging independent play can lead to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children.

suggests that children who are given the opportunity to play independently may develop a sense of autonomy and confidence that can carry over into other areas of their lives. This can have long-term benefits, as children who develop strong executive function skills are more likely to succeed in school and in their adult lives.

The study also found that children who were provided with a variety of play materials and toys were more likely to engage in independent play, indicating that parents and caregivers can play a role in encouraging independent play by providing a diverse set of play options.

First Watch, a popular Daytime Dining restaurant known for its chef-driven menu of brunch favorites and seasonal specialties, has announced the opening of its second location in Boynton Beach, Florida. This new location is situated at 1880 N Congress Ave, Ste 170, and spans over 4,060 square feet, accommodating more than 160 guests with its expansive dining room, dedicated togo entrance, and outdoor patio. The restaurant is also proud to employ around 30 team members.

Dave Lynch, Vice President of Operations, expressed his excitement about the new location: “Since we opened our first restaurant in Boynton Beach three years ago, we’ve seen brunch become more than just a moment for our customers – it’s now an occasion to come together and celebrate the everyday, and that’s what our newest location is all about.”

To commemorate the opening of the new Boynton Beach restaurant, First Watch is offering free coffee to all customers who dine in-restaurant during the first five days of business. Additionally, the first 120 customers who visit the new location will receive a custom, reusable travel mug.

cake Breakfast, Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash, and Watermelon WakeUp fresh juice.

Apart from the menu, First Watch serves a range of fresh juices, made from only the highest quality fruits and vegetables, and its socially responsible and award-winning Project Sunrise coffee, which is sourced by women coffee farmers, the Mujeres en CaféTM. This initiative empowers these growers, supports their families, and strengthens communities throughout South America.

The restaurant also features an alcoholic beverage program, offering refreshing cocktails featuring its fresh juices like the Vodka Kale Tonic (gluten-free vodka, fresh juiced kale, Fuji apple, English cucumber, and lemon) and signature creations such as the Cinnamon Toast Cereal Milk (coconut rum, cold brew coffee, coconut milk, and agave nectar).

The study, led by Dr. Tara LaFollette, an associate professor in FAU’s Department of Psychology, found that children who were encouraged to engage in independent play exhibited better executive function, which includes skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and self-regulation. These children were also found to have better emotional regulation and showed fewer behavioral problems than those who did not engage in independent play.

According to Dr. LaFollette, the study

These findings have important implications for parents, caregivers, and educators. By encouraging independent play, adults can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of their lives. The study also underscores the importance of providing children with a variety of play options and allowing them to explore and learn on their own.

Overall, the FAU study suggests that independent play is an important component of child development, and that encouraging it can have positive effects on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development.

First Watch’s menu features a curated selection of traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings made to order using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is known for its Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. It also offers a revolving seasonal menu that follows the sun to source the highest quality ingredients, wherever and whenever they are in season. Past seasonal items include Crab Avocado Toast, Pumpkin Pan -

During the pre-opening Friends & Family event, First Watch collected donations to support Cereal4all, a youth-run nonprofit organization fighting hunger around America’s breakfast tables. The restaurant encourages customers to give back to local nonprofit organizations during its pre-opening events. In 2022 alone, the concept raised over $54,000 for local causes such as food security, education, and youth services, among others.

First Watch’s newest location in Boynton Beach is ready to serve the community with its delicious, chef-driven menu of brunch favorites, fresh juices, and socially responsible coffee. Customers are invited to enjoy a refreshing beverage while making a positive impact in their local community.

Fun Ways to Foster a Love of Music at an Early Age

It’s never too early to encourage children to love to make and appreciate music. Here’s how:

• Attend a Concert: Whether you’re attending a symphony or a rock concert, there is no substitute for the excitement of a live musical performance. Not only will kids enjoy watching the show, the experience may inspire them to learn to dance or play an instrument themselves. To get started, look for events geared towards kids and families, or those with relaxed vibes, to ensure little ones will get the most out of the experience.

• Play With Musical Toys: Toys are a fun and interactive way to encourage musical creativity and help kids find the beat. One of the coolest musical toys out there, a 2022 Toy of the Year finalist, is DJ Beat Boxer from VTech. Each interaction with this music-mixing

pup -- from scratching DJ’s head and booping her nose to pushing the buttons on her headphones -adds layers to the music. Kids can start a rhythm and add in backbeats, harmonies, record-scratching sounds, an air horn effect and

more to complete any remix. They can even press DJ’s ear to record a quick phrase to drop into their song. Her head will nod along to the music while her jowls flap to the beat.

• Get Immersed: Hit up the li-

brary and check out picture books that build music vocabulary or feature musical characters. Look for movies and television shows with musical themes. There are many entertaining ways to immerse kids into the world of music.

• Create a Playlist: Give kids the tools they need to develop their own music tastes and interests. Many streaming services now offer special apps for kids that allow them to explore genres, musicians and songs all on their own. This is a safe and easy way to ensure little ones have access to kid-friendly content, along with the freedom to create their own library and playlists. Of course, a good pair of headphones that are safe for young, sensitive ears is also essential!

From playlists to playtime, you can help foster a child’s lifelong love and appreciation for music.

What the Latest Science Says About COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

While it can be tempting to think of the pandemic as something that occurred in the past, the reality is that COVID-19 continues to be a significant burden in the United States. As of November 2022, there are more than 39,000 new cases, more than 3,000 hospitalizations and about 350 deaths attributable to COVID-19 each day.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” says Albert A. Rizzo, M.D., chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. “That’s why it’s so important for those at high risk to understand when to test for the disease and to learn more about available treatment options.”

In response to the evolving science, the American Lung Association, with support from Pfizer, aims to encourage older adults, people living with chronic lung disease and other high-risk individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about their treatment options if they test positive for COVID-19.

Testing

Cold and flu season is upon us, and we will continue to see increased cases of infectious respiratory diseases, including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. If you experience symptoms that could be COVID-19, get test-

ed right away. Keep in mind that many infectious respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, so during flu season, it’s especially important to get tested to find out which virus you have and which treatment is right for you.

If you’re exposed to COVID-19 but don’t experience symptoms, you should also test at least five days after the exposure, with day 0 being the day of contact. You may also consider getting tested pri-

or to visiting someone at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are high risk, speak with your healthcare provider right away about available treatment options.

Treatment

Treatment may help prevent severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization. Depending on your situation, your

healthcare provider may prescribe one of the following:

• Oral antiviral medications, which may reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the body by stopping the virus from making copies of itself. This medication should be taken as soon as possible after diagnosis and within five days of symptom onset.

• Monoclonal antibody treatment, an IV infusion antiviral medication, can help your immune system fight off the virus by blocking and limiting the amount of virus within the body. This medication should be given as soon as possible, and within seven days of when you started feeling ill.

After treatment, be sure to monitor your condition and report any lingering or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you begin having difficulty breathing or any other symptom indicating severe illness, seek urgent care.

For more information about COVID-19 testing and treatment, visit Lung.org/treating-COVID.

“While effective treatments can help prevent severe illness after infection, vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19,” says Dr. Rizzo. “Keep your vaccinations up to date. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible for an updated booster.”

YMCA of the Palm Beaches Announces $46M Capital Project at

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches announced a $46 million capital project, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department, that will relocate and dramatically expand its flagship branch.

In 2021, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a 50-year ground lease to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, allowing the nonprofit to build a state-of-the-art community center and Olympic-style skate park next to the County’s new aquatic facility, which the Y will manage. This historic public private partnership replicates a successful model replicated in other municipalities with YMCA. The new facilities will be located at Lake Lytal Park, just off Southern Boulevard.

The new Y will feature a 55,000 square foot community center; Olympic-style Skate Park & Gym designed by Team Pain; and

the Y PreSchool Academy – all of which will serve four times as many individuals and families in Palm Beach County than the current facility.

A hallmark feature of the new YMCA Community Center will be its Youth Engagement and Resource Center. The Center will be wholly focused on mentoring young people between the ages of 12 and 22, a critically underserved population in Palm Beach County. Some of the features of the Center include a STEM lab, music studio, art studio and a culinary arts kitchen.

Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation will also construct a new, premier Aquatic Center – with a FlowRider Surfing pool –adjacent to the new YMCA.

Construction on Phase 1 of the twophase project is expected to begin in late 2023.

FAU Dean Selected as ACE Fellow: A Promising Leader to Strengthen Higher Education Institutions

gram also provides the opportunity to attend retreats, seminars, and other events to increase the knowledge and skills needed to lead higher education institutions effectively.

“I am thrilled to be named an ACE Fellow and to have the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished higher education leaders in the country,” said Dr. Coltman. “I am looking forward to expanding my leadership skills and bringing new ideas back to FAU.”

Fellows Program is a unique, transformative experience that prepares leaders to address challenges and make strategic decisions in higher education. We’re excited to welcome another exceptional cohort of Fellows and look forward to supporting them as they expand their knowledge, skills, and networks.”

The American Council on Education (ACE) has chosen Dr. Heather Coltman, Dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), as an ACE Fellow for academic year 2021-2022. The ACE Fellows Program is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying

and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for responsible positions in college and university administration.

Dr. Coltman is one of 52 ACE Fellows for the academic year and will spend the upcoming academic year working closely with a college or university president and other senior officers at a host institution. The pro -

Dr. Coltman has served as the Dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at FAU since 2018. Prior to joining FAU, she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Chico, and as a professor of music. Dr. Coltman earned her Ph.D. in musicology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The ACE Fellows Program has been in operation for over five decades and has prepared over 2,000 individuals for senior leadership roles in higher education. Dr. John Barnshaw, President of ACE, said, “The ACE

FAU Provost Bret Danilowicz said, “We are proud of Dr. Coltman’s selection as an ACE Fellow and look forward to the valuable insights and experience she will bring back to FAU. We’re confident that this experience will enhance her ability to provide leadership to our university and the broader academic community.”

The ACE Fellows Program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have at least five years of full-time experience in higher education. The program also requires the endorsement of the candidate’s senior leadership, a commitment from the candidate’s home institution to provide support during the fellowship, and the availability of adequate financial resources.

Diagnosed with Bullous Pemphigoid? (BP)

Blistering that interferes with your life. A desire to find treatment.

With your participation, you can help researchers investigate a new way to approach the treatment of BP

Who Can Take Part?

• 18 years old+

• Confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe BP

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What Will The Study Involve?

• Screening period: 2-3 weekly visits

• 43 weekly visits – most at the study center, some at home

• 1-2 minute subcutaneous injection (under the skin)

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Are There Any Costs?

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The first step is to talk with a Know Rare Patient Advocate who will help you connect to a study center to discuss participation.

Find out more about participating in the study: balladstudybp.com/pa or share the study listing with your doctor: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05267600

Brightline Expands First and Last Mile Mobility Options with New Shuttle Service in South Florida

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens’ Bamboo and Bonsai Gala is a Bombastic Success

Brightline, the leading provider of modern, sustainable intercity rail in the US, has expanded its first and last-mile mobility options in South Florida with the launch of new bi-directional fixed-route shuttles called Brightline+. The shuttles offer pickups at Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and three Miami Beach destinations, providing transfers to respective Brightline stations.

The new shuttle service operates on a fixed route schedule and does not require advance reservations, with one-way rides charged at a flat rate of $10 per person. The shuttle status can be tracked live on the Brightline website.

The Brightline Airport Connector and Beach Express Shuttles offer convenient pickup and drop-off locations at MIA, FLL, and Miami Beach destinations. Shuttles depart from Brightline stations to the airports and Miami Beach 10 minutes after each train arrives. The Bright-

line Aventura Mall shuttle also remains complimentary, operating every 30 minutes with drop-off at the Aventura Mall Bus Stop.

Brightline+ fixed-route shuttles and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) offer complimentary walkup rides to guests. Brightline+ has seen rapid adoption, with nearly one-third of Brightline riders using the service. Earlier this year, Brightline announced a partnership between Brightline+ and Uber, offering Brightline+ rideshare service supercharged by Uber for transportation to and from Brightline stations and South Florida’s three major cruise ports.

Brightline+ was launched in 2021 to improve access to Brightline stations and guests’ final destinations. The new shuttle service expands first and last-mile mobility options for Brightline riders, enabling more convenient travel between South Florida destinations. For complete shuttle schedules and routes, visit the Brightline website.

Delray Beach, FL – Under a twinkling blanket of stars, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens celebrated its annual gala with over 200 well-heeled guests and museum supporters on March 4.

Japanese culture was on prominent display throughout the Bamboo and Bonsai Gala, which kicked off with butlered cocktails, sake and whiskey tastings, and a riveting taiko drumming performance by Fushu Daiko. A spectacular fireworks display preceded a lavish surf-and-turf dinner hosted on the museum’s plein air terrace overlooking Lake Morikami.

The notable night also featured dancing and live music by Vinyl, an opulent silent auction, and the 2023 George Morikami Cultural Arts Awards, which spotlighted supporters whose generosity and creativity made a sustaining impact on the museum and its community. Award honorees included The Freeman Foundation, Beverlee Kohnken and the Kohnken Family Foundation, and Mrs. Marilyn Rothstein.

Monies raised from the gala will benefit Morikami’s 4Es: Exhibitions, Education, Emotional Wellness programs, and Expansion.

Notable guests included Consul General of Japan Kazuhiro Nakai, Palm Beach County Mayor Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation’s Paul Connell, Morikami Museum’s Director Bonnie White LeMay, Board President Emeritus Celia “CiCi” Turner Zahringer, Board of Trustees President Randal Baker, Gala Co-Chairs Robin May and Christine Carton, Gala Honorary Chair Hilarie Viener, Board of Trustees’ Rosie Burkman, Norma Geller, Peter Marks, and Stilson Tomita.

Bamboo and Bonsai Gala’s Presenting Sponsor was JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Exclusive Hotel Sponsor was Nobu Hotel Miami Beach.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

Comedy classic ‘My Son the Waiter’ coming to Boca Black Box Center

Chamber honors Andrea Virgin, Ananya Soni, with special business awards

The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce honored two exceptional businesswomen with special honors at the 17th annual Diamond Award Luncheon held last month at the Woodfield Country Club, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

This year, Chamber members were excited to gather and honor Andrea Virgin, owner of Virgin Design, as the 2023 Diamond Award Recipient. Virgin, a professional ballerina turned land development engineer, is a native from Boca

ContinuedonPage14

By Dale King

Brad Zimmerman’s newest show, My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous will make its South Florida debut March 22 and 23 at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts, 8221 Glades Road, #10, Boca Raton.

Zimmerman’s hilarious and poignant story is still universal in its message: If you embark upon the journey to follow your dream, and demonstrate the grit and passion required to ‘make it’ as an artist, the rewards that come from never giving up are very much worth the ‘blood, sweat, and tears.’

“I have been working on this show for about six years,” Zimmerman said. “It is not a hybrid as the first piece was –which means half standup/ half theatre. This is more of a play. As the first one does, it chronicles my journey – starting when I was very young –and takes the audience right up to the present. But it is done in more of a play format. There is lots of humor but also poignancy.”

“The reason I started to work on this is that even while performing the first show it gave me a creative outlet –and without that, I wouldn’t

have known what to do with myself,” he continued.

“In this second piece I don’t glaze over things. I dive into them more deeply than in the first piece, which I think makes for a more universal and relatable performance. And even if the audience is familiar with my story in general, they will find this play to be nothing like the first one.”

“There are stories about my childhood and my education and my introduction to theatre and comedy and my social life …and naturally… my mother.”

Brad Zimmerman moved to New York and ‘temporarily’ worked as a waiter for 29 years while pursuing his career as an actor. Eventually he got a role on “The Sopranos’ and work as a comedian, opening for Joan Rivers for eight years, as well as for Brad Garrett and George Carlin. His first show, My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy has played throughout the United States for more than 10 years.

Tickets for the show are available online at https:// mysonthewaiter.com/ or by phone at 561-483-9036. Tickets range from $46.50 –$61.50.

George Snow Scholarship Hosts 29th Annual “Rhinestone” Cowboy Ball

Raton.

From left, Victoria Rixon, Jackie Reeves, Donna Biase, Barbara Cambria, Andrea Virgin, Clara Bennett, Margaret Mary Shuff, Sophia Eccleston

Show star Brad Zimmerman (Photo courtesy of Carol Kassie)

Show star Brad Zimmerman (Photo courtesy of Carol Kassie)

From left, Matthew Maschler, City Councilwoman Fran Nachlas, Dr. Melyssa Hancock, Nick Zeher. (Gina Fontana Photographic Services)

Troy McLellan, president of the Boca Raton Chamber and Andrea Virgin (2023 DIAMOND Award recipient)

Sherese James-Grow (YEA! program manager) and Ananya Soni (2023 PEARL Award recipient)

The George Snow Scholarship Fund hosted its 29th annual Rhinestone Cowboy Ball Feb. 11 at Boca West Country Club. Corporate Community Service Recipient Boca Raton Airport Authority was in attendance to accept its award, along with Dr. Nathan Nachlas, accepting the Community Service Award on behalf of Ed Ventrice.

Chamber honors Andrea Virgin, Ananya Soni, with special business awards

By Dale King

The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce honored two exceptional businesswomen with special honors at the 17th annual Diamond Award Luncheon held last month at the Woodfield Country Club, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

This year, Chamber members were excited to gather and honor Andrea Virgin, owner of Virgin Design, as the 2023 Diamond Award Recipient. Virgin, a professional ballerina turned land development engineer, is a native from Boca Raton.

Virgin also co-founded and sits as chairman of the board of the Center for Arts & Innovation proposed for the north end of Mizner Park in Boca Raton. Virgin has served in leadership roles with Ballet Theatre

and the Cornell University Alumni Association and has dedicated her time and resources to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the George Snow Scholarship Fund.

In addition to celebrating Ms. Virgin, the Chamber announced the recipient of the Pearl Award, an honor given to a young female who is a graduate of the Boca Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA).

The 2023 Pearl Award recipient was Ananya Soni, owner and founder of Cosmic Child. A young and upcoming jewelry designer with roots in India, she upcycles old jewelry and also designs new jeweled items.

This young woman is achieving success and shines bright as a rising star in the community. The award celebrates an individual that we the Chamber believes stands out as a pearl of potential in the next generation of business leaders.

For 17 years, the Chamber has presented the Diamond Award to the following deserving women: Mary Wong (2007), Rocki Rockingham (2008), Victoria Rixon (2009), Cheryl Budd (2010), Margaret Mary Shuff (2011), Dr. Marta Rendon (2012), Jackie Reeves (2013), Yvonne Boice (2014), Mary Sol Gonzalez (2015), Susan Saturday (2017), Barbara Cambia (2018), Ethel Isaacs Williams (2019), Clara Bennett (2020), Sophia Eccleston (2021) and Donna Biase (2022).

A 501(c)6 non-profit organization and the most influential Chamber in Palm Beach County, with a membership presently composed of more than 1,500 companies representing more than 120,000 employees in South Palm Beach County. The Boca Chamber’s mission is to promote and sustain economic prosperity in South Palm Beach County and beyond.

Visit www.bocachamber.com to learn more.

From left, Troy McLellan, Andrea Virgin, Victoria Rixon

Sherese James-Grow (YEA! program manager) and Ananya Soni (2023 PEARL Award recipient)

Leah Gonzalez (2022 PEARL Award recipient) and Ananya Soni (2023 PEARL Award recipient)

George Snow Scholarship Hosts 29th Annual “Rhinestone” Cowboy Ball

By Dale King

The George Snow Scholarship Fund hosted its 29th annual Rhinestone Cowboy Ball Feb. 11 at Boca West Country Club. Corporate Community Service Recipient Boca Raton Airport Authority was in attendance to accept its award, along with Dr. Nathan Nachlas, accepting the Community Service Award on behalf of Ed Ventrice.

More than 300 guests enjoyed a country-themed buffet dinner and dancing, live music, open bar, casino play, whiskey tastings from Warren American Whiskey Kitchen and alligator wrestling featuring a mechanical alligator.

Longtime George Snow Scholarship Fund supporter Jan Dymtrow said that while attending the Cowboy Ball “you are immediately part of something bigger than an evening event – you become a part of the passion and compassion of raising money that will truly change the trajectory of a student’s life.”

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was the title sponsor, bringing along the horses of their Mounted Unit to greet guests upon arrival at the valet. Additional Cowboy Ball sponsors included Amy & Mike Kazma, Babione-Kraeer Funeral Homes, Robin & Charles Deyo, Pink Palm at Douglas Elliman, James & Marta Batmasian Family Foundation and Paradise Bank.

Also: Fairman & Associates, NCCI, Office Depot, Kaufman Lynn Construction, Boca Raton Airport Authority, Signature Real Estate Finders, Presidential Auto Sales & Leasing, Boca Raton Magazine and Warren American Whiskey Kitchen.

Live auction items were donated from The Boca Raton, Warren American Whiskey Kitchen, A1A Limos, Blueprint Yachts, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Tricho Salon Boca Raton, Casa de Montecristo and Red Meat Lovers Club.

Emceed by Paige Kornblue of Paige Kornblue Media and WPBF 25 First Warning Meteorologist Glenn Glazer, accompanied by auctioneer and Snow Scholar alumnus Mike Pontillo, the Rhinestone Cowboy Ball set a new fundraising record, netting more than $150,000. All proceeds from ticket sales, raffle ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships go to the George Snow Scholarship Fund and its efforts to provide scholarships and support services to its students.

“We really can’t thank our sponsors enough,” said Snow. “The Cowboy Ball was first started in 1982 with a nod to my father’s love for horses, and over the years has become one of Boca’s favorite events. Our sponsors’ continued support, along with our donors and event guests, has allowed us to award more than $2.2 million in scholarships and support services in 2022. Their commitment to the George Snow Scholarship Fund and our events has changed the lives of hundreds of deserving students.”

The George Snow Scholarship Fund was founded in 1982 as a 501(c)3 organization, whose mission is to help hardworking students in South Florida graduate from college by providing financial aid and wrap-around support services. The Fund’s goal is to ensure that no student is deprived of an education due to a shortage of funds or a lack of support.

A family pact that began as a memorial fund to one philanthropic and devoted man has become a community asset – a family of individuals, corporations, private foundations and community service organizations who share the belief that education is the key to a better life for the young people of Palm Beach and Broward counties.

To learn more about The George Snow Scholarship Fund, contact the GSSF office at 561-347-6799 or visit www.scholarship.org. Connect on facebook.com/snowscholarship or twitter.com/snowscholarship.

From left, Mike Pontillo, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Paige Kornblue, Glenn Glazer. (Gina Fontana Photographic Services)

From left, Andrea Virgin, Bonnie Halperin, Justin Ely, Rochelle LeCavalier. (Gina Fontana Photographic Services)

From left, Georgia Williams, Scott Kohut, Clara Bennett, Lisa Kaufman, Tim Snow. (Gina Fontana Photographic Services)

El-Ad National Properties Celebrates Topping Off of ALINA Residences’ Phase

Two ALINA 210 Building in Boca Raton on March 15

American Heritage Schools’ Class of 2023 Shines Bright with 23 Presidential Scholar Nominees

American Heritage Schools has recently announced that 23 students from the Class of 2023 have been nominated for the prestigious Presidential Scholars award, with 16 of them from the Broward Campus and seven from the Palm Beach Campus. American Heritage Schools is widely recognized as the No.1 ranked PK3 through 12 college preparatory schools in the United States, according to Niche. Furthermore, the school’s combined total of 86 National Merit Scholars semifinalists has made it the No.1 and No.2 high schools in the state of Florida.

dential Scholar is one of the highest academic honors that a student can achieve.

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor the most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program has since been extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual, creative, and performing arts and those who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Only one year after its groundbreaking,El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company, celebrated the topping off of ALINA 210 at ALINA Residences Boca Raton, an award-winning, world-class residential destination in the heart of downtown Boca Raton, on March 15.

ALINA Residences broke ground on its phase two development in March 2022, which includes two buildings: ALINA 210 and ALINA 220. Once phase two is complete in late 2024, ALINA Residences will be complete, comprising of three total buildings: ALINA 200, ALINA 210 and ALINA 220, which will offer 303 total residences. ALINA 200 is sold out and occupied.

Dozens of community leaders and elected officials gathered to celebrate the official Topping Off of ALINA 210. In attendance were El-Ad National Properties CEO Noam Ziv, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Deputy Mayor Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Chair Monica Mayotte, Douglas Elliman Florida CEO Jay Phillip Parker, Moss Construction Chairman and Founder Bob Moss, among other local dignitaries.

ALINA 210, the intimate centerpiece of ALINA Residences, features nine stories and 30 exquisite corner residences. With a maximum of four residences per floor, ALINA 210 features homes with three and four bedrooms with den floor plans, ranging in sizes from about 3,300–5,400 square feet with pricing starting at approximately $4 million.

In addition to enjoying access to exceptional amenities at ALINA 200 and ALINA 220, the 30 residences at ALINA 210 will have an exclusive suite of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private spa with dry sauna, aroma steam rooms, salon/treatment area, private locker rooms, state-ofthe-art fitness facility and a bungalow style pool with poolside cabanas.

“Following the success of ALINA Residences’ sold-out phase one, it is extremely exciting to be topping off of the boutique ALINA 210 building one year after groundbreaking,” said Ziv. “Phase two is already over 50% sold, with many purchasers referred by existing ALINA residents. We believe this ongoing sales activity is a reflection of buyers recognizing that ALINA is a truly

unique residential destination, which offers designer-inspired residences, resort-style amenities, and a sense of community with well-staffed services. Boca Raton’s downtown scene is continuing to emerge, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Phase two will add an extra two acres of private outdoor amenity space to ALINA.

All ALINA residents will enjoy spectacular amenities such as his and hers spa facilities with dry saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms; state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple rooftop swimming pools with private cabanas, fire pits, dedicated yoga areas, highly appointed club rooms, two dog parks and more.

Designed by architect Peter Stromberg of Garcia Stromberg and brought to life by Moss Construction, ALINA Residences Boca Raton is a beacon of modern living in Boca Raton. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales team for ALINA Residences.

“We are excited to experience the huge demand for phase two of ALINA Residences,” said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman Florida and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida.

“There is no doubt that downtown Boca Raton has transformed as the developers of ALINA envisioned, making it the perfect time to become a part of the extraordinary lifestyle that ALINA residents are enjoying. We expect continued interest and excitement now that ALINA 210 has topped off.”

ALINA Residences is tucked between the manicured green fairways of The Boca Raton and Southeast Mizner Boulevard, offering premier access to nearby shopping, dining, and cultural destinations.

With more than three decades of highend development experience in New York City, Los Angeles and Toronto, Elad Group entered the South Florida market a few years ago through El-Ad National Properties. By expeditiously seizing opportunities, El-Ad National Properties has earned a sterling reputation as an agile, entrepreneurial company with high expectations and solid values, a philosophy shared by all employees.

El-Ad National Properties is leaving its footprint on South Florida with ALINA Residences Boca Raton as its first new development from the ground up project.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program is an extremely distinguished recognition awarded to graduating high school seniors who have achieved exceptional academic success. American Heritage Schools’ two campuses have produced 11% of all Presidential Scholar Candidates in Florida, with the Broward Campus being the No.1 school in the state with the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates, and the Palm Beach Campus being the No.1 school in Palm Beach County and the No.2 private school in Florida with the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates.

Dr. Doug Laurie, the president of American Heritage Schools, expressed his pride in the students who have achieved this incredible honor. He highlighted that being a Presi-

The Commission on Presidential Scholars will review the applications of approximately 650 semifinalists and select 161 outstanding students to receive the nation’s highest scholastic honor based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, transcripts, evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored during the National Recognition Program in Washington D.C. every June. During a White House-sponsored ceremony, they are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion, which commemorates their outstanding achievement. The announcement has filled the American Heritage Schools community with pride and excitement, and we wish the best of luck to all the students nominated for this prestigious award.

FAU Researchers Establish Queen Conch Farm on Grand Bahama

seafood industry in the region.

The project was led by FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, which worked in collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Bahamian government and community groups. The researchers spent three years developing the technology and methods needed to breed and raise queen conchs in a controlled environment.

The queen conch is a valuable seafood delicacy that has been overfished in many areas of the Caribbean. By establishing a farm for these mollusks, the FAU team hopes to reduce the pressure on wild populations and provide a source of sustainably harvested queen conch for the local market.

The farm is located at the East Grand Bahama coast and consists of a series of tanks and raceways where the queen conchs are raised

in a controlled environment. The researchers monitor the temperature, water quality, and food supply to ensure the health and well-being of the conchs.

In addition to supporting the sustainable seafood industry, the queen conch farm also provides opportunities for research and education. FAU students and researchers are working on projects to study the queen conch’s biology and behavior, as well as ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the farm’s operations.

The establishment of the queen conch farm is a significant achievement for FAU and its partners in Grand Bahama. By promoting sustainable seafood practices and supporting research and education, this project demonstrates the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have successfully established a queen conch farm on Grand Bahama Island.

This new development is a significant milestone in efforts to protect the vulnerable queen conch species and support the sustainable

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The Palm Beach Atlantic softball competed against Kutztown on Wednesday night in a single nonconference game.

The Sailfish effectively threw four different pitchers in a bullpen game. An error kept the Bears (6-8, 0-0 PSAC) alive in the second inning and led to two runs for the visitors. PBA (8-13, 1-6 SSC) was missing its clutch hitting, leaving four runners on base. The ‘Fish pushed across one run, but it wasn’t enough, falling 3-1.

Evoni Rodriguez led PBA with two hits. Ashlyn Storms got the start in the circle. She pitched two innings, giving up two unearned runs on two hits with two strikeouts. Lacy Marty was next up, throwing two hitless innings in relief and striking out five. Chloe Nepveux tossed one inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk. Karen Vasquez pitched two

Kutztown Holds off Sailfish Softball

scoreless innings with one walk and one strikeout.

The Bears led off the second with a single off Storms, but the freshman forced a fielder’s choice and a groundout in hopes of escaping the inning. She forced another groundball, but it was bobbled and allowed another batter to make it to the plate. Kutztown took advantage of the error, smacking a two-run double off the fence to take a 2-0 lead.

Marty pitched a stellar two innings. She struck out two in the third and struck out the side in the fourth. KU scored one run in the fifth on two hits, including a two-out single to centerfield.

The Sailfish got a rally going in the fifth. It started with a single up the middle by Kendall Baer. She scored on a two-out double from Bella O’Connor to make it a 3-1 game through five innings.

PBA had a chance to tie it up in the sixth. Briana Rodriguez and Evoni Rodriguez each singled before moving to second and third on a fielder’s choice.

A walk by Elisa Grande loaded the bases with two outs, but PBA couldn’t get

the clutch hit it needed. The ‘Fish went down in order in the seventh.

The Sailfish return to playing their SSC schedule this weekend with a threegame series at Eckerd. The first pitch on Friday night is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Florida Atlantic is Ready for its Moment

win Arena ended with the Owls hoisting the regular-season championship trophy under raining confetti in front of a seventh-straight sellout crowd.

Best of all, for the first time in school history, FAU cut down the nets for a second time as C-USA Champions in Frisco, Texas, after a blowout, 22-point win over UAB in the championship game. It marked the first time that FAU has won the conference tourney in its 10-year run as a member of C-USA, and this year is also the Owls’ last with the conference. That’s the beauty of being such a young program among the collegiate storied, experiencing “firsts,” “bests” and “onlys.”

gious energy, directed with Midwest charm and a positive spirit.

The terms “starters” and “bench” don’t mean much to the squad. These Owls are deep and have enjoyed multiple scoring leaders throughout the year. No one cares whose names are announced during pre-game or who logs the most minutes. Their only final box score interest is the final score.

March Madness presents an opportunity for schools across the land to share their stories and showcase school pride. The first Division I NCAA men’s basketball tournament took place in 1939. Twenty-two years later, 1961, Florida Atlantic University was founded, in the heart of “Paradise.” Thirty-two years later, 1993, Florida Atlantic moved to the NCAA Division I, the highest collegiate level. Fast forward 30 years and the Owls are in the midst of their greatest season on the hardwood joining the University’s exponential rise.

The Owls, for only the second time in school history and the first since

2002, are in March Madness. FAU is the No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament after a historic regular season. The Big Dance will feature FAU up against the No. 8 seed Memphis in the East Region.

FAU’s historic season has shattered several records, both on the school and conference level, and has captivated the community of South Florida. The Owls’ 31 wins are 10 above the previous school record. Their 18 conference wins are the most in Conference USA history. Their 17-0 perfect 202223 home slate was a school-first. “Paradise” was defended. The final home game of the year in Eleanor R. Bald-

These Owls have bigger goals. Florida Atlantic University has bigger goals.MBB Team Celebration

Florida Atlantic, a school located just 1.8 miles from the Atlantic Ocean in beautiful, sunny Boca Raton can only fly under the radar for so long. As the campus, which was originally a World War II Army airfield that operated the only training for the then new secret technology of radar, transforms all eyes will turn to the Owls and “Winning in Paradise.”

There’s so much to love surrounding these Owls, especially from it growing alumni and a fledgling basketball community.

The team’s selfless leader, head coach Dusty May, oozes with conta-

The roster has it all: long-timers, transfers, highly touted and those who may have been relatively unknown. These Owls are poised and humble, but often flash that south Florida swagger. Watching them is fun and contagious for the basketball purist.

They’ve prepared for this moment. Now, the entire Florida Atlantic community readies for its moment.

Long before Florida Atlantic University existed, university communities rallied around the college basketball championship tournament. Now it’s Florida Atlantic’s turn. Be ready for the moment.

Take pride, Owls. These young men represent you.

Take pride, future Owls. You will soon be a part of this story.

Take pride, Florida Atlantic alum. This team is a result of the foundation you helped to build.

Take pride, Boca Raton. This is your hometown team.

PBSC Women’s Basketball Named NJCAA Region 8 Champs

The Palm Beach State College women’s basketball team wrapped its regular-season being named NJCAA Region VIII Division II Champs. It is the 1st Region VIII Division II championship for the Panthers, and is also the 1st in school history for all sports. The Palm Beach State College women’s indoor volleyball team were region runner-ups in the Fall.

The Panthers entered the season only having 3 players who played during the 2122 season. Andrea Torres, a 3rd team All-American during 21-22, Kyandra Poitier, and Athaliah Brown, fully recovered from a torn ACL, were the only returners from a 4-16 team. Allie Lallance also returned from last season’s team, but she never played a game after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the first scrimmage.

The Lady Panthers used that youth and returning experience to their advantage. The season started off with a comefrom-behind win vs Miami Dade, with the Panthers being down as many as 15 as they fought back to win 69-64. That is when the term “Panthergy” was born. Formed by combining “Panthers” and “energy,” this became the women’s basketball team motto for the season. The Panthers took their Panthergy on the road to Raleigh, NC where they knocked off then #19 ranked Wake Tech and losing a back-andforth matchup to Louisburg. Hurricane Nicole was the next obstacle, as it forced the Basketball on the Beach Classic hosted by Daytona State College to be relocated. The Panthers finished the Basketball on the Beach Classic 1-1, falling to new hosts St. Petersburg before knocking off Daytona State. Wrapping up a busy month of November was the Panther’s November Holiday Classic, where they defeated FSC-Jacksonville before falling to nationally ranked Illinois Central. The Panthers finished the month beating Miami Dade comfortably at their Kendall campus.

First C-USA Home Series for the Owls Softball

December was a wild month for the Panthers. It started off with 2 straight wins, then followed those victories up with 2 straight losses to nationally ranked North Central Missouri College and Morton College. A trip to the Illinois Central Christmas Tournament was scheduled but the Panthers had to withdraw due to travel issues outside of their control.

Coming off a 3 week stretch of no games, the Panthers started January off by beating Bay College out of Michigan in overtime, beating Montgomery College out of Maryland, and then falling to nationally-ranked Lake Land College in double overtime. The 1st of 3 match-ups with Florida Southwestern followed, along with a road trip to FSC-Jacksonville. Victories over Warner University’s JV team and Daytona State brought January to an end. February saw the Lady Panthers go 2-4 down the stretch, all of those games played without an injured Andrea Torres. The final match-up with Florida Southwestern was played March 3rd, allowing both teams to stay sharp as they prepared for their respective post-season tournaments.

The Lady Panthers finished the regular season going 6-6 versus NJCAA Division I teams, as they swept Miami Dade, Daytona State, and FSC-Jacksonville. Massey Ratings has the Lady Panthers with the 12th hardest schedule out of all the NJCAA Division II teams.

The Lady Panthers were led in the regular season by Andrea Torres, who averaged 16.8 points/game while shooting 43.8% from 3 pointers. Keri Cooper, 111 blocks, was the 1st NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball player to reach 100 blocks this season, is currently 2nd in blocks in the nation. Keri (9.4 points), Ashley Thornton (9.9), and Athaliah Brown (9.7) all chipped in to help out in the scoring department.

The Lady Panthers head to the South Atlantic District Tournament as the #6 seed.

Lynn’s Dwyer named Division II South Region Pitcher of the Week

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released its NCAA Division II National Players of the Week awards for the week ending on March 12, 2023 and Lynn pitcher Drew Dwyer was named South Regional Pitcher of the Week. This is the second time this season Dwyer has won the award.

The senior pitched seven scoreless innings on March 10, striking out eight while allowing just three hits and walking two batters in Lynn’s 9-1 win over

Molloy. Dwyer also won the South Region Pitcher of the Week award after tossing six no-hit innings, to go along with 12 strikeouts, on February 17.

Dwyer is 3-1 with a 2.41 ERA and 0.81 WHIP this season. He’s struck out 48 batters in 33.2 innings pitched and opponents are batting just .168 against him.

The Fighting Knights are back on the diamond tomorrow for a road game against Barry. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

The Florida Atlantic University softball team has won nine of their last 10 games, including going 2-1 in its Conference USA season-opening road swing last weekend. FAU will look for more of the same this weekend in the Owls’ C-USA home-opening series, beginning 6 p.m. Friday versus Charlotte.

The Owls hold the all-time series at 1811 and more specifically are 8-5 versus the 49ers in Paradise, but the recent contests have proven a little harder to earn. This year’s task will begin on Friday, March 17 at 6 p.m. The three-game series will continue on Saturday and Sunday, both scheduled for 1 p.m. All three will be featured on CUSA.tv and live stats for each can be found on fausports.com.

The Owls enter the series with three players hitting at a .300 or above clip. Sara Berthiaume leads the way at .346, but It is by the narrowest of margins with Cammeo Presutti batting .345, following an 8-17 performance at UAB. First baseman Zoey Jones rounds out the list at .329 and is second on the squad with six doubles. Freshman Jesiana Mora is just below with a .298 batting average, a team-leading three triples and is near the top of the leaders in each of the hitting categories. The power has come from Olivia Peterson and Riley Ennis, who each have two homer runs on the year, while Peterson has a team leading eight doubles and 18 RBI.

Gabby Sacco has proven to be an opposing foe in the circle, allowing just two runs, both earned in her last 32 innings of work. The sophomore holds a team-best 9-2 record while super senior Lynn Gardner comes into the weekend with a 6-3 record. Head coach Jordan Clark has used five pitchers this season and as a staff the Owls hold a 2.06 ERA, which ranks second in C-USA. The staff has combined for 114 strikeouts and has allowed 53 walks.

Mug

The first 100 Owl fans joining the team at the park on Friday and Saturday will receive a special giveaway, but remember don’t wear green.