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Florida Atlantic Owls Make History with Dream Season, Despite Heartbreaking End

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COMMUNITY

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The Florida Atlantic Owls men’s basketball team had a historic season in 2022-23, winning 35 games and securing their first-ever Conference USA championship and their second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The team also recorded their first, second, third, and fourth tournament wins, and earned their first-ever Final Four appearance. Their performance will go down in history as one of the greatest stories in college basketball.

Continued on Page 20

Marjorie Waldo, president & CEO of Arts Garage in Delray Beach, announced that the nonprofit organization is extending the popular comedy series, The Art of Laughter 2023, presented the first Friday every month in collaboration with The Comedy Zone.

“Arts Garage is thrilled to partner with The Comedy Zone, the largest comedy club network in America, to present The Art of Laughter,” said Waldo in announcing the next three monthly shows.

see page 18

‘The Art of Laughter’ at Art Garage to continue for three more months

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• The Florida Atlantic Owls men’s basketball team had a historic season in 2022-23, winning 35 games and securing their first-ever Conference USA championship and their second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The team also recorded their first, second, third, and fourth tournament wins, and earned their first-ever Final Four appearance. Their performance will go down in history as one of the greatest stories in college basketball.

• Fuller Center, a not-for-profit organization focused on meeting the needs of the children and families in our community, is accepting applications for its mentorship program. Adults and teens over the age of 16 with a desire to make a difference in the lives of deserving children and youth should consider becoming part of this United Way of Palm Beach County funded program.

• The Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce that cardholders can now borrow an assortment of musical instruments at the Downtown or Spanish River Library. Instruments include an acoustic guitar, ukulele, violin, keyboard, folding piano, and electric drum kit. Patrons can borrow one instrument at a time for up to two weeks (no renewals) and can place a hold on an instrument if it is checked out.

• American Heritage Schools has announced that its Palm Beach Campus Mock Trial Team has won the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition for the second consecutive year, making them state champions. The team also received the Outstanding Professionalism and Ethics Award for legal advocacy, as voted by coaches and students. Furthermore, the team captain and a senior at American Heritage Schools, Jonah Samara was awarded the Outstanding Witness Award.

• Kapow Noodle Bar will host an evening with renowned Korean-American artist Rosanna Kalis on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 5-7 pm. The free event will take place at Kapow’s new Mizner Park location, which is home to Kalis’s dreamy 95-foot mural that projection mapping artist Jasper Mosher animates. During the event, 5% of sales from Kapow will be donated to the Boca Raton Museum’s art school as a scholarship for local students.

• Florida Atlantic first baseman Nolan Schanuel has been named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List, USA Baseball announced on Wednedsay. The award honors the top amateur baseball player in the nation and is given each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exem-

Quote of the Week:

And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. - (Luke 22: 19-20)

Boca BOCA RATON CITY DIRECTORY

Boca

plary sportsmanship.

• The Palm Beach Atlantic women’s lacrosse team returned home to the friendly confines of the Rinker Athletic Campus tonight to host Florida Tech for its first home Sunshine State Conference game of the season and its first home match in general since March 14. The Sailfish kept it tight in the opening half but the Panthers pulled away in the second as PBA came up short 17-7 to fall to 3-7 on the season and 0-2 in SSC.

• The Sailfish baseball team returned home for a mid-week game against the Sharks of Nova Southeastern. It was a back and forth game, but ultimately the Sharks pulled away and took the road win 8-6. The game flew by in the early goings as neither team could get anything going offensively. Nova was the first to get a run on the board in the fifth inning off of a RBI double. The Sailfish would respond later that same inning. Giovany Lorenzo got things started with a single down the left field line. Lorenzo would later score after Sean Williams reached base on an error. Matty Warren singled through the left side to bring in two runs making the score 3-1.

• South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra, The Symphonia, held a reception prior to a special performance that was added to the ‘Inspired Naturally’ 2022-2023 Concert Season. On February 27, The Symphonia showed the award-winning film, Terra Nostra, while simultaneously performing the film’s powerful musical score live.

• Renowned philanthropist, world traveler and businesswoman Yvonne S. Boice, a true friend and supporter of Lynn University for decades, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13. Boice was a champion of culture, the arts, education and Lynn. Boice’s impact was seen and experienced throughout campus, from the iconic Circle of Flags entrance—her idea for representing Lynn’s global student body and its more than 100 home nations—to the tranquil east terrace of the Christine E. Lynn University Center and the Yvonne S. Boice Box Office at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center.

The Boca Raton Tribune

COMMUNITY

Fuller Center Seeks Teen & Adult Mentors for Children and Youth

Boca Raton, FL – Fuller Center, a notfor-profit organization focused on meeting the needs of the children and families in our community, is accepting applications for its mentorship program. Adults and teens over the age of 16 with a desire to make a difference in the lives of deserving children and youth should consider becoming part of this United Way of Palm Beach County funded program.

The program goal is to provide youth ages 6-20 with access to a positive, caring relationship with a non-parental adult or teen. Mentors and mentees share experiences that promote students’ ability to build positive relationships, resulting in positive life outcomes. Mentors must pass a background screening and commit to mentoring a minimum of once per week for one year. Once matched, mentors and mentees meet after school and in the summer weekly for at least one hour at one of the two Fuller Center campuses. Mentors focus on experiences, interests, developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships, and assist with homework.

Benefits to the mentee include:

Practical advice, encouragement and support

Experiences learned from others

Increased social and academic confidence

Empowerment to make decisions

Development of communication, study, and personal skills

Development of strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues

Help in identifying goals and establishing a sense of direction

Valuable insight into the future

Opportunity to make new friends

Most mentors have shared that the personal return they receive from this experience far exceeds what they put into it.

Benefits of being a mentor:

Improvement of communication and personal skills

Development of leadership and management qualities

Reinforcement of study skills and knowledge of new subject(s)

Increased confidence and motivation

Enhanced résumé and life experiences

Increased circle of friends

Recognition for skills and experience

A sense of purpose, fulfillment and personal growth

Mentors are trained to help build social skills and trust, work on relationship-building, and provide academic support, which are many of the soft skills that contribute to lifelong success. Mentors work with the same child or a small

group of children for a one-year period, to further ensure stability and success.

“We believe it’s critical that we come together as a community to help one another, particularly as our students begin a new school year, after going through such a challenging time,” said Ellyn Okrent, CEO of the Fuller Center. “This is an opportunity for people to find a meaningful sense of purpose and do something that will make a huge difference in the lives of our kids.”

Those who want to contribute but may not have the time to dedicate to the mentorship program are welcome to participate in the Adopt-a-Class program with a $1,500 contribution that will fund a classroom’s needs for the entire school year. Those who adopt a class may participate as frequently as desired for a year to celebrate birthdays and holidays or visit at a scheduled time to interact with the children of their adopted class for a year.

To learn more, please contact Olga Bearhope at obearhope@fullercenterfl. org or at 561-391-7274, ext. 136.

American Heritage Schools’ Palm Beach Campus Pre-Law Program

Wins 2023 Florida State High School Mock Trial Competition

American Heritage Schools has announced that its Palm Beach Campus Mock Trial Team has won the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition for the second consecutive year, making them state champions. The team also received the Outstanding Professionalism and Ethics Award for legal advocacy, as voted by coaches and students. Furthermore, the team captain and a senior at American Heritage Schools, Jonah Samara was awarded the Outstanding Witness Award.

The American Heritage Schools Pre-Law students and team, led by attorney coaches Kelly Harris, Adam McMichael, Rinku Tribuiani, and Ani Porter, competed successfully in every round, excelling as prosecution and defense. The team members include Daniel Bednar (senior), Lindsay Brauner (junior), Pooja Gudoor (junior), Maia Merkel-Leavitt (sophomore), Bryan Li (junior), Sophia Reynoso (sophomore), Jonah Samara (senior), and Anna Shullman (junior). The team will represent Florida at the Little Rock, Arkansas national competition, from May 18-21.

The Florida High School Mock Trial Program was established in 1991 by Annette Boyd Pitts and former Florida Bar Executive Director Marshall Cassedy. The program has produced hundreds of graduates who have attended law school and become members of the Florida Bar or other state bar associations. Through the program, students acquire critical think-

Artist Pop Up at Kapow Boca Benefitting the Boca Museum

ing skills, legal reasoning, analysis, professionalism, and understanding the structure and function of the courts and the legal process.

The American Heritage Schools’ Pre-Law program is a four-year honors program exclusively taught by practicing attorneys and judges. Each year, students take unique law school-level courses, including Trial Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Homicide Law, and Criminal Law, which are not offered by any other high school. The program culminates in a senior year internship, where students experience law practice in real-life situations. Seniors get the opportunity to visit different law firms, agencies, offices, and courtrooms throughout South Florida and meet practicing judges and attorneys, making invaluable connections that can result in future law school clerkships and internships.

Attorney Ani Porter, Pre-Law Program Director at the Palm Beach Campus, expressed her excitement at the team’s success and stated their emphasis on preparation, determination, teamwork, and an ethical, productive, and inclusive environment, contributed to their achievements. The American Heritage Schools’ Mock Trial team has remained undefeated in Palm Beach County for nine years and won the 2022 Yale Bulldog Competition and the back-to-back 2021 and 2022 Providence Cup Champions in Denver, highlighting their exceptional performance.

Boca Raton, FL – Kapow Noodle Bar will host an evening with renowned Korean-American artist Rosanna Kalis on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 5-7 pm. The free event will take place at Kapow’s new Mizner Park location, which is home to Kalis’s dreamy 95-foot mural that projection mapping artist Jasper Mosher animates. During the event, 5% of sales from Kapow will be donated to the Boca Raton Museum’s art school as a scholarship for local students.

This pop-up provides the rare opportunity to learn about Kalis’s whimsical mural and view canvas prints that showcase the artist’s creative process from initial sketch to painting and digital design. Also on display will be pieces from Kalis’s Art Basel exhibit at the Shelborne South Beach, her “levitating” hand-painted shoe installation with designs commissioned by Jinro, the largest soju brand in Korea, and additional artwork.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the talented artist and watch her paint live from 5-6 pm as she adds her signature contemporary designs to prints, hats and t-shirts. All of the artwork will be on sale along with limited edition graphic tees and she’ll be taking a select number of commissions for her custom sneakers. All unsold art will remain on display at Kapow through the end of the month.

“We’re thrilled to host this event and showcase Rosanna Kalis’ stunning work,” said Vaughan Dugan, partner at Kapow Noodle Bar. “Her mural has already become a beloved landmark in our community, and we can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.”

During the artists’ reception, guests will enjoy Korean-inspired hors d’oeuvre and cocktails with entertainment by the talented Dj Misha Samson. RSVP in advance and receive a complimentary welcome cocktail.

Merging art, technology and sustainability, Kapow features artwork from several local creators including Craig McInnis, Michael “Pooch” Pucciarelli, Joshua Noom and Elena Ohlander. Follow Kapow’s Instagram for information on their KaPOP-UP events.

Where:

– Kapow Noodle Bar

– 402 Plaza Real – Boca Raton, FL 33432

When:

– Saturday, April 15th from 5-7pm

Tickets: – FREE

Musical Instruments Available at Boca Raton Public Library

Boca Raton, FL – The Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce that cardholders can now borrow an assortment of musical instruments at the Downtown or Spanish River Library. Instruments include an acoustic guitar, ukulele, violin, keyboard, folding piano, and electric drum kit. Patrons can borrow one instrument at a time for up to two weeks (no renewals) and can place a hold on an instrument if it is checked out.

“This new collection is perfect for someone who is interested in exploring a new hobby without making a significant investment,” notes Helen Silver, Collection Services Librarian, “and instruments can be borrowed as easily as taking out a book. Libraries are truly a community resource as you can see with our ever-expanding Library of Things collection.”

In addition to musical instruments, Boca Raton Public Library cardholders can check out other Library of Things’ items such as tabletop games,

jigsaw puzzles, chess sets, seeds, cake pans, American Girl dolls, Early Literacy Backpacks, STEM Kits, Citizen Science Kits, and mobile hotspots.

Residents of the City of Boca Raton can request a new library card at the Account Services desk at either library location. A photo ID and proof of residency with a current address are required.

The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources, and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and informational needs of the Boca Raton community.

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

• Active blisters

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)

How Do I Participate?

Are There Any Costs?

• No costs to participant

• Travel, accommodations, food and drink expenses reimbursed by study sponsor

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

Are you among those who decide to procrastinate but never get around to it? Or have you already understood that no project will get off the ground unless you have a plan, and the ability to tackle it with determination, and in a timely manner?

I know too many people who prefer to enjoy a good time, at the expense of their unfinished duties. They engage in a variety of less pressing activities while obligations, and even urgent projects, remain untouched. They are too casual about everything, even emergencies. They manifest no understanding of proper timing for the execution of any task, nor of the

The Boca Raton Tribune

POSITIVE LIVING

By: Dr. Synesio Lyra

potential consequences of certain actions or of their own inaction.

These kinds of persons operate on appearance and not reality. They love to talk about their plans but seldom take the necessary steps to bring them to fruition at the right time, if ever! They may impress some people while they themselves remain deluded.

Yet, it is often more honorable not to share unplanned projects, than to boast about them ahead of time, and later never be able to deliver them. Individuals who think and act that way are erroneously counting on “the last moment” in which to finalize their

Planning Realistically! FAITH

plans and execute their tasks. And there may have been previous occasions when the last minute indeed yielded what they were projecting.

Nevertheless, one needs to recognize that there’s no guarantee that there will ever be a “last moment” for the completion of an obligation. That time may have already passed, or it may never arrive. Perhaps unexpected obstacles, or the pull of more pressing needs will keep one from ever finalizing what was desired for “the last minute.”

The only guaranteed “last moment” for any person, is the time of one’s death, for which also serious

By: Rick Boxx

Daniel Pink’s new book, “Drive,” builds an interesting case for promoting autonomy at work. He defines autonomy as “acting with choice.” As justification, he highlights a Cornell University study of 320 small businesses.

Of the companies the university researched, half of the businesses granted autonomy to their workers, while the other half relied on topdown direction, providing explicit executive direction while offering little freedom to employees. According to the study, the businesses that granted worker autonomy grew at a rate four times greater than that of the control-oriented firms. In addition, the companies that encouraged autonomy had an employee turnover rate of only about one-third of that in the high-control businesses.

preparation must precede it. Realistically, a life-time is needed to get ready for that event, since it means an encounter with God, either as a stern Judge, quick to pass a sentence, or as a loving Father, ready to escort one through the portals of heaven into blissful eternity in His company!

Only a disciplined person, will ever know what to do and what to do next in most life situations, realizing that when the fleeting seconds, minutes, and hours pass, one shall never be able to recapture them again. Human plans need to be realistic in order to fit the time frame in which they must be realized!

Workplace Autonomy, as God Intended

These findings should not surprise us. They reflect how we have been designed.

In the Bible, we see that God originally established autonomy in the workplace. Genesis 1:26 teaches, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” Even though He was the Creator, God was delegating authority to His foremost creation, humanity, to serve as steward over all that He had made.

We see this advocacy of autonomy reflected in the Bible’s New Testament as well. Matthew 10:1 tells us, “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease

and sickness.” Later He asked them for a report on what they had experienced.

Then in Matthew 21, we see Jesus sending two of His disciples into the village ahead to engage in preparations for His entry into Jerusalem. Basically, Jesus was acknowledging that if His enterprise were to succeed, surviving His earthly presence, He would have to rely the talents and zeal of His followers to sustain the work. There are many benefits to extending autonomy to workers, as the Scriptures affirm:

Benefiting from unique talents. Even the best leaders are limited; they do not have all the skills or abilities necessary to achieve their organizations’ goals. Granting worker autonomy frees them to use their unique capabilities to the fullest.“The body is

a unit, although it is made up of many parts; and though all the parts are many, they form one body…. If they were all one part, where would the body be?…” (1 Corinthians 12:12-16).

Benefiting from diverse perspectives. It always helps to consider the perspectives of those who see issues from different angles. If given the freedom to express their opinions, they may introduce ideas the leader had not considered.“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

Benefiting from confident workers. People who are granted autonomy feel trusted and usually are eager to prove worthy of that trust. “Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters” (Proverbs 25:13).

DALE KING ROBERT WEINROTH SYNESIO LYRA

ROSA CAVALCANTI GABRIELA BARBIERI SCOTT SINGER

TROY M. MCLELLAN JESSICA DEL VECCHIO KENNY SPAHN

COLUMNISTS

By: Robert J. Tamasy DAILY BREAD

Whose Job Is Most Important?

If someone asked you whose job is most important where you work, what would you say?

Would it be the CEO, chairman, or owner of the company? When evaluating jobs in terms of importance, we typically look at position on the corporate ladder, such as the top executive. Other factors can include compensation and productivity level. If a person is paid a lot, he or she must be worth it, right? And the top salesperson in any business would rank high. Without someone generating sales to keep business coming in and products or services going out, the company would eventually have to close its doors.

But there is another way of assessing one’s importance in the workplace. I was reminded of this during a conversation with a manager at a company I’ve been working with over the last several months. The plant, which manufactures products outsourced by Fortune 500 companies, depends upon the consistent, quality work of many key people at various steps in the manufacturing process.

For instance, the procurement department must ensure that materials are available when needed to make a specific product. If the materials are not on hand, the production line cannot run. So people in procurement are very important. The manufacturing department also ranks high in importance – how can you sell a product you have not made? The maintenance department is poised to make critical repairs to machinery when necessary, so its work is of high importance as well.

Then there is the accounting department, which sends invoices, collects payments and pays suppliers. People in the payroll and human resources departments

play crucial roles in terms of ensuring employees are paid promptly and receive benefits to which they are entitled, hiring new staff members when needed, and handling the process when employees retire or must be terminated.

So at that company – as with all organizations where we work – the most important job, or most important person, varies according to what must be done at the moment. Even the custodial staff can be considered most important when it comes to maintaining hygienic and well-supplied restrooms, disposing of trash and keeping floors vacuumed and cleaned. This helps us to realize two important principles:

Do not overestimate or underestimate your own importance. Even if you rank near the top of your company’s organizational chart, your effectiveness and productivity are integrally related to the work performed by others. And if you hold a lower-level role in your organization, you are still important. Even the best, most experienced speaker must rely on someone else to make sure the microphone is ready and the sound system is functioning properly. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).

Do not underestimate the importance of others. There is a temptation to disregard individuals of lower standing within a company, but every job is crucial to its success. Each person should be appreciated for what they do and their role in the overall corporate effort. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

By Tracy Letts

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Toni & Martin Sosnoff

PRODUCER Nancy Goodes

How

You Can Help Protect Workers and the Environment

In an effort to better align with consumers’ values, many industries have made reforms to reduce their impact on the environment while better protecting workers. However, a new report says that for grocery stores, it’s business as usual when it comes to the way they source tuna.

The Tuna Retailer Report from Greenpeace USA, found at www. greenpeace.org, evaluated and graded the 16 largest grocery retailers in the U.S. market, looking at how careful the corporations were in ensuring that their tuna supply chains respected environmental sustainability and human rights standards. The bottom line: none of the retailers received a passing score on human rights issues or is doing enough to combat forced labor and modern slavery.

“We cannot afford slow or incremental progress when talking about these issues – these are people’s lives,” says Mallika Talwar, senior oceans campaigner at Greenpeace USA, who notes that due to the isolated nature of deep sea fishing, workers are par-

ticularly vulnerable to mistreatment.

At the same time, the retailers are making slow but steady improvements in the area of environmental sustainability, with just two of the 16 retailers scoring a passing grade in this category.

Advocates say that U.S. consumers have largely been kept in the dark

about these realities and retailers continue to make profits without making changes, but that the $42.2 billion industry can chart a different course.

“America’s largest grocery retailers have the economic power to influence change through their sourcing decisions and business practices,” says Talwar.

According to Talwar, it’s a growing problem. Nearly 6 million metric tons of tuna are removed from the ocean every year, an amount that has increased 1000% in six decades, according to researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Western Australia. In 2018 alone, tuna vessels worldwide netted $11 billion, while grocery stores earned almost four times that amount from their sales of tuna products in the same year.

“We need at least one retailer to step forward and lead the way on human rights in the tuna industry. One company could be all that’s needed to start a trend that would make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of workers around the world,” says Marilu Cristina Flores, senior oceans campaigner, Greenpeace USA. “Consumers can also play a role in increasing visibility of these issues. As they’ve done with clothing manufacturers and other economic sectors, they can press their retailers to source their tuna responsibly.”

How to Spend Wisely at the Grocery Store

In an effort to better align with consumers’ values, many industries have made reforms to reduce their impact on the environment while better protecting workers. However, a new report says that for grocery stores, it’s business as usual when it comes to the way they source tuna.

The Tuna Retailer Report from Greenpeace USA, found at www.greenpeace.org, evaluated and graded the 16 largest grocery retailers in the U.S. market, looking at how careful the corporations were in ensuring that their tuna supply chains respected environmental sustainability and human rights standards. The bottom line: none of the retailers received a passing score on human rights issues or is doing enough to combat forced labor and modern slavery.

“We cannot afford slow or incremental progress when talking about these issues – these are people’s lives,” says Mallika Talwar, senior oceans campaigner at Greenpeace USA, who notes that due to the isolated nature of deep sea fishing, workers are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment.

At the same time, the retailers are making slow but steady improvements in the area of environmental sustainability, with just two of the 16 retailers scoring a passing grade in this category.

Advocates say that U.S. consumers

have largely been kept in the dark about these realities and retailers continue to make profits without making changes, but that the $42.2 billion industry can chart a different course.

“America’s largest grocery retailers

have the economic power to influence change through their sourcing decisions and business practices,” says Talwar.

According to Talwar, it’s a growing problem. Nearly 6 million metric tons of tuna are removed from the ocean every year, an amount that has increased 1000% in six decades, according to researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Western Australia. In 2018 alone, tuna vessels worldwide netted $11 billion, while grocery stores earned almost four times that amount from their sales of tuna products in the same year.

“We need at least one retailer to step forward and lead the way on human rights in the tuna industry. One company could be all that’s needed to start a trend that would make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of workers around the world,” says Marilu Cristina Flores, senior oceans campaigner, Greenpeace USA. “Consumers can also play a role in increasing visibility of these issues. As they’ve done with clothing manufacturers and other economic sectors, they can press their retailers to source their tuna responsibly.”

Congratulations on a historic season

We’re so proud of our Florida Atlantic University Owls! Reaching the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was an awesome achievement.

You inspired us throughout the season with your drive, character, tenacity and teamwork. We couldn’t have been prouder as we watched the team soar to new heights during this historic season.

THE PALM BEACHES: THE PALM BEACHES: WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission congratulates the Florida Atlantic University Men's Basketball Team for reaching the Final Four for the first time in school history and further defining Winning in Paradise!

Lynn Cancer Institute is your partner in cancer care.

Forrest Dodson, M.D., specializes in surgical oncology and the treatment of liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct disorders. By developing personalized plans, Dr. Dodson helps patients return to a normal life and healthy digestion.

Learn more at BRRH.com/LCI or by calling 561-955-LYNN (5966)

Bethesda Hospital | Boca Raton Regional Hospital | Boynton Beach | Delray Beach

Forrest Dodson, M.D. 701 NW 13 Street

Boca Raton, FL 33486

South Florida’s Largest Office Deal of the Year: Pebb Enterprises and BH Group

Acquire Office Depot Campus for $104 Million

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea event hosted by Children’s Healing Institute benefits critical TEACUP Preemie Program®

Pebb Enterprises and BH Group have made a massive investment in the South Florida real estate market. The joint venture has acquired the national retailer Office Depot’s headquarters for $104 million, marking the first office deal to exceed $100 million in South Florida this year. The off-market transaction involved Pebb and BH obtaining a $63 million loan, which was arranged by Scott Wadler and Mike Basinski with Berkadia.

Located at 6600 North Military Trail in Boca Raton, the Office Depot campus sits on a nearly 29-acre site that overlooks the Broken Sound Country Club’s golf course in the Park at Broken Sound. The 651,265-squarefoot complex was completed in 2008 and has been Office Depot’s main tenant since then. The company has expanded into providing copying services and technology support to small businesses in recent years.

Office Depot purchased the property in 2017 for $132 million, and in 2020, obtained a $118 million refinancing on the property from JPMorgan Chase Bank. However, the company sold its home base to Pebb Enterprises and BH Group for $28 million below its purchase price six years ago.

Despite flat sales of $8.5 billion last year compared to 2021, Office Depot ended 2022 with a net income of $216 million, according to its March earnings report. The complex’s new owners plan to implement “a substantial capital improvements program to upgrade the Office De -

pot campus,” according to a statement from the joint venture.

Toledano added that Office Depot would remain as the primary tenant, currently occupying roughly 300,000 square feet of the campus. However, the joint venture will be seeking new tenants to lease the remaining available space. Joe Freitas and John Criddle with CBRE will handle leasing for the complex.

Pebb Enterprises is a Boca Raton-based real estate development and investment firm led by CEO Ian Weiner. BH Group is an Aventura-based real estate investment firm led by principal Isaac Toledano and his wife, Liat Toledano. In February, Pebb and BH teamed up with Chicago-based The John Buck Company and Miami-based Florida Value Partners to acquire a downtown Miami mixed-use development site for $39.5 million.

This week, BH Group also teamed up with the Related Group to purchase an office building in Plantation on 13 acres that could be redeveloped into a mixed-use project with apartments, office, and retail space. The joint venture paid $13 million for the property.

The acquisition of the Office Depot campus by Pebb Enterprises and BH Group marks a significant investment in South Florida’s real estate market. With plans for a substantial capital improvements program to upgrade the campus, the joint venture is set to enhance the property’s value and attract new tenants to the region.

North Palm Beach, FL – The Children’s Healing Institute recently hosted Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea at the North Palm Beach Country Club. The fundraiser focused on supporting the TEACUP® Preemie Program (https://childrenshealinginstitute.org/ program/teacup-preemie-program/) which helps parents cope with the challenges of preemie parenthood from the NICU through the transition home.

Since 2008, the TEACUP® has been helping parents navigate the journey of prematurity. Designed specifically to address the unique needs of preemie parents, TEACUP® provides education and resources to reduce parental stress and support infant health and development.

TEACUP is a comprehensive support program. Services are provided in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and the home

The Boca Raton Tribune

and include hospital NICU support groups, individual support, breast pump lending, education, and resources – all to reduce parental stress, and support preemie health and development. As the preemie transitions home, the parent may feel overwhelmed and unprepared. In addition to continued emotional support, our Baby Bungalow provides needed supplies a family may need to manage their first weeks at home. Items such as cribs, diapers, clothing, and blankets are available to families at no cost to ensure they feel supported in their transition.

The Breakfast at Tiffany’s-themed popular fundraiser included champagne, mystery boxes, and a traditional English tea which included freshly made dainty English sandwiches, seasonal pastries, hand-baked traditional British scones, and strawberry preserves.

OBITUARY

Dennis J. Disinger

Dennis Jay Disinger, 65, died on December 5, 2022 in Boca Raton, Florida. He was born November 4, 1957 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Russell and Peg Disinger.

Dennis graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1975. He attended and graduated from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, with an Associate of Science in Electronics Technology in 1978. He worked for several video production companies as an Electronics and Audio Engineer and at Ikegami as an Electronics Engineer. Throughout his career, he travelled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, where he worked with wellknown artists, musicians, athletes and TV personalities.

Dennis was an accomplished and award-winning sailor and yachtsman in South Florida and the Bahamas. He was also a skilled alpine skier and air glider, earning his pilot’s license in 2000. He was an active member of the DG Soaring Club in central Florida. He had excellent culinary skills and was passionate about mastering new dishes.

He is survived by his sister, LouEllen Reef of Ohio and his brother, David Disinger of Melbourne, Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

There will be a private service to scatter his ashes at sea. Memorial gifts may be given to the charity of choice.

‘The Art of Laughter’ at Art Garage to continue for three more months

Marjorie Waldo, president & CEO of Arts Garage in Delray Beach, announced that the nonprofit organization is extending the popular comedy series, The Art of Laughter 2023, presented the first Friday every month in collaboration with The Comedy Zone. “Arts Garage is thrilled to partner with The Comedy Zone, the largest comedy club network in America, to present The Art of Laughter,” said Waldo in announcing the next three monthly shows.

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J Bliss

James Camacho

Alex Carabano

‘The Art of Laughter’ at Art Garage to continue for three more months

By Dale King

Marjorie Waldo, president & CEO of Arts Garage in Delray Beach, announced that the nonprofit organization is extending the popular comedy series, The Art of Laughter 2023, presented the first Friday every month in collaboration with The Comedy Zone.

“Arts Garage is thrilled to partner with The Comedy Zone, the largest comedy club network in America, to present The Art of Laughter,” said Waldo in announcing the next three monthly shows.

They will be:

Friday, April 7, 8 p.m.

J. Bliss

His comedic style is thought-provoking, dealing with everyday observations and firsthand experiences in which he chooses to find the humor. His comedic craft started by his upbringing in South Jersey where he first got the hunger for comedy, and he first hit the comedy stage in Charlotte, NC. Since then, he has been traveling up and down the east coast leaving audiences laughing

Friday, May 5 at 8 p.m.

Alex Carabaño & James Camacho

A comedian and restaurant owner in NYC, Alex Carabaño won the New York Latino Film Festival’s national comedy competition for English speakers, and was also featured in HBO MAX’s Entre Nos, which is now streamable.

James Camacho is a NYC-based comedian. His comedy tells the tale of an only child that grew up with a Chinese mom and Puerto Rican dad through rapid-fire punchlines in a conversational manner. He has been performing stand-up for more than eight years. He has filmed a set for HBO MAX at HA Comedy Fest, the biggest Latinx comedy festival.

Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m.

Zach Noe Towers

An LA-based comedian, actor, and writer, Zach Noe Towers can currently be seen hosting on the E! series Nightly Pop, on the E! series Dating #NoFilter, as well as on season 3 of Netflix’s Dear White People. His short film Killer Friends (which he directed, wrote, and starred in) was screened at many film festivals both domestically and internationally, and won the overall audience award at Dances with Films.

Tickets are $30 per person and are available by calling the Arts Garage at 561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.

Located at 94 NE 2nd Ave. in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove, Arts Garage is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach. For more information, call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.

Zach Noe Towers

Boca Raton artist/sculptor Yaacov Heller and students raise funds to benefit Ukrainian citizens

A charity event with an artistic flair was held in Boca Raton last month for the purpose of creating awareness of the war in Ukraine, as well as raising funds to benefit the families and children of Ukrainian veterans.

Local sculptor and jewelry designer Yaacov Heller and his wife, Sue, hosted the event in the artist’s Gallery 22 in Royal Palm Place.

“The charity event included the introduction of Ukrainian Veterans Foundation projects and a silent auction which was created from the works of Yaacov’s students, particularly children from Ukraine who have been displaced by the war,” said Kateryna Teslenko, the head of the project and an employee of the UVF.

“100 percent of all funds raised will be spent to create educational opportunities for children of veterans,” she added.

The highlight of the occasion was the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine by the founder of the Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America, Lorraine G. Marks.

Yaacov and Sue are members of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, which joined forces with Rotaries from Broward County and in other South Florida locations to expedite the method of delivering donations to Ukrainians.

Using its 501c3 charitable status, one of the Rotaries was able to deliver all the donations to Ukraine so contributors could make their donations tax-free. “We are very grateful to our partners for their support,” said Kateryna.

In addition to Boca Raton, similar fund-raising events have been held in Coral Gables and Los Angeles, and another is planned in April in Washinton, D.C.

To donate to the cause, use your cell phone to scan the QR code elsewhere on this page.

“Yaacov Heller is one of the greatest sculptors and silversmiths in the world, “said Kateryna. “His works have been used to express hope, tolerance, acceptance, remembrance and peace by interpreting the human form and spirit.”

“Throughout his 60-year career, Yaakov was entrusted with creating historically significant works for presidents, kings and queens, heads of state and other dignitaries and celebrities.”

The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation is a tool of the state in fulfilling its duty to veterans and the families of the deceased, a partner of veterans, which increases the stability of the state by promoting the implementation of veteran initiatives, said Kateryna. “The UVF is creating a platform for the development of veteran opportunities.”

“We make projects so that Ukrainian veterans receive state support for the development of their own initiatives. And families of veterans and family members of fallen heroes could develop their own business and receive crisis assistance from hotline specialists.”

During its first year: 53 veteran entrepreneurs won competitive programs.

Under another program of the UVF, 141 businesses of veterans and of their family members received compensation for the assets purchased to support their business.

We also provide legal consultations. Within two weeks from the launch of legal consultations, we processed 100 applications.

“We are open for partnerships. You can find out more about us by following the links below:

Support: heroes.uvfproject.com.ua

Site: veteranfund.com.ua

E-mail: veteranfundua@gmail.com

FB: veteranfundua

Instagram: veteranfundua

Twitter: veteranfundua

Location: 01001, Ukraine, Kyiv, 12, Museum Lane

HOTLINE

Last June, with support from the Ukrainian Veterans Association, a hotline was opened to support veterans and their families in times of crisis. “We also provide moral support to all those suffering from the Russian-Ukrainian war,” said Kateryna Teslenko, the head of the project and an employee of the UVF.

The hotline is open every day: 0-800-33-20-29

Teslenko said The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation aims to:

Provide urgent assistance in crisis situations during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Employ specialists who will gain experience working with veterans, as well as support the economy of Ukraine.

Contribute to science. After all, we will have a new wave of veterans, whom we want to help adapt to civilian life.

The crisis support hotline has received nearly 9,000 calls from veterans and their relatives.

The executive director of the UVF, Natalia Kalmykova, said: “Before the launch of the hotline, the Foundation’s team prepared especially responsibly. More than 30 qualified professionals with experience in providing emergency assistance in crisis situations underwent a two-week training before launching the hotline. Veterans and their families can call when they are in a crisis, when they need someone to listen, someone to be there, someone to help and support is just a phone call away. Our line is first aid.”

Teslenko explained: “The purpose of our support hotline is like the access of a wounded person to an emergency first aid kit on the battlefield. When you urgently need to stop the bleeding and relieve the pain shock. To survive and feel safe. To feel that you are needed, that they are ready to support you at any moment.”

From left, Sue Heller with Kateryna Teslenko at Gallery 22 in Boca Raton where a benefit was recently held for the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation. Kateryna is dressed in an outfit from the Ukraine.

Florida Atlantic Owls Make History with Dream Season, Despite Heartbreaking End

The Florida Atlantic Owls men’s basketball team had a historic season in 202223, winning 35 games and securing their first-ever Conference USA championship and their second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The team also recorded their first, second, third, and fourth tournament wins, and earned their first-ever Final Four appearance. Their performance will go down in history as one of the greatest stories in college basketball.

Unfortunately, the Owls’ incredible run ended in the national semifinal against San Diego State. The game was decided by an Aztec buzzer-beater, with Florida Atlantic falling 72-71.

The Owls started the game strong, scoring on their first two offensive possessions, including a three-pointer by Nick Boyd. San Diego State soon found their own rhythm, but FAU fought back and tied the game with 11 minutes left in the

first half. The Owls eventually took the lead, entering halftime with a 40-33 advantage. In the second half, Florida Atlantic continued to shoot well from beyond the arc, hitting seven three-pointers in the first 30 minutes. Alijah Martin also had a standout performance, scoring 19 of his 26 points in the second half. However, despite having a 14-point lead, the Owls were unable to hold off San Diego State’s comeback. With 45 seconds left in the game, Martin hit an acrobatic reverse layup to give FAU a three-point lead. However, the Aztecs responded with a bucket, then stopped the Owls on the other end. San Diego State then hit a buzzer-beater to win the game, ending Florida Atlantic’s historic run.

“Extremely proud of the guys’ effort and the ride they’ve taken us on for five or six months, however long it’s been,” said

Head Coach Dusty May. “These guys laid it on the line every single practice, every single workout, weight session, and film session. They put a lot into this, and sometimes, it doesn’t go your way. There’s only one team in this tournament that’s going to end on a win, and unfortunately, it’s not us this year…These guys have created memories and a legacy that will last a lifetime. People will be talking about this group for the next 50 to 100 years.”

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Owls’ season was a defining moment for the program. Having only made the tournament once before in 2002 and never winning a game, the team proved they belonged among the best in the nation. While the season may have ended in disappointment, it marks the beginning of a new era of Florida Atlantic basketball greatness.

Redshirt Freshman Guard Nick Boyd said, “It’s a bittersweet moment. I’m not dwelling on it much. I’m ready to get back to work. I’m happy for our team. I mean, we put FAU on the map; that’s most important to me. When I came to this school and I committed here, I said this is what we’re going to do. We took it to a new height. All I can do is smile and be appreciative of the run we went on and know next year you’re going to hear it from FAU again. You’re going to see us in the same position, and it’s going to be a different outcome, I promise you.”

Schanuel Named to Midseason Watch List for Golden Spikes Award

Florida Atlantic first baseman Nolan Schanuel has been named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List, USA Baseball announced on Wednedsay. The award honors the top amateur baseball player in the nation and is given each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship.

Named as the C-USA Preseason Player of the Year as well as a Preseason All-American by numerous outlets, Schanuel has lived up to the hype and then some through the first month and a half of the season. He leads Conference USA

in six offensive categories including average (.455), slugging (.899) and runs scored (38). Schanuel is second in all of Division I in on-base percentage (.604).

The Park Vista HS product carries a 25-game reached base streak into this week’s series with FIU. He’s currently 11th in program history in home runs (38) and 12th in RBI (147).

The Golden Spikes award is one of the most prestigious honors in amateur baseball. Previous winners include current major leaguers Stephen Strasburg (2009), Bryce Harper (2010), and Kris Bryant (2013).

The 45-player Midseason Watch List will be narrowed down on May

22 and finalists will then be announced on June 7.