Delray Newspaper | April 2020 by Four Story Media Group

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DELRAYNEWSPAPER.COM APRIL | 2020

Corey Isle project adds 10 singlefamily workforce homes to Delray’s SW neighborhood By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor Delray Beach will be increasing its portfolio of workforce housing thanks to the Corey Isle project. Ten single-family workforce homes will soon be built in the Southwest Neighborhood at the Northwest corner of Southwest Seventh Avenue and Southwest Fourth Street. The homes will be either three or four bedrooms with two bathrooms and rear-loaded garages and will be between 1,800 to 2,300 square feet. Construction officially broke ground last month with a ground breaking ceremony. The project is being constructed thanks to a partnership between the Delray Community Redevelopment Agency, which owns the land, and the Delray Beach Community Land Trust, which responded to a proposal from the agency to develop the 10 homes. The land trust’s mission is to create healthy communities through the provision and preservation of affordable housing for low to moderate-income households. The land trust will pre-qualify the potential buyers, who will have to meet the requirements for workforce housing.

Art in the Alley celebrates 10 years of beautifying the Osceola Park neighborhood. Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry.

Art in the Alley celebrates 10 years of making Delray Beach more colorful By: Joanie Cox-Henry Contributing Writer Nothing makes the Delray Beach community rally quite like Art in the Alley. For the past 10 years, artist Sharon Koskoff has been working with Art in the Alley coordinators Lisa and James Quillian to jazz up alleyways in Osceola Park in Downtown Delray Beach with original art work. “We’re all about inspiring others and improving the community,” Koskoff said. “James and Lisa [Quillian] are the alley and I’m the art. I gather the artists, supply the paints and they do the party and secure the artwork in the alleyways.” While themes in past years have included everything from Valentine’s Day to Mardis Gras, this year’s theme was inspired by the art deco vibe of the roaring 20’s.

Painting on 3 foot by 5 foot exterior concrete panels using exterior satin paint, more than 40 artists gathered to create art work to brighten up the Delray alleyway located at Southeast Sixth Street between Southeast Third and Southeast Fourth Avenues. There is currently art in eight alleys of Delray now.

Workforce housing is defined as housing that is affordable for families whose incomes are within 80 percent to 140 percent of the County’s area median income (AMI). At the ground breaking, land trust executive director Evelyn Dobson said they already have 16 pre-qualified homeowners in[CONT. PG 2]

With every part of Art in the Alley volunteer-based from the art to the food and drinks, the event includes one full day of painting and then one day to show off the art. “It turns into a real block party, which is always so much fun,” Koskoff said of the March 1 celebration. This year, Koskoff was amazed that it rained five times during the February 15 painting day and not one artist canceled. Delray Beach resident Sharon Halupka, who

[CONT. PG 2]

Delray Beach city officials, CRA board members, Community Land Trust members and family members of Corey Jones break ground on the Corey Isle project. Staff photo.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Patricia Peters With her painting at Art in the Alley. Photo by Joanie Cox-Hen- Sharon Halupka mimicking the pose in her mermaid ry. painting. Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry.

Sharon Koskoff poses with the deco-inspired painting she created for Art in the Alley. Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry.

Art in the Alley celebrates 10 years of making Delray Beach more colorful

painted a mermaid piece for the event, mentioned she had to redo the painting multiple times due to the weather. “I’d start to paint and then it rained and washed off several times,” Halupka said.

[FROM PG 1]

In addition to locals artists and nearby neighbors in the Osceola Park community, the event also attracted the support of the Delray Beach Police officers and Delray Beach board member of the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board Juli Casale. “This is a fabulous opportunity to bring attention to this neighborhood that also has so much history,” Casale said. Event goers sipped complimentary cans of Corona and Two Buck Chuck from Trader Joe’s while listening to reggae music by Chucka Riddim. Patricia “Trish” Stephens, who has participated in Art in the Alley for nine years, loves returning to the event year after year for the people and the atmosphere. “I was in the Army and Army Reserves and sustained several injuries,” Stephens said. “I’m happy I’m still able to paint and be part of something like this.”

Sculptor Patricia Peters, who met Koskoff 18 years ago when she first came to Delray Beach, is amazed at how no one defaces the art in alleyways or steals the work. “There’s a respect for it on the street and it’s something that is truly appreciated by the community,” said Peters, who resides in Delray.

James Quillian enjoys how Art in the Alley adds to the overall improvement and revitalization of his Osceola Park neighborhood.

the hot dogs and camaraderie. Some people have even requested to have the art pieces in the alley commissioned. The paintings make the alleyway more enjoyable and I know several kids who ask their parents to drive them through these alleyways on the way to school just so they can look at the art.”

“We’ve been doing this 10 years and the neighbors love it,” Quillian said. “A lot of people come to it and as we draw attention this neighborhood, it also brings it to the city council’s attention. Commissioners stop by to see this art work. Then they get to meet the constituents voting for them at events like this. We also invite the police department so they can do their community outreach too.” Lisa Quillian will never forget the first Art in the Alley, which started with just 10 artists. “The fact that so many artists come back year after year says it all,” Quillian said. “They come for the art, but also

Head to the Osceola Park neighborhood to see the Art on the Alley images. Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry.

Corey Isle project adds 10 single-family workforce homes to Delray’s SW neighborhood “This is a great day,” his father Clinton Jones said during the groundbreaking. “I thank God for the city of Delray and CRA and all of those that have a part in bringing this all together.”

terested in purchasing one of the 10 homes.

[FROM PG 1]

The homes will be built in the design style of American Craftsman, which pays homage to the cultural history of the neighborhood. Historically, this area was settled in by Bahamians and other Caribbean Islanders. The aesthetic design elements of the Corey Isles project were designed with this culture in mind. The American Craftsman style, or the American Arts and Crafts movement, is an American domestic architectural, and interior design that began in the last years of the 19th Century. There are three distinct elevation schemes in the Corey Isle project using the Craftsman style of architecture, accented with an island flair. Delray-based Stuart & Shelby Development, Inc. will construct the homes.

He pointed to an area across the street from the construction site and said his son spent a lot of time mentoring kids in the neighborhood. “I really miss Corey,” he said.

Bishop Sylvester Banks Sr, the grandfather of Corey Jones, shares how meaningful it is to his family to have the workforce housing project named after his grandson. Staff photo.

The project is named after Corey Jones, a former Delray Beach housing authority employee, who was shot and killed by a plain clothes police officer while waiting by his disabled car in Palm Beach Gardens in 2015.

Jones was involved in the Delray Beach community as it was where he worked and where he spent time mentoring kids and teaching them to play drums.

Corey’s grandfather Bishop Sylvester Banks Sr., said he has lived in Delray for over a decade and said the project is a blessing and example that people still have the heart to do good. Mayor Shelly Petrolia said the project addresses a crucial need in the community, which is providing more affordable housing options.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Delray commission to welcome new member to dais; Casale beats Bathurst for Seat 2 By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor

“I am overjoyed that the residents of Delray Beach have chosen to allow me to serve them for an additional three years,” Johnson said. “I am overwhelmed by their generosity.”

When Delray Beach city government meetings resume, the commission will have a new face on board.

She said to those who didn’t vote for her, her door is always open and she is willing to listen.

Juli Casale edged out incumbent Commissioner Bill Bathurst on election night as well as opponents Jennifer Jones and Debra Tendrich. Casale will fill Seat 2. The winner was still unclear as election night ended, but with all but one precinct tallied, Casale came out on top by 120 votes. “The odds were really stacked against me,” Casale said. “I am feeling amazing. It was hard work. I had a really formidable opponent. He had much more financial backing than I and all the endorsements.” Despite being a challenger with less money and endorsements, Casale said her determination to win helped her pull off the victory. “It’s pretty exciting,” she said. “I think this win really represents the people who got out and voted. It shows that they want something different going forward. This was a victory for the residents.” She said she hopes those who didn’t vote for her will give her

Slices Delray Beach Fire Rescue chief resigns Two-time interim city manager and fire chief Neal de Jesus resigned last month. His March 10 resignation was effective immediately. “I feel my time has come to move on and focus more on my family,” he said in a resignation letter. “With over 38 years in the fire and public safety service, I have committed everything I have each and every day to make the fire service better than I found it. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to lead this City and more importantly the brave women and men who I consider family. Please accept this as my grateful yet humble letter of resignation effective immediately.”

“I have always felt my votes were for the good of the entire city,” she said. Juli Casale is the newest Delray Delray Commissioner Shirley Beach City Commissioner. Sub- Johnson will serve another term. Submitted photo. mitted photo.

the opportunity to show them that she is their commissioner, too. Bathurst took to social media to congratulate Casale on her win, wish her luck in the position and thank his supporters. This was his first contested race. When he ran for his first term, he was elected unopposed. Commissioner Shirley Johnson will return to Seat 4. Johnson beat out her two challengers, Angela Burns and Chris Davey. Johnson received about 39 percent of the votes. Davey was second with 31 percent followed by Burns with 29 percent of the votes. Less people voted for Seat 4 than Seat 2.

City manager George Gretsas named assistant fire chief Keith Tomey as acting fire chief and bumped his salary up 10 percent while he fills the role, according to a city memo. A six-page general release from employment states the city will pay de Jesus for 180 days at his current pay rate and cover his health insurance through June. Caffe Luna Rosa raises minimum wage rate to $12 per hour for staff Popular beachside restaurant Caffe Luna Rosa is raising the bar again by raising its minimum wage rates for employees to $12 per hour. Six year ago, the restaurant bumped its minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and beginning April 1, several employees will see a raise in their pay.

In addition to candidates, a charter change was also on the Delray ballot. The proposed change would allow the mayor and commissioners to receive a salary increase similar to how raises are done at higher levels of government. The charter change failed to pass. With COVID-19 forcing many to stay home, election day brought some struggles on early. Before March 17 arrived, several polling sites were changed to protect seniors living in nursing or assisted living facilities from the voters entering. On election day, poll workers did not show up to some Delray voting sites. Frustrated voters were turned away and told to pick up ballots from the supervisor of elections office. Voters who did turn up to cast their ballots in person brought their own pens or wore gloves.

“While Florida’s minimum wage is only $8.46 an hour, starting on April 1, the minimum wage paid at Caffe Luna Rosa will jump to $12 an hour–and we are doing so because we believe it is in the best, longterm financial interests of both the business and our loyal, hard-working staff,” said the restaurant’s founder/partner Fran Marincola. “Of course, most of our 50 employees make much more than this, but several of our staffers will definitely see an increase in their paycheck.” Marincola said it is important to invest in employees to improve the customer’s experience. “For years, we have been guided by the philosophy that it makes sense to invest in our employees because they are the people that are the first contact with our customers,” he adds. “Most of our team members take a longer view of their employment with us and begin to take ownership in their jobs as well as in the restaurant as a whole. It is also one of the main reasons why our employee

turnover is so insignificant.” Delray Beach Fire Department earns first accreditation with Commission on Fire Accreditation International For the first time, Delray Beach Fire Rescue has achieved accreditation with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The department was officially awarded this prestigious status at the Center for Public Safety Excellence conference in Orlando. Delray Fire Rescue met the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. DBFR is one of more than 250 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc.

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APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivery Dudes launches Dudes Bodega to help people in need of household goods Staff report Delray Beach-based Delivery Dudes is offering a new service to help folks in need of supplies. In addition to delivering you food from your favorite restaurant, the delivery service launched Dudes Bodega, a pick-up and delivery service of household goods to people who need groceries, prescriptions and other supplies but don’t want to, or shouldn’t, leave their homes. Available now in East Delray with a goal of adding locations throughout the county in the coming days and weeks, Dudes Bodega offers pick-up and delivery of goods for a flat fee of $5. “We want to do anything we can to help the

community during this crazy, unpredictable time,” said Jayson Koss, founder of Delivery Dudes. Delivery Dudes has also launched no-contact deliveries to increase safety for all customers and restaurants. Delivery Dudes has driver hubs that all drivers must report to every day at the start of their shift. To increase safety, they have secured a healthcare professional to train team members on how to conduct health and temperature checks before every shift at all of their driver hubs. Customers can visit DeliveryDudes.com, use the app, or call 561-900-7060 to place an order.

Restaurants step up to help feed homebound seniors Staff report

down due to city closures.

Downtown restaurants are stepping up to help homebound seniors eat during the coronavirus.

Seniors typically visit Pompey Park and Veterans Park Monday through Friday as a senior activity for a complimentary lunch and socialization time. But since many are now homebound due to the virus, local downtown restaurants have stepped in to help.

PRIME Delray restaurant donated 100 meals and several other downtown restaurants will follow suit. The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority initiated and coordinated this effort after a program held at Pompey Park was shut

Freebee cart service will provide the transportation for the meals and the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation department will assist with the delivery.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

WiseTribe builds ‘United We Grow’ movement

By: David DiPino Contributing Writer The WiseTribe movement known as “United We Grow” has a focus and hashtag of #GetDirtyInDelray which is an effort the group’s founder says is helping the Delray Beach and Boca Raton communities become healthier and sustainable environments. WiseTribe’s endeavors are most visible in the local neighborhoods where they provide sustainable resources. Recently, the WiseTribe held an Aquaponic System Building Workshop at the Delray GreenMarket in Old School Square Park. The United We Grow tasks focused on localizing food via agri-tinkering at a WiseTribe booth at the Delray GreenMarket. Agri-tinkering is an innovation in agriculture. The community aquaponic system built at the Delray GreenMarket was introduced as a partnership between WiseTribe and South Tech Culinary Academy in Boynton Beach. Chef Walter Tanner, a chef instructor at South Tech Culinary Academy, and his culinary students have been developing and re-developing a sustainable food learning laboratory for several years. Chef Tanner and WiseTribe founder and chief visionary, Jacqueline Botting, have collaborated to build ecological opportunities for our community. Chef Tanner was on-hand with Botting and WiseTribers for the aquaponics build at the Delray GreenMarket. Previously, Chef Tanner, Botting, WiseTribers and the South Tech Culinary students built the aquaponic systems at the school in Boynton Beach. According to Botting, during the South Tech efforts, Seventh Generation Solutions partnered

Junior WiseTriber club at South Tech Preparatory Academy. The students posed after laying mulch, the The WiseTribe in action during the Aquaponic Sysfirst step towards building healthy soil. Submitted Culinary coaching with Carver Middle School stu- tem Building Workshop at the Delray GreenMarket. dents. Submitted Photo. Photo. Submitted Photo.

with WiseTribe on the community learning workshop and members of the Tau Beta Pi Honors Engineering Society from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton also contributed. The WiseTribe, South Tech aquaponics event was open to the general public. Seventh Generation Solutions, 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 13, Delray Beach, a partner with the WiseTribe at the event, is a local company focusing on aquaponics, aqua gardens, fish and other indoor and outdoor environments. Botting said the focus of the first community agri-tinkering workshop was collaboration to build an aquaponics system to grow food. She invited everyone interested in a healthier and wiser future locally, especially the maker and doer types along with those who like to tinker and build things. The forward thinking WiseTribers concentrate their activities with a mission of working to create a better, wiser world through resources, tools and teamwork. According to Botting, WiseTribe is a grassroots non-profit that helps communities and schools evolve into healthier and more sustainable versions of themselves in a rapidly changing world. “Our mission is to increase the health

The WiseTribe manufacturing an aquaponics system at the Delray GreenMarket. Delray Beach. Submitted Photo.

of communities and the planet through food, learning, and wellbeing,” said Botting.

#GetDirtyInDelray, which is an outcome of WiseTribe’s efforts has grown beyond the boundaries of Delray Beach.

During April, WiseTribe will communicate to their organization of youth “wisetribers” with an emphasis on community resilience and food security. As Botting leaves a voice and video web conferencing of the WiseTribe Board Meeting, she makes phone calls and sends out information on organizing thinkers and doers in an effort of building local innovations for food resilience via the @wisetribe Facebook community. By helping local students become systems thinkers, Botting said during the call, the wisetribers will learn the values and framework needed to comprehend the complex world they are growing up in. Students learn to design and build a healthier future.

“United We Grow is a coalition-based movement for increasing healthy eating, wellbeing mindsets, and community learning to promote food sustainability. In collaboration with schools, families, and neighborhoods, it aims to increase awareness of the health and environmental impacts of the modern diet and provide pathways towards plant-based diets,” said Botting.

WiseTribe brings forward-thinkers together to create community projects which lead to a wiser, world. Through WiseTribe, local citizens are building relationships and creating positive changes to improve lives one neighborhood at a time. Botting added, The United We Grow movement, originally known as the

WiseTribers engineering growth at the Aquaponic System Building Workshop at the Delray GreenMarket in Old School Square Park, Submitted Photo.

Barbara Collins, a certified nutrition chef and culinary instructor who runs the culinary academy at Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach, said partnering with WiseTribe helps her students in a variety of ways. “The sustainable culinary challenges WiseTribe brings to my students not only helps them professionally in terms of understanding marketplace shifts related to food but also to consider the larger social and environmental implications - and responsibilities - related to sustainable food systems and becoming a culinary professional in a changing world,” said Collins. For more information, visit wisetribe. us

Chef Walter Tanner, a chef instructor at South Tech Culinary Academy in Boynton Beach, working with WiseTribe members, local students and residents of the Delray Beach community to build aquaponics systems at a recent WiseTribe event at the Delray GreenMarket in Delray Beach. Submitted Photo.

Festival of the Arts BOCA reports 11,000 people attended 10-day event By: Dale King Contributing Writer It was a squeaker this year for the 14th edition of Festival of the Arts BOCA. Organizers managed to present 11 events in 10 days – from Feb. 28 to March 8– and completed all of them before the coronavirus arrived in Florida and threw a damper on large gatherings.

A tiny Imperial warrior enters the Mizner Jedi Grand Master Yoda is shown in his Park Amphitheater to view the film, “The home on the planet, Dagobah. Photo courteEmpire Strikes Back.” Photo courtesy of Sto- sy of StoryWorkz Photography. ryWorkz Photography.

“We ended in the nick of time,” said Joanna Marie Kaye, the fest’s executive director. “People were beginning to get worried.” The combination entertainment, literary and theatrical program that’s been held in Boca Raton yearly since 2007 had “some amazing moments,” Kaye said, “as there always have been.” Colder-than-usual temperatures seemed to descend upon the festivities held in the Mizner Park Amphitheater and a tent set up next door for authors to address the crowd. Kaye said the coolest temps set in for the Beethoven Birthday Bash the night of Feb. 29 when concession stands offered coffee and even hot soup for the frosty visitors. To honor the 250th birthday of the famed classical composer, Festival of the Arts brought in the Eroica Trio, three women performing on cello, violin and piano. They joined the Boca Raton Symphonia under the baton of conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos to perform some of Ludwig Von B’s classics. Kaye said this year’s festival drew about 11,000 people to the amphitheater at the north end of Mizner Park. The biggest draw, she noted, was the final event that featured Postmodern Jukebox, an ensemble of genre-bending singers and musicians known for taking songs originally done in one style and presenting them in a totally different way. Case in point. Vocalist/master of ceremonies Michael Cunio (who introduced himself as “Coolio”) presented the Michael Jackson fave, “Thriller,” as a 1930s jazz piece, complete with Cab Calloway “Hidi-hi-di-hi-di-hi” opening. Known widely as PMJ, the jazz and soul-fueled troupe is a rotating musical collective founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011, when he began shooting videos with friends from college in his basement apartment in Astoria, Queens.

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APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

New Yorker magazine cartoonist Roz Chast Guitarist Milos rehearses for his show. Photo signs her book following her address to an audience at Festival of the Arts Boca. Photo courtesy of StoryWorkz Photography. courtesy of StoryWorkz Photography.

The Eroica Trio performs during Beethoven’s Jabu Graybeal, from Postmodern Jukebox, Birthday Bash at Festival of the Arts Boca. whips up a fierce tap dance. Photo courtesy Photo courtesy of StoryWorkz Photography. of StoryWorkz Photography.

In less than a decade, PMJ has amassed more than 1.2 billion YouTube views and four million subscribers. When Cunio asked the audience how many had seen the group before or were fans, at least half applauded.

March 1 at Mizner Amphitheater and the next day, she visited Spanish River High School to answer questions from students. “It was such a powerful talk; they were all mesmerized,” said the festival director.

PMJ twisted a couple of other tunes with remarkable agility. Meghan Trainor’s “All about the Bass” was an up-tempo success and the Christina Aguilera tune, “Genie in a bottle,” got a full workout. The show also featured a top-notch version of the Taylor Swift song, “Shake it off.”

Other speakers were New Yorker magazine cartoonist Roz Chast, whose talk was sold out; Yale psychology instructor Dr. Laurie Santos and political analyst Amy Walter.

Second-largest crowd, said Kaye, arrived for the showing of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the sequel to “Star Wars” which filled the screen at Mizner last year. The film’s music score created by John Williams was wiped out, and added live by the Boca Raton Symphonia during the performance. The festival got off to a lively start with Troupe Vertigo performing physical feats of power and beauty, paired with music from the Symphonia. Milos, famed Spanish guitarist, performed on March 1, filling the amphitheater with some powerful music. Kaye said author Jesmyn Ward did a double. She spoke to the crowd

A Moth StorySLAM rounded out the afternoon of Feb. 29 and Nu Deco Ensemble, making its second appearance in two years, came from Miami to Boca Raton for the much-anticipated encore on March 7.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

AVDA luncheon celebrates survivors of domestic abuse [10]

Kaye said it’s much too early to announce the schedule for 2021. She did say violinist Joshua Bell is going to return, and Verdi’s “Aida” will be presented in concert format by the Chatham Opera, conductor Kitsopoulos’ group in New Jersey. She said it hasn’t yet been determined if another film with be shown with a live music track. “We’re still looking at that.” But she did say: “There is one major act. We have made a request with Florida Atlantic University and should hear about that any day.”

Joe Theismann speaks to YMCA crowd [11]

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Broadway favorite ‘A Chorus Line’ at Wick Theatre, cut short due to coronavirus By: Jan Engoren Contributing Writer

role of Cassie opposite Mario Lopez on Broadway in 2008, reprises her role as Cassie at the Wick.

“A Chorus Line,” the iconic Broadway musical that ran for 15 years in New York City, had a short run at the Wick Theatre that will likely pick back up in a few weeks.

Like her character, Goldyn has shared some of the same experiences as Cassie - the star who just needs the “music and the mirror and the chance to dance.”

Scheduled to run through April 12, the show was cut short in the middle of March due to the Coronavirus. The show was choreographed and directed by Mitzi Hamilton, the inspiration for the character of Val in Michael Bennett’s original production. Groundbreaking in its era for its organic and workshopping evolution – the characters are all real-life compilations of the lives of actual dancers – the show has kept its emotional appeal since its debut in 1975. “Seeing the passion, dedication and immense talent of our chorus dancers as they fulfill their dreams is one of the most touching experiences of running this theater,” said Marilynn A. Wick, managing executive producer. “Producing this show is a truly profound experience, and I am tremendously honored that Mitzi Hamilton is joining our family for this run.” Innovative for its time – one theatre critic wrote, “It was a musical that did not exist on paper before rehearsal began. It was a show created in performance, created on its feet.” The original show was conceived and directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, co-choreographed by Bob Avian with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante. Music was written by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Edward Kleban. A Chorus Line takes the audience through the final grueling audition run by Zach, the director for a new Broadway musical. Instead of having them read a short audition scene, Zach wants to elicit a personal history from each dancer: how they got into “show business,” why they became dancers, what their hopes, fantasies and aspirations are. The storyline emerges as he calls upon each one individual-

“A Chorus Line,” the iconic Broadway musical that ran for 15 years in New York City, had a short run at the Wick Theatre that will likely pick back up in a few weeks. Submitted photo.

ly, and their life stories are revealed with raw emotion. They react in every possible way, from bravado to reticence with honesty and humor, knowing that they can’t all be chosen for the role. Hamilton (who even had her own namesake “Hamilton” tribute created in her honor in 2016 by the cast of a show she directed in Vero Beach), has said in prior interviews, “I owe him (Michael Bennett) so much. I don’t believe that things just fall in one’s lap for no reason. I believe it is my destiny to pass Michael’s work onto future generations.” Hamilton, who danced in shows like “Cabaret,” “Pippin” and “Seesaw” and played Val in the original London company and later on Broadway, says she carries Bennett’s torch, directing productions of “A Chorus Line” around the world. In this production, Zach is played by Wisconsin native, Tom Berklund, who has appeared in multiple Broadway shows including a recent revival of “A Chorus Line” where he played Gregory Gardner. New Jersey native Jessica Lee Goldyn, 34, who performed in the revival of “A Chorus Line” as Val and played the lead

Goldyn made her Broadway debut in 2006 at the age of 19 as Val in a revival of “A Chorus Line,” in what she says was “her dream role in her dream show.” After having the lead role, once the show ends, nothing is guaranteed.

Jessica Lee Goldyn who performed in the revival of “A Chorus Line” as Val and played the lead role of Cassie opposite Mario Lopez on Broadway in 2008, reprises her role as Cassie at the Wick. Submitted photo.

Goldyn returned to regional theatre and like her character of Cassie, found it difficult to give up the lead and return to the chorus. She is able to play the character with full credibility because she says, “I absolutely know what she feels.” “We both just want to dance,” Goldyn said. “That’s what the character is saying – “I’m a dancer. She wants to wake up every day with something exciting to dance. That’s her gift and that’s my gift.” Goldyn has performed in approximately 13 productions of “A Chorus Line,” often with Hamilton and for this production is assisting Hamilton is setting the show. She began dancing at age three and in 1998 at the age of 13, saw the revival of “Chicago” on Broadway starring Marilu Henner and Bebe Neuwirth. “When I saw them performing and dancing on stage, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life,” remembers Goldyn. She admires Broadway veterans and fellow dancers, Donna McKechnie (who won a Best Actress Tony for the role of Cassie in 1976) and Gwen Verdon, and one day hopes to reprise some of Verdon’s roles, such as Charity in “Sweet Charity”, Roxie in “Chicago” or Lola in “Damn Yankees.” Goldyn believes the ‘triple threat’ is disappearing from Broadway stages and says she would love to see more dance musicals come to Broadway. “I love it,” said Goldyn, who looked up to Hamilton since the age of 12. “It’s a beautiful journey and I can’t imagine doing anything else.” “Mitzi is the best at setting the show,” said Goldyn, who has also worked alongside original cast member, Donna Drake, and others. “She lets the actors be themselves. She finds the essence of each character within that person and lets them be themselves.” “That’s what keeps it fresh,” she said. For Goldyn, keeping the love and joy of dance and theatre alive, no matter the challenge is what keeps her going. “This is not an easy life,” Goldyn said. “Performers can become jaded or get diverted from their original goals. The key to my longevity is to stay in love with what I do. I don’t want to lose that spark.” “I hope the audience falls in love with ‘A Chorus Line’ as much as I have,” she said. “It will be an incredible show and they will be just as moved as I am each night.”

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation’s student team swings through South Florida for winter exhibitions By: Jan Engoren Contributing Writer

Yitzchaki jokes. “It was a social and safe place to go after school.”

Last February a unique group of student tennis players touched down in South Florida from Tel-Aviv, Israel for

At that time, in the mid- to late 1990s, Israel and the IDF

their winter exhibition tour and to Play for Peace.

were engaged in the South Lebanon conflict. Yitzchaki remembers rockets being fired across the border and

Their full schedule of court-time and raising awareness

having to go into the bomb shelters.

for their program was cut short due to the coronavirus and the team flew back to Israel two days earlier than

Despite his unambitious beginning, Yitzchaki went on to

planned canceling their exhibitions on Mar. 12 at Wood-

play regional and national tournaments and at the age of

field Country Club and on Mar. 16 at Boca West Country Club, both in Boca Raton. The group, members of the Israel Tennis & Education Center Foundation (ITEC), is comprised of students ranging in age from 12 -16, and of differing ethnicities and religions – including Israeli Jews, Ethiopian Jews and Israeli Arabs (both Muslim and Christian). The ITEC empowers children through sport and education to foster lasting peace in the Mideast. Their goal is to teach children of all backgrounds how to live successful lives, using tennis as the medium. Yoni Yair, vice president of development and an alumnus of the program says, “Through this remarkable organization I was exposed to, and learned from, being in an environment of inclusiveness, unity, respect, diversity

18 finished number one in the under 18 age group in the The Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation’s student team began their 2020 Winter exhibition tour with stops across the east and west coasts of South Florida during February and March. Submitted photo.

State of Israel. He admires his fellow Kiryat Shmona tennis player, Dudi

erty level.

Sela, ITF ranked #29 in the world.

Thanks to the program, 100 percent of its graduates have

Through the ITEC, Yitzchaki met his best friend, a Leb-

gone on to receive college degrees in the United States by earning tennis scholarships. Yair rattles off a number of successful alum – Nadine Fahoum and her brother, Fahoum Fahoum, (Muslim Arab Israelis), graduates of the Haifa ITEC, who received full scholarships to play tennis at Duke University. “Even if they don’t make it on the tour, this is a great opportunity for them to come to the U.S. for college and become ambassadors for co-existence on and off the court,”

anese native, Rudy Fahili, who came to Israel when the IDF forces pulled out of Lebanon and many Lebanese who assisted the IDF were forced to leave Lebanon. “Rudy fell in love with the game of tennis like I did,” remembers Yitzchaki. “He helped me with my math and I helped him with his tennis. We became the best of friends until now.” He says Fahili earned his college degree, got a job in a hi-tech company and works as an instructor and coach at

and caring.”

says Yair.

the Coexistence Center.

“It is my great hope that we can offer this same chance to

Other success stories include Amos Mansdorf who was

“This experience has had a big influence on my life,” says

as many children as possible and give them an opportunity to build lasting peace within their communities as

ranked #18 in the world, Shahar Pe’er, ranked #11 and the first Israeli doubles tennis team to win a Grand Slam

well as successful futures for themselves,” he said.

tennis title in 2008, Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich.

In 1976 at the age of seven, Yair was one of the first chil-

Noam Yitzchaki , 31, a native of Kiryat Shmona, Israel,

dren to enroll in the program near Ramat HaSharon, near Tel-Aviv. He had dreams of one day becoming a

now studying for his master’s degree in sports science and physiology at USF in Tampa was also one of the

professional tennis player, but in retrospect, he says for

ITEC students.

his parents it was more about bringing him to a safe place

He began hanging out at the center and learning to hit a

and one where he could learn life skills, good values and English. By the time he was 14, Yair realized he wouldn’t be the next André Agassi or Pete Sampras, and began working as an assistant coach as a way to stay connected to the center and earn money to help his family. At 18, Yair entered the Israeli Defense Forces where he

Yitzchaki. “The ITEC does more than keep kids off the streets; it provides them with an education and the ability to dream big and achieve any goals or dreams they have, using tennis as the vehicle.” “On a daily basis, we are teaching kids how to fish by giving them the skills and values they need to better their lives and in the long-run, to create a better, more peaceful society in Israel,” he says.

tennis ball at the age of eight.

To learn more about the ITEC, visit itecenters.org or con-

“I had no intention of ever winning Wimbledon,”

yyair@itecenters.org

tact Yoni Yair, VP of Development at 954-480-6333 or

Scenes from Boca Bacchanal grand tasting Staff report

served for three years, before returning to the center

Boca Bacchanal’s grand tasting wel-

to become a coach and educator and help develop so-

comed hundreds of food and wine

cial impact programs serving kids from differing back-

fans to the Boca Raton Resort last

grounds and religions.

month.

He’s proud that since its inception, the ITEC has trans-

The fundraiser for the Boca Raton

formed the lives of half a million kids and enrolls more

Historical Society featured dinner-

than 20,000 kids each year. The ITEC has 14 centers

by-the bite from dozens of local

across the state of Israel, most in underprivileged neigh-

eateries and hundreds of different

Guests sampled bites and sips while

borhoods where the children live on or below the pov-

varietals of wine from all over the

bidding on silent auction items. As

world.

of press time, it was unknown how much money the event raised for the historical society.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

AVDA reports increase in demand for domestic abuse services Luncheon speaker tells of near-death attack by spouse

By: Dale King Contributing Writer The annual AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) “Heart of a Woman” luncheon in Boca Raton frequently touches on bittersweet topics, even though the overall thrust is to “celebrate the strength, courage and determination of women, particularly survivors of domestic violence.” This year’s event, its 13th yearly get-together, brought hundreds of men and women to the Royal Palm Yacht Club for an update on AVDA’s task in the community, a speaker and many thank-yous to the people who help the organization with financial support and volunteerism.

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) presented its Community Service Award to Kol, a therapy dog who provided assistance to AVDA clients, college students and people in hospitals and at hospice. The canine, who has passed away, is shown with his owner, Jane Eisenberg. Photo courtesy of Ivan Gastaldo Photography.

Rosemary Krieger receives flowers for the 30 years of support she and her husband, Ben, have given to Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse during AVDA’s “Heart of a Woman Luncheon.” With her are, from left, AVDA President and CEO Pam O’Brien, event co-chair Anne Vegso and Mistress of Ceremonies Liz Quirantes. Photo courtesy of Ivan Gastaldo Photography.

AVDA honored a Boca Raton couple who’ve spent 30 years supporting and donating to the organization that provides a host of services to abuse victims, including emergency and transitional shelter, outreach tasks and education/ prevention programs throughout Palm Beach County. The co-chairs of the luncheon also reported that the need for AVDA’s services to community residents has grown during the past 12 months. The gallery also heard from a woman who survived a domestic abuse attack that nearly took her life more than a decade ago. But the most touching portion of the program came as AVDA leaders presented the group’s Heart of a Woman Community Service Award. Mistress of Ceremonies Liz Quirantes from Channel 12 News announced the recipient of the award was Kol, a gentle, loving four-legged furry canine who has helped the young and old endure the rigors of hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities, among other places and situations. Quirantes said Kol helped soothe and console survivors at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland after a Valentine’s Day 2018 shooting spree left 17 students and staff dead.

Calling Rosemary “an energetic, little dynamo, tirelessly contributing her time, energy and talent to numerous organizations,” the board said she and Ben “were the first donors to our transitional housing building at AVDA’s Casa Vegso, with the naming of two rooms for them. Their generosity helped kick off the successful capital campaign to fund this building that has been providing residential services for the past 15 years.” Pam O’Brien, president and CEO of AVDA, used her speech time at the annual event to announce its Life Enrichment Center will open shortly. “AVDA will be leasing 3,333 square feet and has an option to purchase the 5,567 square foot property.” She said AVDA “is asking our Community of Hope to help us purchase the property and raise an endowment fund” to sustain it. O’Brien introduced Ann and John Wood who have donated $500,000 to buy the building. “We are asking the community to raise $500,000 to match this amount.”

Keynote speaker at AVDA’s “Heart of a Woman Luncheon,” Audrey-May Prosper, tells audience about how her husband beat and set her afire. She survived, and is now an anti-violence advocate and speaker. Photo courtesy of Ivan Gastaldo Photography.

Keynote speaker was Audrey-May Prosper, a domestic violence victim who has become an anti-violence advocate. Pam O’Brien, president and CEO of Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), addresses the audience during the organization’s “Heart of a Woman Luncheon.” Photo by Dale King.

Kol spent four years helping the folks who found security, care and assistance in AVDA facilities and programs. He also responded to Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College and Lynn University in Boca Raton to calm students’ anxieties during exam study time.

“AVDA responded to more than 3,000 hotline calls,” they said. “Residents in our emergency shelter remained in the shelter 30 percent longer than last year in order to find alternative safe living arrangements. We served almost 300 women, men and children in our outreach services, a 47 percent increase.”

The mood in the dining room seemed to fall physically when Quirantes said that, “Kol has passed away.” And after a pause, added, “But his legacy will continue.”

“AVDA promotes violence-free relationship,” said Rosemary, who, along with her husband, Ben, were honored by the assistance group for their three decades of advocacy.

A championship Golden Retriever, Kol was owned by Jane Eisenberg of Boynton Beach.

“Rosemary Krieger has been a strong advocate for AVDA for the past 30 years,” says a statement from the AVDA Board of Directors. “She has supported her desire to raise awareness for ADVA through successful fundraising events, service on AVDA’s Advisory Board and contributing to various event committees.”

Earlier in the meeting, luncheon co-chairs Rosemary Krieger and Anne Vegso stepped to the podium to look back at the work load shouldered by the organization during the past year.

She told the audience that in 2009, her then-husband forced her at knifepoint into their garage where he tried to rape her. “He hit me in the head with a hammer four times. He threw gasoline on me and ignited it with a candle.” Burned over 80 percent of her body, she survived the horrific violence inflicted by a man she once loved and who had fathered two children with her. She underwent 17 surgeries and nine procedures before her life took a turn back to normalcy. Her ex-husband, she said, is now serving a lifeplus-60-year term in prison. “In 2009, on my son’s birthday, I was in the intensive care unit, coming out of a coma,” Audrey-May told the gathering, and underscored “the good that organizations like AVDA do.” Audrey-May is now a women’s empowerment leader and speaker who has appeared on many TV shows, in newspaper stories and on other media.

Delray’s Ticket2Events brings TV celebs to Delray Beach Staff report

Delray Beach-based celebrity event producers Sean Koski and Brian Kelly of Ticket2Events brought some Bravo network stars to Delray Beach and around Palm Beach County for a recent spring weekend last month. LeeAnne Locken (Real Housewives of Dallas) Kristen Taekman (Model and Real Housewives of New York), Jasmine Tosh Stewart (Fashion Influencer & Designer) Jill Zarin (Real Housewives of New York City), Helen Hoey (Lingerie Designer Below Deck) and Heather McDonald (Juicy Scoop) were in town for the 50 Shades of Blogging brunch experience by Ticket2Events.

South Florida bloggers Lindsey and Lilly of LLScene were the featured local bloggers of the event. Before the exclusive Saturday brunch, the housewives spent time on Atlantic Avenue. They had dinner at Lemongrass and grabbed drinks on the Ave. The bloggers brunch was held at Ravish Restaurant where restauranteur and owner Lisa Mercado prepared brunch bites paired with pink bubbly from Bodvár rosé. Attendees lucky enough to score an invite to the exclusive table received gifts from Malibu Apothecary, Breeze Balm, XO8 Cosmeceuticals,

Delray Beach-based celebrity event producers Sean Koski and Brian Kelly of Ticket2Events brought some Bravo network stars to Delray Beach and around Palm Beach County last month. Submitted photo.

Lucent Botanicals, FitVine Wine, Waiakea, Nopeet and Bodvár.

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Theismann’s inspiring words ring true in months after Boca Y talk By: Dale King Contributing Writer When championship quarterback and entrepreneur Joe Theismann delivered an uplifting message to the crowd at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 18th Annual Inspiration Breakfast on March 4, he couldn’t have known how badly the community – and the world – would need to hear courageous commentary in the weeks ahead. “Life is about taking chances,” the keynote speaker told the audience in the Office Depot headquarters in Boca Raton last month. “You have to make yourself uncomfortable. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.” Barely two weeks after his talk, a pandemic of historic proportion changed the lives of everyone on the planet. Coronavirus would arrive invisibly, prohibiting crowds as large as the one that heard Washington Redskins signal caller Theismann speak that day. A disease of unknown ferocity would force hoarding, crush the stock market, frighten billions and cause fears of death and illness to soar. Something Theismann said that morning recalled an incident that painfully altered his own life -- and may be in own thoughts. “No matter how great we are, it can end in an instant.” Theismann’s grid career abruptly halted

became an ego out of control. Everything revolved around me. I had become selfish and all full of myself.”

“Is anyone here a Cleveland Browns fan?” he asked. A man in the rear motioned to him.

At this point in his address, the keynote speaker began to reflect on his horrific injury. “The 55,000 people in the stands gave this selfish man who thought he needed absolutely no one a chance to see that you need other people in your lives – like you need the Y.”

Theismann walked to the back of the room and held out his hand. “See this? It’s a Super Bowl ring. You’ll never see one of these.”

He used that message to inspire personal growth and stressed what the Y does best – give kids the courage, strength and ability to move successfully through life.

Football great Joe Theismann addresses the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 18th Annual Inspiration Breakfast and fundraiser March 4. Photo by Dale King.

Nov. 18, 1985 when he suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg while being sacked by New York Giants’ linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson during a Monday Night Football game on ABC. “The pain was unbelievable; it snapped like a breadstick,” he told the hushed Y gathering. “It sounded like two muffled gunshots off my left shoulder.” One might say he had it coming. As a winning pro quarterback, he admitted: “I

After leaving football at age 36, Theismann worked as a sportscaster and an analyst on pro football broadcasts with ESPN for nearly 20 years. Since 2011, he has been part of the Redskins’ pre-season television broadcast team. The 70-year-old ex-grid star spent 12 seasons with the Washington Redskins. He helped the team to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XVII over the Miami Dolphins and losing Super Bowl XVIII. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He used humor throughout his Y speech, including one comment that tripped up a follower of another team.

The Y’s annual inspiration breakfast raises money to support scholarships for youth development programs, providing everyone, regardless of income, with the opportunity to participate in YMCA programs. The speaker gave his support to the Y’s efforts by signing 15 footballs that were presented to donors who contributed to the organizations’ cause. By means of table challenges and matching donations, the Y raised $287,785 just in the period after breakfast. Theismann talked about the importance of the Y, at one point walking among several placards on the stage and telling how the Y stands for various values and principals. “At the Y, you see your dollars at work,” he noted, and he admonished those who contributed: “Don’t let this be the only day you give.” The former quarterback is the owner of Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar in Alexandria, Va., which he founded in 1975. He also speaks at corporate events, on topics such as leadership and self-motivation.

10 outdoor activities to do around your house when your kids are stuck at home By: Heather McMechan Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers The kids are out of school until mid-April at least. This has been a crazy time, a very unexpected time in everyone’s lives. Being stuck at home has not been easy and you’ve probably run out of indoor activity ideas. But what about outdoor activities that you can do around your house. 10 ideas for outdoor activities to do around the house when your kids are quarantined.

1 Have a Family Fun Night Outside Put some music on. Buy a disco ball light and go outside for the best family dance party ever. Play the top songs from each family members birth year. Play musical chairs or have a limbo contest.

2 Build A Fort Outside One of my favorite past times as a kid was to build a fort inside the house. But what if you decided to build a fort outside. Grab your lawn furniture and outside toys along with blankets and towels and make a super fort outside.

3 Have a Picnic In The Backyard Find your paper plates and cups and create a delicious lunch to enjoy outside. Put down some blankets or sit at

the outside patio table. You can count the lizards while you dine.

4 Bird Watching With spring in South Florida, there are so many birds around. From cardinals to woodpeckers, my kids have seen them all. It’s fun to sit outside with a pair of binoculars like my grandfather used to and watch the birds.

5 Water Play Invest in a water bounce house, water tables or fun squirt guns for the best water day ever. Put the sprinkler on or have the kids jump in the pool.

6 Have A Bike Ride Adventure We are so into technology that we’ve forgotten to learn the basics like riding a bike. Take this time to invest in bicycles for the entire family. Teach your kids to ride a bike and then go on a family adventure around the neighborhood.

7 Bubble Contest Who can blow the biggest bubbles? Invest in bubble soap, wands for some outdoor fun.

8 Side Walk Chalk Festival Purchase some chalk and have your kids draw their favor-

ite works of art on the side walk. Have each family member vote on their favorite.

9 Hula Hoop Contest See who can go the longest with a family hoola hoop contest. If you have little ones, then let them throw a ball through the hula hoop or place the hoops on the ground and create an obstacle course.

10 Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Create a fun scavenger hunt for your kids. It’s a great activity to have them keep focus and learn to read. Remember, family is the most important thing and if you can create fun memories while living in this uncertain world, your kids will remember you for how you handled it all.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Boca’s Wick Theatre nabs 12 Carbonell nods for stage excellence By: Dale King Contributing Writer Boca Raton’s Wick Theatre heads into this month’s 44th Annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony for excellence in

Playwrights: Submit ideas to Delray Beach Playhouse Staff report

The 2nd Annual Playhouse Playwrights’ Project is now accepting submissions for staged readings of new plays. Local playwrights (Palm Beach and Broward County residents) are asked to submit an unpublished, one-act play for consideration by the Delray Beach Playhouse’s play reading committee. Deadline for submissions is May 31. Auditions will be held in June, rehearsals will be held over the summer, and the performance weekend is Sept. 12-13. Last year’s event resulted in eight new, one-act plays being read by local actors. The new plays were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed by sell-out crowds. “We were blown away by the response last year,” said Playhouse Executive Director Kevin Barrett, “and we look forward to even more participation this year, now that the word is out there.” “The Delray Beach Playhouse is such a neighborhood gem, and we want to continue to invite new people to come and see what we’re doing,” Barrett continued. “In addition to the new oneact plays by locals, we encourage everyone to come to the auditions in June. No experience necessary. If you can read a script, you can audition for these staged readings.” PROJECT GUIDELINES • 20-minute, one-act plays. One page of dialogue equals one minute of run time. • Only one submission per application fee. Fee is $25 and is non-refundable. • Stage plays only. No TV or film scripts will be considered. • Scripts will be judged on concept, dramatic action, characterization and cast size. • No sexually explicit, gratuitously violent, obscene scripts or excessive foul language. • Playwrights must attend rehearsals at the Delray Beach Playhouse. • Each page of your script must include your name, title of play and page number in the footer. • Completed Application Page must accompany your submission. Applications may be downloaded from https://delraybeachplayhouse.com/theatre-info/playhouse-playwrights-project/.

theatrical production and performance with 12 nominations based on shows presented there during 2019. “We are honored to be nominated for 12 Carbonell Awards,” said Marilynn at the Wick. “It was truly a spectacular

Julie Kleiner was nominated for best actress in a musical in Crazy for You. Photo courtesy of Wick Theatre.

Season 7 for us as a company, and we

Other Wick entries include: Best ac-

are very proud of those who are being

tress in a musical, Stephanie Maloney

recognized this year.”

as Fanny in Funny Girl; best musical

Wick, founder and executive producer

“We are grateful to them,” she added, “and for all the immensely talented individuals and collaborators who are part of the Wick Theatre family.” The presentation of awards for out-

Stephanie Maloney was nominated for best actress in a musical as Caryl Fantel was nominated Fanny in Funny Girl. Photo cour- for best musical direction. Photo courtesy of Wick Theatre. tesy of Wick Theatre.

direction, Caryl Fantel for Always, Patsy Cline at the Wick and Jason Tucker for Hot Shoe Shuffle; best choreography, Justin M. Lewis for Hot Shoe Shuffle and best costume design in a play or musical, Jim Buff, Hot Shoe

our audiences support and enjoy.” Palm Beach Dramaworks, the West Palm Beach venue which won the most Carbonell Awards of any theater in 2018, is now the most-nominated theater for 2019. The downtown West Palm center earned a record-breaking 29 nominations overall, the most of any theater in the Tri-county re-

standing shows, performances, cos-

Shuffle.

tumes, music and other aspects of the

Two other Boca Raton performance

productions of the plays A Streetcar

centers earned notice on the Carbonell

Named Desire and The House of Blue

trade scheduled for April 6 at 7:30 at a new venue, the Lauderhill Performing

gion: seven nominations each for their

roster. For Primal Forces Company,

Leaves; five for Fences; three for their

Arts Center has been postponed due to

Edward Barbanell received a nomina-

co-production with GableStage of

coronavirus.

tion for best supporting actor in a play

the world-premiere drama, Ordinary

for his performance in Andy and the

Americans and seven nominations for

Orphans. That show itself received a

the musical, The Spitfire Grill.

“The Carbonell Awards was very much looking forward to holding our first ceremony at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center,” Donald R. Walters,

nomination as best ensemble play or musical.

Zoetic Stage received 20 nominations, the most for any theater in Mi-

Esq., board president of the Carbonell

In addition, Michael McKeever re-

ami-Dade County. Half of those went

Awards said. “Our Board of Directors

ceived a best supporting actor nom-

to Sweeney Todd, the most-nominated

will meet soon and determine when

ination for Charlie Cox Runs with

show of the 2019 season. Slow Burn

and where we will eventually publicly

Scissors at the West Boca Theatre

Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale

celebrate some very talented people

Company. McKeever starred in, wrote

earned 12 nominations, the most of

and companies.”

and directed the dramatic entry.

any theater in Broward County.

Wick’s presentation of Crazy for You, a

Palm Beach County theaters earned

romantic comedy musical based on a

44 nominations, Miami-Dade Coun-

book by Ken Ludwig, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and music by George Gershwin, is in the running for best production of a musical, best musical director,

ty theaters received 35 and Broward County theaters racked up 21. Nominations recognized 32 shows at 12 theaters stretching from Coral Gables to

Norb Joerder; best actor in a musical,

West Palm Beach.

Matt Loehr as Bobby; best actress in

“This is an exciting time for the Car-

a musical, Julie Kleiner as Polly; best

bonell Awards,” said Don Walters,

supporting actress in a musical, Aaron

president of the Carbonell Awards

Bower as Irene and best choreography,

Board of Directors. “The nominees

David Wanstreet, nominated for both

represent the vast wealth of talent in

Crazy for You and The Music Man,

the South Florida Tri-county region

also at the Wick.

and the diverse theatrical experiences

Aaron Bower was nominated for best supporting actress in a musical in Crazy for You. Photo courtesy of Wick Theatre.

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APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

27th Annual ‘Cowboy Ball’ raises cash for George Snow Scholarship Fund By: Dale King Contributing Writer Garbed in “boots and bling,” hundreds of Boca Raton’s cowpoke turned out on Leap Day, Feb. 29, for the 27th annual Rhinestone Cowboy Ball, a fundraiser for the George Snow Scholarship Fund. Victoria Matthews was again the event chair. She said last year’s gathering brought in $120,000 for the non-profit fund that provides college scholarships to students who graduate from high schools in Palm Beach County. Well-known Boca auctioneer Neil Saffer conducted a live auction that included a weeklong stay at Duck Key and an opportunity for four people to spend a day with Palm

A brave woman tries out the mechanical bull at the Cowboy Ball in Boca Raton. Photo by Dale King.

Among those in the crowd at the 27th Annual Cowboy Ball in Boca Raton are, from left, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Pam Weinroth and County Commissioner Robert Weinroth. Photo by Dale King.

Attending the 27th Annual Cowboy Ball in Boca Raton are, from left, Patti Carpenter, Terry and Jerry Fedele. Jerry is vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees for the George Snow Scholarship Foundation. Photo by Dale King.

Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, who was present at the event, among others.

commitment toward improving the quality of life in our community,” the evening’s program said.

Two awards were presented during the festivities that included a buffet of cowboy chow, regular dancing and line dancing and a chance for brave folks to ride a mechanical bull. Among those who bellied up to the bull was Deputy Mayor Jeremy Rodgers.

The Corporate Community Service Award went to Whelchel Partners Real Estate Services, founded by the brother and sister duo of Jay Whelchel and Kristy Whelchel Hartofilis. The honor is presented to a corporation or organization that, “supports a variety of local nonprofits.”

Matthew Maschler, who has forged a career in real estate, received the Community Service Award which is presented “to an individual who has shown an ongoing

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

A Seinfeld laugh-a-thon at Hard Rock Live By: Diane Feen Contributing Writer

It makes one wonder (as I did) why a billionaire father of three would be doing stand-up comedy across the US? If you listen to his live interviews you will hear his unfiltered take on stand-up comedy.

When Jerry Seinfeld first came into our living rooms in his show “Seinfeld” it was touted as a show about nothing. That nothing lasted nine years and was about everything. The good news is that Seinfeld is still on stage performing. And, his humor is still baked in a casserole thick with reality simmered in nothingness. His funny stand-up act is rooted in the little things in life that often pass us by each day like traffic or butterflies. Yet they make us stop and see our world through the Seinfeld lens – one that sees the absurdity in our oft mindless routines. Take the cell phone for instance. Seinfeld sees this device as something you use – but not to make calls. “Talking takes a lot of energy, you have to make facial expressions, listen to what the person is saying - it’s exhausting. Talk is obsolete. We have the option now to text. As a matter of fact, I can text you this whole show and we can get out of here right now.” A mighty assumption, but one that over 6,500 people did not take to heart. The hordes of people who flocked en masse to see Seinfeld in the Vegas-style Hard Rock

“When I get a good joke, I keep it in my act,” he said. “You have your great routines and you know they’re good. A joke is a miracle.” And Seinfeld clearly enjoys those miracles. That’s why he continues to perform to sold-out crowds. Live arena were loath to move from their coveted seats. Instead, everyone howled with laughter when the subject of the cell phone battery life was mentioned. “You see the charge going down – and think, oh no I can’t talk right now – I’m fading. I have no energy,” he says slowly as his physical form began to wither on stage. “If your phone is dead does it matter if you’re still alive?” Seinfeld has been on stage for decades. That may be why he delivers jokes in rapid succession tumbling off his lips like nitrogen gas blowing through the atmosphere.

“I’m 65 and it’s my favorite decade,” he said. “People ask me to do things and I can say no. I don’t want to improve, and I don’t have to lie in a restaurant. When they say, ‘Do you want your check, I say, ‘no.’” Point well taken. When Seinfeld talked about Pop Tarts being as nutritious as a box, It was an old joke that dates back a few years. But one has to admit it’s still funny. “When Pop Tarts came out, the back of my head blew off. It was the 60’s and all we had was toast. It can’t go stale because it was never fresh.” His Hungry Man frozen dinner joke, that he espouses is a marketing director’s genius, is also one of his staples. “It’s like a little taste of prison in your own home. How do we get people to eat these things?

Find hungry men that are broke, alone and starving. You know taste is the least of their problems.” The show was filled with such sharp observations of human behavior that it was hard to keep from getting mental paper cuts. “The price of stamps keeps going up a penny, but we don’t care. Just open our letters, email us and tell us what they say. Make stamps a dollar and if there’s profit buy yourself some pants and a real car.” Seinfeld also confessed that he’s not good in crowds of people and tends to keep to himself. That is unless he’s getting coffee in cars with Comedians. Dressed in a dark suit, and still rather trim, Seinfeld has retained his comedic stature, but lost most of his hair. But that doesn’t matter, he still has that glimmer in his eyes and the confidence to make jokes that expose our addiction to minutia. Going to see Jerry Seinfeld is a treat. His humor is finely tuned and his ability to see something funny out of nothing is unrivaled. “I feel like a blacksmith up here. Talking is over, It antiquated.” Perhaps it is. But you couldn’t convince anyone in the audience that night to agree with him.

Need help homeschooling? Delray Beach-based Space of Mind offers support Staff report

The Altitude Learning platform, which uses state specific standards based measurement and allows for simultaneous tracking of social, emotional and life skill habit development, is central to the Space of Mind approach. Offering a daily communication stream that engages learners, parents and coaches in an active and supportive dialogue, Space of Mind’s curriculum is developed in-house and integrates schoolwork into real life to help parents better understand how their child learns academically while improving everyone’s self-discovery.

With schools closed, Delray Beach based Space of Mind, a modern schoolhouse, is offering personalized online teaching, enrichment activities and standards-based curriculum for students grades 1-12, as well as coaching and programming for parents and families. Space of Mind has worked in the homeschooling space for over a decade and will expand its services remotely to support parents looking to maintain academic readiness and reduce family stress. “We have been flooded with requests from parents not only here in Palm Beach County, but in other cities around the country with school closures. Parents are looking for a way to ensure that their kids do not fall behind in school and that they stay engaged and inspired during what might be a long period of time,” said Ali Kaufman, founder and CEO of Space of Mind. “We assess each student, customize a learning plan and track academic, creative, social, emotional and life skill results, which differentiates us from the others in the home education world.” In addition to offering programs for all mainstream learners, Space of Mind personalizes its curriculum to additionally serve those with ADHD, Autism Spectrum

Disorder, Visual and Auditory Processing Challenges, Anxiety, Dyslexia, Giftedness and the like. Online courses are taught live in small groups that are tailored by learning style. Assignments are customized to the individual student using the Altitude Learning curriculum delivery platform and are based on SOM’s personalized assessments and coaching roadmap and include family engagement components, as well. Private coaching, study halls and parent support is also available. Starting March 30, SOM will open for the 4th quarter of the current academic school year to include credit-seeking students displaced from their schools due to Covid-19.

“Our curriculum is collaboratively developed by our interdisciplinary team of coaches and integrates all academic disciplines so students are not learning subjects in a silo. We customize activities to each student’s learning style, level and interests, so whether a learner is visual, verbal or kinesthetic, he or she is grouped with like minds. With four main age groups ranging from elementary to high school, students learn from and teach one another, providing a more effective practice environment and a real-world assessment tool for our educators,” said Ms. Kaufman. “Our goal is to prepare our learners to have the tools they need to succeed in a 21st century environment, including social and emotional wellness, communication skills and the ability to ask for - and receive - help. Of course, knowing how to step away from technology and take a break is also crucial.”

Boca Raton resident says Face Yoga is a natural way to sculpt your face from the inside out By: David DiPino Contributing Writer Did you know there are over 40 muscles in the face? When people exercise, they typically do so from the neck down. Think about it though, there is clearly a difference in the tone of one’s body when the comparison is made between someone who works out versus someone who doesn’t take the time to train their muscles, said Susan Forma, a Boca Raton resident who began studying face yoga in 2017. Imagine how great it would look if the same focus on training for toning the arms, with bicep curls, was an application for the muscles in the face. The daily practice of Face Yoga can diminish crow’s feet and bags under the eyes, soften nasolabial fold lines, tighten sagging jaw and neck, and give you an overall look of youth and vitality, Forma said. Exercising the facial muscles also brings more circulation and blood flow to the brain, perhaps diminishing the mental effects of aging. The Face Yoga Method was created by Fumiko Takatsu of Japan. “After being injured in an auto accident, Fumiko noticed that her smile was no longer symmetrical and it bothered her,” Forma said. “She took her lifelong knowledge of yoga and created The Face Yoga Method. To Fumiko’s surprise, the classes took off like wild fire, and before she knew it, she was featured on television, had a book written, and was urged to train others to teach. When Fumiko left Japan and came stateside, she began teaching all over the world. I had the privilege of being in the second class she taught outside of Japan.” To date, Forma is the only Certified Face Yoga Method Instructor in South Florida.

Boca resident Susan Forma is a certified face yoga method instructor. Photo by David DiPino.

Forma teaches individuals and groups how to naturally lift their face, stimulate collagen production, increase blood flow and circulation, while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and expensive surgeries. “A daily practice of Face Yoga takes less than 10 minutes and can easily be done anywhere with no equipment or mats required,” she said. Many movie stars swear by facial exercises, including Megan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone, Natalie Portman and many more. “In addition to supporting women in looking great, studies show that lifting the corners of the mouth releases endorphins throughout the body, which are the feel good hormones,”Forma said. “So not only will you have a more youthful appearance, but you’ll feel great as well!” Along with teaching The Face Yoga Method, Forma is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a licensed massage therapist and Reiki master for over 26 years. She also has a career in Home Healthcare as an account executive. She has been able to bring face yoga to many of those she works with in the medical field as well. “I created a mini class called, Mind Your Face,” said Forma. “I love being able to teach nurses and cer-

tified nursing assistants (CNAs) about face yoga. They are truly the most magnanimous human beings on the planet. I am a cancer survivor and had the misfortune of having to be hospitalized several times over the course of one year. I got to experience firsthand just how hard the nursing staff works when taking care of patients. It is with great pleasure that I am able to give something back to them in the form of this class as they were so amazing to me while I was on my healing journey.”

HEALTH

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

Forma’s programs, Mind Your Face brings to light the importance of being mindful of the look one carries on their face. “In any type of person to person interaction, one’s body language and facial expression speaks volumes. But if you don’t have consciousness about how you look, and cannot isolate and relax specific muscles, you may find interactions difficult,” she said. “We all know people who walk around with a scowl on their face and how we feel when speaking with them. Mind Your Face is a class that every business owner, skilled nursing facility, and hospital or healthcare facility should bring in for their staff to enhance the quality of interactions and build better relationships between people.” To learn more about Face Yoga, by Susan Forma, go to YogaforFace. com or call 561-929-1627.

Ways to combat coronavirus [18]

Flying eye hospital lands at PBIA [22]

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Protect yourself from Coronavirus By: County Commissioner Robert Weinroth Dist. 4 Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed the following public health recommendations related to the Coronavirus. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as you most likely know, is a respiratory illness, spread from person to person. The virus causing Coronavirus is a novel coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus spreads by droplets made when people with the virus cough,

sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or may be inhaled into their lungs. It is also possible for a person to become infected by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Common Sense Practices to Prevent Infection: Practice “social distancing,” by avoiding close contacts (especially with people who are sick). If you are sick, keep your distance from others. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to prevent spreading your illness to others and avoid

touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when people touch something contaminated with germs and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Be respectful of others and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent those around you from getting sick. Washing your hands often for 20 seconds will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% Ethyl Alcohol. Use regular household cleaning spray or wipes to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at home, work or school.

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The CDC does not recommend facemasks for people who are well. Facemasks should be worn by people who are symptomatic to help prevent the spread of the disease. For confirmed Coronavirus cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills • Cough • Shortness of breath The CDC believes symptoms of the Coronavirus may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. If you get sick: Stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible except to seek medical care. Separate yourself from people and animals in your home. Call ahead before visiting your healthcare professional. Wear a facemask, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean (sanitize) your hands often. Avoid sharing personal household items and clean all “high-touch” surfaces, daily. Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and advise them you may have, or are being treated for, Coronavirus. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their health care professional. Patients with confirmed Coronavirus should remain under isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission is minimized. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made in consultation with your healthcare professional. If someone you know is diagnosed with Coronovirus: Help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication(s) and care. You should help the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.

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Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If the patient gets sicker, call their healthcare provider and advise them the patient has laboratory-confirmed Coronavirus. Household members should stay separated from the patient as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available. Both you and the patient should wear a facemask when you are in the same room. [CONT. PG 21]

ADVANCING NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION

The DYNAVISION D2 is a revolutionary diagnostic and rehabilitative tool. It works on visuo-motor, neuro-cognitive, and spatial skills as well as on a neurological process termed “efferent copy”. This process engages and integrates two very important regions of the brain; the cerebellum and frontal lobe. These areas of the brain are responsible for everything that makes us human such as problem solving, timing, sequencing, planning, initiating thought processes, and coordination. The Dynavision D2 has been utilized in many studies including one in which the Conde Center For Chiropractic Neurology, the Upledger Institute, and the Ricky Williams Foundation collaborated on. This study neurologically assessed retired National Football League Players which had at least one concussion in their career. The results were astounding as the players displayed numerous deficiencies in brain activity. The Dynavision D2 is used in the treatment of the following conditions: • Dizziness-Vertigo • Traumatic-Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries • Post-Stroke • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Autism Spectrum Disorders

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Boca Regional receives another large donation for Keeping the Promise campaign Staff report

Twinlab with one protein formula and a dream.”

Boca Raton Regional Hospital is a few million dollars closer to fulfilling its $250 million goal for its Keeping the Promise… The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

With their five sons, Twinlab eventually had three manufacturing facilities and 300 products sold in over 30 countries.

Jean Blechman, co-founder of Twinlab Corporation, committed $3.5 million to the cause. Her donation will name the Jean and David Blechman Surgical Intensive Care Unit. “Jean’s commitment throughout the years has been remarkable and enhances vital care for all,” said Lincoln Mendez, CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “We are very appreciative of her generosity.” The $250 million campaign is the largest in the hospital’s history. The campaign is supporting plans to reimagine the hospital campus, shaping the future of worldclass medical sophistication that Boca Regional envisions. The project includes construction of the Gloria Drummond Patient Tower, the Toby and Leon Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion, an expansion of the critically acclaimed Marcus Neuroscience Institute and Christine E. Lynn Cardiovascular In-

stitute, new operating rooms, renovation of the existing facility to create an all private patient room environment, and the recently opened Schmidt Family Parking Facility. This won’t be the only area of the hospital bearing the Blechman name. Blechman is a longtime supporter of the hospital and she named the Jean & David Blechman Center for Preventive Cardiology. She has a special interest in supporting cardiology programs at the hospital. She felt for many years that cardiac care for women was badly neglected. Consequently, it became known that cardiac

disease is the number one killer of women, which is still true today. With this fact it mind, Jean felt it was very important to provide a service that would educate women on the prevention of cardiac disease. As co-founder of Twinlab Corporation, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of nutritional supplements, she long believed in the importance of exercise, vitamins, eating well and taking responsibility for her own health. Jean and David founded Twinlab in 1966 with one product. Mr. Blechman was fond of saying, “Jean and I started

Jean also named the Jean & David Blechman Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in the main hospital; the Jean & David Blechman Cardiac Catheterization Unit in the main hospital; the Jean & David Blechman Waiting Area in the Women’s Institute; the Jean & David Blechman Conference Center in the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute; and the Jean & David Blechman Care Center in the Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine. Jean prefers to support causes that she feels a personal connection with, whether it is children’s health programs, hospice, cardiac care or women’s health. “Knowing that I’ve been able to improve people’s lives is my greatest pleasure in life,” she said. “Having a good hospital in our community is a necessity, and by supporting Boca Regional philanthropically, I’m also doing something for myself and my loved ones. People in the community stop and thank me, and I am so pleased and proud to hear that.”

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APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Mal De Debarquement Syndrome: Brain Problem Not Inner Ear Problem By: Dr. John Conde DC, DACNB Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers “Sickness of Disembarkment” is the translation for Mal De Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS), the French coined dizziness-balance disorder. This disorder refers to the sensory experience of movement or swaying that is normally felt briefly after travelling on water by ship or boat. However, the updated medical definition now includes other forms of travel such as by airplane, car, train or any novel movement experience such as lying on a water bed or walking on the beach. This perception typically subsides within 24 hours and affects even the most experienced sailors. Persistent MDDS is when this condition does not subside quickly and lasts from weeks to years. Persistent MDDS is most common in middle aged women. It is described as a swaying, rocking, and or disequilibrium that actually may go away when moving rapidly as when walking fast or driving in a car. Symptoms are made worse when an individual is motionless or in a small space. Stress and anxiety are also triggers and can be comorbid, occurring simultaneously. MDDS does negatively affect an individual’s quality of life.

(PIVC). There are also areas in what is termed the posterior parietal lobe and cerebellum that contribute to the lack of returning to equilibrium.

At the moment, MDDS does not have any specific identifying lab test or imaging study. It is diagnosed with an appropriate, detailed case history and a thorough neurological examination with current technology. This technology must measure parameters such as eye movements, brain processing speeds, balance, strength, and reflexes. Once a diagnosis is made and specific regions of the brain targeted, precise rehabilitation strategies MDDS is thought to be a disorder of brain processing and of lack of re-calibration after adapting to new movement patterns as such when on a boat. In essence, the brain adapts to new movements when on a boat but fails to return to previous functionality when on stable ground. Studies have demonstrated changes in brain metabolism and functional connections in those with persistent MDDS. Specifically, regions in the cerebrum that process movement and balance can be found in the parietal insular vestibular cortex

are implemented to increase the perceptual awareness of the body in space thus re-calibrating the brain. The desired outcome of a reduction or elimination of the feeling of sway is possible because of our understanding of neuroplasticity which states that the brain and neurological connections can change according to the stimulation and activity provided.

Dr. John Conde is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist. His office is located at the Atlantic Grove in Delray Beach and can be reached at 561-330-6096, drconde@thecondecenter.com, www. thecondecenter.com

Protect yourself from Coronavirus

[FROM PG 18] Keep the air clean. Open a window in the sick room or use a fan to keep fresh air flowing.

Perform hand hygiene frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash laundry with normal laundry soap and dry on a hot setting. Keep dirty laundry away from your face and body. Wash your hands immediately after touching

dirty laundry.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces (e.g., counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, keyboards, and bedside tables) every day. Hopefully, the virus will burn itself out when the weather gets warmer. Until then, be prudent and stay healthy!

Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute receives $3 million from Barbara C. Gutin for Women’s Pre and Postpartum Program Staff report A recent $3 million gift to Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute will help women handle how pregnancy impacts their bodies. The gift from Barbara C. Gutin is something she hopes will be her legacy. It will help show pregnant women and new mothers how to handle changes in their bodies and how to deal with pelvic floor issues as well as emotional issues, including postpartum depression. This program will also assist new mothers in knowing just what to do at home after the birth of their babies and the many other issues that arise for women of childbearing age. “This program will allow pregnant women and new mothers to be better equipped to understand their changing bodies and to know what is a normal part of pregnancy and what may require additional care. New mothers will work with their personal physicians, the Toppel Family Place at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, as well as the team of clinicians at the Women’s institute,

which include a board certified urogynecologist, doctoral trained physical therapists, mental health professionals, nurse practitioners and others,” said Dr. Kathy Schilling, Medical Director of the Women’s Institute. “They will be able to seek out medical and other professional support so that they can better care not just for their babies and their families, but for themselves.” Maureen Mann, assistant vice president of the Women’s Institute, added, “We are extremely grateful to Barbara Gutin for this very generous gift which will allow us to launch what we know is going to be an extraordinary program. This pre and postpartum program could serve as a prototype for other hospitals throughout the state and across the country.” This is not the first life-changing gift from Barbara C. Gutin. Along with her late husband, Irving, they established the Barbara C. Gutin Center for Pelvic Health at the Women’s Institute. Additionally, their gift to the hospital of new state of the art technology in 2013 established the Irving and Barbara C. Gutin Center for Robotic Surgery, now one of the busiest robotic surgery centers in Palm Beach County. Their first transformational gift was in 2008 to help create a Stroke Program at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Gutin, a resident of Boca Raton since 1988, believes philanthropy should have a strong impact on the community. With this belief, Barbara is also an active volunteer.

She serves on the Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Ball and Go Pink committees, has served as honorary chair of the Go Pink Luncheon for many years and served on the Advisory Committee for the Women’s Institute. She is a past president of the Lynn University Conservatory. She supports Aid to Victims for Domestic Abuse, The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center on the Florida Atlantic University campus, Best Foot Forward, Family Promise and has long been involved in programs to prevent suicide. Barbara and Irving Gutin were honored by the Boca Raton Historical Society and included in the Walk of Recognition. They received the Martens Award from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Most recently, Gutin received the Soroptimist Lifetime Achievement Award and is the 2019 recipient of the Countess Henrietta de Hoernle Award at the Order of St. John’s Knights and Dames Gala. “From suicide education and prevention to giving the homeless a leg up in life; from her strong belief that education is the key to success for children, to her determination to make healthcare better and more accessible to everyone - Barbara C. Gutin’s leadership shines in many areas. It is the perfect combination of generosity, kindness, humility and love of others and shows in all that she does for Boca Raton Regional Hospital and other community organizations,” said Mark Larkin, President of Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Flying Eye Hospital touches down at PBI By: Jan Engoren Contributing Writer

lots fly for Orbis.

The one and only Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), operated by the global non-profit, Orbis, flew into Palm Beach County last month to heighten awareness about its mission and to raise funds to support its efforts in fighting blindness around the world.

Captain Gary Dyson, the chief pilot flew for FedEx for 33 years. Retired since last year, Dyson now flies for Orbis on medical mission flights.

The fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital sits on board a refurbished MD-10 aircraft which began its life in 1973 as a passenger plane.

He keeps his guitar in the cockpit and entertains little kids while they’re waiting for surgery.

In the 1980s, FedEx converted it into an MD-10 freighter and cargo plane and donated the plane to Orbis in 2012. Over the coming four years Orbis installed state-ofthe-art hospital equipment and the plane began flying medical missions in 2016. Orbis has conducted training projects over the last 32 years in more than 92 countries, including 78 with the Flying Eye Hospital, where they partner with local governments and health ministries. “We prevent and treat avoidable blindness and work with the local communities to train their physicians and health care providers,” said Louise Harris, a spokesperson for the company. “This has a ripple effect in communities.” The plane has a 46-seat classroom, an administration room, a state-of-the-art IT room, a patient care and laser treatment room, operating and changing rooms, sterilization rooms, a pre- and post-operative care room and a tele-med technology system called Cybersight. Cybersight enables doctors to participate and watch surgeries remotely on their smartphone and is currently available in 190 countries.

“It’s the most rewarding and enjoyable flying I’ve done in my career,” Dyson said.

On his last trip to Africa he recalls an elderly man whose vision was restored by the Orbis medical team. The patient was so grateful and happy that his grandson wouldn’t have to care for him anymore and was free to go to school and play like other kids. Local ophthalmologist Dr. Lawrence Katzen of Katzen Eye Care and Laser Eye Center in Boynton and West Palm Beach, a pioneer in the field of LASIK surgery, went on his first mission with Orbis in 1984 to Malawi. “Orbis is a great cause,” Katzen said. “Many people in the world go blind because they have no access to healthcare or there are few providers in their region.” He cites the doctor patient ratio in Malawi as an example of access - one ophthalmologist per 2 million patients. “Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital have made a significant impact in reducing world blindness,” says Katzen, who plans to travel with the FEH to Vietnam later this year. According to statistics provided by Orbis, more than 2.2 billion people (1/3 of the world’s population) have a vision impairment or suffer from blindness. In almost half of the

The Flying Eye Hospital is fully equipped to treat patients on board the aircraft. Photo courtesy of Orbis.

cases, the conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are preventable. In 2018, Orbis conducted more than 3 million eye screenings and exams, distributed 8 million antibiotics and performed 78,000 eye surgeries and laser treatments. On board, the plane is staffed by an international crew and providers, including engineer Alvaro Leon from Colombia, Gloria Rhoomes, a Jamaican-born and UK-based nurse and Dr. Eduardo Mora, an ophthalmologist from Panama. Filipino nurse Leonardo Mercado staffs the operating room and Kenyan-born Kenan Mwenda is in charge of cleaning and sterilizing the instruments and teaching infection control for the local hospitals. In the recovery room, nurse Susamma Ebenezer, originally from India, greets the kids with teddy bears, sporting an eye patch like the patients, and makes them feel comfortable and cared for.

“There’s no feeling like it, when you see a kid happy and smiling to have their eyesight restored,” Ebenezer said. “They usually give me a big hug and smile – they’re so happy and thankful.” While in Palm Beach, a former patient from Mongolia, now living in Canada, flew in to visit the team. At 10 years old she was in a car accident and nearly lost her vision completely. In 1997, she was operated on successfully by the FEH team and is now a spokesperson for eye health around the world. After departing PBIA, the Flying Eye Hospital heads west to Ft. Worth, TX where it will train a group of Bolivian doctors using their high-tech simulators in the latest eye surgery techniques for them to take their new skills back to their country. Later in the year, the FEH will visit Zambia, Cameroon, India, Mongolia and the UK. To learn more or to support their efforts visit orbis.org.

Doctors in war-torn areas such as Syria or the Sudan, where the plane may not land, are able to be trained with the Cybersight technology. In its simulation room, doctors are trained using artificial intelligence and virtual reality simulators for cataract and retina surgeries and for diagnostic purposes to determine eye diseases such diabetes retinopathy. Retired pilots from FedEx who now volunteer their time and expertise for Orbis man the planes. Currently, 17 former FedEx pi-

The Flying Eye Hospital touched down at Palm Beach International Airport last The Flying Eye Hospital travels the world to perform eye surgeries. Photo courtesy month. Photo courtesy of Orbis. of Orbis.

The Flying Eye Hospital has an operating area on board. Photo courtesy In its simulation room, doctors are practicing different procedures. Photo Doctors prepare for a procedure on board the Flying Eye Hospital. Photo of Orbis. courtesy of Orbis. courtesy of Orbis.

Hand & Stone Massage franchise owner opens Delray location Staff report

Katherine Chenier said she used to bring stress into people’s lives when she worked as a breaking news reporter. Now, as the owner of four Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa locations, she says she is taking stress out of people’s lives. Chenier recently opened her newest location in Delray Beach at 900 Linton Blvd., Suite 915. The business model is intentionally a spa, not a clinic, she said. They provide massages, facials and waxing at affordable price points and offer extended hours, seven days a week to accommodate people with all types of schedules. There is a membership model that is month-to-month that gives patrons access to discounted rates and benefits, but membership is not required. Popular treatments include a Himalayan Salt Stone massage with CBD oil and the NuFACE® Microcurrent Therapy facial, which provides a “5-minute facial-lift” by gently stimulating larger surface areas of the face as well as hard-to-reach eyebrow furrows, crow’s feet and smile lines. The former TV reporter lived in Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver and Dallas covering news for various outlets. She met her husband in 2009 and moved to Canada with him to help build his business as a diamond driller. After growing his business into a $4 million company in a year, they began exploring franchise concepts in her hometown of Michigan where her parents still resided.

At any stage in business, one question consistently comes to mind: How do we get to the next level? With all the work you put into perfecting your product or service, daily operations and the never-ending hunt for financial capital, it may be hard for some leaders to know where to begin. Don’t fret. Your vision of success for your business is achievable. Here are some practices that can help: Who Are Your Customers, Really? – If you answer that question with phrases like “Everyone who…” or “Everyone with…” you may be sadly mistaken. I’m talking about your current customers. What do you know about your customers’ demographics, lifestyle and how they engage with you? Information is one of the most sought-after resources in the world (as proven by the rising number of data breaches in 2019 alone). Every touch point with your customer is an opportunity to learn about them. Take advantage of all the

She looked into a coffee idea but that wasn’t her thing. She had been a member of Massage Envy for several years and began to explore their concept. She was close to opening her own location when in the due diligence period she asked who their competition was. She soon found out it was Hand & Stone and they didn’t have a Michigan location. She was attracted to the founder’s energetic force and the corporate structure Hand & Stone offered. She opened the first Hand & Stone in the state of Michigan in 2013. In 2016, she purchased an existing location in Illinois where she grew the member base from 165 to over 1,000. She has since sold that location but expanded to Florida where she moved to escape the cold of Michigan. She opened the East Boca location in 2017 and then 10 months later opened West Boca. Delray was the next choice for her expansion because it’s the city she calls home.

Four tips for small business success By: Courtney Mickens at The Jim Moran Institute Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers

BIZ

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

data you have on your current customers and create profiles you can leverage to target, engage and acquire new customers. Why Do They Choose You? – Customers have many reasons for choosing your company over others. Do you know those reasons? Don’t think too hard. They are usually very simple, and often deal with what customers are trying to accomplish or avoid. These could be based on performance, customization, brand or convenience. You need to know why your customers value you. That’s what you are truly selling. Try asking customers directly or gathering feedback from the team members who have direct contact with them. What’s Happening in Your World? – How do you keep up with changes in the world around you? New local and federal laws, technology, construction, economic development efforts and the global marketplace can have a fantastic or completely devastating impact on your business. It is important to diversify your information flow. Consider following top entrepreneurship and industry organizations (including your competitors), attending local and international leadership trainings and networking frequently with other entrepreneurs to learn and pivot your strategies accordingly.

What’s Happening In-House? – Are you lacking efficiency in your processes? Do you have employees who are out of line with your company’s goals? Here’s the truth: no matter how awesome your process is, it will always need tweaking as the business matures and grows. Meet with your team of leaders and employees to assess your true strengths and weaknesses. Try engaging with your company as a new customer. You’d be surprised how these two simple tasks can help improve operations and prepare you for growth. (Fair warning: this process can be brutally revealing.) Our founder, automotive legend Jim Moran, said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.” True growth is something you have to be ready to achieve and to sustain. It requires planning, research and testing, just like your products and services do. These practices will help you hone-in on your customers’ and company’s needs and reach the next level! Courtney Mickens is the associate director of Palm Beach County operations at The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, which is part of the College of Business at Florida State University. The Jim Moran Institute offers no-cost programs for small business owners and nonprofit leaders in South Florida. For more information please visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

Sample dishes from Flybird [24]

Lionfish seafood eatery headed to downtown Delray [29]

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Celebrity chef opens chicken concept FlyBird in Delray Beach By: Shaina Wizov Contributing Writer “Just feed me.” Those three words, a simple request from Chef Michael Salmon’s friends who he’d cook for regularly throughout the years, are the inspiration behind his new restaurant in Delray Beach, FlyBird. FlyBird is a casual eatery dedicated to serving all natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free chargrilled chicken that has been prepared with love on a custom-built wood and mesquite charcoal grill. A variety of homemade sides, the majority of which are vegan, are available to complement that crispy, flavorful chicken, creating the “perfect everyday meal” for customers. Chef Michael has an extensive and award-winning culinary background. He has cooked at some of New York’s finest restaurants and for some of the most recognizable names. He was a finalist on The Next Food Network Star and 24 Hour Restaurant Challenge, cooked as a guest chef at the world famous James Beard House, and worked as the personal chef for New York’s mayor, Ed Koch, a time when he cooked for celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Derek Jeter, and Alex Ro-

So, why just serve chicken? When it comes to good chicken, there aren’t many options outside of fast food chains or supermarket rotisserie chicken. Chicken is sometimes seen as an afterthought; but here, it’s the star. It’s a simple, straightforward menu that people are really enjoying. “The centerpiece is the chicken, and then it’s all about the sides,” he explained. Crunchy cole slaw, creamy mashed potatoes, baked mac and cheese… It’s classic, home cooking that everyone knows and loves.

are more health conscious, which consists of two chargrilled chicken breasts with a choice of chargrilled vegetables or tomato, romaine and herb salad. The Mexican Vacation Soup is inspired by Chef Michael’s travels to Mexico and the Greek Salad inspired by his travels to Greece. Everything is made from scratch, including the potato chips, sauces and the desserts. Mini pies and cookies are available, made fresh just about every day, and there is even a gluten-free, vegan option — the mango coconut tapioca pudding, using mangos fresh from Chef Michael’s own backyard.

For those who might want something a little more hearty, Chef Michael offers a Chicken Pie which is essentially his version of a Shepherd’s Pie or Chicken Pot Pie. There’s also a Power Meal for those who

Flybird is all about feel-good food in a feel-good atmosphere. The bright and welcoming decor features original artwork painted by Chef Michael’s wife, who is also the brains behind the aesthetics of

driguez, just to name a few.

the space. She designed the carpet with its little chicken feet design, and created the panels adorning the walls from brand new high-glass metal that she primed, painted and sanded down herself. She’s responsible for the look of the table and chairs as well. Chef Michael and his wife have collected chicken cookbooks from all over the world, which are displayed prominently in the restaurant. The menu board is simple. Chef Michael didn’t want anything digital in the restaurant. “I wanted to create a small, groovy environment where people can just unplug,” he said. Walking into FlyBird feels like walking into someone’s kitchen. It feels like home. It’s for those times when you don’t feel like cooking, but you also don’t feel like going out to eat. It’s where you go during those in-between moments when you want a tasty, home cooked meal — but you don’t want to do the cooking yourself. FlyBird is also available for catering — and not just for chicken! Want to add salmon to your catering order? No problem! Chef Michael is able to accommodate customer requests for off-site catering with ease. FlyBird is located at 335 East Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach, FL 33483. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Ten taxi drivers from Marsh Harbour, an area of the Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Dorian, got to bring home new cars from Delray Toyota. Submitted photo.

Taxi drivers from Bahamas go car shopping at Delray Toyota Staff report

Ten taxi drivers from Marsh Harbour, an area of the Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Dorian, got to bring home new cars from Delray Toyota. The car shopping excursion was organized by the Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation in partnership with Ed Morse. The foundation previously helped organize over 100 flights to bring relief items the impacted areas as well as helped with evacuations and medical missions. With remaining financial donations the

foundation saw a need that wasn’t being addressed and that was to help replace taxis of those who didn’t have insurance to replace or repair them. Taxi drivers applied to participate in the program, which offered drivers a voucher for $14,000 toward a new car. The drivers were able to choose from 25 different vehicles. Delray Beach-based Ed Morse Auto Group procured the vehicles and paid for the shipping and handling costs. The vehicles were provided by the auto group at cost.

BuyersAdvantageHalfPgVertAd_PalmBeachCo.qxp_Layout 1 3/18/20 9:48 PM Page 1

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Our Buyer’s Advantage Program could make it come true! Student Alexis Salguero, instructor Letty Sanchez, and students Clara Atallah and Jonathan Fuentes are making masks for first responders. Photo courtesy of THOS FASHION SCHOOL.

Local fashion industry sews masks to help protect workers from coronavirus Staff report Boca fashion students are using their sewing machines for a good cause. THOS FASHION SCHOOL students are working on making masks for first responders who are out on the front lines battling against the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have been at the Boca school from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. working on mask construction. “I feel really proud of what we are doing” fashion school student Jonathan Fuentes said. “It feels like we are doing something.” He said three students at a time are working on the masks. The first day they churned out about 150 masks. “We were trying to make as many as we could,” he said. He said the students decided to volunteer after their teacher heard from a friend who

works in the hospital about the shortage of masks. “We volunteered,” he said. “It was the right thing to do. The government keeps saying the masks are on the way. We needed action. We needed something in the moment. It’s what we can do in this situation, help each other.” THOS students are also donating the masks to the general public as available.

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THOS Fashion Student Naomi Huff making masks for first responders. Photo courtesy of THOS FASHION SCHOOL.

Students from THOS FASHION SCHOOL are making masks for first responders. Photo courtesy of THOS FASHION SCHOOL.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Boca business booms thanks to city’s economic development duo By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor

tion that is distributed in hotels on four continents and 16 countries , in a commercial that aired during the Boca Raton Bowl and on the golf course at the Old Course at Broken Sound during the Boca Raton Championship.

Jessica Del Vecchio has helped businesses move to Boca, stay in Boca and expand in Boca. The city’s economic development manager is part saleswoman part spokeswoman for selling the city of Boca Raton to the business sector.

And once she hooks a CEO into considering a corporate move to Boca, her work has only just begun. Her office can create an incentive financial package to help lure the business to town if they agree to meet certain criteria that create more jobs for the city and increase economic development. The packages are created in partnership with state and county economic development entities.

The first to fill the role for the city, Del Vecchio is celebrating her fifth anniversary in the role this month. “I love working for the city,” she said. “I am so invested in this city and I am so proud to work for this city.” She has been part of major business wins for the city including: Modernizing Medicine adding over 800 jobs, keeping Cannon’s presence in Boca and helping OrangeTheory Fitness relocate its headquarters from Fort Lauderdale to Boca. When she started in the role, she was a one woman office. Now, she has Kelly Kennedy, her economic development coordinator, making their entire operation a two-woman show. In addition to working on keeping businesses in the city happy and attracting new businesses to the city, they produce a quarterly newsletter, share Boca business news on social media to their more than 40,000 followers, write a monthly column for the Boca Newspaper; and they do it all in house. Five years ago, Del Vecchio said she began familiarizing herself with the business scene. She knew Office Depot’s global headquarters were in Boca along with ADT. She began walking what is now known as the Park at Broken Sound, taking

Since 2010, the city has committed about $5.3 million to 43 companies, which has resulted in creating or retaining a total of more than 10,000 jobs in the city. Kelly Kennedy and Jessica Del Vecchio receive recognition for their economic development efforts from Mayor Scott Singer. Submitted photo.

Some of those businesses include Yachtico adding 50 new jobs, MobileHelp adding 150 new jobs and Orbcomm adding 32 new jobs.

As she explored the business corridors of Boca, her list of Boca-based companies began to grow. So did her ideas of how to market Boca. Like creating a “Success Tour” where the mayor visits businesses and thanks them for their commitment to Boca.

In the pipeline, the office has four projects in the works that will add a total of 197 jobs to the city. The largest one, “Project Doctor” will bring 75 news jobs. The companies are kept confidential.

pictures of the buildings and what tenants occupied them.

“Boca sells itself,” Del Vecchio said. With amenities like beaches, golf courses and airport that statement makes sense, but Del Vecchio bundles the perks of Boca together and markets the city’s assets to CEOs across the country. She does so with a full page ad in Waldorf Astoria’s publica-

The team can also offer concierge services like expedited permitting, a ground breaking ceremony and a ribbon cutting. Behind the scenes, she has introduced CEOs to one another, set up meetings for the previous governor and worked with the state department to plan a consulate dinner for 24 guests at the Boca Resort.

Hillsboro El Rio Park South in Boca finally sees the light of day By: Dale King Contributing Writer Boca Raton, the community that calls itself “A City within a Park,” just added its 47th recreation area to the roster of play sites within its borders. On a cool morning that ping-ponged between showers and sunshine, a couple of hundred people made their way to opening ceremonies of the Hillsboro El Rio Park South, just across from Hillsboro El Rio North, a 12.5-acre facility which opened in 2002. Basically, the two fun sites are separated by SW 18th Street – and a lot of years. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 22 bought together a bunch of current and past officials, including Mayor Scott Singer, Deputy Mayor Jeremy Rodgers, City Council members Monica Mayotte, Andrea O’Rourke and Andy Thompson along with former Mayors Steven Abrams and Susan Whelchel and former deputy mayor and current Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert Weinroth. Singer broke out to post a minute-long declaration on Facebook, announcing “the long-awaited playground,” a 10,000-squarefoot location with a walking/jogging path, fitness station, playground, dedicated pickleball court, tennis courts, picnic pavilion, a soft launch area for canoes, kayaks and pad-

Threatening skies didn’t deter these kids from using the Youngsters enjoy swings at Hillsboro El Rio Park on Players use pickleball courts at Hillsboro El Rio Children’s Playground at Hillsboro El Rio Park on open- opening day. Photo courtesy of City of Boca Raton pho- Park on opening day. Photo courtesy of City of ing day. Photo courtesy of City of Boca Raton photo. to. Boca Raton photo.

dle boats into the El Rio Canal, along with parking and restroom facilities. “For the many residents who have advocated for two decades for a park in the southeastern portion of Boca Raton, scattered showers couldn’t dampen their excitement at today’s official opening,” said Commissioner Weinroth. Once home to the city’s landfill as far back as the 1960s, the area has recently seen infrastructure improvements, including a water main replacement along 18th Street followed by repaving of that road and upgrades to the railroad tracks that include quiet zone features to accommodate the new Brightline/VirginUSA trains. City spokeswoman Anne Marie Connol-

ly said the dedication included remarks from Recreation Services Director Michael Kalvort and the chairman of Parks and Recreation Board, Dr. Dennis Frisch. Then came the dedication of the Joe Good playground, named in honor of the late Parks & Rec. Board member who served for some 30 years. His family was there for the dedication. “For the rest of the day, families met and chatted with city staff, enjoyed a nice walk around the new park, saw pickleball demonstrations and enjoyed all the park amenities,” said Connolly. “Special events also included bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.” Following the ceremony, community events for residents took place, among them, pick-

leball demonstrations and children’s activities. According to records on the city’s website, discussions of a park on the south side of 18th Street have been in progress for many years. A renewed commitment to activities at the city’s waterfront became a priority just during the past few years. The city invested an estimated $7.8 million in environmental remediation, land clearing and other work at the park site. After receiving input from surrounding neighbors and recommendations by the Parks and Recreation Board, the city drafted a new site plan, one offering a park that will be open dawn to dusk and includes a variety of amenities.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Biz Briefs Pine Tree Camps at Lynn University names Jayson Rubin director Pine Tree Camps at Lynn University has a new camp director, Jayson Rubin. Rubin will oversee operations, programming, and camper and staff recruitment. He has over 20 years of experience in the summer camp industry, serving most recently as director and co-owner of Camp Waukeela in New Hampshire. At Lynn, he will lead a team of 100 camp counselors and welcome more than 1,800 campers each summer. “I’m excited to use my experience to bring an already amazing camp to the next level,”Rubin said. “I look forward to meeting campers, parents and our great team of counselors over the next few months.” Pine Tree offers three, three-week sessions for full-day, half-day, specialty and overnight programs: June 1–19, June 22– July 10 and July 13–31.

Boca’s Saltability Himalayan Salt Stone Massage expands in UK Market Boca-based Saltability, the spa industry’s leading global provider of warmers for Himalayan salt stone massage, has expanded its reach in the United Kingdom through a partnership with Ellisons, a leading supplier in the UK for furniture, fixtures, equipment, consumables and niche brands for salons and spas. Saltability’s Himalayan Salt Stone Mas-

sage uses no water and no chemicals. Warmed with a U.S. engineered warmer and energy conservative LED lighting, Saltability’s Himalayan salt stones contain 84 naturally occurring minerals and elements, known for stimulating circulation, detoxifying, improving sleep, reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, and more.

“Brad and his SHRM Paragon Labs team are resident experts in HR technology,” said Chris Hodges, Founder and CEO of GoGig. “He will provide unparalleled expertise to GoGig management in the areas of competitive analysis, distribution channels, and strategic alliances that GoGig would not otherwise receive without the help of SHRM and Paragon Labs.”

more.

“Ellisons customers are always looking for something new and unique to offer their guests, and Saltability Himalayan salt massage offers a safe eco-friendly alternative to the age-old hot stone treatment, whilst benefitting both the client and therapist,” said Louise Moore, Ellisons national training manager. “Ellisons are proud to partner with Saltability, a brand who is equally passionate about bringing innovation to our industry whilst being conscious about the preservation of our planet.”

GoGig helps passive job seekers already in jobs advance their careers confidentially through career desire matching and cultural fit using Artificial Intelligence. Through GoGig’s powerful algorithmic search, hiring professionals can connect with passive talent that doesn’t exist on traditional job board sites in today’s tight labor market.

Designed to feel like a Rocky Mountain Wyoming escape, Lazy Dog’s grand interior will be complete with lodge-inspired furnishings such as cozy fireplaces, ledge stone, a chandelier crafted from Aspen logs and artwork reminiscent of the Cowboy State. Multiple flat-screen TVs will be installed throughout the bar and patio areas so guests may cheer on their favorite sports teams, and a dog-friendly patio will offer a special menu for dogs featuring grilled meats and brown rice.

“This partnership creates a perfect extension for both the Saltability and Ellisons brands – we are both committed to high quality spa experiences that are supportive, not harmful, to the environment,” said Ann Brown, Saltability CEO and founder. “We are thrilled to work with Ellisons to share our innovative, eco-friendly, therapeutic stone massage with the UK on a larger level.”

“Together, SHRM and GoGig can lead the conversation in developing innovative work technologies catered to the unique needs of employees and employers alike,” said Gebert. “I am pleased to join this team and help improve the workplace tech landscape while carrying out SHRM’s mission to build a better world through better workplaces.” At SHRM, Gebert is responsible for strengthening ties between technological innovation and entrepreneurs, as well as building SHRM’s first incubation lab.

Brad Gebert, Managing Director for Paragon Labs, a division powered by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), has been appointed to GoGig’s advisory board. In this new role, Gebert will combine his HR expertise with technological innovations in the tech sector to streamline the hiring process and foster meaningful engagement that leads to informed workplace technology solutions.

Canadian retailer relocates international HQ to Boca The North West Company, a leading retailer based in Canada, is calling Boca Raton home. The company has relocated its international headquarters to a 9,300-square-foot office at 5901 Northwest Broken Sound Parkway. The office will house 35 employees.

Delray-based GoGig adds HR expert to advisory board Anonymous job searching platform GoGig has a new human resources expert on its advisory board.

Lazy Dog’s bar features a variety of handcrafted cocktails, including the Smoked Maple Bacon Old Fashioned with bacon-washed Tincup mountain whiskey and the Watermelon Margarita with smallbatch Lunazul tequila, and house beers like the popular Huckleberry Haze IPA.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar headed to Boca Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is bringing its handcrafted menu and small-town hospitality brand to Boca Raton. Set to open this fall, Lazy Dog features the welcoming ambiance of a small mountain town and American food and drink with seasonally inspired ingredients. “We look forward to bringing our concept of delicious food, warm hospitality and small mountain town vibes to Boca Raton. Lazy Dog has been received with open arms as we’ve joined new neighborhoods and we can’t wait to be part of the Boca Raton community,” said Chris Simms, founder and CEO of Lazy Dog Restaurants. Founded in 2003 in Southern California by third generation restauranteur Chris Simms, Lazy Dog has a style of elevated comfort food made with seasonal ingredients sourced from America’s best growers and farmers. Popular dishes include bacon-wrapped BBQ Bison Meatloaf, Crispy Deviled Eggs, and Apple Huckleberry Open Face Pie. Other favorites include Campfire Pot Roast, Wok-Fired Calamari, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad and housemade Butter Cake, as well as an array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, shareable plates and

The company provides products and services to underserved rural communities and urban neighborhood markets primarily in Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands and the Caribbean. The Business Development Board said it worked with The North West Company and the City of Boca Raton on expedited permitting for the development of the new space. The BDB also assisted in the relocation of employees and their families with housing, schools, transportation, and other logistics. From wholesaling to independent stores, The North West Company is known as one of the longest continuing retail enterprises in the world. Some of its locations in Northern Canada and Alaska have been operating for over 200 years. A typical store offers food, family apparel, housewares, appliances, outdoor products and services such as post offices, income tax return preparation, quick-service prepared food, commercial business sales, money transfers and check cashing. “The North West Company selected Palm Beach County as a strategic location with access to the many markets it serves. Boca Raton’s location, combined with the local infrastructure, offers an ideal fit for North West’s current and future business plans,” said Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Sea-to-table restaurant Lionfish to serve up sustainable seafood in downtown Delray location late spring By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor Lionfish will soon bring its west coast sustainable seafood restaurant to the east coast with the opening of a second location on Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. And unlike the San Diego location, the Delray menu will feature Lionfish, an invasive species that wreaks havoc on the local marine ecosystem. Cooking up the Lionfish and other sustainably sourced fish, grass-fed meats and local seasonal ingredients will be a familiar face for folks who dine out in Delray. The executive chef is Johnny Demartini who served as a prep cook for Max’s Harvest and executive chef at Death or Glory. “Lionfish provides such a unique concept and like nothing we have ever seen here in South Florida before,” Demartini said. “I look forward to using my culinary style and adding a personal touch to our menu.” Demartini was selected to run the Delray kitchen by executive chef and partner of Clique Hospitality JoJo Ruiz. Ruiz opened the first location in partnership with Andy Masi of Clique Hospitality in 2017 at the Pendry San Diego. In 2019, the duo opened Serẽa, a sea-to-table coastal cuisine dining experience offering an expertly curated menu of sustainable seafood, meats and other signature selections with a Mediterranean flair. Lionfish Delray Modern Coastal Cuisine is their next venture. Ruiz said he plans to bring the ocean friendly sustainable practices in his west coast restaurants to Delray. Practices like recycling and using eco-friendly supplies like biodegradable paper straws, take-out containers and sil-

verware have allowed Lionfish and Serẽa to become national certified as “Ocean Friendly” by the Surfrider Foundation. Lionfish in San Diego was also given the James Beard Smart Catch Leader Award. The Smart Catch program provides training and support to chefs so they can serve seafood fished or farmed in environmentally responsible ways. Smart Catch is an educational sustainable seafood program created by chefs for chefs with the purpose of increasing the sustainability of the seafood supply chain. Restaurants must complete at least three assessments during the calendar year, and score at least 80 percent on back-to-back assessments. Smart Catch Leader restaurants cannot serve any species that are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Additionally, the restaurant must have two or less of these “red” items on their menu. Lionfish Delray will continue sustainable practices by serving Lionfish, a species native to the Indo-Pacific that is harmful to other sea life and damaging to coral reefs. It is believed they made their way to the Atlantic Ocean after people dumped them into the ocean from home aquariums. Because they are not native, they have few predators and reproduce rapidly. Native

reef fish take about 3-4 years to reach reproductive maturity, while Lionfish take about 6 months. One female spawns about 2 million eggs per year, and the fish are known to eat up to 30 times their own stomach volume.

white stripes or bands covering their head and body. They have venomous fin spines, which can produce painful puncture wounds but are not poisonous. Only the fins contain the venom, not the edible meat.

Science has demonstrated that a single Lionfish can reduce native marine creatures by 80-90 precent in its range within just 5 weeks. Lionfish are reproducing at an alarming rate, and they are eating the other fish before they are even able to reproduce. In Florida specifically, the coral reefs are directly affected by the diet of a Lionfish because the “grazers” that consume the algae and keep the algae levels low enough for the coral to get their oxygen are being eaten.“Cleaners” other ecologically important species, are also being eaten by Lionfish and can lead to a serious potential decline in the overall health of the creatures that depend upon them to stay healthy and disease-free.

In addition to Lionfish, the menu will feature sharable plates that can be paired with cocktails like the bourbon-based Blackberry Bliss, the Smokin’ In The Silent Desert made with espresso-infused Mezcal, or the shareable champagne supernova.

The good news is that Lionfish are tasty. They are similar in texture to grouper and can be used in ceviche, deep fried, grilled, used for jerky or sashimi. They are also known as zebrafish, firefish, turkeyfish, tastyfish or butterfly-cod. There are 12 species of Lionfish. They have distinctive brown or maroon, and

How to prepare and filet a Lionfish at home *Wear protective gloves for cutting* 1. With sharp kitchen shears, remove venomous spines located on the spine, dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins. Be careful not to prick yourself with spines. 2. Using a knife (flexible boning knife) make short, sharp strokes cuts lengthwise down the belly to remove the innards. 3. Slicing down the spine of the fish make short, consistent strokes, trying not to slice into flesh of the fish. 4. Bring the cut just before the head of the fish and filet along the ribs towards the tail. 5. Repeat for both sides.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

What is a power of attorney and why would I want one? By: Jennifer L. Fulton, Esquire The Law Offices of Robin Bresky Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers We live in uncertain times. Our GPS re-routes us for accidents during our commute. There are rumors of epidemics that may impact our health. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It is uncomfortable to think about moving from being healthy and in control of your life to unconscious or incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions, write the checks to pay medical bills, or even tell family members your wishes. Without planning, no one else has access to your accounts to pay your bills, or is authorized to make medical and other personal decisions for you, and it could be necessary for the court to appoint a guardian. The guardian may not be someone you know or would choose, and a court monitored guardianship is expensive. Fortunately, you can retain the power over who makes decisions when you no longer can, when you make an estate plan. In addition to a will, a complete estate plan should include a durable power of attorney, a health care surro-

gate (which is a power of attorney for health care), and a living will, and in most cases, a properly funded revocable living trust. These documents work together to avoid the need for a guardianship and protect you from having your life run by strangers, helping protect you during your lifetime, and your beneficiaries after death. A power of attorney is a written document in which a principal can authorize another person (referred to as his “agent” or “attorney in fact”) to act in the principal’s behalf in his financial, health care, or other legal affairs. In Florida, health care powers are governed by a different statute from the financial powers, and result in separate documents. You can also have a Living Will, which states the principal’s wishes in advance regarding end-of-life interventions, to assist their surrogate in the event the principal is unable to state his or her wishes later. A power of attorney permits your chosen agent (or agents) to act on your behalf in financial matters, and enroll you for government benefits, if needed. It is not a substitute for a funded revocable living trust, however, as banks and other institutions can be leery of accepting powers of attorney they have not prepared themselves, and often have their own documents they want a principal to sign, which may not be possible when it is needed. Where multiple agents are named, it is important that a bank have a way to tell who has the authority to act at any given time. The revocable living trust, if funded during your lifetime, permits the successor trustee to pay others on your behalf during

your incapacity, and seamlessly continues for benefit of your beneficiaries upon your death, whereas an agent under a power of attorney loses all power to act upon the death or guardianship of the principal. Having all your planning documents in place in advance assures that they are there when you need them, because chances are, when you need them, you may no longer be capable of signing them. If you don’t currently have your documents in place, or if it has been a few years since they were reviewed, consider speaking with an estate planning attorney. Jennifer L. Fulton, Esq. is an attorney, of counsel, at The Law Offices of Robin Bresky (www.breskylegal.com) focusing on Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate and Trust Administration. A member of the Florida Bar since 1996 with a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Fulton works with clients to plan for the milestones of life (college, “adulting”, marriage, children, grandchildren, aging parents, pre- and post-divorce, loss of a spouse, aging, diminished mental capacity) and administration upon death. She can be reached at 561-994-6273 or EstatePlanning@ BreskyLegal.com. If you have an estate planning topic you would like to hear more about, please drop her a line, and perhaps it will spark a future article This information is provided for general educational purposes and may not apply to your specific situation. Please consult with an attorney before relying on this information.

5 reasons young families need life insurance now By: John M. Campanola, Agent New York Life Insurance Company Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers When it comes to money matters, young parents who are just starting out have a lot to juggle: They may be paying off student debt and saving for their first home, all while raising kids. But it’s also a time when young families may be the most financially vulnerable should the unex-

pected strike. To ensure that they have financial protection when they need it most, purchasing a life insurance policy should be top of mind. Here are five reasons why young families need life insurance:

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1. You just never know. While it’s not the most pleasant thing to ponder, an emergency situation could quickly put your family’s finances under water. In fact, only 40 percent of Americans have enough savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense. And when you’re starting out, not having protection in case something happens to a family’s breadwinner is even scarier.1

home, saving for your nest egg, or going back to school.

2. The earlier you opt in, the more affordable it is. Because age is one of the factors that affects the cost of your premiums, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the less you’ll be paying each year.

We know it’s not easy for young families to make their life insurance needs a priority, given all their competing financial obligations. However, permanent life insurance is a vehicle for protection that is not only affordable, but can also help families accumulate cash value and can ultimately propel them toward reaching both their immediate and far-reaching goals.

3. It may not be as expensive as you think. If you’re on a budget and are convinced you can’t afford life insurance, consider term life insurance. It guarantees protection for a set amount of time provided premiums are paid when due. Since it’s not designed to last a lifetime, the annual premiums are considerably lower when you are younger. 4. It lets you concentrate on other goals. Once you have the peace of mind and financial protection that life insurance grants you, you may feel secure enough to fund long-term goals, like buying a

5. You can always upgrade at a later date. Don’t let the fear of making the wrong decision deter you from purchasing a policy now. The policy you purchase today isn’t intended to be set in stone. As your family’s needs change, you have the option of considering other policies.

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by John M. Campanola, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact John M. Campanola at 561-642-5180. Neither New York Life, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with your professional advisor for tax, legal or accounting advice.

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Boca student helps raise $1.4 million to benefit Make A Wish at parent’s annual biz summit Staff report

A junior at Boca Raton’s St. Andrews High School was able to spark the nation’s top financial advisors to donate a record-breaking $1.4 million during an annual summit. Jamie-Brooke Shook helped raise $1.4 million for Make-A-Wish during her parent’s annual business summit. Photo courtesy of Akira Ruiz.

Jamie-Brooke Shook attended her parents’ business conference the Forbes/ SHOOK Top Advisor Summit at the Wynn in Las Vegas last month where she helped raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

ing with Forbes. The list featured the top givers that year like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

“I have always had a passion for children and helping those with cancer,” the teenager said.

“There was a competition to get on this list,” she said. “Because the more you give the more others wanted to give.”

Her parents Liz and RJ launched their company Shook Research in 2015. They rank financial advisors across the country and publish the results in Forbes magazine. Advisors come from big firms like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch as well as individual firms.

So, they knew they wanted to add a charitable component to their conferences.

Shook Research is a reboot of a company they previously had that did similar work with Barrons that they sold in 2008. When their non-compete ended after about seven years, they formed their current business where they analyze financial advisors both qualitatively and quantitatively. Liz Shook said they spend time and money researching all the financial advisors and what they offer to their clients. Those rankings are published several times and year. The couple decided to begin hosting an annual summit that brought the best advisors together to share best practices. Firms and individuals from around the country are represented for a three-day, agenda-filled meeting. The Shooks brought in a philanthropic component to the summit several years ago. The idea came from the work they did before the launch of Shook Research. They had worked on a Best Givers rank-

“We wanted to spotlight philanthropy in our national conferences,” she said. “For us, all we wanted to do was give back. Giving back is a beautiful thing and it makes us feel better.” The first year, they spotlighted Susan G. Komen’s breast cancer foundation and raised about $546,000 in 2018. Last year, they hit $1 million for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. This year, it was their daughter, Jamie, who suggested they fundraise for MakeA-Wish. “I have seen all the amazing things MakeA-Wish can do,” Jamie said. “They give these children the spirit and will to fight and it gives them smiles.” She sold her parents on the difference the nonprofit makes to kids with terminal illnesses. During the event, Jamie recited a poem in front of the advisors and introduced the 1,200 attendees to three Make-AWish recipients. Zoe, who was diagnosed with a rare disease that attacks motor skills, had a wish to go to Disneyland. Olivia, who was battling Leukemia, went to Broadway to see a show. And Angelica, who received a kidney transplant from her mother, wanted to visit Disney World. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, they were able to have their dreams come true. “These three Wish kids I met, they were so amazing,” Jamie said. “They touched my heart.” Jamie helped raised $1.4 million during the event.

Jamie-Brooke Shook with Make-A-Wish recipient Angelica in Las Vegas, Photo courtesy of Akira Ruiz.

“I can’t believe I was a part of that,” she said.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Lynn Aronberg – PR guru, book club host, philanthropist By: Diane Feen Contributing Writer Lynn Aronberg has a motto: “Go Big or Go Home.” So, the slim blonde beauty went big. Going big is something that Aronberg has been doing her whole life. She started a PR Firm 10 years ago and garnered clients like George Hamilton, Congressional candidate Randy Perkins, celebrities, local businesses, tech start-ups and more.

But the time is always right for Aronberg to speak her truth or promote a cause or concern. She was chosen as Woman of the Year in 2019 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Palm Beach-Treasure Coast. Her big win was cemented when she raised over $106,000 in ten weeks. Her ex-husband Dave Aronberg was her Honorary Chair. Say what? Yes, Lynn admits to being a great ex-wife and thinks that marriage

That’s what sets Aronberg apart from many of her generation (or anyone for that matter). She is fearless in motives and motivations and sees everything as a challenge to be slowly and methodically perfected. “I learned to think that the world was my oyster because my father Randy raised me to think big.” Yes, the underlying theme in Aronberg’s life is positivity and possibilities. This ambitious underlayment was installed by her father Randy Martin. “My father told me I could do - or be - whatever I wanted. He advised me not to conform and to question other people’s reality. It made me think about big things as a child.”

Aronberg is like a brewing storm – in a good way. She knows what she wants and is gentle yet firm about meeting her goals. But her approach is anything but orthodox. She advises the members of her book club, “Booked Up Palm Beach” to always be “camera ready” when attending their literary soirees. It’s not for vanity purposes, but for branding and literacy awareness opportunities. “I had a casting director from Bravo contact me about doing a show, but the time was not right,” said the Florida native.

is like most life passages – something to perfect like tennis. “I plan on getting married until I get it right!”

Lynn Aronberg was the Woman of the Year in 2019 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Palm Beach-Treasure Coast. Photo courtesy of Tracey Benson.

And think big she has. While getting a divorce from State Attorney Dave Aronberg Lynn wanted to be in charge of the narrative. She hired a PR firm to put out a release and was front page news in every publication on both sides of the pond (even the Daily Mail in the UK). She is currently working on a How to Divorce book called, “Tips and Tricks To Calling it Quits.” On a more subdued note Aronberg is a crusader for literacy. She is on the advisory board of the Mandel Public Library in West Palm and on the advisory board of the Boca Raton Police Foundation. She makes sure her book club members donate their books (and a monetary donation) to the Mandel Public Library. “I am at the helm of the book club and want to protect its integrity. We take time away from our families and friends to network and have intelligent conversations about books.”

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The book club is often hosted at a restaurant or resort, and members are successful businesswomen. “My goal is to do a podcast, and with every goal I think, ‘how am I going to get there?’ That’s why I got an MBA.” Literacy is a far cry from her days as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. But that’s how Aronberg rolls. She walks with a distinctive flair always dressed to perfection like Mrs. Maisel in the popular Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” But when she takes off her large black heart shaped sunglasses and puts down

Lynn Aronberg runs a PR firm, book club and is involved in the community. Photo courtesy of Jake Mazzone Photography.

her designer handbag Aronberg is pure authenticity. She credits her mother for that. “My father painted a big picture and my mother Jill executed it. She took me to dance class, track meets, cheerleading practice and student government meetings.” Though Aronberg can meld with the masses or the classes, she is most definitely a star in a world of moving constellations. “Lynn is like the great leading ladies of the “40’s she’s got moxie, beauty and brains,” said actor George Hamilton. She also has a huge heart. When her mother was going through cancer treatment – and when she goes to the doctor— Aronberg drives to Tampa to accompany her. When her former employer went through cancer treatments Aronberg was by her side until the end. To show the eclectic mirror that fashions her life Aronberg drives from Boca to West Palm every week to take a Torah class at Temple Beth El. “I love Rabbi Feldman; he is so bright and interesting. We dive deeply into the Torah and learn about philosophy and current affairs.” Though Aronberg was not born in the Jewish faith, she converted to Judaism. “When I was on J-Date people would say, ‘you’re not Jewish.’ I always replied, “I could be.” That is the world of Lynn Aronberg. The coulds become shoulds, and then everything on her radar miraculously materializes.

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delray Community Redevelopment Agency office to expand into relocated house this summer Staff report Part of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s mission is historic preservation. Soon, the agency will have staff working out of a 1930s home they helped save from the wrecking ball. Last year, the agency with help from the city and other entities, relocated the Wellbrock House to its property. Last month, the agency invited the community to see the home before it’s converted into an office. “We are here to welcome this beautiful structure into our Old School Square Historic District,” CRA executive director Renee Jadusingh said. The home was located on property that local developers Azure Development purchased to redevelop. President of Azure Development Rick Caster recognized the home was old and likely had significance in the city’s history. So, he enlisted help from some local architects who were able to determine the

The Wellbrock House was moved across Delray Beach to the CRA’s office property. Delray’s CRA will soon expand its office to a relocated historic home. Staff photo. Staff report.

home was designed by the city’s first registered architect, Samuel Ogren, Sr., who is known as the “Father of Delray Beach Architecture.” Caster said he knew he wanted to find a home for the home. “It’s been in Delray close to a century,” he said. “Let’s hope it has a long healthy continued life at this location.”

Coordinating how to move the home was no easy task. It took efforts from the city, CRA, a professional home moving company Modern Movers, FPL, the railroad line and utilities companies. It took nearly an entire day to move the home from 215 NE Seventh Ave. to the CRA’s property at 20 Swinton Ave. Jadusingh said the CRA will make some mi-

Expanded Sinai Residences in Boca Raton more than halfway sold-out Staff report

Less than a year from the announcement that Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences Boca Raton would add 111 units, demand for its luxury independent apartments has been on the rise. The resort-inspired Life Plan Retirement Community announced that deposits have been made on more than 50 percent of its new units nearly two years in advance of its anticipated completion and just several months after the expansion was announced. The $160 million expansion and redevelopment investment, is scheduled to break ground this fall. In addition to new units, the expansion will include updates to existing amenities, a new design team that specializes in upscale senior living, an expanded fitness and wellness center, two new dining venues, and a resort-style pool. “The expansion was originally envisioned to address our consistent waiting list that hovered as high as over 70 people,” said Mel Lowell, COO of the Jewish Federation, which completed the existing community in 2016. “What we’ve found is that many homeowners in country club communities are driving some of the demand for what our community offers in luxurious comfort, larger size apartments and more popular amenities.”

nor changes to allow the home to function as an office. She estimates it will be ready this summer. “It’s an absolute honor to stand here before you and see something like this in our town,” Mayor Shelly Petrolia said during the housewarming reception. “When we are respecting our past we really are respecting our future.”

Boca’s 4Voice makes acquisition to serve more businesses Staff report

Amruth Laxman was running phone systems in the cloud before the cloud existed.

Sinai Residences expansion is already over halfway sold out. Submitted photo.

When construction is completed in the fall of 2022, the Sinai Residences community will be comprised of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom with den apartments. Prices start in the $500,000s.

theater, wellness center and cocktail lounge. Healthy lifestyle and fitness activities will continue to be a major focus throughout Sinai Residences; currently the wellness center offers at least three fitness classes a day.

The expansion will meet the rising demand for larger living spaces sought after by seniors who are downsizing from houses in local country club communities. There are units designed for those preferring smaller apartments. Sinai Residences will continue to offer residents the full continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to memory care; additionally, Sinai Residences is pet friendly, an essential consideration for dog and cat owners.

“Residents at Sinai Residences are active participants in our fitness programs – from enjoying our walking paths and using the gym equipment to taking classes in yoga and water aerobics,” said Community Wellness Specialist Blake Michaels. “Several residents with Apple watches even track their daily activity, so as a special incentive we raffled off a pedometer - the winner averages 8-10,000 steps a day.”

Additionally, the community’s pool is being renovated to include a poolside bar and lounge, a hot tub and beach side entry. Details have also just been released on two new dining venues, along with a movie

The new 240,000-square-foot building will be located to the southeast of the existing community on 4.5 acres, with a similar look and feel will be similar to that of the original Sinai. It encompasses independent, assisted and memory care facilities.

The former Siemens employee is the CEO and founding partner of 4Voice, a telecommunication provider, based in Boca Raton. Laxman founded the company 13 years ago with several other engineers he worked with on technology projects with at Siemens. The 4Voice office is located in Broken Sound Park, just across from where he used to work on the Siemens campus. He has about 25 employees. Essentially, his company helped small and medium sized businesses ditch their landlines to use the phone via the internet, which is called voice over internet. 4Voice has over 10,000 users and thanks to a recent acquisition, it will gain some more. The company acquired nexVortex’s host-

ed voice business. Laxman said the move will double 4Voice’s size in both customers and revenue. The purchase gave 4Voice some technology from nexVortex, employees and support resources. With the acquisition, Laxman said the goal is to keep ahead of the competition by working on integrating technology and social media into their platform. From the users perspective, they just have a phone on their desk or an app on their cell phone. 4Voice’s products allow an office to transfer calls, create a queue for customer service calls and help companies with international satellite offices make calls without extra fees. An average user pays about $25 a month for the service, Laxman said.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Boca’s economic development report By: Jessica Del Vecchio Economic Development Manager Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers Boca. Business. Briefs. Publicly traded Newtek Business Services Corp. (NASDAQ: NEWT) relocated its corporate headquarters from Long Island to Boca Raton. With revenue of $49.5 million in 2018, Newtek is the 35th largest publicly traded company on Long Island. Additively Manufactured Electronics (AME) provider, Nano Dimension has moved its main commercial activity to the USA, establishing its headquarters for the Americas in Boca Raton. Co-founded by two Florida Atlantic University alumni in 2017, 4Ocean continues to

expand and grow. 4Ocean’s mission is to end the ocean plastic pollution crisis through global cleanup operations and a variety of methods that help stop plastic pollution at its source. They recently moved their headquarters to the Research Park at FAU where they will continue their valuable work and life changing mission. Celsius Holdings (Nasdaq: CELH) inked a deal to sell its flagship product at 1,500 Walmart stores. PredaSAR recently completed its seed financing round of $25 million. PredaSAR is building the world’s largest and most advanced commercially operated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation. The investor group included Miami based Rokk3r Fuel. FAU High School recently unveiled its new Owls Imaging Lab. The only research lab of its kind in the country, this school and its students are doing incredible things. The lab includes a micro computed topography

scanner, scanning electron microscope, microtone and embedding station, inverted compound microscope and stereoscope.

The 4,400-square-foot retail property constructed in 1974, which sits on just over a third-of-an-acre, sold for $1.4 million. The property, which is located at 100 W. Royal Palm Road, last sold for $600,000 in 2012. Business is Booming. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal ranked the job markets of 381 metro areas. Of the 381 regions analyzed, and up from 31st last year, our region ranked as the 15th hottest job market for 2019.

Home to financial firms like UBS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Ameriprise, Oppenheimer and Raymond James, Boca Raton has a lot of opportunities for new and expanding financial firms. Below is a photo from a recent 20,000 sq. ft. renovation showcasing what many firms are doing with their new space. (Photo provided by Maddox Group).

Looking to open an office in Boca Raton? Reach out, we would love to help. Have corporate news to share or looking to relocate/expand your company to Boca Raton? Contact the city’s economic development office at economicdevelopment@myboca.us or 561-393-7761. Want to see what we are up to? Follow us on Facebook @BocaEconomicDevelopment.

Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce updates during coronavirus outbreak By: Stephanie Immelman President/CEO of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Special to the Boca and Delray newspapers As you probably know, the 58th Annual Delray Affair, scheduled for April 3-5 will be cancelled. We are considering alternative dates in the fall and will keep you posted on developments. We wanted to update our members on business moving forward: Community Communications • The Delray Beach Chamber aims to be a primary source for information for our community. • We will continue to produce Delray Morning Live, our Facebook Live show, for the foreseeable future. Rather than holding it at Capital One Café, we will film it at the Chamber with no audience for the time being. We aim to have representatives from our City government on the show to give us the latest updates.

• We have a closed Facebook page for Chamber Members that we started recently. Please utilize this channel to support each other and our businesses. https://www.facebook. com/groups/492924008004488/ • We will also be posting information on all of our social media channels. • https://www.facebook.com/delraybeach/ • https://www.instagram.com/delraychamber/ • https://twitter.com/delraychamber • Within the week, our new Chamber Website, www.DelrayBeachChamber.com will go live. The current URL www. DelrayBeach.com will be dedicated to destination marketing, providing information on where to stay and what to do in Delray Beach. We will promote this website fully at a later date. We’ve taken a look at our upcoming calendar for April and will cancel or reschedule the following events to May and later dates. Leads Group and Ambassador Meetings • If you are in a Leads group or an Ambassador, you will be notified via email regarding any upcoming meetings.

Meetings and Events • April 7 – Non Profit Council – Cancelled • April 8 – Chairman’s Club Craft Food Tour – Rescheduling – Date TBD • April 9 – Ambassadors – Zoom meeting to be scheduled • April 10 – Government Affairs – Cancelled • April 16 – Contacts & Cocktails at Seed Delray – Rescheduling – Date TBD • April 21 – Media Breakfast – Rescheduling – Date TBD • April 21 – Leadership Delray– Rescheduling – Date TBD • April 22 – New Member Lunch – Rescheduling – Date TBD The Delray Chamber reminds everyone that the Florida Department of Health has established a dedicated Coronavirus call center at 1-866-779-6121 that is available 24 hours a day seven days a week, as well as a dedicated email address at COVID-19@flhealth.gov which the public can use for questions or clarifications on issues related to the coronavirus. For additional information regarding coronavirus, please visit www.coronavirus.gov or www.floridahealth.gov. Please know that the Chamber Team is working day and night on your behalf. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.

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Staff report There will soon be more places to live, shop and dine in West Boca Raton. Uptown Boca recently celebrated a topping-off ceremony for the residential portion of the mixed use project, which recognized the hundreds of construction workers building the project. The project is being developed by Schmier Property Group, Giles Capital Group and Rosemurgy Properties in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital. “We are extremely excited to celebrate this milestone as we come one step closer to delivering Uptown Boca to the community,” said Alex Rosemurgy, CEO of Rosemurgy Properties. “We are looking forward to the community being able to experience a destination that will become one of Boca’s newest local hotspots.”

Uptown Boca in West Boca Raton will feature seven residential buildings with 456 units. Staff photo.

pre-leasing is slated to begin this

and American food and drink that

summer with move-in over fall.

is opening its first Florida location.

“We look forward to celebrating the incredible work and dedication from Uptown Boca’s development

The theater and restaurant are free standing buildings located within the project.

and construction teams,” said Brian

It is still unclear what grocer will re-

Schmier, CEO of Schmier Property

place the space that was planned for

Group. “This milestone means we

Lucky’s Market, which has gone out

are closer than ever to delivering

of business.

the shop, dine, live experience to the community.

“The Uptown Boca development team has worked exceedingly hard

includes

to create a quality mixed-use proj-

155,000-square-feet of retail and

ect that will add to the community,”

restaurants including: Recreation-

said Rick Giles, President of Giles

al Equipment, INC. (REI), Naked

Capital Group. “The construction

Taco, Sloan’s Ice Cream, L’Eggs-

team has moved at a rapid pace to

press, Tide Cleaners, Chick-fil-A,

bring this project to fruition in a

Bolay, F45 Training, Tipsy Salon-

timely manner, and we can’t wait

bar, BurgerFi, The Joint, Sports

for residents to begin moving in.

Clips, Olive U Mediterranean Grill

We’ve carefully curated our retail

Apartments will feature granite

and Lynora’s Osteria. All shops and

component of the project, and we

counter tops, courtyard views,

restaurants are walkable from the

are excited to offer our residents a

frameless glass showers and large

apartments.

walkable lifestyle close to a number

Located on 38 acres of land at Glades Road and 95th Avenue South, the project will feature seven residential buildings that are five stories housing 456 luxury rental apartment units. The units will vary in size from one bedroom to four bedrooms.

walk-in closets. Amenities include a 24-hour indoor/outdoor fitness center, a resort-style pool area, a theater, a ride-sharing/co-working lounge, and outdoor CrossFit.

The

project

also

A Silverspot Cinema will be located within the project. So will Lazy Dog

REAL

Uptown Boca holds topping-off ceremony for mixed-use project in West Boca

ESTATE

APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

of dining and entertainment options.”

Restaurant & Bar, a family owned

For

information

concept focused creating the am-

Uptown Boca, visit uptownboca.

biance of a small mountain town

com.

INSIDE

Palm Beach County

Amenities at Alina [36]

about

Rentals begin at $1,900s and

New self-storage in North Boca [38] A construction workers is working on the retail portion of Uptown Boca. Staff photo.

Construction crew members work on an entrance feature to the residential portion of Uptown Boca recently held a topping-off ceremony for the mixed-use project. Staff photo. Uptown Boca. Staff photo.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

What’s up in the real estate market…

ALINA Residences announces partners for gym, interior design Residents at ALINA Residences in downtown Boca will have access to customizable workout experiences from Fitnessmith thanks to a new partnership between the development and fitness company. South Florida-based Fitnessmith is known in the fitness industry for collaborating with world-class international suppliers to equip clientele with exceptional workout brands, which use the latest technologies to allow for a personalized and productive workout experience. Notable collaborations include Orangetheory Fitness; XFL, a professional American football league owned by Vince McMahon’s Alpha Entertainment; Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club and Bluegreen Vacations. “We are thrilled to work alongside Fitnessmith to offer a one-of-a-kind gym experience at ALINA Residences,” said Noam Ziv, Executive Director of Development at El-Ad National Properties. “Our goal with this development is to create an elevated and convenient lifestyle for our residents where all of their needs are met within walking distance. Fitnessmith works with the best of the best in workout equipment, which will allow residents to cancel their gym memberships and maintain a superior workout without ever having to step foot in a car.” ALINA Residences will house a two-story state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio curated by Fitnessmith. Core elements including gracious cardio and strength training areas and a functional training studio featuring Italian accessories round out the comprehensive wellness environment. Notable brands have been chosen to provide dynamic entertainment options on all cardio equipment while cable-based strength equipment was selected to mirror the fitness savvy clientele. To further enhance the wellness lifestyle offerings, residents can experience live and on-demand classes via Hydrow, interactive workout mirrors and Echelon Connect bikes. The Mind Body Studio will provide a haven for residents to unwind and center through multiple disciplines including yoga, barre, pilates and meditation.

“We are proud to partner with El-Ad at ALINA Residences,” said Felicia Shields, Chief Operating Officer of Fitnessmith. “We share a vision of providing residents with an elevated fitness and lifestyle experience, and we are looking forward to working alongside El-Ad National Properties to bring this vision to life with our 360º fitness solutions.”

in Boca West’s Golf & Activities Center, Hammers efforts at Boca West Realty will be supported by an advanced digital and traditional marketing campaigns launched last year. The community is experiencing unprecedented demand as a result of the comprehensive outreach program designed to introduce Boca West to a global audience.

The developers also announced a partnership with Boca design firm Sklar Furnishings. The contemporary design firm will offer residents access to an interior design concierge.

“We are so pleased to welcome Chris to Boca West. He is dedicated to the high standards Boca West is well-known for, and our Members will be delighted to work with someone of his caliber,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President and COO of Boca West Country Club. “Chris embraces our culture of service, and he is a great representative of our club and our brand.”

ALINA’s first phase, a 121-unit luxury condominium designed by acclaimed architectural firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, is anticipated to open at the end of 2020.

Delray-based BH3 adds 18 newly renovated affordable housing units to city There are now 18 more affordable housing units in Delray Beach. Developers BH3 recently renovated the units at 11 SW 6th Ave. The workforce housing units are part of BH3’s commitment to restoring, beautifying, and cultivating cultural diversity in Delray Beach. Chris Hammers appointed Director of Sales at Boca West Realty at Boca West Real estate veteran and broker Ted Christopher (Chris) Hammers has been named the Director of Sales for Boca West Realty, the new on-site real estate company located inside Boca West Country Club. A real estate professional with over 20 years of experience serving the South Florida market, Hammers joined Boca West Realty after having owned a leading real estate brokerage firm in the area. “The quality of the amenities and services offered at Boca West Country Club is what lead me to this new position,” Hammers said. “Known as the top residential country club in the world, we are able to attract buyers who recognize and appreciate the unparalleled lifestyle offered at Boca West.” Working in the company’s office with-

Royal Palm Residences forges exclusive partnership with Boca Rio Golf Club Residents of Royal Palm Residences will have access to various membership packages at Boca Rio Golf Club. This is the first time the exclusive, members only golf club has ever partnered with an outside development. Boca Rio is the official golf club for Royal Palm Residence buyers and this new alliance brings with it several exclusive perks. With the partnership, Group P6 will, for a buyer accepted by Boca Rio as a member, customize different membership packages depending on the needs and desires of a potential buyer. It may include Group P6 paying on behalf of a buyer Boca Rio all or part of the Boca Rio initiation fee, or paying annual dues for some length of time. “We are finding that many of our buyers are interested in golf so we wanted to create something special for them,” said Ignacio Diaz, Managing Partner at Group P6. “It may be a couple who are already living in a West Boca Country Club who wants to have a place to play when they move east, or a buyer moving here from out of state who wants the urban lifestyle but an option to enjoy a country club experience on occasion.” Founded in 1967, the Boca Rio course is situated on 200 acres and was designed by world-renowned golf architect Robert Von Hagge. It also features a luxurious 36,000-square-foot Clubhouse with personalized services and dining options. The course recently hosted the Gainbridge LPGA, the first full-field event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season. “We are pleased to have been approached by Group P6 with this novel idea. Over

30 percent of our members live East of Federal Highway in the area of the new Royal Palm Residences,” said Elliott Wallace, Boca Rio’s Admission Committee Chair. “Group P6 recognized the value of marketing, to golfers, their high-end residences with an opportunity to join our unique golf Club, with the cost being subsidized by Group P6. Given the quality of the Royal Palm Residences we believe that many of the buyers will meet our membership standards.” Royal Palm Residences will offer three to five-bedroom residences – including six penthouses - ranging from 2,425 to 7,168 square feet. Prices for these boutique residences will start at $1.75 million. Each residence will have 270 degrees of natural light, dual-entry private elevator access directly into the unit, European kitchens & top of the line appliances, including Wolf gas barbecues built into large outdoor terraces. Amenities include two assigned, secured, underground parking spaces; an expansive wellness plaza, featuring a state-ofthe-art fitness center, boutique pool with a heated spa and a club room with European kitchen and bar for entertaining. The building will also feature a 24-hour doorman and private underground storage. For more information about Royal Palm Residences or to schedule a private showing at the project, call 561-948-4051 or visit https://www.rpresidences.com/. Lang Realty acquires Mirsky Realty Group, adds two sales offices and 50 agents Lang Realty purchased Mirsky Realty Group last month adding two sales offices and 50 agents. The offices are located in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Norma Mirsky, broker, and former owner of the Mirsky Realty Group, will be part of the Lang Realty management team. “Coming at the heels of opening our second sales office in Boynton Beach, this acquisition positions Lang Realty for continued growth for our operations in the northern Region of the county,” said Scott Agran, president. “It is a perfect complement to our overall strategic growth plan.” Lang Realty is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in South Florida, with offices from Boca Raton to Port St. Lucie, growing from two offices with 100 agents to nearly 450 agents and 13 offices in eight years.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | APRIL 2020

Self Storage project headed to North Boca Staff report Moving? Downsizing? Need a place to store extra stuff? There will soon be a new self storage unit in north Boca Raton. Manley Storage Ventures, Rosemurgy Properties and Sentry Self Storage are teaming up to build a 3-story self storage development on 3.5 acres on Federal Highway called Sentry Self Storage North Boca & Retail Shops. The climate-controlled storage facility will encompass 128,635 square feet. The retail portion of the project will include six bays. The project was designed by Kenneth Carlson Architects in a modern architectural design that uses clean lines and colors. Vertical construction is expected to commence in January 2021.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Bruce Manley, someone who has been so successful in the self-storage industry,” said Alex Rosemurgy, CEO of Rosemurgy Properties. “This collaboration of the three companies is an exciting opportunity to provide a best-in-class storage facility in an underserved location in north Boca Raton.” Founded in 1977, Rosemurgy Properties is a privately owned commercial real estate development, investment and management firm. Portfolio assets include multi-family, retail, self-storage, office and undeveloped land, with the focus of a long-term diversified investment strategy. The company continues to expand in South Florida and other major markets in the Southeast based on strategic partnerships and opportunities for diversification.

Manley Storage Ventures, owned by Bruce Manley and Jonathon Manley, is the successor entity to United Stor-All Centers and United Storage (“United”). Over the past 22 years, the company has developed, owned and operated self-storage facilities nationwide. Within this tenure, the Manley’s have been the developing principals and managing partners in approximately 60 self-storage facilities equaling approximately 4.8 million square feet of self-storage space. “When this opportunity presented itself, I knew immediately that this would be an excellent location to serve the eastern residents of north Boca Raton and would fully complement our existing location in Deerfield Beach” said Norman Schulman, CEO of Coral Springs-based Sentry Self Storage Management. “We are ecstatic that we were

A rendering of a Self Storage project planned to open in North Boca. Submitted photo.

able to partner again with Manley Storage Ventures and Rosemurgy Properties to build this beautiful facility of secure, climate-controlled units to appeal not only to the residents who are moving or need extra space, but the business community as well.” Sentry Self Storage, LC, based in Coral Springs, provides a full spectrum of management and consulting services. The company has over 25 properties under management in several states and works with 14 ownership groups.

Azure Development begins building $9 million Addison Medical Centre in West Delray Staff report New Class A medical offices will open in West Delray Beach this summer. Delray Beach-based Azure Development broke ground on a 24,000-square-foot medical office building last month. Azure Development, led by Rick Caster and partner Brian Grossberg, has worked on commercial and residential developments including the nearby Shoppes at Addison Place, the Downtown Delray Medical Center and Pompano Beach Fishing Village. Addison Medical Centre is located on Jog Road, just south of Linton Blvd. The $9 million project is expected to be completed this summer. The two-story contemporary building, designed by Richard Jones Architecture, puts top-tier medical providers within a mile of Delray Medical Center. TheQueller Dermatology is the first medical practice committed to call Addison Medical Centre home, signing a 10-year lease for a 3,300-square-foot suite.

A look inside the lobby of Addison Medical Centre, a new medical office building, in West Delray. Submitted photo.

“Addison Medical Centre is well timed to meet the area’s growing demand for first class medical services. It gives providers and their patients a new generation of upscale medical space and a highly convenient location,” said Chad Costello of Healthcare Realty Advisers (HRA), exclusive leasing agent for the Centre. Addison Medical Centre features easy access with three points of ingress/egress on Jog Road and abundant parking, more than 200 spots. It is within two miles of country club communities in-

A rendering of Addison Medical Centre, a new medical office building, in West Delray. Submitted photo.

cluding Addison Reserve, St. Andrews, Broken Sound and Polo Club, and there are five hospitals within seven miles. Available suites range from 3,000 to 12,000 square feet, with the option of equity participation in the Centre. Costello said medical services such as plastic surgery, orthopedics and ophthalmology are among the prospective tenants. For more information, visit AddisonMedicalCentre.com.

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APRIL 2020 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

8 tips to boost your immune system now By: Laura Norman Special to the Boca and Delray Newspapers

Excess bodyweight also greatly increases the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

The president declared a national emergency last month concerning the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The CDC and local government agencies have published common sense precautions we should all take to avoid contracting or spreading the virus.

Watch your diet. Excess sugar consumption has a negative effect on our immune system’s effectiveness. Even consuming as little as 75 grams of sugar weakens our immune system, and the effect can continue for several hours.

And our greatest defense is still our own immune system. Boosting our immune system is one of the most important things we can do right now to stay healthy and feel in control. Yet we might be sabotaging our immune system without even knowing it. A weakened immune system leaves us vulnerable to illnesses like the common cold and the flu, and can even contribute to the development of cancer and other serious diseases. Here are eight healthy, immune-boosting habits we can start right now: Exercise. Moderate exercise of only 30 minutes a day increases several key components of your immune system. The most important of these is your leukocyte count– cells that fight infection. Exercise at home or get out and take a brisk walk every day. Avoid excess bodyweight. Studies have shown that being overweight can weaken our immune system response.

On the other hand, foods that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients boost the immune system. The easiest way to get all of these nutrients is by eating fruits and vegetables. Ideally, fill at least half your plate with vegetables. Keeping your body on the alkaline side of the pH scale also helps to defend against flu and colds, which cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. Among the best foods to help your body stay alkaline are citrus fruits, especially lemons. Although acidic, lemons create an alkaline response in your body. Start each day with lemon juice in water to help you “alkalinize.” And grandma was right! Research shows that chicken soup helps to clear up congestion. Laugh. Laughing is great for you. It causes the level of stress hormones in your body to drop while encouraging the production of feel-good hormones like endorphins. And just the anticipation of experiencing something humorous has a very positive effect on your immune system. So turn off World War Z and watch Schitt’s Creek or your favorite comedy. Get enough sleep. Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of

Here’s what we think… By: Jeff Perlman Editor-in-Chief

for that we can be grateful.

I’m quite sure you don’t want to read another thing about the coronavirus.

As a result, I will always support policies that ensure that we can field the best possible public safety departments. We must continue to invest in talent, equipment and training. It’s worth it–especially in times like these. But in less stressful times as well. When you dial 911, you want to be assured that the very best are showing up at your door within a few minutes.

And so, this column is not about Covid-19, but about the capabilities and vulnerabilities of our local community. Despite the hasty and immediate resignation of Fire Chief Neal DeJesus last month, our Fire Rescue department is top-notch as evidenced by its recent accreditation and by the stellar service we see every single day of the year, 24/7. It’s during times like this when you appreciate the high quality of our front line public safety professionals. You appreciate the training, the educational requirements, the tough hiring process and the culture of caring that has been nurtured for decades and carries into the present despite some upheaval at the upper ranks. Same with our police department, which I’ve noted on many occasions, are the unsung heroes of Delray’s revitalization and the guarantor of our future success. You cannot have a future without a sense of security. People won’t live here, invest here, open for business or raise their families in a place where they don’t feel safe. So while we have our fair share of problems, the men and women who protect and serve us are more than capable and

I also think we are fortunate to be in a community with several outstanding hospitals—Delray Medical Center, Bethesda, Boca Regional and West Boca Medical Center—all have their strengths. I can speak personally about Delray Medical having served 7 years on the hospital’s governing board. Each meeting was a mini-education on the medical needs and capacity of our community as we did our best to support the efforts of the hundreds of professionals who handle everything from Class 1 trauma’s to appendectomies. I think of rural areas that are under served by doctors, nurses and specialists and I think of how fortunate we are to live in a community with an abundance of medical and scientific talent. By no means am I underplaying this pan-

sleep to maintain good health. A lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of getting sick. Insomnia increases inflammation in the body, which inhibits your immune system’s response to bacteria and viruses. Avoid stress. We’re all faced with a certain amount of stress in our lives, especially now. A small amount of stress is actually good for our health. However, excessive, chronic stress has a very negative impact on immune system health, and you become much more likely to develop a variety of illnesses. So turn off the news, listen to music, read a good book. Meditate. Experiments have demonstrated that regular meditation, mindfulness and other related activities boost your immune system. Schedule a professional reflexology session. Here’s a wonderfully pleasurable, natural way to strengthen your immune response. Reflexology—the art of applying firm yet gentle pressure to “reflex points” on the hands and feet to balance your organs, glands, and all body systems—significantly reduces stress while it helps your body to eliminate toxins. Studies show that reflexology improves circulation, boosts your immune system response and encourages the release of endorphins, your natural “feel-good” hormones. Laura Norman, M.S., LMT, world-renowned Holistic Reflexologist and author of the best-selling book, Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology, offers private Reflexology and Inspired Life Coaching sessions in Delray Beach and Holistic Reflexology Training Programs in Boynton Beach starting May 16th. Visit www.lauranorman.com • Call 561-272-1220

demic. It is serious and potentially deadly—especially for the vulnerable in our community of which there are many. But I do think it is helpful to understand and appreciate that we live in a community reasonably well-equipped to handle what’s thrown at us. I joked to my wife that we live half the year in terror—fearful of monster hurricanes for months on end and what it might do to our lives and livelihoods. Now, because of a Wuhan market filled with strange meats, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Delray was canceled along with most other things we’ve come to enjoy and rely on to fuel our economy. I know it’s not as simple as that, but whether we like it or not, we are intertwined with the rest of the world and with each other. Sometimes that can be really good (cheap goods, trade, foreign investment) and sometimes it can bite us. As this crisis unfolds, please look after your neighbors and yourself. Also please keep in mind our local businesses. They are sure to be taking a whack from this situation. They will need our support going forward. So will our front line city employees, first-responders and health workers who will tasked with so much in the coming days, weeks and possibly months. Recently, my friend went to Publix and

saw a cashier abused and insulted because the store was out of toilet paper and soap. He made sure to compliment the employee and thank her for her service. We are all stressed. It’s important that we maintain our compassion. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Meet the team Reach us at: DelrayNewspaper.com 561-819-1109 info@delraynewspaper.com

Jeff Perlman, Editor-in-Chief and Principal Scott Porten, Chief-Financial-Officer and Principal Craig Agranoff, Content Director and Principal Fran Marincola, Adviser and Principal Marisa Herman, Associate Editor Kylee Treyz, Account Manager Ginger Novak, Account Manager Kelly McCabe, Account Manager

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