By Rich Pollack

The buzz is gone.

Normally the last weeks before referendum issues are decided are filled with presentations from town leaders, mail flyers explaining the rationale behind the ballot questions, and postcards being handed out to people strolling on the walking path.

This year, however, with Highland Beach residents having a chance to vote on three issues March 19 — including increasing the Town Commission spending cap from $350,000 to $900,000 — there’s been little talk about the issues.

“It’s been quiet,” says Town Manager Marshall Labadie.

One reason for that, Labadie says, could be that there is little opposition to any of the three ballot questions — the spending cap, a request for up to $3.5 million for a sewer lining project, and approval of a measure to allow the supervisor of elections office to oversee the town’s election canvassing board.

Another reason, Labadie says, could be a new state law that prohibits local governments from spending tax dollars to communicate with the public on ballot questions.

“We can no longer take the extra step to explain the rationale behind the questions or to produce insight into commission discussions about the issues,” he said. “We can’t do a lot of outreach.”

Labadie added: “There might be an element of the community who won’t be knowledgeable because we don’t have the ability to educate them about the questions at hand.”

Residents can still go to the town’s website to find the referendum questions and a short explanation of how the questions were chosen, and they can reach out to town leaders with any questions.

What impact the law will have on voter turnout is still unknown, Labadie said. While there are no races for the Town Commission or other local elected office to be decided, Republican voters will go to the polls to cast their ballots in the Presidential Preference Primary, which includes former President Donald Trump.

In a change from previous elections, in-person voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Highland Beach Library, 3618 S. Ocean Blvd., instead of at St. Lucy Catholic Church.

By Mary Hladky

After eight months of protracted debate over how to implement the state’s Live Local Act in Boca Raton, City Council members on Feb. 13 cast their final votes on ordinances and city comprehensive plan changes that clear the way for developers to submit their plans for projects that include affordable housing.

Now that city rules are in place, officials expect to immediately receive many project applications from developers who have pressed council members hard to act quickly so they can build.

But the council’s work may not be finished. Bills to make changes to the state law that went into effect on July 1 were working their way through the state Legislature this session, and whatever passes may mean cities that have enacted local legislation will have to make changes to come into conformity. The session is scheduled to end on March 8.

While council members realize that many people who want to live in the city can’t afford to do so because of the surging costs of homes and apartments, implementing the state law that encourages developers to build affordable housing was fraught.

The reason is that the Live Local Act strips away the ability of local elected officials to control what is built within their borders. The law, critics contend, is a continuation of years of actions by the Legislature to assume control and override local decision-making.

“This is something that is being forced down our throats,” Council member Yvette Drucker said at a Sept. 11 meeting.

But developers who want to take advantage of financial incentives included in the law to build affordable housing wanted fast action.

“We have five (projects) that are ready to go,” prominent land use attorney Bonnie Miskel told the council on Aug. 22. “We need your help. We need to get these into the pipeline. Let’s give the market an opportunity to do it.”

Yet council members were not willing to rush ahead as they searched for whatever they could do, no matter how limited, to safeguard the city from the construction of huge developments that are not compatible with the areas in which they would be built.

The law has sparked outrage in cities across the state. In Miami-Dade County, for example, the village of Bal Harbour is seeking to block the proposed construction of a high-rise hotel and residential towers in an area where 90% of voters in 2021 rejected a proposal to build over current height limits. In Doral, city officials fought a 17-acre high-rise residential and commercial development next to a community of two-story townhomes before reaching a settlement that reduces the height of the buildings.

And there are complaints that the Live Local Act has yet to produce much housing that is actually affordable.

The law says that cities must allow multifamily and mixed-use residential in areas zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed use if at least 40% of the units are affordable for people who meet certain income criteria. The units must remain affordable for at least 30 years.

The law does not allow city leaders to restrict the density of a project below the highest allowed density on any land in the city. They can’t restrict the height below the highest allowed within 1 mile of a project. They also can’t impose rent controls.

That leaves cities able to control matters such as setbacks and parking.

Another option exists under a state statute that was amended under the Live Local Act. It allows projects to be built with only 10% affordable units in areas zoned commercial or industrial.

That is more palatable to city officials because the statute gives them discretion to impose controls. Local regulations, including those governing density and height, would not be preempted by the state.

Developers told council members they prefer that option because it allows them to build more market-rate units which are more lucrative. They shunned the 40% option because they can’t make enough profit building so many affordable units.

But projects that include only 10% affordable units won’t do much to resolve the need for more affordable housing.

So the council offered incentives that it hopes will boost the number of affordable units to at least 15%. A developer with a 10% project could build up to 20 units per acre. A 15% project could build up to 25 units per acre.

The projects cannot abut single-family properties or Palmetto Park Road east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Sidewalks and canopy trees will be required along street frontages. And affordable units cannot be of lesser quality than market-rate units in the same building.

The council also capped the number of new units that can be approved in 10% projects at 2,500 for now. If council members don’t like the new projects being built, they can put the brakes on any more construction.

In the last of a series of votes since October, the council on Feb. 13 voted 4-1 in favor of the ordinance that allows 10% projects, with Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte dissenting.
She said she strongly supports affordable housing, but disagreed with changes other council members added to the ordinance. They were micromanaging, Mayotte said, and moving far afield from the goal of getting more affordable housing.

Named Lefty because his other front flipper is missing, a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle has moved into the Mangrove Aquarium at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Photo provided

By Steve Plunkett

After an 11-month wait, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has a second “resident” sea turtle to amaze and educate its visitors.

Meet Lefty, a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle that arrived on Feb. 22 from Orlando’s SeaWorld to become the latest occupant of the Boca Raton nature center’s Mangrove Aquarium.

“He is missing most of his right front flipper and about half of his left front flipper,” said David Anderson, the city’s sea turtle conservation coordinator. “He has trouble swimming and surfacing in deep water and is non-releasable.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues permits to qualified organizations and individuals to keep threatened or endangered sea turtles in captivity for educational, research and rehabilitative purposes. A non-releasable turtle could not survive on its own in the ocean.

Anderson said there is no record of how Lefty’s injuries occurred.

“Lefty’s early history, including where he originated from, how and exactly when he arrived at a facility in Florida is unknown,” he said. “This turtle resided at Miami Seaquarium from some point prior to January 1994 through May 2023.”

Since then, the turtle was temporarily housed at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and at SeaWorld while the FWC searched for a permanent home.

Anderson said the state agency made Lefty’s situation a priority because he had been living in a rehabilitation setting for eight months and desperately needed something like Gumbo Limbo’s Mangrove Aquarium to thrive in. The mangrove exhibit is “a perfect depth and length for him to comfortably swim and surface,” he said.

“After hearing about Lefty we agreed to take him, and we are glad we did,” Anderson said. “He has settled in nicely and our staff is providing excellent care.”
Kemp’s ridley turtles are the smallest species of sea turtles in the world and one of the rarest, he said. They are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Like other turtle species, the major threats they face are loss of habitat, predation of eggs and hatchlings, vessel strikes, pollution and climate change.

Anderson also said the FWC told him that Lefty is the only permanent resident Kemp’s ridley on the east coast of Florida.

The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center had resident turtles Morgan and Cane for years until last March when the FWC ordered that the two reptiles be relocated after the city terminated its sea turtle rehabilitation coordinator and assistant coordinator.

Morgan returned to Gumbo Limbo in January.

The firings were part of a transfer of the care of the turtles from the city to the nonprofit Coastal Stewards. The group, formerly known as the Friends of Gumbo Limbo, has since hired a veterinarian and a rescue-rehabilitation coordinator and applied for a permit to resume giving medical care to sea turtles. The FWC is still reviewing the group’s application.

Morgan first came to Gumbo Limbo after being rescued in 2014. A sub-adult green turtle, she was hit by a boat and her injuries caused her to be partially paralyzed in her rear flippers.

Morgan was transferred to the Marinelife Center; Cane was taken to a facility in Stuart. The Coastal Stewards and Gumbo Limbo initially said the turtles were taking a vacation and would return soon.

“It is my understanding that Cane is doing well and has a great habitat at Florida Oceanographic Society,” said Anderson, who did not know what the FWC plans for Cane. “It is ultimately FWC’s decision to determine where particular individual turtles will be housed.”

The 28-unit Glass House Boca Raton condominium is proposed for 280 E. Palmetto Park Road. Rendering provided

By Mary Hladky

A developer has announced plans to build a nine-story condominium in the heart of downtown Boca Raton at 280 E. Palmetto Park Road.

The 28-unit Glass House Boca Raton is touted by 280 E. Palmetto Park Road LLC as “the first modern glass building” in the downtown. The two-, three- and four-bedroom condos will range from 2,550 to 3,990 square feet and are priced at $2.5 million to $6.9 million.

The developer is moving rapidly. The company submitted its plans to the city on Dec. 20, and they have received only a preliminary review. As of February, no dates had been set for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council.

Yet the developer said in a news release that it launched sales in March. Groundbreaking is slated for the first quarter of 2025, with the project expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The architect is Garcia Stromberg of West Palm Beach, whose projects in Boca Raton include the Alina Residences and the makeover of The Boca Raton. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is handling sales.

The condo will replace a former Bank of America private bank building. The developer bought the 0.62-acre site for $9.75 million in May.

A pool, jacuzzi, catering kitchen, fire pit and entertaining space will be located on the roof deck. The first floor will feature a fitness center, sauna and plunge pool, along with a residents-only lounge.

The building will have a doorman and two levels of underground air-conditioned and dehumidified parking.

Glass House is offering residents a limited number of preferred memberships with The Boca Raton, not including golf. A shuttle will take residents to the resort.
280 E. Palmetto Park Road LLC is managed by Brandon Chasen, CEO of Baltimore-based Chasen Companies, and Paul Davis, Chasen’s managing partner and chief investment officer. Adam Gottbetter, of Boca Raton’s Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club neighborhood, heads ASG Development and is the developer’s vice president of finance and development.

Gottbetter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities and mail fraud in New Jersey in 2014 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with fraud in 2015, and he agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle that case, the SEC said.

By Mary Hladky

Assistant City Manager Chrissy Gibson is now one of Boca Raton’s two deputy managers.

And the city’s longtime financial services manager, Linda Davidson, will retire on Aug. 31 after 41 years with the city.

The city has hired Jim Zervis, chief administrative officer for Kern County, California, to succeed Davidson, beginning in late March.

Gibson, a Boca Raton native and Florida Atlantic University graduate, joined the city in 2010 as the community relations manager for the Mizner Park Amphitheater. In 2015 she launched the city’s Communications and Marketing Division. She was promoted to assistant city manager in 2021.

Gibson also received a master’s degree in public administration at Nova Southeastern University last year.

“Given her demonstrated history of effective leadership and strategic insight, I am confident that she will excel in this new capacity and continue to drive positive change within our city,” said City Manager George Brown.

Until Davidson retires, she will join the city manager’s office and will work with Zervis during the transition.

Davidson joined the city in 1983 as an accountant. She has since served as Office of Management and Budget director, deputy director of financial services and became financial services director in 2010.

Davidson is a certified public accountant, certified public finance officer and certified government finance officer.

“We express our deepest gratitude to Linda for her tireless efforts, commitment and the positive impact she has had on the financial well-being of our city, as well as her love for Boca Raton,” Brown said.

Zervis told the Bakersfield Californian newspaper that he was contacted by a job recruiter late last year and found the Boca Raton position interesting. He said that he has family in Jupiter.

Davidson’s retirement marks another departure of top city administrators, starting with Deputy City Manager Mike Woika in 2022. City Manager Leif Ahnell retired on Dec. 31 and was replaced by Brown, his longtime deputy. City Attorney Diana Grub Frieser is in the city’s retirement program and will have to retire in about a year.

Construction of Interstate 95’s express lanes from just south of Glades Road to just north of Congress Avenue is over.

The project was “final-accepted” by the Florida Department of Transportation on Feb. 1, project spokeswoman Andi Pacini said.

The $148 million project included converting the Glades Road interchange to what’s called a “diverging diamond interchange” and reconstructing the Clint Moore Road bridge over the interstate.

“Huge congratulations to the team who came in on time and budget despite a complex scope of work and numerous challenges encountered during the course of the project,” Pacini said.

The FDOT started collecting tolls for the express lanes on Nov. 18. Tolls in Miami-Dade County, which was the first to get I-95 express lanes, vary from 50 cents to $10.50 depending on distance, time of day and congestion. The FDOT’s goal is to keep express lane vehicles moving at 45 to 50 mph on average.

— Steve Plunkett

Debbie Broyles, minding the store for the new owners of Fins Furs ’N Feathers, calls a customer to say pet food is ready for pickup. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Boca’s first pet store changes hands after half-century in family

By Arden Moore

In 1970, a gallon of gas cost about 40 cents. You could buy a loaf of bread for 25 cents. A new car, on average, cost $3,560. And the city of Boca Raton was home to 28,500 residents.

The cost of everything has gone up in the past 53 years and so has the population of Boca Raton, now at 99,435, according to the latest U.S. Census.

But one of the treasured constants was — and still is — a beloved pet store called Fins Furs ’N Feathers on North Federal Highway.

Broyles’ father, Charlie Holland, opened the store in 1970 on North Federal Highway. Broyles and her family sold the shop this year to Ana and Franco Lepiane, who plan to keep its name. Photo provided

Let’s travel back in time to 1970. Charlie Holland was a well-liked Boca Raton resident who worked in grocery and antique stores. He loved providing great customer service and he loved pets — and that included his prized fish aquarium in his home. There were no pet stores in Boca Raton, so he had to drive to Fort Lauderdale for fish and supplies.

At the urging of friends and his wife, Betty, he decided to combine these passions by opening the first pet shop in Boca Raton in the fall of 1970. He named his store Fins Furs ’N Feathers.

“I remember when I was 12 years old that my dad’s store was the place for kids to visit after school,” recalls Debbie Broyles. “It wasn’t unusual to see nine or 10 bicycles parked out front and inside, see kids coming to check out the turtles, birds and fish we had.

“Dad always believed in — and taught us — to treat people right. He made everyone feel welcomed who came into our store.”

Debbie and her sister, Lisa Holland, began pitching in to help the family business as teenagers and never left. They took over their dad’s business in 1999, but Charlie would make regular visits to greet people — regulars and first-timers — through the years.

Since opening day, the Hollands have focused on providing quality food, toys and supplies for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and fish. They have championed pet adoptions by working with animal rescue groups and have hosted fundraising events for pet groups. They have continued to post flyers about missing pets.

Through the past five decades, Debbie, now a mom of three and a grandmother of six (the seventh is due very soon), has witnessed the explosive growth of Boca Raton, the arrival of big box pet store chains and online pet giants like Chewy.

But what never changed was her love of pets and of helping people — just like her dad.

Charlie Holland with daughters Debbie Broyles and Lisa Holland in front of the store for its 53rd anniversary.

She posted this surprise announcement on the store’s Facebook page on Jan. 12 with a photo of her with her sister and Charlie, now 87, in a wheelchair due to a stroke:

“Lisa & I have a bittersweet announcement. Change has come to the pet shop. Our Dad had a stroke almost 2 years ago and doesn’t leave the house often. This photo is a recent visit to the shop. We hope to do more outings with him in the future. It is no longer owned by the Holland family.

“We have sold the pet shop to another pair of sisters. I’ve been trying for a few days to post this but it’s hard for me. We hope to see you and introduce you to the new owners.

I’ve worked here since I was 12 years old, and change is not easy.

“I know God has a plan and I’m trusting in it.”

The news sparked an avalanche of well wishes and fond memories from friends and longtime customers.

Among the Facebook posts:

“Lisa and Debbie, you will be missed. Mom-and-pop stores are so hard to find these days and FFF is a Boca landmark.” — June Beth Gordon

“You have done Boca and the pet world proud! Love you guys!” — Donna Williams

“You have taken care of me and my girls in the best of times and worst of times. I am forever grateful for your wisdom.” — Jill Leigh

“Debbie, it seems like only yesterday that we were buying our Koi fish from you for our pond. Of course, we bought things for our hamsters that the kids were raising. God bless you and the family.” — Diann Cundiff

The new owners, Ana and Franco Lepiane, with their son, Matteo, and Ana’s father-in-law, Tony. Photos provided

The Holland family made the decision to sell the pet store to another family, Franco and Ana Lepiane and Ana’s sister, Maria. During the transition, Debbie is still at the store and says she has not decided on an exit date. She confirmed that longtime employees Zeidy Velez and Terri Bennett plan to continue working at the store.

Ana confirmed that her family plans to keep the store’s name. Her husband, Franco, also operates a pet grooming salon in Baton Raton called Pet Pourrie. The Lepianes have also created a line of organic, chemical-free grooming products for pets called EcoSpaw.

“It is rare for a store to be in business this long and we know this is bittersweet for the Hollands,” says Ana. “We know that they go above and beyond for their customers, and we hope to do the same.”

Fins, Furs ’N Feathers
The store is at 1975 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Learn more by calling 561-391-5858 or by visiting Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100063279081448.
The new owners plan to add a website and online ordering options and offer boarding for birds and small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
They will not sell pets but will continue the store’s commitment to work with rescue groups to get companion animals adopted.

Arden Moore is an author, speaker and master certified pet first-aid instructor. She has a radio show, Arden Moore’s Four Legged Life (www.fourleggedlife.com), and the weekly Oh Behave! podcast on PetLifeRadio.com. Visit www.ardenmoore.com

The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida Chapter’s annual Star Maker Awards will honor Yaacov Heller with the Lifetime Achievement Award and raise money for scholarships, competitions and mentoring programs for performing and visual artists. The event is 6 p.m. March 26 at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Tickets are $375. ABOVE: (l-r) Co-Chairwomen Shari Upbin, Alyce Erickson (seated), Arlene Herson and Sue Heller with Yaacov. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

This year’s Star Maker Awards, the big benefit for the National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida chapter, will celebrate musical theater by showcasing the talents of young artists on the rise.

The annual extravaganza includes the presentation of scholarships to those whose performances win first, second and third places in the competition, with the No. 1 winner earning a spot at the society’s national contest in May.

“It’s wonderful to be able to present these young artists,” event Co-Chairwoman Alyce Erickson said. “They come, and they are presented, and that’s how they grow.”

The gala is set for March 26 at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, where guests will gather for the black-tie-optional evening of cocktails, cuisine and stage numbers.

“It’s a matter of giving back to the community and helping younger people,” event Co-Chairwoman Shari Upbin said. “I think our main goal, of course, is to present the scholarship winners artistically — it’s almost mind-boggling when you hear them — and to bring in funds.”

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is internationally renowned, Boca Raton-based artist Yaacov Heller. Heller’s accomplishments as a sculptor and a silversmith convey messages of acceptance, hope, love and peace, and throughout his 60-year career he has been commissioned to create historically significant works for presidents, kings and queens, heads of state and other dignitaries.

“He’s really excited,” said Kirsten Stephenson, president of the Florida chapter. “It’s nice to have someone who is really honored to be honored.”

The National Society of Arts and Letters’ mission focuses on finding talented amateurs at the beginning of their careers and providing a combination of money and opportunity for them to advance in their disciplines.

“I really feel like we all need to collaborate on the arts right now,” Stephenson said. “When we find a kid who wants to play violin, I think they need a lot more help than the kid who wants to become an engineer. When you’re dealing with kids in the arts, it’s almost an uphill battle.”

Founded in 1944, the society has 15 chapters across the country. The Florida chapter’s membership is 60 and counting.

“We’ve taken off on membership,” Stephenson said. “We’ve got a waiting list for the board. We’re in a really good place right now. But we’re not in a good place financially. We are struggling a bit because we give our money straight to the kids. We depend on the gala, so it’s very important that we do this well.”

When Susan B. Anthony, the great-niece of the women’s rights advocate, opened the doors of Wayside House in 1974, there was no way of knowing the impact it would have on helping women suffering from alcoholism.

What started in a small house near Atlantic and Northeast Sixth avenues in Delray Beach now is a thriving, highly respected addiction-treatment facility. More than 20,000 clients have been served.

Wayside House recently joined the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony heralding the organization’s 50th anniversary and announcing a branding initiative and other plans.

For more information, call 561-278-0055 or visit www.waysidehouse.net.

Plaque commemorates 75 years of airport
The Boca Raton Airport dazzled attendees with its 75th anniversary dinner and reception that took place inside the Signature Flight Support hangar.

The event featured a cocktail reception and presentations throughout the night. The reception welcomed current and past board members, employees, tenants and local and state dignitaries. All were treated to such activities as an interactive photo booth, virtual reality experiences and a live band. The highlight occurred when city officials presented the airport with a plaque recognizing 75 years of service to the general public.

For more information, call 561-391-2202 or visit https://bocaairport.com/75years.

$1 million gift will go to Bethesda East project
Baptist Health Foundation will use the planned gift of $1 million that the late Carl DeSantis pledged to support the renovation of the emergency department at Bethesda Hospital East.

DeSantis, who died last year at age 84, was an entrepreneur involved in the creation of Sundown Vitamins (later known as Rexall Sundown) and Celsius energy drinks. He and his family turned to the hospital for care for years, and his appreciation for the institution and its staff led him to leave the funds.

“We are so honored to have had the long partnership with Mr. DeSantis over the years,” said Kimberley Trombly-Burmeister, senior director of development. “We are grateful for this impactful gift that will assist with our emergency department renovation campaign and get us that much closer to our fundraising goal.”

For more information, call 561-737-7733, ext. 84428, or visit baptisthealth.net/foundation.

Junior League readies for Week of Impact
Hundreds of volunteers are preparing to make a difference March 11-16 during the Junior League of Boca Raton’s annual Week of Impact initiative.

Projects include reading to students at Plumosa School of the Arts, participating in food drives at Boca Helping Hands, delivering feminine hygiene supplies and gathering prom dresses and accessories.

The public is invited to participate in all three efforts benefiting not only Boca Helping Hands but also Cereal4All and Prom Beach.

For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit www.jlbr.org.

Town Center food court serves up holiday cheer
For the eighth consecutive year, Town Center at Boca Raton joined Boca Helping Hands to make the holidays brighter for the community’s underserved.
The shopping center and the nonprofit organized the North Pole-themed Christmas Day Feast in the food court. Attendees — close to 500 in all — experienced five-star treatment, with fresh flowers on the tables, balloon pillars and candy canes.

The third annual event welcomed more than 350 guests who helped generate nearly $250,000 for the Hanley Foundation to fund scholarships that aim to save students from drug addiction. Board members John and Michelle Makris chaired the benefit that honors their son, who died at age 23 from an overdose. ‘We observed a change in Brice’s behavior toward the end of his senior year at Florida State University,’ Michelle Makris said. ‘Within weeks of this discovery, he began treatment. We learned that addiction is a brain disorder; it’s a disease. Tragically, the disease overcame our son, and we’re sharing his story to help other parents who are fighting in their kids’ corner to battle this disease.’
ABOVE: (l-r) Skeets Friedkin, Tia Crystal and Jan Savarick.

George and Andrea O’Rourke.

Amy Gottlieb and April Lewis. Photos provided

Baptist Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser drew more than 150 guests, including members of the Giving Society and other donors to Bethesda Hospital, who collectively helped raise nearly $400,000. The money will go toward the campaign to renovate the emergency department at Bethesda Hospital East. ‘The emergency department is often the front door of the hospital for many in our community,’ foundation Vice President Barbara James said. ‘Patients and their families depend on the expert care of our emergency medicine physicians, nurses and staff as well as our equipment and technology.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Melissa and Jeff Pheterson and Laura and Dr. Steve Litinsky.

Ben and Barbara Lucas.

Brenda Pumilia and Rebecca Walsh.

Mary Ann and Mark Ronald.

Mary Blum and Michele Burns.

Photos provided by Capehart

Major benefactors and their friends turned out for a special evening affair paying tribute to the Kravis Center’s Founder members. CEO Diane Quinn kicked off the event by saying, ‘Last year, we celebrated 30 years of providing exceptional performing arts and arts education programming to our community. I did not think we could top last season’s activities that our programming team arranged, but our current classical music series and our Broadway series have been stellar. These … would not be possible without you and your support of this landmark performing arts center.’
ABOVE: Aggie and Jeff Stoops. Photo provided by Capehart

Les Girls of Palm Beach celebrated its 52nd seasonal soiree attended by 44 women representing 29 countries. The group united to enjoy shared values of loyalty, travel, openness to new experiences and friendships. TOP: (l-r) Jacoba Bill, Virginia Pellitieri, Poon Pierce and Christiane Francois.

(l-r) Gus Melander, Peter Isaacs, Joe Betras and Ravi Chopra.

(l-r) Margaret Kallman, Rita Sullivan, Henya Betras and Martina Covarrubias, Les Girls of Palm Beach president. Photos provided by Jacek Gancarz

Good humor and giggles were in abundance at the Delray Beach Public Library’s 17th annual fundraiser. It unfolded under the stars on the grounds of the pavilion and featured a casual night of cocktails, supper-by-the-bite and comedy. The headliner was Nick Thune, a well-known stand-up. The event raised more than $250,000 and was attended by 350 patrons. TOP: (l-r) Jordan Mansour, Hillary MacDonald, C. J. Minardi, Dr. Francesca Lewis, Jessica Minardi and Dr. A. J. Lewis.

Tremaine and Jennifer Atkinson.

J.R. and Nadia Davis.

Jeremiah and Lindsey Flores.

(l-r) Co-Chairwomen Jacqueline Owen, Paige Eber, Amanda Perna and Lynsey Kane. Photos provided

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County welcomed more than 100 people to the launch of its 19th season of arts and culture discussions. This year’s theme is ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward,’ and the first installment, titled ‘Sages,’ featured a conversation between William Hayes and Michael McKeever.
Hayes is the producing artistic director and a founding member of Palm Beach Dramaworks. McKeever is an award-winning playwright, actor and designer. All proceeds from the series support the council’s mission to grow the local arts scene. RIGHT: Kyle Lucks and Agata Ren.
Photo provided by Jacek Gancarz

In February, we priced Old Fashioned well cocktails and found they differed. The classic recipe is 2 ounces of whiskey, sugar, bitters and a drop of orange flavor over ice. At the Wine Room (above), it was $16. Kapow’s was $12. Sweetwater’s well, made with Michter’s bourbon and a 2.5-ounce pour, was $15. And at the Blue Anchor British Pub in Delray Beach, a well Old Fashioned was $7. Photo provided by Michael Albanese

By Jan Norris

It’s not just food costs in restaurants that have tongues wagging. Cocktail prices are prompting some imbibers to do double takes when viewing their bar tabs.
Some cocktail menus have drinks up to $24 on their lists, when not long ago, an $18 glass was considered pricey.

Drink prices have gone up, says Vaughan Dugan, owner of Kapow in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Bars and restaurants can absorb only so much inflation before the customer check is affected.

“Bar ingredients are up, just like food costs. Limes have gone up 100%. We’re always following the price of citrus,” Dugan said. But while food prices are easier to swallow in some cases, he said, “we don’t love putting $24 cocktails on the menu. We don’t want customers hurting in their wallets before they sit down to eat.”

Most of Kapow’s cocktails are $18 or under.

“Cocktails used to be cheap,” said Bob Higginbotham, a former manager for several bars in the area and now a bar consultant living in Mexico. Bar sales were easy profit makers for both bars and restaurants. “But the game is changed,” he said.

“Remember all that’s new. Take, for instance, publicity. Restaurants 15, 20 years ago didn’t have publicists, unless they were a big name. Now they have to have PR people, social media people to manage all the Instagram, TikTok and other online accounts, and photographers to take pictures of menus as they change. Who needed menu photos long ago?

There was nowhere to post them.”

Ambiance is important because of social media as well. Special lighting to make customers and drinks look good, bold decor and photo-friendly drink presentation all come at a cost.

Higginbotham also points to restaurant leases. “Rents in South Florida are insane,” he said.

Sean Iglehart, owner of Sweetwater’s in Boynton Beach, said several fees required for business operations also have escalated. He’s working around “skyrocketing insurance” fees that all who serve alcohol must pay. The cost has soared in the past two years, he said, and “we’re paying $3,000 a month.”

Staffing also has affected drink costs. It’s difficult to retain good workers, when and if you can find them, Iglehart said.

“Before the pandemic, I had a staff retention of 90-plus percent. But after that, a lot of the people got out of the business altogether and decided they didn’t want to work these hours.”

The pendulum is swinging back to the employer, he said, but wages are still up, and that is reflected in the glass.

Higginbotham said, “A while back, the bartender would come in to work a half-hour early to cut up limes and set out cherries and garnishes. They now have full-time positions for bar prep.

“All these hidden costs go into the bill.”

Dugan agreed. “We don’t use bar backs. Some of the work that the mixologists do is as complex as the chef’s. They’re using commercial equipment.”

That includes sous-vide, infusion tools for spirits and more. “They’re playing in the culinary sandbox now,” he said. “You see a dish on the menu like my Peking duck. I don’t spell out all the work that goes into making it. At the bar, the customer doesn’t see the complexity that goes into their drink as it’s not spelled out.”

In a restaurant or a bar, owners set out a cost percentage in which they aim to make a profit. Dugan gives this example: “Take the raw cost of a negroni, which I approximate at Sipsmith gin, $1.34; Campari, $1.33; Dolin sweet vermouth, $.73; clear cut ice, $.75; grapefruit peel garnish, $.20. That’s $4.35.

“If I sold it at $16, I’m at a 27.19% food cost. If I wanted to get that down to the industry standard of 20%, I’d have to price that negroni at $21.75.

“I could use a less expensive gin, Campari and vermouth, but these make a great negroni, and that’s the experience we want our guests to have. So we sell a bunch of single-liquor drinks like vodka and soda that help us hit that overall ideal cost percentage.”

Customer perception of value in the glass counts, too.

Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, Dugan said, especially when the bill appears with an up-charge. He pointed to complaints from customers for a “rocks” charge. “The customer doesn’t realize they’re getting twice the alcohol in the glass,” Dugan said.

Then there’s a $2 charge for a special ice cube that appeared on a check at a Boca Raton steakhouse, bringing a plethora of comments from shocked readers in an online forum.

“We talk about ice cubes,” Dugan said. “If you’re going to put a fancy cube in a drink, it’s usually for a quality drink. It’s our place to educate the consumer and let them know we’re using quality ingredients to justify it. I just build it into the drink cost. Nobody likes to be surprised when they get their check.”

He uses a $1 up-charge for the cubes if the customer requests them in a special Japanese whiskey, for instance.

“But that’s almost our cost. The special clear ice cube costs us almost $1 each. You can get them cheaper if you go with cloudy ice, but who wants that in their glass?”

He said most places buy ice to cut down on freezer space and on pouring molds and getting them just right, which would not be worth the time. “And to get perfectly clear ice is an art form.”

Speaking of glasses, Dugan uses specially designed tiki glasses for a signature “What’s New Pussycat” drink.

“We have about 40% of them stolen. We just chalk it up to our marketing budget. Go into an apartment in Boca or West Palm Beach and you may find one or two of the mugs with our logo. So it’s residual advertising.” He laughed, but said it’s “quite a bit of glassware” for which he has to budget.

“Not everything goes into a pint glass, either. So we have to have a variety of glasses.”

Blake Malatesta, executive chef at the Wine Room in Delray Beach, agreed that bar costs today have to be figured as food costs.

“Yes, it’s spirits and garnishes, but some of the other things are hidden. The back end of everything in the restaurant. Labor that goes into producing it and then serving, glassware, chemicals to wash the glasses, and so on. So when everything goes up, it makes the check prices go up,” Malatesta said.

He points out that alcohol profits are still greater than food’s. “There are larger margins on booze. A bottle of vodka costs you $20, and you’re getting 15 shots out of it. Think that a martini costs you $15.”

The fancy ice cubes, which customers ask for, do cost the bar up to $1.50 after tax and delivery are added in. “Ice is a big thing now. There are companies in the area where you can buy squares, prisms, spheres, or even get flowers put in it. Charging for it is interesting, but I’d build it into the cost of the drink. For me, even with menu items, I build it into the cost,” Malatesta said.

But the price should also be justified by the quality of the drink, he said. “You’re not going to put a fancy ice cube in a well drink.”

In a comparison with food, he said: “When you’re paying $25 for a burger, it should be an exceptional, quality burger. If you spend $20 on a cocktail, you should get quality ingredients.”

Cocktail programs have changed, Malatesta said, but seem to be trending toward classics again. “I find when it comes to food and beverage, it’s cyclical.

“Cocktails got a little crazy. When molecular gastronomy came about, especially. Nitrogen, smoke. Bars hired bar preppers. They actually have hawkers — bar chefs — who create the infused spirits and tinctures, bitters, all the house-made garnishes and simple syrups.”

Now, Malatesta said, most customers just want a well-built drink. People are focusing on properly created cocktails.

“I enjoy a cocktail more than most. I often go to Avalon. I get a negroni, and have it made with Monkey 47, a special gin from Germany, made with botanicals from the Black Forest. It’s $18. But it’s one of the best drinks I’ve ever had.”

Dugan said customer preferences help drive the market. At the West Palm Beach Kapow, “Tequila is still king of the castle.” In Boca Raton’s Kapow, the drinkers are a bit older, and the go-to quaff is a classic gin and tonic.

“We’re known for those there. We have gins from all over the world: Japan, Holland and the phenomenal German gin, Monkey 47.”

The bottom line is that people go out and order drinks to have a good experience, Dugan said.

“After all, that’s the business we’re in, hospitality. Making our guests happy.”

He prices drinks to get repeat customers. “We want them to come in and have a good time.”

In brief: Enter from the alley behind the Wine Room in Delray Beach to discover Radcliffe’s, a new speakeasy serving upscale food and drinks, and putting on a jazz club at the same time. The daily password to get in is written outside the back door and posted to Radcliffe’s social media pages. It is currently open only Wednesday through Saturday for dinner; 411 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. ... In Boca Raton, a Chicago import, Mia Rosebud, at 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, makes its debut. It’s part of the Rosebud group of restaurants, famous as Italian steakhouses and favored by the likes of Sinatra and his gang. ...
Road closure alert: The annual Savor the Avenue, a 5-block-long dinner party in the middle of Atlantic Avenue, is March 25. Tickets for the coveted seats are available through the participating restaurants. For details, go to https://downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave.

Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com

Cason United Methodist Church will coordinate the sunrise service again this year by the Delray Beach Pavilion. Photo provided

By Janis Fontaine

On Easter Sunday, falling this year on March 31, hundreds of Christians will get up extra-early to go to a sunrise service held by one of our local churches.

Some will go to the beach in shorts and flip-flops while others will gather in a sanctuary, dressed in their Easter best. Still others will show up at a place of worship they see only a couple of times a year.

CNN, Christianity Today, Gallup, Pew Research Center and many church pastors agree: More people attend church on Easter, Christianity’s most important holiday, than any other day. Christmas and Mother’s Day are the second- and third-highest days of attendance.

Gathered for 45 to 90 minutes, congregations will pray and sing and listen to the resurrection story, greet friends and neighbors with smiles and hugs, then go home to Easter Sunday breakfast or maybe brunch at a local restaurant.

But for most churches and the pastors who run them, Holy Week begins way before Sunday. Even though Christmas has a lot more bells and whistles, pastors spend more time on their Easter messages than any other.

At St. Lucy Catholic Church, on Holy Thursday — also called Maundy Thursday — Father Brian Horgan plans to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which marks the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. The seder marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day period from Thursday night to Sunday that memorializes the Last Supper and Jesus’s arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper generally focuses on three changes Jesus taught his disciples: the Eucharist or Holy Communion, the establishment of a ministry, and the new commandment of love that Jesus gave his apostles as he washed their feet.

This commandment of loving each other appears 13 times in the New Testament, most often quoted from John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you … ” and “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

It was Jesus’s most central message, a cornerstone of Christian faith, and yet it’s one we ignore every day.

As you make your way to services and Masses, remember those words. And thank the people who do the heavy lifting to make Easter celebrations possible. Here’s a summary of what’s coming up this year:

Beach service in Delray
Pastor David Schmidt of Cason United Methodist Church and his staff are coordinating an interfaith celebration at sunrise on Easter Sunday on the beach near the Delray Beach Pavilion — pending final approval from the city of Delray Beach. Cason has been a presence at Easter sunrise services for decades; still, check with the church or the city before you set your alarm clock.

The event itinerary features Easter messages from Bishop Michael Brennen, senior pastor at Ebenezer Wesleyan Methodist Church, and Rabbi Marc Labowitz, the spiritual leader of TAO in Weston.

TAO, also called Temple Adath Or, shares teachings rooted in the Bible, the Torah, Kabbalah and other traditional Jewish sources.
The service takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., with live music from the praise band.

Cason United  Methodist Church
Following the sunrise service, the church will offer an Easter service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, with music and a butterfly release.
342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-276-5302 or www.casonumc.org

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Easter Sunday begins with a Beachside Eucharist at 6:30 a.m. at the South Beach Park pavilion, at the end of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. Services at the church are at 7:30, 9 and 11:15 a.m. (with incense). A 6 p.m. Easter Eucharist is also planned.

Maundy Thursday services with optional foot-washing are planned at noon and 6:30 p.m.

On Good Friday, a service is planned from noon to 3 p.m. with guest speakers. Parishioners are invited to come for all or part of the service. A second Good Friday service takes place at 6:30 p.m.100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-395-8285 or www.stgregorysepiscopal.org

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
The church is hosting a special sunrise service in the sanctuary. The service begins in the dark and gradually lightens as the resurrection story is told. The service is followed by breakfast and, at 9:30 a.m., a second service with several baptisms. Following that is an Easter Egg Hunt outside, and the day wraps up with the Unplugged Service at 11:45 a.m.
3300A S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-732-3060

First Presbyterian Church
Services are planned at 9 and 11 a.m. Easter Sunday. But much of the excitement is about the annual Easter Egg Extravaganza, which takes place at noon on Palm Sunday, March 24. With dozens of eggs to find and pizza for lunch, this is a must-do for kids. 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. 561-276-6338 or firstdelray.com

Church of the Palms
Holy Week services are Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday at 7 p.m. and the Easter service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Todd Petty says a butterfly release is planned after the Sunday service. The monarch butterflies, which come from a farm in Orlando, are spiritually significant, representing rebirth and transformation. 1960 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-276-6347 or churchofthepalms.net

Ascension Lutheran Church
The church’s celebrations begin at 10:30 a.m. March 24 (Palm Sunday), and continue at noon on Maundy Thursday, with the stripping of the altar. The Good Friday service at 7 p.m. features a Tenebrae service of lights; and the Easter Sunday service begins at 10:30 a.m. 2925 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-732-2929

Advent Lutheran Church
A sunrise service begins at 7 a.m. on Easter followed by a traditional service at 9. At 10:30 is a contemporary service. 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. 561-395-3632

St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church
Easter Sunday services take place at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. (with the “overflow” service in the family life center at 9:10 a.m.), and 11 a.m. (overflow at 11:10 a.m.). 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-243-3863

First United Methodist Church
The church is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt & Festival at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday. 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-395-1244; fumcbocaraton.org

Boca Raton Community Church
A Good Friday service is planned at 7 p.m. On Easter, services are at 9 and 11 a.m. 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. 561-395-2400 or www.bocacommunity.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Maundy Thursday service is at 7 p.m. followed by Nightwatch, 8:30 to midnight. This vigil serves as a reminder that the apostles fell asleep after eating and drinking lots of wine instead of keeping watch.

The Liturgy of Good Friday is at noon. The Liturgy of the Seven Last Words is at 1:30 p.m., and the Stations of the Cross are presented at 2:30.

On Easter Eve, a 4 p.m. family service is planned.

Easter Sunday services are at 9 and 11 a.m., with an egg hunt sandwiched in between at 10:30. 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-276-4541 or stpaulsdelray.org

Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Holy Saturday, a traditional Polish Blessing of the Food, takes place at 9 a.m. At 7 p.m., a vigil Mass begins.

Easter Masses are at 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon. At 2 p.m. a Latin Mass Extraordinary Form takes place. 1000 W. Lantana Road, Lantana. 561-585-5970 or holyspiritlantana.com

Contact religion columnist Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com.

First Presbyterian welcomes guest preacher Michael B. Brown to the pulpit on March 10.

Brown is an author, motivational speaker and the former senior minister at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, America’s oldest existing Protestant congregation. With roots dating to 1628, the church became an American institution in the ensuing centuries.

In 1932, the renowned Norman Vincent Peale found his way to MCC and over the next half-century he transformed it into one of the best-known churches in the world. Peale gained notoriety for his written work The Power of Positive Thinking (1952), which has sold more than 20 million copies.

Like his predecessor, Brown praises positivity. He is the author of six self-help books, including 2020’s The Love Principle: Daily Practices for a Loving & Purposeful Life and Love Is the Way: Ten Steps to Discovering Personal Happiness, published in 2018.

Brown believes the recipe to meaning, healthy relationships and joy in life begins with “practical positivity.”

Services are at 9 and 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St. Visit firstdelray.com.

Managing your biases
“Recognizing and Managing Your Personal Biases,” a lecture and discussion led by Gail Price-Wise, MS, co-founder of the Florida Center for Cultural Competence, takes place at Temple Sinai, 2475 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, at 6:30 p.m. March 5.

This course is designed to uncover unconscious thoughts about others and recognize our tendency to divide the world into “us” and “them.” The event is sponsored by the Anti-Bias Coalition, formed by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Temple Sinai and the Islamic Center of Boca Raton.

To attend, call 561-276-6161, ext. 205.

Fashion show, luncheon
St. Lucy Church Council of Catholic Women presents its annual Swing Into Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 7 at Delray Beach Club, 2001 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. A donation of $75 is requested. If you cannot attend, a donation would be greatly appreciated. Call Suzie Hiles at 561-702-4975.

Friday Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus at Ascension Boca is serving a Friday Fish Fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent through March 22.

These $12 dinners of baked or fried fish are served with fries or a baked potato and coleslaw. Extras include clam chowder and conch fritters, at $5 each. Soda is $1. Dine inside, carry out or drive through. A 50/50 raffle benefiting the Diocesan seminarians is planned. $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20.

Ascension Catholic Church is at 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. 561-997-5486 or ascensionboca.org

Women’s group
The Garden at Advent Lutheran is a monthly gathering for women to grow together “in the Word, in Worship and in Wonder of Jesus.”

Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Advent Lutheran Church, 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. The next meeting is March 12. Call 561-395-3632 or email thegardenadvent@adventboca.org

Italian Night
The annual St. Lucy Italian Night Dinner Dance takes place at 5:30 p.m. March 16 in the St. Lucy Parish Center, 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. A seven-course dinner with beer, wine and soda is planned. Music by Gino DeMarco. Gift baskets, door prizes. Tickets, $75, are available after all weekend Masses and at the rectory. Call 561-715-0017.

Spring Fling
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County presents its annual Spring Fling at 7 p.m. March 28, at Symphony Hall in Sinai Residences East Campus, 21036 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton.

The guest speaker is Jonathan Adler, an American potter, designer and author. $75 includes cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. A minimum gift of $360 to the 2024 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County annual campaign is required. 561-852-3163 or email marissav@bocafed.org.

Grant writer sought
A volunteer grant writer is needed at St. Gregory’s. If you have experience researching and writing grant proposals, contact Kristen Chaney at kchaney@st-gregorys.com. St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.

Pajama drive
First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is holding a pajama and book drive through March 31 at the church for children and youth of Milagro Center. New pajamas in children’s sizes 6-16 and adult sizes S, M and L are being collected. New non-religious books for elementary through high school students are also being collected.
First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St. firstdelray.com or 561-276-6338.

Concerts, films and performances
• First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach 2024 Concert Series continues with a performance of “Broadway & Opera Classics” at 4 p.m. March 10 at the church. It features members of the FPC choir with Don Cannarozzi at the piano. $20. 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. firstdelray.com

• Cantor Netanel Hershtik & Big Band Orchestra perform at 7:30 p.m. March 13 at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. $30-$80 members, $40-$105 nonmembers at www.btcboca.org/cs. Info: 561-392-8566 or info@bnai-torah.org.

• Music at St. Paul’s has reorganized its schedule; the next concert, at 3 p.m. March 17, features pianist Jose Lopez and “Stars of David — the Judaic Muse II,” with music of 19th century Jewish composers for piano. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-278-6003 or musicstpauls.org

• A concert titled “Triumph of the Human Spirit” and featuring music from Les Misérables and The Sound of Music takes place at 8 p.m. March 18 and 19 at Spanish River Church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Performers include David Burnham, Kathy Voytko, Randal Keith, Heidi Webster and Andrew Ragone. Tickets start at $39. www.spanishriverconcerts.org

• “Fascinating Sephardim” is a film series presented in partnership with the Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County, whose mission is to preserve and promote Sephardic culture and the Ladino language, while providing educational and social activities. 

Screenings are at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, March 27 (Rhodes Forever, 2003), April 17 (The Last Jews of Libya, 2007) and May 22 (The Key from Spain, 2000) at the Levis JCC Sandler Center, 21050 95th Ave. S. in Boca Raton. General admission is $10 per film. Visit levisjcc.org/culture or call 561-558-2520.

Send religion notes to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com.

The sunset provides a colorful background for yoga on the beach at the Seagate club. Jan Engoren/The Coastal Star

By Jan Engoren

With Van Morrison’s Moondance setting the tone, Delray Beach yoga instructor Corey Heyman welcomed her Full Moon class of yogis and yoginis to the Seagate Beach Club with dabs of essential oil — either full moon or grounding.

About 25 people, mostly women, got towels and Fiji water (courtesy of the Seagate) and laid down their yoga mats in the sand — with the ocean and anticipated full moon in front and the sun and anticipated sunset in back.

Class began with a 10-minute meditation and gentle stretching followed by “not too many chaturangas,” due to the uneven surface of the sand.

Madeline Burger, Seagate’s director of wellness and fitness, said the genesis of yoga on the beach grew out of the coronavirus pandemic when the club recognized a need for stress reduction and mental health wellness.

“We wanted to create a sanctuary for people to come, move, breathe and connect,” she says, “and to create a sense of community. Corey is a key player in the wellness community here in Delray Beach and we, and her students, love having her here.”

The 60-minute, vinyasa flow class is open to the public and includes a lunar meditation, moon salutations and yoga poses, followed by a moonlight savasana.

Heyman, 32, founded and runs the Coco Market — a wellness-centered event — the first Sunday of every month at Old School Square.

“I’m grateful to have this platform in which to shine and build more community,” she says. “By offering their space, members and services to the public at large, the Seagate Beach Club has elevated this experience for anyone who is interested.”

She says finding yoga has connected her more to her body and to her spirit.

“Yoga allows me to feel something greater — more of a spiritual element,” Heyman says. “It has made me stronger, and the stillness has given me a sense of peace.”
Heyman, who formerly worked in the substance abuse community, took a yoga class with her dad in 2019 and says, “I realized this was meant for me. It was divine intervention. I found peace I never had.”

She completed her teacher training during the pandemic, and her parents were her first clients.

At the Seagate, Heyman times her lunar yoga classes so attendees can see the sun setting in one pose and the moon rising in the next.

Two of her devotees are Gina Oriend, 48, who works in hospitality management in Delray Beach, and Joy Rico, 70, a retired dermatologist.

Oriend, who has a background in dance and gymnastics, says she was searching for yoga on the beach when she met Heyman.

“Corey has an inviting aura about her and a calming presence,” she says. “She has come into her own through yoga. Her classes are low-key and not intimidating and she is good at what she does.”

Rico, a member of the Seagate Country Club, says the yoga classes are one of the best reasons to join the club.

She especially likes being outdoors and witnessing nature. “Even if you just sit on your towel and breathe, you are doing yoga,” she says.

Rico credits Heyman for creating a welcoming event.

“Corey is respectful of her students, a great leader with a positive outlook.

“Here and with Coco Market, she created a community of beautiful, like-minded people. She’s a thoughtful and creative person, working to better her community.”

Namaste.

If You Go
What: Full-moon yoga
Where: Seagate Beach Club, 401 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach
When: 6:30 p.m. March 24, 7 p.m. April 23 and May 22
Cost: $20
Info: seagatedelray.com/events; 561-330-3775

Outdoor yoga
Yoga at the Beach, through Boca Raton Community Center: full moon yoga classes, sunset yoga classes and workout yoga at Red Reef Park East and West. yoga-at-the-beach.com; 561-393-7807
Leslie Glickman and Yoga Journey: Yoga in the Park, 9 a.m. Saturdays at Sanborn Square in Boca Raton. yogajourney.com; 561-479-7819
Bamboo Garden Yoga: 88 SE Fourth Ave., Delray Beach. Registration required. 561-665-1770; bamboogardenyoga.com
Wild Sky Yoga with Sara: Beach yoga at the south end of Delray Beach, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursdays, from November to May. 561-305-4952

Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.

Dr. Joseph Ricotta, national medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare, recently completed his 350th transcarotid artery revascularization procedure since 2018.

TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery disease.

“Performing 350 successful TCAR procedures displays our team’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art treatment for patients with carotid artery disease and preventing stroke,” said Ricotta, professor of surgery and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine Delray Medical Center. “It gives us the unique ability to offer all available treatment options to people in need, including TCAR, carotid stenting, surgical carotid endarterectomy, and medical management under one umbrella.”

Being able to provide this lifesaving treatment is humbling, Ricotta said. In 2020, he received the national TCAR Clinical Operator of Excellence distinction, awarded by Silk Road Medical, the manufacturer of the TCAR device. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, he has earned consistent recognition as a National Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and has written more than 300 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
     
Palm Beach Health Network has introduced a new tagline: “Stronger Together. For You.”

Its network includes six hospitals: Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. The network also includes free-standing emergency rooms, imaging centers, surgery centers and a team of physicians. 

“We are thrilled to unveil our new tagline, ‘Stronger Together. For You,’” said Maggie Gill, group president for Tenet Healthcare. “This mantra represents our continued commitment to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive health care services in Palm Beach County. We are proud of our long-standing role as a pillar in the community.”
  
Heather Havericak was recently named the chief operating officer of Delray Medical Center. She will manage daily operations and oversee the development and implementation of long-range plans, goals and objectives for the hospital.

Previously, Havericak was at Broward Health, where she served in various leadership roles for 17 years. 

Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.