Merrilee Lundquist, Ocean Ridge Garden Club sustainable project chairwoman, presents a plaque to Dr. Jim Weege in honor of his dedication and long-term service to sustaining the koi pond at Ocean Ridge Town Hall. Photo provided

Residents at Rustic Retreat, an assisted living facility, were treated to poinsettias and doughnuts by the Boynton Beach Garden Club. Club member Cyndy DiVeto was at Home Depot by 6 a.m. on Black Friday loading up her car with 30 of the festive red holiday plants — at 99 cents each — and three hours later they were gracing the tables of the facility on North Federal Highway, which is home to 25 residents. This is the 10th year the club has brightened the holidays at the retreat. ‘I’m absolutely thrilled. I’m very happy about it,’ said resident Nana Hunter, 91. ABOVE: Club member Rosemarie Peterson and Hunter chat after the holiday treats were distributed.
Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Living up to its name, Spanish bayonet is a tough plant with a very sharp point.

By Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley

‘Don’t get poked by that Spanish bayonet,” says Jane Thompson, pointing to a plant aptly named for its spiky foliage. Her timely warning comes as she leads me on a tour of the Indian Trails Native Nursery in Lake Worth.

We begin our tour in the demonstration garden that lets you see how well native plants work in the landscape. The area is divided into outdoor rooms as well as ecosystems, including an above-ground bog garden and a coastal maritime hammock, plus an area of mature plants.

Thompson sells about 60 species of native and Florida-friendly trees, shrubs, grasses, ground covers, wildflowers and aquatics to the public at wholesale prices on Saturdays and by appointment. Many of the plants she propagates herself from seeds or cuttings. 

Thompson’s mother died recently and while at her Lakeland home, she collected 1,000 acorns from a path her mother regularly walked. Returning home, she planted them.

When they sprout and grow, she will have Pearl’s Crop named in honor of her mom.

Thompson credits her mother for helping her develop a love of nature. She remembers as a child spending hours with her watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom on television. “I loved that program,” Thompson says.

She also remembers growing up near her grandfather’s farm in Gales Ferry, Conn., where she often ate strawberries while weeding the berry patch.

Her grandfather would point his finger at her and tell her to stop eating the crop. She didn’t understand how he knew until she went home and looked in a mirror. Her “crime” was as plain as the smile on her face covered in berry juice.

Although Thompson has had a successful career in computer technology, the birth of her first child led her to want to leave the “cutthroat, dog-eat-dog, climb-the-ladder, white-collar business environment” and work closer to home.

That’s when she cashed in her retirement account and bought an already operating native plant nursery on 10 acres just next door.

“When I started, I knew nothing about native plants. But I didn’t mind hard work,” she says.

And she was excited to find herself “immersed in this wonderful community of native growers who were environmentally conscious folks who embraced me with open arms,” says Thompson.

It took her about two years of hard work and study to become truly native savvy. But today, with the economy back on track, she’s found people are increasingly interested in using native plants — especially trees — in their landscapes.

“There is a large push to re-green and enhance the canopy that’s been devastated by storms and development,” she says.

Natives are beneficial because they require less fertilizer, less water and fewer pesticides — which translates to their costing less money, being easier to maintain and better for the environment than a yard full of exotics such as bougainvillea, hibiscus and showy palms. They also attract many birds, bees and butterflies.

ABOVE: Indian Trails has a demonstration garden that includes coastal tolerant plants such as this blooming spider lily, horizontal coco plum and beach sunflower.  BELOW: The fingernail-size bloom of the native twinflower.  Photos by Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

Walking from the lush demo garden to the nursery’s sales area, we arrive at a large display of 6-inch pots filled with native wildflowers, with many already attracting butterflies.

Thompson also shows me 3-gallon pots filled with larger shrubs, trees and grasses such as Bahama coffee, pink muhly grass and sweetbay magnolia, which Thompson says is a popular choice.

We keep walking and arrive at a miniature forest of 7- to 30-gallon pots filled with slash pines, live oaks, gumbo limbos, Florida privets and more.

Of course, the slower growing the plant, the harder it is to propagate; and the rarer it is, the more expensive it will be. Thompson urges readers to check her website for price and availability of stock.

After years of seeing landscapes featuring multicolored trinette, ficus bushes and ixora, Thompson is happy that more and more gardeners are discovering the ease and beauty of going native.

Gardening tip

“People are learning that native plants can be used in multiple ways in just about any landscape. If you need a hedge, there’s Jamaican caper. Thatch palms are the perfect tree to fill a corner. Crabwood can be used as a buffer between neighbors. And a thick carpet of sunshine mimosa can replace sod. Even if you have only a small yard or patio, native plants can be used to advantage. Place a native twinflower in a hanging pot or a small crabwood in a large container. You can picture them on a porch.

— Jane Thompson, owner of Indian Trails Native Nursery,  Lake Worth

Contact Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley at debhartz@att.net.

If You Go

Where: Indian Trails Native Nursery, 6315 Park Lane W., Lake Worth.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; weekdays by appointment only (strictly enforced); closed Sundays.

Information: 641-9488 or indiantrails.vpweb.com; Check web page for plant availability and wholesale-to-the-public pricing.

What you should know: Owner Jane Thompson supports veterans and children’s gardening projects such as those sponsored by the Scouts and local schools. Contact her for more information.

At the Juno Beach pier, Jose Villanueva shows two of the Spanish mackerel he caught using a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow lure.

By Willie Howard

Cool weather of the late fall and winter brings schools of hard-fighting Spanish mackerel to the coast of Palm Beach County.

Often called simply “Spanish,” the slender silver fish with golden spots on their sides can be found in shallow water along the county’s beaches as well as the inshore waters of the Lake Worth Lagoon from October through March.

Casting jigs, spoons or lures from the Lake Worth Pier, the Boynton Inlet jetties or the inshore waters around Lantana’s Ocean Avenue Bridge can produce Spanish mackerel, especially after a cold front.

Casting lures for Spanish mackerel include the chrome Gotcha lure (top), the Kastmaster casting spoon and the half-ounce Gulfstream Flash Minnow jig.

Popular lures for Spanish include Gulfstream Flash Minnow jigs (try the half-ounce jig in the chartreuse/pearl color), Gotcha lures and silver surf-casting spoons such as Kastmasters.

Lures need not be fancy. Some creative anglers put hooks and small weights into 2-inch sections of drinking straws or green surgical tubing to create mackerel jigs.

Leader is important because toothy mackerel can sever fishing line with ease. Try tying on mackerel lures and jigs with about 2 feet of 40-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, or use a trace of No. 4 wire to guard against cutoffs.

Spanish like fast-moving baits, so don’t be shy after casting. Let your lure, spoon or jig sink for a few seconds, then reel fast, pausing now and then. Twitch the rod tip a few times until you develop a rhythm that triggers strikes from aggressive Spanish.

For casting at Spanish, a 7-foot, medium-action spinning rod and reel spooled with 30-pound braided line (or 20-pound monofilament line) will get the job done. Just add leader and the jig, spoon or lure.

For trolling — a good way to find Spanish when fishing from a boat — use a conventional rod holding 20- to 30-pound-test line. Rig the trolling rod with a small cigar weight, a swivel and a trolling spoon such as a 3-inch Clarkspoon. (Use about 2 feet of No. 4 wire above the spoon to guard against cutoffs.)

Live natural baits such as pilchards and shrimp will catch Spanish as well.

Lake Worth pier attendant Linda Carr said anglers caught large mackerel when schools of ballyhoo were around the pier in October.

Cooler weather in December should encourage mackerel to move from points north into Palm Beach County’s near-shore waters.

Limits are generous for anglers targeting Spanish mackerel. They can keep up to 15 Spanish daily. Anglers must have a Florida saltwater fishing license (unless exempt).

The minimum size for Spanish is 12 inches, measured from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail.

Consider releasing smaller mackerel in favor of those that are at least 15 inches. A 20-inch Spanish is dinner for two.

Spanish mackerel fillets after being soaked overnight in a brine solution and smoked on a charcoal grill with a side firebox.

Photos by Willie Howard/ The Coastal Star

As with other saltwater fish, mackerel intended for the dinner table should be iced soon after they’re caught. Immersion in slush of icy saltwater is ideal.

Spanish are among the easiest of saltwater fish to clean. Just lay them flat and fillet them, being careful to remove the rib cage and any remnants of the fins. Leave the skin on.

Mackerel are best eaten fresh — the same day they’re caught or the next day — unless they’re soaked overnight in a brine solution (in the fridge) and smoked for a longer shelf life.

Options abound for cooking Spanish. They can be broiled skin-side down in the oven, cooked in a skillet with olive oil and garlic or placed on foil with olive oil, lemon slices and spices for grilling.

My favorite Spanish recipe (available online) is the Food Network’s mackerel with fennel, olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Seasonal manatee speed zones in effect

Seasonal boating idle-speed, no-wake zones designed to protect manatees took effect Nov. 15 and will remain in effect through March 31.

Among the largest of the idle-speed manatee zones in Palm Beach County is south of Peanut Island near FPL’s Riviera Beach power plant, which attracts manatees with its warm-water outflow.

To avoid manatees, boat operators should wear polarized sunglasses and watch the surface of the water for the swirls produced by their tails and the snouts of manatees surfacing for air.

Problems with a manatees and suspected violations of boating regulations can be reported to the state’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

The Sea Mist III drift fishing boat cruises down the Intracoastal Waterway during last year’s Boynton Beach/Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade. This year’s parade is Dec. 14.  Photo provided by Boynton Beach CRA

Holiday boat parades

Boats decorated for the holiday season will light up the Intracoastal Waterway Dec. 14 during the annual Boynton Beach/Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade.

Parade boats will gather at Palm Beach Yacht Center and cruise south beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade will end at the C-15 canal (south end of Delray Beach).

Viewing locations include Boynton Harbor Marina, Intracoastal Park and Jaycee Park in Boynton Beach as well as Veterans Park and Knowles Park in Delray Beach.

Viewers also are expected to watch the parade from waterfront restaurants such as Two Georges, Banana Boat and Prime Catch in Boynton Beach and Deck 84 in Delray Beach.

A captain’s meeting for participating boaters is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Banana Boat restaurant. Entry forms can be found at www.catchboynton.com (click on “what’s happening”).

Boca Raton is holding a separate holiday boat parade Dec. 22.

Boca’s parade boats are scheduled to assemble near the C-15 canal and head south beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Boca parade will end at the Hillsboro Boulevard bridge.

Note: Bridges will be held open for about 45 minutes at Spanish River Boulevard, Palmetto Park Road and Camino Real to allow the parade boats to pass.

Viewing locations include Red Reef Park, Spanish River Park and Silver Palm Park.

Entry forms and details about the Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade can be found at www.myboca.us (look under things to do and special events).

Coming events

Dec. 1: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the headquarters building at Spanish River Park, 3939 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Fee $35 ($20 for ages 12-19). Register at the door. Bring lunch. Call 391-3600 or email fso-pe@cgauxboca.org.

Dec. 4: Boynton Beach Fishing Club meets, 7 p.m. in the clubhouse next to the boat ramps, Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Details at www.bifc.org.

Dec. 22: Basic boating safety class offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the classroom building next to the boat ramps, Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park, 2010 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Fee $25. Register at the door. Call 704-7440.

Tip of the month

If you’re going boating, surfing or snorkeling in the ocean, it’s smart to look for a wind and wave forecast. Problem is, that’s just a prediction. Better to know the actual wind direction and speed just before you head out. Search the internet for NDBC (National Data Buoy Center) and Lake Worth Pier. Click on recent data for Station LKWF1 to find fresh information on wind speed and direction, the speed of wind gusts plus air and water temperatures.

Willie Howard is a freelance writer and licensed boat captain. Reach him at tiowillie@bellsouth.net.

Boca Raton-based Ann Casper trains Lil’ Red, rescued from Hurricane Maria, to ease his anxiety. Photo provided

By Arden Moore

The holiday season is in full stride in Palm Beach County. And when it comes to bringing out the best in puppies and dogs, there’s a genuine Santa Paws in Boca Raton.

Meet Ann Casper, a professional dog trainer who operates Calming K9s. Her mission: to ease dogs’ transition into loving homes by giving them the gift of good manners.

“My focus is giving pet owners the tools and knowledge they need to have a well-behaved dog for the lifetime of that pet,” says Casper, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “I focus on difficult-to-resolve behavior problems as well as working with rescue dogs who have pre-existing fear and anxiety issues.”

Sure, you can give your dog a fancy holiday outfit or a cool new toy, but imagine the dividends reaped when you gift your dog the proper training to stop yanking on the leash, barking nonstop or chewing your favorite sofa pillows. If you just adopted or plan to adopt a puppy or dog this holiday season, help your new pet get off on the right paw by signing up for obedience training classes or one-on-one canine training and behavior sessions with a professional dog trainer like Casper.

When I adopted Kona, a terrier mix, from a shelter two years ago, she had never lived in a home — only in a pair of shelters. First priority was house-training her. And, within two weeks of adoption, Kona and I were participating in our first basic obedience class together.

We progressed through three levels of obedience and then went on to complete her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship and therapy pet certifications. Whew!

But all of this was worth it because Kona has evolved into a quick-learning, loyal and well-behaved dog that assists me in pet first-aid and pet behavior training classes.

Sure, sometimes the pup or dog you adopt at a shelter is a little rough around the edges. Coleen and Manly Ray of Boca Raton knew they needed serious canine help after adopting Lil’ Red, a medium-sized dog, from an organization that brought in homeless dogs impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico last year.

“We were happy to rescue a dog from the tragic conditions that exist for street dogs on the island, but Lil’ Red was extremely anxious, especially when guests came to visit or stay at our home,” Coleen Ray says. “We knew we needed professional help, and we reached out to Ann.”

In a few in-person training sessions, Casper worked with the Rays to help the dog feel more safe and secure in their home and on walks.

“Lil’ Red had terrible anxiety barking and separation anxiety, but she is doing great now,” says Casper. “She is now walking nicely on the leash, feeling calm and relaxed inside her crate in the house and no longer barking or growling at house guests. I tell my clients that I am training you to be a dog trainer because it is you — not me — who lives with the dog.”

Organizations also see the value of turning to professional dog trainers like Casper to help increase the chance for dogs under their care to be adopted.

Bobbi Miller is founder of Chesed Foundation, a group in Boca Raton that focuses on finding homes for companion animals with special needs.

“We firmly believe a pet has a better chance of remaining in the adoptive home if training issues are addressed while they are in foster care,” says Miller. “I appreciate that Ann has a heart for these abandoned pets and understands a nice home does not eliminate their issues. Ann has donated her time to help other foster people train and interact properly with their foster dogs and we are so grateful for Ann’s help.”

Miller shared the case of a foster dog named J.J., an “issue-ridden” chihuahua.

“This pet had little socialization and was aggressive to strangers and dogs outside the home and destructive in the home,” says Miller. “Ann assessed J.J. and in a short time, she had him walking with her on the leash outside and she instructed me how to avoid confrontations with other dogs and people on the street. Ann listened to my issues and concerns and immediately went to work, addressing each issue one at a time.”

As we enter the holiday season, do your best to ensure your dog does not feel left behind at home feeling anxious, confused or frustrated because the cherished daily walk has been skipped or his dinner forgotten. Maintaining those daily walks or play sessions with your dog can generate physical and mental benefits for you both.

Carefully assess whether your dog really needs to be dressed up like a four-legged Santa to entertain your holiday house guests — or would fare better in a closed back bedroom with a keep-busy toy, bedding and water, and a TV turned on.

“And as much as we may want our dogs to enjoy holiday parties or outdoor fairs, pay attention to your dog’s reactions,” says Casper, who shares her home with three canine rescues answering to the names of Jenny, Ray and Otis. “Sometimes, a dog’s ability to handle certain situations like parties, festivals and dog parks is just not there. Leave him at home if that is where he will be most comfortable and enjoy the holiday activities.”

On behalf of Kona, I wish all of you a safe, sane and special holiday season!

To learn more, visit www.calmingk9s.com or call 715-6624.

Arden Moore, founder of FourLeggedLife.com, is an animal behavior consultant, editor, author, speaker and master certified pet first-aid instructor. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com.

Modern Boca Mom website author Michelle Olson-Rogers, her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Avery, visit the Boca Express Train Museum. Photo provided

By Janis Fontaine

Every mom (or dad) needs a friend like Michelle Olson-Rogers. Someone else who has navigated some of the treacherous waters of parenting.

Olson-Rogers knows what’s happening before most folks. She’s energetic and connected, savvy and sweet, helpful and smart. She established a social media presence with her Modern Boca Mom website, “a lifestyle site for the stylish and modern South Florida mommy,” five years ago. The site is a go-to for events and lifestyle features, services and businesses, even family travel options. Olson-Rogers is also a regular contributor to Discover the Palm Beaches and Boca Raton magazine.

Her biggest holiday tip: Prioritize. Think about what’s really important to you.

You don’t have to attend every event you’re invited to. Just be gracious and say “no.”

Olson-Rogers, whose daughter, Avery, is 5, says she always includes a giving event in her holiday plans. “Children aren’t born with the values of compassion and charity,” Olson-Rogers said. “We live in an affluent area, and this is how we can teach that it’s not about what you get, but the importance of giving.”

One of her favorite charities is the Boca Raton Toy Drive. “I’m so excited to support this worthy cause,” she said. This toy drive assures that the kids in Boca Raton’s Wayne Barton Study Center get something for Christmas.

In the past 12 years, the toy drive has collected more than $75,000 in toys and donations.

The drop-off event for the 12th annual toy drive was set for Dec. 2 at Sugar Sand Park and featured free carousel rides, food and a visit from Santa. The cost of admission was a donation or a new unwrapped toy. Donations are still being accepted. A list of drop-off locations is available at www.bocaratontoydrive.com.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a story, a parade and lots of lights. Here are Olson-Rogers’ top picks for local family events this holiday season:

The Polar Express experience on Brightline: Guests will enjoy hot chocolate, treats by dancing chefs, a reading of the namesake book and each will receive a silver sleigh bell. The ride departs from the Fort Lauderdale station. (offers.gobrightline.com/offer/the-polar-express)

Piles of Smiles at Sugar Sand Park: This event may be the only time your kids see snow in South Florida. Children ages 5-10 can play in 25 tons of shaved ice and experience bounce houses, obstacle course, crafts and sock skating (requires clean dry socks).

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton.

Reservations required. Snow-play wristbands include all attractions. $12 advance; $15 after Dec. 3.  One free adult event admission with each paid child’s wristband; $5 each additional adult. (sugarsandpark.org)

The city of Boca Raton’s holiday events: “From the boat parade to the annual holiday movie night under the stars at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, Boca Raton knows how to celebrate. I feel truly lucky to live in this town,” Olson-Rogers said.

Movie Night at Mizner Park Amphitheater takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 14. It will screen the classic Elf.

The 42nd annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22, starting at the C-15 canal on the Boca Raton-Delray Beach city limits and traveling south to Hillsboro Boulevard bridge.

Also, the 47th annual holiday boat parade from Delray to Boynton Beach takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 14. This parade starts at the Lantana bridge near Old Key Lime House and motors south to the C-15 canal in Delray. 

Keep up with Olson-Rogers at modernbocamom.com. Find her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at modernbocamom and on Pinterest at modernflmom.

John Grogan, part-time Delray Beach resident and author of the bestselling Marley & Me, reads to students at Village Academy during the 2018 Delray Reads Day. This year’s book was Interrupting Chicken by author and illustrator David Ezra Stein. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Gulf Stream resident Frankie Stevens reads for the record with the pre-K students at the William B. Finneran Montessori Academy of Sacred Heart School.  The school teamed up with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County to participate in an attempt to break the world record for the most people reading the same book on the same day. This year’s book was Maybe Something Beautiful by Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell. Photo provided

During a celebration by orientation and preschool students at Unity School, children pose in front of the Bright Red Mayflower. (l-r) Teacher Alexus Hinton, with students Theodora Tate, Julian Tenhagen, Oliver Tonti, Annabelle Stoneking,  Skylar Yoost, Maxwell Maurer, Caroline Salom, Grace Gerttula, Anthony Rogers, Tyler Portman and Campbell Jones, and teacher Nilda Torres. 

Photo provided

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fans seek autographs from Chris Evert during the 29th annual Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic last month at Delray Beach Tennis Center. Martina Navratilova celebrates with Jon Lovitz (Saturday Night Live) after they defeated Evert and Chris Noth. Serena Williams shoots a commercial at the center a couple of weeks earlier. Gulf Stream resident Kevin Anderson has called the center his home court since 2012. Evert, from Boca Raton, and Noth discuss their match with Navratilova and Lovitz. Noth takes a photo among fans, and the singer Seal does the same.

Photos by Tim Stepien and Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

By Brian Biggane

It’s not just anywhere that a promising junior tennis player can go for a workout and wind up getting advice and encouragement from Serena Williams.

It’s not just any South Florida tennis facility that Naomi Osaka, the 21-year-old prodigy from Japan who defeated Williams in September’s U.S. Open final, visits on a regular basis to hone her game.

And it’s not in just any town that one of the most famous players in the history of women’s tennis has raised millions for charity, staging her event on its stadium court.

All of that happens in Delray Beach, which over the years has established itself as a mecca for the sport.

“Between the professional tournaments and my charity event, the word is getting out,” said Chris Evert, whose Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic celebrated its 20th renewal at the Delray Beach Tennis Center in November. “It just continues to grow.”

Delray Beach’s Coco Gauff, seen winning the Junior French Open in 2018, trains at the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

Serena Williams helped establish the area’s tennis reputation, and 14-year-old Delray Beach native Cori “Coco” Gauff continues to expand upon it. Serena and sister Venus moved to Delray in 1991 to train under coach Rick Macci at both Pompey Park and the 40-court facility south of Linton Boulevard now known as ProWorld Tennis Academy.

And when Serena came to the Delray Beach Tennis Center to shoot a commercial in late October, she saw Gauff, the No. 5-ranked junior player in the world, and struck up a conversation.

“She just came over to congratulate Coco on her success,” said Gauff’s father and coach, Corey Gauff. “Coco has always looked up to her and continues to look up to her, so it’s nice she took the time to come over and say hello.”

And Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, isn’t the only world-class player you might spot at the tennis center. Kevin Anderson, 32, who is No. 6 in the world ATP rankings and reached the finals of the 2017 U.S. Open and 2018 Wimbledon, moved to Delray in 2012 and over to Gulf Stream in 2013 and trains at the center on a regular basis.

“The facilities are wonderful and accommodate players from beginners all the way up to my level on the ATP Tour,” Anderson said.

“I’ve brought players from other parts of the world to come down and train with me in Delray Beach. With the facilities coupled with a great town it’s an easy sell. People know Delray Beach for its wonderful restaurants, beaches, friendly residents and gorgeous weather.”

U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka is among other top players who train in the Delray Beach area. Photos provided

Osaka, who is No. 5 in the WTA rankings, trains at ProWorld. So do a number of other up-and-coming women’s players such as 20-year-old Sofia Kenin, who is ranked No. 52 in the world and sixth among Americans.

“These young, emerging players are creating a lot of talk in the tennis world,” said Lorenzo Cava, 32, who bought the resort six years ago and plans to modernize it. “We’ve been getting contacted a lot because of these players. In the (tennis) magazines the words ‘Delray Beach’ always show up.”

The renaissance of Delray Beach tennis actually began on the same site more than 40 years ago.

In the late 1970s Ian Laver, a second cousin to the legendary Australian star Rod Laver, opened Laver’s International Tennis Resort, and in 1985 launched the Lipton International Players Tournament — offering $1.8 million in prize money, exceeded at the time only by Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

The tournament moved to Boca West in 1986 and to Key Biscayne in 1987, where it ran until this year. In 2019 the Miami Open will move to Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium.

After the 8,200-seat stadium court was built at the Delray Beach Tennis Center in 1992, the Virginia Slims tour staged women’s events there from 1993 to 1995, Steffi Graf winning all three titles. But a ban on cigarette advertising by the U.S. Tennis Association ended the tour, and the stadium court soon lost its only high-profile tenant.

Brahm Dubin, the husband of Evert’s sister Jeanne, got to work, first persuading Chris to move her charity event there in 1998, then calling Mark Baron, who was mulling a change in venue for an ATP event he had staged in Coral Springs since 1992, to come take a look.

“When I got the call, I had never heard of Delray,” said Baron, who lived in Plantation at the time. “So I drove up, and before I met with anybody I came to the stadium, went to the very top, sat down and saw the ocean. That did it. It really did.”

Turnaround took time

Baron recalled that the Delray Beach downtown of 26 years ago was a long way from achieving the All-America City status it would receive in 1993, 2001 and 2017.

“The town was not really in a good situation,” he said. “People were not coming to Atlantic Avenue then. A lot of stores were boarded up and there was crime.”

He got an inkling of just what he was up against when he staged his first tournament in early 1999.

“The first day, the first hour, I was outside and I heard gunshots. Called the police,” he said. “It took us five years before we saw the light. But we worked hard.”

With just under 69,000 residents, Delray Beach is one of the smallest cities to host an ATP event. The 2019 Delray Beach Open will be Feb. 15-24.

While its prize money and prestige fall short of tournaments such as the Miami Open, its list of past champions is impressive, including Juan Martin Del Potro (2011), Anderson (2012), Sam Querrey (2016) and rising American star Frances Tiafoe (2018).

Margie Walden, a member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, who is a native of Argentina, said Del Potro’s victory put Delray Beach on the map in the country in which both were born.

“I have cousins who had never heard of Delray Beach, but once Del Potro started playing here they all wanted to come here,” she said. “It’s amazing. The winter in Argentina is summer here, so that provides us the ability to market to a whole country at a time we need people to be here.”

Dubin wasn’t done with his marketing efforts. He forged a relationship with USTA executive Jeff Ryan, who is in charge of team events, and got to work on landing Davis Cup and Federation Cup bids.

“So Jeff Ryan came down and fell in love with the city,” said Sharon Painter, CEO of the JCD Sports Group, which has run the tennis center since 1994.

Delray Beach hosted the second round of the Davis Cup in 2004, in which the U.S. defeated Sweden 4-1 on its way to a runner-up finish to Spain. The following year brought a first-round match in the Federation Cup, at which the U.S. defeated Belgium 5-0. The U.S. women blanked Belgium again 5-0 in another first-round Fed Cup meeting in 2007 in Delray.

Painter feels Dubin, who died at age 56 in 2006, deserves much of the credit for making Delray Beach a household name in tennis circles.

“Golfers know Pebble Beach, they know Torrey Pines,” she said. “In tennis that’s Delray Beach. What is that worth?”

Getting a summer boost

Walden, of the county Sports Authority, has some answers to that question.

Walden reported that data reported to the county in 2016-17 revealed tennis events were responsible for close to 6,000 hotel room nights and an economic impact exceeding $10 million. Much of that came in the typically slow summer months, when Baron’s group, Players International Management, runs a steady flow of junior events from May through October.

This past July it staged the USTA Boys 16 and 18 Clay Court Championships at six venues in Delray Beach and Boca Raton. With each player typically bringing along parents, siblings and coaches, Walden said that produced another $5 million economic windfall.

“The hotels love us, the restaurants love us,” Baron said. “Where the tournament goes, so does all these events. If we were to ever move, we have a great economic and marketing package for anybody to change their whole city.”

Baron would prefer to move forward than move out, however, and has been in contact with city, county and state officials about a bold plan: tearing down the 26-year-old stadium and building a new one with a retractable roof and adding a hotel and office building on the property.

“The city has been stagnant over the past few years, and this could be the biggest force of change for the next 15, 25 years,” he said. “A stadium with a retractable roof would allow us to do other things, to book it for events 50-100 days a year. It could be the biggest force to change this city.”

Other forces are at work, meanwhile, to expand on Delray’s love of tennis into other racket sports. Walden said a racquetball facility has been approved at Veterans Park and a new sport, beach tennis, is being played on the beach volleyball courts near the east end of Atlantic Avenue.

Then there’s pickleball. Courts have been installed at the tennis center, and Walden said a tournament hastily put together last year drew more than 400 participants and accounted for 254 hotel room nights. A bigger tournament is planned for 2020.

For all that, however, with more than 60 courts east of Interstate 95 serving everyone from recreational players to the world’s best, it’s tennis more than anything else that has given Delray Beach its reputation.

“It’s great that people all over the world can turn on their televisions in February and see our great town on display during the Delray Beach Open,” Anderson said. “The fact it has continued to attract some of the top players in our sport year after year is a testament to our town as a whole. Delray Beach loves tennis and tennis loves it right back.” 

Tennis stars rally for Grand Slam Cause for the Paws

Sebastien Grosjean, brothers Bob and Mike Bryan and comedian Michael Kosta are scheduled to join world No. 6-ranked Kevin Anderson of Gulf Stream at the second annual Grand Slam Cause for the Paws on Dec. 15 at Boca Grove Plantation Tennis Center.

Grosjean reached No. 4 in the world and played on France’s championship Davis Cup teams, while the Bryans are the winningest doubles team in tennis history. Kosta, who played collegiate tennis with Anderson at Illinois and formerly played on the ATP Tour, is a regular on the Daily Show on Comedy Central. Anderson, who reached the finals of the U.S. Open in 2017 and Wimbledon earlier this year, raised over $34,000 at his one-night charity event in Chicago last year. He is moving it this year to south Palm Beach County, where he has resided with his wife, Kelsey, since 2012.

The Andersons adopted a dog from Dezzy’s Second Chance at the Delray Beach Green Market in early 2017, and all proceeds will be donated to that shelter. For more information, contact Jennifer Jolly at Boca Grove Plantation, 487-5300, ext. 186, or visit www.andersoncause.org.

— Brian Biggane

St. Joseph’s Episcopal School’s parent network had its second Jaguar Classic golf tournament to raise money for upgrading and making improvements to the Boynton Beach campus.

The event brought out 80 participants to the Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach for a morning of play and then lunch.

More than $14,000 was generated.

Winners of Community Inclusion Awards named

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation-sponsored Special Needs Advisory Coalition Palm Beach County’s Community Inclusion Awards recognized several unsung heroes for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for special-needs children and families.

Among the winners: David Lagnado was named Center for Strategic Philanthropy & Civic Engagement Volunteer of the Year; Gulfstream Goodwill Industries won the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County Innovation & Collaboration of the Year Award; and Jay Van Vechten, director of the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, won as Direct Service Professional of the Year.

The Arc of Palm Beach County’s Torika Davis was named Respite Care Companion of the Year, and the award for Employee of the Year went to Stephanie Soplop, of the Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department.

Many other awards were given.

Milagro Center children to receive iPads

The Delray Beach Initiative’s Delray Country Hoedown raised more than $22,500 for the Milagro Center. Proceeds will be used to purchase iPads.

The country-themed party was a big hit for the 180 in attendance. After a buffet dinner, guests danced, enjoyed a pie-eating contest, tried their hand at ring toss and bid in the silent auction.

The Delray Beach Initiative has raised $180,000 for the center’s children in the last five years.

Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.

Sandoway Discovery Center leaders promote the Carols & Cocktails in the Garden fundraiser: (l-r) director of education Evan Orellana, naturalist Amanda Clough, Executive Director Danica Sanborn and board member Kelly Barrette. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

Guests at Sandoway Discovery Center’s Carols & Cocktails in the Garden can expect a sea of white lights on the front patio, an abundance of holiday decorations inside and live music with which to enjoy food and drinks.

The Dec. 6 event will raise money for the nonprofit, whose mission entails spreading the message of coastal conservation and educating children about it.

“It’s a very successful evening,” board member Kelly Barrette said. “It’s fun and it’s casual and the ticket price isn’t too high.”

Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers for the three-hour affair that includes a pop-up shop by Delray Beach’s Coco & Co. The goal is to bring in $5,000. An estimated 120 are expected to attend.

“It’s mostly an awareness event to get people to come out to see the Sandoway,” Barrette said.

Evan Orellana, director of education, agreed.

“We show the center off,” Orellana said. “It’s a fundraiser, but we’re also looking for the community to become more of a steward of the environment.”

The center is a historically significant piece of property that dates to 1936 and is noted for its New England-style clapboard construction. In 1995, it was saved from demolition and renovated by the center’s Friends group as a beachfront home-turned-nature museum. Students visit the site to learn about marine life and habitat.

“We teach them about marine science, marine conservation, marine biology, ecology — just everything about nature,” said Orellana, noting that most of the students come from Title I schools. “This is one of their first exposures to nature, to sharks, to animals that they only read about in books or see at the movies. They’re just amazed. Their mouths are open. They’re just shocked that these animals exist and are alive.”

The center’s mission also entails educating children about climate change and, to that end, Sandoway received a three-year, $62,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to create a class called Our Changing Earth.

“We are so excited to be able to bring environmental education to the children that need it the most,” said Danica Sanborn, the center’s executive director.  “We hope to inspire the next generation to conserve and protect our natural resources.” 

If you go

What: Carols & Cocktails in the Garden

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6

Where: Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach

Cost: $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers

Information: 274-7263 or www.sandoway.org

Nearly 150 guests kicked off the Empty Bowls Delray Beach benefit scheduled for Dec. 2. All proceeds from the family-friendly event will go to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. The VIP reception celebrated event leadership, including Honorary Chairwomen Brenda Medore and Leanne Adair and Chairwoman Patty Jones, as well as sponsors, committee heads and board members. ABOVE: (l-r) Adair, Jones, Karen Erren and Medore. BELOW: Billy and Shelly Himmelrich. Photos provided by CAPEHART

Boca Helping Hands had a special ceremony to thank past and present supporters and volunteers. The organization honored Arthur Remillard Jr., who made the Boca Helping Hands Remillard Family Resource Center possible. ‘Boca Helping Hands does such important work in the community, and it’s much more than a soup kitchen,’  Remillard said. ABOVE: (l-r) Greg Hazle, Remillard and Gary Peters. Photo provided

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s 10th annual event featured celebrity Jeff Corwin as keynote speaker. Businesses, nonprofits and men and women who have championed a blue lifestyle of marine conservation were recognized. The Blue Friend of the Year Award went to Jacquelyn Kingston for her work in sea turtle conservation, environmental education and the implementation of the Responsible Pier Initiative at the Boynton Inlet. Kingston runs the nonprofit Sea Turtle Adventures and has been monitoring local beaches for 18 years. RIGHT: Kingston (in blue dress) with her family (l-r) Colin, Joan and Patrick Lorne. Photo provided

Hundreds of supporters gathered to enjoy gumbo and support the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. The day featured tastings by local restaurants, live music, games and raffles. ‘Attendees enjoyed this fun, unique, green event that also raised money for a beloved community jewel, Gumbo Limbo,’ said Brandon Canute, development manager for the nonprofit Friends of Gumbo Limbo. ABOVE: (l-r standing) Joseph Cooper, Steven Abrams and Samantha Danchuk with Gordon Gilbert. Photo provided

Boca Ballet Theatre’s 27th annual event successfully kicked off the 2018-19 season by raising awareness and support for the nonprofit. The afternoon included dining, dancing and raffle prizes and began with a mimosa social hour and a silent auction. Proceeds will assist the company in continuing to enhance the cultural landscape of the community.  ABOVE: (l-r) Vanessa Boltz, Andrea Doyle, Honorary Chairwoman Arlene Herson, guest artist Georgina Pazcoguin, Andrea Virgin and Patricia Ramudo.

BELOW: Elizabeth Dudley with guest artist Sterling Baca. Photos provided by Boca Ballet Theatre

Tri-County Animal Rescue League, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter, announced a 64,000-square-foot campus buildout during an event for supporters, several of whom made financial commitments to the $10 million project. The money will enable the organization to expand both services and space. ‘The new campus will allow us to provide our rescue animals with the rehabilitation and care that they need and develop strong community support and aid for low-income pet owners,’ said Sharon DiPietro, board chairwoman. ABOVE: DiPietro with Barbara Schmidt. Photo provided

Bethesda Hospital Foundation celebrated its 19th annual event with more than 500 attendees gathered to honor six local women whose service enriches and inspires the community. Nearly $200,000 was raised. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Pediatric Development, which offers children a full range of rehabilitative services, including the Intensive Feeding Program. ABOVE: (l-r) Jennifer Perigord, Brianna Sullivan, Jennifer Sherm, Isabelle Fontaine, Lindsay Simpson, Taylor Thomas and Amanda LaPlante. BELOW: Dudley Talbot with Nicole Sheehan. Photo provided

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County saw 180 in attendance at the 14th season kickoff of its popular social series. The first conversation featured filmmaker Doug Liman, whose movies include ‘The Bourne Identity’ with Matt Damon and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Liman was interviewed by his mother, Ellen Liman, a painter.

ABOVE: Julie and Nathan Slack. BELOW: Christine Bucher with Scott Teich. Photos provided by Jacek Photo