By Steve Plunkett

Federal appeals judges in Atlanta have handed Boca Raton an early holiday gift: The city will not have to pay more than $1 million in legal fees to the owner of a vacant beachfront parcel who has spent years trying to secure a building permit.

At the same time, they have taken away the “right” to build on 2500 N. Ocean Blvd. that property owner Natural Lands LLC had won from U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith.

Smith had ruled in March 2024 that Natural Lands “has the right to build a single-family, detached dwelling” on the site “subject to satisfying the city’s CCCL variance criteria.”

But, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided last month, “under our precedent, Natural Lands does not have a viable (federal) claim because it did not use the available and adequate State remedy to address its alleged injury.”

“Accordingly, the district court erred in granting relief on Natural Lands’s procedural due process claim. We reverse and remand to the district court with instructions to dismiss the claim,” the appeals court said Nov. 17.

Because the due process claim was not properly before the district court, that court “abused its discretion in awarding Natural Lands attorney’s fees and costs related to that claim. Thus, we reverse the district court’s fee award as well,” the ruling concluded.

The case began in 2011 when the landowner first applied for a building permit.

In December 2015 the City Council caused a public outcry when it approved a zoning variance to allow something to be built at 2500 N. Ocean, an 88.5-foot-wide lot. City rules normally require lots at least 100 feet wide.

Natural Lands planned to build a 48-foot-tall, 8,666-square-foot single-family home at the site and obtained a Notice to Proceed from the state Department of Environmental Protection in October 2016.

But the council on July 23, 2019, denied a variance to its Coastal Construction Control Line, which limits building east of State Road A1A.

Natural Lands filed its federal lawsuit in October 2019 alleging bias among City Council decision-makers, suggesting a potential procedural due process claim.

At the trial, Smith found that Mayor Scott Singer’s “bias was clear” and he would have to recuse himself from any future decisions on whether to give Natural Lands a CCCL variance.

Also ordered to recuse themselves were Council members Andrea O’Rourke and Monica Mayotte, who were similarly found to be unfairly biased. But both have been term-limited out of office, as Singer will be next March.

On appeal, the city argued that Smith erred in granting judicial relief based on the procedural due process claim because an adequate state remedy, certiorari review of the council decision by the Palm Beach County Circuit Court, was available.

“We agree,” the federal appeals court said.

Its decision has not made its way to Smith’s calendar yet.

Lawyers for Natural Lands had filed documents with Smith seeking $1,034,253.50 plus interest for attorney’s fees and $28,841 in costs. The court denied the requests while the appeal was pending.

Natural Lands and the city met for a “planning advisory review” of its site plans on July 22. But the landowner has not applied for a building permit.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Smith’s ruling, the city and Azure Development LLC paused two contentious lawsuits in August 2024 and the City Council two months later granted a CCCL variance for a home on the beachfront at nearby 2600 N. Ocean Blvd. Azure had already won rulings in state court saying council members’ previous decisions were biased.

Azure applied for a permit last April to build a four-story, single-family home approximately 38 feet tall with 6,931 square feet of enclosed space, down from the originally proposed nearly 49-foot height and 14,270 square feet. The city is reviewing the application.

As part of the deal, Azure agreed to pay its own attorney’s fees, estimated to be in the $1 million range.

Boca Raton’s surfer dudes and dudettes will have to keep on looking for spots with good waves.

The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District voted 3-2 on Nov. 3 to reject a private firm’s proposal to build a surf park in North Park, which surrounds the Boca Teeca condominium complex north of Yamato Road.

“It’s a beautiful project. I just don’t think it’s the right location,” said Commissioner Bob Rollins, who surprised his colleagues by asking for the vote, because the item had only been on the agenda for the board to receive an update.

Two weeks later, commissioners decided 5-0 to scrap other proposals — for a recreation and entertainment complex and for a golf-related facility — all on the west side of Northwest Second Avenue, and conduct a “new, statistically valid” community needs assessment in coordination with the city before reissuing a request for bids.

They left alone a proposal the Boys & Girls Club is working on to build a state-of-the-art facility there.

For the surf park, commissioners said Boca Teeca residents bombarded them with emails opposing Boca Surf Park LLC’s project and the noise and traffic it would bring.

The company said it would spend $50 million building the surf park without district help if the project had been accepted. It would have paid the district at least $600,000 a year in payments in return for a 49-year concession agreement with two 25-year renewals.

— Steve Plunkett

Council puts downtown measure on March ballot after Save Boca’s setback

 Boca Raton City Council member Andy Thomson discusses edits -- being shown on an overhead projection at the Dec. 2 council meeting -- to the wording of a March 10 ballot question. The referendum is seeking voter approval of the proposed redevelopment of the city's downtown campus. Thomson said the changes that were being made to the city attorney's original ballot language proposal did not provide the neutral language he was seeking. See approved ballot language below story. Video screenshot of City Council meeting

Related: Anti-development anger spills over into March election

By Mary Hladky

What seemed likely to be a routine action approving language that will appear on the March 10 city election ballot allowing voters to cast up or down votes on whether downtown campus redevelopment can go forward instead hit a major snag.

The problem, that surfaced at the Dec. 2 City Council meeting, ended up turning into a major negotiation among City Council members about wording.

Council member Andy Thomson objected to ballot language drafted by the city attorney, saying it was weighted in a way that seemed intended to persuade residents to vote in favor of the redevelopment.

“It is in my view strongly slanted and essentially a sales pitch in favor of the project,” Thomson said.

The wording, he said, needed to be neutral. “Our residents are smart enough to make decisions on their own,” he said.

As a test, Thomson had sought the opinion of AI ChatGPT, which said that the language was 8.5 to 9 out of 10 strongly in support of the redevelopment.

“That is not how ballot questions are to be posed,” he said.

Thomson is the only council member to oppose the redevelopment project, and has repeatedly said that the city’s partnership with developers Terra and Frisbie Group should be terminated.

City Attorney Joshua Koehler did not object to the wording changes. “There is more than one way to bake a cake,” he said.

Mayor Scott Singer and Council member Yvette Drucker both said they wished Thomson would have proposed this at their Dec. 1 workshop meeting so that they would have more time to evaluate it.

“I hope this is not a political move that is being made on the dais,” Drucker said. Thomson and Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas both are running to succeed Singer as mayor in a race that also will be decided on March 10.

And then the wordsmithing began, dragging on until 12:33 a.m. The vote in favor of the new language was 4-1, with Thomson dissenting because he believed the language still was not neutral.

The negotiation came a week after Save Boca’s efforts to thwart the city’s plans to redevelop its 31-acre downtown campus ran into a wall on Nov. 25 when a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge ordered that the group’s two ballot measures be thrown off a Jan. 13 special election ballot.

Judge G. Joseph Curley, in a ruling from the bench and in a Dec. 1 written order, said the group’s proposed City Charter amendment did not meet state constitutional standards and its proposed ordinance required a vote before Jan. 13 based on the city charter. The special election is now canceled.

Both the charter amendment and ordinance would not have allowed the council to lease or sell any city-owned land greater than one-half acre — “or any part thereof” — without a vote. They were aimed against the city’s plans to lease the campus land for 99 years to developers Terra and Frisbie Group for the redevelopment.

Save Boca immediately cried foul about legal maneuvering that had left the group unable to defend its measures in court. But its leaders said the case is not yet closed and vowed Save Boca will succeed in the end.

“The will of the great citizens of our city will prevail,” the group said on its Facebook page and in an email.

“There were obstacles for us to get here, and there will be obstacles in the future, however we will accomplish our shared mission to restore protection to all of our parks, beachfront properties and the public land across our city.”

They followed that up with a Nov. 28 two-minute “commercial” on YouTube intended to stir resident outrage.
It blasted city officials, claiming they intended to bulldoze existing recreation facilities on the campus and had fast-tracked a public land transfer to developers “without your knowing about it.”

“They were going to get away with it but without anybody knowing until Save Boca stopped it,” the video said.

While Save Boca has lost this skirmish, at least for now, residents will have the ability to cast an up or down vote on whether the redevelopment can go forward.

They will do so at the March 10 city election when voters also will elect a mayor and three council members.

City Council members promised that vote in September, and on Dec. 2 they approved the ballot language.

Developers provided this scaled-down version of the downtown campus plan, which mainly separates park and recreation — and City Hall and Community Center — on the west side of Northwest Second Avenue from the 7.8-acre proposed development on the east side of the road, also called Boca Raton Boulevard. The proposal was in response to criticisms of earlier versions. Save Boca says the changes still aren't sufficient. Rendering provided

‘Constitutionally invalid’
The lawsuit that led to the court ruling was filed by Ned Kimmelman, a retired attorney and Boca Raton resident.

It contended the ordinance and charter amendment contain falsehoods, are misleading and confusing, and violate Florida law.

If approved, the lawsuit said, the measures would have made it cumbersome and costly for the city to lease its land to cultural and civic organizations such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art and Boca Raton Historical Society, since every time it wanted to do so, it would have to hold an election.

Named defendants were Save Boca and its founder Jon Pearlman, the city and the Palm Beach County supervisor of elections.

But Kimmelman dismissed Save Boca and Pearlman as defendants on Nov. 12. As a result, they could not defend the measures at the Nov. 25 hearing.

Court records do show that Ron Rice, Pearlman’s attorney, was allowed to make a statement at the beginning of the hearing.

The city filed only one pleading in the case. It was limited to comments made by City Council members during meetings or to the media detailing how the wording of the ballot measures are imprecise and confusing and how difficult and expensive they would be to implement.

“The City respects both the will of our residents and the rule of law and will fully comply with the Court’s order,” the city said in a statement.

Kimmelman declared victory immediately after Curley’s spoken ruling.

“I defeated his handiwork,” he said of Pearlman’s ballot measures. Both, he said, are “legally dead.”

“Their ordinances in fact were constitutionally invalid from the very moment of their creation,” he said.

Pearlman, he said, “almost got away with it. He just ran out of time and got caught by the court.”

Financial impacts
The special election cancellation will save the city a significant cost.

The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office had estimated that the election would cost about $390,000 — well above what an election typically costs. Boca Raton paid only $67,000 for the March 2024 election.

That’s because Boca Raton was the only city in Palm Beach County holding a special election on that date.

It could do so because Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order calling for a special Jan. 13 election to fill the House District 87 seat that had been held by Mike Caruso until DeSantis appointed him as Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.

Under pressure from Save Boca to hold an election as soon as possible, the city took the opportunity to do so.

Usually, cities share the cost of an election. But with Boca Raton standing alone, it would have had to bear the full cost of poll worker pay, printing ballots, equipment delivery and more.

Plans move forward
Despite Save Boca’s forceful opposition, the city is surging ahead with preparations for campus redevelopment, sticking with an aggressive timeline.

Even though voters ultimately will approve or reject the redevelopment plan on March 10, the City Council and staff are rushing to complete everything needed to finalize that plan and an agreement with Terra and Frisbie Group.

Council meeting agendas in December and January are now expected to be dominated by key matters relating to the project. The lion’s share of work could be wrapped up in January.

The City Council saw drafts of a master partnership agreement with Terra/Frisbie, ground lease agreement and other key documents as well as land appraisals on Dec. 2. Final votes on them were still expected Jan. 20.

A revenue windfall for city?
City leaders are trying to convince residents that the redevelopment project will be a financial boon that will generate revenue for decades to come.

Final figures are still being refined, but city consultant CBRE so far has determined that the project will yield the city $4.1 billion over the 99 years that Terra/Frisbie leases 7.8 acres within the 31-acre downtown campus. That is double the amount of Terra/Frisbie’s most recent estimate.

“In my opinion, this is an excellent transaction for the city,” CBRE Executive Vice President Michael McShea told City Council members on Nov. 18. Nearly $2 billion would come from lease payments made on the land. Taxes paid to the city on the 7.8 acres located east of Northwest Second Avenue, which is now untaxed, would bring in about $1.3 billion.

Nearly $576 million would come from the city’s 10% share of the project’s profits.

If Terra/Frisbie sells any of the apartments, offices or other buildings constructed on the 7.8 acres, the city would get a 1% fee of the gross sales price. For example, if a building sold for $50 million, the city would get $500,000.

But there’s also a price to be paid by the city. The cost of the project to the city would be about $200 million.

About $96 million would pay for a new 30,000-square foot City Hall, 30,000-square-foot Community Center and a 10,000-square-foot police/fire substation west of Northwest Second Avenue.

Recreation facilities, a children’s playground, green space and site work would cost about $52 million. Most of the rest would go to infrastructure improvements.

City officials maintain that residents will not bear any of that cost. But so far, city officials have not decided how they will pay for these improvements.

“City staff will continue to evaluate various financing options available to fund the public improvements to ensure the lowest cost to the city,” Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jim Zervis said in an email.

Among the options are a type of bond financing that would not increase property tax rates and would not require voter approval.

The city would be able to support a $114 million bond issue that would be repaid using new revenue generated from the project.

The city also has about $50 million in available cash that could cover some of the cost.

An evolving plan
In response to strident complaints by Save Boca, Terra/Frisbie has made significant changes to its plans.

Residential, office and hotel construction will be limited to 7.8 acres, rather than being located across all 31 acres of the downtown campus. Recreation and green space on the land west of Northwest Second Avenue are now preserved, with only the new city buildings located there. Overall density is greatly reduced.

But that has not satisfied Save Boca, whose supporters continue to condemn the project at every City Council meeting.

Pearlman wants the entire project scrapped. The city, he says, can rebuild the old and crumbling city buildings on its own. 

Ballot question

The Boca Raton City Council agreed to place the following question on the city’s March 10 election ballot:

Approving Lease of Downtown City Land, Agreements for Public Improvements, And Preserving / Enhancing Memorial Park

Shall the City approve agreements with Boca Raton City Center, LLC leasing 7.8 acres of City property east of Northwest Second Avenue near Brightline Station, for 99 years, creating a walkable neighborhood with residential, retail, office and hotel uses, generating rent and revenues to City for general uses and enhancements to City property, including:
• Preserving Memorial Park area, honoring veterans,
• Expanding public recreational and green spaces,
• New community center, City Hall, and police substation?

Gymnast from Delray lands on U.S. team in journey that began at Twisters in Boca

Crew Bold, 24, celebrating after a parallel bars routine, was a Big Ten champion at the University of Michigan, giving him aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Photos provided

By Rich Biebrich

A decade ago, then 14-year-old Crew Bold had already started his journey to becoming a world-class gymnast, a path that has taken him from Twisters Gymnastics in Boca Raton to the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan, Germany’s Bundesliga for gymnasts, and finally, back in the United States, to his earning a coveted spot on the national team in August.

On the horizon, if things go according to plan, the Twisters gym rat who grew up in Delray Beach will be in Los Angeles in 2028, competing as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

Recently, he’s had to slow down following surgery he had on his left ankle to clear out bone spurs that had been bothering him. For a time, he was hopping around on crutches with a pink plaster cast that covered his mending ankle. He said the pink was for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, but admitted it also went surprisingly well with the deep blue Michigan T-shirt he was wearing.

“It’s actually my third surgery on my left ankle and they took about a handful of bone chips out that shouldn’t be there,” said Bold, now 24, who added he didn’t think to keep any of the chips for souvenirs. “I was too loopy to ask them to keep them by the time they were done.”

A guy who spends a lot of time spinning, jumping, flipping and flying through the air with what seems the greatest of ease can be forgiven for being a little loopy from anesthetic, especially as it is apparent that Bold is one of the clearest-minded people you could possibly meet. 

It’s also clear he has a strong competitive streak, and you get the impression that — as he makes his way on crutches to a table in the back of a Starbucks on a visit home to Delray Beach — if another gent on crutches challenged him to a 50-yard dash, Bold would ask, “Where and when?”

His father, Bill Bold, said Crew has always been that way.

“He was always very muscular for a kid his age, and still is,” Bill Bold said. “We had him in youth soccer and he was scoring, like, 20 goals a game. Then, all of a sudden, he started doing front flips and back flips after he would score a goal, and we turned to each other and said, ‘Where did that come from?’ So, that’s when we thought we should get him involved in gymnastics.”

Living a routine

Ten years ago, in a previous profile in The Coastal Star, Bold said all he thought about was gymnastics. Not much has changed since then. 

There is a plan for every day. Each starts at 6 a.m. and by 6:45 he’s already working out. Three days a week, that begins with lifting weights — working on specific muscle groups — to build strength and endurance. After that are recovery time and typically “a medium to heavy” breakfast of eggs, a bagel, turkey bacon and tomatoes.

Afternoon practice runs from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and starts with a little snack of carbs and protein to fuel up. Dinner is pretty simple.

“It’s chicken and rice every night, with broccoli or asparagus,” he said. “Any variation comes from my sauces. And my vegetables.”

He’s in bed by 10 or 10:30 p.m.

“I find time to hang out with my friends, play a little golf here and there,” Bold said. “But the majority of my day is taken up by gymnastics.”

His drive was noted 10 years ago by one of his instructors at Twisters.

“He wants to be great and he knows what it takes,” Shane Cummings said. “And he knows he has to work hard.”

Said his dad: “He is probably the most tenacious, persistent yet lovable noodge you would meet in your life,” recalling that “we even got a pig as a pet because he wouldn’t stop bothering us. We would just give in.”

Bold is strong on parallel bars and owns good results on the high bar and floor exercise as well.

The floor exercise highlights Bold’s strength and flexibility.

How he made U.S. team

Anyone less determined than Bold may have packed it all in when, after he spent two years at the University of Minnesota, COVID-19 struck and the school shut down its gymnastics program. 

“That was devastating,” Bold said. “But it turned out to be more of a blessing in disguise as I was able to transfer to Michigan.” 

While there, he became a multiple-time All-America selection and four-time Big Ten champion.

“It’s been a dream come true,” said Bold, who excels on the high bar and the parallel bars.

When college was over — he graduated in June 2024 — Bold decided he wasn’t done. He still had Olympic aspirations. 

“I ended up living and competing in Germany for 2½ months” at the end of 2024, he said. “It was amazing. And when I came back I decided to stick with gymnastics a little longer.”

He won the high bar competition at the 2025 Winter Cup in February (also placing sixth on the floor exercise), and he was runner-up on the high bar at the U.S. Championships in August (and sixth on the parallel bars) — earning his spot on the senior national team.

Defying gravity

It all comes down to “dedication to his sport,” said Chris Heffernan, a friend to the Bold family who has watched Crew grow into adulthood. “I don’t think people understand the level of commitment it takes to be the level of athlete that Crew is.”

Bold explains gymnastics in very simple terms.

“It’s always you against gravity,” he pointed out. “Football, soccer, it’s person against person. In gymnastics it’s you against the event. And when there is contact, it’s me hitting the floor, usually.”

That’s why he has to be precise.

“I know exactly how many steps I need on the floor down to every second. I know exactly how long it takes to do my routine. It’s all down to a science and it’s all second nature at this point.” 

And no, he doesn’t think about what he looks like as he is flying through the air over the high bar or during a floor routine.

“It’s more so just thinking about how you’re going to land,” Bold said. “I don’t have time to focus on the feeling of being in the air. I’m definitely thinking how do I land this in the safest possible way without getting injured.

"There’s no time to think about if this looks cool.

“Once the competition starts you don’t think about anything and just let all the training work for itself. If you start getting into your head you can become more nervous and suddenly it just doesn’t go the way it is supposed to go.” 

What is Bold thinking when he’s in flight? ’How do I land this in the safest possible way without getting injured.’ Bold placed second on high bar at the 2025 U.S. nationals.

The future beyond sport

There is one thing that Bold is having more trouble visualizing, where reality enters the picture and disturbs the landing.

“I don’t know if my body is going to last three more years, honestly,” until the next Olympics, he admitted. But then he immediately returns to his step-by-step thought process.

“Right now, taking it month by month is the best kind of plan of action for me. I would love to compete internationally for the U.S. at a World Cup.”

And he even has his exit strategy from gymnastics figured out, too.

“I would love to get into medical device sales. That’s what my dad did in New York City,” Bold said. 

“My girlfriend just moved to New York, and I’ve visited her multiple times and I love the area. So, I’ll see where that goes. I want to get into foot-and-ankle [devices].”

He smiled and took a look at the pink cast.

“I know a little bit about that.” 

Olivia Hollaus (right) is replacing the retiring Mary Csar (left) as executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Photo provided

As Boca Raton concludes its 100th anniversary year — a time of reflection, celebration and renewed civic pride — the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum marked a milestone of its own.

Longtime Executive Director Mary Csar is retiring following more than a quarter-century of service, passing the torch to Olivia Hollaus, who will assume the role in early 2026.

“As the city reflects on its 100-year journey, this feels like the right moment for renewal both for Boca Raton and for the historical society,” Csar said. “It’s been my privilege to help preserve and share this community’s extraordinary history, and I’m deeply confident in Olivia’s ability to carry that mission forward with creativity and heart.”

Added Hollaus, “Mary has built an incredible foundation rooted in authenticity, connection and pride. As Boca looks ahead to its next century, I’m excited to continue that legacy, ensuring our museum not only preserves the past but inspires the future.”

In other news, the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum released its list of the 2025 Walk of Recognition honorees. They are:

• Paul and Kathy Adkins

• Angelo Bianco

• Barbara Cambia

• Mary Csar

• Robin Deyo

• Summer Faerman

• Jerry Fedele

• Susan Gillis

• Dan Guin

• Michael Horswell

• Zoe Lanham

• Mark Larkin

• Troy McLellan

• Gary Peters

• George Petrocelli

• Jon Robertson

• Morris and Charlotte Robinson

• Carrie Rubin

• Michelle Rubin

• The Rev. Andrew Sherman

• Tim Snow

• Marie Speed

• Jane Tyree

In celebration of the city’s 100th anniversary, the 2025 class will be recognized on a centennial plaque. The plaque will join the Walk of Recognition installations in Mizner Plaza, home to the granite stars sponsored by Jim and Marta Batmasian. 

For more information, call 561-395-6766 or visit bocahistory.org.

Arts Garage donations to be matched in December

Arts Garage in Delray Beach has launched its annual campaign with the goal of raising $40,000 in support of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.

Supporters Helen Rothlein and James White, along with philanthropist Anita Perlman, have combined to provide a total of $20,000 in matching funds. Every contribution made prior to Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar.

“At Arts Garage, we believe the arts are for everyone,” said President and CEO Marjorie Waldo, noting that the initiative — anchored by the theme “The Arts Matter!” — arrives at a pivotal time for arts and cultural organizations nationwide, many of which are facing shrinking private and public dollars. “Our community’s ongoing generosity allows us to continue presenting world-class performances, offering scholarships, supporting local artists and providing accessible arts education to all.” 

For more information, call 561-450-6357 or visit artsgarage.org/2025-annual-campaign.

Achievement Centers hails $365,000 grant

Achievement Centers for Children & Families has received a $365,000 grant from the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation in support of its nationally accredited Early Learning Program.

The investment represents a commitment to early childhood education and the well-being of underserved families in South County, and it will directly help sustain and strengthen the program’s 100-plus children ages 1 to 5.

“The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s support lifts a tremendous burden from our organization, allowing Achievement Centers to continue delivering full-day, year-round care while expanding services that meet the evolving needs of our children and families,” CEO Stephanie Seibel said. “More than just funding, this gift enables our staff to focus on program innovation and long-term sustainability with ripple effects across our after-school programs, teen initiatives and family support services. The DeSantis Foundation’s gift is more than financial: It is a vote of confidence in our mission and in the future of our community’s youngest learners.”

In other news, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families was the primary beneficiary of Havana Nights, an event created by KAST Construction, The Kolter Group and other sponsors. 

It raised $2.3 million for the Delray Beach nonprofit as well as 25 other area charities, all of which support children and families in need.

“Giving back to the communities where we live and build is one of the most meaningful parts of our work,” said Michael Neal, CEO of KAST Construction. “This year’s record-setting $2.3 million raised will profoundly impact children and families across South Florida and highlights the deep generosity of our real-estate development and construction community.”

Added Seibel, “This event is the perfect example of what corporate philanthropy looks like. It shows the incredible impact that companies like The Kolter Group and KAST Construction can have when they bring their resources, leadership and vision to the community.”

For more information, call 561-266-0003 or visit achievementcentersfl.org.

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

Impact 100 Palm Beach County welcomed a record crowd to its 15th anniversary event that brought together members, community leaders and guests to celebrate women’s collective giving. Everyone enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an inspiring program highlighting the powerful work made possible by the nonprofit’s transformational $100,000 grants. ‘This year’s kickoff was not just a celebration of our 15th anniversary — it was a celebration of what happens when women come together to make lasting change,’ President Janean Mileusnic said. ‘The energy in the room was a true reflection of the generosity and commitment that define our members.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Jeannine Morris, Molly Reiss, Lisa Sunshine and Lisa Mulhall. Photo provided

Ballet Palm Beach premiered ‘from SILENCE,’ a new contemporary piece that resonates not only as a performance but as a call to guests to remember the Hamas attacks on Israel. Choreographed by Gina Patterson, the show drew more than 200 guests and benefited MorseLife Health System’s Holocaust Learning Experience, a program that reaches 830,000 students. ABOVE: (l-r) Natalia Mayorga, Linda Melcer, Sharon Smolar, Charlotte Mandelblatt and Beverly Feurring. Photos provided by CAPEHART

Barbara Promer and Carole Bakst.

Dorene Sedrish and Elaine Glottstein. 

The Witches of Delray’s 14th annual event raised nearly $60,000 for the Achievement Centers for Children & Families, a record. Three hundred women donned their best witch-wear and extravagantly decorated their bicycles as they cackled their way down Atlantic Avenue guided by police. Following the ride, prizes were awarded for best costume, best group theme and more. ‘This year’s witches ride was pure magic,’ said Stephanie Seibel, CEO of the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. ‘Even after 14 years, this event never ceases to amaze me.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Kelli Freeman, Catherine DuBois, Jeanne Ilvento, Bobbi Armstrong, Pat Schoaf and Leanna Marinello. Photo provided by Achievement Centers for Children & Families

The Palm Beach Symphony collected a slew of items for the silent auction highlighting its upcoming Holly Jolly Symphony Fête. More than 50 guests brought donations that included musical instruments, fine jewelry, home décor, dining experiences, wine and spirits, luxury eyewear, paintings and other artwork, designer handbags and more. All the items will be elegantly displayed at the Dec. 8 event at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. ABOVE: Mary Lynn Rogers and Alexandra Cook. Photo provided by CAPEHART

The Junior League of Boca Raton’s Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon’s honorary chairwoman, Carrie Rubin, welcomed nominees to an evening of appetizers, cocktails and a buffet. It was a precursor to the Nov. 21 luncheon at The Boca Raton, where Jeannine Morris was crowned the winner. ‘We are so grateful to Carrie for hosting this elegant and fun evening,’ Junior League President Victoria Matthews said. ‘I know the nominees felt truly honored and very special.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Racheal Petullo, Kelly Fleming, Morris, Patty Jones, Noreen Payne and Namrata Israni. Photos provided by Coastal Click Photography

L-R: Helen Ballerano, Arlene Herson, Dawn Zook, Kimberley Trombly and Kirsten Stephenson.

L-R: Zoe Lanham, Amy Kazma, Rubin, JoAnn Procacci and Matthews. 

Cocktails for the Club, one of the season’s first big social gatherings, has expanded this year by 50 tickets, for a total of 300 guests. ABOVE: The organizers include (l-r) Lauren McCauley, Katherine Malinosky, Tierney Wilkins, Kristin Douglass, Ashley LaPorte, Laura Compton, Jenny Streit, Megan Dempsey, Courtney Redfearn and Betsy Greene. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

Guests at the “Safari Soiree”-themed Cocktails for the Club event should get ready for a wild night of giving back to the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach.

The Dec. 9 fundraiser at the St. Andrews Club will feature signature animalistic libations, gourmet action stations, live music and entertainment, and an over-the-top silent auction. 

“A lot of love is going to go into the drinks and the food,” Chairwoman Laura Compton said, noting that jungle juice — both alcoholic and nonalcoholic — will be served along with made-to-order rice bowls with seasonings from around the world. “As a result, you’re going to see an elevated level of fun and festivity.”

One of the first big social gatherings of the season in Delray Beach, Cocktails for the Club has expanded this year by 50 tickets, for a total of 300 guests.

“It has always been indoors,” Compton said. “This year we’re taking a gamble. The event’s going to be indoors and outdoors.”

Proceeds benefit life-changing programs that empower local youths to achieve academic success, build character and leadership skills and live healthy lifestyles — the club’s core focus areas.

“We now know that supporting young people — especially through empowerment and mentorship during critical developmental stages — can profoundly shape their long-term outcomes,” Compton said. “The opportunity to influence children and adolescents at these pivotal moments is both meaningful and impactful. Youth development is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effect that strong community engagement can have.” 

If You Go

What: Cocktails for the Club

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

Where: St. Andrews Club, Delray Beach

Cost: $250

Information: 561-676-5472 or bgcpbc.org

Le Colonial offers its intimate parrot room with seating for 12. Photo provided by Neil Burger

By Jan Norris

It’s the start of the season for parties, events and life celebrations. But where are you going to host, say, 132 of your closest friends?

There’s still time for small December parties if you book as soon as possible, though a few area caterers said you might not find space on the weekends.

Robert Stanfield, of Potions in Motion in Boca Raton, said a lot of people book a year in advance for holiday parties, especially for large groups.

“We can book the week-of for certain parties; we have good relationships with certain venues,” he said. “But typically it’s two to three weeks out during the month of December.”

You can try for a Friday or Saturday party, but chances are the answer will be no.

“Ninety-five percent of parties are on Friday or Saturday nights,” Stanfield said. “We try to encourage corporate clients to book on a weeknight. Thursday nights are a good night for parties and we can sometimes give clients a price break.”

He could handle parties for up to 100 quickly, using The Brick, the old T-Rex facility in Boca Raton.

“It has, I think, nine different atriums and their redecorated ballroom, a courtyard. It’s a hot place for parties right now.”

Ashley Bacon of Lady Ashley Party Planning in Boca Raton focuses on small parties, and says a December party is still possible for even 25 people, but call as soon as possible.

“It’s hard during season, but we have great contacts and can get people to work with us if we need,” she said.

But, Bacon said, planning more in advance gets you what — and when — you want. “Big events, plan a month or more longer. Really big events, huge bar mitzvahs, weddings — of course six months at least. Some people plan a year or more out.”

At VIP Caterers in Boca Raton, Neil Wasserman says he’s booked for parties up to three years from now. But, he said, “For small events, I’d need a week to 10 days to do an event.”

Other tips:

Get at least a rough head count. Many spaces charge per person for food and will charge astronomically for walk-ins.

See if you can reserve a room — or a whole place — for meals that are outside the normal hours. Ask if the restaurant will do a lunch or brunch menu, perfect for a shower or reception.

If you can be flexible with dates, ask to go on a waiting list.

Ask for options for covered outside spaces: patios, decks or pavilions — but have an out if the weather turns. If it’s a big event, and especially outdoors, ask about insurance and cancellation policies (that goes for the outside vendors, too).

Get it all in writing. Clarify all the details about how many are allowed, what is furnished, and what can be brought from outside.  

Party venue options

Here are some restaurant and hotel venues to consider:

Wine and Spirits Kitchen, 411 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-243-9463. Two private dining rooms are available, accommodating up to 14 in one, or up to 30 in the other. Think elegant wine dinners, or more casual office party tastings.

Elisabetta’s Ristorante, 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-560-6699; elisabettas.com. Private room upstairs can accommodate 40 at this Italian spot overlooking the Avenue.

Drift, 10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-274-3289; opalcollection.com. The restaurant inside the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort is the one you call to handle your table-of-eight anniversary party, or a 1,000-person guest list for a corporate affair, or any party size in between.

Sixty Vines, 5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561-961-3131; sixtyvines.com. A 10-person lounge with a tasting table is good for a friend’s birthday. Book the Greenhouse for up to 30 for a sit-down dinner, the Paso room for up to 38, or the Terrace patio for 44 in a wine-country setting. 

Farmer’s Table, 1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 561-417-5836; dinefarmerstable.com. The farm-to-table restaurant inside the Wyndham hotel has several areas available, including the Oak Room, seating 100; the Grand Ballroom, for 140; or The Arbor, a poolside patio area that accommodates 75 for cocktails or 40 for dinner.

Le Colonial, 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-566-1800; lecolonial.com. An elegant, intimate room with tropical parrots wallpaper seats 12 at this upscale French Vietnamese restaurant.

Rose’s Daughter, 169 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach, 561-271-9423; rosesdaughterdelray.com. Rent the patio with its own bar for up to 50 people, and order from the restaurant. Good for office get-togethers and cocktail affairs under the stars.

Latitudes, 2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, 561-278-2008; opalcollection.com/delray-sands/restaurants/latitudes. The modern, Blue Ocean ballroom handles up to 75 with an oceanfront view. The White Sands room can hold 60 diners, and the Ocean Terrace, with ocean view, has space for 60 in a cocktail party setting.

Waterstone Resort, 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 561-368-9500; waterstoneboca.com. A ballroom here can handle a party of up to 225. The Point outdoor terrace holds up to 50 for cocktail parties with a waterfront view.

Benvenuto, 1730 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, 561-364-0600; benvenutorestaurant.com. Party in a historical site — a Mizner-inspired building that began as a botanical garden. Operating as a restaurant since 1975, it is now an event venue as well. Its dining rooms can accommodate from 18 to 350.

Abe and Louie’s, 2200 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-447-0024; abeandlouies.com. The upscale steakhouse (known for its dress code) can take on 16 to 50 guests, with three private rooms. 

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 561-237-0067; eddiev.com. Private rooms accommodate anywhere from eight, at an intimate dinner in the Vault, to 80 on a terrace for a cocktail affair.

The Addison, 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 561-372-0568; theaddisonofbocaraton.com. Numerous rooms and a romantic courtyard are available at this well-known Mizner-designed venue. Its kitchen can handle all dietary requests for parties, including glatt kosher. 

Think beyond restaurants

Lady Atlantic, yacht charter, 801 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-243-0686; delraybeachcruises.com. Book the modern yacht for a cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway for up to 150 people as a cocktail venue, or 120 seated for dinner. Casual or formal as you choose.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, 561-495-0233; morikami.org. Options are available for cocktail and dinner parties on the terrace, or larger events in the gardens. 

Boca Raton Innovation Campus, 5000 T-Rex Ave., Boca Raton, 561-807-6932; workatbric.com. Several spaces for rentals such as an updated ballroom, atriums, and a courtyard are available at the old T-Rex campus. Large parking and valet facilities. Bring your own caterer.

***

Chef Angelo Romano has joined Benny’s on the Beach. Photo provided

New Oceanwalk by Benny’s

A new chef and redesigned space are in place at Oceanwalk by Benny’s on the Beach. The modern space at the end of the Lake Worth Beach casino building, closed since Sept. 2, is reopened and redecorated as an oceanside beach house with teak tables, striped umbrellas and green and ivory quartz accents. 

Angelo Romano, chef and culinary director of both Benny’s on the Beach on the pier and Oceanwalk, returns to his hometown from New York City where he worked 20 years as a chef. He’s earned critical acclaim, including a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. 

The menu continues to emphasize food from coastal waters and area farms, and Romano says sourcing products is getting better all the time.

“Better grocery stores are open, and we have more forward-thinking vendors. I’ve never seen so many green markets.

“We have better butchers now, things like that. Everything starts to build from that.

“It’s a really exciting time for South Florida, but Palm Beach County especially.”

Any menu changes won't come right away, because Benny’s concept has “stood the test of time,” he said. “... It’s a matter of paying attention to nuances, as well as product mix and sales.”

The appeal of the all-day menu is there because of the restaurant’s hours, he said. 

“We’re not open very late. Most of our clientele is coming in most of the day and for early dinner. We’re not drawing a late crowd. The menu is framed around that. It’s a menu of all the hits.

“I’m very patient and methodical. Change is meant to be a thoughtful, layered decision.”

Oceanwalk by Benny’s on the Beach is at 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach, 561-247-7676; oceanwalkbybennys.com. Open daily at noon, and until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

In brief

The Butcher and Bar in Boynton Beach has closed after five years. The butcher shop and restaurant featured premium meats and cocktails as its focus. 

Citing skyrocketing business costs, including a 54% food cost increase and insurance rates that doubled over the five years, owner Eric Anderson said the business is not viable in these circumstances. “The truth is, we failed,” he wrote to his online audience.

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

By Arden Moore

Among all the species on the planet, dogs definitely put the capital D in diversity. The American Kennel Club recognizes 202 breeds that range from the fluffy Pomeranian, who weigh about 6 pounds, to the gigantic English mastiff, who can tip the scales beyond 230 pounds.

A recent report conducted by Adopt a Pet and Zoetis identified the most desired dog breed for each of the 50 states. Are you ready for the results, Florida?

It turns out that the most popular breed in the Sunshine State is the small but mighty Chihuahua. Officially, this breed is identified as the world’s smallest dog, averaging between 2 and 8 pounds. 

Small in size, Chihuahuas are definitely big in personality. Just ask Alex Serrano, director of operations for the Peggy Adams Rescue League based in West Palm Beach. 

“On average, we have about 120 animals available for adoption here each month and between a total of 300 to 400 animals under our custody at any one time,” says Serrano. “Some are in foster care until they get old enough or big enough or healthy enough to be adopted. We always have a lot of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes up for adoption. They get adopted fast because they are so tiny and cute and so full of personality.”

Serrano knows this firsthand. Sharing her West Palm Beach home are a sweet pit bull named Kiwi and a deaf French bulldog named Cake Pop. But the undisputed leader of the pack is her confident Chihuahua named Tuna (full name: Tuna Tar Tar who is nicknamed Tuna Melt). 

“Five years ago, I was looking for a dog with a big personality and in comes this 6-month-old Chihuahua who looked like a furry bat,” laughs Serrano. “He is very chatty, loves going to places with me like dog bars and the beach. He has a lot of confidence. He instantly bonded with my pit bull, Kiwi, and welcomed our third dog, Cake Pop.”

Chihuahuas can also be protective of their favorite people.

“On walks, my pit bull, Kiwi, will be contentedly walking and smelling flowers and the grass, but my Chihuahua, Tuna, is my real guard dog,” says Serrano. “He may bark at people when meeting them, but if you sit down he will happily jump in your lap. When I come home, he spins because he is so excited to see me. Chihuahuas definitely show their emotions 100% of the time.”

In her position at Peggy Adams, Serrano oversees many areas, including adoptions. She knows personality traits among various dog breeds.

She was also not surprised to learn that the Chihuahua is the top breed among Floridians.

“Chihuahuas are small in size but big in personality,” she says. “More housing places allow for small dogs more so than large dogs. Also, Chihuahuas are easy to care for, a healthy breed and they do not cost a lot to feed.”

If you are considering a Chihuahua or other small breed to adopt, Serrano offers these tips:

• Do not leave small dogs out unsupervised even in fenced backyards. “I am always outside with Tuna because I worry about birds of prey who can swoop down and grab a tiny dog.”

• Measure meal portions. “Chihuahuas can be prone to obesity because they are cute and can use their charms to get table scraps from people, but it is important to keep them at healthy weights,” says Serrano.

• Watch your steps in the house. “Chihuahuas are little and they move quickly,” she says. “Watch for them when walking around in your house because you can accidentally step on them.”

• Do look down in the mouth. “Chihuahuas, like a lot of small breeds, are more prone to dental issues than big breeds,” she says. “Regularly look inside the mouth for any issues like swollen gums, tartar or bad breath. Report any issues to your veterinarian promptly.”

• Clip the leash to a harness on your Chihuahua instead of a collar. “You don’t want to put too much strain on the neck of a small dog like a Chihuahua,” she says.

Serrano loves her canine trio. She says each made her a better person.

Specifically, how has Tuna Tar Tar accomplished this?

“Tuna has taught me to not take life so seriously,” she says. “He is silly. He loves having fun. He brings me such joy.”

Arden Moore writes about pets and can be reached at fourleggedlife@gmail.com.

About the Adopt a Pet breed study  

Adopt a Pet teamed up with Zoetis to collect dog adoption data between July 2024 and June 2025 for each state. The report also listed the top personality traits for each breed. The most-sought personality trait across the board — affectionate. 

The Chihuahua was tops nationally and in many states. Ranking from second to fifth as the most-sought breeds in the country were the Labrador retriever, dachshund, German shepherd and American pit bull terrier. 

Learn more by visiting adoptapet.com/adoptapetrics/dog/2025.

Robert Crowley, 62, and his wife, Sandra, credit early detection via a PSA test for his successful recovery from prostate cancer and surgery. He had no apparent symptoms. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

When former President Joe Biden was diagnosed last May with Stage 4 prostate cancer, the disease and its detection made national headlines.

The news that Biden was getting treatment for an aggressive form of cancer that had spread to his bones sparked renewed attention for a disease that often goes undetected until it’s in advanced stages. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the sixth-leading cause of cancer-related death in men, according to the National Institutes of Health.

By the numbers

The American Cancer Society lists prostate cancer as the second-most common cancer for U.S. men, after skin cancer. Its forecasts that there will be 313,780 new cases and 35,770 deaths from the disease in 2025 in this country, reflecting about a 3% increase in the incidence rate each year in the past decade. 

Because most men diagnosed are older, many ultimately die of unrelated causes, especially since about two-thirds of prostate cancer cases are slow-growing.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized stages of the disease is greater than 99% and the five-year survival rate for all stages of the disease is greater than 97%.

Testing and detection

Behind the numbers are stories like that of Robert and Sandra Crowley, both 62.

The diagnosis of prostate cancer for Robert, a retired house painter and musician, came as a surprise after a routine prostate-specific antigen test.

“Once you’re in a high-risk age, starting at age 50,” says Crowley, who lives in Boca Raton, “make sure you request a PSA test and check your PSA score.”

With no apparent symptoms and no family history of the disease, Crowley never would have thought to check, but thanks to his doctor’s diligence, the cancer was detected early. He is recuperating from surgery in June but calls it a successful recovery.

The Crowleys’ experience underscores a key message about early detection.

“Be your own advocate,” says Sandra Crowley.  “Cancer can be aggressive. If your doctor doesn’t mention the screening test, ask him or her. If you catch it early, you can have a very good outcome.”  

Signs and symptoms

For men at normal risk, the American Cancer Society recommends the PSA test annually beginning at age 50.   

Those at higher risk, including African Americans and men who have close family members who have been diagnosed with the disease, should talk with their primary care doctors about getting screened  earlier.

Additional risk factors include lifestyle issues such as lack of exercise and poor diet.

Prostate cancer begins in the small gland below the bladder that helps produce semen — a vital part of the male reproductive system.

Early stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms can include blood in the urine or semen.  

Additionally, it can include the need to urinate more often, trouble getting started when trying to urinate and waking up to urinate more often at night.

Later stage symptoms may include accidental leaking of urine, back or bone pain, erectile dysfunction, feeling tired, losing weight and weakness in the arms or legs.

Because of Biden’s late-stage diagnosis, the medical community is examining the need to improve current testing guidelines by considering not just age, but also overall health, symptoms, PSA trends and patient preferences.

Treatment and recovery

For Crowley, the path from screening to treatment moved quickly. 

After Crowley received an elevated PSA test result, his primary care physician referred him to Mourad Abouelleil, a urologic surgeon and member of the Palm Beach Health Network Physicians Group. It has headquarters in Boca Raton and offices throughout Palm Beach County.

An MRI and a PET scan revealed a mass, and Crowley’s Gleason score, which assesses aggression, was high and meant the mass was still growing. 

A biopsy revealed the mass to be cancerous, and the need for surgery marked the beginning of a challenging but ultimately successful recovery.

Robert Crowley says meeting and being treated by Abouelleil was “a wonderful experience.” 

He says he is happy with the results, despite having to learn how to urinate again and needing pelvic floor therapy to learn to control his bladder. He was continent after three months, whereas Abouelleil says many patients may take up to a year to relearn this function.

“Robert’s physical therapist was very impressed by his progress,” says Sandra Crowley. “Robert healed very well and very quickly and we both consider the surgery to be a complete success.”

Intimacy, too, returned — something they hadn’t expected and were pleased to discover.

Both Crowleys say having confidence in your physician is everything. 

“We were fortunate to have Dr. Abouelleil,” says Sandra Crowley. “Having such a skilled doctor is a blessing.”

Advice and prevention

Their outcome highlights how medical advances — and a skilled, multidisciplinary team — can dramatically improve patient recovery.

Abouelleil performed a robotic radical prostectomy, the standard of care, whereby the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and tissue are removed using a robotic system through small incisions in the abdomen.

“Be proactive, see your doctor and don’t wait until you have symptoms,” Abouelleil says. Prevention, the physician emphasizes, begins long before symptoms appear.

He compares being proactive with one’s health to not waiting until one’s roof is leaking to have it inspected.

He credits advances in science and diagnostic tools to better outcomes, as cancers can be caught in their earlier stages and successfully treated.

To lower one’s risk for prostate or other cancers, Abouelleil recommends eating a low-fat diet, eating less red meat and more fruits and vegetables, and including antioxidants, such as berries. He follows a Mediterranean diet and exercises with weights to increase his testosterone levels naturally.

“My best advice to men to stay healthy includes getting screening beginning at age 50, or even at 45 if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer, taking an antioxidant, getting your testosterone levels checked every year, and weight lifting to raise your testosterone levels naturally,” Abouelleil says.

What the future holds

As science evolves, new technologies offer hope for options even less invasive than Crowley’s. For early stage prostate cancers, these include ablation using laser energy to destroy the cancer cells, a NanoKnife that destroys cancer with electrical pulses, and the Tulsa procedure, which uses ultrasound delivered through the urethra to destroy prostate tissue.

For the Crowleys, married 14 years, this is the start of a new chapter together.

“We never imagined this journey, but we’re grateful every day — for early detection, expert care and the chance to live life fully again,” says Sandra.

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

BioStem Technologies, a biotechnology company developing placental-derived tissue grafts for advanced wound care, is moving its headquarters from Pompano Beach to the Research Park in Boca Raton after the city agreed to award $300,000 in incentives. 

BioStem purchased a 4-acre property within the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University for its administrative offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities.

As part of the incentive agreement, over the next five years BioStem will create 100 jobs that pay an average salary of $81,000. Each job must be retained for at least three years. The business also agreed to spend $49.5 million on capital improvements for the headquarters.

Dermatologist receives award from colleagues

Dr. James J. DeVoursney was named 2025 Surgeon of the Year by his colleagues in the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. DeVoursney is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. 

In addition to his clinical practice, DeVoursney teaches residents during their dermatology rotations through Baptist Health South Florida. His office, Boynton Beach Skin, is at 7740 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach.

Over the course of his career, DeVoursney has received the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Achievement from St. George’s University School of Medicine, the Chief Resident Award from the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, and the George Ioannides Award for Excellence in Resident Dermatology Teaching, among other honors. 

Delray Medical Center uses new spinal surgery system

Delray Medical Center recently utilized its new Medivis augmented reality spine navigation system in a procedure that was completed by neurosurgeon and chief of neurosurgery Dr. Lloyd Zucker. 

“This system gives us an unprecedented level of visibility and precision during spine procedures,” Zucker said. “Being able to visualize patient-specific 3D anatomy in real time enhances surgical accuracy, efficiency and, ultimately, patient outcomes. This is a transformative step forward in spine surgery.”

In other Delray Medical Center news, Healthgrades recognized it as One of America’s Top 50 Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery with 17 clinical achievements in November. These distinctions included the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award, Pulmonary Care Excellence Award and Critical Care Excellence Award. The hospital also ranked among the top 10% in the nation for both pulmonary and critical care services. 

Also, Delray Medical Center recently earned bronze accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians as part of the Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation program. The accreditation process evaluates staffing, education, policies, protocols and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and safety for seniors. 

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

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Hook & Tackle’s Beer Can Island shorts offer comfort and utility in a variety of camo and geo camo patterns. Next, Hull Float sunglasses from Hobie Eyewear feature frames made from the plastic trimmings of Hobie kayaks, so they float in the water. Hobie Eyewear also offers your choice of six magnetic clip-on polarized sunglasses that fit over your prescription lenses and come in a variety of lens colors. The Rux 30L waterproof tote bag keeps your gear dry, clean and ready, whether you’re on the water, the beach or a muddy trail. Finally, Miami-based Hook & Tackle offers moisture-wicking shirts made of comfortable fabrics, while Whitewater Fishing’s Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie is made of a blend of merino wool, nylon and lycra. Photos provided

By Steve Waters

The fishing industry is constantly innovating, which is great news when shopping for the anglers on your holiday gift list.

Miami-based Hook & Tackle has been a pioneer in fishing clothing since the company began in 1989, from UPF 50 sun protection in shirts, shorts, hats and pants for men, women and children, to lightweight, perspiration-wicking materials. 

Island shorts

The company’s popular men’s Beer Can Island shorts are now available in eye-catching blue and gray dot camo and geo camo patterns. 

The stretchy, comfortable, quick-drying shorts have deep front pockets, a zipper-secured rear pocket, a side pocket that can hold a cell phone or fishing pliers and the signature beer can pocket that can also hold fishing accessories. The shorts, which also make a bold fashion statement on land, retail for $65 at hookandtackle.com.

The shorts can be matched with one of the company’s many long-sleeve performance fishing shirts and hoodies, which feature radial sleeves for a full range of movement, whether you’re casting to a fish or reeling in one.

“They’re UPF 50, quick dry, water repellent, odor resistant and soft as you can imagine,” chief marketing officer Stan Rudman said of the moisture-wicking shirts.

Sunglasses

The new Hull Float sunglasses from Hobie Eyewear feature frames made from the plastic trimmings of Hobie kayaks. Like the kayaks, the lightweight polarized sunglasses float in the water.

Hobie Eyewear also makes the revolutionary Duo Series. The company offers three frame shapes for prescription eyeglasses, with your choice of six magnetic clip-on polarized sunglass lens colors, including gray, copper and cobalt blue.

“What’s great about them is they are your everyday glasses that you wear with your prescription in them,” spokesman Dylan Coates said. “If you’re someone who likes spending time outdoors and you don’t want to pay for an expensive polarized sunglass prescription, simply take our magnetic clips and put them on and you can’t even tell that they’re clip-ons. They look like a regular pair of sunglasses.” 

The clip-ons have a hook and two magnetic points that securely stay on the frames. While on the water, you can change the color of the lenses depending on the light and water conditions. Coates said the eyeglass frame with one clip-on retails for $120 plus the cost of your prescription. 

Additional clip-ons are $40 to $50. Visit hobieeyewear.com/collections/duo-collection.

Fishing hoodie

Michigan-based Whitewater Fishing sells a Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie that is very different from typical hoodies. The garment is made of 82% lightweight merino wool, 16% nylon and 2% lycra. Soft, stretchy and with UPF 50 protection, the hoodie is right at home on the water or out for dinner in South Florida.

“It’s just a really comfortable, breathable, lovely hoodie,” said Whitewater spokesman Jay Anglin. “Merino is such a great material to work with. The temperature regulation on it is phenomenal. Everybody has this idea that wool is too hot. That is not the case with this.”

It listed last month for $129.99 at whitewaterfish.com.

Waterproof tote bag

The Rux 30L waterproof tote bag keeps your gear dry, clean and ready, whether you’re on the water, the beach or a muddy hiking trail en route to a campsite. The fully welded, no-zipper bag can be used as an everyday, roomy tote bag. When the weather turns, it converts to a roll-top dry bag. The bag, which is made from heavy duty coated nylon, stands open so it’s easy to pack and unpack. It comes with a removable shoulder strap and a lifetime warranty. The bags, normally $170, are available in three colors as well as 25L sizes at rux.life.

Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol.com.

B’nai Torah Congregation welcomed 1,570 people of all ages to its annual Mitzvah Day. It was a morning full of opportunities to make a difference by participating in more than 50 acts of kindness. These included packing essential items and food for homeless people, sending candy to troops and donating blood. Service is the primary purpose of the TLC Program, led by Summer Faerman, and is B’nai Torah’s source for Mitzvah opportunities in areas of critical need. Visit btcboca.org/community/tlc-program to learn more. ABOVE (l-r): Skylar Flanagan, Abby Sherman and London Schuster put together supplies for people in need. Photo provided

Parishioners Janet and Robert Lewis say their goodbyes to Pastor Greg Rapier after his last service at First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Related: Landmark of faith

By Janis Fontaine 

The word “bittersweet” is often overused, but it was appropriate on Oct. 19 when First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach celebrated its 100th anniversary on the same day it said goodbye to one of its beloved pastors. 

As the church family ate cookies and explored an elaborate display of historical artifacts in Fellowship Hall, congregants stopped to embrace Pastor Greg Rapier, who decided to accept a new position in California. 

Pastor Greg came to the barrier island church in 2018 as an associate pastor. He became a co-pastor with Dr. Doug Hood in September 2024. Everyone fully expected Hood to retire and Rapier to lead the church into the next quarter century. 

“Greg served our church exceptionally well for seven years, and we planned that when I retired he would become the pastor of the church,” Hood said. “But it makes me think of that very familiar quote, that we make plans and God laughs. 

“So, we made plans,” but then Rapier “felt an undeniable sense of call that God wanted him to be a pastor in Sacramento and that’s where he’s gone. I honor that he felt that God called him.”

Like his congregation, Hood will miss Pastor Greg. “I want him back,” he said with a laugh. “I have my misgivings about what God is up to. Now, we’ve got to start the process all over, because I still want to retire in two years, but we don’t have a succession plan now.” 

In its 100 years, First Presbyterian has had only nine pastors. Hood came to the church in 2012, and Rapier became the ninth when he became co-pastor with Hood. 

Finding a new pastor is “a lengthy process,” Hood said. “It could be nine months to a year before I have another colleague, which is half the time I’ve got left here. After 38 years of ministry, I am ready to retire.”

The pressure of ministering a large congregation on his own became clear again when Hood returned from a two-week vacation and officiated three funerals. He’d bought the tickets two years ago and couldn’t have canceled them. 

The church that was organized with just 66 people in 1925 now has more than 850 members and it’s growing. As churches struggle to retain members, the welcoming atmosphere at First Presbyterian continues to attract new people. 

“We were the fourth-largest church in the Presbytery when I began 12 years ago,” Hood said. The Presbytery covers 39 congregations in Southeast Florida.

“We’re now the largest church. And it’s a vibrant church. Now the season’s begun, we are having around 400 people in worship, and in January that number grows to 600 people who are attending worship with me.”

The church is a member of Presbyterian Church USA, its governing body. According to the Presbytery, it is not just church attendance that has declined in recent years, but the number of people interested in becoming pastors has fallen.

“As of this year, 75% of our active clergy are aged 65 years old and older, so now there’s only 25% of our active clergy who are under the age of 65,” said Hood, who is 65. “So, we have a far smaller pool than we had when we found Greg and smaller than when they found me, because we don’t want to hire someone to come in and retire in two or three years.”

Finding a replacement to carry the church into its next hundred years won’t be easy, but for the right person, pastoring at First Presbyterian, with its beautiful campus near one of Florida’s most glorious beachfronts, it would be a dream job. 

“There’s so much energy in the church,” Hood said. “This is a very open, inclusive congregation, a marvelous group of people of God. I believe the next hundred years are going to be great.” 

***

La Festa di Santa Lucia 

St. Lucy Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Lucy, the church’s patron saint, after the 4 p.m. Mass on Dec. 13 in Parish Hall, 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. Following a procession of a statue of St. Lucy, Father Brian Horgan will speak about her life. 561-278-1280; stlucy.net.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Songs, worship at Cason

Cason United Methodist Church is lit up each night to welcome guests to its bounty of music this season.

 Christmas caroling will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, and the annual Christmas Cantata — “Glory to the Newborn King!” — will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. A Christmas Night of Worship is at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in the sanctuary and the special Christmas Eve Family Nativity Service takes place at 5 p.m. Dec. 24, followed by a traditional candlelight service at 7. Cason is at 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-276-5302 or casonumc.org.

Concerts at St. Gregory’s

The Master Chorale returns to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, at 4 p.m. Dec. 13 for its annual holiday concert. With singers from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, the chorale presents “Comfort and Joy,” with St. Gregory’s music director Tim Brumfield at the organ. Tickets are $40 general admission, $60 for preferred seating at masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org.  

St. Gregory’s choir will present the annual Christmas at St. Gregory’s concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 in the style of a traditional Lessons and Carols service. Special readings and anthems featuring the choir, guest musicians and soloists are planned. Free. stgregorysepiscopal.org.   

’Messiah’ at St. Joan 

“The Christmas Portion” of Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 370 SW Third St., Boca Raton. It will be performed by the Florida Atlantic University Chamber Singers, alumni and Schola Cantorum of Florida under the baton of Dr. Patricia P. Fleitas. Featured soloists include Rose Mannino, soprano; Monica Berovides-Hidalgo, alto; Erick Crow, tenor; and Matthew Daniels, baritone. Tickets are $20 at eventbrite.com/e/handels-messiah-tickets-1671383987499?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

’Messiah’ at St. Lucy

St. Lucy Catholic Church presents Handel’s “Messiah” at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the church at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. This evening of sacred music celebrating the birth of Christ features world-class soloists Mary Anne Kruger, soprano; Marguerite Krull, mezzo-soprano; Michael Rodriguez, tenor; and Mark Sullivan, bass-baritone. They will be joined by the Treasure Coast Chamber Singers and a  chamber orchestra under the direction of Dr. Douglas Jewett. Tickets are $75 at the parish office. 561-278-1280. 

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Party at B’nai Torah 

B’nai Torah, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton, hosts a celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 14, with bottle dancers, a DJ dance party, photos with Hanukkah characters, games and activities, plus snacks and Hanukkah hors d’oeuvres and treats. Register online at btcboca.org/events or call 561-392-8566. 

South Palm Chabad events 

Chabad of South Palm Beach hosts its 20th annual Hanukkah Concert & Grand Menorah Lighting on the first night of Hanukkah, at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at 224 S. Ocean Blvd. in the Plaza del Mar, Manalapan. The concert will feature virtuosic guitarist Gyorgy Lakatos and his band along with cantor Gergely Nogradi, plus hot latkes, Israeli doughnuts, Rita’s Ices, crafts for the kids and a photo booth. 

Chabad of South Palm Beach hosts three other celebrations: 

• Hanukkah in the Ocean Ridge Town Hall, 6450 N. Ocean Blvd., is planned for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16, featuring live music, hot latkes, Israeli doughnuts and falafel. 

• Hanukkah in the Town of Hypoluxo takes place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Garnett Park gazebo, 7580 Federal Highway, Hypoluxo. 

• Light up Lake Worth Beach, co-sponsored with Chabad of Coastal Palm Beach, takes place on the eighth night of Hanukkah at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and features a menorah lighting with local dignitaries, live music, Hanukkah treats, a kid zone with face painting and crafts, and a photo booth. 

For more information on any of the events, call 561-889-3499. 

Old School Square festival

The annual Hanukkah Festival & Menorah Lighting takes place at the amphitheater at Old School Square from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Nosh on crispy latkes, sweet doughnuts and cotton candy, and enjoy family activities like a bubble show, bounce houses and crafts. The highlight is the lighting of the menorah. delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events/chanuka-festival.

Correction: The print version and a previous online version of this story had the incorrect names of the people in the photo greeting the co-pastor of the church. They are Janet and Robert Lewis.

L-R: Music director Patrick Watkins, Roxanne Grant, Rodrigo Valente, Tom Benstein,  Yasmary Marquez, Marko Ruffolo and cantor Marybeth Jackson. Photos provided

By Janis Fontaine

The annual Christmas concert always fills Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton to capacity, and the church’s popular music ministry is one reason the congregation is filling the pews on Sundays, too. 

The church is a part of the Rebuilt Parish movement, which is a more contemporary version of the Catholic Church designed to appeal to a modern community, and a big part of that is rethinking the music. At a recent service the music was contemporary Christian, with the lyrics displayed on large video screens above the altar. It was like a sing-along mixed with prayer, fellowship and communion. 

Patrick Watkins leads the seven-piece Ascension Road band, which will perform the Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. A gifted tenor, he graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2020 and landed a position teaching theater at Spanish River High School.

The married father of a 2-year-old has been producing and recording singers and rappers and his own music at his company, PJW Music, for 20 years and is tapped to direct musicals at Thinking Cap Theatre at The Vanguard in Fort Lauderdale when he has time. He also teaches privately. 

“I’ve been music director for two years next Easter, but I’ve been a worship leader here as of 2019,” he said. He came to the church when Father Carl Hellwig, in search of a vocalist for the band, emailed Watkins’ professor at FAU, who recommended him. At Ascension, Watkins found both his calling and his religion. After a few years, he felt compelled to convert. Then, in March 2024, Watkins became Ascension’s music director. 

He joined Marybeth Jackson, one of the band’s first members, who has been the church’s cantor since 2009. The caretaker of the group, she handed out homemade cookies from a tin between services. She said she has happily watched the congregation evolve from older adults to one full of families. 

“It wasn’t like this 15 years ago,” she said of the babbling babies and boisterous kids who fill the sanctuary with noisy joy. “The priests welcome it.”

That openness to families is part of being a Rebuilt Parish, which follows the model established by co-founders Father Michael White of the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, and his lay associate Tom Corcoran. Inspired by Pastor Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, they took a hard look at their struggling parish. 

They eventually refocused on reaching the “un-churched”  and creating paths to grow the church and revitalize the parish culture. 

The Ascension Road band plays contemporary Christian music at the Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton.

At Ascension, Father Gavin Badway, now rector at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, was the impetus behind the church’s adoption of the Rebuilt Parish model. “He was very on board with it,” bass player Marko Ruffolo said.  

Since then, Ruffolo said, a lot has changed as far as the roles that were solely for priests. 

“A lot of catechism has been handed over to the laity, getting more people involved in the ministry,” he said. “The real deal has three m’s: message, music and ministry. We’re starting to see we can touch people by the music and message and get them involved in the ministry.” 

The increased involvement of the congregation in church affairs and activities goes hand in hand with the small group meetings that take place in people’s homes or via Zoom, Jackson said. 

These interactions help parishioners feel like they’re a part of the larger church. They are intimate gatherings designed to strengthen commitments to God and church. 

“We meet and discuss questions to help each other in faith,” Ruffolo said. “It’s not quite a Bible study, and it’s not quite a group therapy. It’s a little of both.”

“It’s a way to make the big church feel small,” said Tom Benstein, who plays lead guitar. He’s been a member of the church since he moved to South Florida in the ’90s but didn’t become involved musically until Father Gavin agreed the music needed modernizing. 

In the Rebuilt church, “one of the things that they reinforce is that the church belongs to the people,” Benstein said. “The one thing that we hear a lot is how welcoming we are for non-church people, for people that maybe have been away or are unfamiliar with this particular church. They don’t feel like an outsider. They can come where they don’t feel judged, where they don’t feel uncomfortable.” 

Guitarist Roxanne Grant, the newest member of the band, agrees. She was baptized, confirmed and raised in the Catholic church, but “took a long hiatus” before finding her way back, thanks to the band. 

This new church was very different from the one she left behind, Grant said. “When I came back here to join the band, this space was so welcoming. The band was so welcoming. They were a true reflection of what the parish is about, and I think what this religion can be.” 

“It’s not your father’s Catholic Church,” Benstein said. 

Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com. 

If You Go 

The Ascension Music Ministry Christmas Concert takes place at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-997-5486 or visit ascensionboca.org/

The visitors and their hosts included (front, l-r): Junko Durante, Nancy King, Tsugumi Hori, Tugumi Yano, Suzuha Ueoka, Kayleigh Howald, Noriko Matsumoto; and (back, l-r): John Miller, Tony Durante, Rikuto Siota, Mihito Mizutani, Yosuke Takeshita, Reo Taga, Takahiro Yuri. Photos provided

By Faran Fagen

For Kiki Casale, trick-or-treating was the highlight of the five days she spent with Japanese exchange student Suzuha Ueoka.

For Ueoka, traveling from house to house, collecting candy and later gobbling down chocolate, was nothing like she ever experienced before.

“That was Suzuha’s first time trick-or-treating and she was mesmerized,” said Delray Beach City Commissioner Juli Casale, Kiki’s mom. “This was her first time to the United States and Delray Beach. She particularly enjoyed the beach, Sandoway Discovery Center and trick-or-treating on Halloween. Every moment was a highlight.”

From Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, seven high schoolers from Miyazu, Japan, took part in a student exchange in Delray Beach as part of the Sister Cities program. For an immersive cultural experience, they spent five days with host families.

For Juli Casale, it was exciting to see Delray Beach through the eyes of a visitor from a foreign country.

Kiki Casale with her mother, Delray Beach Commissioner Juli Casale.

“We are so fortunate in our city and sometimes, because it’s your day-to-day life, you forget how absolutely fabulous it is,” she said. “Suzuha reminded me that we need to appreciate what we have here in Delray because it is very special.”

The Sister Cities program is an international organization created in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote cultural understanding in hopes of decreasing the chance of world wars and conflicts.

Delray Beach established the official Sister Cities affiliation with Miyazu in 1977 to strengthen a bond of friendship with that city because it was the hometown of George Morikami. He donated more than 200 acres to Palm Beach County that became home to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, which is named in his honor.

Since 1999, Delray Beach Sister Cities has been operating exchange programs where on alternating years high students from Delray Beach visit Miyazu, and then students from Miyazu visit Delray Beach.

Tony Durante is coordinator/teacher/mentor of the sessions each year and selected the host families. Durante, who speaks fluent Japanese, grew up in Delray Beach and spent more than two years living and teaching in Japan as a Christian missionary with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

The other chaperone/mentor is Delray Beach Sister Cities board member and city retiree Nancy King. Durante and King developed the schedule for the 2025 student exchange.

Some of the activities over the five days: tour City Hall and meet with Mayor Tom Carney; tour the Morikami; tour Atlantic High School; attend International Safari Dinner at Old School Square (vintage gym); and attend Bexley Park Halloween Party.

The Miyazu students and Delray Beach host students were Tsugumi Hori with Sofia and Isabella Giddings; Rikuto Siota with Pearce and Chloe Antoine-Boylan; Reo Taga and Yosuke Takeshita with Landen Nguyen; Ueoka with Kiki Casale; Tugumi Yano with Alyssia Zeno; and Mihito Mizutani with Shayna Katz.

For Katz, a senior at Spanish River High, the five-day experience with Mizutani taught her a new level of respect.  

“They were very respectful and showed appreciation for everything,” Katz said. “I wish I had time to get to know him better.”

Katz plans to study early childhood education at Florida Gulf Coast University and cherishes the lessons she learned in patience and manners from the program. Her family has hosted exchange students seven times, and Mizutani was the first boy they welcomed to Delray Beach as part of the program. He also wasn’t fluent in English, so they relied on a phone translator to communicate.

After Halloween, Mizutani played animal charades with Katz and her friends. Mizutani didn’t know the English names of the animals but still acted them out.

“He was laughing with my friends and so full of energy,” Katz said. “I really got to know his personality in the five days.”

As for the Casale family, the connection with Japan will endure.

“My daughter has always wanted to visit Japan, so this experience was wonderful for her,” Juli Casale said. “One day we hope to visit Suzuha in her home country. We have been texting regularly since she left us.”

Kiki, a 10th grader, misses Suzuha’s energy and her smile.

“We’re still in touch, and we plan to have her visit us again someday,” she said. “It was a great experience I’ll never forget.”

On another front, Katz and her mom, Heather, are gearing up for a program that hosts high school students from Spain during the summer, called STEP. 

Heather is looking for host families for the upcoming summer.  For more information, email heatherannekatz@gmail.com or visit STEPUSA.org. 

Sister Cities of Delray Beach is planning a student exchange with local students going to Miyazu, Japan, in 2027.  For information about Sister Cities of Delray Beach's Student Ambassador Exchange Program, email scdbjapan2024@gmail.com. Information about the organization is at sistercitiesofdelraybeach.org.