A couple poses for engagement photos at South Inlet Park in Boca Raton late last month. The restoration has raised the beach by about 6 feet, the city says. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Mary Hladky

The 12-foot sand cliffs at South Inlet Park are now a distant memory.

Severe beach erosion in mid-February was the result of cold weather fronts and powerful tides.

The city’s dredge boat crew was able to begin correcting the problem almost immediately.

A sand bypassing operation has placed more than 14,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach south of the Boca Inlet since Feb. 17, city officials said in late March.

The elevation of sand surface has been raised by about 6 feet from the jetty to nearly 100 feet south.

The boulders that make up the jetty now are nearly completely covered.

The sand bypassing operation runs three or four days a week, and averages placing about 1,000 cubic yards of sand each day.

Access to the jetty and the adjacent beach area has been fully restored. 

Bypassed sand will gradually work its way south, building up berm width and height on South Inlet Park beach.

The city is coordinating with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to safeguard turtles through the turtle nesting season.

Grading of bypassed sand to build up the beach berm near the dune and jetty will be considered when it can be done without any negative effect on turtle nesting, city officials said.

Boca Raton routinely nourishes its south beach every seven years, rotating the work with projects on its central and north beaches.

In April 2023, the city completed the sixth renourishment project of the shoreline adjacent to South Inlet Park.

Sand placement started at South Inlet Park and continued south to Deerfield Beach and Hillsboro Beach.

The 1.4-mile project was the first collaborative project among the three cities.

Boca Raton received a “Best Restored Beach Award” from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for that work.

The three cities saved money on renourishment projects that they had conducted independently in the past. They used about 370,000 cubic yards of sand dredged from the ebb shoal just south of the Boca Raton Inlet. 

By Steve Plunkett 

A Boca Raton man has been acquitted of trying to strangle and hold his girlfriend underwater at the 2022 Boca Bash.

Cole Goldberg, then 23, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, domestic battery by strangulation and simple battery in the April 24, 2022, incident as hundreds of boats gathered for the Lake Boca Raton party held each year on the last Sunday in April.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge John Parnofiello found Goldberg not guilty of all three charges on March 12 after a three-day non-jury trial.

At the time of the arrest, witnesses said Goldberg and girlfriend Caroline Schwitzky, then 32, got into a heated argument before she jumped into the water to get away and he followed.

Goldberg, one witness said, “came up from behind her and grabbed her by the neck and pushed her underwater. He held her underwater and (another witness) pulled her away from him,” the arrest report said.

But inconsistencies in witnesses’ recollections at the trial troubled Parnofiello. One said Schwitzky was underwater 4 seconds, another said 10 to 15 seconds and a third “could not give a specific time,” the judge said. Two others could also not provide a time. A sixth witness said she was underwater “5, 6, maybe 10 seconds” and Schwitzky herself said she was submerged “30, 40 or 50 seconds,” Parnofiello said.

The witnesses also differed on whether Goldberg tried to hold Schwitzky underwater more than once, the judge said. And Schwitzky testified that “she was thrown around like a rag doll back and forth,” but there was no evidence of injuries consistent with such a violent manner, Parnofiello said.

Schwitzky had told the arresting officers that she and Goldberg had been dating for about a year. Schwitzky played a modeling agent in 2016 in the reality show 90-Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? on cable channel TLC. 

L-R: Police Officer of the Year George Reid, Paramedic of the Year Kyle Pavelka, Firefighter of the Year Ray Charafardin, and Tyrone Powell. Powell, a Highland Beach maintenance mechanic, is the town’s inaugural Employee of the Year award winner. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star 

By Rich Pollack

Officially, Tyrone Powell’s title is utility maintenance mechanic for the town of Highland Beach. 

Those familiar with Powell’s work, however, know that the better moniker would be “go-to guy,” since the Public Works employee is called on to do everything from emptying trash cans on the beach to fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a water meter. 

Now, after 10 years in Highland Beach, Powell has earned yet another title: Employee of the Year. 

Recognized for his teamwork and easygoing demeanor, Powell is the inaugural winner of the Employee of the Year award for employees not in the fire or police department. 

At a March ceremony, the town also honored Police Officer of the Year George Reid, Firefighter of the Year Ray Charafardin and Paramedic of the Year Kyle Pavelka. 

Town leaders say Powell’s commitment to the town and strong work ethic helped him earn unanimous support for the award from department heads. 

“Tyrone is always willing to help anyone at any time,” says Public Works Director Pat Roman, Powell’s supervisor. “He’s always smiling and never raises his voice. He’s just a pleasant guy to be around.” 

Originally from Jamaica, Powell has been in the United States for 40 years, working first in the New York area, where he did the same type of maintenance work he does for Highland Beach. 

He honed a variety of the skills he uses every day while growing up on the island. 

“When you’re in Jamaica you learn to do everything,” he said. 

Part of his job includes driving a cart down the beach Monday, Wednesday and Friday to empty trash cans, and over the last decade he’s gotten to say hello to many of the town’s residents. 

Being outside is where he prefers to be. 

“I don’t like office work,” he says. 

Powell, 69, says his job in Highland Beach is the best one he’s ever had, in part because the town’s leadership just lets him do his job. 

He is grateful for the Employee of the Year recognition and says it is the first time he’s work at a place that offers such an award. 

As for the future, Powell says he’s not thinking about retiring anytime soon. 

“I enjoy what I do here so I don’t see any reason to retire,” he said. 

Officer of the Year 

You would think that motorists would be unhappy when they get traffic tickets, but when the citations come from Officer George Reid, quite a few folks end up thanking him. 

In fact, a couple have even written letters to town leaders expressing their gratitude for the way Reid handled the traffic stops. 

“People love him,” Police Chief Craig Hartmann said. 

Reid’s determination to help make the town safer by encouraging compliance with traffic laws — and the way he handled a life-threatening situation — were key reasons why he was selected Officer of the Year. 

He led the department in several categories including traffic stops, citations, warnings, criminal violations and arrests. 

Reid also helped subdue and arrest a machete-wielding man who tussled with officers and was able to pull Reid’s weapon partially out of the holster and pull the trigger.

Firefighter of the Year

Harnessing the latest technology is crucial to the success of any fire rescue department and in Highland Beach, firefighter Ray Charafardin is playing an important role in helping get that technology up and running.  

“Ray helped implement technology that improves the quality of care and the implementation of that care,” Fire Rescue Chief Glenn Joseph said. 

Charafardin led the initiative to update the department’s reporting system, transferring information from the old system to the new one over a six-month period. 

He also helped with setting up the new EPOCH mobile laboratory system that makes it possible for paramedics to better diagnose medical conditions while with the patient. 

In addition, Charafardin helped with implementation of a mobile app that enables paramedics to navigate the protocols for specific patient conditions. 

Last year, Charafardin was named Paramedic of the Year.

Paramedic of the Year

In an emergency, having the right equipment — and knowing where it is — is essential for first responders. Paramedic Kyle Pavelka is making sure that’s what’s happening at Highland Beach Fire Rescue.

Pavelka volunteered to write two grants for additional equipment that the department needed, with one of those grants resulting in needed funding and the other still pending. 

He also took the initiative to make sure the equipment was easily accessible to firefighters and paramedics if and when they need it. 

“He completely redid the way we store and access equipment on the truck,” Joseph said. 

The chief said that Pavelka is there to help others in the department — including firefighters and paramedics — improve through training programs. He also focuses on his own training. 

“He’s very committed to improving his skills,” the chief said. 

By Rich Pollack

The 3.3-mile State Road A1A road improvement project in Highland Beach — which came in with a roar — is going out with a whimper as crews finalize the project that’s more than six months behind schedule and almost $1 million over budget. 

Florida Department of Transportation officials say that the resurfacing project with an original price tag of $8.3 million will cost about $950,000 more. 

In addition, state officials say that the original completion date of late summer 2025 has now been pushed back to sometime this spring, although much of the work remaining is part of a “punch-out list” with minimal disruption to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. 

Weather, according to an FDOT spokesperson, played a factor in the delays as did design revisions identified during construction that needed to be implemented. 

A significant contributing factor has been the need to raise and shift the roadway profile to tie into existing driveways and adjacent areas while making sure the work was following the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

“This effort introduced unforeseen challenges and contributed to the extended construction delays. These adjustments required additional coordination, redesign, and construction effort, ultimately contributing to schedule impacts and cost overruns,” the FDOT said in an email to The Coastal Star.

Also contributing were additional improvements such as an enhanced drainage system, pavement strengthening and roadway profile adjustments designed to improve the long-term performance of the highway, the email said. 

Those improvements were identified during the project. 

While the continued work is not having much impact on motorists, it is creating an issue for Highland Beach town officials who say they are waiting for the FDOT to complete the project before they can begin a massive sewer lining project along A1A.

Once it begins, that project is expected to be completed within a few months. 

The proposed Mizner Plaza has two stories of retail and restaurants below a 219-room hotel. The staircase between towers aligns with Mizner Park. Rendering provided

By Mary Hladky

Boca Raton’s Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a 12-story hotel and retail project directly south of Mizner Park.

The project received the go-ahead on March 23 with a 4-1 vote of agency commissioners, who also are City Council members.

Only then-CRA Chair Marc Wigder, who was defeated in his bid for reelection in the March 10 election, voted against the project.

Acknowledging the election results that swept three Save Boca members into office, Wigder unsuccessfully proposed a vote postponement until after new council members took office on March 31.

James and Marta Batmasian, the largest commercial property owners in the downtown, first proposed Mizner Plaza in 2023, but did not move forward with it at the time.

They revived it last year after making minor revisions and abandoning a request to buy a very small city-owned lot that is now used for parking.

Like all downtown development efforts, the project is controversial. Condo owners in Tower 155, located immediately south of the project site, were the strongest opponents.

The new Mizner Plaza would have two towers with retail and restaurants on the first two stories and a 219-room hotel above them. A 56-foot-wide and 20-foot-tall staircase would separate the towers and would align with the plaza in Mizner Park. Parking would be on two levels underground.

The staircase is intended to be a key feature that would be a gathering spot. But elevators and a pedestrian ramp also would be available.

A 10-foot alley on the south side of the project site would be expanded to 20 feet to accommodate two-way traffic.

To make way for the project, two one-story buildings — at 132 and 170 NE Second St. — and the downtown post office would be demolished.

Tower 155 residents derided the buildings as too big and too close to their building, creating a cramped effect. But Tower 155 also had strong detractors at the time it was proposed, largely because of its size and its tight fit on its lot.

Project attorney Ele Zachariades pushed back against criticism that Mizner Plaza and Tower 155 would be too close together, saying the building setback from Tower 155 had been expanded to 54 feet even though the city said no setback is needed.

The alley between the two buildings drew much criticism, with Tower 155 residents saying that it would be too narrow even after it is expanded to 20 feet to accommodate two-way traffic. They also feared it would be clogged during the day by service vehicles and delivery trucks.

“Just because a developer wants a big hotel doesn’t mean he should get one,” said Jeanette Oren, adding that the proximity of the two buildings would create “concrete canyons.”

But the project also drew supporters. They liked the fact that the staircase would be lined up with Mizner Park, which would encourage pedestrians to walk to restaurants and shops at both locations.

The addition of restaurants and shops also makes the area more of a true downtown, they said.

“I think it is a beautiful looking building,” said Stephen Newman. “I think it will add a lot to the downtown area.”

“This project is instrumental to the future of the city. It will change everything,” said Scott Kerner.

Marta Batmasian also defended the project. “It is incredibly beautiful,” she said. 

Speaking for herself and her husband, she said, “We are doing this for my grandchildren and you have to respect that.”

A council majority agreed the building’s architectural design is beautiful.

“It is a forward-looking design,” said then-Mayor Scott Singer.

Council member Yvette Drucker, who was not up for reelection this year, and then-Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas liked the project’s connection to Mizner Park and said it would add life to the downtown.

Then-Council member and now-Mayor Andy Thomson said property owners can’t legally be denied the right to build just because some think a building is too big — as long as the owners adhere to city ordinances. 

By Mary Hladky

The outgoing City Council on March 24 approved a luxury residential building on the grounds of The Boca Raton resort.

The unanimous vote cleared the way for construction of an eight-story, 76-unit building with one level of underground parking.

The council also gave the go-ahead to a three-story fitness center for resort members and guests, and it previously approved a new golf maintenance facility.

The residential building will rise on 5.2 acres inside the resort’s golf course, north and west of the main hotel. Units will range in size from two to five bedrooms.

In outlining their plans to the council, project team members emphasized that they were preserving all the healthy old-growth trees on the property and intentionally did not propose a high-rise.

The architectural style, they said, was chosen to complement architect Addison Mizner’s designs for the resort.

Infrastructure improvements include construction of a new 6-foot-wide sidewalk along Mizner Village Drive and creating a pedestrian connection from the entrance on Southeast Mizner Boulevard to the center of the property.

Concerns about the project from nearby residents, including those who live in the few private residential areas on the property, largely centered on the disruptions caused by construction as well as safety issues created by construction vehicles entering the resort.

The project team, including land use attorney Bonnie Miskel, agreed on several measures — including the pedestrian connection — to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The residential building’s indoor amenities will include a residents’ club, pool and gym. Outdoor amenities are a spa garden, golf terrace on the ground floor and rooftop pool and deck.

The residential building is an extension of a $375 million upgrade of the entire resort property that began in 2019 under the ownership of MSD Partners and Northview Hotel Group.

In February, Forbes Travel Guide announced the resort had received four five-star ratings for 2026 — one of only seven properties worldwide to attain that status. The resort is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. 

By Rich Pollack

Highland Beach town leaders and South Florida Water Management District staff think they may have come up with a compromise that could keep plans for a dock serving the town’s police and fire departments from sinking. 

Standing in the way of the efforts to build the dock was a determination by the water management district that it needed more information about the town’s effort to mitigate disruption to a small patch of seagrass on the Intracoastal Waterway that the dock would cover.

The district sent back the town’s permit application with a request to provide a plan that would require planting of new seagrass elsewhere and building a structure to pre-treat storm water runoff. 

To do what the water district wanted, Town Manager Marshall Labadie said, would have required engineering studies and consultant work that could have added as much as $200,000 to the $2 million project. 

Following a meeting late in March, however, the water managers and the town came to a compromise that will allow the town to resubmit its permit request complete with a plan that is more focused on educating boaters about the need to protect seagrass and advocating for that protection.  

The plan would no longer require mitigation planting or building an underground stormwater runoff pre-treatment structure. 

“We’ve come up with a mitigation strategy that is more reasonable for a public-purpose project,” Labadie said. 

As part of its new permit application, the town is proposing putting floating signage in the Intracoastal Waterway near or adjacent to the dock, asking boaters to avoid seagrass beds and limit activities harmful to the vegetation. Those include high speeds and large wakes. In addition, the town will put an educational display in its public library about the important role seagrass has on marine life in Florida, especially federally protected manatees. 

Seagrass beds serve as critical feeding grounds for manatees, which can consume up to 100 pounds a day. 

Seagrass is an important part of protecting Florida’s natural resources, according to the South Florida Water Management District. 

“Seagrasses provide vital habitat and food for many native species,” a spokesman for the agency said. 

Labadie said the town will submit a new application that will follow the agreed-upon mitigation plan, which still must be approved. That new plan is in addition to steps the town had already taken to minimize damage to the seagrass. 

Those steps, aimed at protecting the 32.6 square feet of low-quality seagrass that would be affected, include reconfiguring the dock’s alignment and using grated decking on the dock to allow light to come through. 

In making his case for a less restrictive and less costly mitigation plan, Labadie pointed out that the dock will be used by the town police’s marine patrol unit and by the town’s fire rescue department. 

In addition, the dock — specifically designed for public safety use — will be accessible to other law enforcement agencies, including those from Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Town leaders are hoping to receive a grant for about half of the project’s cost from the Florida Inland Navigation District but will need to have the permit from the water management district approved by June 1 to maintain eligibility.  

The town is receiving an additional $250,000 from the state to help cover the project’s cost. 

DELRAY BEACH — Sonya Isabelle Marcellino Costin of Delray Beach and Lake Burton, Georgia, died March 19. She was 91.

Sonya graduated from Seacrest High School in Delray Beach in 1952 and married her high school sweetheart, Bob Costin. Together, they founded Costin’s Flowers & Gifts, a thriving business that served Palm Beach County successfully for over 45 years.

Mrs. Costin’s passion was creating glorious floral arrangements as well as picking exquisite china, crystal, silver and accessories to offer her customers. She worked hard to make sure customer service and satisfaction were the top priorities at Costin’s. 

Though the Costins’ primary residence was Delray Beach, their true love was time spent at “Costins’ Chalet” on Lake Burton. In addition to their “lake time,” they enjoyed traveling the U.S. in their Blue Bird Wanderlodge. Whenever you saw RC-2 roll by, you knew Sonya and Bob were on their way!

Strong and resilient, Mrs. Costin will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and caring for her: forever loved and never forgotten.

Mrs. Costin was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. Costin; her parents, Peter R. and Christine M. Marcellino; and her brothers, Patrick F. and Peter R. Marcellino. She is survived by her nieces, Gianna, Cari and Christy Marcellino; nephew, Patrick Marcellino Jr. (Jennifer); and many loyal friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Achievement Centers for Children & Families, 555 NW Fourth St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. (www.AchievementCentersFL.org, 561-266-0003)

The funeral service and burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Amsterdam, New York, at a later date. Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements.

An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com. For questions, call 706-782-9599.

— Submitted by the family

Five bulldozers level freshly pumped sand after it was spread onto the beach in Ocean Ridge from the dredge (at right) as part of a $9.4 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project. The gray color comes from organic sediment and is common for beach renourishment projects. It will change over time to the natural color of sand. The project is expected to continue through April, before the peak of sea turtle nesting season arrives. Jerry Lower/ The Coastal Star

By Henry Fitzgerald 

Fresh off a 17-award performance in the Florida Press Club’s annual competition, The Coastal Star has been named a 15-time finalist in the upcoming Florida Press Association awards.

The groups have different purposes — the FPA serves newspaper organizations and the FPC individual journalists — but both competitions recognize good journalism being done in the state.

The FPC presented its awards at a January ceremony in West Palm Beach, with The Coastal Star reeling in five first-place, five second-place and six third-place awards and an honorable mention. The competition covered the period from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025.

The FPA award winners for the 2025 calendar year will be presented this summer. The finalists were announced March 27. Besides reporting and photography nominations, The Coastal Star is a division finalist for the general excellence award — a prize it won last year for its 2024 coverage. 

In the recent FPC competition, The Coastal Star’s first-place awards went to Jane Musgrave for business news, Larry Barszewski and Musgrave for breaking news, John Pacenti for public safety reporting, Faran Fagen for sports feature stories, and Sharon Geltner for her arts news entry. 

The newspaper also received second- and third-place awards in the prestigious Lucy Morgan Award category for in-depth reporting: for coverage of the Brightline train collision with a Delray Beach fire truck and for stories about safety on State Road A1A. 

“I’m very proud of the work you all did,” Barszewski, the paper’s editor, wrote to the staff. “I’m especially glad a number of you were able to be there and be recognized by your peers for your outstanding work.”

Musgrave’s first-place business award was for a story about Larry Ellison purchasing the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa and one on wealthy buyers who think nothing of razing multimillion-dollar homes to build even bigger and better.  

She and Barszewski won first place covering a double murder at 365 Ocean, a boutique hotel on A1A in Boca Raton.

Pacenti’s first-place award included coverage of five drownings due to rip currents off the coast of Palm Beach County and angry beachgoers in Ocean Ridge fed up with pooches pooping on the beach. 

Fagen won first place for a story about children with special needs playing baseball in the Miracle League of Palm Beach County and one about a champion squash player at Saint Andrew’s High School. 

Geltner earned first-place honors for her story about the Palm Beach County arts community after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 100% of the state’s arts grants. 

Larry Barszewski contributed to this report.

Boca teen uses talents with art and speech to build positive self-images in younger kids

American Heritage School ninth-grader Ayel Morgenstern at home in Boca Raton with several of her paintings. Art and heart are core to her service projects. Tim Stepien/ The Coastal Star

By Faran Fagen

I am unique.

I am loved 

I believe in myself. 

Don’t give up. 

I love myself. 

Be positive. 

I am enough.

While 15-year-old Ayel Morgenstern cheers them on, students at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach write positive affirmations and decorate shatterproof mirrors on hand-painted canvases to remind themselves: They are more than enough.

Each student receives a positivity kit, including a Kind bar, affirmation journal, stickers, pens, an inspiring bracelet and custom mirror canvas, giving them tangible tools to reinforce self-compassion long after the session ends.

It’s one of the latest  service projects that Ayel, a high school freshman at American Heritage School, has launched in an effort to put more hope into the world.

“The Mirrors of Positivity program equips young leaders to build resilience, practice self-compassion and spread kindness, to create a positive ripple effect in schools, homes and communities,” Ayel said.

The visit to Pine Grove — which has booked Ayel for a return visit — is an example of how the ripples have reached beyond her home city of Boca Raton.

When she was 6, Ayel heard on the news that people had vandalized tombstones at Jewish cemeteries. She wanted to help so she asked her mom, Lauren, for rocks because in the Jewish faith you place a rock on a tombstone when you visit. She hand-painted thousands of rocks, which were sent across the country. Each rock was painted with a lady bug for good luck or a heart for love.

After the Parkland school shootings in 2018, Ayel painted rays of sunlight on benches called “Sunny Seats,” in honor of the 17 slain victims of the massacre. Glitter covers the bench legs, and a beaming sun spills over the tops. “We will dance again,” one bench reads.

Ayel Morgenstern painted Sunny Seats to honor Parkland school massacre victims. She started a nonprofit called The Heartful Hub. Photos provided and by Faran Fagen/The Coastal Star

The 17 original seats were dispersed in the city of Parkland to places like the library and Publix. Now her seats and benches have homes around the country.

Ayel follows the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world.

“My Jewish values are strong and as a young Jewish leader I am determined to not only repair the world but also change the world,” she said. 

Currently, she is spearheading two projects for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The first initiative is “Wish Upon a Wand” — a little art and a lot of magic.

“I believe art is healing and every patient deserves a little magic, which is why I hand-painted wands with love and attached them to reusable drawing boards for each recipient,” Ayel said. “Every child deserves to be creative and, of course, have a little magic because art is just as powerful as medicine.” 

She also painted a triptych panel piece with the phrase “Catch the Love.” Each panel is painted a different color with hearts as a reminder to patients and families that “love is all around them and to never stop catching that love.” 

Already in 2026, her more than 700 Sunny Sacks — bright yellow sacks filled with nonperishable items and basic essentials — have reached thousands in the community through donations to the Boynton Beach Soup Kitchen. She enrolled her younger brother, Avi, like her an honors student at American Heritage, in this project.

Lauren Morgenstern says what makes her most proud are not Ayel’s accomplishments but the “love and compassion she brings to everything she does. ... Ayel’s dreams are limitless and she continues to create with such sincere and genuine purpose. Ayel’s journey and her deep commitment to service reflects her maturity beyond her years as she has always been an old soul.“

Lauren often drives Ayel —  hovered over homework in the passenger seat — to her projects. Oh, and not to forget: She has two TED Talks under her belt, about following your dreams and making them a reality.

“I believe that every spark and every idea holds potential,” Ayel said. “This potential can be thought of as energy. This energy is just waiting to be transformed into impact. I see my initiatives as potential.”

Ayel will join a Royal Ballet intensive program in London this summer.

Ayel’s first time on stage was through dance, and she still dances competitively and for her school. In February, she was accepted into the 2026 Royal Ballet Summer Intensive Program in London.

Starring on stage served her well in her TED Talks, which the organizing conference distributes online.

In her first talk, in the fifth grade, she shared that all of her ideas start as tiny dots … which grow into connections that are powerful and impactful.

“I shared my story, connected with the audience, and proudly used the microphone because my voice is my power,” Ayel said. “Three years later, I had the honor of being chosen to give my second TED Talk about dreaming big … beyond the possible. Here is the most exciting truth about dreaming big: The world doesn’t just need dreamers — it needs you. Your ideas, passions, quirks and unique perspectives are essential pieces.”

Ayel gave her second TED Talk about a year ago.

As for Mirrors of Positivity, it has already reached more than 125 students and aims to double its impact by the end of 2026, expanding into additional schools and community centers across Palm Beach County. The program debuted in May  2025 at Delray Beach’s Achievement Centers, where it resonated well with the students and staff.

It also resonated with the students at Pine Grove Elementary, where an administrator sent this email after Ayel’s recent visit:

She shared stickers and inspiration during a recent visit to Pine Grove Elementary in Delray Beach.

“The joy and excitement you brought to our students was evident: our students are still talking about your visit and have already been asking when you might be coming back.”

Ayel was impressed with the students.

“They are engaged, ask inquisitive questions and truly value not only what I am sharing, but also what is being given to them,” she said. “At the end of the day, they just need to remember to look at their reflection in the mirror to realize they are more than enough.” 

Carrie Rubin and Terry Fedele are the chairwomen for the Impact 100 Palm Beach County Grand Awards Celebration. Impact 100 has donated nearly $8 million via 124 grants to area nonprofits since 2012. Photo provided

By Lou Ann Frala

Impact 100 Palm Beach County, now in its 15th year, unites a collective of women annually with a common aspiration: change the lives of residents who are served by local nonprofit organizations. Simple, right?

The diverse group, whose membership fluctuates and evolves each year, has given nearly $8 million via 124 grants to area nonprofits since 2012.

On April 28, the end of the fundraising year for the group, grant finalists across five categories — family; education; art, culture and historic preservation; health and wellness; environment and animal welfare — will make their presentations and learn the members’ decisions on awarding top grants of $100,000.

 A record 120 groups bid to make the finals. 

“Celebrating 15 years of Impact 100 Palm Beach County at our Grand Awards is both a milestone and a moment of momentum,” said Co-Chairwoman Carrie Rubin. “What began as a shared vision among women committed to meaningful philanthropy has grown into a powerful force for change — nearly $8 million invested in our community to date. 

“This anniversary year is a testament to what’s possible when women come together with purpose, and it inspires us to think even bigger about the impact we can make in the years ahead.”

The collective touts a “zero-to-hero” membership model. Each year begins a clean slate as women from across southern Palm Beach County are sought to either recommit or join anew, pledging a minimum of $1,000 each toward that promise of potentially transformative grants for local projects.

“Projects” is the key word, says Impact 100 Communications Director Lisa Sunshine. Grants are awarded based on the specifics of the finalists’ projects, regardless of the name or pedigree of the applicant. “Small name but big project? We try to look for projects that are truly transformational.” 

The record number of applications shows that there’s “a lot of need out there. At least one grant will be given in each of the five categories.”

“As we celebrate 15 years of Impact 100 Palm Beach County at the Grand Awards, what stands out most is the extraordinary ripple effect of collective giving,” said Co-Chairwoman Terry Fedele. “Each grant represents not just funding but belief — in organizations, in innovation, and in the future of our community. This milestone year is a powerful reminder that when women come together with intention, the impact is both immediate and enduring.”

The distinguishing aspect of receiving money from Impact 100 PBC is that it comes with a grant management team, Sunshine says. The money, given in increments over a two-year term, is tracked and monitored. “We manage our own grants. Every woman’s money is going to a project that’s going to make a real impact.” 

If You Go

What: Impact 100 Palm Beach County Grand Awards Celebration

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 28

Where: Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton

Cost: $100 for nonmembers

Information: 561-336-4623; RSVP by April 16 via impact100pbc.org

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov with (l-r) Kelley Morris, president of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Memorial Foundation; Beth-Ann Krimsky, board chair of the foundations; and Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov — a Boca Raton resident — has made a seven-figure gift to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, expanding pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine services and establishing the Barkov Sports Medicine Program at the Hollywood-based hospital.

The orthopedic program, ranked No. 1 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 18,000 Broward County student-athletes and provides a full range of care from emergency treatment to rehabilitation. 

The Panthers’ star center, who hasn’t played this season while rehabbing a surgically repaired right knee, supports Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through philanthropy and personal engagement. For every goal and assist he makes, he pledges a donation to the hospital foundation. He also donates the use of a suite at the Panthers’ home arena in Sunrise for patients and their families. 

Walk in My Shoes to stroll through Boca Raton

In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lauren’s Kids has embarked on its 11th annual Walk in My Shoes, a 1,500-mile trek across Florida — while concurrently launching a survivor oral history storytelling initiative called the Voices Project.

The walk began March 31 in Key West and will travel to Pensacola before ending May 1 at the Capitol in Tallahassee. 

It will pass through Boca Raton on April 6. People can participate in the 5-mile walk to Sugar Sand Park at 300 S. Military Trail, with the opportunity to walk another 5 miles back to the starting point at Bloomingdale’s in Town Center at Boca Raton. Participants can receive an Uber code to cover the cost of a ride back to the starting location.

Lauren’s Kids founder/CEO and former State Sen. Lauren Book is leading the journey to Tallahassee. The walk brings together people from child advocacy centers and sexual assault treatment programs, as well as educators who teach Lauren’s Kids’ Safer, Smarter Kids abuse prevention curriculum program, law enforcement, sex crimes prosecutors, community and elected leaders, and families. 

The Voices Project, a  recording unit traveling with the walk, will capture anonymous accounts from survivors.

They are also invited to submit audio recordings of up to five minutes by emailing voices@laurenskids.org.

Register to walk or to participate in the Voices Project at LaurensKidsWalk.org. Live-stream updates and photos are available on the website. 

Kravis gala raises money for arts programming

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted 500 guests March 5 for “The Conjurer’s Ball: An Evening of Illusion and Magic.” The evening featured a performance by Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger and raised money in support of Kravis Center artistic and education programs. 

George Snow’s Cowboy Ball supports local students

The George Snow Scholarship Fund hosted its 32nd annual Cowboy Ball on March 6, presented by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, to raise money for scholarships and support services for students with financial need. 

The evening included the presentation of the Community Service Award to Steve and Debbie Schmidt and the Corporate Community Service Award to the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. 

Temple Beth El centennial celebrates in Purim style

On March 1, 100 years to the day since Temple Beth El was founded, more than 110 guests filled the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach for the Centennial Gala: Purim Style — a celebration described as one of the most memorable in synagogue history.

“It was a night for the ages,” said Caren Winer, co-chair of the event with Jill Weiss. “Seeing our community come together — dancing, laughing, reflecting on our history and committing to our future — was incredibly moving. It was everything we hoped this milestone celebration would be.”

The night was highlighted by an announcement about the new Beth El Center for Jewish Life and the launch of the “100 Shares Campaign.” One hundred donors are invited to contribute $1,000 each, becoming Century Founders in Temple Beth El’s next chapter.

Cultural Council awards Innovation Fellowships

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County has announced the recipients of its 2026 Artist Innovation Fellowships. Launched in 2020, the biennial program provides money that empowers artists to advance their careers.

The artists are Sonya Sanchez Arias, George Bayer, Virginia Blische, Michelle Drummond, Jill Hotchkiss, Quinn Miller, Ashley Osorio, Quimetta Perle, Elizabeth Price and Elizabeth Straight. They will receive $10,000 each, the largest individual award to date for this fellowship program. New this year, fellows will also be trained as cultural tourism ambassadors for the area, as many travel far and wide for exhibitions or performances, residencies or other opportunities.

Tayari Jones to speak at Love of Literacy event

New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones will be the featured speaker at the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s 35th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon April 9. 

Jones’ novel Kin was released Feb. 24 and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, as is her novel An American Marriage, which was also named one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st century by The New York Times. 

Tickets are $200. Call 561-767-3370 or email Communications@LiteracyPBC.org. 

Bus tour shows benefits from Impact 100 grants

Impact 100 Palm Beach County members took a bus tour Jan. 31 to visit six nonprofit organizations that have received $100,000 grants from the women’s philanthropic organization.

“Experiencing these programs in person reminds us why we give,” said Janean Mileusnic, president of Impact 100. “It’s not just about the grant, it’s about the ripple effect in our community.”

The tour was chaired by Helen Ballerano and Gulf Stream resident Ingrid Kennemer.

The six nonprofits on the tour: Morningday Community Solutions, Tomorrow’s Rainbow, Place of Hope, Milagro Center (GEMS: Girls in Engineering, Math & Science), Delray Beach Children’s Garden, and Roots & Wings Inc. at Plumosa School for the Arts.

Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.

ABOVE: Teachers from Forest Park Elementary in Boynton Beach (l-r) Lynda Campbell, Jacqueline Anderson, Marie Volcimus, Regina Smith and Barbara Callahan. Photo provided

The Junior League of Boca Raton honored 30 teachers from seven Title 1 elementary schools for their work in fostering a culture of reading in their classrooms. Each received a refreshed classroom library with 100 books. Teachers from Boca Raton Elementary, Citrus Cove, Forest Park, Freedom Shores, Galaxy E3, Orchard View and Poinciana were honored. Speakers included Junior League of Boca Raton President Victoria Matthews and Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition.  

ABOVE: (l-r) Bill McFee, Matt Saady, Maria McFee, Dan Guin and Kat Saady. Photo provided

Guests sampled Belgian and Trappist beers and met representatives from their respective breweries: De Dolle, Ommegang, St. Bernardus, Rochefort, Barrel of Monks and more. 

ABOVE: (l-r) Sherry Zepatos, Pam Higer-Polani, Ted Hoskinson, Jan Savarick and Kim Champion. Photos provided

The Roots and Wings Goes To Hollywood: 10th Anniversary event raised $385,000 for its literacy programs. The evening celebrated a decade of impact for the nonprofit across Palm Beach County schools. ’This milestone is about more than celebrating 10 years. It’s about recognizing the thousands of students and educators whose lives have been impacted through this work,’ said Ted Hoskinson, founder of Roots and Wings. ’Seeing a sold-out room of supporters rally behind literacy and teacher recognition reinforces just how deeply our community values education.’ Founded in 2016, Roots and Wings now collaborates with 20 Title 1 schools and serves 1,600 students through targeted literacy programming and teacher recognition initiatives.

ABOVE: Pamela and Robert Weinroth. 

ABOVE: Nancy and Eric Brinker. Photos by CAPEHART

Promise Fund brought together nearly 150 community leaders, philanthropists and health care advocates committed to expanding access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer care for women across Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties. Breast cancer survivor and Komen for the Cure founder Nancy G. Brinker and her son Eric Brinker announced a $1 million commitment. Their gift helped bring the organization’s fundraising total for the season to $5 million. Dr. Herbert Wertheim then announced that he would match the Brinkers’ $1 million commitment.

ABOVE: Alicia Dahill and Wertheim. 

ABOVE: (l-r) Ariella Jonas, Dr. Javier Ley and Azuela Ley. Photo provided

The annual fundraising event brought together donors, alumni and community leaders in support of Caron’s mission of support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Caron President and CEO John Driscoll reminded the gathering about the organization’s legacy and mission: ’What began as one family opening their home to people struggling with addiction has grown into a global recovery community. Together with our alumni, staff and supporters, we are carrying that legacy forward by helping the next generation of families find hope and healing.’ The Partner in Recovery Award was presented to Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County state attorney, in recognition of his leadership in protecting individuals and families seeking recovery from addiction. 

ABOVE: Paul and Lynn Lawless. Photo provided by CAPEHART

Community leaders, Palm Beach Atlantic University supporters and distinguished guests gathered for a cocktail reception for former U.S. Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and John Kerry, who greeted attendees ahead of the evening’s program at the school’s DeSantis Family Chapel. Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, moderator of the Speaker Series, welcomed guests alongside university President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. ’We are grateful to bring together voices from across the political spectrum in a spirit of civil discourse and engagement,’ said Schwinn. ’Moments like these reflect PBA’s commitment to meaningful conversation and leadership.’ 

ABOVE: Lisa Bruna B-Major Award winners (l-r) Elias Cohen Jimenez, Josefina Ezcurra and Michael Li. Photos provided by CAPEHART

The nonprofit orchestra’s gala broke its record, raising $1.2 million to support the symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, honor student achievements, celebrate orchestral music and recognize donors and sponsors. The Golden Baton Society Award was presented to James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui.  

ABOVE: Florence Seiler and Robert Bickford.

ABOVE: Lori Thal and Mark Lippman.