By Mary Hladky

James and Marta Batmasian, the largest commercial property owners in Boca Raton’s downtown, have revised their proposal to build a 12-story hotel and retail project on Northeast Second Street immediately north of the Tower 155 condo.

The new submittal no longer states that the couple wants to buy a city-owned nearly 0.3-acre lot on Second Street that is now used as a parking lot. The first proposal would have replaced the parking with a Batmasian-built park.

The rest of the Mizner Plaza project just south of Mizner Park appears to be largely unchanged in the new submittal. Attorney Ele Zachariades, who represents the Batmasians, did not return calls requesting clarification on the changes.

The project would include two towers with retail and restaurants on the first two stories and hotel rooms in the top 10 stories. The number of rooms has decreased from 242 to 219.

Parking would be on two levels underground.

The Batmasian lot purchase was strongly criticized by Tower 155 owners at an Aug. 21 Planning and Zoning Board meeting that ended with the board’s near-unanimous recommendation that the City Council approve the project.

The owners’ attorney, Richard DeWitt, outlined what he said were several technical missteps by the city but focused on the sale of the parcel. He criticized the Batmasians for how little they wanted to pay for the land.

A staff memo on the subject said the land initially was appraised at $2.4 million. But the Batmasians wanted to pay nothing, saying they should get credit for replacing 17 public parking spaces now on the lot by moving them into the underground garage. They also wanted credits for park construction and maintenance costs.

Staff disagreed that they should get the land for free. After giving the Batmasians reduced credits for construction and maintenance, staff recommended a purchase price of $883,558.

But DeWitt said there was an earlier appraisal that pegged market value of the property at $3.3 million. James Batmasian balked at that amount and asked for a new appraisal.

Yet he also indicated that the city was only asking for $10 — essentially a giveaway. That’s when the city requested the second appraisal.

DeWitt asked the planning board to either deny approval of the sale or table the matter so the board could fully evaluate it. That would include whether only the Batmasians would be entitled to buy the parcel.

Board members did not acknowledge his request. But they praised the project, with a majority describing it as beautiful.

Now that the Batmasians have revised the project, the approval process will be started anew, which will delay consideration by the City Council.

Voters can change rules to let public decide project’s fateA new version of the downtown plan shows park and recreation with City Hall to the west of Northwest Second Avenue/Boca Raton Boulevard, and development mainly to the east of the road. Rendering provided

By Mary Hladky

Boca Raton voters soon will decide whether the city can redevelop its 31-acre downtown campus in partnership with Terra and Frisbie Group without voter approval.

The City Council on Oct. 28 unanimously approved placing on a Jan. 13 ballot a proposed ordinance and a City Charter amendment, both of which would allow voters to have their say.

That decision came as Terra/Frisbie has for the third time substantially reduced the density of the project and increased green space in the most recent effort to win the support of irate residents who have opposed the redevelopment project for months.

“We are excited to collaborate with the city of Boca Raton on a vision created by the community,” Rob Frisbie, managing partner of Frisbie Group, said at an Oct. 27 meeting.

“This proposal commemorates and honors veterans while delivering world-class amenities and cultural institutions.”

The ballot measures would not allow the council to lease or sell any city-owned land greater than one-half acre without a vote by the public.

The city wants to lease its land for 99 years to Terra/Frisbie in a deal that would generate significant income for the city and spare Boca Raton residents from potential tax increases to pay for downtown campus improvements, including a new City Hall and Community Center.

Council members made clear that, while they support allowing voters to make a final decision, they are deeply concerned about the problems the two measures will cause.

The city often leases more than a half-acre to nonprofits and cultural groups, but would have to hold an election every time it does so were either ballot question to pass. That would be costly for the city and make it cumbersome to help these groups.

“I am against this nuclear option because it could provide some real damage to some of the people we are really trying to help,” said Council member Marc Wigder. Council member Yvette Drucker agreed.

Mayor Scott Singer listed examples of when an election would now be required. “I see a pathway to a lot of litigation here,” he said.

Save Boca, the residents group that proposed the ordinance and the charter change, prefers amending the charter. That’s because the council could strike down the ordinance in the future. A charter change would require another referendum.

Voters will cast their ballots on Jan. 13, well ahead of the city’s scheduled March 10 election when they will choose a new mayor and three council members.

Save Boca wanted a special election as soon as possible and sees approval of either question as an opportunity to effectively kill the project. A no vote on each referendum would give the council the ability to proceed.

Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link had said she could not schedule a special election for Boca Raton, so council members intended to put the two measures on the March 10 ballot.

That changed on Oct. 24 when Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order calling for a special Jan. 13 primary election for the House District 87 seat that had been held by Mike Caruso, whom DeSantis recently appointed as Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.

Link then told cities that they also could have special elections on that day. Boca Raton council members quickly agreed to do so.

The council’s actions are victories for Save Boca, which has upended the city’s fast-tracking of the redevelopment by demanding a vote by residents.

But what that project will look like and how much land the city will lease to Terra/Frisbie are far from settled matters.

In May, Terra/Frisbie eliminated a hotel, one office building and one residential building, reducing the number of residential units for the second time to a total of 740.

The amount of retail square footage was cut by nearly one-half to 80,000. At least eight clay tennis courts would have remained on site along with other recreational facilities. All six existing banyan trees would remain standing, and the 17 acres within the site known as Memorial Park would include a monument to veterans.

But when that did not satisfy Save Boca supporters, Terra/Frisbie proposed even bigger changes on Oct. 27.

Latest changes
Instead of leasing all 31 acres, the developers would leave in city control all its land west of Northwest Second Avenue where the City Hall, Community Center and recreational facilities now sit.

They would lease less than 8 acres on the east side of Second Avenue for construction of 769 apartments, 186 condos, a 150,000-square foot office building adjacent to the Brightline station, a 180-room hotel that was added back into the plans, and retail space. 

A police substation would be part of the mix, and a grocery store and post office building could be built.

The rest of the east-side land will remain city-owned to protect the city from any additional development in the future that it does not want.

The west side would include a new City Hall and Community Center. The rest of the land would include recreation facilities including 10 clay tennis courts, a tennis club, a multi-purpose facility that would include basketball courts, and a large children’s playground.

A promenade lined with shade trees would run in the center from the north end to Palmetto Park Road. All the existing banyan trees would be preserved where they are now.

The concept is to preserve the west side largely as the existing Memorial Park, but to add elements that would commemorate veterans.

Uncertainty ahead
Terra/Frisbie is leaving open the door to more changes, although its officials have not said at what point they could no longer do so and would walk away from the project.

So far, the city shows no signs of cutting Terra/Frisbie loose. But under pressure from Save Boca, the City Council on Oct. 14, by a vote of 5-0, pushed back the date of signing a master agreement with the developers.

The council was set to approve the master agreement on Oct. 28, three days before the interim agreement with Terra/Frisbie was set to expire. Under pressure from Save Boca, the council postponed that vote indefinitely.

The Oct. 14 action extended the interim agreement to as late as May 1, but after voters have their say in January.

Save Boca leader Jon Pearlman said he was “sad and surprised” by the extension.

“Don’t extend this agreement. Let it expire,” he said. “Don’t continue with this abominable plan. … This project will be turned down by a landslide when it goes to a vote.”

Save Boca has kept up the heat, urging residents to attend and speak out at every council meeting. They have done so, speaking with passion.

A battle over facts
The city has responded by increasing its communication with residents on the city’s website, in emails and on social media. Officials have provided frequent updates on all new developments.

They also are pushing back against what they deem to be misinformation or distortions by Save Boca. This includes “Facts First” communications that attempt to correct the record. They have tried to do the same at council meetings.

But residents either don’t believe what officials are saying or aren’t listening. On numerous occasions after officials correct an erroneous statement, a resident has come to the microphone to make the same statement.

Save Boca supporters have made numerous claims that city officials have tried to debunk.

Among them is that Pearlman has repeatedly said that the city has $667 million in reserves, and so can easily afford to build a new City Hall and Community Center without entering into a public-private partnership with Terra/Frisbie.

Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jim Zervis has explained several times that this is incorrect.

The city has reserves in 22 funds that are dedicated to covering various city functions such as providing water and sewer services. The city is legally required to spend the money for those purposes, and cannot divert it to build buildings.

Pearlman also said that Deputy City Manager Andy Lukasik has been paid $267,000 to work on the redevelopment project. City Manager Mark Sohaney responded that no city staff member has been paid extra to do that work.

In an Oct. 26 Facebook post, Pearlman said that on Oct. 28, the council was going to put Memorial Park into the hands of a developer to bulldoze it and put office buildings and high-rise condos on it.

But Rob Frisbie, Frisbie managing partner, had told residents on Oct. 14 that Memorial Park will be preserved largely as a park.

A number of residents have accused Terra/ Frisbie of soliciting only positive comments on the redevelopment plan on its One Boca website.

In fact, residents are able to make any comment they want. If, however, they support the project, they can access a link that allows them to sign a prepared letter about their support.

Caring Kitchen serves meals to all who show up, no questions asked

By Ron Hayes

You don’t have to be homeless. You just have to be hungry.

You don’t need to prove you’re needy. You don’t need to present an ID.

You don’t even have to give your real name. The names just count the number of meals served.

Just be hungry, and five days a week CROS Ministries’ Caring Kitchen will serve you a tasty lunch.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays those lunches are available from noon to 1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Southwest Third Street in Delray Beach. Tuesdays and Thursdays they’re available at the same time at the Elks Lodge #1770 on Northeast Fourth Avenue in the city.

Lunch is served

Shortly before noon on a breezy Wednesday morning, about 50 hungry men and women are waiting outside St. Matthew’s parish hall when the CROS van pulls in. The back doors open, and several people carry the insulated delivery bags inside. Volunteers are waiting there to serve the food from a long table, and other long tables wait to be filled with hungry men and women.

“We have grandparents who come here to help with their kids’ budget, day laborers getting out of the heat,” says Shona Castillo, the Caring Kitchen director.

Castillo, assistant director Jason Lorey, and one part-timer are the only staff.

“And we have about 75 volunteers who do the driving, food prep, cooking, cleaning and washing,” she adds. The ministry hopes to attract more volunteers because they are needed. Today’s lunch is Sloppy Joes and corn on the cob, water, Gatorade, and Cheetos for dessert. Some days it’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes, chicken cacciatore or pastas, baked or fried chicken.

“Chick-fil-A and Whole Foods donate a lot,” says Lorey, “and Bedner Farms. Bedner donates a lot of vegetables.”

At the beginning of the month, the number of meals served is lowest because people have money from their Social Security checks. By mid-month, these volunteers will feed about 55 people each day.

“I try to keep it comfort food,” Lorey said. “I know what they like and don’t like.”

He smiled.

“They don’t like hot dogs.”

Here, they are not “the hungry,” “the needy,” or “clients.” They are called “participants.” About 90% are men, and less than half are homeless.

A growing need

Among the participants this Wednesday is Charles Keys, 59. He had helped unload the Sloppy Joes, and now he’s enjoying one.

“I help unload the truck,” he explains, “because they help me.”

Keys rents a room nearby, but has no cooking facilities. He’s been coming here, he guesses, about 10 years.

“A friend told me about it,” he says, “and it helps. It’s a big help.”

All the food is awesome, but his favorite is the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

“It’s the best. I go to both places, here and the Elks Lodge,” he says. “I ride my bike.”

Charles Keys’ lunch was only one of about 50,000 the Caring Kitchen serves each year, which includes five meals a week that are delivered to 120 homebound individuals in Delray Beach.

And the need is growing.

CROS Ministries was founded in 1978 as Christians Reaching Out to Society, created by a group of United Methodist churches. Today, the name remains, but in 47 years it has grown into an interfaith and ecumenical organization with a cash budget this year of $2.1 million.

In 2020, CROS Ministries distributed food to 71,986 individuals from its 10 food pantries in Palm Beach and Martin counties.

Last year, that number was 121,664 — a 69% increase in four years.

“The cost of living has gone up tremendously,” says Ruth Mageria, CROS’s chief executive officer. “Housing is a big driver, mortgages, insurance, having to pay rent or cut their food. Do they buy food or put the money into their car?”

On Oct. 4, a Hustle to End Hunger Run/Walk in John Prince Park raised more than $45,000, but expenses are rising and federal dollars have been cut.

“Federal funding cuts limit the food and financial support CROS receives, which directly impacts how much food we can provide,” Mageria said.

Samson Scarola and other volunteers from Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach glean green peppers at Bedner’s Farm, which donates most of the vegetables the Caring Kitchen serves. Photos provided; insets by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star  

Farm to table

That ear of corn Charles Keys enjoyed with his Sloppy Joe lunch probably began life at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market, which donates about 90% of the vegetables served at the Caring Kitchen.

In addition to distributing, preparing and serving fruits and vegetables, CROS volunteers pick them.

A lot of them.

Gleaning is the process in which remaining vegetables, for example, are picked at the end of the growing season, before the fields are plowed and prepared for replanting. Sometimes farmers donate their vegetables directly to food pantries; sometimes volunteers pick the produce from the fields, to be transported to area food banks, then distributed to organizations like CROS.

During this year’s gleaning season, ending in August, 3,707 CROS volunteers at 244 gleaning events in Palm Beach and Martin counties collected 460,245 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, which is equal to 383,537 meals, CROS estimates.

The volunteers come from church groups and service organizations, high school students earning their community service credits. The Rosarian Academy Catholic school in West Palm Beach and Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County have sent volunteers.

One of the volunteers is Joe Black.

Black is the farm manager at Agri-Gators in Palm City and a CROS board member.

“We grow red, white, and yellow potatoes, and sweet corn,” he explains, “and I facilitate about eight gleaning events a year.”

On a Saturday morning, volunteers might fill five-gallon buckets with ears of corn, for example, and carry those buckets to a bin that holds about 1,000 pounds. A forklift deposits the bin on a food bank truck, the truck takes it to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, which passes some along to CROS Ministries.

Early in October, Black planted potatoes, which volunteers will help glean beginning in February.

“I don’t want this to sound political,” he says. “You can blame anybody you want, but everyone is aware that a lot of people are having trouble making ends meet. The government can’t satisfy all of this, so good, red-blooded Americans have to roll up their sleeves and help one another.”

And when they do, Charles Keys enjoys an ear of corn.

CROS is there when the food is picked, and CROS is there when the food is eaten.

When money’s a problem

“This place has changed my life,” Oscar Konway says. “I was eating PB&Js seven days a week.”

He is a friendly man, smiling and chatty, happy to tell you anything except his age. He is not young; he is not old.

“I was a part-owner in Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West at one time,” he adds, chewing his Sloppy Joe.

He will also tell you that he came to Florida to make a movie called “Wise Guys in the White House,” which is currently being edited, and that his family was once very prominent in California politics.

He says he lives in a halfway house, and just made a year clean and sober with a group called Cocaine Anonymous.

He has been coming to the Caring Kitchen almost a year.

“I try to make it two days a week,” he says, “but my car’s in the shop. It needs wheel bearings and they want $360, and I don’t have the money.”

Money’s a problem, he says. Delray Beach is expensive.

His favorite meal is, of course, the Sloppy Joes.

“All the meals are great, but some are hard to chew because I’ve only got one tooth on top and two on the bottom.”

Whether or not he once owned part of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, or made a movie, or came from a big political family is irrelevant here at the Caring Kitchen. He is hungry, so he is welcome.

“The food here is an 8.4 on a scale of 1 to 10,” Konway says with a smile. “And the fact that’s it’s free makes it a 9.6.”

CROS board member Joe Black, who manages the farm at Agri-Gators in Palm City, got help from a young volunteer in loading red potatoes. 

‘A fabulous program’

By one o’clock, lunch is over. The participants don’t linger. They eat their lunches, chat with friends, and depart, leaving Shona Castillo, Jason Lorey and their volunteers to clean up and think about tomorrow, when lunch will be at the Elks Lodge.

“Tomorrow it’ll be shepherd’s pie and mixed vegetables,” Lorey says, “and I’ll probably make a salad.”

Among the volunteers still here is Linda Carney, who has been a CROS volunteer for 10 years, one day here at the Caring Kitchen and one at the Lake Worth Beach food pantry.

“I see basically the same people every week, and everyone’s very appreciative,” she says. “I just think it’s a fabulous program, and I get to feed these people and make them happy.

“This is what we’re supposed to do.”

Drop-ins are welcome at CROS Ministries’ Caring Kitchen. However, registration is required to receive food from its food pantries. 

For more information, call 561-233-9009 or visit crosministries.org. 

Luncheon organizers, l-r, Racheal Petullo, Victoria Matthews, Carrie Rubin and Namrata Israni. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

The 38th installment of a signature event honoring female philanthropy in the community will recognize 40 local nominees and the causes they support.

When the Woman Volunteer of the Year is crowned Nov. 21, she will receive a $5,000 gift from the Junior League of Boca Raton to help her charity.

“To hear the amazing work that they do, that is a highlight of the event,” league President Victoria Matthews said of the much-anticipated luncheon. “Guests enjoy not only that but also the fashion show that is put on every year.”

Taking place at The Boca Raton, the affair includes a professional runway display of designer couture as well as live and silent auctions. New this year is a gift-card wall that features everything from restaurants to retailers to salon services. More than 900 attendees are expected.

“The money that is raised not only helps us with our operations, but it also helps us with our projects and the focus areas that we work on,” Matthews said, referring to child welfare and nonprofit support.

The league has a range of programs for each focus area. Funds have been used to provide books for Title 1 schools in an effort to improve literacy. Funds also have been used to provide feminine-hygiene products for girls in need. Free training is offered to nonprofit leaders throughout the year, and a grant library with a database of sources is accessible for those wanting to learn how to apply.

“We also offer training to learn how to be on the board and what it takes to do that and networking events to figure out issues and solutions,” Matthews said.

The ballroom doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the luncheon concludes at 1:30 p.m., although many guests stay to socialize for the rest of the afternoon.

“It’s just a fun environment,” Matthews said. “Everyone is dressed up and enjoying the beautiful resort so it ends up being the whole day.” 

If You Go

What: Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon

When: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21

Where: The Boca Raton, 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton

Cost: $200

Information: 561-620-2553 or wvoy25.givesmart.com

L-R: Danita DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, philanthropist George Elmore and Marti LaTour, a foundation board member. A foundation initiative was created in Elmore’s honor. Photo provided

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has launched the George Elmore “Impact for Good” Initiative, a transformative effort that provides 26 nonprofits with resources to meet both short- and long-term goals.

Made possible through a $10.3 million funding gift from Elmore, “Impact for Good” reflects his commitment to organizations that align with his vision, as each of the 26 were chosen personally by him.

“This community has given me everything,” he said. “It’s where I built my business, raised my family and made my home. My hope is that this gift not only says thank you but also inspires others to keep it going.”

Added Danita DeHaney, president and CEO of the foundation, “George Elmore’s generosity has shaped our community for decades, and with Marti (LaTour) by his side, his impact continues to grow. We are honored to partner with George and Marti in creating a lasting legacy for these 26 nonprofit organizations.”

For more information, call 561-659-6800 or visit yourcommunityfoundation.org.

Boca Helping Hands needs a hand for Thanksgiving

A local nonprofit plans to distribute all the fixings for a holiday meal to 4,000 families via its five drive-through locations in South County.

Recipients must be registered in advance with Boca Helping Hands to receive a Thanksgiving meal. Community members can help by donating the cost of a box for $29.72 or donating the traditional food items listed on the organization’s website.

“We recognize the difficulties many families are experiencing, and my wife, Anita, and I are proud to once again support the Thanksgiving Box Brigade this year,” sponsor Bob Kriensky said.

Added Boca Helping Hands Executive Director Andrew Hagen, “We are deeply appreciative of the way that the community helps each year with their food drives and Thanksgiving box donations. Thanks to them, families who might not have had enough money to afford to celebrate can now share a holiday meal together.”

For more info, call 561-417-0913 or visit bocahelpinghands.org/thanksgiving.

— Amy Woods

This year’s dazzling dance-off shattered fundraising records, hauling in an extraordinary $1.7 million in support of the George Snow Scholarship Fund. The British Invasion-themed evening showcased the power of community generosity and the transformative impact of education. Eight local participants spent five months training with professional instructors while simultaneously leading ambitious donation campaigns. The winners were Michelle Hagerty and George Petrocelli. TOP: Hagerty follows Jan Clancy’s lead. ABOVE: Petrocelli performs a lift with Sayra Vazquez. Photos provided by Munoz Photography

ABOVE: (l-r) Ken Kennerly, Boca Raton Regional Hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez, Christine Lynn, Dick Schmidt, Terry Fedele, Jerry Fedele and Mark Larkin, president of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. Photo provided

The James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational presented a $420,000 check to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation that was part of a record $630,000 in proceeds from the inaugural golf tournament. Other major beneficiaries included Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast, and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Charities. ‘Thanks to our fans, partners, volunteers and the philanthropic leadership of our community, year one delivered in a big way,’ said Ken Kennerly, executive director of the event. ‘We’re deepening our commitment to South Florida, and year two will raise the bar even higher.’

By Jan Norris

You’re not showing up empty-handed to any affair on our watch. We have the suggestions and the goods for your hosts or for thank-you gifts during the season. Be the good guest and bring something appropriate — either tasty or useful.

We favor local producers, especially those with knowledge and friendly service. Some can even help you find other sources for items — just ask.

Let’s start with the sweet stuff. Chocolate and candy assortments are always tasteful.

For the chocolates

Scheurer’s Chocolate

640 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach; 561-640-4412; scheurerschocolate.com

This family-owned shop has been around since 1980, producing hand-dipped chocolate freshly made. It is so hard to choose from the many selections, but we like the dark chocolate truffles and, for those Florida-themed gifts to take back north, a box of solid chocolate seashells including dark, milk or a mix. A surprise shrimp is in there, too. ($19.50 for the box.) Custom orders are available, and this staff is the epitome of friendly customer service. 

5150 Chocolate

1010 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561-562-5731; 5150chocolate.com

This is a bean-to-bar factory, where the cacao beans are roasted and turned into edible chocolate. Unique here are handmade chocolate sculptures, as well as molded chocolates. So, if a corporate logo or special thank-you gift is needed, 5150 Chocolate.com can accommodate you.

*                                

We like baskets or combo gifts. A good one is a cutting board with a great loaf of bread and a good cheese, some olives and other starters for a charcuterie board. Or fish dip and some stone crab claws, crackers and spreaders. And always a go-to: wine.

For the bread

Palm Beach Bakery and Cafe

206 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561-585-0222; palmbeachbakeryandcafe.com

If you can get past the bakery’s everyday dark rye, or the delectable cardamom bread with raisins and almonds, order the special Joulu Limppu (Finnish Yule loaf). With those subtle warm spices and a touch of molasses, you’ll find a new favorite for a ham sandwich or just morning toast with butter. Buy one for you, too. It freezes well.

For the cheese and more

Gourmet Market

2800 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-609-2686; gourmetmarketboca.com

Whole wheels of cheese are on display and available for slicing. European — mostly French — varieties are sold, along with a pantry of other gourmet items. A knowledgeable, friendly French couple own the shop and can make recommendations for best pairings with wines, cheeses, breads and more. A complete board is possible here, along with other gourmet gifts.

For the meat

The Meating Place

277 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561-368-1191

Freshly cut steaks and filets are the jam here, and they’d make a welcome gift for carnivores (as would a gift card). For party food, the Meating Place also has deli meats and cheeses to create your own board. Get suggestions from the store’s experienced butchers as to what varieties to choose. Nice sauces to go with it all, as well.

For fish dip and crab claws

Captain Clay and Sons

Seafood Market

1319 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561-266-2068; captainclaysseafood.com

The smoked seafood dip is made fresh and wins rave reviews from all who eat it. The holidays are right in the thick of stone crab season, and the shop has all sizes. If you’re gifting, have the staff choose an assortment for a “raw bar” platter. You’ll be No. 1 on your host’s list.

Capt. Frank’s Seafood Market

435 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach; 561-732-3663; Instagram: cap.tainfranks

Stone crab claws and shrimp are big sellers here at the holidays, as is the smoked fish dip, so put orders in ahead. The must-have companions: housemade mustard, cocktail sauces, and the store’s special coleslaw.

For the wines

The Wine Wave

900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-276-2076; thewinewave.com

This wine shop has a friendly, helpful staff that can help you choose something beyond the usual from its curated offerings. Many come from small batch producers, both domestic and international. Other spirits are on the shelves as well. 

*                            

Another idea for a basket or bundle for the cooks is a cookbook, a new utensil or serving plate — and kitchen towel. Or think of barware for people who drink.

 For the cookbooks

Of course you can order off Amazon. But seeking out older cookbooks, possibly regional ones, is a fun pursuit. 

First try the library sales racks: Delray Beach Public Library, Lake Worth Beach City Library and Boynton Beach City Library all have book sales shelves that may have hard-to-find local cookbooks and reliable basics books among the mass-produced volumes. 

Bookwise

145 NW 20th St., Boca Raton; 561-347-6455; bookwiseusa.com

This shop is a neat find for any book lover. Both new and used books are sold in a cozy space with reading tables set up throughout, and a friendly staff available to help. Plan for a visit — even if you’re looking for a specific genre, in this case cookbooks, you’ll be drawn to other shelves.

For the kitchen tools

The World of Cutlery

7461 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-672-7340; theworldofcutlery.com

If your cook needs a new knife, here’s your gift source. Famous brands include Shun, Wusthof and Victorinox. The store also sharpens existing knives — get a gift certificate for a sharpening for your host. Choose from useful gadgets that make kitchen work easier, like the grater lid for a Mason jar, or any number of peelers and choppers, or scoops.

For unique tableware

Delray Beach Kollective

424 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-873-8197; kollectiveshop.com/about-4-1

An artists collective, the shop features numerous collections from artisans. Serving ware, bar items, tableware — the shop is a place for browsing for unique gifts, small and large. We’re keen on the glass swizzle sticks with colorful alligators, flamingoes, palm trees and sailfish atop the stirrers — so Florida.

*                                   

Pie is another fail-proof idea this time of year.

For the Pie

Upper Crust Bakery

2015 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth Beach; 561-586-5456; theuppercrustpies.com

After 47 years of pie baking, this place knows a thing or two. Step beyond your comfort and order the coconut cream or the German chocolate cream. Get orders in early (as in yesterday) if you’re looking for the Thanksgiving pies. Prepare to stand in line for pickup.

Meals on Wheels

Pie it Forward

Pickup site: Duffy’s Sports Grill, 1750 S. Dixie Highway, Delray Beach; Mowpbpie.org

The annual “buy a pie and feed a homebound senior” sale is here. The Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches takes orders for pies baked by professionals in the community, with the money going directly to feed a homebound senior or veteran for a week. 

How to? Go to the website, choose your pie flavor, pay ($30 per pie) and pick up Tuesday, Nov. 25, for Thanksgiving. South County site is Duffy’s in Delray Beach, but other locations are available. Don’t need a pie? You also can donate by buying a virtual pie, or buy a pie for a senior or veteran. 

In brief

Angelo Romano, the culinary director and chef, will lead the new Oceanwalk by Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth Beach. It’s set to open this month.

Romano is returning to his native county from New York City, where he earned critical acclaim at Roberta’s, The Pines and for Grand Tour Hospitality.

The restaurant will use renovated space in Oceanwalk, the old casino building at the beach. Romano created a menu that’s familiar and creative, according to Angie Gutierrez, director of operations for Benny’s on the Beach. Local foods from coastal waters and area farms are highlighted.

Grilled seafood, prime steaks, pastas and a raw bar are planned.

Oceanwalk is at 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. For updates, go to oceanwalkbybennys.com. ...

Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria in Boca Raton makes its comeback debut Nov. 3. 

Renovations after a fire include a new color scheme, lighting fixtures, a slight change in layout, and two semiprivate rooms. The bar is now called Louie’s Lounge and features both early and late Happy Hours. Reservations start Nov. 10. More info is at louiebossi.com. ... 

Amar Sandwich Shop is open at 522 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. The fast-casual Lebanese concept is based on street foods, including pita wraps and flat breads. Favorites such as falafel and shawarma are on a menu that has both vegan and vegetarian options. 

Go to amarsandwichshop.com for a full menu. ...

Palm Trail Grill on George Bush Boulevard in Delray Beach has closed. Originally scheduled to reopen mid-October for a makeover and menu refresh, the restaurant instead is permanently shuttered, staff members said.

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

Anne Asbury, Dee Caleeca, Carolyn Bethmann and Millie Stina, l-r, were ready to satisfy every sweet tooth with their baked goods at the Gourmet Table at 2024’s bazaar. Photo provided

The 2025 Christmas Bazaar sponsored by the Ascension Council of Catholic Women takes place 4-7 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Ascension Catholic Church Family Center at 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. The event includes more than 25 vendors, raffle baskets, jewelry and fashion, new clothing, Christmas items, a gourmet table and a cafe with food. The proceeds benefit the parish and local charities. 561-997-5486; ascensionboca.org

Wycliffe Gordon’s Jazz Christmas at St. Gregory’s

Celebrate the magic of a New Orleans Jazz Christmas with an evening of world-class jazz, gourmet dining and festive fellowship at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 

The gala begins with a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner, plus dancing and silent and live auctions. But the highlight is the legendary trombonist Wycliffe Gordon in his only South Florida concert this season. The virtuoso will be accompanied by the jazz trio La Lucha. 

Tickets are $75 for the concert, $75 for the dinner and silent auction, and $135 to attend both the concert and the dinner. Seats at Wycliffe’s dinner table are $500. Call 561-395-8285.

Boca Symphonia to feature music of Mozart, Poulenc 

The Boca Symphonia, South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra, returns to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church under the baton of Alastair Willis for its opening concert of the season, featuring the music of Mozart and Poulenc, at 3 p.m. Nov. 23. The church’s Tim Brumfield will join the Symphonia to perform the Organ Concerto in G minor by French composer Francis Poulenc. St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Tickets start at $58, or $10 for students at the box office only. Get tickets at thesymphonia.org/attend/calendar/mozart-and-tim.

St. Paul’s Episcopal hosting Delray String Quartet

The Delray String Quartet, St. Paul’s Artists in Residence, will perform at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Concerts are also planned for Jan. 4, Feb. 4, May 3 and May 24. Tickets are available at delraystringquartet.com/concerts.

Advent Choral Evensong to be led by the choir 

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will feature an Advent Choral Evensong led by the choir at 6 p.m. Nov. 30. This musical version of evening prayer in the Anglican tradition is free. St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org

St. Lucy Catholic Church to host Mass of Remembrance 

St. Lucy Catholic Church will hold a Mass of Remembrance at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the church, 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. The Mass will feature a candle lighting for the deceased. All are welcome to submit a photo or two for a memory board that will be displayed at the entrance of the church for the Mass and for the month of November. Bring your photos to the parish office to be included. Call 561-278-1280 for more information.

Knights of Columbus event to honor all who served

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3092 hosts a Veterans Appreciation Dinner and Dance at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, O’Shea Hall, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton. A Mass precedes the dinner at 4 p.m. Cocktails will be served 5:30 to 6 followed by dinner, music and dancing. Tickets are $35. Veterans are admitted free with reservations. Sponsor a Veterans Table for $350. Call 718-200-3836 or email Sir-Joseph@outlook.com or register online at bocaratonassembly3092.com/event/veterans-dinner-dance-2.

St. Lucy’s Horgan to lead flag retirement ceremony

Father Brian Horgan will lead an official “Flag Retirement Service and Ceremony” at 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. Sometimes called a Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags or  Ceremony of Final Tribute, this solemn event includes refreshments after the service. Anyone with an old/worn/used flag is asked to bring it to the event. If you can’t attend you can drop your flag off at the rectory office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Questions? Call the church at 561-278-1280.

B’nai Torah Congregation set to host Mitzvah Day 

B’nai Torah Congregation hosts Mitzvah Day from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 16 at 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. This powerful morning of service offers activities for all ages. 

Tasks such as blood drives, making sandwiches and assembling care packages are designed to support underserved youth, veterans, people who are hungry or homeless, and those with special needs. For more info or to sign up, contact Summer Faerman at summer.faerman@bnai-torah.org or call 561-392-8566.

Blessing Tree to be held at Spanish River Church

Spanish River Church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, is hosting The Blessing Tree again this year from Nov. 16 to Nov. 30. The Blessing Tree is designed to give hope and joy this Christmas to people who might otherwise miss out.

The three ways to participate are: Choose an ornament from the tree in person in the Worship Center Lobby on Nov. 16 and 23; choose your ornament online then shop and drop off, or purchase gifts and have them shipped directly through Amazon by Nov. 25.

 Gift drop-off dates are Nov. 23 and 30 in the Worship Center Lobby, or Nov. 17 to Nov. 28 (except Nov. 27, Thanksgiving Day) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the church office. For more information, call 561-994-5000 or visit spanishriver.com/blessing-tree.

Noted rabbi and author to speak at B’nai Torah

Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi of the Central Synagogue in New York City and author of the new book, Heart of a Stranger, speaks at Shabbat services at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 22 at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. The Scholar-in-Residence shares her journey from outsider to senior rabbi of one of the world’s largest congregations. 

Born in Korea to a Jewish American father and a Korean Buddhist mother, she is the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi in North America. Her book is available to purchase for $20. 

The program is part of B’nai Torah’s 2025-2026 author series. Registration is required online at btcboca.org/event/author-series-rabbi-angela-buchdahl, or call 561-392-8566. 

Interfaith vigil held in solidarity with immigrants  

More than 175 clergy representing Jewish, Muslim, Christian and other faith communities, as well as lay leaders and community members, stood together in solidarity for the fair and humane treatment of immigrants at the Interfaith Vigil — Supporting the Immigrants Among Us, held Sept. 10 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton. 

Hosted by the Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association, the event featured prayer, reflection and public witness capped by the group leaders’ message: “As leaders of faith, we stand together in witness of the challenging, sometimes heart-wrenching realities that immigrants and refugees in our communities are facing. Each of our spiritual traditions teach the moral obligation that we have towards those whose lives have prompted them to sojourn from the land of their birth to seek out opportunities for safety, security and prosperity. … We come together to express our collective concern.”

For the past 20 years, led by Father Andrew Sherman of St. Gregory’s and Rabbi Emeritus David Steinhardt of Congregation B’nai Torah, the BRICA has brought Boca Raton’s religious leaders together to deepen relationships and understanding among the traditions and to find ways to work together to serve the community. 

— Janis Fontaine

Robin Eisenberg and Judy Gordon show off their wish lists of gifts for people in need. Gordon is one of the original Giving Tree leaders, and Eisenberg is a longtime volunteer and previous education director at Temple Beth El. Photos provided

By Janis Fontaine

More than 35 years ago, Myra Singer, a rabbi’s wife, heard about a family in Boca Raton who had no money to celebrate Christmas and she decided to do something about it.

She rallied her friends, neighbors and local business owners, and using her garage as ground zero, bought and wrapped gifts, then packed them up with a holiday feast and delivered the bounty to the family on Christmas Eve. 

Today, volunteers from Temple Beth El still work tirelessly each year to support her charity, the Giving Tree — Inspired by the Legacy of Myra Singer. What started in one neighborhood now has a brigade of volunteers working together to deliver about 10,000 hand-wrapped presents to 1,500-2,000 residents, from infants to seniors, all over the city. 

Legacy of a Jewish mother

In 2005, Singer told writer Sandi Altner that the Giving Tree was born in response to a clear need: to make Christmas joyous for families who were having a tough time making ends meet. It’s still true. 

Singer was inspired, she said, by the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, a tenet that implores us to “repair the world,” and Singer said that her small acts could do just that. She felt blessed that as she and her congregants were lighting their Hanukkah candles, hundreds of children were opening Christmas gifts. If a Jewish congregation fulfilling the holiday wishes of Christian children seems strange, she told Altner, it misses the bigger picture: “We’re fulfilling these wishes not because these people are part of our synagogue but because they are part of our community.”

Singer died in 2022, but in May, Rabbi Emeritus Merle Singer, Myra’s husband, wrote in a post in remembrance of his wife: “She lived to help uplift others, and through that she became the guiding hand that supported all of us. Her influence was not just in our family, but was spread wide throughout our Temple Beth El community and the further community of Boca Raton in the many ways she found to help alleviate suffering and to encourage others.”

He said she made him a better rabbi. 

The Giving Tree at the temple.

Not a toy drive

What makes the Giving Tree unusual is that it’s not an anonymous toy drive but an intimate interaction between a particular child and an individual benefactor. Each wish list leaf is a personal request: a real person’s wish. Through its tried and true system, the charity plans to fulfill 2,000 holiday wish lists, each with multiple specific gifts, in 2025. That means those children, teens and seniors will open exactly what they wished for. 

Clients are referred through a vast network of nonprofits that includes Best Foot Forward, Brothers Helping Brothers, Caridad Center, Dixie Manor, Moon of Hope and Vita Nova, as well as schools, police, religious organizations and others who serve local low-income and homeless populations.

“The social service agency caseworker asks what they would like, and we make that happen,” Giving Tree co-president Lauren Gross said. In addition to the gifts, kids get necessities such as clothes and shoes in the right sizes. 

Gross got involved with the Giving Tree almost four years ago. When Myra Singer died in 2022, a search for new leadership tapped Gross and Jennie Kreger to serve as co-presidents. Both had previous leadership experience at Temple Beth El. Now they coordinate 30 core volunteers and hundreds of others who help out at peak times, like showing up to wrap gifts every year. 

Over the years, the program has expanded to serve people of all ages and religions, Gross said. Seniors at the Menorah House and Jewish Family Services are gifted with blankets and fuzzy socks, the two most popular requests. 

“Last year we did a jogger set,” Gross said. “We ask the senior centers what is most needed, and blankets and socks are always on the list.”

The spirit of giving drives her as it did Singer, Gross said.

“The real meaning of Tikkun Olam is to repair the world, and we just keep chipping away at it, one little act at time. It all comes down to that core Jewish value. Everyone is a human. Everyone deserves to feel respected, honored and worthy,” she said. 

Gross believes the Giving Tree does that. 

“The feeling we get when we hear back from the caseworker makes it worth it,” Gross said. “For me, it’s about making one small difference in someone’s life, then doing that as many times as possible. My grandmother was very philanthropic and I got that gene from her.”  

There are two other branches on the Giving Tree. The Quiet Giving portion of the charity operates year-round assisting as many as 400 families in dire straits with emergency needs annually. The Back to School Program provides backpacks full of school essentials to about 500 local students each year. But the Holiday Program is the biggest.

How it works

The process is simple. The Giving Tree has a website, so you can pick a leaf online or from the tree in the lobby at either Temple Beth El campus. 

Then, you shop. Don’t wrap. Drop off your gifts at Temple Beth El or email thegivingtreeboca@gmail.com to learn an alternate drop-off location and hours. 

Gross says that as gifts come back, they’re checked for accuracy to be sure they match the wish list, then sent on to gift wrapping. Once a Giving Tree captain is certain her batch of gifts is complete, the nonprofits pick up the gifts for distribution. 

The only exception is Dixie Manor. 

“We deliver the gifts to them each year because that’s where it started,” Gross said. 

It takes tremendous coordination, but every wish is eventually filled. If someone takes a leaf and doesn’t fulfill the wish, Gross says there’s a plan for that. 

Just like Santa, Gross said, “We will never let someone go without.” 

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

How to help

Choose a leaf in person at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Campus at 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton, or the Beck Campus at 9800 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, or pick one online at thegivingtreeboca.org/2025-holiday-wish-lists/ beginning Nov. 1. 

Fill the requests on your leaves and drop your gifts off at either temple campus by Dec. 1. You can also leave them at an alternate Giving Tree site. Email thegivingtreeboca@gmail.com for that location and for drop-off hours. 

For more info: Call 561-391-8900 or email Susan Stallone, the director of social justice at Temple Beth El, at SStallone@tbeboca.org. 

Other ways to help: 

If you can’t fulfill a wish list but want to help, gift cards to Walmart, Target, Amazon or Visa/Amex are welcomed, as are donations for supplies such as wrapping paper and tape. Volunteers and corporate partners are always needed.

Neurologist Dr. James E. Galvin, founding director of the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health in Boca Raton, will be among the speakers Nov. 19 at the Alzheimer’s conference in Boca. Galvin made lifestyle changes in weight, diet and exercise to mitigate his own Alzheimer’s risks. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

Amid rising rates of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is sponsoring a free educational conference open to the public on Nov. 19 in Boca Raton that will offer expert insights into brain health, caregiving strategies and the latest research on the subject.

The event is for caregivers, health care professionals and anyone else concerned about brain health. It is being held at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center.

Among the featured speakers at the Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Conference is James E. Galvin, professor of neurology, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who emphasizes a proactive approach to keeping your brain in top condition.

“You can take control of your brain health,” Galvin says.

A growing concern

An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s dementia — the most common type of dementia today, according to Alzheimer’s Foundation figures. 

This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s dementia.

The impact is felt locally as well.

In Palm Beach County, according to 2024 statistics provided by the Florida Department of Health, approximately 12.5% of the population, or almost 50,000 individuals, has “probable” cases of the disease.

Conference organizers hope to spread information that can make a difference in the lives of people experiencing Alzheimer’s — and offer tips for anyone else to reduce their risk of getting the disease.

“Knowledge is a useful and powerful tool that can make any situation easier to navigate, especially something as challenging as caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease,” Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., president of the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Foundation, says in a news release.

While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, experts stress that it’s not an inevitable part of aging — and many risk factors are within our control.

Besides age, other risk factors for developing the disease include family history, genetics and head injuries. Women are more predisposed to the disease than are men.

Conference topics

A pair of conference speakers will discuss strategies to help interpret and address the behaviors of someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. Karen L. Gilbert is with Alzheimer’s Community Care in West Palm Beach and Blake Davis provides Alzheimer’s-related training for area sheriff’s offices.

Gilbert and Davis will talk about how behaviors can serve as communication and how caregivers can respond to challenging situations.

Jeremy Koppel, co-director of Northwell’s Litwin-Zucker Research Center in Manhasset, New York, will address the basics of clinical trials, how people can participate in them and factors to consider before deciding to enroll.

This year, for instance, several new drugs targeting beta-amyloid plaque in the brain have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Clinical trials are ongoing to explore ways to reduce both beta-amyloid and tau tangles, which are proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. 

Other current trials look to decrease brain cell inflammation, investigate how insulin may affect brain function, and better understand the connection between cardiovascular health and brain health.

Galvin, 61, who works out of the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health based in Boca Raton, practices what he preaches regarding how to build a better and healthier brain.

Tips for changing

His message goes beyond the conference — it’s written into his daily routine to improve his own health. 

He lost 70 pounds, changed his approach to food, began exercising every morning — one hour of high intensity interval training — and lifting weights twice a week with a personal trainer. Every weekend, he does a 5-mile walk on the beach.

Never a smoker and once a social drinker, Galvin has eliminated alcohol completely. 

His transformation embodies the principles he advocates.

“You can’t tell people how to change if you haven’t changed yourself,” Galvin says. “Except for your age, sex or genes, almost all other risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are modifiable or preventable.”

He notes that 45% of Alzheimer’s disease risk factors are modifiable.

Different factors can be modified at different stages of life:

• In our early years, a higher education is correlated with a lower risk factor.

• In midlife, modifiable factors include smoking, air pollution, high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes and social isolation. 

• Later in life, vision or hearing loss can be risk factors.

“There is a cumulative effect of things we can do to mitigate our risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” Galvin says. “Stop smoking, eat healthy and exercise. Cumulatively, setting these intentions can make a big difference in our lives.”

In order to “build a better brain,” Galvin talks about the twin peaks of “risk” and “resilience.”

To decrease risk factors, Galvin suggests watching your weight, staying active, treating diseases such as depression, and reducing vascular risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugars.

To improve resilience, Galvin recommends:

• Being engaged in lifelong learning, 

• Staying physically and cognitively active (he just learned to play mahjong), 

•  Doing artsy activities, such as reading, listening to music or joining a book club, 

•  Following the “mind diet,” a Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, berries and whole grains,

•  Staying socially engaged and practicing mindfulness.

“This is an exciting time in Alzheimer’s disease research,” says Galvin. “There’s abundant evidence these lifestyle choices have protective elements.”

He suggests making a resolution to change your lifestyle behaviors and then, like the ad says, “Just do it.”

“We have some control over these risk factors,” he says. “Lifestyle changes can make a significant impact on our health and quality of life.”

His message to his patients and conference-goers is: “It’s never too early and it’s never too late, but it’s better to be too early than to be too late.”

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

Learn about Alzheimer’s

What: Educating America Tour: Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Conference

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 (doors open at 9 a.m. for breakfast, registration and networking) 

Where: Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton

Cost: Free

Registration: Visit alzfdn.org and look for the link at the top of the home page.

Sponsor: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

About AFA: The AFA is a nonprofit organization that provides support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. It also funds research for treatment and a cure.

Help for Alzheimer’s: If you cannot participate in the conference but have questions about Alzheimer’s disease, connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through AFA’s helpline at 866-232-8484, text 646-586-5283, or chat online at alzfdn.org.

Dr. Michael M. Halista, an interventional and structural cardiologist, has joined the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group. 

On staff at Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center, Halista specializes in treating heart conditions using minimally invasive methods. He is certified in four areas:
internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology and vascular interpretation. 

His work mainly focuses on using catheters for treatments, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, repairing and replacing mitral and tricuspid valves, closing the left atrial appendage, percutaneous coronary intervention and complex coronary interventions. 

He has also published research in several cardiovascular journals and has shared his findings nationally at meetings, including those held by the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Failure Society of America. 

Halista earned his medical degree from Columbia University after obtaining his undergraduate degree at Emory University. 

He completed his residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and then specialized further at New York University, where he was a chief fellow. 

Later, he had a specialized fellowship in structural health care at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before joining the South Florida Heart Institute team at Delray Medical Center. 

His office locations are 5352 Linton Blvd., Suite 100, Delray Beach; 5035 Via Delray, Delray Beach; and 9980 N. Central Park Blvd., Suite 304, Boca Raton. The phone number is 561-498-2249.

Boca Regional Hospital adds second MammoVan

Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal its second Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan at Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute in Boca Raton in September. 

MammoVans travel throughout South Florida to help more people access early breast cancer detection and to provide education on breast health. Each van includes special exam suites that are equipped with 3D mammography technology. The new MammoVan is made possible by donations from the Morgan Pressel Foundation and members of St. Andrews Country Club.

Golf tournament aids Huntington’s patients

The Florida Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America hosted its 2025 Hope for Huntington’s golf tournament in September at Palm Beach National Golf Club. All proceeds supported the society’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease, which causes nerve cells in the brain to decay. To learn more about the disease, visit hdsa.org or call 800-345-4372.  

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

K-9 officer Pely models for the camera at Mizner Park for the cover of the 2026 K-9 calendar produced by the Boca Raton Police Foundation. Zorro (left) and Ivan are behind the sign. Photo provided by Tristen Garrison 

By Arden Moore

K-9 police officers are best identified for their skills in sniffing out explosives and narcotics, as well as following scent trails to track down fleeing suspects.

Some of these highly trained, badge-wearing canines also bring on smiles and applause by performing demos and doing meet-and-greets at schools, libraries and public events.  

At the Boca Raton Police Department, the K-9s answering to the names of Ivan, Pely and Zorro can now add a new role: calendar canine stars. That’s because they strike poses in a variety of iconic Boca places for each month in a custom 2026 calendar produced by the Boca Raton Police Foundation. 

“We were looking for a creative way to benefit the city’s police dogs and the idea of a calendar featuring our police dogs seemed a natural fit for this city,” says Bob Tucker, executive director of the Boca Raton Police Foundation. “The 2026 K-9 calendars are $35 each with proceeds benefiting the city’s K-9 unit.”

Let’s introduce these special calendar canines:

• K-9 officer Ivan, a German shepherd mix from Germany, is trained in tracking, narcotics detection and suspect apprehension. Ivan’s partner is Officer Sullivan Maguire.  

• K-9 officer Zorro, a German shepherd, is originally from the Czech Republic. Since 2020, Zorro focuses on tracking, suspect apprehension and explosion detection. His partner is Officer Jimmy Jalil. 

• K-9 officer Pely, a Belgian Malinois mix, comes from Hungary. He joined the department in 2024 and demonstrates skills in tracking, suspect apprehension and explosive detection. His partner is Officer Shawn Lyman.

Let’s dive into these calendar pages with images captured by professional photographer Tristen Garrison:

Ivan kicks off January by hanging next to a boogie board and sand bucket at the Dog Beach at Spanish River. He also dons a mortarboard in front of the Lynn University sign for May and majestically poses in front of the sign at Sanborn Square for November. 

Zorro perches on a wide wall with a large red heart at Lake Boca for February. He looks ready to fetch balls at the pickleball courts at Patch Reef Park for June and sports a ghoulish grin amid Halloween decorations at Mizner Park for October.

Pely stretches out next to a shamrock-green hat on a bench at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus for March. He then dons blue goggles in front of speedboats at the police marine unit at Spanish River Park for August and welcomes Hanukkah and Christmas among decorations at the Town Center mall at Boca Raton for December.

This special 2026 calendar also honors the retired K-9 officer Dino, who protected the city for years before dying in August from cancer. He and his partner, Officer Lyman, the veteran member of the K-9 unit, are pictured on the inside page of the calendar.

The late, great Dino appears in three months for this calendar. He donned rabbit ears for the month of April at the Sugar Sand Park carousel, sat amid patriotic pinwheels at the Red Bridge at Camino Gardens for July, and stretched out next to a football helmet at the Flagler Credit Union Stadium at Florida Atlantic University for the month of September. 

“Dino was a great dog to work with, and he excelled in detection work and patrol work in finding the bad guys,” says Lyman. “I get teary eyed when I see the tribute to Dino in this calendar.”

A calendar featuring the police dogs seemed a natural fit for this city.

“Boca Raton is a dog-loving community, and we knew this calendar would showcase four-legged heroes,” says Tucker. “Just in time for the holiday season, we are rolling out this inaugural 2026 calendar featuring our city’s four-legged friends who serve as partners in protection.”

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

Calendar ordering info  

To obtain this calendar, visit fundraise.givesmart.com/form/KnpcvQ?vid=1m63g0. 

To learn more about the Boca Raton Police Foundation, visit bocaratonpolicefoundation.org.

Delray Beach is going to the dogs

Mark your calendar and bring your canine pal. The sixth annual Pooches and Presents in the Park event will be from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 at Old School Square in Delray Beach.

This free pet-friendly event features a doggie splash zone and lure course, booths, adoptable dogs from local rescue groups, opportunities to take photos with Santa Claus, fun activities for kids and dogs, tasty treats and more. 

Proceeds from this event will benefit the nonprofit led by Meredith Bruder called Pets Broward. Learn more at petsbroward.org/facebook-events-feed/.

Pitch baits are especially effective at catching sailfish. Capt. Skip Dana prepares to release one caught off Boca Raton by angler Glenn Sapir. Photos provided

By Steve Waters

The most successful offshore anglers never leave the dock without pitch baits. Dead or alive, those baits can turn a fair day of fishing into an unforgettable one.

Those anglers always have pitch baits rigged and ready to cast because the baits will catch fish that show up unexpectedly. They’ll also get the attention of fish that appear when you’re trolling lures or baits but show no interest in eating. 

A fisherman might be trolling for wahoo when a big dolphin shows up, but doesn’t go after any of the lures. That’s when a live pilchard or a rigged dead ballyhoo pitched to the dolphin can spark the fish’s appetite. It’s the same for a sailfish that typically isn’t interested in eating a big lure but will happily wolf down a live herring.

A live sardine is the No. 1 pitch bait for Capt. Casey Hunt, with a live threadfin herring his second choice. 

Anglers in the know have live baits such as sardines and herring hooked on spinning outfits and ready to cast. 

Hunt, who grew up in Pompano Beach pitching baits in inlets from Hillsboro to Jupiter, said the keys to successful pitching are having a bait ready and immediately getting it into the water when a fish shows up. 

Especially when a sailfish is hooked.

“If you’re fighting a fish, cast a pitch bait towards him and a lot of times you’ll hook another sailfish right away,” Hunt said.

He uses a 7-foot spinning rod with a reel that holds 400 to 500 yards of 20-pound monofilament fishing line along with a 15-foot leader of 30-pound fluorocarbon line tied to a size 5/0 or 6/0 circle hook. He hooks the baits through both lips so they don’t fly off when they are cast. 

The technique and that outfit work with other species, most notably dolphin but also wahoo, kingfish and tuna.

When Hunt high-speed trolls at 15 knots for wahoo, if he hooks one or two fish, he’ll slow the boat and then have an angler cast a live goggle-eye with a wire leader in case there’s another wahoo around.

With dolphin, Hunt doesn’t pitch live baits until the colorful fish make it clear they won’t eat anything else. If he gets into a school of dolphin, he’ll have his anglers start off by casting lures such as jigs to the fish. When the fish lose interest in lures, he’ll switch to chunks of ballyhoo or bonito.

When the dolphin stop biting the chunks, Hunt puts out the live baits. And before leaving a school of dolphin, Hunt has someone drop a live goggle-eye well below the school in case a larger fish is lurking 50 to 100 feet down.

When you’re reeling a kingfish to the boat it’s not unusual for one or two other kings to show up during the fight, and they’ll usually jump on a live pitch bait. The same goes for when an angler is fighting a blackfin tuna behind the boat.

Pitch baits are most often used off Palm Beach County when fishing for sailfish. The fish typically travel in pods, which is why Hunt always has someone pitch a sardine when a sailfish is hooked. 

Capt. Casey Hunt uses pitch baits when he spots free-jumping sailfish.

Other times when Hunt uses pitch baits are when sailfish pop up in a fishing kite spread, where he’ll have three live baits dangling from each of the kites he has flying behind his boat, and when he spots a free-jumping sailfish.  

“If you’re sitting there kite-fishing and have a fish come up and look at a kite bait, you can cast a bait to him,” said Hunt, who always has at least one pitch bait in a live well or 5-gallon bucket of sea water that’s hooked on a spinning outfit and ready to cast.

“If you’re running along and see a sailfish jumping, try to get ahead of him and cast three or four baits at him, even if he goes down. He might come back up and bring more fish with him.”

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

The Glamour Gals include (l-r) Chloe Danesi, Makayla Dinon, Juana Peña, Mia Felizzi, Lyla Wolf and Reese Bellinger. Photos provided

By Faran Fagen

Lyla Wolf holds a wrinkled hand while gently brushing fingernails bright pink. Wolf’s school mates decorate nails the same way — with 50 assorted colors — while they talk to the senior citizens about family, movies, politics and whatever else is on their minds.

It doesn’t matter the topic — the residents at the Atrium at Boca Raton are just grateful to have a young person to chat with during a complimentary manicure. 

“Our goal is not just to provide fun cosmetic services for free, but to brighten seniors’ days and give them something to look forward to once or twice a month,” said Wolf, a 17-year-old senior at Boca Raton High School.

Wolf is the founder and president of Glamour Gals, a Boca High club dedicated to providing senior citizens with companionship and conversation through manicures and makeovers.

The Gals have been gracing the nursing home for the past year and a half. 

The residents “still love us and recognize us every single time,” Wolf said.

Wolf started this club chapter in February 2024 as a sophomore because she wanted to find ways to give back to her community.

The last time Wolf saw her own great-grandmother was in a nursing home in Canada. One night, her great-grandmother was so in need of company that she even asked Wolf to sleep over in her room. Wolf stayed the night, and when the opportunity arose to create Glamour Gals, she seized the moment. The only Boca Raton chapter of the national nonprofit was born at Boca High.

“I’ve seen the club grow tremendously in popularity within the school,” said biology teacher and Glamour Gals sponsor Alessandro Contessa. “That’s likely because of the genuine experiences students have spending one-on-one time with elderly people from their community. The seniors love the attention from the high schoolers so much, even men will line up for clear nail polish sometimes.”

Twins Aline and Celine Barakat with a resident at the Atrium at Boca Raton assisted living.

Contessa said the students — ranging from 20-30 per visit — get just as much from the experience as the seniors. “It’s hard for a lot of high school students to find fun, meaningful community service that makes a tangible impact, and we provide that for them,” Contessa said. “Club members always tell me how much they love volunteering, and how happy and fulfilled they feel afterwards.”

Wolf estimated that about 60% of nursing home residents don’t get visitors, so the Gals aim to provide some sort of consistent companionship.

“They’re always ecstatic to see us and are usually already seated in the manicure area, waiting,” Wolf said. 

“The students love getting to chat with different types of people while still getting to have fun and give manicures.”

The Gals also meet once or twice a month in Contessa’s room to write letters and create bookmarks to give the seniors during visits. 

They smile as they read the kind messages and often ask the Gals to write their names on their creations. 

The club has to limit volunteers as too many sign up to attend a single assisted living community. They will soon be volunteering at several more elderly communities in the area. But for now, they’re sticking with the Atrium — about a mile away from the school on Northwest 15th Street — to get familiar with the residents. 

The seniors get sad when the Gals have to leave. 

Usually after the manicures, they sit to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

“As the students hold hands and partake in a genuine act of care with the elderly, listening to them and sharing stories while making their hands look beautiful, both parties are enriched by the experience,” Contessa said. 

“I can’t praise president Lyla Wolf enough.”

This fully renovated 3,603 total square foot waterfront home is in East Boca Raton’s highly sought-after Boca Keys community on a cul-de-sac at 872 Glouchester St. Inside, you'll find four bedrooms and four baths with contemporary amenities in a seamless combination of porcelain tile and white oak flooring, a custom floating staircase crafted from white oak with open risers, and a dedicated wine cellar. 

This residence blends thoughtful, high-end updates throughout. It has 90 feet of water frontage with a 40-foot private dock just a stone’s throw from the Intracoastal Waterway. Photos provided

The home is outfitted with code-compliant PGT hurricane impact windows and doors to ensure top-tier storm protection. The open kitchen has been completely remodeled, featuring premium cabinetry, quartz countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and a stylish designer backsplash. 

Step outside to a brand-new paver circular driveway and a three-car attached garage. A new concrete tile roof adds the finishing touch, making this home truly move-in ready. 

Offered at $4,495,000. 

Contact Hunter Presson, Steven Presson, The Presson Group - The Corcoran Group, 901 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-945-1988, hunter.presson@corcoran.com.

When a knee injury sidelined a Saint Andrew’s athlete, he tackled and conquered a new challenge: Bagpipes

Senior Chris D’Angelo leads the Saint Andrew’s football team onto the field in August while playing Scotland the Brave. While recovering from knee surgery, he learned a new skill, becoming an inspirational part of the team. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Ron Hayes

On Oct. 15, 2024, Theo Loucas, a goalie on the lacrosse team at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, was scrolling through his phone in the athletic training room when a TikTok video stopped him.

In 1996, the University of Notre Dame had a lacrosse player named Sean Meehan who also played the bagpipes. When his teammates found out, they insisted he play them onto the field with Scotland the Brave.

 A tradition was born, and to this day a member of the Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse team leads his teammates out, piping that rousing march.

Theo, who lives in Ocean Ridge, watched the TikTok video, and had an awesome idea.

His best friend, Chris D’Angelo, had messed up his knee really bad in a football game against Somerset Academy Key the day before. He wouldn’t be playing football or lacrosse for at least nine months, and the Saint Andrew’s lacrosse season would begin on Feb. 15, 2025.

“Hey, Chris,” Theo called to his friend, “do you think you could learn the bagpipes in four months?” 

Christopher D’Angelo, 17, is the captain of Saint Andrew’s lacrosse team. He is captain of its football team. He plays trumpet in the pep band. He has been a homecoming king. In ninth, 10th and 11th grades, he was the class president. This senior year, he’s the Student Government president over the whole school, and if that school had a Mr. Saint Andrew’s, he would no doubt be that, too.

“He’s an absolutely outstanding young man and a great student,” says Tony Seaman, the head lacrosse coach. “He does anything he says he’s going to do.”

•

In an essay for his ethics class on the topic, “A Story That Shaped You,” Chris described the football injury he suffered:

“It was the district championship game. Third down in the red zone, everything on the line. The crowd was roaring, and the lights were shining on me like a Broadway play. We needed to score here.

“I lined up at left tackle, locked in and ready to go. I kick-stepped back into pass protection. Then I planted and reset my feet and just like that I heard a pop. I felt it and heard it at the same time. A snap in my knee. My leg buckled and I went down. The most pain I’ve ever been in. For a second, everything blurred. The crowd noise faded, my helmet started to get tighter pressing into the grass. I knew right away this wasn’t just a ‘just going to put ice on it’ scenario.”
Saint Andrew’s defeated Somerset Academy Key that day, 35-8.

Weight training takes on added importance as Chris D’Angelo strengthens his scarred left knee and gets back into football shape.

The pipes are calling

Chris considered Theo’s challenge.

Saint Andrew’s School is named for the patron saint of Scotland. Its sports teams are the Scots. In years past, bagpipes had been part of the music program. They’re heard at graduations, chapel and homecoming.

Could he learn Scotland the Brave for the opening game of the lacrosse season only four months away?

When life hands you a lemon, they say, make lemonade.

Football had handed Chris D’Angelo’s left knee a torn ACL and meniscus, so he would make music instead.

After all, he thought, how hard could it be?

•

On Oct. 16, 2024, two days after the injury, Chris approached Emily Nichols, the school’s director of symphonic and advanced bands.

“Notre Dame does this cool thing,” he told her. “Do you think I could learn to pipe?”

Nichols jokes that she can make any instrument sound like she knows what she’s doing. Except the bagpipes.

“How about you play reveille on your trumpet?” she suggested.

But Chris was insistent, so she called Bill Paul, who had taught the pipes back when they were part of the school’s music program.

“It takes years,” Paul told her, but he agreed to meet the boy.

When his new bagpipes arrived in the mail, Chris sent Nichols a video of himself.

“He was making some kind of sound,” she recalled with a smile.

D’Angelo marches on the streets and docks of his Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club neighborhood in Boca Raton to practice playing bagpipes. He says the timing with his feet is important.

Taming ’a wild animal’

Pat Crowley played bagpipes with the Palm Beach Pipes & Drums for 25 years.

“The melody isn’t all that complicated,” he explains. “It’s nine notes. Once you get the balancing between the air and squeezing the bag to disperse the air, it’s a rhythm. But it does take upper body and arm strength. I set my pipes down four years ago, and I just wanted to die when I picked them up again. It’s like having a wild animal tucked under your armpit.”

•

Chris did not come to the bagpipes as a complete musical neophyte. In third grade, the school let him try out instruments to choose the one he wanted to learn.

“Hey, Mom,” he said, “what do you think about the tuba?”

Mom said, “No.”

He moved on to the trumpet, which he’s played for nine years. He knows how to finger a wind instrument, and he can read music.

Now he set to work taming the wild animal tucked under his armpit.

“With the trumpet, you blow air into the mouthpiece and sound comes out,” he discovered. “With the bagpipes, you blow air into the mouthpiece, it goes into the bag, and then you have to squeeze the bag, the sound comes out and you have to finger the notes while marching in step.”

•

On Oct. 29, Chris had surgery on his injured left knee at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

“I was really nervous because I’d never had surgery before,” he recalled. “They had to give me some extra calm-drug, and then it was 10, 9, 8, and I was out.”

The surgery lasted two hours, followed by crutches for four weeks, then a brace, and physical therapy three times a week for 11 months.

When Bill Paul begged off more lessons for health reasons, Chris kept practicing. He couldn't march, so he lay on the couch with his leg up, until he could walk again. Then he practiced at home until bedtime.

“My dad was definitely bothered by it,” he says, “but Mom was very supportive.”

Chris has two brothers. Nicholas is 19 and attends Boca Raton Community High School. Matthew, 14, is a freshman at Saint Andrew’s.

“He would wake me up at 10:30 or 11 at night,” Matthew recalled. “Morning and night he’d march right into my room and not even knock.”

On weekends, Chris marched up and down his street in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.

“The neighbors loved it,” he recalled. “Old people said, ‘You’re getting better,’ and then they’d go back inside.”

•

And he did get better.

He mastered a recognizable Scotland the Brave and moved on to Amazing Grace. And then Tartan Tapestries, a piece commissioned by the school’s arts foundation and composed in 2016 by Larry Clark, who specializes in musical arrangements for schools and universities.

“The hardest part is the lung capacity,” Chris said. “It takes a lot of air, and the timing with your feet. Every step is a different note.”

Did he ever despair?

“The lacrosse team told me, ‘You got this. Keep going.’”

D’Angelo leads the Saint Andrew’s football team onto the field in September while playing Scotland the Brave. He did the same for the lacrosse team earlier in the year while his knee was recovering. 

Chris the Brave

The goal had been to lead his teammates onto the field for the opening game of the lacrosse season. But he beat it.

Two weeks before that game, he’d been practicing with a friend when the Rev. Ben Anthony, the school’s chaplain, asked if he could play in the chapel.

On Feb. 4, 2025, he led the processional for the weekly Tuesday Mass. His public debut was not Scotland the Brave, but Amazing Grace.

Scotland the Brave arrived that same afternoon, when he led the girls’ lacrosse team onto the field.

“For being nervous, I think I sounded pretty good,” he said.

•

When the 2025 boys’ lacrosse season began on Feb. 15, Chris did not play lacrosse. He played the bagpipes.

“On game day, I put on my jersey, tuned the pipes and walked my team out playing Scotland the Brave. I didn’t touch the ball once that season, but in that moment, when I physically couldn’t play, I had never felt more connected to the team.”

•

And what about Theo Loucas, who threw out the bagpipe challenge that October day in the training room? Did he really believe Chris would meet his goal?

“Not until he actually said he was taking a lesson and started practicing,” Theo said. “But that’s the guy Chris is. He’s been my best friend since seventh grade, and he’s a go-getter.”

•

On Monday, Sept. 15, Chris returned to the football field for his first game since his injury nearly a year earlier.

“I played the second and third quarters,” he reported the next day in the midst of another physical therapy session. “I wanted to limit myself the first game back, and to be honest I was really nervous. I was sweating even before going in, but then after that, I just thought, if I’m scared and nervous, that’s how I’ll get hurt.

“I made a couple good blocks. I didn’t let anyone through, and that’s my job, so I did my job.”

Saint Andrew’s beat Saint John Paul II Academy, 47-8.

D’Angelo (second from left), a senior captain, lines up at guard on Sept. 19 for his second game in five days, marking his return from the knee injury he sustained almost a year earlier. He had limited playing time and wore extra support on his legs. The Scots beat North Broward Prep, 31-9.

•

Next May, Chris D’Angelo will graduate, leaving the school he’s attended since kindergarten, and leaving its lacrosse and football teams without a bagpiper to lead them onto the field.

At Notre Dame, when a piper graduates, he chooses a younger member of the men’s lacrosse team to carry on the tradition.

Matthew D’Angelo is a freshman at Saint Andrew’s, and a member of the junior varsity lacrosse team.

“Hearing Chris practice was a little annoying at first,” he reflected one afternoon as he watched his brother pipe the football team onto the field.

“But the bagpipes are definitely exciting and fun. I also want to learn.” 

Rebuild underway after salt corroded inferior fasteners 

Damaged wood and corroded fasteners are now exposed on the structure. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Jane Musgrave

Since Delray Beach built its first beachside pavilion more than a century ago, the popular gathering spot has been damaged, destroyed or washed out to sea by deadly hurricanes.

But, its latest iteration, built in 2013, came to a far less dramatic end. Its downfall was a simple human mistake.

The iconic pavilion at the end of East Atlantic Avenue is being rebuilt at a cost of $817,400 because the wrong fasteners were used to hold it together and it began falling apart, said Cynthia Buisson, the city’s assistant director of public works.

Instead of top-grade 316 stainless steel fasteners, a lower quality was used. 

“The previous engineers thought it would be sufficient, but obviously that turned out not to be the case,” she said.

In the 12 years since the $249,000 pavilion was built, the salt air wreaked havoc on the substandard screws and bolts. While the lumber held up well and will be reused, corrosion that defied coats of rust inhibitors threatened the integrity of the building.

“We’d been keeping an eye on it,” Buisson said. Ultimately, it was clear it had to go.

“It’s heartbreaking to me,” she said. “I hate to see inefficiency. But some things don’t work out the way you want them to.”

Participants in a series of history tours sponsored by the Delray Beach Historical Society gather last winter at the beach pavilion. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star 

A top priority

Like its predecessors, the 2013 pavilion was built with community support. 

In 2009, the Beach Property Owners Association held a series of public meetings to develop a beach master plan. Residents agreed their top priority was replacing a small rotting pavilion that had been built in 1984.

Looking at postcards of the pavilion’s glory years, they said they wanted the new pavilion to mirror the picket-fence Americana style of the one that had been built in 1929, complete with the green-striped roof.

Architect Bob Currie, whose mark is on many Delray Beach landmarks, agreed to design the pavilion for free. “This will be pretty nice. It’s got some character to it,” Currie told The Palm Beach Post in 2011. Currie, a member of the association’s board, died in 2019.

But, even with Currie’s gift, plans for the pavilion stalled. City officials said no construction money was available.

Hoping to jump-start the project, the BPOA began raising money. It held a $100-a-person benefit concert at Old School Square, featuring seven Delray Beach area bands. Local businesses kicked in as well.

Ultimately, $60,000 was raised. The city contributed the rest and finally construction began.

Historic community support

Such a grassroots effort was nothing new. The first pavilion, built between 1902 and 1912, was funded by donations from the Ladies Improvement Association, said Tom Warnke, archive coordinator at the Delray Beach Historical Society.

When it was destroyed by the 1928 hurricane, one of the deadliest on record, Delray Beach residents began pushing for a replacement.

But the Great Depression hit. City coffers were bare. So, residents and businesses, led by the local Kiwanis Club, raised the $720 needed to make the new pavilion a reality.

It lasted until 1947 when it was washed out to sea by a hurricane. A smaller one was built in 1950, Warnke said.

It was replaced in 1984 with one that was modeled after the Orange Grove House of Refuge. The first known building in Delray Beach, it was an overnight stop for the “Barefoot Mailman” on his delivery route up and down the coast.

Delray Beach residents enjoy the pavilion at an event in 1916. Photo provided by the Delray Beach Historical Society 

Beach improvements

Buisson said she didn’t know why the correct fasteners weren’t used 12 years ago. Those who were involved in the project no longer work for the city and records aren’t available.

Still, she acknowledged, the building should have lasted at least 20 years, possibly longer. And, while Buisson can’t control Mother Nature, the one now under construction won’t suffer a similar fate, she said.

If all goes as planned, the new pavilion should open in March.

In the meantime, other improvements are underway along the beach. By the end of October, city officials said they expected to have installed new concrete benches at 17 beach access points along with new showers and drinking fountains.

Bob Victorin, a longtime president of the property owner association, said he is glad the city is replacing the pavilion that his group worked to make possible.

“I’m just glad they are rebuilding it to make it safe,” he said. 

Contractor failed to curtail invasive pests, town says

This AI image was displayed at Manalapan Town Hall during a discussion about using a Police Department sharpshooter to cull iguanas. The town’s mascot is a heron. Image provided

 By John Pacenti

Let’s face it: It’s the iguanas’ world; we just live in it.

The South Florida iguana invasion is quite impressive. 
With apparently few predators save for birds of prey and the occasional house cat, the lizards have set up shop in municipalities throughout Palm Beach County and the rest of the region.

As a result, cities and towns have had to wrestle with how to control the reptile population. 

Unless our eyes deceive us, they are losing the war.

“They do cause a lot of property damage to docks, banks and areas that they like to burrow,” said Manalapan Police Chief Jeff Rasor.

Manalapan commissioners decided at their Sept. 22 meeting to shift the burden from a private company — which officials said wasn’t helping much — to the Police Department. Police will task their top sharpshooter to use a pellet gun to shoot the critters on sight.

Talk about cold-blooded. “I think we will do a better job than hiring an outside company,” Rasor said.

Giving police the ability to go hand-to-hand with the iguanas makes more sense than one might think at first blush. It’s not like officers will be driving down State Road A1A taking aim out of the driver’s side windows of their squad cars when an iguana is sighted.

First off, let’s talk about the problem with using a private contractor. The wily iguanas — they are particularly plentiful on Point Manalapan — would just move onto private property when they were being hunted. 

Worse, residents saw men with what looked like long guns lurking around their homes.

“We get calls all the time because some people think that they’re out there with an AR-15, but they’re really out there with an AR — with an air rifle — exterminating,” Rasor said.

The commission’s discussion on the issue was lighthearted while recognizing the iguanas are a menace that need to be addressed. There was even an illustration, created using AI, displayed on the overhead screen that showed a young cowboy abreast a heron — the town’s mascot — trying to lasso smiling iguanas. 

And, as Chief Rasor said, they do cause a lot more damage than just trimming grass. A single iguana can lay as many as 50 eggs, he said.

The iguana young are ravenous, easily taking down a large hibiscus in just days. 

The lizards are not native to Florida but were introduced to the state as stowaways on cargo ships and through the pet trade, starting in the 1960s. 

Rasor said he will put his best shooter on the mission: Sgt. Tracey Merritt. He is the department’s firearms range master and expert.

Merritt will be in uniform, so that should put residents at ease when they see him with the air rifle. The town is sending an email to homeowners asking if they want to "opt in" to the new iguana eradication program.

Vice Mayor Simone Bonutti suggested that bulletins be put up at the guard house leading into Point Manalapan so residents know when an officer is on iguana duty. She also suggested that one day a week could be designated as iguana hunting day.

Bonutti also said her dogs may be of help. “What if the dogs get ’em? My dogs bring me one every day,” she said. 

By John Pacenti

Ocean Ridge commissioners passed a $14.8 million operating budget smoothly on Sept. 15 — a contrast to recent years, where elected officials clashed with the town manager and the math didn’t add up.

But Ocean Ridge is in the Michelle Heiser era, the new town manager brought on in May.

The budget, though, is hefty by Ocean Ridge standards, representing a 9.6% increase over the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. It is also more than $1 million higher than what Heiser originally proposed back in July.

The budget includes $4.36 million allocated for capital projects, with a notable focus on infrastructure improvements, including potential design and construction of changes to the town's aging water pipe system in the southern part of town to address hydrant-related challenges.

All this will be done with 4.7% less revenue, in part because of the sunsetting of a local sales tax initiative that expires in December, Heiser said. Gov. Ron DeSantis also vetoed a $600,000 state grant for the town’s water main replacement program.

Operating expenses have increased by 7%, driven by contract obligations, insurance costs, and utility expenses.

Which brings us to property taxes — the money coming directly from residents and businesses. Let’s play good news, bad news.

The good news is that the tax rate will stay the same, at $5.40 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The town is using almost $2 million from its reserves to balance the budget and cover the added capital projects.

The bad news is that residents' taxes are still going up, thanks to a 10.14% increase in property values.

Homesteaded properties won’t see more than a 3% increase thanks to the Save Our Homes state law. The increase for commercial properties and non-homesteaded residential properties is capped at 10%.

Heiser said the extra $1 million added to the budget from estimates in July is due to the commission's decision to address the water main issue and an emergency caused by poor hydrant pressure along State Road A1A from Ocean Avenue south to Thompson Street.

In July, she said, a $13.3 million budget estimate for 2025-2026 fiscal year reflected that the town was just going to design what is called Phase 4 of the project, but now shovels will pierce the ground in January.