City manager settlement­ — The city released details of its settlement with former City Manager George Gretsas, in which it agreed to pay $75,000 to Gretsas to end litigation he filed. Gretsas initially demanded $205,213 to settle, which he later reduced to $135,000 before agreeing to the $75,000 offer, according to City Attorney Lynn Gelin’s Aug. 8 confidential memo to commissioners.

Festival of the Arts — The annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts is moving west on Atlantic Avenue when it returns for its 35th installment Jan. 13-14. The major event, which in the past has been held on Atlantic Avenue to the east and the west of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge, will be set up between Northwest Fifth and Swinton avenues. Commissioners agreed to the new location at their Oct. 17 meeting. Some commissioners were concerned about the potential effect on traffic, but said they were willing to give the new location a chance.

Support for Israel — Commissioners approved a resolution in support of Israel in its war with Hamas. The resolution “condemns this unprovoked attack by Hamas.” It supports “Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its citizens from violence and terrorism,” and it backs Israel’s right “to exist as a sovereign and independent nation.”

DDA change — Commissioners approved a change in the Downtown Development Authority’s agreement to manage Old School Square, removing the Crest Theatre from the DDA’s responsibilities.

Water treatment improvement — City Manager Terrence Moore said the city is preparing to host a town hall with residents in early 2024 to go over plans for improvements to the city’s water treatment facilities.

Marine Way flooding — The city is moving forward with sea wall, roadway and pump improvements along Marine Way. City Manager Terrence Moore expected the bid process to begin in late October. “Those are the initial steps to bring improvements to that area,” Moore said.

Long reimbursed after ethics complaint dismissed — City commissioners agreed to reimburse Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long $11,880 in expenses he incurred because of an ethics complaint filed against him that was dismissed by the Florida Commission on Ethics. The City Commission’s 3-1 decision (with Long recused from voting) also approved a request that the Ethics Commission make the complainant, Chris Davey, reimburse those costs. Mayor Shelly Petrolia said she supported paying Long’s costs, but voted against the motion because she said going after the complainant to cover the costs may discourage others from challenging potential wrongdoing.

Advisory board changes — The commission approved changes to its land development regulations that revise what cases go before the city’s Site Plan Review and Appearance Board and the Planning and Zoning Board, and which projects will be able to be approved administratively by staff without going before either board. As part of the changes, the commission plans to refill all the seats on the two boards in November.

— Larry Barszewski

By Tao Woolfe

When it was first proposed in 2021, future neighbors objected to an eight-story apartment complex at the intersection of Federal Highway and Southeast First Avenue.

Now, the Boynton Beach neighbors are looking forward to something — anything — being built there. They are tired of looking at a 2.76-acre denuded parcel of land surrounded by chain link fence. The property’s sole structures are piles of dirt, crabgrass tufts and concrete Jersey barriers.

The project — originally called Legacy and now known as Broadstone — has been stalled since 2021, but remains active, the city says.

“They have destroyed my property and stolen my street,” said Robert Nebb, who owns Ocean Plaza along Ocean Avenue just west of the Ocean Avenue bridge. The plaza backs up to the fallow site along First Avenue.

“Most of the time I am looking at a brick wall and a big pile of mud,” Nebb added. “If something gets built, fine, but if not, give me my street back.”

The city said recently, through a spokeswoman, that the Broadstone was purchased by a new developer in 2022. The new owner is listed with the city and the Palm Beach County property appraiser as Boynton Beach Apartments Venture LLC, with a mailing address of Scottsdale, Arizona.

The developer is listed as Alliance Residential, also of Scottsdale, which specializes in multifamily workforce and rental housing — much of which has Broadstone in the name — according to the company’s website.

Demolition work on the downtown site was completed last year, the spokeswoman said, and the developer has applied for its site work and vertical construction permits. Those permits are making their way through the review processes of various city departments.

Meanwhile, the developer is working on the relocation of a 48-inch storm sewer pipe, which is necessary to obtain a land development permit from the city’s engineering/utility department, the spokeswoman said.

Back when it was called Legacy, the project was envisioned as an eight-story residential and retail project, which was approved by the city in January 2021.

The city commissioners approved the project unanimously despite rejection by the planning board, and objections from neighbors that the complex would close part of a downtown street and worsen congestion.

The plan included 274 apartments, more than 13,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 530 parking spaces, mostly in an enclosed garage.

“The project’s materials include simulated weathered wood planks, clear glass at the retail level, black window frames, vertically oriented windows and subtle tan tones that create a warmth to the building while maintaining clean lines,” city staff wrote in describing the original plans.

According to slightly revised plans submitted to the city last year, the colors of the building will change from beiges to steely gray and white with slate accents.

Residents objected to the site two years ago because, they said, the plan would permanently close a portion of Southeast First Avenue, which would terminate the street’s connection to Federal Highway.

The original owner was an affiliate of Beachwood, Ohio-based Goldberg Cos. Inc.

Those in opposition said periodic traffic backups and flooding on East Ocean Avenue would make the loss of alternative routes worse, while also limiting access by ambulances or other emergency vehicles.

The city’s planning and development board voted 4-3 against one component of the plan in September 2021, and 6-1 against two other pieces. Among the concerns expressed was a “rushed” timetable while many seasonal residents were not present to weigh in on traffic and density issues.

The project does not have to come back before the City Commission unless there are major site plan changes, the city spokeswoman said.

No construction start date has been announced.

BOYNTON BEACH — Colleen Williams Beckner of Boynton Beach died Oct. 5 at the Hospice of Palm Beach County. She was 83.

Born Sept. 30, 1940, to Frank E. and Martha B. Williams in Noblesville, Indiana, Colleen graduated in 1959 from Noblesville High School and attended Purdue University. After moving to Florida, Colleen worked in the title insurance field as a senior underwriter.

For many years, Mrs. Beckner was active and involved in the annual Delray Affair in Delray Beach. She also loved her travels to Europe, especially enjoying England and all things relating to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth.

Along with her work, Mrs. Beckner loved her Florida life and friends. Special friends who assisted her in many areas of life during her later years were Kelly Callaway and Katie Jurinich.

Mrs. Beckner is survived by her brother, James A. Williams of Cicero, Indiana, and by nieces Camey Williams and Mitizi Evans.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Beckner was preceded in death by her husband, Al Beckner.

At this time no services are planned.

— Obituary submitted by a friend

The $50 million Onix Delray Beach on Southeast Fifth Avenue will have 26 residential units priced from $1.5 million to $2.25 million. Rendering provided

By Christine Davis

Wellington residents August “Gussie” Busch and Haley Busch, great-great-grandchildren of beer company co-founder Adolphus Busch, have invested in Onix Delray Beach, 318 SE Fifth Ave. The four-story, $50 million residential project, which is launching sales in November, is in pre-construction phase.  

“I saw how COVID affected the real estate market in South Florida, and I thought this Delray project was a great opportunity, and we got the land at a very attractive cost,” said Gussie Busch, 26. “I still think we are in the beginning phases of the Florida real-estate growth-expansion market, and I am bullish on the market in the South Florida region. I am expanding my family’s real estate portfolio and am looking for properties from Jupiter to Miami.”  

The property was purchased for $3.9 million in March 2023, and the project was approved by the Delray Beach Site Plan Review and Appearance Board that same month.

Onix Delray Beach’s 26 residences, ranging in size from 1,400 to 2,200 square feet, are priced from $1.5 million to $2.25 million. Architect Norberto Loianno designed them. Interior details will include 10.5-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors, and natural-wood and white-onyx finishes. Amenities will include a pool, clubhouse, gym, grilling area and EV charging stations. The building will also have 5,000 square feet of mixed commercial space.

Mike Bokzam, of the Boca Raton-based 1112 Development, owner of the property, said that groundbreaking is slated for April or May 2024, with a completion date 18 to 24 months later.

“Delray is just a really great area,” Bokzam said. “It woke up in the early 2000s and it offers night life and walking distance to the beach. The town capped the heights, so it’s a little bit more controlled with a small-town feel just north of Boca, centrally located between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.”

Sales are being handled by Lauren Mathews and Claudia Fisher, agents with Douglas Elliman.

***

Ron Ellish, chairman and CEO of the Boca Raton-based Ellish Builders, recently received a $20 million construction loan from Centennial Bank for Delray Ridge, 2212-2285 Delray Ridge Lane, a gated development comprising 14 single-family homes. This loan follows the $5 million for acquisition and site development that Ellish Builders received from Centennial Bank a year and a half ago. Senior commercial loan officer Bill Bramlett led the financing for the bank. Priced from $4 million to $6 million, the houses range in size from 4,700 square feet to 6,600 square feet.

Delray Ridge is expected to be completed next year and seven homes have already been pre-sold. Jennifer Kilpatrick, a Corcoran Group agent, is handling sales for the project. 

***

Pebb Capital, developer of Sundy Village, a 7-acre development being built at 22 W. Atlantic Ave., has secured new leases. Tenants include Vertical Bridge, a company that owns and leases communication towers, data centers, wireless cells and billboards; Barcelona Wine Bar, a tapas restaurant chain; and Schulson Collective, a Philadelphia hospitality company founded by chef Michael Schulson. Additionally, Pebb Capital plans on moving its Boca Raton headquarters to Sundy Village.

Joe Freitas and John Criddle, of CBRE, oversee the Sundy Village office leasing. Sara Wolfe of Vertical Real Estate handles retail leasing.

Sundy Village is slated for completion in summer 2024.

***

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency received an award for its project “The Heart of Boynton Village apartments and shops,” from the International Economic Development Council, a nonprofit professional association for economic developers. The agency was acknowledged for addressing issues related to affordable housing, economic revitalization and community empowerment. 

***

A 7,339-total-square-foot Intracoastal Waterway estate on .83 acre at 2408 E. Maya Palm Drive, Boca Raton, previously owned by the late Patricia Payne Carpenter, sold for $23.5 million to Jeff Norman, president of Boca Raton-based JH Norman Construction Company. The D’Angelo Liguori team of Carmen D’Angelo, Joseph Liguori and Gerard Liguori, broker/owners of Premier Estate Properties, represented both sides in the deal.

Built in 1964 by architect Byron Simonson, a Mizner/Fatio protégé, the home was acquired for $500,000 in 1977 by William K. Carpenter, who later married Patricia Payne. She expanded the property with a guest house and a pool in 1987. Carpenter, a major supporter of local nonprofits like Boca Raton Regional Hospital, died in 2022.

***

Right on time for the holiday travel rush and South Florida’s busy season, JSX public charter jet service is introducing new routes as of Dec. 21 running through spring 2024.

These include routes between the municipal airport in Morristown, New Jersey, to Boca Raton Airport and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. Another route connects Westchester County Airport in New York and Boca Raton Airport. Introductory fares start at $669 one-way.

“Our new flights offer customers much-needed peace of mind so they can focus on the festivities of the season and not the burdens of congested airports and unreliable airlines,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox. “Bypassing New York City and South Florida’s most congested airports brings an entirely new and attainable level of convenience and connectivity to travelers ready to fall in love with flying again.”

***

Among Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winners for Florida, in lists released in October, Four Seasons ranked No. 1, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa ranked No. 2, and The Boca Raton ranked No. 3. The awards are based on 2023 surveys taken by 500,000-plus Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers who rated their travel experiences in various categories.

***

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University’s Global Ventures at Florida Atlantic received a 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council in September at the Dallas “Recognition Night” conference.

“Global Ventures was created to help second-stage entrepreneurs scale in South Florida. We identified a gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and developed a program to develop it,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park. 

***

The 2024 Niche “Best Schools” rankings placed Florida Atlantic University’s A.D. Henderson University School as the No. 3 public elementary school and No. 5 public middle school in the nation. The Niche website, which researches public and private K-12 schools, also ranked A.D. Henderson at No. 3 in Florida for public elementary, middle and high schools.

Its faculty was ranked No. 4 statewide for best elementary school teachers, as well as No. 2 for best middle school teachers and No. 3 for best high school teachers.

***

Jim Kobrick is now Lifespace Communities’ Abbey Delray executive director. Previously, he served in operations roles for senior living organizations that include Harbor Retirement Associates, Meridian Senior Living, and Sunrise Senior Living. 

***

Boca Raton resident German Cabieses has become managing director of Alina Residences  Boca Raton, 200 SE Mizner Blvd. Previously, he was the regional director for Castle Group, and he was managing director at Peninsula Community and Residences, Aventura. 

***

Patricia Nooney has joined Boca Raton-based Avison Young as principal and director of real estate management services for the Florida market. Previously, Nooney was president and principal at CRE Analytics Now LLC. She has also worked at Madison Marquette and CBRE.

***

American Heritage Schools announced that 40 of its 2024 seniors from its Delray Beach campus were named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists. American Heritage Schools, founded in 1965, is a private, nonsectarian, co-educational college preparatory day school with two 40-acre campuses serving approximately 4,800 students up to 12th grade.

Send business news to Christine Davis, cdavis9797@gmail.com.

Impact 100 Palm Beach County, a women’s nonprofit organization funding local initiatives in southern Palm Beach County, was formed in 2011 by (l-r) Lisa Mulhall, Tandy Robinson and Cindy Krebsbach, pictured recently at the Delray Beach Club. Tim Stepien /The Coastal Star

A charity founded by local women funds more than $6 million in special projects

By Sallie James

Connect with us, engage with us and be inspired by what we do to improve our community.

That’s the message of Impact 100, an all-woman organization that makes dreams come true by awarding transformational $100,000 grants to nonprofits in southern Palm Beach County.

Since 2012, Impact 100 has funded more than $6 million in special projects submitted by 99 local nonprofits. Fifty-six of the nonprofits received $100,000 grants and 43 received merit grants of lesser amounts.

The Palm Beach County chapter blossomed through grassroots efforts of three women.

It was 2011 when Delray Beach resident Tandy Robinson crossed paths with the Indian River chapter and knew she had to bring the organization south. Robinson and Boca Raton residents Lisa Mulhall and Cindy Krebsbach founded Impact 100 Palm Beach County and awarded their first $100,000 grant the following year.

“The first year the three of us would just meet in bagel joints around town,” said Robinson, remembering how they hammered out policies, procedures and their board membership over many cups of coffee. “The three of us would get together and brainstorm.”

Mulhall, an attorney who writes grants for cities, was certain that another funding source in south Palm Beach County would be welcomed.

“Boy, we’ve really come to find that that’s the truth,” Mulhall said.

The funding source is ingenious: Each member contributes $1,000 a year that goes into a self-perpetuating grant fund. Every 100 members provide enough money for one $100,000 grant, Robinson said.

The organization has grown from 148 members its first year to the current membership of 804, Krebsbach said.

“We are just becoming much more of a sophisticated organization. It’s very exciting,” she said.

After a decade, Palm Beach County has the second-largest Impact 100 chapter in the world.

Jeannine Morris and Kimberly Boldt are co-presidents of Impact 100. Photo provided

How selection works
Impact 100 funded eight $100,000 grants for 2022-2023, said Kimberly Boldt, one of the organization’s co-presidents. Members range in age from their 20s to their 90s.

Grants are awarded in five categories — arts, culture and historic preservation; education; family; health and wellness; and environment and animal welfare.

Here’s how it works: Local nonprofits send in letters of intent for initiatives that need funding. A grant review committee assesses each application, selects semifinalists and conducts site visits.

Then finalists are chosen to make presentations at the organization’s annual Grand Awards Celebration. The Impact 100 membership votes on the winners.

This year’s winners will be chosen on April 30 at the Boca West Country Club. The deadline to apply was Nov. 1. To be eligible, nonprofits must be based in south Palm Beach County. Grant winners can re-apply every three years.

“It’s huge and transformational,” said co-president Jeannine Morris, a Realtor from Boca Raton.

It was for the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, which received a $100,000 grant in 2022 that allowed formation of a second choir at the Boynton Beach Cultural Center. The grant also provided financial assistance for the tuition-based programming, said Young Singers Executive Director Holly J. Stewart.

“Without the grant, I couldn’t have done it,” Stewart said. “Impact 100 also helped me make the connections that made the program self-sustaining. They are an incredible group of women.”

Impact 100 is looking for applicants that have the means to complete the initiatives they are proposing and to produce measurable results.

“You don’t have to be one of the bigger nonprofits that have been doing this for years,” said Boldt, a lawyer from Boca Raton. “If the committee believes you can come through, that’s all that matters.”

Aiming for $1 million
Morris hopes to grow membership big enough to award $1 million a year.

“We’re going to get there, whether it’s this year or next year or the year after that,” she said.

The group meets monthly, but also has a calendar full of events that promote networking and fun.

The organization is open to any woman who is able to donate $1,000 to help fund the grants. For more information, see www.impact100pbc.org.

Nov. 11: The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton‘s black-tie dinner dance that raises funds to support health and wellness needs in the community will celebrate city visionaries past and present. Time is 6:30 p.m. Cost is $450. Call 561-756-3097 or visit rotarydowntownbocaraton.org. ABOVE: (l-r, sitting) Committee members Alan Kaye, Dr. Allen Konis, Arlene Herson, Jeff Weber, Jon and Bonnie Kaye, Dyana Kenney, Kim Champion, Shaheer Hosh, Gale Wechsler, (standing) Howard Tai, Turi and Feri Turker, Dr. Ron Rubin, Linda Petrakis, Michael Pierce, Jonathan Whitney, Bruce Spizler, Marilyn Wilson, Gloria Wank and Doug Mithun. Photo provided

Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon Chairwoman Nancy Dockerty and Honorary Chairwoman Margaret Blume. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

A fashion show featuring couture from the exclusive retail shops at The Boca Raton highlights this year’s Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon benefiting the Junior League of Boca Raton.

Also highlighting the 36th annual fundraiser are the 49 nominees whose contributions to South County know no bounds.

“They’re powerhouses,” said Margaret Blume, honorary chairwoman of the Nov. 10 luncheon. “These are people who are busy making things better.”

The nominees for Woman Volunteer of the Year are Elaine Abrams, Amy Adaniel, Amy Aronowitz, Judi Asselta, Ashley Bacon, Mara Benjamin, Katie Miller Busch, Nancy Chanin,

Kim Champion, Pamela Coffey, Susan Diener, Mary Donnell, Nicole Flier, Marianne Forrest, Dre Garcia, Donna Glenn, Ellen Gorringe, JoAnne Greiser, Wendy Hasselman, Sharon Hill, Bonnie Kaye, Janet Kranich, Zoe Lanham, Ellen Leibovitch, Kathryn Leonard, Cristina Lewis, Rebecca Lourido, Fernanda Macedo, Victoria Matthews, Tarra Pressey Moten, Claudia Mineyi Nichols, Lynne Ogren, Betsy Owen, Isabel Parrado, Julie Peyton, Pamela Polani, Vicki Pugh, Ana Maria Restrepo, Jackie Reeves, Claudia Rodney, Kristen Ross-Majhess, Danielle Rosse, Bonnie Schweiger, Lynn Travis Stender, Missy Tschappat, Christine Turner, Andrea Virgin, Lee Williams and Aubrey McCutchen Zeigler.

“It’s very inspiring to read the biographies that the women submit,” said Nancy Dockerty, luncheon chairwoman. “They all are longtime volunteers, many of whom have been nominated previously from other organizations.”

The women will be honored during the event as they walk the runway while a video screen displays each one’s name, photo and the logo of the organization that nominated her, all before a sold-out crowd of 1,000.

“My responsibility is fundraising. Equal to that, though, is making this an amazing experience for the nominees,” Dockerty said. “I have been nominated for this in the past, and I felt like the belle at the ball. That is ultimately our goal.”

The luncheon will conclude with the naming of the award recipient, who will receive a gold-and-diamond pin.

“These remarkable nominees have made such an enormous difference in our community,” Junior League President Meghan Shea said. “We are thrilled to honor these truly deserving women who have uplifted and positively impacted so many lives.”

If You Go
What: Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon
When: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 10 Where: The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real
Cost: $200
Information: 561-620-2553 or jlbr.org

Cereal4All founders Luke and Jett Justin. Photo provided

During September’s Hunger Action Month, Boca Helping Hands in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University and Cereal4All organized the Tackle Hunger cereal drive.

In its third year, the drive offered free tickets to the Owls’ Sept. 9 game against Ohio University to those who donated one or more unopened cereal boxes prior to kickoff.

Participants donated 738 boxes, equating to 7,380 bowls, more than double last year’s total.

“We were so pleased that so many people came out from the community to donate cereal— especially with some rain showers leading up to the game,” said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. “Cereal is one of the least-donated items to food banks across the country, which means underserved kids and families do not always get to start their day with a nutritious breakfast.”

Cereal4All was started by 15-year-old twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin, of Boca Raton, when they were age 8. After volunteering at Boca Helping Hands with their parents, the boys planned their first cereal drive at their elementary school in 2016.

Since then, they have expanded the program to 15 schools in Palm Beach County as well as to schools in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New York and Washington to benefit local food banks.

“The reason Cereal4All is successful is because most other students feel the same way we do about cereal,” Jett Justin said. “It gets them thinking about the happiness and hunger needs of others in a more personal way.”

For more information, visit https://cereal4all.org.

To learn more about Boca Helping Hands, call 561-417-0913 or visit www.bocahelpinghands.org.

Airport awards $25,000 for aviation students
Now a seven-year tradition, the $25,000 contribution by the Boca Raton Airport Authority to the Boca Raton Airport Scholarship took place at the September board meeting.

The funds aim to underpin the educational pursuits of Palm Beach County students seeking to make their mark in the aviation industry.

“The next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals starts with these students,” said Clara Bennett, the BRAA’s executive director. “We’re proud to be part of their journey toward a career in this growing industry.”

The scholarship is administered by the George Snow Scholarship Fund, which earlier this year honored the BRAA with the Corporate Community Service Award.

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

Symphonia to teach Milagro Center kids
The Symphonia has entered into a partnership with the Milagro Center to serve as the base of operations for the orchestra’s youth-outreach program.

Named the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Strings and Self-Esteem Program, it provides children from underserved families the opportunity to learn to play a string instrument such as the violin, viola, cello or bass while developing self-esteem through positive instruction and encouragement.

“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Milagro Center,” said Annabel Russell, the Symphonia’s executive director. “Our missions and visions are so aligned in the kind of opportunities we want to bring to the children we serve. This is the perfect new home for our program.”

For more information, call 561-376-3848 or visit https://thesymphonia.org.

Gifts needed for Adopt-A-Family holiday program
Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches is looking for gift donations for children and adults for its 2023 Holiday Adopter Program. 

“We are proud to serve over 1,270 families through our programs and services in fiscal year 2023,” said Matt Constantine, the nonprofit’s CEO. “Through donations to this program, families can have a little holiday joy while taking a break from the stress of their daily lives.”

People interested in participating can donate cash, gift cards or gifts. For a donor form, visit www.aafpbc.org/holidayprograms. The deadline to participate is Dec. 1.

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

Professional golfer Morgan Pressel has made a $1.2 million gift to the hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute via the Morgan Pressel Foundation. For more than 13 years, the foundation has funded the mammography vans at the institute; the initial gift launched the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan in honor of Pressel’s mother, who died of breast cancer 20 years ago at age 43. ‘Morgan has proven to be one of our most committed donors over the years, ‘ hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. ‘It is her dedication to the battle against breast cancer that underscores much of her giving and motivates her continued involvement.’ Photo provided

The signature George Snow Scholarship Fund soiree raised $1.2 million to help send deserving students to college. The night of sashays and sequins captivated the audience with spectacular performances by eight volunteer dancers and their professional partners from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Among the fundraising champions were Dr. Patricio Espinosa, who raised more than $210,000, and Danielle Rosse, who broke the event’s all-time record by raising more than $320,000. ABOVE: Espinosa and Rosse. Photo provided

The Boca West Children’s Foundation came to the rescue of the Fuller Center and the Volen Center, providing funding to help the two nonprofits launch their new Intergenerational Project. The project is a full-time early education program at the Volen Center where seniors and children interact and enhance each other’s lives. Because of the foundation’s $13,000 donation, as of Oct. 3 a total of 12 children now have the opportunity to experience the enrichment. ABOVE: (l-r) Pam Weinroth, Fuller Center CEO Ellyn Okrent and Bob Weinroth. Photo provided

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum celebrated its sold-out event that took attendees ‘all aboard’ on an historically rich ride to area restaurants for delicious bites and signature cocktails. It was a night to remember with stops at Sushi by Bou, The Boca Raton and Cove Brewery. All proceeds benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society. ABOVE: Lisa and Derek Vander Ploeg. Photo provided

Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner prepared by local celebrity chefs plus cocktails and live entertainment to benefit Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger. The meal was prepared by Lindsay Autry, of The Regional Kitchen & Public House, Bryce Statham, of Blue Moon Fish Co. and Spoto’s Oyster Bar, and Susan Taves, Feeding South Florida’s director of culinary services. Feeding South Florida estimates that about 10% of South Florida residents remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal. ABOVE: Alex and Francesca Lewis. Photo provided by Dream Focus Photography

Hosting 101, a party-giving tutorial held at the Sklar Furnishings gallery in Boca Raton, included stations set up for demonstrating specific hosting skills. Abbey Furlong, who specializes in visually spectacular charcuterie boards and grazing tables, provided the food with this presentation. Proceeds went to the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Tao Woolfe

Eleanor Roosevelt, famous for throwing lavish parties at the White House during her husband’s presidency, believed there was no such thing as a bad guest.

“A guest is really good or bad because of the host or hostess who makes being a guest an easy or a difficult task,” she said.

Mrs. Roosevelt might have been interested to learn that there’s a slightly different school of thought among Palm Beach County philanthropists: There’s no such thing as a bad hostess.

You just need a little practice and some props.

At a recent party-giving event, dubbed Hosting 101 and held at the Sklar Furnishings gallery in Boca Raton, guests dressed in bright summer colors moved around to stations set up for demonstrating specific hosting skills.

Abbey Furlong instructs guests on how to make roses from salami.

At one table, for example, guests — most of whom were women — learned to make roses from salami and zucchini. The “flowers” consisted of many small pieces of salami folded in on themselves to give the impression of petals. The zucchini provided greenery.

“We wanted to offer something fun and easy,” said Abbey Furlong, creator of Sprd the Vibe, a Fort Lauderdale-based catering business that specializes in visually spectacular charcuterie boards and grazing tables.

“I think they’re just adorable,” Peggy Zapantis, of Boca Raton, said of the salami roses. “And they’re so easy.”

The event was hosted by a partnership of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Sklar Furnishings, and Achievement Centers for Children & Families, with proceeds going to the achievement centers.

Napkin folding, cocktail-making, centerpiece creations, wine tasting and the art of high tea were the most popular activities among the guests.

Mimi Haley Meister, proprietor of Tea by the Sea, taught tea etiquette to the guests. Her specialty is hosting fundraising teas.

Cat Beach, a country singer who just moved back to Delray Beach after living and working in Nashville for many years, said she was fascinated by the Tea by the Sea table.

“She was authentic and really interesting,” Beach said of Mimi Haley Meister, the proprietor of Tea by the Sea.

Meister wore pearls, white gloves, a simple black dress, a pink shawl, and a straw hat with a brim so huge it extended halfway down her back.

Her specialty is hosting fundraising teas, which are highly successful, Meister believes, because when tea is served correctly, it forces people to slow down and focus.

“We want to bring the conversation back to the table,” Meister said, lifting the brim of her hat from her face. “Fundraising with a cup of tea is magical.”

She knows her teas — all 150 flavors. Meister also knows how to simultaneously hold an ornate cup of tea while showing how a gloved pinky — pointed subtly in the right direction — can reveal a scandal.

“I think bringing conversation back, especially among those under 40, is crucial to fundraising and just socializing,” said Meister, who lives in Delray Beach and works in homes, businesses and other pop-up locations. “We are lacking in conversation.”

The Sklar Furnishings event was offered during August as part of Boca Festival Days, which is sponsored by the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

Beach said she was extremely impressed by the Achievement Centers staffers, and the services they offer to children and families in crisis.

The Delray Beach-based agency works to strengthen and provide economic stability to families while helping toddlers, preschoolers and students do well in education and discover their talents.

Achievement Centers’ four core programs are early learning; after school; and teen and summer camps.

“We were thrilled to have such a fantastic partner for this year’s Boca Chamber Festival Days,” said Julia Corliss, event manager for the Achievement Centers. “Sklar Furnishings went above and beyond in preparation for this event.”

Linda Gunn, manager at Sklar, said the furniture store has been involved in charitable work for more than 25 years.

“We love to give back to the community,” Gunn said. “It’s what we’re all about.”

Beach said she would like to work with the Achievement Centers to develop a music-writing program for the kids.

“I would love to volunteer there and work with kids and music,” Beach said. “Sometimes our ideas align with the universe. I would be super excited if that happened.”

By Jan Norris

Jeremy Bearman thinks positive. And luckily, pivots well.

In a twist of timing, the landlord for his restaurant, Oceano Kitchen in Lantana, served a vacate order in August.

It just so happened, he and his wife/pastry chef, Cindy, had been on the hunt for another location.

“We were already looking for a space in Lake Worth Beach,” he said. “We found the old Social House space on Lucerne Avenue, and started securing it. The closing was set for Sept. 15.

“The idea was to start renovating it for a year, then open next season.”

But the landlord’s order to be out by mid-November put the long-term plans on hold and rushed the opening date at the new spot.

“We didn’t want to close for the season, so we had to speed up and change plans for the Lake Worth Beach site,” Bearman said. “We’ll open in November and stay open till June, then close down to finish the renovations.”

The couple plans a farewell celebration for the Lantana location on Nov. 3, a walk- around event with drink, food and dessert stations for $125.

Bearman has a leg up on the new site, because the Social House had a commercial kitchen and bar in place. “We’d been working on it a while. We’re done painting. Some cosmetic changes,” he said.

The new place has the advantage of both indoor seating and a covered patio out back in its 3,500-square-foot space. It also has a courtyard.

A redesign will happen, just not this season, Bearman said.

The indoor seating will mimic the Lantana spot’s outdoor feel, thanks to collapsible windows and doors out front.

The daily menu will be much the same as now with one exception: no pizzas.

“There’s no wood-fired oven there yet. It would take a lot of permitting to put one in now. So we’ll run it with the other menu items guests like from here,” Bearman said.

Based on what’s fresh and available, the menu will change daily, same as usual, he said.

“Right now, we’ll do much more crudos, salads and pastas. We have a full kitchen with hoods, and the smoker outside.”

But once next season rolls around and renovations are complete, “it will be a whole new ballgame,” he said.

The full bar also will wait. “We want to do it right, and have a signature cocktail,” Bearman said. “We’ll offer a cocktail here and there, but it won’t be a full bar this season. Beer and wine.”

There’s no lunch service, either. “Just the same as before: Dinner only. Cash only,” he said.

He’s staying positive about the whole move. “I’ve opened a few restaurants before. We’re pretty laid back about it. We opened Oceano Kitchen in one week,” he said.

The couple had more time to design and open High Dive, a seafood restaurant in The Square in West Palm Beach — but then the pandemic hit. High Dive never gained its audience.

Bearman doesn’t look back. “The past is what’s already happened. I’m not somebody who dwells on things. I’m staying positive.”

Oceano Kitchen will be at 512 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth Beach, starting in mid-November, open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. Cash only.

***

A tomahawk from the Meat Market in Boca Raton. Photos provided

The Meat Market joins more than 12 other steakhouses within a 10-mile hub in Boca Raton. With counterparts in Tampa, Palm Beach and San Juan, it becomes the fourth in the chain.

If the grand opening party is predictive, the social side of its definition will live up to its name. The long, narrow entrance bar was crowded with partiers. Guests filled tables in the open, gold-and-wood dining room while glittering and mingling.

Chef Sean Brasel and his team worked hard to keep food coming, while on-point servers were quick to see that drinks and appetizers held guests over.

Wagyu and Kobe — premium beef — are stars on the steak menu, with a wide selection of cuts, including a signature 30-ounce wagyu tomahawk ribeye. They’re accompanied by a raft of house-made sauces. (Also don’t miss the bone marrow offering; ask for extra crostini.)

Crudos included an iced seafood tower filled with delicacies, such as the roasted truffled oysters Rockefeller, featuring spinach and bacon with a creamy béarnaise. Oysters on the half-shell were sweet and salty, a selection of Northeast varieties. Tuna tartare was layered with creamy smashed avocado, mango mole and a citrus foam.

Several seafood choices give pescaterians a chance here. The Scottish salmon was a table favorite.

Meatloaf, duck, short ribs and sliders are among alternatives to steak selections. There’s a line on the menu for vegetarians, too: Ask and the chef will prepare something for you.

Cocktails were sturdy and creative; a curated wine list matches the menu. One of the three private dining rooms is in the wine room, of sorts.

A brief walk down a hallway from the dining room leads to the atrium of the Renaissance Hotel, the host property for the restaurant. Soon to be renovated with an outdoor event space around the pool and a tiki bar, the hotel stands to draw public cocktail parties and meetings to the area. The restaurant will be exclusive caterer for the events.

A dress code for the Meat Market is posted on its website. Dress shorts are allowed only on the patio; in the dining room guests must wear proper dress trousers and no garments that expose underwear.

The Meat Market is open for happy hour and dinner only. Later this month, weekend brunch and lunch are planned.

The Meat Market, 2000 NW 19th St., Boca Raton. 561-245-6777. Dinner nightly. Reservations encouraged. Valet available.

***

Spicy tuna with crispy rice from Sushi by Bou in Boca Raton. BOTTOM RIGHT: Pan-seared scallops from Sushi by Bou

Sushi by Bou in Boca Raton now offers a “patio menu,” different from the omakase that guests order at the counter indoors.

If you can forgo the lure of the Jazz Age speakeasy interior, the more casual covered breezeway is the place for a la carte selections — plenty for sharing.

They range from a wide list of fresh basic Bou rolls, sashimi, appetizers, seared seafoods and light desserts.

Spicy tuna with crispy rice features truffle caviar; seared Hokkaido scallops have yuzu butter and roasted red pepper toppings.

The No More Mr. Rice Guy is sans carbs: crab, salmon, tuna and yellowtail served in a cucumber wrap.

A spicy dish, chicken Karaage, is based on a fried chicken thigh, with Holy Tshili Spicy Everything chili crisp, and yuzu aioli.

Signature cocktails also are available.

The patio menu appeared in the sister restaurant in the Hamptons during the pandemic and proved popular. The menu is available only outdoors at the Boca Raton location, where a covered area protects diners from rain.

Omakase is available by reservation at the 12-seat counter indoors.

The partners in the Sushi by Bou franchise, Erika London and chef David Bouhadana, are Boca Raton residents.

Sushi by Bou, 409 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight. sushibybou.com.

In brief
For the ninth season, Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches will sell pies during its Pie It Forward campaign. For $30 or $35, pie lovers can buy a pie through the organization, and the money will feed a homebound senior for a week.

Order an apple, pecan or pumpkin pie by Nov. 15 for $30 (Key lime for $35) and pick it up Nov. 21 — right before Thanksgiving — at Duffy’s Sports Grill in Delray Beach (other locations are in West Palm Beach and Jupiter).

Other options: $100 gets you three pies and a tote bag. An extra $5 buys a slice for a senior in the MOW program. Area chefs from country clubs, restaurants and resorts contribute the 3,000 pies each year. For all info and to order, go to mowpbpie.org. ...

Top country club chefs will stage a Chef’s Showdown, “Iron Chef” style, on Nov. 30 at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton to benefit Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. The public can buy tickets for the cocktail hour and sampling of the entries from stations set around the room, as well as the competition show. Chefs competing include Samuel Faggetti of Mizner Country Club; Troy Tipton of The Polo Club of Boca Raton; Donnie Young of Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club; and Joseph Leonardi of St. Andrews Country Club. Ticket sales and more information are at Trustbridge.com/event/chef.

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

The Chancel Choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach will perform Nov. 5. Photos provided

By Janis Fontaine

For many people, worshipers and agnostics alike, holiday music is one of the best parts of the holiday season.

“Music is the language of the soul,” says Tim Brumfield, music director at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton. “It’s the great unifier. It bridges the gaps and brings people together.”

Brumfield and the congregation will celebrate the return of music to St. Gregory’s just in time for Christmas Eve.

The sanctuary underwent a total remodel, and the pipe organ had to be carefully protected from the construction mess. It was the first thing the church packed up (hermetically sealed!) and will be the last thing unpacked.

The remodel also removed the carpet and replaced it with a stone floor, improving the acoustics. “The sound had a deadness to it because of that, and now it’s glorious,” Brumfield said. The traditional midnight Mass will be “souped up” with performances by a string orchestra and the choir.

Jody Miller will bring his recorder to St. Paul’s on Dec. 3 in a concert with the Palm Beach Recorder Society Ensemble.

Toot-toot-toot
Music lovers drive from Miami and Port St. Lucie to hear music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, which boasts the best classical music performed in an acoustically astounding sacred setting. This annual concert series has been showcasing the most gifted classical musicians at St. Paul’s for 35 years, and the internationally acclaimed Delray String Quartet kicked off its sixth year as artists-in-residence with a program called “The Bullfighter” on Oct. 15.

The second concert of the season is an observance of All Souls’ Day, the Christian feast that recognizes loved ones who have passed, on Nov. 5. The program, “For Us the Living, a Requiem” by American composer Alfred Fedak, is a solemn requiem Mass sung by St. Paul’s Chancel Choir accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The program is directed by David Macfarlane, the church’s organist and choirmaster.

“I began this annual tradition at St. Paul’s three years ago and it has quickly grown into one of our most beautiful and moving services of the year,” he said.

Missy McArdle, a well-known local actress, has taken up the reins of music at St. Paul’s as its interim director through the end of the year. As a performer, McArdle takes the stage with her fellow members of the Palm Beach Recorder Society Ensemble on Dec. 3 for “A Merrye Noyse,” a performance featuring Jody Miller.

Miller, based in the Atlanta area, is “a whirlwind of a man,” McArdle said. “He’s a strong leader and an engaging teacher.”

Miller’s love of historical music and traditional instruments has filled his life with performances, workshops and small groups focusing on the recorder.

You may think of the recorder as that “toot-toot-toot” instrument thousands of grade schoolers were given as their first musical instrument. Made of plastic, they were incredibly affordable, but most of those recorders ended up in the back of the kids’ closets, or were replaced with “real” instruments like the flute or clarinet by anyone with talent.

In reality, the recorder is simple to learn but it easily can transition from “Three Blind Mice” to Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto RV 443 in the hands of a good player. It would have stood the test of time but for its volume: The poor, sweet recorder is simply not loud enough to stand up to the other orchestral instruments.

The recorder ensemble has been meeting at St. Paul’s for more than 20 years and is directed by Glen Rovinelli, who is “a magnificent teacher and very knowledgeable,” McArdle says. In full disclosure, the couple has been married for more than 20 years, ever since he gave her an unsolicited critique of her recorder solo from “Godspell.” The group has about 15 members, about half of whom will perform with Miller.

New members are welcomed and can get started with a one-day workshop with Miller and the Palm Beach Recorder & Early Music Society on Dec. 2.

Music at St. Paul’s concerts take place monthly at 3 p.m. on select Sundays. A donation of $25 for adults and $15 for students is requested. Music at St. Paul’s season will include:

The annual performance of “A Festival of Lessons & Carols,” which takes place Dec. 10 and features the church’s choir and schola.

The Muse Duo — Collin Holloway and Robert Luke Benedict performing a guitar and piano concert composed by Benedict on Jan. 21.

Bailey-Michelle Collins, a bronze medal winner at the Nina Simone Piano Competition, who performs March 3.

Stars of David — The Judaic Muse II, featuring music of 19th century Jewish composers for the piano, performed by Jose Lopez, on March 17.

For more information, visit https://musicstpauls.org.

Handel’s ’Messiah’
Among the favorite classical pieces performed at Christmas is Handel’s “Messiah.” While not specifically about Christmas — it tells the story of the life of Jesus from birth through the Resurrection — it’s still a popular piece at the holidays.

The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches performs Handel’s “Messiah” at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Royal Poinciana Chapel, 60 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. 561-845-9696 or https://masterworkspb.org.

The Florida Atlantic University Chamber Singers with faculty, alumni and friends, and the Schola Cantorum of Florida perform the Christmas portion of “Messiah” under the baton of Dr. Patricia P. Fleitas at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 370 SW Third St., Boca Raton. Tickets are $15 at www.eventbrite.com.

Now for something new
“Journey to Bethlehem,” a new musical feature film about the birth of Jesus, opens at local theaters on Nov. 9. Adam Anders, a four-time Grammy nominee and two-time People’s Choice Award winner, co-wrote, directed and produced the movie. It features 12 original songs, co-written by Anders.

The trailer indicates this is more of a love story than a biblical retelling of the trip Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. It’s a fresh look at a brave couple who faced down the world with just each other and their faith in God to protect them. Rated PG.

Cinemark Palace 20, 3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton. Shows at 2, 4:50, 7:40, 10:25 p.m.

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

The Rev. D. Brian Horgan of St. Lucy Catholic Church and Steven Moss, rabbi to Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County in Delray Beach, united for a prayer vigil on Oct. 12 at St. Lucy in Highland Beach. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Janis Fontaine

When Americans see something, they want to do something, especially when innocent children are involved.

Our first inclination is to donate cash, but how do we get the money to the people who really need it?

Locally, we can support rabbis like Ruvi New of Boca Beach Chabad, who joined a mission with other Chabad rabbis from across the United States to travel to Israel and bring supplies.

“We will visit soldiers in the army, wounded in the hospitals, families in mourning. Our goal is to inspire and uplift. To send a message to Israelis that we in the diaspora stand with them,” New wrote on Chabad’s website last month.

The group planned to “distribute funds to families in need” and offer “programs to help soldiers and victims of terror.”

Chabad’s network of local groups communicates directly with friends and family in Israel. That allows congregations like Rabbi Shmuli Biston’s Chabad East Delray to fulfill specific needs for medical supplies, food or clothing. Biston said it doesn’t matter what you give but that you give freely.

Do those pronouncements of people standing in solidarity help? Yes, Biston says, you’re not wasting your time. The Jewish community wants and needs your support. “It’s very meaningful to hear that others share our grief,” he said.

But what about the Christians and Muslims who live in Gaza? How do we support innocent children? What about the children of Hamas? Is it right to leave them to die for the sins of their fathers?

Almost everyone condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel. But what about the Palestinians who have been trying to scratch out a life in the barricaded Gaza Strip for decades? Now they’re collateral damage in a conflict that cannot be won. So how do we help them?

“The sad thing is the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza is killing civilians, not soldiers,” said Mahmoud Elghewisky, the executive director of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton.

It’s just one of the contradictions he sees. “Why are Ukrainians who are fighting for their homes seen as freedom fighters, but Palestinians are seen as terrorists?” he asks.

The border choke-holds by government troops, both Israeli and Egyptian in the South, are preventing sufficient aid from reaching the people.

The military argues that any aid sent into Gaza for women, children and the elderly will be stolen by Hamas to support its fighters. The Israeli military wants the citizens to evacuate. But they’re too poor to leave and too afraid to venture out. A slow death by starvation or for lack of medical care is all the future they can see.

Whomever you want to help, money is the quickest and easiest way of showing support.

Where to help locally
Rabbi New, Chabad Boca Beaches. Support Rabbi New here: www.chabadbocabeaches.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6130621/jewish/Help-Israel.htm.

Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Israel Emergency Fund: www.jewishboca.org/israel-at-war-donations. If you have any questions or concerns about your donation, contact Marc Fishman at marcf@bocafed.org or call 561-852-3169.

The Islamic Center of Boca Raton: The Islamic Center is hosting an open house Dec. 1 for anyone who has questions about Islam. The center is at 3480 NW Fifth Ave. 561-395-7221 or www.icbr.org.

Other charities to consider
NPR.org and Fortune.com vetted a list of reliable charities and organizations that include:

Anera: It addresses the development and relief needs of refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Jordan. It’s working to provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians and residents of East Jerusalem. It received a 92% score on Charity Navigator, a nonprofit that evaluates other nonprofits. www.anera.org

Doctors Without Borders: This international group brings emergency medical care where it’s most needed. DWB received a 98% score from Charity Navigator. www.doctorswithoutborders.org

International Committee of the Red Cross: ICRC partners with chapters of the Red Cross and Red Crescent so its neutral workers can visit detainees in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. www.icrc.org

International Rescue Committee: It works in more than 40 countries to help people affected by humanitarian crises, in the short and long term. Regarding Gaza, the organization says it is “assessing needs on the ground and our capacity to ensure critical, life-saving humanitarian relief reaches affected civilian populations.” Its Charity Navigator score is 91%. www.rescue.org

IsraAID: This global NGO, based in Tel Aviv, claims it is housing evacuees from Gaza, operating child-friendly spaces where kids can play and process, and distributing resilience kits to families. Its Charity Navigator score is 95%. www.israaid.org

American Friends of Magen David Adom: This is Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service — the equivalent of a Red Cross. It says donations will be used to make sure responders and volunteers have all the training, equipment and medical supplies (including blood) to treat injured people. Charity Navigator: 100%. www.afmda.org

Medical Aid for Palestinians: This group is responding to the emergency in Gaza by providing essential drugs, disposables and other health care supplies to hospitals struggling to cope with an influx of serious injuries. www.map.org.uk

Islamic Relief USA: Middle East/Palestine: In addition to calling for a cease-fire, the IRUSA says, “All parties have a duty to protect civilians from harm, avoid targeting civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and humanitarian facilities, and ensure that civilians have access to basic necessities such as water, food and power.”  www.irusa.org/middle-east/palestine

Middle East Children’s Alliance: This nonprofit dedicated to children’s rights in the Middle East supports dozens of communities with Palestinian children. It is procuring medical supplies for hospitals as well as providing emergency assistance to families who have fled their homes. Its Charity Navigator score is 100%. www.mecaforpeace.org

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: PCRF provides medical and humanitarian relief to Arab children, regardless of nationality or religion, and has had a presence in Gaza for 30 years. Its donations provide access to medical care, mental health support and essential supplies for kids in Gaza. Its Charity Navigator score is 97%. www.pcrf.net

Palestine Red Crescent Society: PRCS was founded in 1968 as a humanitarian organization that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It provides hospital, emergency medicine and ambulance services, and primary health care centers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. www.palestinercs.org/en

Save the Children: This NGO, founded after World War I, is committed to protecting and assisting children in Gaza and Israel and working to renegotiate humanitarian corridors. It received a 97% score from Charity Navigator. www.savethechildren.org

UNICEF: Established by the UN after World War II, UNICEF says it has staff in Gaza delivering support. UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator. www.unicefusa.org

UNRWA: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established by the UN to provide direct relief programs for Palestinian refugees. Since Oct. 7, it claims that more than 270,000 refugees have populated its shelters. www.unrwa.org

The Carter Center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University has been promoting peace and a viable two-state Israel-Palestine solution since 1982. www.cartercenter.org

Zakat Foundation of America: Founded in 2001, it is dedicated to alleviating the immediate needs of the poorest communities by providing food, shelter, health care and delivering emergency relief. Charity Navigator score: 100%. www.zakat.org

Life for Relief and Development: This global organization dedicates itself to alleviating human suffering around the world regardless of race, color, religion, or cultural background. It was founded in 1992 by Arab American professionals in response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Iraq as a result of the 1990-91 Gulf War conflict. www.lifeusa.org

Islamic Relief USA: It provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Organized in 1993 in California. www.irusa.org

Mercy-USA for Aid and Development: This group is dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting individuals and their communities in their efforts to become more self-sufficient. Mercy-USA’s projects focus on improving health, nutrition and access to safe water, as well as promoting economic and educational growth and providing disaster relief around the world. www.mercyusa.org

The Palm Beach County Health Care District is hosting free ’Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance’ classes weekdays at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

We’ve all heard about the commercial that shows a woman stretched out on the floor crying, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” The probability of falling is real, especially for people 65 and older.

In Palm Beach County, falls are the leading cause of traumatic injury, with Health Care District data showing the number of people who fell and were treated within the county’s trauma system rising 145% in the past 12 years, from 1,048 in 2010 to 2,572 last year.

In response, the Health Care District secured a $1 million, one-year grant, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, to spearhead a proactive approach toward fall prevention.

In September, the district began offering free “Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance” classes at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach.

One of the first to sign up was Delray Beach resident Toby Koritsky, 71, a retired educator. With two hip replacements and two knee replacements, she wants to improve her strength and balance. Koritsky was not looking for strenuous exercise and found exercise DVDs too intense.

“This is just what I need,” she says. “It’s every day at 8:30 a.m. and gets me up and going.”

This Tai Ji Quan regimen was developed for older adults by Fuzhong Li of the Oregon Research Institute.

Diane Lundstedt, 67, of Lake Worth Beach, instructs the South County class. She says this regimen takes the focus away from the core and puts emphasis on hips and feet — the first defense against falling.

The eight forms of movement include weight-shifting exercises, reaching exercises, finger mobility, spatial awareness, pushing and pulling, and turning, all geared to prevent a loss of balance.

Routines can be modified to include sitting and geared to an individual’s level.

Practicing this routine for 10 years has helped Lundstedt become more aware of her body, made her stronger and able to center herself if she feels at risk of falling.

Lundstedt says a core group of 14-18 people comes to class and she expects more as snowbirds arrive.

Koritsky says she has learned how to shift her weight from side to side and to be conscious of her feet on the ground, which can help prevent loss of balance.

Koritsky, who has diabetes, says she is beginning to have neuropathy in her feet, another cause of concern. In 2019 while at synagogue, she fell and fractured her shoulder.

She’s encouraged by the techniques she’s learning.

“It’s slow-moving, but good exercise, which I like,” she says. “I found what works for me.”

Tips to prevent falls include enrolling in a balance and exercise program to improve balance, strength and flexibility; asking for a risk assessment from your health care provider; reviewing your medications with the provider to make sure dosages are correct; having your vision and hearing checked and ensuring your eyeglass prescription is up to date; fall-proofing your home to remove area rugs that may slip, installing grab bars in the bathroom or where needed, and ensuring your home is well-lit.

“Falls are a serious health concern,” says Darcy Davis, CEO for the Health Care District. “Not only can falls cause serious injury, but they also contribute to many in our community losing their independence.

“With this free program for all ages, the Health Care District and our partners strive to decrease falls in Palm Beach County through proactive collaboration, education and prevention,” she says.

The district is looking to partner with other locations to host classes in the county and is offering free “train the trainer” courses to prospective instructors, with an eye on expanding class offerings.

The district also will create a fall-prevention video series that will serve the community after the conclusion of the grant.

For Koritsky, she hopes learning these balance techniques and improving her strength will allow her to feel less afraid about falling.

“These movements are great for anyone looking to increase stability and build strength,” she says.

They have enabled her to go longer, farther and with less fear of falling when she walks Abu, her 11-year-old Shih Tzu.

Classes are held weekdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the South County Civic Center, 16700 S. Jog Road, Delray Beach, and are open to all. For more information, see www.hcdpbc.org/for-patients/trauma-system/education-and-prevention/falls-awareness.

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

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief 42 William Stansbury has joined Delray Medical Center’s  governing board.

Stansbury was a strike-team leader for the Holocaust survivor vaccine mission in 2021, and that year, he was a strike-team leader following the Surfside building collapse.

“A first responder can bring unique insights into the demands and challenges that emergency health care providers encounter,” said Delray Medical Center CEO Daniel Listi. “This outlook can help ensure the medical center is adequately equipped to manage various crises and that effective emergency response methods are implemented.”

His addition to the board will assist Delray Medical Center’s position as a prominent health care institution in the community.

Stansbury has a personal connection to Delray Medical Center. 

“I was a patient for one month in 1999 after a horrible car accident,” he said. “I know what it feels like to be a long-term patient requiring around-the-clock medical care.

“As an emergency medical services professional with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, I have been transporting patients to DMC since 2004, working alongside the hospital’s medical professionals. Therefore, I hope to provide a unique and broad perspective from several points of view — patient, paramedic and co-professional.”  

***

Instrumentum, a surgical tool company, will relocate to the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, making a $1 million capital investment and adding 30 jobs over the next two years.  

Instrumentum will occupy a 9,300-square-foot office space that includes a sterilization facility, which will serve hospitals and outpatient surgery centers in South Florida. The company also will collaborate with Florida Atlantic University to develop a training curriculum tied to the surgical sterilization field.

Instrumentum reports that outsourced sterilization services is a growing industry, as more hospitals operate with limited resources. Instrumentum is already working with the FAU College of Business to analyze the full costs of surgical tool sterilization.

***

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University honored outstanding individuals for their contributions toward promoting research and fostering economic development, at its annual celebration of entrepreneurship in October at Boca West Country Club.

Among the honorees were two Boca Raton residents: Drs. Robert Colton and Siri Terjesen.

Colton is the co-founder and chairman of Thema Brain Health, a Research Park at FAU-based company. Thema Brain Health aims to shift the focus of dementia research toward identifying genetic and lifestyle risk factors, early diagnosis and prevention.

Terjesen is the founding executive director of the Madden Center for Value Creation, and Phil Smith Professor of Entrepreneurship at Florida Atlantic’s College of Business. She is an expert in higher education, strategic management, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Her research, covered in more than 80 articles, two books, many white papers and manuscripts, has earned her national recognition.

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

Zev Bailey, 3, of Boca Raton, carries the sensory coral reef he made while taking part in the Discovery Series at the Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray Beach. Photo provided

By Faran Fagen

The first thing 3-year-old Zev Bailey of Boca Raton does when he comes home from a session of the Sandoway Discovery Series is teach his dad, Chris, what he’s learned.

So far, the topics at the Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray Beach have ranged from the jungle to biodiversity, and in November pumpkin volcanoes and ice cream science will be featured.

“Each session is filled with things for him to explore, maneuver and create while learning each theme,” said Brittany Bailey, who signed her son Zev up for every session this fall, including the two this month, Nov. 3 and 17. “Zev is always fully engaged and happy to be there and loves his take-home projects.”

Sandoway has run this retooled Discovery Series for the past three months. Sessions are limited to no more than 15 kids, suggested ages 3-5, and usually take place outdoors.

“Our goal is to get young kids excited about learning and about science through discovery,” said Suzanne Williamson, Sandoway’s director of education. “We want kids to feel like they’re discovering new ideas and phenomena with hands-on activities and demonstrations.”

The center opened in 1998 with the goal of entertaining and educating people about environmental topics through experiential learning.

Williamson joined the staff at the beginning of June, after being a high school AP environmental science, biology and marine science teacher for 15 years.

“I’m so passionate about environmental education, and Sandoway has allowed me to spread that message to a wider range of kids and the public in so many cool ways,” she said.

For each part of the new series, Williamson and her staff have generated a theme.

In September, the theme was Ocean Explorers Academy, and the staff used coffee grounds and filters to model how fish breathe and then used a variety of materials to create a 3D coral reef.

A session showcases an experiment or demo to get the kids thinking about the science process, and then a hands-on craft and/or sensory project that stimulates their preschool minds and is something they can take home.

“We like to get messy, so we usually try to have sessions outside,” Williamson said.

In another session, kids explored the differences in density between fresh and salt water, and then used that understanding to make the layers of the ocean in a jar using liquids of differing densities.

The kids “had so much fun building their oceans in a jar,” Williamson said. “The parents really loved that they could give their kids a messy sensory experience and then just leave the cleanup to us.”

Each class is capped at either 12 or 15 kids, depending on space needed. October’s sessions were full.

Each meeting starts with a question to let kids share anything they know about the topic. Then they move into the experiment or demo, often working in groups to foster collaboration. 

Next, they talk about what they saw and move into the craft or model that they make individually.

“Kids are encouraged to be creative and know that making mistakes is a learning process and that science is fun,” Williamson said.

November is STEM-sgiving, so activities are centering on fall and the great American Thanksgiving. Experiments will center on Thanksgiving foods, like making bread in a bag and simple homemade ice cream using the laws of physics. Kids will even make pumpkin volcanoes.

The Discovery Series has been a program at Sandoway for several years. The staff reinvented it this fall to make certain that kids immersed themselves in phenomena of the natural world and learned concepts that they will need to know in elementary school.

The series targets preschoolers because ages 3-5 are such critical years to shape the way kids feel about learning. Sandoway also offers a Young Scientists Series twice per month on weekends to allow a broader age range of kids to experience what scientists do and to develop a better understanding of the science process. 

As for admission to the Discovery Series, the fee for non-members is $12 per child and $2 per child for members. Each accompanying adult is $10 (free for members).

Fee includes all materials and admission to the center for the day. To reserve a spot, call 561-274-7263 or email Suzanne.sandoway@gmail.com. Payment will be accepted upon arrival.