Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Aug. 26, 2010

A group of creditors who claim the owner of Boca Raton Bridge Hotel has not paid them have filed a petition to put the facility into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The city of Boca Raton is studying annexation of a number of communities west of the city, including St. Andrews, Boca Grove and Mediterranea. Studies should show residents could save significantly on taxes and the city would increase their coffers.
The Chris Evert International Tennis Tournament will receive the prestigious Provedencia Award from the Palm Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at their upcoming 2011 Marketing & Sales Plan Presentation September 30, 2010 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
Rumor has it that Trader Vics is opening in the former Albertsons in Mission Bay and that Chipotle Mexican Grill and ATT will be opening in a WestWinds shopping center out parcel.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Abrams announced the Boards approval of a project that will improve timing performances at major intersections with traffic signals countywide. Some of the roadways will include Linton Blvd, Dixie Highway and Congress Avenue in south county. Traffic signal retiming is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve traffic movement. Because it reduces delays at intersections and the number of stops on a roadway, there is less fuel consumption and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. “One of the most frustrating travel experiences is having to stop needlessly at traffic signals”, said Abrams. “In addition, there is a public safety benefit. With fewer stops and delays, a drivers level of frustration decreases along with unsafe driving behavior”, he added. “Timing is everything”! said Abrams. This is a federally subsidized project (no local tax dollars are required) which is scheduled to be completed in approximately 18 months.
Due to an appreciable upturn in construction activities and revenue, the Palm Beach County Building Division will once again be operating five days per week. Beginning on Monday, Aug. 30, the Building Division will go from a 32-hour, four-day work week to a 36-hour, five-day work week. The new office hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Currently, the Building Division is closed on Friday. Due to a sharp drop in housing starts and commercial construction, the Building Division last year had to lay off dozens of workers, including plans examiners, inspectors, permit technicians, cashiers and records clerks.
A learning experience of cinematic proportions is coming to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. FAU is opening a movie theater complex that will also serve as classrooms to its film students in October. Operated by Living Room Theaters, the complex consists of four 50-seat theaters that will be used during the day by FAU's film study program in the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. On nights and weekends, the theaters will be open to the public and will show foreign, classic and independent films.
Get the hair bleach ready: Andrew O’Hagan, the author of the novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, says his novel has been optioned—and that Angelina Jolie has agreed to play Marilyn. He also says that George Clooney will appear in the film as Frank Sinatra and that production will begin soon. O’Hagan’s novel tells the story of Monroe through the eyes of her dog, which Sinatra had given to her. Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks were also considered for the role.
The West Boca Chamber of Commerce second Tuesday breakfast Sept. 14 at Boca Lago Country Club, sponsored by West Boca Medical Center, will feature Mary Jane Saunders, new president of FAU as guest speakers. Details are on the website, www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com.
The Greater Boca Raton Chamber second Thursday breakfast is Sept. 16. Call 561.395-4433 for details.
Movies opening this weekend include: Maos Last Dancer, Takers, Flippers, The Infidel, and The Last Exorcism. Congratulations to the winners of Tuesday’s primary election. General election is Nov. 2.
Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, and is president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce (www.westbocachamber.com), with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com. His website is www.publicrelations.nu and his email is pr@publicrelations.nu. His blog is also on the Sun-Sentinel Jewish Journal site: http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com/. You can friend him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barryepstein or follow him on Twitter @cme4pr. Fax items for the column to 561.451.0000 or email to: bocaspindoctor@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Aug. 19, 2010

If you can only see one movie, make sure you see Zeitgeist. Unbelievable!!
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHiuaGJ46zo. Don’t miss it and repost!
Former state Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith will be Alex Sink’s running mate on the Democratic ticket.
Tuesday, Aug. 24 is primary election day. If you have not already voted early or absentee, be sure to take time to exercise the privilege we have to live in this country. For your information, the West Boca Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee, WestPAC, has endorsed the following candidates: County Court Judge, Lloyd Comiter; Circuit Court Judge, Lisa Small; State Representatives, Lori Berman and Irv Slosberg; School Board, Dean Grossman and Jenny Brown.
The West Boca Chamber fourth Thursday network will be Aug. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in the Boca Grove Shopping Center on Powerline Road between Glades and Palmetto Park Roads. Info is at www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com or call 561.482.9333 for further information. The September 14, West Boca Chamber second Tuesday breakfast will feature new FAU President Mary Jane Saunders.
Caldwell theatre’s current production is “The Comfort of Darkness”, a world premiere by Joel Gross. Tickets and information at www.caldwelltheatre.comor call 877-245-7432.
Four Boca residents have been elected as Trustees of the Caldwell Theatre. They are: Barry Epstein, Jeff Karsin, Seth Marmor and Bruce Rosetto.
Clive Cholerton, managing artistic director of the Caldwell Theatre is in negotiations with the city to produce quarterly shows in the Black Box theatre in Mizner Parks former Cartoon Museum.
Former president Bill Clinton visited Newsmax publisher Chris Ruddy in his West Palm Beach office Monday. Newsmax Media was founded in 1998 and is one of the largest independent news publishers on the Internet.http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/bill-clinton-visits-newsmax-ruddy-meek-democrats-florida/2010/08/16/id/367634. Congressman Alcee Hastings introduced Clinton to the crowd waiting one and a half hours for him in Delray Beach.
Watch barry epstein live at www.wrpbitv.com. New show airs Friday at 10 a.m. Current show is archived on the site by clicking ondemand barry epstein. Guests include Sun-Sentinel columnists Kingsley Guy and Lynn University Professor Dr. Robert Watson, Caldwell Theatre managing artistic director Clive Cholerton, Dennis Sheehan, State Senator Dave Aronberg, New Times investigative reporter Bob Norman, Broward County Commissioner Stacy Ritter, and others.
FAU FanFest to Take Place Saturday 8/21What: 10th annual FanFest - Football Scrimmage Where: FAU Boca Raton Campus, Oxley Athletic Center When: Saturday August 21st at 2 p.m. Why: FREE FUN - pass this along to friends and family! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from FAU football players, coaches, dance team and cheerleading squad members. A team shop featuring new ADIDAS sports wear will also be available plus Pepsi sampling and live music. The FAU Marching Owls will also be on hand to kick off the event at 2 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Season and individual game tickets are on sale now. Tickets or Owl Club donations can be made in the new Wally Sanger Owl Club Center, which is adjacent to the Oxley Athletic Center. The Owls begin play at home on Saturday, September 25th at 7 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium against North Texas. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 561.297.0579 or visit www.fausports.com. School opened Tuesday. Please drive carefully.
The Fair Housing Center of the Greater Palm Beaches has filed a federal lawsuit against the Boca Teeca Condominium No. 9 Association, accusing the condo complex of violating the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 by denying children to live there.
Movies opening this weekend include: The Extra Man, The Switch, Lottery Ticket, Kisses, Vampire, Piranha 3D, Nanny McPhee Returns and The Concert.
Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, and is president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce (www.westbocachamber.com), with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and a link to it alternate Fridays on the Sun-Sentinel editorial page, www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion. His website is www.publicrelations.nu and his email is pr@publicrelations.nu. You can friend him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barryepstein or follow him on Twitter @cme4pr. Fax items for the column to 561.451.0000 or email to: bocaspindoctor@gmail.com.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Aug. 12, 2010

The so-called Florida Gubernatorial debate at Church of All Nations in Boca Saturday evening co-sponsored by WPEC CBS 12 turned out to be a bust with Alex Sink and Rick Scott no shows. It did not prevent the Pastor from going off on Scott and attacking his character.
Bigger Downtown Boca news to be announced at 5:30 p.m. rally Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Mizner Park amphitheatre. Check out the new www.downtownboca.org website now live.
The Feds may seize a million dollar house in Woodfield Hunt Club bought with funds from Bernie Madoff.
Neighborhood Bar & Grill on Federal Highway in Boca, had a reopening party last week.
The nation’s largest bookseller, Barnes & Noble, with an outlet on Glades Road in Boca, put itself up for sale, after members of its board announced that drastic action needed to be taken due to the growth of digital books and online sales, which had prompted its stock prices to fall.
Austin based Golfsmith will be opening a super store in West Boca at Glades Road and 441.
“barry epstein live” worldwide internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com will have as guests Friday at 10 a.m. Sun-Sentinel columnists Kingsley Guy and Robert Watson, Palm Beach Post gossip columnist Jose Lambiet, New Times ace investigative reporter Bob Norman and others. Archived shows can be seen anytime by clicking on demand barry epstein after the video starts.
Blackjack comes to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek starting Friday the 13th at 3 p.m.
A world premiere romance production of The Comfort of Darkness, written by Joel Gross, is currently at Caldwell Theatre. Go to www.caldwelltheatre.com for information and tickets.
Starting Saturday, Boca Raton resident Trip Payne will compete in the National Scrabble championships held in Dallas, Texas.
Former president Bill Clinton will be at the Delray Community Center at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 for U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek.
U.S. Bill Nelson will speak at the Morikami Museum auditorium at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 as guest of the South County Community Partnership. No RSVP or ticket required.
Howard Schnellenberger, Florida Atlantic University’s head football coach, will host “Coach’s Ladies’ Football Clinic 101.3” on Saturday, August 21 at 8 a.m. at the Tom Oxley Athletic Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. Schnellenberger originally brought the “Ladies Clinic Football 101” three years ago to FAU as a way to teach female football fans the “ins and outs” of college football. Participants are provided a light breakfast and lunch, along with the opportunity to ask questions, learn about equipment necessary to play the game, go over NCAA rules, as well as the chance to meet FAU coaches and players. The cost for the day is $30 per person. Attendees also will be invited to attend the final scrimmage and FAU Fanfest at 2 p.m.
To reserve tickets, e-mail Leigh Slowiak at gymlee@bellsouth.net or Katie Burke at kburke19@fau.edu. For more information call 561-297-1094.
The West Boca Chamber of Commerce fourth Thursday network will be at Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza in the Boca Grove shopping center on Powerline Road from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 26. Details and costs are at www.westbocachamber.com.
FAU Football starts Sept. 11. Get tickets at www.fausports.com or call 1.866.FAU.OWLS.
Mark your calendars: Fran Drescher headlines the Boca Raton Community Foundation Go Pink luncheon at the Boca Raton Resort & Club Oct. 28; The Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, also at the Boca Raton Resort & Club Nov. 5-7.
Movies opening this weekend include: The Expendables, Eat Pray Love, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Get Low. If you can only see one movie, make sure you see Zeitgeist. Unbelievable!!
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHiuaGJ46zo. Don’t miss it and repost!
Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, and is president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce (www.westbocachamber.com), with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and a link to it alternate Fridays on the Sun-Sentinel editorial page, www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion. His website is www.publicrelations.nu and his email is pr@publicrelations.nu. You can friend him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barryepstein or follow him on Twitter @cme4pr. Fax items for the column to 561.451.0000 or email to: bocaspindoctor@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Barry's Buzz

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – July 29, 2010
Plagued by public corruption scandals in recent years, Palm Beach County law enforcement officials on Friday announced the formation of the PBC Public Corruption Task Force. State Attorney Michael McAuliffe, empowered by a Florida statute he was instrumental in amending, can swear in local and county law enforcement officers and deputies as special state attorney investigators with circuit-wide jurisdiction to investigate public corruption. The task force is part of a three-prong approach to address “the lack of confidence in local government and its leadership” in Palm Beach County, according to McAuliffe, who took office in 2009.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams announced the Board’s approval to begin a renewable energy project at the wastewater treatment plant located in Delray Beach that will provide cost savings across the board. The project will help keep consumers water rates stable while using less energy and creating less waste. The plant will generate its own electricity by capturing the methane gas, which is currently treated as a waste product and will reduce the overall operational costs. “We are taking our role seriously as a steward of energy alternatives that will potentially save the residents money while reducing the county’s carbon footprint”, said Abrams. The project is estimated to be completed in about 18 months.
The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce will award $50,000 to 13 schools and a local foundation at the Chamber’s September breakfast from the Golden Bell Foundation.
More than 300 people attended the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce recent 2010 Business Awards Luncheon at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. This year's event honored Bobra Bush of Telcom Corp. and Telcare Corp. (2010 Small Business Leader of the Year), Charles Shane of Bryason Realty Group (2010 Business Leader of the Year), and Lynn University Bachelor's, master's & online degrees (2010 Business of the Year). Arby’s in Westwinds Shopping Center has closed.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will be the guest speaker at the West Boca Chamber of Commerce 7:30 a.m. Second Tuesday breakfast at the European Corner Café at Camino Real and Powerline Roads. Info is at www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com or call 561.482.9333. Membership rates are also discounted 50%.
Robert Mathew Geiserman, who was killed outside his home in Boca Grove Plantation by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy after threatening suicide, owned the Admiral building in the Cove Shopping Center in Deerfield Beach and Lauderhill Mall in Broward County among others.
The board of trustees of FAU has approved a financing plan for the proposed 30,000 seat football stadium, including borrowing about $44.6 million form Regions Bank, $20 million from the University and University Foundation, and $5 million form the proposed Innovation Village student housing project. After approval at the Sept. 16 trustee meeting, construction will start immediately and be completed by fall of October 2011, making it uncertain if it will be in time for the Sept 25 first home game. Site work, including foundations and infrastructure has started already.
County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams, who serves as a board member of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), announced the approval of two roadway projects in Boca Raton. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advanced over $2 million for a resurfacing project on Federal Highway between SE 5th Street to the Broward County line in Boca Raton. The work is now scheduled to begin this year instead of 2013 and no local tax dollars will be used to fund this project. The MPO has also allocated $800,000 for a beautification project at I-95 and Glades Road scheduled for 2013-14. These funds were allocated in response to the City of Boca Raton’s request through an application process.
Alumni and friends of Florida Atlantic University will travel to Greece in spring 2011 with an expert in the classics: Dr. Jeffrey Buller, Dean of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. The trip is schedule for March 4 through March 13 or 15, 2011 depending upon options selected. Tour provides land-only or air-included options. Contact Dianne M. Reeves at dreeves@fau.edu.
Equestrian Caroline Moran of Wellington has been named to the Board of Directors of Caridad Center, located in Boynton Beach, providing services to migrant workers in the county.
Movies opening this weekend include: Dinner for Schmucks, Charlie St. Cloud, Wild Grass and Cats & Dogs, the Revenge of Kittly Galore in 3D.
Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, and is president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce (www.westbocachamber.com), with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and a link to it alternate Fridays on the Sun-Sentinel editorial page, www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion. His website is www.publicrelations.nu and his email is pr@publicrelations.nu. You can friend him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barryepstein or follow him on Twitter @cme4pr. Fax items for the column to 561.451.0000 or email to: bocaspindoctor@gmail.com.