Monday, October 25, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Oct. 28, 2010

You heard it here first: Fresh Market opening in Mission Bay Plaza in West Boca, Chipotle opening in Westwind center in West Boca and Best Buy opening in Target center in Delray.
Office Depot Chairman and CEO Steve Odland will resign effective Nov. 1 to be replaced by lead director and former NFL President Neil Austrian who will step in as interim chairman and CEO.
State Senator Elect Maria Sachs is currently on a trade mission to Israel. She traveled to Israel with the purpose of expanding trade relations between the State of Florida and the Nation of Israel. Israel is a world leader in biotechnology and alternative energy research, boasting the most technically trained workforce in the world, with 135 engineers per 10,000 citizens.
Congratulations to Boca Raton High School coach and teacher David Robbe, Boca Raton Regional Hospital CEO and president Jerry Fedele, real estate magnet and philanthropist Marta Batmasian, community benefactors and business owners Arlene and Jim Sclafani and the city’s events coordinator Emily Lilly, this years Rotary OPAL recipients.
The inauguration of FAU president Mary Jane Saunders will be Friday, Oct. 29. Weeklong festivities included a concert on Oct. 24 and a luncheon on Oct. 26.
Frannie Sheridan brings her one woman show, “Confessions of a Jewish Shicksa – Dancing on Hitler’s Grave”, for one final performance at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 31 to Zinman Hall in West Boca. $20 Ticket information at 561.852.3241.
Memories Milestones and Memoirs, A Writing Workshop, Emily Rosen, Instructor, will begin a new session Three Mondays Nov 1, 8, 15 - from 12:30 to 3 PM at the Boca Raton Community Center call for more info: 561.393.7995,
Noted Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson will headline the Nov. 9 7:30 a.m. West Boca Chamber of Commerce breakfast sponsored by eBarbershop.com at Boca Lago Country Club. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com or call 482.9333.
Vices, A Love Story opens at Caldwell Theatre on Nov. 12. Get tickets at www.caldwelltheatre.com.
County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams voted in favor of the list of charities to receive the fountain money collected at the countys Palm Beach International Airport and urged to public to toss in more loose change. Since 1988, the county has collected the money tossed in the fountain at the airport and donated to a list of approved local charities such as United Way, Salvation Army and Alzheimers Community Care. In addition, the local retail concessionaire, Paradies-Palm Beach, LLC, adds an additional contribution of $250. “In this economy, every penny counts! So next time you are at the airport, throw some coins in the fountain and make a wish. You will be helping others too”, said Abrams. The change is collected monthly and the average amount donated is approximately $350.
County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams announced that the Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement to restore the Pondhawk Wetlands, a 79-acre natural area located in Boca Raton between Yamato and Spanish River Blvd (just east of Military Trail). Site restoration activities are currently underway and expected to be completed in December 2010. The project creates approximately 11 acres of wetland habitat for use by wildlife that will include the great egret, osprey, and alligators. The area will also provide public access areas including a 12-foot wide multi-use trail along the shoreline of Blue Lake.
”This is a good example of a successful partnership between the city and county in obtaining federal grant dollars benefiting the local environment”, said Abrams.’’ The public access component is also terrific because it is such a unique environmentally rich area”, he added. Also, the sand that has been removed from the area is being used at the county’s Osprey Point Golf Course, opening Nov. 6 and 7 in the South County Regional Park, just west of 441 in West Boca, and the city’s library promenade. Federal funds in the amount of $50,000 will be used to fund this project and no local match is required. The funds will be used for the planning portion of the project, which will enhance the water quality and habitat functions.
The Palm Beach County office of the American Jewish Committee will hold its 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Trump International Golf Club, 3505 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Thursday, December 2nd, 6:00 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $125. Call 561-994-7286 or visit palmbeach@ajc.org. The evening includes cocktails and a lavish buffet.
Movies opening this week include Fair Game, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest, The Concert and Saw 3D.
Happy Halloween to all. Enjoy the fun with your family and loved ones.
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.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Oct. 21, 2010

Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election began Monday at 10 sites in Palm Beach County, nine in the Treasure Coast and at the Okeechobee County elections office. The early voting period ends Oct. 30 in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties and Oct. 31 in Palm Beach County.
Jewish Journal publisher emeritus Bruce Warshal also endorsed Florida Governor Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate, following endorsements from former Congressman Robert Wexler, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Palm Beach County Commissioners Burt Aaronson and Shelly Vann, and the Peoples PAC of Palm Beach County. The Governor was also on “barry epstein live” on www.wrpbitv.com. Click on demand barry 10.15.10 when a video starts to watch the show.
Caldwell Theatre features Entre’Acte Theatrix Presents Cabaret, the Tony Award Winning Musical through Oct. 24. Call 561.241.7432 for tickets or visit www.caldwelltheatre.com. Vices: A Love Story returns Nov. 7-Dec. 12. Order your tickets now.
Steel Magnolias continues at the Stage Door Theatre on Sample Road in Coral Springs through Nov. 7. See www.stagedoortheatre.com to order tickets or call 954.344.7765.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is celebrating the inauguration of its sixth president, Mary Jane Saunders, with the "Waves of Blue" student scholarship benefit concert on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium on FAU's Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road. FAU's department of music and several other guest artists will present big band music, piano, jazz, and more. The concert will begin FAU's inaugural festivities, and proceeds from the event will benefit the President's Scholarship Challenge Fund. General admission tickets are $25; faculty, staff and Lifelong Learning Society student tickets are $15; and degree seeking students may obtain tickets for free. Group prices available. Purchase tickets at http://www.fauevents.com or by calling 1-800-564-9539. More information can be found at http://www.fau.edu/inauguration/inaug_scholarship.php.
Building an Effective Board For Good Governance and Great Fundraising is the workshop presented by the Junior League of Boca Raton with Chuck Loring, CRFE, a consultant with BoardSource and a senior partner at Loring, Sternberg, and Associates. On October 27, 2010 from 8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Junior League of Boca Raton's Vegso Community Resource Center, 261 NW 13th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33432, phone: 561-620-2553. Cost is $100 for groups of up to 8 people from the same organization. Breakfast and lunch are included. To register, please contact Cathy Scheid at library@jlbr.org.
The October 28 West Boca Chamber network will be at Southwinds Golf Course. Costs and information is on www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com. The Nov. 9 breakfast, sponsored by ebarbershop.com, will feature noted political consultant and Lynn University professor Dr. Robert Watson on what the election results mean to us.
The second West Boca Women in Business monthly network and luncheon, Nov. 3 will feature “Growing Your KASH Box” presented by Nancy Proffitt, The Profitable Business Coach, 11:30 am. to 1 pm, City Fish Market,7940 Glades Road (at the turnpike). RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com or call 482.9333.
Next Generations of Holocaust Survivors, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, presents "Deadly Medicine in the Nazi Era and Bioethical Responsibilities in the 21st Century", Thursday, November 4, 2010 4:30 pm- 8:30pm, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Center for Lifelong Learning/Education Bldg. Dawson Theatre, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nextgenerations.org under the Event Ticket Sales tab or call (561) 400 -5566. A distinguished panel of experts will broadly examine the medical community's ethical responsibilities from both historical and contemporary perspectives. From 1933 to 1945, German physicians, scientists, public health officials, and academic experts played a critical role in supporting and implementing the Nazi racial hygiene policy. The panel will discuss the controversial ethical issues our society and the medical community are dealing with today. Balancing the needs of society as a whole with the rights of individuals, and the ethical responsibility of the Medical, Mental Health, Social Work, and Psychology professions will be explored. 3.0 CE Credit Hours for Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Guardians. Registration Fee: $25.
Every politician and voter should see I Want Your Money and the Pat Tillman story at Shadowwood.
Movies opening this week include Stone, Hereafter, Conviction, Howl and Paranormal Activity 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.

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Oct. 14, 2010

U. S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek was asked by the Peoples PAC of Palm Beach County to withdraw from the race. Meek cancelled a meeting yesterday with Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who is calling a press conference today and is expected to endorse Charlie Crist who received the endorsement of Robert Kennedy yesterday also.
Not only was Ron Klein at the fundraiser that President Obama attended at Alonzo Mourning’s $12.5 million, 8 bedroom, 8 bath, 13,000 square foot home in Coral Gables Monday night, but so was Congressman Ted Deutch, both of whom spoke at the West Boca Chamber of Commerce breakfast sponsored by Sacks Sax Caplan at Boca Lago Country Club. President Obama slipped up, calling Klein Ron Klaine, veep Joe Biden’s Chief of Staff and a strong ally for Israel. Joining Mourning were Miami Heat players Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and former L.A. Laker and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. The event reportedly raised $1 million for Congressional Democrats. At the Lynn University debate with Allen West, Klein pointed out West didn’t answer questions put to him directly. Polls say the race is very close.
Abu Dhabi, Munich, and Madrid were the first places to get ATM machines that dispense gold bars. Next up for the gold ATM is America, and the first two cities to get the machines are Las Vegas and Boca Raton. That's right, the city famous for 4 o'clock dinners is now getting the world's best example of on-the-go bling. The company installing the machine in Boca hasn't announced the location. But it's time to start preparing for what to do once it arrives. You don't want to just stuff bullion under your bed.
Support Forgotten Soldiers Outreach at a fun-filled football themed party on Sunday, October 17th from 12:30PM to 6PM at the new Neighborhood Sports Bar and Grill in Boca Raton. When you arrive, "Throw for the Soldiers." Show off your best quarterback moves in our football toss. It's only $1 a throw and all proceeds benefit FSO. For each winning throw you will receive 15% off your next food bill at Neighborhood Sports Bar, limit five wins per person. Neighborhood will be serving a buffet for the event at $15 per person, with one-third being donated to FSO. The sports bar will also provide tickets for 15% off your next dinner for those guests who bring four or more items that the soldiers need. The specific items must be: beef jerky, batteries, powdered drink mixes, disposable cameras, baby wipes, or travel size only of mouthwash, baby powder, dental floss and shaving cream. For more information or to reserve a table for a specific game during the day, please call The Neighborhood Sports Bar at 561-241-6081. 6450 N. Federal Highway. www.neighborhoodsportsbar.com.
She is IN IT TO END IT! Lynn Fedoriw of Boca Raton will join together with thousands of dedicated women and men in the upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charlotte, to raise funds and awareness to help defeat breast cancer and support those facing the disease. Lynn will participate in the noncompetitive event by completing a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over the weekend of October 23 24, 2010. This is her third time participating in the Avon Walk and she is training hard and raising funds in preparation for the event. Lynn Fedoriw has set a fundraising goal of $2,500. To make a donation, contact Lynn Fedoriw by email to lynnwalks39.3@bellsouth.net or donate on-line at her Avon Walk web-site www.avonwalk.org/goto/lynn.fedoriw.
The October 28 West Boca Chamber network will be at Southwinds Golf Course. Costs and information is on www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com. The Nov. 9 breakfast, sponsored by ebarbershop.com, will feature noted political consultant and Lynn University professor Dr. Robert Watson on what the election results mean to us.
The second West Boca Women in Business monthly network and luncheon, Nov. 3 will feature “Growing Your KASH Box” presented by Nancy Proffitt, The Profitable Business Coach, 11:30 am. to 1 pm, City Fish Market,7940 Glades Road (at the turnpike). RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com or call 482.9333.
The 6th season of Culture and Cocktails returns on Monday, November 8, with Back Stage Whispers: A Conversation with Show Biz Veterans, including Andrew Kato of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, former NYC Ballet principal dancer Philip Neal, director/choreographer Kimberly Dawn Smith and theater reviewer Hap Erstein. 5 to 7 p.m. at Cafe Boulud, Palm Beach. Sponsored by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. $35 per person. Call 561.472.3330 for further information.
Movies opening this week include Nowhere Boy, Red, Jackass 3D, I Want Your Money and Heartbreaker.
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.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Oct. 7, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Oct. 7, 2010
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wear pink to show your support.
Elections are Nov. 2. You can vote absentee or early also. If you have any questions regarding election information, you can contact the Supervisor of Elections office in West Palm Beach by phone at 561-656-6500 or by email at mailbox@pbcelections.org. or visit the website: www.pbcelections.org.
Office Depot headquarters has received gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system.
Congratulations to West Boca Boy Scout Zach Winograd on achieving Eagle Scout rank.
Congratulations to Boca resident Deborah Bernstein on winning Mrs. U.S. Continental title.
County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams announced that the Board approved a contract for the installation of new guardrails on numerous roads throughout Palm Beach County including along canals on Military Trail and in West Boca. In addition, the contractor is a Palm Beach County business with 100% of the work to be performed by them and their in-county subcontractors. “While cost is important in the bidding process, the county remains committed to hiring local businesses,” added Abrams. The project will also include the resetting of some existing rails.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital received a $10 million donation from Palm Beach County philanthropist and businesswoman Christine E. Lynn to create a woman’s health center. The hospital board member’s gift established the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute.
The National Fire Prevention Association has declared October 3-9, 2010 as Fire Prevention Week. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Departments Community Education Section offers many programs to assist in reminding and teaching all of us what we can do to stay safe and avoid the dangers of fires that can threaten our families and our homes. For more information, you can either contact Fire Rescue’s Community Education Section at 561-616-7033 or visit their website: www.pbcfr.org.
The Department of Visual Arts and Art History at the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters invites you to the Florida Atlantic University Fine Arts Festival Saturday, October 9 through Sunday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center and Schmidt Center Gallery Public Space, Boca Raton Campus, featuring art and design work by FAU students and professional artists. For more information, call 561.297.3871 or e-mail art@fau.edu.
Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of the Caldwell theatre has a terrific line up for the season. First up, this Saturday Oct. 8 is Club Caldwell. Then the season opens with Vices: A Love Story from Nov. 7-Dec 12; Clybourne Park, Jan. 2-Feb.6; Next Fall, Feb. 20-Mar.27; and God of Carnage, April 10-May 14. Get your season tickets NOW! Call 877-245-7432 or visit www.caldwelltheatre.com. Group rates are also available.
The Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival: A Culinary Affair is Sunday, Oct. 10 from 5 pm to 10:30 p.m. “in the heart of Boca Raton”, on East Camino Real. Ticket prices include all wine and food tastings, 70 of South Florida’s’ top Chefs, celebrity Chefs, live entertainment, etc. Purchase tickets online at www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com or call 338.7594.
Congressmen Ron Klein and Ted Deutch will “Report From Washington” at the October 12 second Tuesday breakfast of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce sponsored by Sachs Sax Caplan at Boca Lago Country Club. Costs and information is on www.westbocachamber.com. RSVP to info@westbocachamber.com. The October 28 network will be at Southwinds Golf Course and the Nov. 9 breakfast, sponsored by ebarbershop.com will feature noted political consultant and Lynn University professor Dr. Robert Watson on what the election results mean to us.
The Soroptimist International of Boca Raton sponsors the 37th annual "Women of Distinction Awards Breakfast" on Wednesday, October 13th, 2010, 7:30am to 9:30am at Boca West Country Club. Tickets are $45. For further information, visit www.soroptimist4women.org.
The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce second Thursday breakfast is Oct. 14 at the Country Club of Boca Raton. Details at www.bocaratonchamber.com or call 395.4433.
Movies opening this week include Waiting for Superman, Let Me In, Secretariat, Life As We Know it, It’s Kind Of A Funny Story, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, My Soul To Take 3D, Never Let Me Go, Nowhere Boy and Buried.
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.

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Sept. 30, 2010

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – Sept. 30, 2010
Palm Beach County Commissioner Steven L. Abrams was recently appointed chairman of the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) which settles disputes between taxpayers and the Property Appraisers office.
The NIMBY factor won out again in Delray Beach where Walmart withdrew an application for a new Walmart which would provide hundreds of needed jobs for residents and tax revenue to the city due to neighborhood opposition.
Dale McCutcheon was named volunteer of the year by the American Cancer Society. The ACS chairman’s gavel was passed from Sheila Gabel to Dr. Juliette The at a reception sponsored by ACS Gala chair Karen Lynne Asher, introducing new ACS board members and officers.
The Business Development Board announced two new expansions in Boca. MDVIP will relocate its 150 employees to 20,000 square feet of corporate space at the Lynn Financial Center. The move to the new location is planned for December 2010. SurgiTrace, LLC will be establishing offices at the Florida Atlantic University Research and Development Park. The company currently employs 4 people but will add 35 new jobs as it creates its emerging company at the Research Park.
Attention women: You are invited to attend an empowering women motivational, inspirational and educational womens luncheon seminar at JM Lexus, Coconut Creek on Friday, Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Womens Wealth and Healthy Women will be presented as a Financial Force in the changing financial landscape, along with a presentation by Dr. Juliette The on the advances of breast cancer detection and care. The lunch is being sponsored by Merrill Lynch and the $10 charge is a direct donation to support the mission of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. To RSVP or for more information, call 888-558-1422.
Governor Charlie Crist and Congressmen Ted Deutch and Ron Klein are scheduled to speak at the West Boca Chamber breakfast sponsored by at Boca Lago Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Information and costs are on the website. www.westbocachamber.com or call 561.482.9333.
FAU holds the groundbreaking for the new stadium on Friday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m.
Trapster is a free mobile phone app that alerts drivers to speed traps, enforcement cameras, and other hazards. Users submit speed traps, enforcement cameras, and road hazards, that then alerts all Trapster users in the area - A high-tech version of flashing your headlights to alert drivers of potential road hazards. www.trapster.com, is also on facebook and twitter: twitter.com/trapster, facebook.com/trapster
Boca Raton title attorney James B. Hayes, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development real estate settlement forms admitting to misappropriating more than $2.7 million. According to court documents, he prepared false documents indicating his clients’ loans had been paid off, but instead took the money that was to be used to pay off those loans, along with client funds from his law firm’s trust account. As part of his plea deal, Hayes agreed to make restitution to the title insurance companies and his victims. He also was permanently disbarred and has agreed never to reapply or seek admission as an attorney in any other state. Sentencing is set for Dec. 3. He faces up to five years in prison on each count.
The Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum has a variety of interesting classes for adults and children. Many of the classes begin in early October. Sessions are for four or eight weeks. Topics for classes include flower arrangement, sumi-e ink painting, Japanese language, tea ceremony and bonsai.
There are also one-day workshops offered throughout the year on taiko, garden photography, sushi and garden design. For more info or to register, visit www.morikami.org or call 495-0233.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough will be the keynoter at Lynn University’s Dively Globalization Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 in the new Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 and $25 at www.lynn.edu/tickets or by calling 561-237-9000. Previous speakers have included attorney Alan Dershowitz, columnist George F. Will, presidential adviser David Gergen and CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper and Soledad O'Brien.
Congratulations to Bill Lewis as Chair of a successful fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis at Pier 66.
Sincere condolences to the family of former Sheriff Ed Bieluch who passed away last Sunday.
Movies opening this week include The Social Network, Waiting for Superman, Let Me In. Jack Goes Boating and A Woman A Gun and a Noodle Shop.
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.