Thursday, May 26, 2011

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – May 26, 2011

Stop this waste of money! The influential Federation of Boca Raton Homeowner Associations sent out an advisory to members on the 11th hour attempt to stop the Palmetto Park Road widening project, despite the Palm Beach County Commission’s vote to proceed with the project. Letters of opposition should be sent to the Palm Beach County Commission.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson plans to run for another term if term limits are overturned.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Abrams hosted a tour and information session at the County’s Emergency Operations Center for local municipal officials and members of the Commissioners Citizens Advisory Groups from his district, to provide an opportunity for the group to meet with the county’s emergency officials, tour the facility and obtain a briefing of the county’s emergency plans for full-scale hurricane activation.
Tony Bova will be reopening his “Marios” in the former McCormick & Schmidts location at the University Commons plaza on Glades Road.
Interim Office Depot CEO Neil Austrian was named CEO. Austrian is a former president of the National Football League.
Governor Scott has appointed three new trustees for Florida Atlantic University from Plantation (Angela M. Graham-West, wife of Congressman Allen West), Delray (Abdol Moabery, president and CEO of GA Telesis LLC) and Vero Beach (Julius "Butch" Teske, a retired assistant superintendent of human resources for the School District of Indian River County. Appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Long time West Balm Beach NBC anchor Jim Sackett retires Dec. 20. Starting June 1 He will anchor the 6 p.m. news while Michael Williams takes over the anchor seat at 11.
Former West Palm Beach CBS anchor Alan Gerstel discovered Louis Prima was his birth father and authored a book on his search available on Amazon.com.
New York City has banned smoking in all buildings and outside too.
All businesses and public places should be required to have an AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator) on premises in case anyone suffers a heart attack.
Ovenella Pizza opened in the former Saba and Cavalina location in Boca.
Congratulations to all the High School grads this week.
Discovery Cruise Line, which operates day cruises to the Bahamas, announced that service will be suspended starting Sept. 7.
The Haven’s annual “Day at the Races” raised a record-breaking $182,500
Barry Epstein Live” is on the internet at 10 a.m. Friday on www.wrpbitv.com hosted by Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy with Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson, producer Wayne Filowitz and FAU Head Football Coach Howard Schnellenberger.
Ed Asner stars in a one man show on FDR next week at the Caldwell Theatre. Go to www.caldwelltheatre.com for further information.
Dominos Pizza founder and Detroit Tigers owner Tom Monaghan speaks at the Luxury Chamber ofCommerce 5;30 to 7 p.m. network on Monday, June 13. Details at www.luxurychamber.com.
Movies opening Friday at the Cinemark Palace are The Hangover Part II, Kung Fu Panda 2. Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend with your loved ones.
Always validate yourself and others you interactive with.
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 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.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – May 12, 2011

A Yard House restaurant will be opening in 20,000 sq. feet of space in the Mizner Park cultural arts building currently housing Zed 451 in 14,000 sq. ft. The space was originally intended for a bookstore after the Cartoon museum closed.
Boca Raton based publisher of Penthouse Magazine Marc Bell is doing a $750 million stock offering.
Florida Atlantic University has named Brenda Claiborne as University Provost and Chief Academic Officer.
After only three months at the helm of prestigious Pine Crest School, with campuses in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Henry “Hank” Battle Jr., was put on administrative leave indefinitely, along with his deputy, David C. Bowman, whom Battle had brought to Florida from his prior post in North Carolina.
Vice President Dana Markham was named acting president, according to a Board of Trustees memo.
Kendrick Meek, the former congressman who was defeated in his bid for U.S. Senate, has joined the website Politic365 as chairman of its editorial board.
The Grassy Waters Preserve non-profit has shut down due to lack of funding from West Palm Beach.
Microsoft has purchased “SKYPE” for $8.5 billion. Sources say it may be the death knell of Skype.
Barry Epstein has been named president of the Luxury Chamber of Commerce by Founder and Chairman Jay Shapiro. Nationwide networking events for purveyors of luxury goods and services will be held all over the country.
“Barry Epstein Live” is on the internet at 10 a.m. Friday on www.wrpbitv.com. Guests include, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy and Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson discussing reapportionment of the Florida Legislature and Congressional seats.
The West Boca Chamber of Commerce sponsors a noon shotgun start golf tournament at Southwinds Golf course tomorrow, May 13th to benefit the West Boca Chamber Foundation to be used for student scholarships. Entry fees are only $100 and includes golf, lunch, beverages, goodie bag and cocktail reception. Sponsorships are also available. Call 561.482.9333 or email info@westbocachamber.com.
Soroptimist International of Boca Raton-Deerfield Beach will present the 2011 winners for "Non-Profit Community Service Awards” on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. In the third floor community room of the Atrium building, 1515 N. Federal Highway, Each year "Soroptimist of Boca" invite the local non-profit organizations to submit their applications for consideration. Finalists receive monetary awards from "Soroptimist of Boca" during the ceremony. RSVP to burkemau@aol.com..
Movies opening Friday at the Cinemark Palace are Bridesmaids, Everything Must Go, The Beaver, and Priest. New Movie opening at the Movies of Delray is Queen to Play with Kevin Kline.
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 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.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Barry’s Buzz by Barry Epstein – May 5, 2011

Mike Whalen, formerly President of Muvico has purchased the Frank Deerfield Theatre and will be operating it as part of his Paragon chain.
AMC has pulled out of refurbishing the Mizner Park Cinema, needing $2 million in renovations.
Richard and Barbara Schmidt donated $2 million to put their name on the FAU stadium scoreboard.
The Florida Senate approved House Bill 339 Possession of Stolen Credit or Debit Cards sponsored by Representative Steve Perman (D-Boca Raton). The House approved the bill last week and the legislation now heads to the governor’s desk. The bill makes the possession of stolen credit cards by someone who knows, or should know, the card is stolen a third-degree felony. Proof of intent to sell or use the card would not be necessary, but there must be intent to impede the recovery of the card. Perman represents West Boca.
Billionaire and former senatorial candidate Jeff Greene is set to buy the Omphoy Ocean Resort.
The wooden roller coaster in Dania Beach on I-95 has closed and Dania Jai Alai is sold for $80 million.
The 4th annual Mothers Day Breakfast will be sponsored by and at the Wayne Barton Study Center, 269 N.E. 14 st. and the Lions Club of Boca Raton on Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. Costs are $5 for adults, $2.50 for children 1-16. Call 561.620.6203 for further information.
The Gourmet Food Truck Expo, more than 20 trucks from Miami will be at Boomers, 3100 Airport Road 6 to 10:30 Wednesday, May 11. Some of the names expected are MisoHungry, Nacho Mama’s, Red Koi, Caza Paninis, Wiseguys and Curbside Gourmet, along with DJ the Silver Fox and Boomer discounts. For more information, visit www.gourmettruckexpo.com.
“Barry Epstein Live” is on the internet at 10 a.m. Friday on www.wrpbitv.com. Guests include star of stage, screen and television Ed Asner, set to appear at the Caldwell Theatre, Danny Gold, Co-director with Matt Asner of 100 voices, opening Friday at the, Movies of Delray, GM Rochelle Walters, Former New Times ace investigative reporter Bob Norman, now going to WPLG Local 10 in Miami, Sun-Sentinel columnist Kingsley Guy and Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson. Lynn University may host a Presidential debate. Decision to come later in the year.
The Cha-Cha of a Camel Spider opens Friday, May 6 at the Florida Stage Theatre in the Rinker Playhouse of the Kravis Center. Tickets are $25 and up. Visit www.floridastage.org or Call 561.832-SHOW.
President Obama visits Ground Zero in New York today and does his first television interview since the killing of Osama Bin Laden on 60 Minutes Sunday with Steve Kroft.
All Veterans are invited to attend a reorganization meeting at noon on Tuesday, May 10 at the old American Legion building in Veterans Park on Palmetto Park Road, between Lyons Road and 441; Call Commander Charlie Epstein at 561.471.0908 for further information. Refreshments will be served.
The West Boca Chamber of Commerce sponsors a noon shotgun start golf tournament at Southwinds Golf course on Friday, May 13th to benefit the West Boca Chamber Foundation to be used for student scholarships. Entry fees are only $100 and includes golf, lunch, beverages, goodie bag and cocktail reception. Sponsorships are also available. Call 561.482.9333 or email info@westbocachamber.com.
Soroptimist International of Boca Raton-Deerfield Beach will present the 2011 winners for "Non-Profit Community Service Awards” on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. In the third floor community room of the Atrium building, 1515 N. Federal Highway, Each year "Soroptimist of Boca" invite the local non-profit organizations to submit their applications for consideration. Finalists receive monetary awards from "Soroptimist of Boca" during the ceremony. RSVP to burkemau@aol.com..
South Florida Green Drinks (http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org), an environmental non-profit group, announced its 2nd Annual Eco-Lifestyle Gala,on Thursday, May 19 at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club. The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. Arquette will serve as the honorary hostess of Green Drinks 2011 Eco-Lifestyle Gala. The event will support GiveLoves work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USAs greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
Hope everyone enjoys Cinco de Mayo today! Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms on Sunday!
Movies opening Friday at the Cinemark Palace are Thor, Jumping the Broom, Something Borrowed. Movie opening at the Movies of Delray are 100 Voices.
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 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.