Barrys Buzz Dec. 25, 2013

     The Wolf of Wall Street, the four star movie opening Christmas Day, is based on Danny Porush, played by Jonah Hill in the movie, a former stockbroker who now runs a medical supply company in Boca Raton after serving 39 months in prison. See http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/12/wolf-wall-street-martin-scorsese-jonah-hill-danny-porush-jordan-belfort.

    South Florida home short sales could hit some road blocks, if the current Congress doesn’t act in the next few days and insider predicts they won’t, so the Mortgage Debt Relief Act will expire, which means that any debt forgiven in a short sale will now be taxed as income. Before, it wasn’t. Short sales have become a major player in South Florida’s Real Estate market and the new tax ramifications could mean a certain hit to sales.

   State owned Citizens Property Insurance, one of Florida’s most hated companies, has come under heavy fire once again for cutting a $6 million deal reeked with conflict according to critics and hired a West Palm Beach law firm with ties to a former Citizens president, which will bill a huge $520 bucks per hour and several state lawmakers called outrageous.

    35,000 of South Florida unemployed will be slammed with a double whammy next year, with state and federal jobless programs slashed 16 paid weeks, compared to 48 weeks paid this year and the state unemployment benefits on line website, which is the only way to apply, is a nightmare to navigate with customer service swamped with bureaucratic incompetence, like “welcome to healthcare.gov.”

    It’s three strikes and you’re out for Loehman’s the discount clothing chain retailer, a major player in South Florida for years, which made its third trip to bankruptcy court in a decade and threw in the towel for Chapter 7 liquidation, due to heavy debt loads and stiff competition.  

    University graduates in the state are facing double trouble. A degree is coming up with mounting student loan debt and a bleak job market. 53% of FAU grads face $20,380 each in student debt loan, 50% of FSU grads have $23,486 each in student loan debt and 41% of UF grads have $21,000 in debt.

    Laughing Matters continues through the New Year and the Wizard of Oz is Jan. 7-19 at the Broward Center For the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue. Fort Lauderdale. Tickets at www.browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222.

    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.

 Forbidden Broadway Alive and Kicking is Dec. 26-31, The Midtown Men is Dec. 31 and Porgy and Bess is Jan. 7-12 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach. Tickets are at www.kravis.org or call 561.832.7469.

    Barry Epstein live is on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday. Watch to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres.  You can now watch the TV shows ON Demand on wrpbitv. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.

    The Wolf of Wall Street, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Grudge Match, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and 47 Ronin opens today at the Boca Cinemark Palace & Premiere theatres and the Regal Entertainment Shadowwood theatres. Justin Bieber’s Believe opens at the Regal Entertainment Shadowwood Theatres. The Pin opens Friday at the FAU Living Room Theatre. Grudge Match, The Wolf of Wall Street and Philomena, opens at the Movies of Delray. Grudge Match, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, opens at the Movies of Lake Worth.

     RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women is now to Jan. 5 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre, with two special New Year’s Eve champagne performances at 4 and 9 p.m. Tickets at www.brtg.org  call 866.811.411. For more information, call 561.445.9244, email kassie@gmail.com.

    The Last Night of Ballyhoo runs through Dec. 31 and 9 to 5: The Musical runs through Jan. 19 at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Springs, to Jan. 19. Visit www.statedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets.   

     The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan has Renee Taylor, My Life on a Diet, Jan. 16-Feb. 9 and Dirty Blonde, March 27-April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net  or call 561.588.1820.  

      Palm Beach Dramaworks presents The Lion in Winter, to Jan. 5, at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Call 561.514.4042 or visit www.palmbeachtramaworks.org for ticket information and reservations.

     Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 25-29. Tickets start at $15. Call 1.800.745.3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. More information is at www.ringling.com.

     Missy McArdle Rovinelli is featured New Year's Eve at the Lake Worth Playhouse with the Glen Rovinelli Orchestra, Anita Smith, Mace Graham and a rocking 12-piece big band. A lovely way to ring in the New Year! Call for tickets; 561-586-6410.

       The Boca Raton theatre Guild presents Marilyn: Forever Blonde, Jan. 9-11, 2013 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Visit www.marilynforeverblonde.com,call 561.445.9244 or email ckassie@gmail.com.

    The Friends of the Boca Raton Library Foreign Film Series presents 35 Shots of Rum, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 400 NW 2 Ave. Free admission and complimentary refreshments will be served. Register at www.bocalibrary.org to reserve your seat.

    The Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival is Jan. 16-26 at the Frank Delray Marketplace Theatres and other venues. Visit www.pbjff.org or call 1.888.318.0071.

    The South Florida Fair is Jan. 17-Feb. 2 at the Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. West Palm Beach. Call 561.793.0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

    The Rotary Club of Boca Raton 2014 OPAL honorees Gary Peters, Irving Gutin, Karen and Howard Weiss, Anthony Comparato and Cecil Roseke, chaired by Doug Mummaw, Neil Saffir and Peter Baronoff will be Jan. 18 at the Club of Boca Pointe, announced club president Julie Vianale. Call 561.477.7180 or email Claudia@rotaryclubbocaraton.com. for more information and reservations.

   The Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will feature a Mayoral debate for the City of Boca Raton, moderated by the “Prince of Palm Beach County” Andre Fladell and a Meet the Council candidates, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Bogarts, on the Premiere level of the Cinemark Palace, 3200 Airport Road, just north of Glades Road. Membership, reservations and further information can be done on www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 561.852.0000.

      Wiesenthal is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, Jan. 22-March 16.Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954-344.7765 for tickets. For more information, visit www.wiesentahltheplay.com or www.facebook.com/wiesentaltheplay.

   Mark your calendars: www.carqualifier.com will be launching 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at 6001 Broken Sound Parkway, Boca, Suite 100.

   Slow Burn Theatre presents Parade, Jan. 23- Feb. 9 at the West Boca Performing Arts Theatre in West Boca High, 12811 West Glades Road. Call 866.822.4111 for tickets and group sales or visit www.slowburntheatre.org.

     The Beach Boys will be at the 52cnd annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball, Jan. 25 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, celebrating the hospital’s establishing the new Marcus Neuroscience Instititue, honoring benefactors Bilii and Bernie Marcus and recognizing 13 physicians. Tickets are 4400 with levels of sponsorship. Visit www.https://donate.brrh.com/ball?erid=13119&trid=1c200f48-41cb-4abf-b845-98f02f9aefa6 or call 561.955.5168 for tickets.

  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum South Florida Luncheon, is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, featuring International jurist and survivor of the Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen concentration camps, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Call 561.995.6773 or visit www.southeast@ushmm.org for more information.

   Weight Watchers Group CEO Florine Mark speaks at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional Division (B&P), 8 to 10 am. Jan. 29 in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus. Registration at $36 is available at www.jewishboca.org/icon or sonnies@bocafed.org, 561.852.3128. Future guests include Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Stephen Sadove on March 26.

   Inside the mind of John Lithgow; actor, musician, author, arts advocate 11:30 a.m. luncheon Jan. 30 Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. For sponsorship opportunities and to register to attend the event, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Foundation/STEAM.

   The Last Schwartz is Jan 30-Feb. 23 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s studio Theatre. Tickets at www.paradeprocutions.org or call 866.811.4111.

   Upcoming shows at the Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach include: You Can’t Take it with You, Feb. 1-Feb. 16; The Pajama Game, March 29-April 13; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.

     The Original Florida Follies returns Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 to Olympic Heights Theatre, 20101 Lyons Road. Tickets are $28. Call 561.749.0016, 561.338.6860, 561.720.1880, 561.392.8253 or visit www.theoriginalfloridafollies.com for more information. Don’t miss it!

     Homeland star Mandy Patinkin will speak at “The Event 2.4.14”, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. For more information, call 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.

   A tribute to the late Maestro Bob Lappin by the Palm Beach Pops will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Kravis Center with guest conductor Lee Musiker, longtime music director and conductor for Tony Bennett, featuring broadway star Christine Andreas, acclaimed pianist and singer Tony DeSare, big band songstress Lynn Roberts, trumpeter and vocalist Longineu Parsons and former Pops concertmaster and violinist Mary Rowell. This one-time concert will not only honor the memory of Maestro Bob Lappin by recounting many of the wonderful musical memories over the past 21 seasons, but proceeds will support the ongoing Palm Beach Pops Music & You In-School Youth Education Program for underserved Palm Beach County Schools. Enjoy a magical musical evening as only the Pops can deliver and assist the continuing mission to Keep the Music Playing in our schools and community. Tickets are $29 and up. Call 561.832.7677 for reservations and more information.

    Phyllis & Harvey Sandler, Jan Savarick, Shirley & Allan B. Solomon and Jaime & Zachary Keyes will be honored at the Levis JCC Casino Royale Feb. 8, 2014. Email cindyb@levisjcc.org or call 561.852.3253 or visit www.levisjcc.org/casino for more information and reservations.

   The new season of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Al Sapienza premieres on Netflix Feb. 14.

    Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein will speak at FAU 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Go to www.https://www.fauevents.com/online to purchase tickets.

    The Caribbean Cowboy Ball is 6 pm. Feb. 22, 2014 at Red Reef Park. Tickets are $175. Call 561.347.6799 or www.scholarship.org for info.

      42 St. is at Boca Raton High School, Feb. 27- March 2. Visit www.bocatrama.com or call 561.338.15333 for more information and reservations.

      The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Young Frankenstein Feb. 28-March 8. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066. Upcoming shows include Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26.

    The Harlem Globetrotters will play at the FAU arena on March 3 and 8. Go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com or call 1.800.745.3000 for ticket information.

   Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman will open the 8th Annual Festival of the Arts Boca on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, accompanied by Festival Orchestra Boca under the direction of Festival Music Director Constantine Kitsopoulos.  Perlman will return to the Festival stage on Sunday, March 9 at 7 p.m. for the Florida premiere of his new program of traditional Jewish and Klezmer music with celebrated Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, Eternal Echoes: Songs and Dances for the Soul. Arturo Sandoval, Forte, Cirque de la Symphonie, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Danna Deveare Smith and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company highlight the 2014 Festival of the Arts Boca, March 6-15. Early bird tickets of $39 (regular price is $125) are available through Dec. 31. Call either 561.368.8445 or too free: 866.571.ARTS  or visit www.festivaloftheartsboc.org for more information or reservations.

    Follow the Yellow Brick Road to JARC’s 29^th Annual Gala Dinner Dance March 9, 2014 at West Boca Country Club.

    Palm Beach Dramaworks presents “Some Enchanted Evening”, 14^th annual Spring Gala, 6:30 p.m. March 14 at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. Tax deductible tickets are $500 and tables of ten are $5,000. Call 561.4042 ext. 106 for reservations and information.

   John Bolton, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will be the guest speaker at the AFMDA 2014 Humanitarian Awards cocktails, dinner and entertainment, honoring Eileen & Michael Goldman, March 16 at St. Andrews Country Club. Call 561.835.0510 or e-mail palmbeach@afmda.org.

   Florida’s Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will take place on March 22, 2014, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Spanish River Park and A1A in Boca Raton. The Bash is the nation’s largest, free, fun-day for people with special needs, their care givers and family members.  The 6th Annual Bash is expected to draw 6,000 attendees from South Florida and beyond. Tax deductible contributions should be directed to The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, PO Box 99, Boca Raton, FL  33429.  For further information call: 561-715-2622.

    Save the Date: Former Miami Dolphin and now owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill John Offerdahl will be the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 12^th annual Inspiration breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 8 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

        www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.

      Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to this column.

     Merry Christmas to all celebrating the holiday.

     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com – www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  as on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.                

Page Two; Barrys Buzz Dec. 18, 2013

    Arkansas assistant coach Charlie Partridge has agreed to a $2.76 million contract to make Partridge FAU's head football coach for the next five years.

    Boca Raton medical supply owner Danny Porush is being splashed across the headlines in the four star blockbuster movie “The Wolf of Wall Street” opening Christmas Day, about a massive Wall Street scam partly engineered by Porush which details how Porush clipped investors for over $200 million in a stock fraud swindle. He served three years in prison for his role in his scam, but he hasn’t lost his touch, as he and his wife drive matching Rolls Royces.

    Boca Raton tech startup, KidoZen, is expanding with $5 million in venture capital from Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Third Point Ventures and is hiring.

    Top rated FSU will collect a $22 million check for appearing in the BCS champion bowl game Jan. 6 and UM will get $2.2 million for a game on Dec. 28.

   The Affordable Health Care Act, also known as Obamacare and what critics say was created on a foundation of lies from the White House is now rocking consumers with unpleasant details. Health care planners are jammed with soaring deductibles, drastic cuts in network hospitals and doctors, and huge slashes in prescription drug coverage. And in what may happen in South Florida, 70% of California doctors will not accept Obamacare patients due to massive cuts in fees.

   Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels has shelled out $12 million for two very upscale horse barns in Wellington. Michaels joins other high-profile  horsey set residents like Bill Gates, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Fox News newscaster Lou Dobbs, media mogul John Malone and movie star Tommy Lee Jones, who currently has his polo grounds property on the market for $27 million and used to play at the former Royal Palm Polo Club in Boca.    

     Speaking of the Polo Grounds and horsey set, Palm Beacher Jack Oxley, owner of the now vacant 124 acre Royal Palm Polo Club in Boca Raton, signed a deal to sell to his Palm Beach neighbor Bruce Tholl, chairman of luxury home builder Tholl brothers for $83 million and plans to build 224 upscale   homes on the property starting at $750,000. The development will be labeled Royal Palm Polo, with sales starting next spring.

    New openings in Boca: Cloud 10 Blow Dry Bar & Makeup Salon at 289 E. Palmetto Park Road, Moonshine Molly’s Country Restaurant & Saloon at 6450 N. Federal Highway, Flashback Diner at 1450 N. Federal Highway, True, at 147 SE First Ave and Subway at the Peter Blum YMCA of Boca Raton.

     The Wolf of Wall Street, the four star movie opening Christmas Day, is based on Danny Porush, played by Jonah Hill in the movie, a former stockbroker who now runs a medical supply company in Boca Raton after serving 39 months in prison. See http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/12/wolf-wall-street-martin-scorsese-jonah-hill-danny-porush-jordan-belfort.

     Palm Beach County population is 1,365,545.

    Genius on Hold: You may not know who Walter Shaw is but you use his inventions every day and the man NJ Gov. Christie called an "unsung mind". See this remarkable film through this weekend at the Regal Cypress Creek Theatre on Andrews Avenue north of Cypress Creek Blvd.

    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.

   Barry Epstein live features Congressman Ted Deutch, Ancient Summit Director Nina Fogelman, Veterans Speakers Bureau founder Cpl. Burt Richards and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday. Watch to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres.  You can now watch my TV shows ON Demand on wrpbitv. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.

    Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues opens today and Saving Mr. Banks, American Hustle, Inside Llewyn Davis and Walking with Dinosaurs in 3D opens Friday at the Boca Cinemark Palace & Premiere theatres and the Regal Entertainment Shadowwood theatres. Mother of George opens at the FAU Living Room Theatre. American Hustle, Saving Mr. Banks and Nebraska opens at the Movies of Delray. Anchorman 2: opens at the Movies of Lake Worth.

   The city's free Polar Express Pajama Movie Night is Dec. 20 in the Mizner Park Amphitheater, a wrap for a month of holiday events in Boca Raton, featuring free train rides, where kids can wear pajamas for the train rides in the snow and activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. , including free holiday hair braiding and free pace painting and glitter tattoos, as well as a  showing of the movie, “The Polar Express” at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Chairs are available to rent for $5. Hot chocolate, popcorn, pizza and beverages can be purchased.

    Music by flutist Jim Kovalcik and his band playing some cool jazz, along with some holiday favorites, are at the Boca Raton Green Market, in its 17th year with farm-to-table, fresh-picked produce from local growers and lots more, 8am to 1pm every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton.Call 561.299.8684 or email elilly707@aol.com for further information.

     RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women is now to Jan. 5 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre, with two special New Year’s Eve champagne performances at 4 and 9 p.m. Tickets at www.brtg.org  call 866.811.411. For more information, call 561.445.9244, email kassie@gmail.com.

    The Last Night of Ballyhoo runs through Dec. 31 and 9 to 5: The Musical runs through Jan. 19 at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Springs, to Jan. 19. Visit www.statedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets.   

     The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan has I Love you, You’re Perfect Now Change,  to Dec. 22; Renee Taylor, My Life on a Diet, Jan. 16-Feb. 9 and Dirty Blonde, March 27-April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net  or call 561.588.1820.  

   The Women’s Theatre Project presents the Southeastern premiere of “The Lyons”, to Dec. 22 in the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Tickets are $26. Call 561.347-3948 or 561.445.9244 for more information.

   Palm Beach Dramaworks presents The Lion in Winter, to Jan. 5, at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Call 561.514.4042 or visit www.palmbeachtramaworks.org for ticket information and reservations.

    The Boca Raton theatre Guild presents Marilyn: Forever Blonde, Jan. 9-11, 2013 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Visit www.marilynforeverblonde.com, call 561.445.9244 or email ckassie@gmail.com.

     Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 25-29. Tickets start at $15. Call 1.800.745.3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. More information is at www.ringling.com.

     Missy McArdle Rovinelli is featured New Year's Eve at the Lake Worth Playhouse with the Glen Rovinelli Orchestra, Anita Smith, Mace Graham and a rocking 12-piece big band. A lovely way to ring in the New Year! Call for tickets; 561-586-6410.

   The Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival is Jan. 16-26 at the Frank Delray Marketplace Theatres and other venues. Visit www.pbjff.org or call 1.888.318.0071.

    The Rotary Club of Boca Raton 2014 OPAL honorees Gary Peters, Irving Gutin, Karen and Howard Weiss, Anthony Comparato and Cecil Roseke, chaired by Doug Mummaw, Neil Saffir and Peter Baronoff will be Jan. 18 at the Club of Boca Pointe, announced club president Julie Vianale. Call 561.477.7180 or email Claudia@rotaryclubbocaraton.com. for more information and reservations.

   The Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will feature a Mayoral debate for the City of Boca Raton, moderated by the “Prince of Palm Beach County” Andre Fladell and a Meet the Council candidates, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Bogarts, on the Premiere level of the Cinemark Palace, 3200 Airport Road, just north of Glades Road. Membership, reservations and further information can be done on www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 561.852.0000.

    Mark your calendars: www.carqualifier.com will be launching 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at 6001 Broken Sound Parkway, Boca, Suite 100.

   Wiesenthal is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, Jan. 22-March 16.Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954-344.7765 for tickets. For more information, visit www.wiesentahltheplay.com or www.facebook.com/wiesentaltheplay.

    Slow Burn Theatre presents Parade, Jan. 23- Feb. 9 at the West Boca Performing Arts Theatre in West Boca High, 12811 West Glades Road. Call 866.822.4111 for tickets and group sales or visit www.slowburntheatre.org.

     The Beach Boys will be at the 52cnd annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball, Jan. 25 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, celebrating the hospital’s establishing the new Marcus Neuroscience Instititue, honoring benefactors Bilii and Bernie Marcus and recognizing 13 physicians. Tickets are 4400 with levels of sponsorship. Visit www.https://donate.brrh.com/ball?erid=13119&trid=1c200f48-41cb-4abf-b845-98f02f9aefa6 or call 561.955.5168 for tickets.

  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum South Florida Luncheon, is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, featuring International jurist and survivor of the Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen concentration camps, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Call 561.995.6773 or visit www.southeast@ushmm.org for more information.

   Weight Watchers Group CEO Florine Mark speaks at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional Division (B&P), 8 to 10 am. Jan. 29 in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus. Registration at $36 is available at www.jewishboca.org/icon or sonnies@bocafed.org, 561.852.3128. Future guests include Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Stephen Sadove on March 26.

   Inside the mind of John Lithgow; actor, musician, author, arts advocate 11:30 a.m. luncheon Jan. 30 Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. For sponsorship opportunities and to register to attend the event, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Foundation/STEAM.

   The Last Schwartz is Jan 30-Feb. 23 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s studio Theatre. Tickets at www.paradeprocutions.org or call 866.811.4111.

   Upcoming shows at the Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach include: You Can’t Take it with You, Feb. 1-Feb. 16; The Pajama Game, March 29-April 13; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.

     The Original Florida Follies returns Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 to Olympic Heights Theatre, 20101 Lyons Road. Tickets are $28. Call 561.749.0016, 561.338.6860, 561.720.1880, 561.392.8253 or visit www.theoriginalfloridafollies.com for more information. Don’t miss it!

     Homeland star Mandy Patinkin will speak at “The Event 2.4.14”, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. For more information, call 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.

   A tribute to the late Maestro Bob Lappin by the Palm Beach Pops will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Kravis Center with guest conductor Lee Musiker, longtime music director and conductor for Tony Bennett, featuring broadway star Christine Andreas, acclaimed pianist and singer Tony DeSare, big band songstress Lynn Roberts, trumpeter and vocalist Longineu Parsons and former Pops concertmaster and violinist Mary Rowell. This one-time concert will not only honor the memory of Maestro Bob Lappin by recounting many of the wonderful musical memories over the past 21 seasons, but proceeds will support the ongoing Palm Beach Pops Music & You In-School Youth Education Program for underserved Palm Beach County Schools. Enjoy a magical musical evening as only the Pops can deliver and assist the continuing mission to Keep the Music Playing in our schools and community. Tickets are $29 and up. Call 561.832.7677 for reservations and more information.

    Phyllis & Harvey Sandler, Jan Savarick, Shirley & Allan B. Solomon and Jaime & Zachary Keyes will be honored at the Levis JCC Casino Royale Feb. 8, 2014. Email cindyb@levisjcc.org or call 561.852.3253 or visit www.levisjcc.org/casino for more information and reservations.

   The new season of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Al Sapienza premieres on Netflix Feb. 14.

    Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein will speak at FAU 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Go to www.https://www.fauevents.com/online to purchase tickets.

    The Caribbean Cowboy Ball is 6 pm. Feb. 22, 2014 at Red Reef Park. Tickets are $175. Call 561.347.6799 or www.scholarship.org for info.

      42 St. is at Boca Raton High School, Feb. 27- March 2. Visit www.bocatrama.com or call 561.338.15333 for more information and reservations.

      The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Young Frankenstein Feb. 28-March 8. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066. Upcoming shows include Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26.

    The Harlem Globetrotters will play at the FAU arena on March 3 and 8. Go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com or call 1.800.745.3000 for ticket information.

   Arturo Sandoval, Forte, Cirque de la Symphonie, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Danna Deveare Smith and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company highlight the 2014 Festival of the Arts Boca, March 6-15. Early bird tickets of $39 (regular price is $125) are available through Dec. 31. Call either 561.368.8445 or too free: 866.571.ARTS  or visit www.festivaloftheartsboc.org for more information or reservations.

    Follow the Yellow Brick Road to JARC’s 29^th Annual Gala Dinner Dance March 9, 2014 at West Boca Country Club.

    Palm Beach Dramaworks presents “Some Enchanted Evening”, 14^th annual Spring Gala, 6:30 p.m. March 14 at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. Tax deductible tickets are $500 and tables of ten are $5,000. Call 561.4042 ext. 106 for reservations and information.

   John Bolton, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will be the guest speaker at the AFMDA 2014 Humanitarian Awards cocktails, dinner and entertainment, honoring Eileen & Michael Goldman, March 16 at St. Andrews Country Club. Call 561.835.0510 or e-mail palmbeach@afmda.org.

   Florida’s Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will take place on March 22, 2014, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Spanish River Park and A1A in Boca Raton. The Bash is the nation’s largest, free, fun-day for people with special needs, their care givers and family members.  The 6th Annual Bash is expected to draw 6,000 attendees from South Florida and beyond. Tax deductible contributions should be directed to The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, PO Box 99, Boca Raton, FL  33429.  For further information call: 561-715-2622.

    Save the Date: Former Miami Dolphin and now owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill John Offerdahl will be the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 12^th annual Inspiration breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 8 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

        www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.

      Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to this column.

     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com – www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  as on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.               

Barrys Buzz Dec. 11, 2013

    Stan Drayton, Ohio State assistant and running back coach under head coach Urban Meyer is in talks with FAU athletic director Pat Chun to be the next head football coach of the Owls. Drayton knows Chun from his days as an employee of the Ohio State athletic department. Drayton worked under Meyer in Gainesville as well and has recruited in Florida for 16 years. FAU Owls interim head Coach Brian Wright led FAU to victory in the season final four games.

    City Councilwoman Constance Scott was presented with a 2013 South Florida Inspiration Award for her work with the Police Athletic League and other nonprofits at a Sun Life Stadium Dolphin game, by Nat Moore, former Dolphins receiver and senior vice president and special advisor for the team.

   Boca philanthropist Yvonne Boice, owner of the Shoppes at Village Pointe and Fugazy International Travel, along with being chair of the Palm Beach International Film Festival for many years, is the 2014 recipient of the Diamond Award from the Greater Boca Chamber of Commerce. She will be feted at a luncheon, expected to be attended by 200 guests, Feb. 21 at Woodfield Country Club, 3650 Club place. Call 561.395.4433 for tickets.

   Palmetto Park Road will be closed from I-95 to Military Trail on Dec. 13 to Dec. 17 for work on the railroad tracks. Seek alternate routes, to go past I-95, either Glades Road to the north or Camino Real to the south.

    Boca City Council approved a Tool Brothers 223 home PUD on 121 acres east of Jog Road an north of Old Clint Moore Road on the former Polo Grounds, which will include a 5,000 ft. clubhouse, six tennis courts, pool, spa and aqua lot. The City also annexed the property for the new homes of 4,300 to 8,500 square feet that will sell for $1.2 million to $2 million each and be accessed only off Jog Road.

     The last hurrah for Blockbuster is here, with discount merchandise at the last company owned stores closing in January including 10 E. Palmetto Pk. Rd.  

     Office Depot announced that the current 625,000 sq. ft. campus at 6600 N. Military Trail in Boca Raton will be the global headquarters for the merged company with Office Max, which has ample space to accommodate associates relocating from Illinois. What a coup for our local economy!

     Boca Raton Regional Hospital will establish its first facility in Broward County after recently breaking ground in Deerfield Beach. The 25,000-square-foot ambulatory care center will have 25 to 30 employees, at 3313 West Hillsboro Blvd., handling primary care, urgent care, radiology and breast health.

   Boca Raton’s downtown will get 229 apartments called Boca Lofts at 333 SE 8^th st., across from Trader Joe’s expected to open in May.

  Boca Bark Beach opens Friday, but passes will be sold starting Dec. 11 for the only dog beach between Juno and Ft. Lauderdale. Get yours now!

   The $255 million asset Landmark Bank N.A., which earned $2.07 million for the first three quarters of 2013, will open the first branch outside of Broward County, where it has two branches and a non-depositary branch in Ft. Lauderdale, at 5255 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton.

     Dr. Kevin Stabile has opened South Florida Allergy & Asthma Specialists the Med+Plex building adjacent to Town Center Mall. Call 561.672.7511 or visit www.southflallergy.com for more information.

     Waterford Hotel Group has assumed management of the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Airport Road in Boca Raton.

    Cyndi Bloom has been elected president of the Friends of the Boca Library. For more information: Email: memberservices@bocalibraryfriends.org.

    Steven Zobel joined Waterstone Resort & Marina as executive chef for all resort food and beverages and Dustin Lapekas joined as director of food & beverage, previously director of beverage for the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

    An ongoing project sponsored by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has uncovered a staggering 42,500 camps and ghettos during World War II, ranging from the giants such as Auschwitz and Warsaw to lesser-known factories, farms and brothels.

    Premium Kitchens opened a showroom at 7400 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton.

   The Island Breeze day-casino cruise from the Port of Palm Beach is delayed once again until 2014.

    Thousands of consumers who think they have already enrolled in Obamacare, may not have as the website has transferred garbled data to insurers. Insurance companies are having consumers enroll on their website to avoid additional major disruptions.

   Congress has two weeks to pass legislation that will directly affect South Florida, including a cap on flood insurance premium hikes and a proposed 24% cut in doctors’ fees that will drive most doctors out of the Obamacare program.

  The 84 acre Palm Beach Outlets Mall, currently under construction, on the old Palm Beach Mall site in West Palm Beach will open on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The $150 million project will have 100 retail stores, employ nearly 1500 people and expected to generate $1 million in property taxes. A parcel adjacent to the Mall will feature a Whole Foods Market and a Nordstroms discount store opening in the fall of 2014.

   242,000 Scandinavian tourists visited South Florida last year, spending $150 million and staying 5 days longer than the average visitor.

   Beth Ami Congregation, 1401 N.W. 4th avenue, Boca Raton has an Israel: Its Place in the Middle East Speakers Series, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.,m. Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, and March 5. Tickets are $35 for all six lectures or $10 at the door. Call 561.347.0031 for more information and reservations.

   A cocktail and K-9 reception in support of Susan Haynie for Boca Raton Mayor will be 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Dubliner Irish Pub, 435 Plaza Real, Mizner Park. Requested minimum contribution is $25 per person, $40 per couple and bring one doggie toy or canned dog food to be donated to the Tri County Humane Society, PBC’s only no-kill animal shelter, to hear about Boca’s new dog beach program. Dogs are invited. Drinks, hors d’oevres and doggie treats will be served. RSVP to Events@SusanHaynie.com or donate online at www.SusanHaynie.com.

  City Councilman Anthony Majhess had his kick-off campaign for Mayor at Sonomo house Dec. 3. The qualifying period for candidates ends at 5 p.m. Jan. 10. So far, only Haynie and Majhess have filed to run for mayor. Seven people have filed to run for two council seats, including incumbent Mike Mullaugh. They also include Mohamed Abdulla, Rosetta Baily, Craig Ehrnst, Eric Gooden, Scott Singer and Robert Weinroth. The candidates for Mayor will debate Jan. 21 at an 11:30 to 1 p.m. luncheon at Bogart’s on the Premier level of the Cinemark Palace on Airport Road in Boca. Call 561.852.0000 or register on line at www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com.

    The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (JFS) Annual Gala and Auction is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Andrews Country Club, 17557 W. Claridge Oval, Boca Raton, honoring Michele & Larry Blair and Craig Donoff, P.A., chaired by Roxane Lipton, Wendy Legum and Jill Viner. Cost is $500. For more information, visit www.ruthralesjfs.org/gala2013, call 561.852.5013 or email jillw@rrjfs.org. To learn more about JFS, visit www.ruthralesjfs.org.

     9 to 5: The Musical is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Springs, Dec. 13- Jan. 19. Visit www.statedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets.

     Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in HFR 3D opens Friday at the Boca Cinemark Palace & Premiere theatres and the Regal Entertainment Shadowwood theatres.

    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.

 Barry Epstein live features Waterford Resort & Marina General Manager Greg Kaylor, Author of Raising Your Game Dr. Andrea Corn, FatBrainInteractive founder Gary Truitt and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday. Watch to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres.  You can now watch my TV shows ON Demand on wrpbitv. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.

     Strawberries are in and loads of other Florida-grown produce at the Boca Raton Green Market, in its 17th year, has farm-to-table, fresh-picked produce from local growers and lots more,  8am to 1pm every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton. Call 561.299.8684 or email elilly707@aol.com for further information or if interested in participating.

    Motown Holiday Spectacular is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, sponsored by the Boca Tribune. Call 561.693.3863 for tickets.

    RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women is now to Jan. 5 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre, with two special New Year’s Eve champagne performances at 4 and 9 p.m. Tickets at www.brtg.org  call 866.811.411. For more information, call 561.445.9244, email kassie@gmail.com.

   SHOWTIME Performing Arts Theatre Presents NUNSENSE!, updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements and a brand new song! Friday December 13th @ 8pm; Saturday December 14th @ 8pm; Sunday December 15th @ 2pm & 8pm. Tickets are $22 Adults; $18 Seniors and Students with ID. For tickets call 561-394-2626 or visit www.ShowtimeBoca.com.

    Pop artist Peter Max will be in Boca 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Wentworth Gallery: Boca Town Center, 6000 Glades Road. RSVP to 561.338.0804 or visit www.towncenter@wentworthgallery.com. More information at www.petermax.com.

     The Sheffield Brothers will be at the free Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert Dec. 15, 3-4 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 400 NW. 2 Ave. Reservations are required at www.bocalibrary.org to register on the events calendar for December.

     The Last Night of Ballyhoo is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Spring, just east of Riverside Drive, to Dec. 31. Call 954-344-7765 or visit www.stagedoortheatre.com for tickets and more information.

      Upcoming shows at the Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach include: Driving Miss Daisy, to Dec. 15; You Can’t Take it with You, Feb. 1-Feb. 16; The Pajama Game, March 29-April 13; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.

     The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan has I Love you, You’re Perfect Now Change,  to Dec. 22; Renee Taylor, My Life on a Diet, Jan. 16-Feb. 9 and Dirty Blonde, March 27-April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net  or call 561.588.1820.  

   The Women’s Theatre Project presents the Southeastern premiere of “The Lyons”, to Dec. 22 in the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Tickets are $26. Call 561.347-3948 or 561.445.9244 for more information.

   Palm Beach Dramaworks presents The Lion in Winter, to Jan. 5, at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Call 561.514.4042 or visit www.palmbeachtramaworks.org for ticket information and reservations.

   The Boca Raton theatre Guild presents Marilyn: Forever Blonde, Jan. 9-11, 2013 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Visit www.marilynforeverblonde.com, call 561.445.9244 or email ckassie@gmail.com.

  The Luxury Chamber presents JFK confidante Mel Cottone, a political strategist for three U.S. Presidents and several U.S. Senators and the man responsible for getting JFK on the ballot and possibly responsible (at least in partial) for getting JFK elected President of the U.S., 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16, at Ceviche By The Sea, 2823 E. Oakland Park Blvd. $15 with Facebook RSVP https://www.facebook.com/events/351890058259562/ or $20 cash at the door.

   Professor Alan Dershowitz speaks on Inside Israel Today, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Congregation B’nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Costs vary from $36 to $100. RSVP to www.cbiboca.org/speakersseries or call 561.241.8118.

   The Rotary Club of Boca Raton 2014 OPAL honorees Gary Peters, Irving Gutin, Karen and Howard Weiss, Anthony Comparato and Cecil Roseke, chaired by Doug Mummaw, Neil Saffir and Peter Baronoff will be Jan. 18 at the Club of Boca Pointe, announced club president Julie Vianale. Call 561.477.7180 or email Claudia@rotaryclubbocaraton.com. for more information and reservations.

   The Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will feature a Mayoral debate for the City of Boca Raton, moderated by the “Prince of Palm Beach County” Andre Fladell and a Meet the Council candidates, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Bogarts, on the Premiere level of the Cinemark Palace, 3200 Airport Road, just north of Glades Road. Membership, reservations and further information can be done on www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 561.852.0000.

   Wiesenthal is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, Jan. 22-March 16.Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954-344.7765 for tickets. For more information, visit www.wiesentahltheplay.com or www.facebook.com/wiesentaltheplay.

     The Beach Boys will be at the 52 annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball, Jan. 25 at the Boca Raton Resort 7 Club, celebrating the hospital’s establishing the new Marcus Neuroscience Instititue, honoring benefactors Bilii and Bernie Marcus and recognizing 13 physicians. Tickets are 4400 with levels of sponsorship. Visit www.https://donate.brrh.com/ball?erid=13119&trid=1c200f48-41cb-4abf-b845-98f02f9aefa6 or call 561.955.5168 for tickets.

  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum South Florida Luncheon, is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, featuring International jurist and survivor of the Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen concentration camps, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Call 561.995.6773 or visit www.southeast@ushmm.org for more information.

   Weight Watchers Group CEO Florine Mark speaks at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional Division (B&P), 8 to 10 am. Jan. 29 in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus. Registration at $36 is available at www.jewishboca.org/icon or sonnies@bocafed.org, 561.852.3128. Future guests include Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Stephen Sadove on March 26.

   Inside the mind of John Lithgow; actor, musician, author, arts advocate 11:30 a.m. luncheon Jan. 30 Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. For sponsorship opportunities and to register to attend the event, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Foundation/STEAM.

   A tribute to the late Maestro Bob Lappin by the Palm Beach Pops will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Kravis Center with guest conductor Lee Musiker, longtime music director and conductor for Tony Bennett, featuring broadway star Christine Andreas, acclaimed pianist and singer Tony DeSare, big band songstress Lynn Roberts, trumpeter and vocalist Longineu Parsons and former Pops concertmaster and violinist Mary Rowell. This one-time concert will not only honor the memory of Maestro Bob Lappin by recounting many of the wonderful musical memories over the past 21 seasons, but proceeds will support the ongoing Palm Beach Pops Music & You In-School Youth Education Program for underserved Palm Beach County Schools. Enjoy a magical musical evening as only the Pops can deliver and assist the continuing mission to Keep the Music Playing in our schools and community. Tickets are $29 and up. Call 561.832.7677 for reservations and more information.

    Phyllis & Harvey Sandler, Jan Savarick, Shirley & Allan B. Solomon and Jaime & Zachary Keyes will be honored at the Levis JCC Casino Royale Feb. 8, 2014. Email cindyb@levisjcc.org or call 561.852.3253 for more information. Committee in formation: www.levisjcc.org/casino.

   The new season of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Al Sapienza premieres on Netflix Feb. 14.

    Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein will speak at FAU 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Go to www.https://www.fauevents.com/online to purchase tickets.

   Save the Date: The Caribbean Cowboy Ball is 6 pm. Feb. 22, 2014 at Red Reef Park. Tickets are $175. Call 561.347.6799 or www.scholarship.org for info.

      42 St. is at Boca Raton High School, Feb. 27- March 2. Visit www.bocatrama.com or call 561.338.15333 for more information and reservations.

      The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Young Frankenstein Feb. 28-March 8. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066. Upcoming shows include Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26.

    The Harlem Globetrotters will play at the FAU arena on March 3 and 8. Go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com or call 1.800.745.3000 for ticket information.

   Arturo Sandoval, Forte, Cirque de la Symphonie, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Danna Deveare Smith and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company highlight the 2014 Festival of the Arts Boca, March 6-15. Early bird tickets of $39 (regular price is $125) are available through Dec. 31. Call either 561.368.8445 or too free: 866.571.ARTS  or visit www.festivaloftheartsboc.org for more information or reservations.

    Save the Date: Follow the Yellow Brick Road to JARC’s 29^th Annual Gala Dinner Dance March 9, 2014 at West Boca Country Club.

    Palm Beach Dramaworks presents “Some Enchanted Evening”, 14^th annual Spring Gala, 6:30 p.m. March 14 at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. Tax deductible tickets are $500 and tables of ten are $5,000. Call 561.4042 ext. 106 for reservations and information.

   Florida’s Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will take place on March 22, 2014, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Spanish River Park and A1A in Boca Raton. The Bash is the nation’s largest, free, fun-day for people with special needs, their care givers and family members.  The 6th Annual Bash is expected to draw 6,000 attendees from South Florida and beyond. Tax deductible contributions should be directed to The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, PO Box 99, Boca Raton, FL  33429.  For further information call: 561-715-2622.

    Save the Date: Former Miami Dolphin and now owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill John Offerdahl will be the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 12^th annual Inspiration breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 8 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

        www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.

      Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to this column.

     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com – www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  as on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.                

Barrys Buzz Dec. 4, 2013

Hillstone Restaurant Group which has a Houston’s on Military Trail in Boca, wants to develop a 5,500 to 7,500 sg. ft. restaurant with patio dining, parking, dockage and finger piers, along with an observation deck and public space linking to Silver Palm Park on the old Wildflower site on Palmetto Park Road, just west of the Intracoastal waterway, which was the only proposal submitted to Boca City Council.

   The Tribune Company, parent of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper revealed it will slash 700 jobs from its newspaper division, which comprises 6 papers including the Orlando Sentinel. The Sun-Sentinel has already been decimated by cutbacks prior to the parent filing Chapter 11 years ago.

   Jason Lewis Walton, Lynn University chief of staff, liaison to the board of trustees and co-chair of the Obama/Romney debate at Lynn, is now executive director of donor relations for Nova Southeastern University in Davie.

  Ron Potter has been appointed Director of Operations for the new Waterstone Resort & Marina (formerly the Bridge Hotel), currently undergoing major renovations and will have direct management oversight for hotel operations, including valet and watersports activities.

   Stephen Hare, former CFO of Wendy’s, was appointed CFO of Office Depot.

   Major League Lacrosse may be coming to FAU stadium in April.

 Regent Bank’s Boca Raton Office, 568 Yamato Road, is collecting non-perishable food supplies for Boca Helping Hands, a non-profit organization that delivers meals to disabled and elderly people who are homebound.  They can drop off food or monetary donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   An ode to Boca, penned by Deerfield Beach resident Richard O’Connell is in the current issue of the National Review.

   Farmer’s Table, a 200 seat restaurant in the former Mario’s adjacent to the Wyndham Hotel, 1901 N. Military Trail in Boca, is now open, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, take out service and kids’ menu.

   Charlie Crist’s newly hired campaign manager Bill Hyers and press secretary Lauren Hitt have quit, sources say due to a fallout with Christ’s wife Carole.

   St. Patrick's Day Parade in Delray Beach run by Code 3 events, Inc. Looking for Sponsors/Donations/Float entries.  For more information visit our website www.stpatrickparade.com for more information.

 The groundbreaking for the new Palm Beach County Convention Center hotel is slated for Friday.

 South Florida’s Real Estate market which was on the verge of collapse five years ago, has risen from the ashes. At the time, Palm Beach County had nearly 30,000 residences on the market. Now the county has only 12,000 homes for resale. Major cause for the quickened upswing are cash buyers from abroad and wall street investors converting thousands of home buys into rentals. Condos and townhouses account for the majority of the resales.

    In a related matter, South Florida short sales have shown a sharp decline. Palm Beach County short sales were 16% of the market in October, off from 23% compared to the same month last year. But short sales could fall off the cliff if Congress doesn’t move to renew the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act that expires in January, which allows taxpayers to exclude income from reduced mortgage debt, otherwise they face a huge tax tab.

    In what critics are calling the insanity of Obamacare, the dysfunction of the Obamacare website is only the tip of the iceberg. The top guy in charge of implementing the law testified in Congress that 40% of the website aimed at handling the payment system even hasn’t been built yet. Like peeling an onion, each revelation of the law brings an avalanche of disruption to the nations’ health care system that borders on the catastrophic.

   Spirit Airlines pocketed a whopping $536 million bucks last year in baggage fees and numerous add-on surcharges. Spirit, which is the nickel and diming kingpin of the airline industry, stashed away 40% of its annual revenue from non-ticket sales, such as booking fees, seat selection, reservation charges and cancellation fees. This year’s nickel and diming is expected to reach $700 million bucks for Spirit.

   Florida’s Public Service Commission approved a $4.90 per month increase for FP&L residential customers as of Jan. 1, bringing the bill to $100.01.

   The Book of Mormon is a clever, irreverent, raunchy, offensive to some but hilarious for most, written by the creators of South Park, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss it. Tickets at www.browardcenter.org.

    Laffing Matterz has returned to the Broward Center with a new dinner show, Thursday-Sunday. Get tickets are line at www.browardcenter.org.

   Bank of America has 203 branches in South Florida and Wells Fargo has 200 branches in South Florida.

     Out of the Furnace opens at the Boca Cinemark Palace & Premiere theatres and the Regal Entertainment Shadowwood theatres. Broken Circle Breakdown and Twice Born opens Friday at the FAU Living Room Theatres. The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers opens at the Movies of Delray and Lake Worth and the Last Picture Show in Tamarac. Lee Daniels’ The Butler opens at Movies of Lake Worth.

    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.

 Barry Epstein live features former Nixon and Reagan political consultant and author of “JFK, the case against LBJ” Roger Stone, Sweet Servings president Cindy Soto and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday. Watch to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres.  You can now watch my TV shows ON Demand on wrpbitv. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.

  The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes is at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, to Dec. 8. Go to www.kravis.org or call 561.832.7469 for more information and ticket reservations. Don’t miss this spectacular show! Upcoming shows at the Kravis Center include: Steve Solomon: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Still in Therapy Dec. 18-22; The Midtown Men, featuring four stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys Dec. 31; Jackie Mason Jan. 29; Mandy Patinkin, Feb. 5; Jay Leno, Feb. 8, and Joan Rivers March 13.

  Respect: A Musical Journey of Women is Dec. 7-Jan. 5 at the Studio Theatre in Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center. Visit www.brtg.org or call 866.811.4111.

  SHOWTIME Performing Arts Theatre Presents NUNSENSE!, updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements and a brand new song! Fridays December 6th & 13th @ 8pm; Saturdays November 30th, December 7th & 14th @ 8pm; Sundays December 1st, 8th & 15th @ 2pm & 8pm. Tickets are $22 Adults; $18 Seniors and Students with ID. For tickets call 561-394-2626 or visit www.ShowtimeBoca.com.

     The Boca Raton Green Market, in its 17th year has farm-to-table, fresh-picked produce from local growers and lots more 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd.in downtown Boca Raton, featuring live music on the Piazza stage by the Boca Elementary School Choir and Percussionists under the direction of Liese Connell.  They will be singing and playing various holiday music.  Call 561.299.8684 or email elilly707@aol.com for further information or if interested in participating.

      The Last Night of Ballyhoo is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Spring, just east of Riverside Drive, to Dec. 31. Call 954-344-7765 or visit www.stagedoortheatre.com for tickets and more information.

      Upcoming shows at the Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach include: Driving Miss Daisy, Nov. 30-Dec. 15; You Can’t Take it with You, Feb. 1-Feb. 16; The Pajama Game, March 29-April 13; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.

  The 43^rd annual Holiday Parade along Federal Highway downtown Boca will be Dec. 4.  Tickets are $35.

  David Gergen, senior political analyst for CNN will keynote following a cocktail reception and dinner for the Jewish Federation’s Ketuba Society, 6 p.m., Dec. 5, at St. Andrews Country Club, 17557 W. Claridge Oval, Boca Raton. Call 561.852.3342 or email idan@bocafed.org for further information.

 RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women is Dec. 5 – Jan. 5 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre, with two special New Year’s Eve champagne performances at 4 and 9 p.m. Tickets at www.brtg.org call 866.811.411. For more information, call 561.445.9244, email kassie@gmail.com.

   The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan has I Love you, You’re Perfect Now Change, Dec. 5-22; Renee Taylor, My Life on a Diet, Jan. 16-Feb. 9 and Dirty Blonde, March 27-April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net  or call 561.588.1820.  

   The Women’s Theatre Project presents the Southeastern premiere of “The Lyons”, Dec. 6-Dec. 22 in the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Tickets are $26. Call 561.347-3948 or 561.445.9244 for more information.

   Palm Beach Dramaworks presents The Lion in Winter, Dec. 6-Jan. 5, at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Call 561.514.4042 or visit www.palmbeachtramaworks.org for ticket information and reservations.

   The Boca Raton Children's Museum hosts its 20th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 7. Admission is $10 per person and infants are free. For more information, call 561.368.6875.

    The Shoppes at Loggers Run, 11379 West Palmetto Park Road, will host the free 3^rd annual holiday adventure 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7, with tenants showcasing great offerings and featuring holiday train rides for children, Santa Claus, treasure hunt, magic show, face painting, live demonstrations, games and prizes.

   The 37^th annual Holiday Boat Parade on the Intracoastal Waterway is set for Dec. 7.

   U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch and his wife Jill will be honored with the JTS Shin Award by the Jewish Theological Seminary Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen and B’Nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18^th St., Boca Raton, at a 6 p.m. Dec. 9 dinner co-chaired by Alisa and Dr Richard Cohen and Dr Tobi and Rabbi David Steinhardt. Tickets are $100 and RSVP by Dec. 1 to 561.852.3453 or cakantor@jtsa.edu.

   The Friends of the Boca Raton Library Foreign Film series screens Certified Copy followed by discussion 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 400 NW 2 Ave. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Go to www.bocalibrary.org to register on the Events Calendar for December.

  A cocktail and K-9 reception in support of Susan Haynie for Boca Raton Mayor will be 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Dubliner Irish Pub, 435 Plaza Real, Mizner Park. Requested minimum contribution is $25 per person, $40 per couple and bring one doggie toy or canned dog food to be donated to the Tri County Humane Society, PBC’s only no-kill animal shelter, to hear about Boca’s new dog beach program. Dogs are invited. Drinks, hors d’oevres and doggie treats will be served. RSVP to Events@SusanHaynie.com or donate online at www.SusanHaynie.com.

    The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (JFS) Annual Gala and Auction is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Andrews Country Club, 17557 W. Claridge Oval, Boca Raton, honoring Michele & Larry Blair and Craig Donoff, P.A., chaired by Roxane Lipton, Wendy Legum and Jill Viner. Cost is $500. For more information, visit www.ruthralesjfs.org/gala2013, call 561.852.5013 or email jillw@rrjfs.org. To learn more about JFS, visit www.ruthralesjfs.org.

     9 to 5: The Musical is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Springs, Dec. 13- Jan. 19. Visit www.statedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765. for tickets.

    Pop artist Peter Max will be in Boca 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Wentworth Gallery: Boca Town Center, 6000 Glades Road. RSVP to 561.338.0804 or visit www.towncenter@wentworthgallery.com. More information at www.petermax.com.

     The Sheffield Brothers will be at the free Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert Dec. 15, 3-4 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 400 NW. 2 Ave. Reservations are required at www.bocalibrary.org to register on the events calendar for December.

   The Boca Raton theatre Guild presents Marilyn: Forever Blonde, Jan. 9-11, 2013 at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Visit www.marilynforeverblonde.com,  call 561.445.9244 or email ckassie@gmail.com.

   The Rotary Club of Boca Raton 2014 OPAL honorees Gary Peters, Irving Gutin, Karen and Howard Weiss, Anthony Comparato and Cecil Roseke, chaired by Doug Mummaw, Neil Saffir and Peter Boronoff will be Jan. 18 at the Club of Boca Pointe, announced club president Julie Vianale. Call 561.477.7180 or email Claudia@rotaryclubbocaraton.com. for more information and reservations.

   The Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will feature a Mayoral debate for the City of Boca Raton, moderated by the “Prince of Palm Beach County” Andre Fladell and a Meet the Council candidates, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Bogarts, on the Premiere level of the Cinemark Palace, 3200 Airport Road, just north of Glades Road. Membership, reservations and further information can be done on www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 561.852.0000.

   Save the Date: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum South Florida Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, featuring International jurist and survivor of the Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen concentration camps, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Call 561.995.6773 or visit www.southeast@ushmm.org for more information.

   Weight Watchers Group CEO Florine Mark speaks at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional Division (B&P), 8 to 10 am. Jan. 29 in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus. Registration at $36 is available at www.jewishboca.org/icon or sonnies@bocafed.org, 561.852.3128. Future guests include Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Stephen Sadove on March 26.

   Inside the mind of John Lithgow; actor, musician, author, arts advocate 11:30 a.m. luncheon Jan. 30 Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. For sponsorship opportunities and to register to attend the event, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Foundation/STEAM.

   A tribute to the late Maestro Bob Lappin by the Palm Beach Pops will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Kravis Center with guest conductor Lee Musiker, longtime music director and conductor for Tony Bennett, featuring broadway star Christine Andreas, acclaimed pianist and singer Tony DeSare, big band songstress Lynn Roberts, trumpeter and vocalist Longineu Parsons and former Pops concertmaster and violinist Mary Rowell. This one-time concert will not only honor the memory of Maestro Bob Lappin by recounting many of the wonderful musical memories over the past 21 seasons, but proceeds will support the ongoing Palm Beach Pops Music & You In-School Youth Education Program for underserved Palm Beach County Schools. Enjoy a magical musical evening as only the Pops can deliver and assist the continuing mission to Keep the Music Playing in our schools and community. Tickets are $29 and up. Call 561.832.7677 for reservations and more information.

    Save the Date: Phyllis & Harvey Sandler, Jan Savarick, Shirley & Allan B. Solomon and Jaime & Zachary Keyes will be honored at the Levis JCC Casino Royale Feb. 8, 2014. Email cindyb@levisjcc.org or call 561.852.3253 for more information. Committee in formation: www.levisjcc.org/casino.

    Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein will speak at FAU 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Go to www.https://www.fauevents.com/online to purchase tickets.

   Save the Date: The Caribbean Cowboy Ball is 6 pm. Feb. 22, 2014 at Red Reef Park. Tickets are $175. Call 561.347.6799 or www.scholarship.org for info.

      42 St. is at Boca Raton High School, Feb. 27- March 2. Visit www.bocatrama.com or call 561.338.15333 for more information and reservations.

      The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Young Frankenstein Feb. 28-March 8. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066. Upcoming shows include Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26.

    The Harlem Globetrotters will play at the FAU arena on March 3 and 8. Go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com or call 1.800.745.3000 for ticket information.

   Arturo Sandoval, Forte, Cirque de la Symphonie, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Danna Deveare Smith and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company highlight the 2014 Festival of the Arts Boca, March 6-15. Early bird tickets of $39 (regular price is $125) are available through Dec. 31. Call either 561.368.8445 or too free: 866.571.ARTS  or visit www.festivaloftheartsboc.org for more information or reservations.

    Save the Date: Follow the Yellow Brick Road to JARC’s 29^th Annual Gala Dinner Dance March 9, 2014 at West Boca Country Club.

    Palm Beach Dramaworks presents “Some Enchanted Evening”, 14^th annual Spring Gala, 6:30 p.m. March 14 at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. Tax deductible tickets are $500 and tables of ten are $5,000. Call 561.4042 ext. 106 for reservations and information.

   Florida’s Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will take place on March 22, 2014, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Spanish River Park and A1A in Boca Raton. The Bash is the nation’s largest, free, fun-day for people with special needs, their care givers and family members.  The 6th Annual Bash is expected to draw 6,000 attendees from South Florida and beyond. Tax deductible contributions should be directed to The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, PO Box 99, Boca Raton, FL  33429.  For further information call: 561-715-2622.

    Save the Date: Former Miami Dolphin and now owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill John Offerdahl will be the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 12^th annual Inspiration breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 8 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

        www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.

      Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to this column.

     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com – www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  as on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.