Barrys Buzz – May 7, 2014

     The Waterstone Resort & Marina, formerly the Bridge Hotel is planning a soft opening on May 13, following a media preview on May 12.

   Rumor has it that the Shops of Village Pointe is being sold by Boca philanthropist Yvonne Boice, but the sale has not closed yet.

   Wal-Mart is refurbishing the store at U.S. 441 and Palmetto Park Road, scheduled to open in the fall. 300 jobs are available at www.careers.walmart.com.

   Boca Raton based Office Depot plans to close 400 U.S. stores -150 in 2014, more than 20 percent of the 1,900 merged Office Depot and OfficeMax stores.   

    Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.

    ADT Corp. agreed to buy Reliance Protection for about $500 million in cash with plans to expand in Canada. Boca Raton-based ADT will fund the purchase through cash on hand and an existing credit line. 

    Equity investor Summit Partners will acquire MDVIP from Proctor & Gamble Company after it sold MDVIP to them in 2009.

  The outside right lane of the westbound entrance ramp to I-95 northbound from Yamato Road will be closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday through Wednesday, May 14. The closure is part of the work on the I-95 Interchange at Spanish River Boulevard. Part of the work on the 2.5-mile project includes constructing 13 bridges between Spanish River Boulevard and Yamato Road, signalized intersection improvements and the addition of auxiliary lanes on Yamato Road, and sound wall construction along Yamato Road and on the east side of I-95 north of Yamato Road. The project costs an estimated $67 million. The work is expected to be completed by fall 2016.

   Boca water customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor through Sunday, May 18. The city’s Utility Services Department is temporarily using a stronger disinfection process in the water treatment plant, according to a city posted announcement. For more information, call 561.338.7310.

     The Boca Bay DUI Program Inc. just received the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles’ first DUI-education program license in 17 years after a denial and complaint filing process. Judge Mary Li Creasy issued a Recommended Order directing the Department to grant Boca Bay the license to operate the DUI program in Broward County that would be accessible from Palm Beach County as well. In short, the Department made numerous errors in its denial. It ignored the requirements of applicable statutes and rules when reviewing and denying the application. It relied on incomplete, insufficient and constantly changing client data compiled by the Department from existing DUI program vendors. 

     For the first time in its 61-year history, the Boca Raton Garden Club was named club of the year for the state and the Deep South Region of National Garden Clubs, which includes six states. Club president Carol Brown brought home several wins from back-to-back conventions last month in St. Petersburg, the Deep South and Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. She also won the leadership award for the state.
     Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places Program invites visual artists who reside in Palm Beach County to submit artwork to be considered for inclusion in a four-month exhibition at the Palm Beach International Airport.  Artists can enter one original, two-dimensional artwork. All media welcome. Exhibition dates are July 9 to Oct. 8, 2014. Obtain a copy at http://www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art/artists/ or call 561.233.0235 for more information.

    The Palm Beach County Library System’s Talking Books program has earned the 2013 National Library Network Subregional Award for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Talking Books Manager Sarah Smedley and Outreach Services Manager Wendy Rosenfeld are planning to attend a ceremony on June 5 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The award carries with it a $1,000 cash prize.
  Brazil is South Florida’s top trading partner with $13 billion in 2013, Trade with Columbia was $8 billion and trade with Switzerland was $7.5 billion in 2013.

   Romantic musical comedy Ghost at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has the most unique lighting, staging and set direction with superb audio visual effects. Don’t miss it, through May 11! Tickets at www.browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222.

     Openings in Boca include The Filling Station, a gastropub at 133 S.E. Mizner Blvd.; El Jefe Luchador Mexican restaurant at Town Center and IchiyamiBuffet & sushi Bar at 145 S.E. Mizner Blvd., suite 16B.

     The Trouble with Doug is 7:30 p.m. through May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1^st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.

   Ain’t Misbehavin’ is at the Wick Theatre, May 8-June 1, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. If you would like to win a pair of tickets to see it, send an email to barryepsteinlive@yahoo.com. The 2014/2015 season for the Wick Theatre includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.

   Avery Sommers will be in concert at the Candle Club in the Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 9:50 p.m to 1:00 a.m. every Thursday, Friday & Saturday starting May 8. Cash bar, delectable nibbles. Call 561.995.2333 or visit www.thewick.org for more information and reservations.

   Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl and Barry Epstein discussing CHEF and more on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.

   Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.

     Watch Barry Epstein live with Wick Theatre and Costume Museum Founder and Executive Producer Marilyn Wick, WRPBITV Interactive Intelligence Source Vice President Sonya Pressley and WRPBITV Founder and Executive Producer Wayne Filowitz on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres and the Wick Theatre. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.

      Fading Gigolos, Neighbors, Moms’ Night Out, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return and Only Lovers Left Alive opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres. Only Lovers Left Alive opens at the Classic Gateway Theatre. Fading Gigolo and Bright Days Ahead opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. The Railway Man opens at the Movies of Delray. Dancing in Jaffa opens at Movies of Lake Worth. Richard II from the Royal Shakespeare Company is 7:00 p.m. May 7 at the Movies of Delray.

     TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.) Visit the first official TEDx in Boca Raton at FAU on May 9th. For tickets and additional information please visit www.tedxbocaraton.com.

    Family Fun Fridays are at Coconut Cove waterpark located in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, West Boca on May 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Young children and their parents can enjoy splashing in the shallow water, climbing on the play structure, and taking a fun ride down the playground slides. Family Fun Friday admission fees are $3.50 for children 11 and under and $5 for adults (12 & over). Call 561.629.8840 for more info.

    It’s the final week of the Boca Raton Green Market!  The Market, in its 17th year, has farm-to-table, freshly-picked produce (organics, too) 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, now until May 10th.  “It Takes Two” are entertaining at this week’s market.   Call (561) 299-8684 for information.

   Another great Dinner & Show at the MEATBALL ROOM on May 10. One night only starting at 7:30PM Till. THE BLUES BROTHERS. If you missed the last sold out show don't miss this one; includes a full dinner and a great show all for $34.95 PP. Make sure you call and make a Reservation 561-409-4111.

    Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     

   Every Sunday at AMF bowling, 1190 Boynton Beach Blvd. and Congress Ave. Brain Bowlers sponsors a bowling league for families and children with disabilities to raise funds and awareness for agencies and children who are void of social interaction.  Cost is only $1.38 per game and families can bowl one or two games.  There is also entertainment and prizes. For further information, call Robert Gottesman at 561-676-2075.
     Palm Beach State College Foundation’s 2014 Golf Classic is May 9 at the Country Club of Mirasol. Sponsorship opportunities and registration information is at www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/golf or contact Ana Thomas at 561.868.3569.

     The sixth annual FREE score business conference with Google and Godaddy, etc. coming to Boca is 8 am. To 3:30 pm May 10^th. Reserve your ticket at

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sixth-annual-score-business-conference-tickets-8777996223.

     Tina Turner Tribute Band, Simply Tina, is free 7-9 pm May 10 at the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park Amphitheatre, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, off Glades Road, West Boca. Lawn chairs and picnic baskets ok. Food available for purchase on site. Call 561.488.8069 for more information.

     Real Estate entrepreneur and five time best-selling author Frank McKinney will be the keynote speaker at the third annual Senator Philip D. Lewis noon Luncheon May 14 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The super hero-themed luncheon will benefit homeless families and children in Palm Beach County. Tickets are $75. Visit http://www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org/events/annual-be-extraordinary-senator-philip-d-lewis-luncheon/. For more information, call 561.355.4764 or email: HomelessCoalitionPBC@gmail.com.

    Former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic Presidential nominee Michael Dukakis will speak at the annual Florida Fishing Academy fundraiser “SOS: Save Our Students” 6 to 8 pm May 15 at City Fish Market 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, across from the Florida’s Turnpike entrance. Tickets are $150 and available at www.FloridaFishingAcademy.com.

     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.

      Red White and Blue Salute Our Troops-Fundraiser for FSO is 7 pm May 23 at Blue Martini 6000 Glades Rd in Boca Raton (outside Town Center Mall) $10 a person with MC Former SFC William Schedneck - served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more info, contact Tara Laxer 561-289-6031. 

    The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: Doubt, May 24-June 8, Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information and reservations.

    The Veterans Coalition of South Florida will present its annual Memorial Day program beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at Veteran’s Park, in West Boca on Palmetto Park Road between 441 and Lyons Road.

  Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.

     The National Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be in Boca Raton for the first time on Oct. 11 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The kickoff for the Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29 at JAZZIZ Nightlife, 201 Plaza Real in Mizner Park. The event will include cocktails and appetizers, a silent auction, photo booth and a deejay. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door at http://goo.gl/wq17A5. Registration for the walk is free at www.alz.org/walk. Volunteers are also needed. Contact Pamela Polani at polani@bellsouth.net or call 561-496-4222.

      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance – the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 

     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.

     Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers out there.

     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  and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.