Palm Beach County Perspective: Recent Episodes
Robert Weinroth
Looking for the best source to discover the heartbeat of a community? Welcome to Palm Beach County Perspective, the podcast that provides all the latest news, current events, the lowdown on what's happening, and a bit of history of one of the most beautiful corners of America. Hosted by longtime local leader Robert Weinroth who - with an extensive background in, and passion for, business, public service, and community involvement - has been recognized as one the County's most prominent voices for progress and positive change. Join us each episode for spirited conversation, strong opinions, special guests, and most importantly, a fresh and unique perspective - The Palm Beach County Perspective!
Paid by Friends of Robert Weinroth
PALM BEACH COUNTY is arguably the greatest place to live, work, learn and raise a family. However, many of our urban communities are showing signs of their lack of attention. To reverse the decline, redevelopment has been the most effective method for updating and improving the urban environment. My guest today, Steven Michael, CEO of Banyan Group, has proven to be a visionary in urban development, Steven was instrumental in pioneering the revitalization of Atlantic Avenue west of Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. His early leadership sparked the significant growth that continues to shape this burgeoning market. Steven and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, has seen life changed (and continuing to change) in the shadows of a world pandemic (which put a pause on our lives for over a year), smartphones (which, it could be argued, have rewired the brains of the Gen-Z generation), and, perhaps most impactful, the burgeoning technology of Artificial Intelligence. How this is changing the way people communicate, interrelate and think is truly important to understand. My guest in this episode, himself, a Gen-Z’er, is Ethan MacCowan. Normally, he acts as a producer here at Podpouli, the studio in Boca Raton where we’ve been recording our episodes for the last few years. It is interesting to hear how he perceives the dynamics of these events on him as a member of a group of individuals becoming viewed as the “Anxious Generation,” with good reason! Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.
PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on being a great place to live, work and play. The fact is, some parts of our community are in need of an upgrade. Communities like Boca Raton, which is currently celebrating its centennial anniversary, have recognized the need to redevelop blighted areas to attract visitors and residents. My guest for this episode is Scott Brenner. Scott has over 35 years of experience in South Florida's commercial real estate market. He excels in commercial development, property management, brokerage, receivership, and banking. Scott and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. After focusing on the areas adjacent to Mizner Park, attention is now focused on the “municipal campus,” a 30 acre area including an antiquated City Hall complex. Listen to the plans air redevelopment of this area incorporating municipal, residential and commercial development along with green spaces for residents to enjoy. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.
PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on providing a nurturing environment for our children. In previous episodes we’ve addressed educational opportunities available and explored the challenges posed by food insecurity and homelessness. My guest today, Renée Layman, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost thirty years of experience in mental health. As President and Chief Executive Officer for Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) since 2013, she has spearheaded significant initiatives in child and family mental health–specifically related to trauma-informed care and the prevention, awareness, and healing of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Layman, was recently appointed as President of Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. As a children’s mental health leader in our community, Renée has a legacy of promoting and protecting the mental health of children. She is a passionate advocate for child and family mental health, bringing innovative programs and services for some of the most pressing issues facing vulnerable children and families in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, Center for Child Counseling has grown to fill critical gaps in children’s mental health in Palm Beach County, using a public health approach that focuses on prevention and early intervention. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.
PALM BEACH COUNTY offers an abundance of educational opportunities for our children. As a community, we must ensure we provide a solid foundation of education for our children to allow them to thrive and achieve to their full potential. My guest, Monica Gupta, brings a unique perspective, forged in the intensity of the courtroom and tempered by the joys and challenges of raising children. As a former prosecutor and attorney, she's driven by a deep desire to equip the next generation with the tools for critical thinking and resilience. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, embraces legal immigration. The infusion of capital (both intellectual and monetary) benefits our country. We are a country founded on the hard work of the people who came to the United States for a better life. However, over the past few years, the lack of effective controls over the onslaught of illegal migration has caused many to see immigration in a negative light. My guest in this episode, Al Zucaro, is an immigration attorney with experience in attracting immigrants who are seeking to build wealth and employment opportunities in our country. We talk about the new $5 million citizenship “gold card” being proposed by President Trump as well as the EB-5 program for foreign nationals committed to building a business in the United States. Learn more about the opportunities available for legal immigration supporting our vibrant economy.
PALM BEACH COUNTY has the third highest incidence of trafficking in Florida and Florida has the unenviable title of third highest incidence of trafficked people in the nation. Combating these gruesome statistics are a number of our “home grown” nonprofit agencies. My guest today. Alex Ortiz, is the Director of Development and Regional Advocate at FLITE (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education Center). The agency was created in 2009 through a partnership of the Community Foundation of Broward, the United Way of Broward and the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale. Its mission is to guide children aging out of the dependency system, and other vulnerable youth, for a successful journey to independence through housing, education, employment, health & wellness and a system of care coordination. These children and young adults are right here in our community and FLITE has expanded its services into Palm Beach County. Learn more about how you can help FLITE help these at risk individuals.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is home to a large number of residents with close ties to Israel. Relatives and friends who have made aliyah (the process of moving to Israel and becoming an Israeli citizen). As a result, the acts of brutality visited on Israeli citizens (many of the civilians) hit particularly hard for our community. Multiple opportunities to help our brothers and sisters in Israel have been provided to our residents. One such opportunity is to provide support to the Sky Riders Association. This group is providing assistance, including overcoming the challenges of moving from military service back to their civilian life. My guests, Alisa Chesler and Heidi Horowitz, speak about the impacts of the war on the Israeli people. Sky Riders are a special unit of soldiers flying drones onto the battlefield. Learn more about how you can help by visiting www.Skyriders53.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY depends on residents’ willingness to help govern our community. Be it a club, condominium, homeowners association, a village, city or town, special taxing district or the county. This doesn’t even scratch the surface as the state and federal government require citizens to step forward and accept the responsibilities of elective office. My guest today accepted the call by our governor to step into a county commission seat vacated by an individual appointed to another government position. Michael Barnett is no stranger to the political process, having previously served as the chair of the Republican Party of Florida Palm Beach County. We talk, in this episode, about his reaction to the governor’s call and his experience as one of seven members of the County Commission. Interesting insights and a great opportunity to gain insights into the political process.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is a place where over 1 million people call home. It’s a community, rich in resources, including recreational and cultural amenities. Residents view themselves as fortunate to live in such a vibrant community of great wealth and abundance. However is it enough to be living an “good life” or should we be striving to be better? In Hebrew the term “Tikkun Olam” means to repair the world .. leaving it better than we found it. My guest today, speaks about this idea of being better. Anne Shoshana Deakter is a life coach, spiritual leader and author and has embraced the teachings of Kabbalah to transform her life and, in her book, You Aren’t Here to be Good, You Are Here to be Better, she offers tools to use during difficult times and make life more meaningful as you reclaim purpose and fulfillment in a world gone crazy. Take a listen, Shoshana’s prescription for living a fulfilling life..
PALM BEACH COUNTY residents, like those residing in other communities, are increasingly concerned about illegal immigrants invading our country. However, we are a country founded upon the handwork of immigrants over the past centuries. My guest today, Al Zucaro, addresses how legal immigration is a boon to our country and offers his take on how to ensure we embrace those willing to contribute to our nation’s prosperity. Take a listen. Hopefully our Members of Congress will address immigration reform after the situation at our borders has been settled.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the world, witnessed the 60th presidential inauguration as Joe Biden welcomed his predecessor back to the White House making President Trump our 45th and 47th President of the United States. My guest today, Karol Markowicz, adds her perspective to the changes we have witnessed between those two terms. Many of the events over the last four years have caused a repudiation of the policies of the Biden administration. With former Florida Senator Marco Rubio confirmed as Secretary of State and over 100 Executive Orders issued, the return of President Trump promises to be very consequential. Take a listen. I think you’ll find our conversation very informative.
PALM BEACH COUNTY residents, like those residing in other communities, are bombarded by information, often skewed by political perspective. Our guest today, Michael Solomon, is returning for a second episode. As I mentioned last week, Michael is a former NYPD Special Investigator whose tenure in the intelligence division, where he was assigned to protect the Shah of Iran and Madame Chang of Taiwan, taught him to question what others accept as fact. Michael continues his discussion on various topics where he believes the American public is not receiving factual information.Take a listen, Michael’s analysis is quite compelling.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like other communities, is bombarded by information, often skewed by political perspective. Our guest today, Michael Solomon is a former NYPD Special Investigator whose tenure in the intelligence division, where he was assigned to protect the Shah of Iran and Madame Chang of Taiwan, taught him to question what others accept as fact. His analysis of the argument that climate change is more impacted by human activity than naturally occurring climate cycles has led him to the conclusion that we are not being told the truth. In his most recent book, Allegory (nominated for a Pulitzer Prize), he demonstrates the “science” of Climate Change is a scam perpetrated by former Vice President Al Gore. Michael’s conclusions may challenge your beliefs but he is someone worth hearing. Take a listen, Michael’s analysis is very compelling.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is a community of great wealth and abundance alongside poverty and hunger. When I first entered into public service in the City of Boca Raton, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in our affluent community who go to bed hungry. Even before the pandemic, many families were unable to afford enough food to feed their families without assistance. Post pandemic, the problem has only grown worse. My guest, today, is Jason Mandle, Executive Director of Restoration Bridge International. Under Jason’s leadership, RBI distributes over 1 million pounds of food products, impacting over 100,000 individuals each month. Take a listen, Jason’s dedication to eliminating hunger is worthy of your consideration.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is the winter home of the President-elect. This is ground zero for news coverage detailing the presidential appointments and coverage of the business and political leaders making their way to Mara Lago to get an audience with President-elect Donald Trump. Our guest for this second of two podcast episodes is no stranger to foreign policy. Ken Abramowitz is a scholar, author and historian. His book, The Multi Front War, is in its third printing. His analysis of the multi-front assault against the United States, militarily, culturally and economically, is well reasoned and cause for concern. Take a listen, Ken’s analysis is very compelling.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is the winter home of the President-elect. This has become ground zero for news coverage detailing the presidential appointments and coverage of the business and political leaders making their way to Mara Lago to get an audience with President-elect Donald Trump. Our guest for the next two podcast episodes is no stranger to foreign policy. Ken Abramowitz is a scholar, author and historian. His book, The Multi Front War, is in its third printing. His analysis of the multi-front assault against the United States, militarily, culturally and economically, is well reasoned and cause for concern. Take a listen, Ken’s analysis is very compelling.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is home of innumerable caring, giving individuals. Philanthropy and volunteerism are true virtues of many within our community who see those less fortunate than themselves as worthy of their help. Evan Darnell is pairing that spirit of giving back with a universal desire to enjoy a great event (great venue, food and theme). As the Secretary of Steak of the Red Meat Lovers Club, Even continues to identify worth nonprofits within our community. He then curates a culinary extravaganza designed to help the nonprofit while providing a great opportunity for the community to have fun. Learn about this great Filanthropic organization and, perhaps, consider joining the partners in prime as they do good while having fun. As always, I trust you will find our conversation interesting.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is no stranger to the nationwide focus on border security and immigration. Our country is founded on immigration and its continued prosperity depends on a strong economy fueled, in part, by immigrants ready to contribute to our economy. The total lack of control at our borders has created a major problem for our country as we have no comprehensive policy for absorbing these immigrants and/or ensuring we are admitting individuals who are not seeking a free ride. My guest, Lauren Cohen, is an immigration attorney who works with people seeking to create jobs and opportunities in the United States. Our conversation is wide ranging and I trust you will find it interesting.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is often a county of transplants. Finding a native born Floridian over 40 is, generally, a difficult affair. The good news is many a “transplant” relocated to South Florida after success in business, up north. The infusion of newly minted residents with the drive and intelligence to succeed has produced a community of overachievers with a penchant for giving back. Brian Howie fits the bill as a recent transplant with an eye on building his business while embracing the lifestyle and culture endemic to our piece of paradise. We speak about how our community is being transformed by these new arrivals. Our conversation is wide ranging and I trust you will find it interesting.
PALM BEACH COUNTY has been the venue for the Boca Raton Bowl (owned and operated by ESPN) for the past 10 years. Doug Mosley and Paige Kornblue, are my guests today as we discuss the impact of the Bowl Game and the ancillary events on our community. The Boca Raton Bowl is known as "Boca's Biggest Annual Outdoor Party" and is played annually at FAU Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 30,000. Tickets: Tickets for the 2024 game will be available starting in December 2024. Hope you stay tuned to the end to hear my commentary on the election cycle, just completed.
PALM BEACH COUNTY offers our residents opportunities to help guide the development of our community. The City of Boca Raton will be celebrating its centennial year in 2025. In its short history, it has attracted architectural giants like Addison Mizner and Marcel Breuer and owes its very existence to the likes of Henry Flagler. Today, Boca is a showplace attracting corporate executives and retirees. My guest today, Roxanne Trinka, joins me to talk about the evolution of this piece of paradise and the opportunities it offers for longterm residents and recent transplants. Listen and learn why South Florida continues to attract thousands of new residents every month!
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the State of Florida, is going to the polls for Early Voting. Our voters are faced with a number of important decisions. In addition to the hotly contested presidential race, down ticket races and potential challenges to the state constitution are up for the voters to decide. My guest today, Armand Grossman, is no stranger to the political process (both as an elected official and as a president of the Boca Raton Republican Club). Listen and learn why South Florida is fortunate to have Armand and others within our community ready to support the democratic process.
PALM BEACH COUNTY is often referred to as our piece of paradise. Post COVID, many of our friends and family from up north have made the move to south Florida to put decaying infrastructure and crime in their rear view mirror. My guest, Pam Dubin, and I speak about how our community is being transformed by these new arrivals. Our conversation is wide ranging and I trust you will find it interesting interesting.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, long believed to be a liberal (Democrat) stronghold is moving right of center. The shift, seen during the gubernatorial race two years ago (where Governor DeSantis won decisively) will likely continue as transplants from the Northeast skew right in their political beliefs. On this episode, our guest, Bryan Rudnick, presents a well reasoned analysis of local and national political sentiments and offers his personal forecast on the results of the upcoming election. Listen and learn why Florida has quickly transformed itself from a purple state to bright red with a few blue pockets showing signs of change.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, is faced with a number of important decisions as they go to the polls this November. The general election offers voters candidates for president with sharply different views of our road forward. The down-ticket races are also very important to the governance process. Today’s episode offers listeners an opportunity to hear from two candidates vying to be our next Florida State Representatives. Anne Gerwig and Meg Weinberger offer their views on public service and their reasons for taking on the challenges of a political campaign. Democracy relies on citizen participation .. as candidates and educated voters. Listen and learn why South Florida is fortunate to have such well prepared resi read to serve our community.
PALM BEACH COUNTY relies on its residents to provide intelligence and leadership at all levels of governance. Be it their Condominium or HOA board, volunteering on a committee or advisory board or taking the step of seeking public office. The task of campaigning can be daunting and it’s not for the weak of heart. My guest on this episode, Peggy Gossett-Seidman has served our community as a commissioner of her town council and, ultimately, as a state legislator for the past two years. As a freshman, she has successfully “brought home the bacon!” We review her impressions of the legislative process which can sometimes be tough to watch! As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are taking the time to educate themselves on the candidates vying for their vote and on trying to understand the rationale behind the ballot questions. The cheerleaders for the Democrat and Republican parties are its Committeemen and Committeewomen. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with the newly elected Committeeman (Joe LaFauci) and Committeewoman (Jodi Schwartz). While they have not yet assumed office, they have some fresh ideas on how to improve voter knowledge and participation in elections. As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are voting! Vote by Mail ballots our out, Early Voting begins on October 21st and the General Election will be on November 5th. In this Episode we take a look at one of our “local” races - School Board District 5. We talk with Gloria Branch. The School District of Palm Beach County is the 10th largest district in the USA with over 170,000 students speaking multiple languages. The District employs over 22,000 employees in and supporting 182 schools. It’s a big task educating such a diverse student population. We discuss with Gloria how she sees the school district remaining on mission and competitive with the other choices available for educating our students. As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are preparing for the upcoming General Election. In Episode 100 we focused on the ballot questions being presented to voters for an up or down vote. Six potential amendments to the Florida Constitution and, in Palm Beach County, one local initiative to extend the 1/2 penny sales tax for schools. In this Episode we take a look at one of our “local” races - County Commissioner District 5. We talk with John Fisher - a retired Captain in our Fire Rescue Services. John is passionate about traffic safety as a result of his past work. I hope you find our conversation informative.
Palm Beach County is preparing to go to the polls as the General Election approaches. First, let me say it’s good to be back as we record our 100th episode. During my hiatus, I mounted an unsuccessful campaign to challenge our incumbent Member of Congress. It wasn’t meant to be but the experience was quite educational and I will say more about this in the future. In Episode 100 we focus on the ballot questions being presented to voters for an up or down vote. Six potential amendments to the Florida Constitution and, in Palm Beach County, one local initiative to extend the 1/2 penny sales tax for schools. (The base state sales tax rate in Florida is 6%. Local tax rates in Florida range from 0% to 2%%, making the sales tax range in Florida 6-8 percent). It’s welcome you back and I hope you find this episode interesting and informative.
Episode 99 is an opportunity to continue our celebration of the arts. Last month Arlene Herson and Shari Upbin, two well known members of our community with a deep sense of purpose in ensuring the Arts gets its due, spoke about the National Society of Arts and Letters and its mission of assisting promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring and providing career opportunities. The Festival of the Arts Boca has, for the past 17 years brought top artistic talent to Boca Raton's Mizner Park Amphitheatre Our guest, Joanna Marie Kaye has, since 2014, played a pivotal role in the evolution of this weeklong event. This year the Festival celebrates the centenary of Henry Mancini,presents a full orchestration of Jaws (as scored by John Williams), and makes room for a night to feature the talents of "future stars" at the 19th annual competition. Arts and culture continue to thrive in Palm Beach County. Listen to how you can be part of the 18th edition of this great artistic display.
Episode 98 is a celebration of the arts. While we continue to emphasize STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), no less important to a well rounded education is the inclusion of the Arts (STEAM). My guests for this episode are Arlene Herson and Shari Upbin, two well known members of our community with a deep sense of purpose in ensuring the Arts gets its due as we teach our children skills they will need to compete in a global marketplace. The National Society of Arts and Letters assists promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring and providing career opportunities. Through its 17 chapters (representing all regions of the US), NSAL members are engaged professionally in the arts and actively support the work of young artists. I hope you enjoy our talk and then, perhaps, watch one or more of Arlene's celebrity interviews, currently available on YouTube.
Episode 97 is an opportunity to bring back my loving life partner as she discusses her, just published, book. Pamela Weinroth is the proud author of "Steal the Style," a virtual "how-to" for people looking for champagne fashion on a beer wallet. As many of you know, we are out and about on a regular basis to attend events in Palm Beach County to support the many nonprofit agencies doing their best to help residents in need. Whereas I am able to change my tie and shirt and go off to another event, Pamela is always looking for something new to catch the eye without putting us into debt. Thus, she learned how to stretch her dollars as she acquired eye-catching fashion. Her book explains the steps she takes to remain fashionable without going into hock. I hope you enjoy our talk and then, perhaps, purchase her book on Amazon so she'll have more money to continue her pursuit of the perfect gown!
Episode 96 is a mixed bag of topics. Pamela Higer-Polani is my guest. During today's conversation we touch upon several subjects including estate planning, community volunteerism and Israel. Pamela is an attorney, licensed to practice in the United States and Israel (where she and her Israeli born husband lived and started their family). We talk about the terrorist attack of October 7th and the resulting war in Gaza and its deep personal impact on Pamela. We also talk about her initiative to bring funding and awareness to families addressing Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and related diseases. These incurable affiliations can devastate a family. We also talk about Pamela's concierge legal practice which focuses on end of life planning including wills, trusts, long term care and ways to ensure dependents are cared for beyond our own lifetime. Have a listen.
Episode 95 is my opportunity to talk with my former City Council colleague, Constance Scott, to catch up with her and her associate, Karen Corcoran, as they embark on a new initiative addressing mental and physical wellbeing. The maintenance of balance in one's life is essential to a feeling of well being and happiness. Constance is a former AFAA certified fitness instructor and personal trainer and practices Transcendental Meditation and breathing exercises for better connectivity to peace and spiritual growth. Karen is a therapist, educator, mental health specialist and an addiction treatment professional focusing on adult and adolescent mental health and psychotherapy. Together they are quite a team addressing issues of mind and body. Have a listen.
Episode 94 provides an opportunity to take a step back and consider retirement and ways to ensure adequate financial planning provides for lifetime security. My guest, Tom Archer, has for over 37 years, served as a trusted financial advisor to the nation's most affluent families. His clientele boasts numerous Fortune 500 families, including an impressive roster of 25 billionaires, as well as renowned celebrities and entertainers. Additionally, Tom expertly manages the financial lives of over 200 professional athletes, diligently focusing on wealth accumulation, preservation, and asset protection. While you may not be a millionaire, understanding the concept of "wealth planning" can help preserve your estate for a fulfilling retirement and provide a legacy for future generations. Have a listen.
Episode 93 takes a look at how the State of Florida, and in particular, Palm Beach County, has taken steps to make the inner workings of government more transparent and ethical. Our guest today, Dr. Peter Cruise, teaches ethics at Florida Atlantic University and is an appointed member of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics. When individuals do not trust the veracity of their public officials they cannot trust the decisions made. Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine law provides a right of access to governmental proceedings at both the state and local levels. This has provided a great deal of transparency into the working of our governmental bodies. Likewise, regular financial disclosures by elected and appointed public officials prevents undue influence being exerted on decisions made by our public bodies. Listen to our conversation about how the decisions of our public officials are made in a fair and open fashion.
Episode 92 is an opportunity to address the continuing waves of anti-semitism, especially as the war in the Middle East brings those sentiments to the surface. My guest is Eric Rozenberg. He is a Belgian-born American citizen, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and podcaster. From organizing projects for Fortune 500 companies in over fifty countries to volunteering to protect the Jewish community in Brussels, Eric has developed an ability to connect the dots, face reality, and take action in difficult situations. Fiercely independent and passionate about geopolitics, he is an avid reader and never shies away from expressing his opinion, even (or especially) if it is not politically correct. He happily lives in South Florida with his wife, Elsa; their three daughters, and their dog, Simba.. Listen to our conversation about his views on this topic of concern.
Episode 91 Episode 91 is an opportunity to, again, highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of many within our community. Often this has resulted in residents establishing what I like to call, "home grown nonprofit agencies." We have, and will continue to, shine the spotlight on these endeavors. However, today's guests have turned their "entrepreneurial spirit" into businesses generating jobs and income while meeting a need.
My first guest is Brian Howie. Thanks to Brian we have this platform to present our podcasts. Podpopuli is a growing network of studios, throughout the US, dedicated to offering an infrastructure and technical expertise to communicate. We appreciate his support and friendship and as we approach our 100th episode, we recognize without Podpopuli we wouldn't be connected.
Our second guests "Lady" Ashley Bacon and her husband, John, have taken party planning to the next level. They help make memories out of significant milestones. Be it a birthday, engagement, graduation or whatever, Ashley and John create and design beautiful and fun parties. Listen to how these individuals are making our community a fun place to live, work, learn, play and celebrate.
Episode 90 focuses on how our non profit agencies work together to help our community's most vulnerable. Today's conversation focuses on the Fuller Center and the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. Ellyn Okrent is the CEO at Fuller Center. She has been a guest previously discussing the services they provide as a source of childcare and early education for many within our community who work each day. She is joined by Craig McDonald of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. He's chairing the upcoming 36th Annual Golf Club Tournament at Boca Lago Golf & Country Club on November 3rd for the benefit of the Fuller Center, the Club's Foundation, their Foundation Scholarship Program - Teacher of the Year and other Board approved initiatives. It is gratifying to see organizations work together rather than operating in silos. Listen to these two individuals working to make our community a great place to live, work, learn & play.
Episode 89 focuses on how the changing demographic in South Florida over the past decades has provided opportunities for shared experiences. It was not too long ago that South Florida was viewed as the place people went to retire and live their "golden years." This is, of course, a wonderful place to retire but many families have relocated to South Florida to enjoy the wonderful weather, recreational amenities and relaxed lifestyle available year-round. This has created a diversity of ages that can offer great opportunities. Several weeks ago we highlighted an intergenerational program where children and retirees at an adult day care program can do joint activities. My guests today also are offering an opportunity for musicians from 10 - 90+ to make music together. The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra was founded by Lorraine Marks. Together with her husband, Robert Field, they have nurtured this opportunity for young and old to make beautiful music together. Listen to their excitement about this wonderful organization.
Episode 88 offers our listeners an opportunity to hear about the services available in our community to address mental illness. Mental illness is NOT a dirty word. Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Rita Thrasher, a champion for starting a conversation about mental illness. She recognized the need to take the issue of mental illness out of the shadows. My guests , today, are on the front lines of delivering affordable mental health services to our community. Dr Holly Katz is Clinical & Training Director at The Faulk Center for Counseling. She is joined by Jonathan Price, the Center's CEO. Together, they are spreading the word about the free and low-cost counseling services for people of all ages (from children to the elderly). Their services are available at their Boca Raton facility, at various senior communities and area schools and through Telehealth. If you or someone you know is in need of these services, I urge you to have them listen to this episode.
Episode 87 is an opportunity to hear our guest, Nina Presman, share her journey to self actualization and enlightenment, and how she uses quantum energy and metaphysical phenomena to heal childhood abuse, PTSD, and debilitating conditions in men, women, and children. Nina discusses her journey from Russia, surviving multiple abusive relationships, to establishing a state of the art institute to help people look as young as they feel, as founder of the Anti Aging Center of Boca. Her life experience has convinced her people can harness their inner power to heal many of the issues interfering with their health and happiness. Nina has now established Energy Work Unlimited to share this understanding with her clients. It's a very interesting conversation. I know you'll find this episode thought provoking.
Episode 86 takes a look at how our community is governed and by whom. One of the important qualities of Florida is the concept of "Home Rule." The concept is addressed in the Florida Constitution and reserves to the cities, towns, villages and counties the responsibility to enact rules and ordinances for their residents in a way that a federal or state legislature cannot. My own entry into the political world was as a member of the City Council in Boca Raton. A five member body charged with guiding the municipality's growth and management. As I moved onto an opportunity to serve as a County Commissioner, I was succeeded by Monica Mayotte. Due to "term limits," Deputy Mayor Mayotte will be stepping away from the City Council at the end of her term in March. This episode was my opportunity to catch up with Ms. Mayotte to talk about her experience as a member of the City Council over the past 5 1/2 years and to talk about what still lies ahead for the City of Boca Raton, now boasting over 100,000 residents. I know you'll find this conversation very informative.
Episode 85 takes a slightly different direction than past conversations. We have repeatedly emphasized the fertile business environment in South Florida (and especially Palm Beach County). But, the question for many within our community is how to exploit those opportunities. My guest, Victoria Salem, is a professional development coach who focuses on communication, public speaking and networking skills. She helps her clients increase their confidence, become more successful and create better opportunities. Victoria is a strong believer in the power of networking and communication. Used well, they are both a key route to success. She focuses on helping individuals develop the necessary skills to become more effective networkers and communicators leading them to more success and building better relationships. Her training solutions cover business networking and communication; presentation and public speaking; an online presence; and personal and professional confidence. If you are seeking an edge in the business marketplace I know you'll find this conversation very informative.
Episode 84 may feel a bit like déjà vu. Several weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting with the president and president-elect of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton. As we mentioned then, Boca Raton is so committed to "Service Above Self" that we have multiple clubs. The "original" club was established in 1957. That club, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, boasts over 80 community minded business leaders as members. Their focus is on student education and, to that end, they have been producing the OPAL Awards which, in turn, raises funds for full-ride scholarships. This year, the Rotary celebrated the 25th Anniversary of this annual event. OPAL stands for Outstanding Awards And Leaders. For the past 25 years, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton has recognized citizens in Boca Raton who have demonstrated an on-going commitment to serve their neighbors through philanthropic, business leadership, as well as education, government, community and medical service endeavors. These individuals represent the ESSENCE of why Boca Raton is a remarkable place to live, work. learn and raise a family. Take a listen and, perhaps, you will understand why we are so proud of our community and the people giving back each and every day.
Episode 83 introduces our listeners to another of our local nonprofit agencies. Scholastic achievement is a critical need for our children as they prepare to take their places in a world economy. Emphasis, of late, has been on STEM (an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). These four fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. However, as our guest Shanna St. John, executive director of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, and I believe, STEAM offers a well-rounded education (with the addition of "A" for Arts). The benefits of a music education is the focus of Shanna's efforts. With rigorous career preparation, many creative school programs have been cut from the curriculum. The inclusion of programs such as music education can have major impacts on a student's growth and development. Take a listen and, perhaps, you will understand why we believe the Arts cannot be crowded out of our children's academic offerings.
Episode 82brings us back to my favorite topic, giving back (especially within a community where, too often, we are judged as "self-absorbed" and too concerned with our own well being). As regular listeners of this podcast know, I am an unapologetic cheerleader for the many residents in our community who give of themselves to "pay it forward." Granted, the "Boca'' lifestyle offers glitz and glamour with galas and star-studded events designed to attract charitable contributions for many worthy causes. A parallel universe of service organizations is also present where individuals of modest means can still make a difference. One of those organizations is Rotary. I have come to know many within our community who are making a difference, quietly and incrementally, by volunteering their time on projects organized by one of the Rotary Clubs here in Boca Raton. It is my privilege to have two friends, Kim Champion and Bruce Spizler as my guest for this episode. Kim and Bruce are the president and president-elect, respectively, of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton. Their community service niche is health, nutrition and medicine. They roll up their sleeves and volunteer in multiple ways in our community, making a difference for many. Take a listen and, perhaps, their enthusiasm for what they are doing will inspire you to do likewise.
Episode 81 highlights the close ties between South Florida and our neighbors in South America. Our guests, Mary Sol Gonzalez and Claudia Nichols introduce our listeners to the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Initiative (HEI) Florida, founded by entrepreneurs who embody the unique characteristics of being immigrants from Latin America, and doing business in the United States. Their mission is to foster economic prosperity in South Florida through business acculturation training and coaching for entrepreneurs and small business owners. As Mary Sol explains, the gap is real for immigrants of Latin American origins doing business in the US. Through HEI she is helping to close that gap for US businesses looking to open outlets in South America as well as entrepreneurs from South America seeking to put down roots in the United States.
Episode 80 spotlights the therapeutic use of horses in addressing the mental health issues of many of our children. Horses Healing Hearts was founded in 2009 by Lizabeth Olszewski. As a child of alcoholic parents, Liz was eventually taken in and raised by a loving aunt who changed her life forever. Her unique story of a horse, mentorship and healthy emotional support became the inspiration for the programs she provides today. From the beginning, Horses Healing Hearts has helped at-risk youth in South Florida through the magnificence of the human and horse relationship. Kids facing adversity gain the confidence and coping skills needed to overcome their trauma. During each equine therapy session, children learn life skills such as decision making, safe people, communication and healthy ways to express feelings. In her Executive Director role, she oversees the daily operation of this "homegrown" charity. I hope you'll find Liz's story compelling.
Episode 79 is my opportunity to have my friend and fellow podcast personality, Paige Kornblue, join me. Our love for our community is quite evident from our activities throughout Palm Beach County. Paige, a Boca Raton native, is an award-winning journalist who enjoys telling the stories and showcasing the brands that make a difference. After nearly two decades anchoring and reporting for top-rated television stations across America, she founded Paige Kornblue Media and the Paige Kornblue Show to feature everything from interesting people to premium products and fascinating places that make our community special. Summer in South Florida was once very quiet (as snow-birds flew north). That has changed and so much is happening each summer that we couldn't scratch the surface of the events occuring over the next few months. Many of these events are part of Boca Chamber Festival Days. Grab a pencil (or your iPhone) to add a few of these upcoming events to your calendar.
Episode 78 addresses how our community is ensuring our veterans receive the respect and, where necessary, services they need. Too often, our veterans only receive our attention on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day or another day set aside to recognize their service to our country. However, the issues confronted by many of our returning veterans require more than a few days of recognition. One of my priorities as a County Commissioner was to ensure veterans received the services they required on an ongoing basis especially as it came to housing. My guests today Ryan Onda and Jonathon Musgrave discuss the services provided by Semper-Fi Service Dogs, Inc. This is another "home-grown" nonprofit agency created in Palm Beach County to provide service dogs to veterans confronting PTSD as a result of their military service. It is also a story of providing a second chance to dogs who might otherwise be euthanized. As Ryan noted, he has changed the lives of every dog and person he has touched through his tireless efforts - training and placing over 40 rescue dogs with veterans in need. He creates a bond between the veterans and their dogs that, through their lifetime, continues to strengthen and grow - giving them the confidence and freedom to a life they deserve. I hope you find our conversation worth a listen.
Episode 77 highlights the hamburger! Our first guest, Chef George Patti, began his love affair with food at the age of 14 when he prepared and smoked meats at his father's New Rochelle NY deli. He went on to attend Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Institute in Rhode Island. His path to become a successful chef and business owner eventually led him to the Florida Keys, where he established MEAT Eatery & Tap room (in a sea of seafood restaurants). He eventually added a second location in Boca Raton where guests are invited to sample the great creations (including the world famous Juicy Lucy!). Our second guest, Russell Spadaccini, has been producing culinary events for over ten years. One of those events, the Boca Burger Battle, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary when it is held on July 15th at Sanborn Square. The hand-picked Burger Battle 2023 team of Top Chefs will compete for the title of Best Battle Burger. As a "celebrity judge" for the past few years, I can vouch for the fun and flavor this even brings to South Florida. I hope you find our conversation worth a listen and, perhaps, you will join us at this great event!
Episode 76 begins with an overview of the services offered by the 211 Helpline. Our guest, Candi Spitz, is Director of Development and Community Relations at the 211 Helpline for Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast. They also double as the Suicide Hotline for residents in crisis who can reach out to caring professionals by dialing 211 or the new National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988. In addition to her advocacy for the services offered by the 211 Helpline, Candi is committed to helping families navigate the terrain when someone they know is autistic. Candi is the mother of identical/mirror image twins - both have Autism. As a single mom, she has learned how this disease impacts the lives of those afflicted and those responsible for their safety and development. As Candi describes it, her boys are her whole world and Autism makes them very special. She is an Autism trainer for law enforcement and first responders in Palm Beach County and serves as a Special Needs Advocate for the Palm Beach County Courts. This is a very special lady. As always, I hope you find our conversation worth a listen!
Episode 75 is an opportunity to see how nonprofit agencies can learn to work together, ignoring the initial fear of seeing their donor base supplanted by "competing" missions. My guest, today, is Lindy Harvey, executive Director of the Spirit of Giving Network. Regular listeners of my podcast know we have highlighted the exceptional work done by many of the non profit agencies operating in South Florida. Many of these are "home grown" by residents who saw a need and have made it their mission to attack that need. Spirit of Giving Network has created opportunities for collaboration through its training, Holiday Gift Drive and Back to School Bash. Eliminating silos and redundant efforts makes everyone more efficient. With over 100 non profit member agencies, the overarching aim of Spirit of Giving is to streamline the delivery of services to the community. As always, I hope you find our conversation worth a listen!
Episode 74 is my opportunity to discuss "Jewish memorabilia'' with Neil Keller. Long before Neil made his home here in South Florida, he became an avid collector of trading cards, autographs and other memorabilia of famous Jewish people. Over the past 37 years he has collected over 22,000 items which he claims makes it among the largest in the world. He has been a featured speaker at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown NY and has spoken at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. The Washington Post, Jerusalem Post and Sun Sentinel have written about his hobby and he boasts countless articles in various publications. He was even the subject of a movie produced in 2000, "Obsessed with Jews'" by Jeff Krulik. We are also pleased to bring back Pamela Weinroth, Executive Director of the Boca West Children's Foundation. She updates us on their activities supporting over 30 nonprofit agencies in South Florida (committed to assisting our most vulnerable children). As always, I hope you find our conversations worth a listen!
Episode 73is a bit of a departure from many of our conversations over the past two years. Chuck Forbes is our guest. He is Director of Brand Strategy at More Visibility. Back in 2000, my wife, Pamela, and I opened a durable medical supply company. Our primary market was mail order. We quickly realized there was a whole other world of online commerce available to us. We built a website and waited, and waited, and waited. The old adage, if you build it they will come (misquoted line spoken by Ray Kinsella, in the film Field of Dreams) didn't seem to be working out. Enter More Visibility. We learned about "optimizing the website design," we heard about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), designed to improve the appearance and positioning of web pages in organic search results. Because organic search is the most prominent way for people to discover and access online content, a good SEO strategy is essential for improving the quality and quantity of traffic to a website. It was a whole new world for us but we quickly realized our tiny company could compete with the much bigger and better capitalized companies in our space of commerce. Chuck is a home grown talent, having graduated from the College of Arts & Letters at FAU. If you have ever contemplated creating an online presence, this conversation is worth a listen!
Episode 72 is your opportunity to hear about the services offered to our South Florida community by JAFCO. As we learn from Janet Epstein, Philanthropy Director at JAFCO, the original mission of this organization, established 31 years ago, was to act as a family preservation agency - offering hope and services to children in need of foster care and adoption services. From there an emergency shelter was established in 2002 to service the residential needs of children from birth to 23. The JAFCO mission expanded again in 2014 when they opened the Children's Ability Center - providing intensive support services and respite care to families raising children with developmental disabilities. In the wake of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS, a refuge for those in need of counseling and mental health services was created at Eagles' Haven. As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
Episode 71 is an opportunity to focus on an issue of great importance to me - literacy! "Learning to Read" occurs during the early years of a child's education – typically kindergarten through 3rd grade – and consists primarily of decoding and memorizing basic words. The focus is phonemic awareness and phonics. Children learn letters make sounds, and how to mesh those sounds together so d-o-g becomes "dog". They continue progressing through this stage until they achieve "fluency", at which point they're ready to tackle increasingly difficult texts and begin "Reading to Learn." Unfortunately, in Palm Beach County, less than 60 percent are reading at grade level as they enter 4th grade! Ted Hoskinson has been working to increase literacy in our students, focusing on Title 1 schools in Palm Beach County with his "homegrown" nonprofit agency, "Roots & Wings." His mission is simple - prepare our children for their future place in our world economy. As always, I hope you will enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed our conversation.
Episode 70 is my opportunity to have another conversation with Rabbi Ruvi New. As regular listeners of our podcast know, conversations with the Rabbi have offered thoughtful perspectives on how religion can impact our lives. Today, Rabbi New and I began a discussion on Life, Death and the Rest in Peace. In our 30 minute conversation, we only scratched the surface on Jewish values and ritual as we face the end of life. The Jewish view on respecting the remains of the departed and how one might address the manner of internment are issues I ask the Rabbi to discuss. We also cover such issues as organ donations. We've asked Rabbi New to come back in the coming months to continue our conversation. Views on the afterlife, heaven and hell and reincarnation will be examined. As always, I hope you will enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed our conversation.
Episode 69 is my opportunity to have a conversation about nothing in particular (sounds a lot like the premise behind Seinfeld, doesn't it ... "a show about nothing", often focusing on the minutiae of daily life). My guest today is Carlos Romero. We are neighbors, friends and members of many of the same organizations. Today we're just going to have a conversation about what comes to mind and you are eavesdropping. But don't be embarrassed - we know you're listening and we hope you find something of interest. Unfortunately, you cannot join in to offer your two cents - but I hope you will enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed just catching up.
Episode 68 is my opportunity to talk about ways to teach people not to hate thy neighbor. Jennifer Romanoff and I met last year as she was facilitating the "Hate Ends Now" tour which brought a freight car with a message to various venues in South Florida. The tour brought a World War II-era cattle car replica to our community. providing a 360-degree multimedia exhibit teaching about the method of transportation used to ship Jewish people and other marginalized groups to concentration camps during the Holocaust. The exhibit also aimed to inspire people to end hate crimes. Jennifer is a passionate and dedicated individual who currently serves as an NCSY advisor in Boca Raton. NCSY is an international youth movement aimed at insoring Jewish teens to connect with their heritage. I hope you will enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed this discussion.
Episode 67 is my opportunity to visit with Shana Ostrovitz, Shana is the Executive Director of a private members-only club called "1909." The club is a group of "community of leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and philanthropists who share a passion for excellence, a desire to connect with like-minded individuals, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world." As Shana explains, the club offers a variety of amenities and services, including a co-working space, private offices, event space, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and more. Memberships are available by invitation or referral only, but the membership process is selective and based on factors such as character, values, and accomplishments. Ultimately, the club provides a high-end, exclusive environment for its members to network, socialize, and collaborate with one another. Listen to Shana explain how this Club is helping our entrepreneurs succeed.
Episode 66 is the start of what I am hoping will be a continuing dialogue on religion and how it's embraced by our residents. My guest today is Australian-born Rabbi Ruvi New. Rabbi New and his wife, Ahuva, founded the Boca Beaches Chabad in 1999. He is the publisher and editor of Inside Out Magazine, a national publication dedicated to contemporary Jewish thought and is also currently working on producing a musical tribute to the life of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Chabad movement traces its roots to the 18th century in Eastern Europe. It is known for its distinctive outreach efforts to promote Jewish education, community service, and religious observance. The word "Chabad" is an acronym of three Hebrew words that represent the movement's central teachings: Chochmah (wisdom), Binah (understanding), and Da'at (knowledge). These teachings emphasize the intellectual and mystical dimensions of Judaism, and the movement places a strong emphasis on the study of Torah (Jewish scripture) and the teachings of Jewish mysticism, known as Kabbalah. Rabbi New is a dynamic and respected spiritual leader who serves the Jewish community in Boca Raton. He is known for his engaging and thought-provoking sermons that are relevant to modern-day challenges and issues. He is committed to helping individuals develop a meaningful and authentic relationship with Judaism, regardless of their background or level of observance. He is highly respected for his compassion, wisdom, and ability to inspire others to live meaningful and purposeful lives. I hope this will be the first of a series of conversations with members of our religious community in South Palm Beach County.
Episode 65 circles back to a subject we have addressed before, the scarcity of decent, affordable housing and our need to care for the homeless within our community. As we have discussed, we are blessed to have multiple nonprofit agencies reaching out to the most vulnerable within our community. Be it Boca Helping Hands, Salvation Army, the Homeless Coalition of PBC or the organization we are spotlighting today, Changing Lives. Our guests today are Lelsy Morales, Director of Operations and Jerry Pagan, Spiritual Director. They are helping the homeless, people seeking employment and job training, those in need of healthy meals, those in need of emotional support or seeking hospital and preventative healthcare information, those in need of clothing, in need of religious resources and, most importantly, those ready to change their lives and become self-sufficient. Listen to these dedicated individuals as they explain how they're making a difference and learn how you can make an impact by attending their upcoming 3rd Annual Celebration on April 21st! You too could help change a life!
Episode 64 introduces us to the Marine Education Initiative. The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and is home to a diverse range of species that have yet to be fully explored and understood. However, the health of the ocean is in peril due to a range of human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. It is crucial that we equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become responsible stewards of the ocean. That is where the Marine Education Initiative comes in. The Marine Education Initiative is a global effort to promote marine education and awareness among young people. It aims to inspire and empower the next generation of ocean stewards by providing them with opportunities to learn about the ocean, its inhabitants, and the threats that it faces. The initiative brings together educators, scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to create innovative and engaging educational resources for students of all ages. These resources include lesson plans, interactive online tools, and hands-on activities that promote scientific inquiry and critical thinking. My guest, Nocolas Metropulos, is Executive Director of MEI and I know you'll find our conversation on the ocean and agraponics very interesting.
Episode 63 is our opportunity to meet Dr Jaimee Sabato, newly appointed Executive Director of Unicorn Children’s Foundation. Her enthusiasm for the Foundation and its programs shines through and she knows what it means to the participants, families, and community to make their Unicorn Connection Center a rewarding and comfortable place to work, grow, and learn.
Unicorn Children's Foundation, founded in 1994, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating cradle to career pathways for kids and young adults with developmental differences and helping their families navigate the complex journey. I hope you will find our conversation interesting as we discover the resources available to exceptional children, adults and their families.
Episode 62 is an opportunity to spotlight the situation being faced by many children in our community .. caring for a family member while trying to focus on their studies. It's a situation more common than you might think. There are more than 3.4 million caregiving youth nationwide. The American Association of Caregiving Youth was established by Dr Connie Siskowski whose dream is for all family caregivers to be honored and respected (especially youth) for their contribution to family and society. Debralyn Belletieri is the board chair for AACY. She and her husband, Ronnie, discuss the reason they support AACY and go onto explain how they'll be holding a family fun event, "BINGO on the Bightline" on May 7th. This will be an opportunity for residents to support AACY and have fun doing it!
Episode 61 is an opportunity to spotlight the efforts of our community to act humanely to our pets. Jeri Caprio and Sharon DiPietro are committed to the abandoned pets (both dogs and cats) who are re-homed by the compassionate staff and volunteers at Tri-County Animal Rescue (TCAR). Jeri has established a non-profit to raise funds for this cause, Horses and Hounds Charitable Foundation. Originally focused on the humane treatment of "retired" greyhounds from our racetracks, her focus has been redirected to abandoned pets with the elimination of greyhound racing in Florida. TCAR has assumed the task of offering abandoned pets an opportunity to find a fur-ever homes, This "no-kill" shelter is offering veterinary services and adoption opportunities for thousands of pets. TCAR is proud to have saved over 88,000 pets since their establishment in 1996. The 18th Annual Doggie and Kittie Ball (to be held on March 18th at the Boca West Country Club) will be an opportunity for residents to support TCAR and have a great evening!
Episode 60 allows us to focus on the abundant acitivities hanppening right here in Palm Beach County. From the South Florida Fair to spring training at two beautiful stadiums (one in West Palm Beach and the other in Jupiter) there are abundant activities for the family to enjoy. Our guest this week is Brooke Robinson. She is the CEO at BAR Event Group and she is the founder of the West Boca Family Festival. The innaugural running of this family-friendly event will be March 17-19 at the Burt Aronson South County Regional Park. Some of the planned activities are axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, face painting, a cheerleading competition on Saturday Mar March 18th, led by Netflix star of Cheer, Gabi Butler, and much more. CPR and Mixology Classes are also planned.
Listeners to this podcast are eligible for a 20 percent discount on admissions (which children under 6 can enjoy without charge and active military, veterans, first responders and teachers can enjoy for 50 percent off). Go to www.BocaFamFest.com and use discount code PB20 for your Palm Beach County Perspective discount. Hope to see you there!
Episode 59 returns to a common theme of our podcasts, giving back. In south Palm Beach County we have not one, not two, but five Rotary Clubs. Each subscribes to the idea of providing "service above self." Each has identified a specific role; they have identified as their mission. Be it support of our educational institutions or mentoring and providing scholarships to our most deserving students, our Rotary Club members have focused on making the community a better place.
Our guests this week, representing the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, discuss how they have embraced the needs of students aspiring to be doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. An important vehicle for raising funds for scholarships is their annual "Honor Your Doctor" luncheon. Not only are our current medical professionals recognized for their dedication to their patients but the event provides funding for our next generation of medical professionals. Listen to our guests, Jon Kaye, Alan Kaye and Janice Williams talk from the heart.
Episode 58 offers an opportunity to spotlight the work of an amazing couple, Esmeralda (Essie) and Malachi Knowles. I originally met Malachi while I was a member of the Board of County Commissioners. Malachi serves as a board member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination. The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (with a focus on the off-season), and maximizes utilization of County facilities. Essie and Malachi are founders of the Inner City Youth Golfers. The mission of the ICYG is to provide community youth with positive life skills lessons using the game of golf to make them outstanding adults in the future and to build a permanent state of the art ICYG Learning Center & Museum in Riviera Beach. Founded in 2000, the ICGY prides itself on its programs combining golf and education - providing an opportunity for children ages 7-18 to learn, play and enjoy golf while promoting academic excellence to offer brighter futures for tomorrow. Join me as we discuss this important initiative.
Episode 57 deals with how a community refuses to take cancer lying down! The Pap Corps, Champions for Cancer Research, has grown into one of the largest all-volunteer fundraising organizations in South Florida. With over 50 chapters and 20,000 members, it has dedicated itself to supporting research for all types of cancer at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. My guest on this installment of Palm Beach County Perspective is Sally Berenzweig, CEO of the Pap Corps which just celebrated its 70 year partnership with Sylvester/University of Miami. I met Sally when she was guiding KidSafe Foundation, another homegrown nonprofit agency here in Palm Beach County, which she co-founded with Cherie Benjoseph. We spend a few minutes speaking about that organization, which has as its mission, "a world where all kids are safe from sexual abuse and childhood trauma." Join me as Sally and I discuss these two very important initiatives.
Special Episode: This episode offers a slightly different format. We begin with an interview of a very talented young lady, Montana Tucker who, it turns out, hails from Boca Raton. Montana has an impressive list of artistic accomplishments including a career that began at 8, appearing in national commercials, as a dancer (where she won "World Hip Hop Championships") and several hit singles. She is currently promoting a "Concert 4 Kindness" presented by Marilyn & Jay Weinberg and set to be held at FAU's Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium in Boca Raton on Sunday January 15th. The proceeds from the concert will directed to the "Make a Difference Fund" to support scholarships and programs within the FAU's future Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust & Jewish Studies building. Along with College of Arts and Letters Dean Michael Horswell, we have a lively conversation about Montana's motivation for doing this concert. As a special treat, with her permission, we offer her hit, "Be Myself" at the end of our interview! I hope you enjoy this special episode.
Episode 55 offers a glimpse at one of our residents, Rayna Rose Exelbierd, an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Youth Mentor, and Children's Author. Rayna dedicates her efforts to empowering youth. She has personally mentored thousands of students from around the world including India, Romania, Israel, Poland, Austria, Cuba, Latvia, Germany, Canada, and the United States. As she explains, Rayna’s primary focus is mentoring teens to build self confidence, networking skills, setting personal goals and learning how to respect others and their cultures. This results in highly developed social and listening skills and courage to be proud of their own individuality. Inspired by the loss of her father Rayna authored The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone. She uses real people, places, and animals from her life to reinforce themes of kindness, conversation, and resilience. As the grandaughter of Holocaust Survivors Rayna has always been proud to volunteer her time with Survivors and other philanthropic causes. Her movement The Rose Grows is training more young leaders how to reach their goals and be kind. I hope you enjoy listening to this high energy guest.
Episode 54 allows me to sit down and talk to a very interesting member of our community. Chris Simpson and I met several months ago at one of the many galas held to support the nonprofit agencies in our community. Chris was introduced to me as a member of the US Secret Service. As you might imagine, that immediately caught my attention with the normal questions one might have for someone who has, literally, placed his life before another as a protector of US Presidents. And, while I am sure you will find that conversation quite interesting, he is transitioning out of a career as a protector of our democratically elected leaders and a new role as President & CEO of CBMC (Connecting Business & Marketplace to Christ). CBMC, which began in Chicago in 1930, currently boasts an international presence with teams in over 100 counties on 6 continents. Take a few minutes to learn about this dynamic leader as he assumes his new role. I hope you will invest the next 30 minutes and listen to this very interesting conversation.
Episode 53 addresses the services available to residents who have mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Our guests include Mark Astor, an attorney who has dedicated himself to assisting clients with substance abuse and mental health issues. Mark began his legal career as a Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney, a position he held until 1999. In February 2016, Mark formed Drug and Alcohol Attorneys, a concierge service dedicated to help families and individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Mark is joined by Stuart Warren and Christine Storm from Caron Treatment Center. They explain how Caron transforms lives impacted by addiction and substance use through proven, comprehensive, and patient-centric treatment plans. They are dedicated to delivering evidence-based, gender-specific behavioral health and addiction programming, all while treating patients and families with the respect they deserve. United by compassion for every person who comes to them for help, they advocate for patients and families through personalized treatment and financial accessibility. They strive to ease the pain of addiction by restoring health, hope, spirituality, and relationships, ultimately preparing individuals and families for lifelong recovery. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen to this very important discussion.
Episode 52, as promised we have invited Professor Robert Watson back for a second episode. As mentioned last week, Watson is a prolific writer. He is the author of 47 books and approximately 200 scholarly articles, essays and chapters on topics in history and politics, a professor, author, historian, media commentator and community activist. This week we pivot away from local politics and take a deep dive into American presidential politics. We discuss his picks for best President and then go on to discuss First Ladies. We also discuss one his most recent books, The Nazi Titanic, a look at a heretofore untold story of the construction and eventual sinking of a ship built during WWII. *W*e had so much to talk about. I am hoping we can bring Professor Watson back for another episode in the near future - so sit back and listen to another interesting conversation.
Episode 51 as we begin our second year of podcasts (yes, we did take a few weeks off when we took a cruise around Iceland), we finally snagged a guest we've been chasing for over 6 months. Professor Robert Watson is a busy, busy guy! An author of 47 books and approximately 200 scholarly articles, essays and chapters on topics in history and politics, a professor, author, historian, media commentator and community activist, we really wanted to sit him down to talk about history, politics and education. Robert Watson is a professor, author, historian, media commentator and community activist. His recent books America’s First Crisis, The Nazi Titanic, The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn, George Washington’s Final Battle and Escape have received critical acclaim. A frequent media commentator, Watson has been interviewed by local, national and international television, radio, print and online outlets including CNN, MSNBC, Time, USAToday, The New York Times, BBC and more. He served for many years as the political analyst for WPTV 5 NBC, a Sunday columnist for the Sun-Sentinel newspaper and a regular guest on television shows “To the Point” (WPTV 5 NBC) and “Issues” (WPBT 2 PBS) and on radio programs on RTE One Ireland, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, WIOD 610 AM and WFTL 850 AM. Spoiler alert -- we had so much to talk about we invited Professor Watson back for Episode 52 - so sit back and listen to a very interesting conversation.
Episode 50 is something of a milestone - we celebrate our 50th episode with Evan Darnell, the self-proclaimed "Secretary of Steak" at the Red Meat Lovers Club. This is an exclusive networking club where, as you might surmise, there are copious portions of red meat (as well as cigars and adult beverages). The ultimate mission of the club is to make sure the members are stronger as a group. While they exists to exalt the act of gathering and dining, where every "meating" is a curated experience that nobody but their "Steaksmen" can enjoy, they couple their gatherings with the desire to give back and have raised over a million dollars for community charities as they "beef, drink, smoke and laugh." What a way to celebrate our 50th show. I wish we had video of the charcuterie board of meats he brought to the studio!
Episode 49 is a chance to kick back and just talk about the state of affairs in Palm Beach County with our producer, Brian Howie. Brian came to our county a little over a year ago with the idea of creating studios for people (like me) who had an idea for a podcast, and opened his third PodPopuli location right here in Boca. It remains for you to decide if I made the right decision to jump into this medium having, heretofore, used the likes of Facebook and other social media platforms to get my message out. This episode is a departure from the previous 4 dozen since it's pretty much a conversation between two friends who enjoy what Palm Beach County has to offer. So sit back and listen to our perspectives on our community!
Episode 49 is a chance to kick back and just talk about the state of affairs in Palm Beach County with our producer, Brian Howie. Brian came to our county a little over a year ago with the idea of creating studios for people (like me) who had an idea for a podcast, and opened his third PodPopuli location right here in Boca. It remains for you to decide if I made the right decision to jump into this medium having, heretofore, used the likes of Facebook and other social media platforms to get my message out. This episode is a departure from the previous 4 dozen since it's pretty much a conversation between two friends who enjoy what Palm Beach County has to offer. So sit back and listen to our perspectives on our community!
Episode 48 returns an important theme, education. In this episode, we are happy to welcome Daniel M Gropper, PhD and Dean of the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University. Dan joined FAU after a 25 year career at Auburn University where he was the Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs. At FAU he is leading one of the top 20 largest AACSB accredited business schools in the United States. Dr Gropper's educational philosophy is that while business students need to know the most current technical skills in their area of specialization, they also need a broad education in the sciences and liberal arts so they can think critically, communicate effectively and be prepared to learn new skills as their careers progress. Join me as we take a deep dive into his thoughts on the primacy of a free enterprise economic system.
Episode 48 returns an important theme, education. In this episode, we are happy to welcome Daniel M Gropper, PhD and Dean of the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University. Dan joined FAU after a 25 year career at Auburn University where he was the Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs. At FAU he is leading one of the top 20 largest AACSB accredited business schools in the United States. Dr Gropper's educational philosophy is that while business students need to know the most current technical skills in their area of specialization, they also need a broad education in the sciences and liberal arts so they can think critically, communicate effectively and be prepared to learn new skills as their careers progress. Join me as we take a deep dive into his thoughts on the primacy of a free enterprise economic system.
Episode 47 offers an opportunity to have a conversation with three "social influencers" in our community. Michelle Olson-Rogers is the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a leading lifestyle site for the stylish and modern South Florida parent. Her website features local businesses, events, lifestyle and family travel options and she also is a regular contributor to Boca Raton Magazine. Shaina Wizov is the founder of a local food and lifestyle blog and social media platform that recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Shaina has a pulse on what's popular and she views herself as a natural connector. She's a credible source for local knowledge about restaurants, wellness brands, spas, gyms, shopping and more. Cary Roman is founder of LivingFLA.com and recently launched TheGourmetClub.com, a delicious event driven website for people who want to explore the best South Florida restaurants. A seasoned creative strategist, Cary loves working with local businesses, event organizers and non-profits to improve their brand awareness and increase engagement across social channels.
Episode 47 offers an opportunity to have a conversation with three "social influencers" in our community. Michelle Olson-Rogers is the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a leading lifestyle site for the stylish and modern South Florida parent. Her website features local businesses, events, lifestyle and family travel options and she also is a regular contributor to Boca Raton Magazine. Shaina Wizov is the founder of a local food and lifestyle blog and social media platform that recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Shaina has a pulse on what's popular and she views herself as a natural connector. She's a credible source for local knowledge about restaurants, wellness brands, spas, gyms, shopping and more. Cary Roman is founder of LivingFLA.com and recently launched TheGourmetClub.com, a delicious event driven website for people who want to explore the best South Florida restaurants. A seasoned creative strategist, Cary loves working with local businesses, event organizers and non-profits to improve their brand awareness and increase engagement across social channels.
Episode 46 offers me an opportunity to have a conversation with Jason Hagensick, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County. Jason is a recent "transplant" to our community, arriving in 2016. Prior to arriving with his wife Liz and their two children, Jason was on the national staff of the YMCA as a national director of its US operations. A native of Texas, Jason and his family have truly embedded themselves into South Florida. The "Y" continues to respond to the needs of our community with its health and fitness programs, aquatics (including drowning prevention) and youth and adult programming. Take a few minutes to hear about Jason and how he is leading this organization.
Episode 45 offers me an opportunity to talk with my frined, Rabbi Josh Broide. Rabbi Broide was named the first Director of Community Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, which is but one of the many hats he wears. He has served the local Jewish community in a number of presssional roles since moving to Boca Raton in 2000. He has served as Executive Director and Youth & Teen Rabbi at Boca Raton Synagogue He has also served as local Director of the Jewish Student Union and as Rabbi at Hillel of Broward & Palm Beach. Our conversation is pretty wide ranging but mostly focused on his passionate support and love of Israel and his continuing work to connect with the Jewish residents of our community. Born in Capetown South Africa, he spent his childhood in New Jersey (where he met his wife and partner, Simone) before making Boca Raton his home. He is a true "mensch" (a person of honor and integrity) and I know you'll enjoy listening to our conversation.
Episode 44 continues on a recurrent theme for our podcasts, addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. While our county boasts over 40 billionaires living in our community, there is a segment of our community that can easily be overlooked as they grapple with the forces of economic disparity. What I find most gratifying is the collaboration between the government and the nonprofits agencies and, perhaps more importantly, between nonprofit agencies. The issues impacting our residents often require the services of multiple agencies. Our guest, Dr Frank Marangos is Director of Development and Communications for the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County. We speak about the services offered by his agency and his efforts to work beyond his own agency to ensure their clients are getting the assistance they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a stable household. To learn about this issue, sit back and listen.
Episode 43 addresses a subject that can be a little difficult to talk about, the safety of our children from abuse. My guests for this episode are Cherie Benjoseph, Co-founder of KidSafe Foundation, the foundation's CEO, Laura Askowitz and Matt Spritz, a friend of both KidSafe and this podcast. For over 13 years, KidSafe has been making children harder targets for sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. According to Cherie, KidSafe has educated over 60,000 children with onsite education and safety education books and has taught over 30,000 grown-ups how to keep kids safe. Empowered children, according to Laura, are powerful adults. To learn about this issue, sit back and listen.
Episode 42 may sound a little different from our past installments of Palm Beach County Perspective. The reason is two-fold - first, we are out of the studio this week - on location at "The Standard," a venue located in Boca Raton where a great happy hour menu is offered and the clientele is always friendly. The second reason this installment sounds a bit different is that my guest, community activist and concierge attorney, Pamela Higer-Polani, was not to be kept quiet. Seriously, Pamela is a good friend and the interview turned into us bantering about for the duration of our show. She explained her passion for helping the community - currently as the founder of the Brain Bowl Events. The "events" have run the gamut of FUNdraising opportunities to support families enduring the heartbreak of Alzheimer's Disease and, most recently, Tri-County Animal Rescue. To learn about the synergy between those two charities, sit back and listen.
Episode 41 addresses the subject of resiliency - our ability to adapt to a changing environment. The headlines are replete with stories about natural disasters pummeling the world in which we live. Recognizing that we cannot remain spectators to the changes confronting us, Palm Beach County (like many other counties and municipalities in South Florida) established an Office of Resilience to ensure a sustainable and a thriving county while confronting a changing climate through adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development. Our guests today include an environmental analyst, Dr Jake Leech, a lobbyist, Matt Spritz, working at the state and federal level to obtain grants to help fund mitigation projects, and Casey Cittadina, national sales director for SOX Erosion Solutions, offering hands on expertise on the erosion control systems his company as pioneered. Three important voices in our attempt to collaborate with mother nature as our environment evolves!
Episode 40 offers our listeners an opportunity to plan their summer. Lots going on in a county where, just a few years ago, a large portion of our residents were "snow-birds," flying off to the north in April and returning to our fair county in the late fall (generally right after election day). Now, more of our residents are "year-rounders," opting for a vacation for a few weeks in Europe or up north, but remaining here through the summer. Lots to do and our guests, Amy DeNorscio from the city of Boca Raton and Alison Miucio from the Greater Boca Raton Chamber join me to discuss the many exciting events planned for this first "post-pandemic" summer. Take out your calendar and make note of these great events.
Episode 39 offers our listeners a real treat as we sit down for a discussion with Arlene Herson. Arlene has had a remarkable career interviewing celebrities on television and on radio. Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, Phyllis Diller, Walter Cronkite and even NYC Mayor Koch have been among the guests interviewed. Arlene provides snippets of her past conversations with these well known celebrities and newsmakers. Listen to this fun conversation and then you'll probably want to watch a few of her past interviews, available on YouTube!
Episode 38 offers an opportunity to understand how we are keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive (especially for our students) while honoring the many survivors who have made South Florida their home. Our guests today are Keith Myers, president and CEO at MorseLife Health System, a senior living facility in Palm Beach County. He is joined by Randi Posner, past president of Next Generations, a South Flroida based not for profit founded by the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. She is now focused on educational outreach and programming for Holocaust Living Learning Experience, presented by MorseLife NEXT GENERATIONS. Prior to coming to Palm Beach County, Posner taught Holocaust studies at a middle school in Blackwood New Jersey for 25 years. With the rise of anti-semitism, it is important to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are not allowed to be forgotten.
Episode 37 takes us back to the cultutal arts in Palm Beach County. One of the most versatile venues for culture in our county is the Kravis Center which first opened in 1992. Raymond F. Kravis was a prominent geologist and philanthropist from Tulsa, OK, who wintered in Palm Beach for more than 35 years. In 1985, a consortium of his friends donated more than $7 million to name the facility for Mr. Kravis. Today, under the leadership of its new CEO, Diane Quinn, the Kravis is offering an array of programs from Kravis on Braodway, to Art Smart (a series of educational classes, workshops and lectures that take art lovers behind the curtain). There is also a vibrant outreach program to area students to develop their appreciation for art in the next generation. Listen to Ms. Quinn speak of her vision for our community.
Episode 36 returns to talk economic development. After all, unless you are independently wealthy (something I am afraid I cannot claim) there's probably a need to earn a living!
Today's episode foucuses on the World Trade Center Palm Beach. The license for the WTCPB is the property of Boca Raton resident, Al Zucaro. Al, who served as a City Commissioner in West Palm Beach from 1995 to 2002 has been a member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Business Development Board, the Film and Television Commission and the Touris Development Council. His focus today is on building international ties for Florida commerce. He recently returned from a trade mission to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Since the signing of the Abraham Accords by former President Donald Trump, trade with the middle east has become very attractive.
Listen to this informative converstion about the growth of international commerce in South Florida!
Episode 35 circles back back to the roots of our county. We touched upon this previously when we had as our guest, Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Hostorical Museum. Today we welcome back Pastor Bill Mitchell for the third time to our podcast. This time, however, the spotlight is on his father, Bill Sr, and his grandparents, James Cleveland and Floy Mitchell. The Mitchells settled in Boca Raton in 1923. James, or JC as he was known, became successful in real estate during the land boom and became Mayor of of "Boca Ratone," serving from 1939-1949 (Floy took a turn as a member of the City Council). As Bill tells it, Boca in the 60's was a "clean tiwn, but you had to go elsehwere to do anything." Listen as father and son speak about the development of this piece of paradise. It's a great story and worth a listen.
Episode 34 continues our discussions with Florida's Constitutional Officers. We have the privilege of sitting down with Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. The Sheriff is a career law enforcement professional responsible for leading the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County. Bradshaw rose through the ranks of the West Palm Beach Police Department and in 996 was appointed Chief of Police. In 2005, he was sworn in as the 16th sheriff to serve as the county's chief law enforcement officer. The Sheriff's office is composed of over 4,300 employees and approximately 5,000 volunteers. Safety is the number one factor people will focus on when selecting a place to live, work, learn and play. The Sheriff prides himself on his close working relationship with the Board of County Commissioners and the 39 municipalities in Palm Beach County. Listen to a law enforcement professional speak about the task of keeping 1.5 million county residents (including a former President of the United States), and millions of visitors to our county, safe.
Episode 33 continues our discussion on transporation. This is such a complex subject we're devoting two episodes to a deep dive into how transportation is impacting residents of our county and the opportunities before us to make it easier to move from place to place without a private passenger vehicle. Our guest for this episode is Valerie Neilsen, Interim Executive Director for the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA). Last week we discussed Brightline, the first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system in over 100 years. This week Valerie continues tp explain how the TPA has focused on mobility and public transportation as more and more residents are migrating to our state from the northeast. Transportation (along with an educated workforce and affordable workforce housing) are the three factors most important to corporations seeking to relocate. Listen to the plans for the future transportation needs of Palm Beach County.
Episode 31 kicks off a two-part look into the subject of transportation. This is such a complex subject we're devoting two episodes to a deep dive into how transportation is impacting residents of our county and the opportunities before us to make it easier to move from place to place without a private passenger vehicle. Our guests for this episode are Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline Trains and Valerie Neilsen, Interim Executive Director for the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA). Brightline is the first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system in over 100 years. Patrick is responsible for the company's development and construction and bringing this innovative system to market. Valerie will explain how the TPA has focused on mobility and public transportation as more and more residents are migrating to our state from the northeast. Transportation (along with an educated workforce and affordable workforce housing) are the three factors most important to corporations seeking to relocate. Listen to the plans for the future transportation needs of Palm Beach County!
Episode 31 is an opportunity to take a look at two organizations in Palm Beach County giving much needed services to some of our residents with special needs. Our first guest is Sharon Alexnder. She serves as the CEO of Unicorn Children's Foundation in Boca Raton, Fla. It is a one of a kind organization that changes the lives of people living with developmental differences who are disconnected, isolated, and need support. In 2015, Sharon founded and continues to lead the Special Needs Advisory Coalition of Palm Beach County, a collective impact project comprised of more than 600 individuals representing more than 160 organizations who are collaborating to create a more inclusive and supportive community. Our second guest is Danielle Hartman. Hartman joined Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) as President and CEO in March 2010. Danielle is joined by Aliyah Longhurst, Director of the Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy & Family Resource Center (a dividion of JFS). Aliyah comes to JFS with over 20 years of experience working within the mental and behavioral health field with children and families. Aliyah has spent the past 13 years working with children with special needs and their families in Palm Beach County. Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS), through the Center for Families & Children offers a number of supports for families with special needs. Individual and Family Counseling; Support groups for parents, caregivers, siblings and grandparents; Psychiatric Services; Psychological Testing Services; Food & Financial Assistance; and Respite care training program for future special needs workers. Unicorn Children's Foundation is dedicated to creating cradle to career pathways for kids and young adults with developmental differences and helping their families navigate the complex journey. Our last guest is Dr Marlene Sotelo, Executive Director of Els for Autism®. Els is a game-changing resource, delivering and facilitating programs that are examples of what can be available to people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They are committed to better understanding the aspirations of people with autism spectrum disorder and helping them to fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. The Foundation provides high-quality information, intervention, education and support to local, state, national, and international families of diverse cultures. In addition they provide programs based on best practices and develop innovative interventions through investigative study and analysis. If you or someone you know has a family member with special needs, this program will offer useful information on the services available.
Episode 30 takes a break from our discussions with Constitutional Officers and takes a deep dive into...trash! Palm Beach County has mastered the disposal of garbage with its waste to energy facilities at its Solid Waste Authority. Among the many tasks assigned to the Board of County Commissioners is to act as the SWA Board. To that end, we are charged with selecting the haulers for trash, vegetation and other household and commercial items generated in our county. My guests today are employed by WM (heretofore known as Waste Management). Ellen Smith and Greg Huntington give us a bird's eye view on the business of trash disposal. It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it.
However, before we dive into the subject, we take a trip down memory lane with Hunington and talk about his NFL career with the inaugural Jacksonville Jaguars football team when the league added the Jaguars and Carolina Panthers in the 1995 expansion.
This Special Episode was actually recorded at the March 2022 Greater Boca Raton Members' Breakfast where I was invited to present the State of the County address.
Palm Beach County, like the rest of the world, has come through a worldwide pandemic. However, unlike many areas, our community has come through the last two years stronger than we were before enduring the pandemic's hardships. Our economy is strong, our real estate market is red hot. If we have residual issues from the pandemic's challenges its the supply chain issues which, presumably will right themselves over the coming months, the fact that there are more job openings than unemployed residents and finally, with the influx of new residents (coming down from the northeast) our real estate has become unaffordable for many of our longtime residents.
Workforce-affordable housing is the next critical issue with which the Board of County Commissioners will need to grapple. I hope you find this Special Episode helpful in understanding how the county is poised to move forward. If you live in Palm Beach County, Florida, I hope you will spend a few minutes to hear this comprehensive look at our community!
Episode 29 follows up on the discussions we had with the Constitutional Tax Collector, Anne Gannon, in Episode 28. As we noted then, our Constitutional Officers ensure the county operates effectively. The county could not discharge its responsibilities to its residents and visitors if it weren't for these elected individuals, This week we pivot to the Constitutional Property Appraiser, Dorothy Jacks. While Ms. Jacks is elected on a partisan basis, her task (setting the value of property within the county) requires her to ignore the party affiliation of the property owners. We take a deep dive into the operations of our property appraiser. How is the value of property established? What is Homestead and how does it affect the taxable value of residential real estate? How do you seek out a review of the value the property appraiser sets? What are the exemptions you may be entitled to? What is "portability" and how is it applied to a newly purchased property? Why are your taxes increasing? Ms. Jacks has been at this for over three decades so she's well versed in the mechanics of setting value and keeping those numbers current for each of the over 635,000 parcels of property in the county. If you live in Florida, you should pay attention to this episode!
Episode 28 focuses on one of the Constitutional Officers ensuring the county operates effectively. The county could not discharge its responsibilities to its residents and visitors if it were not for our tax collector, Anne Gannon. The tax collector is just one of the mandated positions for every Florida county. In addition to the tax collector, we have the sheriff, state attorney, public defender, clerk of the circuit court, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and, of course, the county commissioners. While each of these officials is elected on a partisan basis, their tasks require the incumbents to ignore party affiliations, once in office. We take a deep dive into the operations of our tax collector. In addition to ensuring the funds due to taxing authorities is collected, Ms. Gannon also serves as the county's department of motor vehicles. This task consumes a great deal of her staff's energies as they must issue driver licenses, state ID cards and registrations to every driver and boater in Palm Beach County. As tax collector, Ms. Gannon is required by law to hold an annual tax certificate sale to collect the preceding year's unpaid taxes and associated fees within 60 days of the date of delinquency or June 1st, whichever is later. The two things her office does not do are setting the tax rate (millage) or establishing the taxable value of the property to be taxed. Setting the millage rate is handled by the taxing authorities (e.g. municipalities and county) and establishing the "true value" of the property within the county is the task of the property appraiser. If you live in Florida, you should pay attention to this episode!
Episode 27 focuses on the ease with which travelers can arrive and depart from Palm Beach County. Our guests today are two women who are keeping our skies accessible for air travelers. Laura Beebe has been the Executive Director of Palm Beach International Airport for the past four years, succeeding to that position after serving under Bruce Pelly who had served in that role for 32 years. Lots going on at PBIA (and the three other county airports under Ms. Beebe's oversight). Our second guest, Clara Bennet is the Executive Director of Boca Raton (Executive) Airport (BCT). This airport is actually owned by the State of Florida with a Board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and the City of Boca Raton. Ms. Bennett has been in her current role for eight years after serving as Deputy Director of Transportation and Mobility with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Air travel is essential for the continued economic vitality of our community and these two ladies explain how they are ensuring these operations are supporting our community!
Episode 26 focuses on the needs of young families. Our first guest, Serena Girardi, has established herself as a pediatric sleep consultant. Her mission is to help exhausted parents find a daytime schedule and sleep plan that actually works for their infant. Serena has a passion for working with children and working with their caregivers through the process of helping regulate the sleep patterns of newborns. Our second guest, Doug Paton, is the Chairman of the Board for Covered South Florida, a newly formed 501(c)3 distributing diapers to families in need. Originally a community action project initiated by the Junior League of Boca Raton, after 10 years it was decided to create a separate entity to continue the task of getting diapers to those in need. Disposable diapers cost between $70 and $80 a month. There is no state or federal child safetynet program allocating funds for the purchase of diapers and without them, children cannot be accepted into a daycare program. Listen to how Girardi and Paton are making life a bit easier for South Florida families!
Episode 25 focuses on three women within our community who didn't take no for an answer. Our first guest is Robyn Raphael-Dynan. Her father's untimely passing at age 53 catapulted her mother, Beverly Raphael-Altman and her family into the management of RCC Associates, a nationally renowned general contractor. The company, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, has prospered under the leadership of these remarkable ladies. Robyn is currently president of RCC. Linda Behmoiras is founder and publisher of the Boca Raton Observer and A&A Publishing Corporation. Linda was an equity syndicate manager at JW Charles, a securities brokerage firm. She left to raise her two boys, Adam and Andrew but after two years her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start the Boca Raton Observer which has grown into the largest and most popular magazine in South Palm Beach County. Our third guest boasts a successful career as a professional human resource manager and was committed to multiple non-profits in the community. Her community involvement has now taken her to another role, Boca Raton City Council Member. Years of advocacy and activism have now been channeled into her decision making responsibilities on the five-member government body. Listen to each of these women as they describe their paths to success.
Episode 24 takes a deep dive into entrepreneurial opportunities in our community. However, we give today's episode a decidedly Hispanic flavor. Our three entrepreneurs are transplants to our community. That is not really much different from the massive influx of community members relocating to South Florida from other places in the United States. What differentiates these three individuals is they've overcome language and cultural barriers to success having their roots in Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Mary Sol González embedded herself into the community with multiple board memberships. She founded the International Business Alliance as an arm of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber and has gone on to found the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI). Roxana Scaffidi came to the US from Peru in 1995. After gaining valuable business experience she made the decision in 2013 to establish her own company, FL-Accounting & Advisors to offer tailored accounting services to small and mid-sized companies. Our third guest, Erick Solms describes himself as a soccer fanatic, web aficionado, social mediaholic and Internet specialist. He harnessed those attributes, converting his passion for technology into an IT business owner. In 2014 he created Simplitfy and has grown a successful IT support company. Listen to how these three "foreigners" overcame the obstacles to success.
Episode 23 offers a look at three "home grown" non-profits. Each was the result of residents seeing a need and taking the initiative to address it, head-on. Donna Biase and her friend (and co-founder) Debbie Ellman were two PTA presidents who embarked on a middle school community service project. After meeting several adolescents from a shelter who had aged out of foster care, they realized there was a critical need for mentoring and support and so was born Best Foot Forward. Connie Siskowski had a similar epiphany as she realized thousands of children in Plam Beach County become the caregivers for an adult in their family. Those responsibilities would be difficult enough for adults but for children trying to do their school work, the burden can be overwhelming. Dr Siskowski founded American Association of Caregiving Youth to create a support network for these families. Finally, the idea that many children in our community do not have a safe, clean, and appropriate place to rest their heads at night was eye-opening for Suzy Broad. She recognized the need for kids to have adequate rest to start the day refreshed and ready for school. She founded Sweet Dream Makers. In five short years, she has helped over 4600 families, distributing almost 10,000 beds! These three women, and their legion of volunteers and supporters, are making a difference in South Palm Beach County.
Episode 22 offers an opportunity for two elected officials (in this case, me and the Mayor of the City of Boynton Beach, Steven B Grant) to talk about the issues of importance to our constituents. This is a little bit of "shop talk," addressing the trials and tribulations of being a Mayor of a City a shade less than 80,000 residents (not including the influx of seasonal visitors to Palm Beach County each year). This is Grant's second term as mayor, having been originally elected in 2016. Due to term limits, he will not be eligible to run for reelection when his current three-year term ends this year. The State of Florida recognizes the right of municipalities to manage their own affairs, locally, under the principle of "Home Rule." This allows each city to have its own vision and to manage its own destiny -- meeting the day to day challenges of local governance. Listen to how our communities are being shaped by the residents willing to serve the public through voluntary boards and elected office.
Episode 21 offers an opportunity to hear from two members of our business community. Their successes within their field is coupled with their willingness to give back to our community. Heather Shaw Fairs is Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton. Raised in Coral Springs, she was recruited to work for Saks after graduating college. Heather prides herself on working for a company that believes in community involvement. Joining Heather is Burt Rapoport, a third generation restaurateur, who has an impressive legacy of success in the South Florida restaurant scene. Burt is known for his dedication to providing high-quality cuisine for a good value, a warm welcoming ambiance and truly attentive service at each of his restaurants. Both Heather and Burt speak about the ways they've given back, including their willingness to participate in Boca's Ballroom Battle for the benefit of the George Snow Scholarship Foundation. Listen to how these successful South Florida business executives have taken the time to make our community better.
Episode 20 offers us another opportunity to reflect on the robust economy in South Florida. However, as we highlight success, we step back to ask, at what cost? Our county has seen some within our community "succeed" in business or politics, while taking ethical shortcuts. In the not too distant past, Palm Beach County was viewed by some as "corruption county." In business, Madoff and Rothstein are two names that have done nothing to raise the bar on business ethics. Likewise, in county government, there was a period when a succession of elected officials were shown the door (out of office and into the criminal justice system). Our guests this week, Dr Peter Cruise and Pastor Bill Mitchell, talk about the continuing need to balance ethics and "success," be it political or economic. Listen to how South Florida has gone beyond its past with greater focus on following a moral compass.
Episode 19 offers us another opportunity to reflect on the robust economy in South Florida. Our guest is Andrew Duffell, President & CEO of the Research Park at FAU. Duffell’s international background and multiple economic development roles have shaped his forward-thinking and problem-solving approach regarding the development of South Florida’s economy using technology as a catalyst. Since becoming president & CEO of the Research Park at FAU in 2011, the Research Park’s contribution to the region’s economy has surged The mission of the Research Park is to promote scientific research and development in affiliation with Florida Atlantic University, to foster economic development and broaden the economic base of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Listen to how the South Florida economy is benefiting from this business catalyst!
Episode 18 offers a unique look at motorcycle and automobile racing in Palm Beach County. We are pleased to have as one of our guests, legendary racing driver Danny Sullivan. Sullivan earned 17 wins in the CART Indy Car World Series (including the 1985 Indianapolis 500). Danny is joined by Excel Auto Group CEO Scott Zankl and Don Dufresne. We talk about Palm Beach International Raceway and its attraction for racing enthusiasts. PBIR is a motorsports facility located in Jupiter. The facility offers a quarter-mile drag strip, a 2-mile road course, 7/10-mile kart track as well as mud racing tracks. We conclude our show with a drawing for the upcoming Great Charity Challenge. The event, which will distribute over $1 million to 50 non-profits will be held in Wellington at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on February 5, 2022. We thank Anne Caroline Valtin for joining us and allowing me to pick one of the non-profits guaranteed to take home at least $15,000 in February.
Episode 17 offers a look at the safety net we have in our community for people who are having difficulty coping with life's stresses. We start our conversation with Sharon L'Herrou, president & CEO at 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast. We all know about 911, but 211 is for situations where a first-responder is not required. It can be for mental health counseling or just a hear a friendly voice at the other end of the phone. 211 is there to help people in crisis receive the information and support they need to weather life's storms. Jonathan Price, CEO at the Faulk Center for Counseling goes on to describe the services they offer. The Faulk Center provides a warm, accepting and confidential environment where people who are dealing with life's problems are helped to make changes or to cope more effectively with things they cannot change. It is comforting to know when life beats you down there is a place to go to be lifted back up.
Episode 16 offers a look at The Boca Raton (formerly known as the Boca Raton Resort & Club). Founded in 1926 as "The Cloister Inn," and designed by famed architect Addison Mizner, the "Inn" has undergone many renovations and upgrades. Along the way, it has served as the residence for the soldiers of the US Army (during WWII). The Boca Raton is now undergoing a $200 million renovation which its President and CEO, Daniel Hostettler promises, is but the beginning of the commitment by its newest owners, MSD Partners L.P., led by Michael Dell, when they purchased the Boca Raton Resort & Club in June 2019. Listen to Daniel and Erica Kasel, Chief Marketing Officer, talk about this iconic property. Erica has been charged with delivering a complete transformation of the brand experience. We eagerly await what is planned for the future!
Episode 15 offers a look at Florida Atlantic University, with its campuses in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and the Harbor Branch Oceanic Institute in Fort Pierce. We first look skyward as Professor Ata Sarajedini talks about his love of the stars and the many celestial bodies in our sky. Dr Sarajedini offers an invitation to area residents to visit the observatory located on FAU's Boca Raton camps to witness, first hand, the mysteries of space. We then set our sights to the earthbound study of business with Dean Dan Gropper. Dr. Gropper's 25 years at FAU have allowed him to build a program now embracing over 8,000 students across its campuses. Each of these men discusses the impacts of the pandemic on the delivery of academics in their college disciplines. They go on to discuss the business of space exploration and how it has impacted our daily lives (even if we are not destined to visit the moon, Mars or any other planet within our solar system).
Episode 14 takes a look at how Palm Beach County has not forgotten its vulnerable residents, unable to afford a decent place to live or put adequate food on the table. My two guests have devoted a great deal of their energies to alleviating food insecurity and helping to create affordable housing. Former County Commissioner Jeff Koons and FPL External Affairs Manager Sophia Eccelston speak to these issues of equity. The ultimate goal, of course, is to make it possible for people to live in close proximity to where they work to allow them the opportunity to enjoy all that our county has to offer. We talk about the vibrant safety net we have created to meet these needs.
Episode 13 takes a look at how Palm Beach County continues to market its attributes, worldwide, to enjoy this piece of paradise we enjoy every day. Jorge Pesquera leads off our conversation explaining how Discover the Palm Beaches is leading the region's destination marketing. Sports is a very important part of our region's attraction. Sports tourism is something George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sport Commission, has worked to grow in his 16 years with the county. Last year the Commission hosted over 175 sports events, generating nearly 250,000 hotel room nights and over $200 million in visitor spending. Palm Beach County is clearly a destination for culture, history, and sports!
Ep 12 steps into the world of business in Palm Beach County. We first speak with Jordana Jarjura, president of Menin Development. Jordana talks a bit about her stint on the Delray Beach City Commission. That experience, combined with her business experience, law degree and MBA, have served her well as Menin (headquartered in Delray Beach) has been changing the landscape of this City by the Sea. From the Delray Beach Market to the Ray (a 141 room boutique hotel), Lion Fish and Johnnie Brown's, Mennin has captured the flavor of Delray Beach.
From Delray Beach we jump to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. Under the leadership of its president, Kelly Smallridge, Palm Beach County has become the go to place for many companies looking to escape the high taxes and deteriorating infrastructure of the northeast. Kelly discloses the secret sauce of her success at attracting corporations to Palm Beach County. Coincidently, both of these hard driving corporate leaders boast undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida. Homegrown talent changing the face of our county!
Episode 11 shines the spotlight on philanthropy in Palm Beach County. We begin our journey with Holly Schuttler, president of Impact 100 Palm Beach County. This is a group of over 600 women in "south county" who have come together to pool their $1,000 donations to make $100,000 "impactful" grants. Over the past decade, they have distributed over $4.5 million to 30 non-profit organizations. My next two guests represent two of those recipient organizations. The first, Place of Hope, offers love, housing and wrap-around services to children and young adults in the dependency system as well as a program to address human trafficking. Charles Bender has been the guiding light of this organization for over 20 years and he has made these children his mission. Finally, Sharon DiPietro, TriCounty Animal Rescue's Board chair, speaks about the plight of dogs and cats that have been abused or abandoned and TriCounty's mission to find them a fur-ever home. All three of these organizations are contributing to making Palm Beach County the place we are proud to call home!
Offers a triple play of places to visit in Palm Beach County. We begin our journey with Kate Arrizza, President & CEO of the Science Center and Aquarium located adjacent to the Palm Beach County Zoo in West Palm Beach. Kate's excitement for this great family destination is infectious. Lots to see, touch and enjoy and there's more to come with a planned expansion in the near future. We then take a peek at the Norton Museum of Art. Also located in West Palm Beach, the museum’s permanent collection now consists of more than 8,200 works in five curatorial departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary and Photography. Definitely a place to go to enjoy these fine works of art. Finally, it's time for an African safari but don't go booking your air travel just yet. Right in our backyard we have Lion Country Safari. Haley Passeser offers a glimpse into the attractions at this wonderful outdoor game preserve. And, her favorite attraction (at least favorite among favorites) is the newest resident, Azziza the baby rhino (born on World Rhino Day). Palm Beach County is a destination for the family to enjoy!
Episode 9 takes us to the world of auquaponics. Aquaponics integrates aquaculture and hydroponics into one production system. Aquaponics relies on the food introduced for fish, which works as the system's input. Afterward, the water (now ammonia-rich) flows, together with un-eaten food and decaying plant matter, from the fish tank into a biofilter and, ultimately, crops (in this case, lettuce) are grown. Nicholas Metropiulos and Laura Cassetty explain this exciting initiative. We then speak to Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands, a recipient of the produce generated by the aquaponic gardens. The mission at Boca Helping Hands is to offer residents a hand up not a hand out. They are offering nutritional support and training for their clients. Finally, we take a few minutes to discover the world of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Leanne Welch is the manager of this wonderful attraction nestled on A1A in the City of Boca Raton. The nature center has been hosting over 200,000 visitors in a typical (non-pandemic) year. This hidden gem provides a glimpse of the treasures of the sea and provides sanctuary and healing opportunities for many of the sea creatures brought to them for assistance.
Episode 8 is a very special opportunity to chat with Pastor Bill Mitchell - a third generation resident of Palm Beach County and the grandson of J. C. Mitchell, a former mayor of Boca Raton who established a real estate company in Boca Raton after WWII. Mitchell joined the family business as a realtor but at 45 began his career pastoring. He created Boca Lead (now City Lead) which is a monthy lunch and learn for hundreds of community residents. The common theme of those lessons is we can lead ethically. His monthly lessons continue to draw from throughout the county as he delivers insightful ideas on how to make this a better community. Our conversation about his motivation for establishing this vehicle for community learning was truly inspiring.
Episode 7 first takes a look at how our county continues to make itself a place to grow and/or relocate a business. We begin our conversatrion with Troy McLellan, President & CEO of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Troy has been at the Chamber for over two decades (14 years as its President & CEO). Lots has changed in south county over the past 24 years but the focus on creating an environment where companies can do business has been the fundamental mission of the Chamber. We are also pleased to have Doug Mosley, Executive Director of the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl join us. Doug pitched the Bowl game to Palm Beach County in 2014 on behalf of ESPN. Since then it has grown in stature and is now a much sought after postseason collegiate contest played on the field Coach Schellenberger built! The Bowl is not just a great football game. It's another opportunity to shine the spotlight on our piece of paradise (especially in December when corporate executives are huddled up by their television).
Episode 6 first takes a moment to consider the impact of 9/11 on our community, 20 years later. It is then a trip down memory lane with former PBC Commissioner, Steven Abrams. Abrams, who preceded me on the Board of County Commissioners ascended to that position (after serving as mayor of the City of Boca Raton) as an appointee of then-Governor Charlie Crist. Our conversation addresses the changes that have occured in Palm Beach County since the days, also 20 years ago, when he faced the cameras to explain how Boca Raton had become the victim of an Anthrax laden correspondence. Lots of light banter as we touch on Abrams' service as City Mayor, County Mayor and now Executive Director of Tri-Rail (and no, Virginia, there is no third rail on Tri-Rail).
Episode 5 spotlights two important facets of Palm Beach County; our history and our culture. It is often said understanding our history helps us plan for a better future. The mission of the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum is to preserve our histrory and offer an opportunity use the lessons learned as we plan for the future of our county. Enjoyed hearing from Mary Csar on how the museum has taken advantage of the pandemic to reinvient itself and prepare for a grand re-opening in November. Things are equally exciting down the road a peice at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Irvin Lippman details the construction work being done to give the museum a whole new look (both inside and out). The exhbits have been removed to make way for the world premier of the Manchu Picchu exhibit, set to open in October. Very exciting, indeed!
Ep 04 spotlights three nonprofit agencies in Palm Beach County with the mission of assisting our veterans and their families. It's not enough to remember their sacrifice as they serve our country, once or twice a year on Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. I am proud to live in a community where our brave soldiers are assisted every day. Listen to Judy Weaver, Executive Director of Connected Warriors, Judy Elias, Founder of Heroes to Heroes and from, Vets Helping Heroes, its president, Mel Pollack and its Executive Director Lisa Ferndrich. These are just three of the organizations in our country providing mental health and support services to these heros.
In Ep 03, Robert Weinroth has invited Kimberly Wick, Vice President, Curator and Head Designer at the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum and Andrea Virgin, President of Virgin Design and the driving force behind the development of a Performing Arts & Innovation Center to be his guests. These two women bring such energy to the cultural arts scene in Palm Beach County. Hearing them speak about the growth of the arts in our county is truly exciting!
For Episode 2, Commissioner Weinroth has invited Boca City Council Member Andy Thomson and RE/Max broker David Serle to discuss the pressures being created on housing prices as more people arrive in Palm Beach County, and how our county is responding to the incredible growth we’ve seen over the past decade!
During our inauguration session, we introduce our listeners to the county’s continuing response to the pandemic, discussions about the need to ensure the structural integrity of our high rise buildings and we take few few moments to spotlight the activities of the Boca West Children’s Foundation and how it has made life a bit easier for our children during these stressful times