David Reeves | Page 2 | Your Delray Boca

22 December, 2014 0 Comments

Woodfield Launches Health Challenge

December 22, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Wellness @ Woodfield.

Relying on the concept that healthy employees are excellent employees, Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton recently started its year-long “Wellness Challenge,” a fun and entertaining event that places a premium on health, wellness, and physical fitness.

Woodfield Country Club is an active country club community that encourages its residents to be healthy and physically fit,” said Eben Molloy, general manager. “It stands to reason that we would have the same philosophy when it comes to our employees, and it’s gratifying to see that we are helping employees make positive physical changes to their health. ”

Based on results from its Annual Employee Survey, the Club created a comprehensive wellness program to encourage employees to live a healthier lifestyle. From personalized nutrition counseling to healthy cooking classes, employees are focusing on making healthy lifestyle changes both at work and at home.

Through a series of fun and entertaining programming, employees can qualify for a variety of awards with the Grand Prize being $500 or 40 hours of paid time off. But even more important is the fellowship and teamwork that is being fostered among Woodfield employees as a result of this program.

“Our research indicates that organizations that promote healthy lifestyles among their staffs have fewer sick days, higher employee evaluations, and less turnover,” added Molloy. “This type of program is a win/win for the employees and for the members and residents of Woodfield Country Club. The bottom line is that we care about our employees and want them to excel professionally and physically.”

The programming is divided into three categories, including nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. Employees receive points for participation within these areas. Some of the activities include:

· Attend a healthy cooking class at Woodfield

· Meet one-on-one with Woodfield’s registered nutritionist

· Plant your own garden

· Join a fitness club

· Participate in Woodfield’s 5K Employee Run

· Tour Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s MammoVan

· Schedule an annual physical

· Volunteer in your community

“This program is fostering a wide range of other benefits,” noted Molloy. “The activities – such as the 5K run and the softball games — inspire team building among employees and allows them to socialize with fellow workers in other departments. As the year-long program and activities continue, we’re seeing increased camaraderie among employees which translates into better service to our members.”

As part of the program, Woodfield also hosted an “Employee Wellness Expo” that featured a variety of local programs and vendors who endorse healthy living. Dentists, health clubs, insurance agencies, and physical therapists were among those with booths at the expo.

In addition to these activities, Woodfield also scheduled a “Community Services Expo”, an event that educated employees on a wide range of local programs and resources, including:

· Credit counseling

· Public speaking

· Adult education

· Tuition planning

· Child care resources

About Woodfield Country Club

Woodfield Country Club is a family-oriented social and recreational full-service equity country club featuring a wide range of residential selections and world-class, resort-style amenities.

The country club features an 18-hole championship golf course, nationally recognized tennis program, a fitness and salon/spa complex, and an array of casual and fine dining opportunities. In addition, Woodfield is the recipient of several of the highest designations in the country club industry, including Platinum Club of America, America’s Healthiest Clubs and Distinguished Emerald Club of the World. They are presented by country club trade organizations.

For more information on Woodfield Country Club, visit www.woodfield.org or call 561-994-5203

24 November, 2014 0 Comments

FAU Scientists Focus On Macular Degeneration

November 24, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Research at FAU is focused on saving eyesight.

While oxygen is essential to our planet’s life force and the way we function and stay healthy, high concentrations referred to as oxidative stress may very well be the cause of more than 70 widely-spread diseases such as cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and eye diseases including macular degeneration.

Scientists at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, as well as the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, have found that sulindac, a known anti-inflammatory drug, can protect against oxidative damage due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the primary causes of vision loss in the elderly. Their findings were released today in an article titled “Pharmacological protection of retinal pigmented epithelial cells by sulindac involves PPAR-α” in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“What happens in age-related macular degeneration is that the retinal pigmented epithelial or RPE cells, which are essential to nourishing the retinal cells, are damaged by oxidative stress,” said Herbert Weissbach, Ph.D., director and distinguished research professor in the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Our studies show that sulindac can protect RPE cells in culture against oxidative damage, suggesting that it could be an inexpensive and relatively non-toxic therapeutic approach for treating age-related macular degeneration.”

Oxidative stress is mainly due to the imbalance between the free radicals produced within our bodies from the oxygen that we breathe in and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by “antioxidants systems.” This imbalance is the underlying basis of oxidative stress. Oxygen free radicals can also be produced by environmental agents including air pollution, radiation, cigarette smoking, excess stress and increased exposure to sunlight.

Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body’s natural aging process. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is age-related macular degeneration. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD gradually destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Currently, no cures exist for the majority of age-related macular degeneration cases.

19 November, 2014 0 Comments

Good Morning America To Feature Delray

November 19, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Good Morning Delray Beach

The public is invited to watch the live airing of ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) at the Chris Evert-Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic on Sunday, November 23, 2014. The show will film several live segments from the Delray Beach Tennis Center, 201 West Atlantic Avenue, featuring meteorologist Rob Marciano.

In order to be a part of this special event, with a chance to appear in the show’s audience, the public is asked to arrive at the Tennis Center on Sunday, November 23, at 6:15 am. Guests who arrive between 6:15 am – 6:45 am will receive one (1) complimentary admission ticket for the tennis matches beginning at 11:00 am later that day.

Have some early morning fun at the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic on Sunday, November 23! For more information, call (561) 243-7190.

About the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic
The City of Delray Beach is proud to host the 2014 Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, November 21-23. Tennis legend Chris Evert, in association with Broward Health Chris Evert Children’s Hospital, will be joined by renowned athletes and well known celebrities to support at-risk children and families in Palm Beach County and Florida. Since 1989, Chris Evert Charities has contributed over $21.2 million in an ongoing campaign against drug abuse and child neglect.

Exciting events are planned for November 21-23 including the Pro-Am Tennis and Lunch with Chrissie & Friends, Classic Cocktail Reception, Pro-Celebrity Gala presented by Esurance and the weekend Tennis Classic. To purchase tickets, call (561) 394-2400. For schedule of events and additional information, visit www.chrisevert.org.

4 November, 2014 0 Comments

Water Cooler Wednesday (A Day Early)

November 4, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Sean Moore provides solid advice for parents

COLLEGE EDUCATION NOW AFFORDABLE AS

REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR RE-STRUCTURED FLORIDA PRE-PAID PLAN

By Sean Moore, President of SMART College Funding, Boca Raton

As parents, there’s no question we get sweaty palms and suffer anxiety when thinking about financial obligations. And, there is perhaps no greater stress point than trying to figure out how to pay for our children’s college education.

In June, our legislators recognized this by revamping the Florida Pre-Paid College plan, rolling back costs to the lowest levels since 2007. With the enrollment period starting this month and continuing until February 2015, parents should re-consider this plan which suddenly makes financial sense. The new plan has basically cut the cost of a college education at Florida state universities by approximately 50 percent.

In short, the new law reduced the cost of a newborn plan by more than $26,000 for 4-year tuitions plan, and dropped monthly payment plans to less than $180, down from $350 last year. In addition, nearly $200 million will be returned to current plan owners, thereby guaranteeing that no current plan owner will pay more than the reduced costs.

The dramatic reduction is tied directly to the new law created by House Bill 851, which also caps annual increases to six percent for “preeminent” state universities and zero percent for other state universities. Previously, the tuition increase could increase by up to 15 percent annually.

The new bill also has created flexibility. Families will have the opportunity to purchase a 4-year Florida University Plan for as low as $173 a month and a 2 + 2 Florida Plan (2 years at a community college/2 years at a university) for as low as $136 a month.

There is a new 1-Year Florida University Plan which allows families to purchase up to four years at a state university in one- year increments as their budgets afford them. This starts as low as $43 per month.

Some say this was strictly a political move with elections on the horizon. Regardless of the motivation, families should take a close look at this plan which suddenly makes a college education much more affordable.

The worldwide financial crisis starting in 2007, resulted in the legislature lifting a cap on plan costs. In a span of one two-year period, the cost of the plan nearly doubled. Last year the cost reached $53,729.20 (for 4 years at a university) for a newborn, almost 4 times the cost of the same plan in 2007! At those price points, the plan just didn’t make financial sense. Today, it does.

The motivation of our politicians is irrelevant. What is relevant is that they have suddenly made what once seemed unaffordable well within the reach of many. We can now provide this education without plunging ourselves or our children into deep debt with college loans.

Sean Moore is president of Boca Raton-based SMART College Funding, a firm which helps families reduce college expenses. For more information, visit www.Smart4college.com.

6 October, 2014 0 Comments

Book Early for Estate Planning Seminar

October 6, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

The nation’s top wealth management pro’s will be at FAU in November.

Editor’s Note: We are off to Vegas! The blog will resume next week. And yes, if you must know, it’s on business. Really..it is…trust us.

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Florida Atlantic University Foundation and United Way of Palm Beach County have joined forces to introduce an exciting new program: the Palm Beach County Wealth & Estate Planning Seminar, to take place Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. More than 200 wealth management professionals are expected to attend.

The seminar features Natalie Choate who will present: “Estate and Distribution Planning for Retirement Benefits, the 201 Best and Worst Planning Ideas and Case Studies.” Ms. Choate is of counsel in the trusts and estates department of Nutter in Boston and is a nationally renowned speaker and author of Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits and The QPRT Manual. Please go to video through this link — https://youtu.be/AJesn_Jq9w4

Kathi Barnhart, Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor with BB&T, the seminar’s lead sponsor said, “I was excited to join this inaugural committee and BB&T Wealth is proud to be the seminar’s first Diamond Sponsor. This is a real win-win. We will hear from an outstanding national speaker and advisors will have the opportunity to exchange ideas during the post-presentation reception.”

The seminar brings the latest and best strategies in estate planning to Palm Beach County attorneys, accountants, insurance and wealth advisors. The seminar also provides a forum for professionals to interact and share skills. “We sensed that a program like this was needed in our county,” offered Lanny Marks, this year’s seminar chair. “When we proposed the idea, our professional community responded very enthusiastically.”

The PBC Wealth & Estate Planning Seminar program begins at 4:00 p.m. in the FAU Office Depot Lecture Hall. Two continuing education credits will be offered. The program is followed by a cocktail reception in the Sean Stein Pavilion at the FAU College of Business. The event is expected to sell out and tickets must be purchased in advance.

“Every estate planning professional can benefit from learning new and different ways to help their clients fulfill life and legacy plans,” said Richard Newman of Life Audit Professionals. “These

conversations are so important to us as professionals. I encourage advisors to join us, and to add Natalie Choate’s strategies to their toolboxes.”

Lead sponsors for the event are BB & T Wealth (Diamond), Life Audit Professionals and Regions Private Wealth Management (Ruby), Greenberg Traurig (Emerald), and the following Sapphire sponsors: Bessemer Trust Company of Florida; BNY Mellon; Brinkley Morgan; Broad and Cassel; Chapin, Ballerano & Cheslak; Coral Gables Trust; Duane Morris LLP; Gutter Chaves Josepher Rubin Forman Fleisher Miller, P.A.; Katz Baskies; Kaufman Rossin & Co.; Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra; Proskauer; Seacoast Wealth Management; Shutts & Bowen; U.S. Trust; Valuation Services, Inc.; Wells Fargo Private Bank and Willamette Management Associates.

“Regions Private Wealth Management is proud to help make this inaugural event happen,” offered Terisa Heine, Vice President and Trust Advisor. “We look forward to an informative and fun seminar.”

For more information, visit pbcseminar.info or call 561-297-6144.

About the United Way of Palm Beach County: For more than 85 years, United Way of Palm Beach County has been dedicated to improving lives and advancing the common good in our community. Funded by the generosity of donors and volunteers, United Way strategically invests in crucial efforts and programs that support the building blocks for a good life – education, financial stability and health. We work on a local level to help provide lasting solutions to the root causes of our county’s social issues, from promoting access to education and healthcare to ending hunger and homelessness. To learn more on how to GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER for the local United Way, call 561.375.6600 or visit www.UnitedWayPBC.org. Like the United Way on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of Florida’s largest community foundations. The nonprofit organization has invested more than $110 million in grants and scholarships over its 40-year history. At its core, the Community Foundation is an organization created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. For donors, the Foundation serves as a philanthropic advisor. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant maker and a civic leader. Through the support of its donors and fundholders, the Foundation has been able to address some of the community’s most pressing needs, including hunger, housing and education. For more information, visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.

About the Florida Atlantic University Foundation

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of three signature themes – marine and coastal issues, biotechnology and contemporary societal challenges – which provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

22 September, 2014 0 Comments

Three Things to Know This Week

September 22, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Start your week right

4th Annual “Stand Down”

Benefits Veterans in Need

The 4th Annual “Stand Down”, an effort dedicated to providing support for our veterans in need, will be held on Saturday, September 27, from 12pm – 5pm, at Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd Street. Hosted by Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), the event is free and open to the public.

Over fifty organizations will be onsite to assist at risk and homeless veterans offering free food, clothing, health screenings, employment opportunities, VA enrollment, haircuts and much more. Services will also be available for the general public. In addition, children will enjoy fun activities that are planned throughout the day including music, live entertainment and a kids zone.

For more information, contact Joshua Maddock at (561) 968-1612 or E-mail jmaddock@standown.org.

The Blue Print Gallery

When: Sept. 26 at 6:30pm

Where: The Milagro Center, 695 Auburn Ave

The Blue Print Gallery is the first gallery opening at The Milagro Center. Come out and support this amazing organization.

For more information: contact Anna Girgis 561-279-2970.

Issues Watch

The Delray Beach Police Benevolent Association ratcheted up some pressure last week with an email that went to HOA leaders, business owners and residents outlining concerns about losing officers due to concerns with wages and benefits.

The email was widely circulated and asked for people to get involved and pressure the city commission to raise salaries for officers or risk losing them to other agencies.

We’ll keep you posted on the issue.

18 September, 2014 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Jazz Guitar Edition

September 18, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell is playing two shows this weekend at the Arts Garage.

Legendary Guitarist Visits Arts Garage

Who: LARRY CORYELL

When: Fri, Sep 19 & Sat, Sep 20, 8:00PM

Larry Coryell is a master jazz guitarist who has remained in the pantheon of great jazz guitarists for more than 30 years. He has recorded over 100 albums, performed with Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix and graced the front page of Rolling Stone magazine and the inside pages of many others including Guitar Player.

Visit www.artsgarage.org for tickets. Hurry, they go fast.

Kids Safety & Wellness Day in Boca

When: September 20, from 10am-3pm

Where: Costco, 17800 N Congress Ave., Boca Raton

How much: Free

Please join Costco for their annual Kid’s Safety & Wellness Day.

They are pleased to present the PBSO Greyhounds Sonic and Missile, PBSO Child ID, PBFR Firefighters & Engine (unless out on a call) and All for One Pet Rescue, Personal Ponies, Boca Raton Children’s Museum, Boca Regional Urgent Care, and i9 Sports.

Sounds like a full dance card.

The Green Artistry of Contemporary Eco Artist Del Foxton

When: September 19 from 7-9pm

Cost: Free

Where: The Arts Arena Gallery, 777 E Atlantic Ave (Atlantic Plaza).

Fox is an immensely talented and unique artist, come out and meet her. Visit www.delfoxton.com for more information.

15 September, 2014 0 Comments

FAU Celebrates $3.5 Million Grant: Will Produce Computer Science & Engineering Grads

September 15, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

FAU seeks to align graduates with business needs

FAU recently hosted a celebration of the rollout of the Florida Board of Governors’ Targeted Educational Attainment (TEAm) grant program.

The Board of Governors awarded FAU, Broward College (BC) and Palm Beach State College (PBSC) a $3.5 million state grant through the TEAm program — an ambitious effort to align university and college degrees with the state’s future workforce needs — to create an accelerated pipeline for students in the economically important fields of computer science and computer engineering.

FAU, BC and PBSC created the Computer Accelerated Pipeline to Unlock Regional Excellence (CAPTURE) program to address the need for computer-related workforce development in South Florida, providing superior learning and professional development opportunities for more than 400 anticipated new students. The three institutions are collaborating on developing a hybrid curriculum to address workforce needs.

“We expect this program to significantly increase the number of well-qualified computer professionals available for employment in a wide variety of local businesses,” said FAU President John Kelly. “We hope to be able to replicate this approach in other fields of study that have an escalating need for highly skilled employees.”

The proposed curriculum is innovative and includes new and existing courses offered by the three institutions, taught by faculty who are leaders in the computer technology field. The number of bachelor degrees in computer science and computer engineering will be increased by the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science, and graduates of the state colleges will be offered seamless admission to FAU. Students will be drawn into the pipeline from the three institutions’ existing student bodies, employees of major corporations and graduating high school students in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

“The program stresses breadth, depth and flexibility,” said Palm Beach State College President Dennis Gallon. “Although all students will be required to satisfy core requirements, they will have the ability to choose tracks and electives in accordance with their needs and interests.”

Practical training will be provided through internships in industry and government agencies, providing early exposure to the computer technology sector.

“One of the most helpful features of the program is the system of shared advising, which will keep students on track,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong Jr. “Students will be able to take courses at the colleges and FAU simultaneously to hasten their progress toward graduation.”

The TEAm grant awards follow more than 18 months of work by The Commission on Florida Higher Education Access and Attainment, a coalition of education, business and legislative leaders that identified the largest gaps between bachelor’s degree production and job needs. The effort marks an unprecedented level of collaboration between elected leaders, universities, state colleges and the business community. The project is supported by the Florida Board of Governors.

21 August, 2014 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Weekend Starts Tonight

August 21, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Plaid Blazer (Dave owns a few) will rock the Elizabeth Wesley Pavilion tonight.

On the Ave “Back to Cool”

Date: August 21

What: “On The Ave”

When: 6-10pm

Cost: Free

Where: SW 5th Ave & W Atlantic Ave

On the Ave welcomes you “Back to Cool” by bringing the ever popular event to West Atlantic this time. The August 21st event will feature entertainment that is both Old School and New Cool. The event will bring back classic childhood games such a duck-duck-goose, tug-of-war and musical chairs. There will be a Kid’s Corner, Splash Zone and a backpack giveaway from Florida Kid Care. Bands on two stages will take you “back to cool” with songs from a mix of artists such as James Brown, Whitney Houston, The Roots and more.

Art School Open House

For all of you aspiring artists, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Open House at the Boca Raton Museum of Art – The Art School.

This free annual event will be held Saturday, August 23, from 1-4 p.m. at the school located at 801 West Palmetto Park Road, one mile east of 1-95.

Visitors will be able to view the faculty exhibit and meet the artists/teachers in the art studios and discuss their classes.

“We have, perhaps, the finest faculty in South Florida,” said Walter O’Neill, director. “Potential students will be able to visit with these teachers to get a preview of the classes and to see some of the outstanding artwork being produced by the faculty.”

The Art School offers a wide range of classes in virtually every medium and discipline for beginners to experienced artists. Classes are offered in portraiture, still life and landscape painting, as well as photography, pottery, collage, jewelry making and sculpture, among many others. Award-winning teachers lead classes in oil, watercolor, acrylic, and drawing, to name just a few.

“This is a perfect time to meet the teachers and learn more about the adult art classes,” added O’Neill. “Visitors will be able to visit the studios and see short demonstrations on making pottery, stone carving, print making, and other techniques.”

There will be a free raffle to win $100 discount on an art course. Each person who signs up for a class during Open House receives a one-day pass for two at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

For more information call 561-392-2503

Visit www.bocamuseum.org/theartschool for information about upcoming art classes.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bocaschool

11 August, 2014 0 Comments

Boca Museum Art School Open House

August 11, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Indulge your creativity

For all of you aspiring artists, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Open House at the Boca Raton Museum of Art – The Art School.

Take a class this fall

This free annual event will be held Saturday, August 23, from 1-4 p.m. at the school located at 801 West Palmetto Park Road, one mile east of 1-95.

Visitors will be able to view the faculty exhibit and meet the artists/teachers in the art studios and discuss their classes.

There will be a free raffle to win $100 discount on an art course. Each person who signs up for a class during Open House receives a one-day pass for two at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

For more information:

Boca Raton Museum of Art – The Art School

801 W. Palmetto Road, Boca Raton FL 33486

Telephone 561-392-2503

Visit bocamuseum.org/theartschool for information about upcoming art classes.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bocaschool