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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 82 brings 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.
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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.
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