By Rachel Galvin

On Oct. 6, 150 revelers got to see Boca Raton in a unique way during the Boca Raton Historical Society’s 6th Annual Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys event. The party began at the Boca Raton Resort & Club with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres. Beloved philanthropist Madelyn Savarick, who also sponsored the event, received a cake and a Happy Birthday song as she turned 94 on this day.

Next, it was off to the trolleys. Everyone was assigned to a certain Molly’s Trolley; this reporter boarded the Saks Fifth Avenue one. They were another one of the sponsors, along with Joni & Al Goldberg.

Everyone stopped at a different location first and rotated through each. Yvette Drucker, president of the Boca Raton Historical Society Board of Trustees, told historical tidbits about Boca Raton on our trolley along the way while offering up wine, beer and Prosecco. Each location also offered up spirits. Our trolley’s line-up began with Mizner Park’s Truluck’s (351 Plaza Real) and we were presented with a beautiful plate filled with several tastes, including crispy shrimp with a spicy sauce, vegetarian crabcake and braised shortrib. General Manager Richard Grigelis and Special Events Coordinator Stacy Babb talked a bit about the restaurants, including their happy hour and live entertainment.

Also in Mizner Park, we went to Ouzo Bay (201 Plaza Real), which has been open for only six months and has undergone plenty of renovations. They served up items like lamb meatballs and spanakopita.

We stopped by 101 Via Mizner, new luxury apartments located on Federal Highway. The staff from Penn-Florida served up hors d’oeuvres and drinks while explaining more about their development, as well as their other exciting project — the build-out of the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, at 105 E. Camino Real, which will be linked to the hotel portion and will include plenty of luxury amenities and retail space. When we got back into the trolley, cookies were waiting for us, along with information on the 101 Via Mizner property to take home. More on the company and its projects at www.pennflorida.com.

We also went to Domus Italian Restaurant, in the Royal Palm Plaza (187 SE Mizner Blvd.), where we were given a drink called Paloma, which had ingredients like tequila, grapefruit juice and club soda. They also served up samples of items like calamari, bruschetta and “rice balls.”

Finally, the trolleys went back to the Boca Raton Resort & Club for a wide variety of desserts, dancing and a cash bar.

The event was a fundraiser for the Boca Raton Historical Society, which always has events and exhibits. Currently, they have on display memorabilia from IBM, which opened a plant in Boca in 1967, artifacts from architect Addison Mizner and landscape paintings by the artists of Plein Air Palm Beach.

They will be holding an event on Nov. 8 to recognize several people and organizations for their Walk of Recognition, which is located in Royal Palm Plaza and looks like Hollywood, California’s Walk of Fame. They recognize people who are still living who have made an impact on the community. They have recently added institutions to the list of honorees. They last honored the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. This year, they are honoring Lynn University, in addition to golfer Morgan Pressel Bush and Dr. Joseph “Jody” Forstot. James A. Rutherford, known for his contributions to the Parks & Recreation Dept., will also be added to Wall of Honor, which is for honorees who have passed away.

To find out more about the Boca Raton Historical Society, visit www.bocahistory.org or call 561-395-6766.

By Rachel Galvin

Is it getting hot in here? It isn’t the SoFla sun. It’s the Hell’s Kitchen chefs, who were here in Boca Raton on the first weekend of September. On Sept. 1, five chefs who were on the FOX TV show Hell’s Kitchen came to The Loft in Boca Raton to be part of the first ever cocktail party of its kind hosted by Potions in Motion catering and promoted by LivingFLA.com.

The owner of the catering company Potions in Motion, Jason Savino, said the day after this event, the chefs would go on to create a five course, four hour dinner for over 500 guests at his restaurant, Prime 7 in Seven Bridges in Delray. The sold-out event would allow guests to vote on the courses and who made the best dish. Each chef, he said, would take on one course. [The winner, announced later, was Chef Sterling Wright].

But, before they could get cooking for that event, the chefs had to show their stuff at this cocktail soiree, handing out samples and spending quality time with the intimate crowd.

Season 14’s Chef Christine Hazel served up chicken and waffle sliders with chipotle aïoli and Maple slaw. She flew in from Philadelphia to attend. Since she was on the show, she has transformed from culinary student to private chef. She is influenced by the places she goes and enjoys contributing in any way she can.

“I love giving back to the community,” she said, talking about how she just fed 120,000 people through United Way and will be helping the American Heart Association next.

Regarding the show, she laughed, saying, “We were an animated bunch. There were a lot of personalities and I have made a lot of friends.”

She added, “People look to you as an example [when you are on a show]. I realized ‘I want to do this career for the rest of my life [so I think before I act].’ Every day I want to get a little bit better.”

Barret Beyer, a Long Island, NY chef from Season 11, also enjoys helping others. He helped feed first responders during Hurricane Sandy.

Although he wasn’t sure what he was going to make this night until a few hours prior, he whipped together the perfect tasty bite involving brined salmon, cucumber and a lemon caper dill cream cheese.

About Hell’s Kitchen, he said, “The show gave me a platform to do what I do — make people happy and make sure they eat good food, and have a good time.”

When it comes to giving back, Nashville’s Sterling Wright (from Season 13) takes the cake. He beamed as he showed an online story on his phone about him donating his bone marrow to save someone’s life last year. He also enjoys being a role model for kids.

He said, “I wasn’t always this happy. I was a young man running around in a gang. I got shot. After being in the hospital and in jail, I said I am ready for you God … If I can do it, you can do it.”

Chef Bret Hauser, a Delray Beach chef from Season 14, described what it was like working with Chef Gordon Ramsey, saying, “Being able to stand next to him and watch him cook was an incredible opportunity of a lifetime … watching a true professional in his element. I was in awe.”

He added, “This event is a great time. I am looking forward to doing more. I think it is a great turnout.”

South Florida Chef Robyn Almodovar has been busy with her Palate Party food truck since her stint on the show back in Season 10. She also is co-owner of her own brick and mortar called Rumor’s Bar & Grill, located at 2426 Wilton Dr., she said as she handed out her crunchy melt-in-your-mouth mini ahi tuna tacos made with fresh smashed avocado, chile paste and sesame seeds with cilantro.

Robyn will be rejoining Hell’s Kitchen for Season 17 “All Stars.”

When asked what she will do differently this time around, she said, “Keep my mouth shut, head down and focus.”

She has an upcoming viewing party of her on Season 17 on Sept. 29 at Rumors Bar & Grill starting at 7 p.m.

Also at the event was Avi Zenatti and Ilana Brodt who brought their Karawan Tahini and Hummus. Ilana has been in the states for 30 years, but her husband Avi just moved here three years ago from Israel. He is a chef and wanted to cook with good tahini so had it shipped in.

“The tahini here just didn’t taste right,” said Ilana, who now lives with her husband in Jupiter. “You look at it and see it separates. Ours doesn’t.”

They liked the product, which came from Israel’s West Bank, so much they started importing it into America and got global exclusivity to distribute it a little over a year ago.

“Costco said ‘People like ready-made. Why not hummus?’ So we came up with four different types of hummus [a month ago]. Others have seven to 12 percent tahini. Ours has 25-30 percent. No cholesterol, no preservatives,” said Ilana of the tahini, which they call a “superfood.”

Potions in Motion/ Prime 7 Executive Chef “Sexz Chef,” as he is called, handed out samples and drinks as well, talking about the importance of presentation in addition to quality. See Potions in Motion upcoming events on their Facebook page.

By Rachel Galvin

Close your eyes. Think about what you would like to bring into your life. What’s next for you? What’s missing? What would you like to have in your future? If you just did that exercise, you had thoughts, pictures in your mind of those answers.

Imagery is very powerful. If you have read the book The Secret, and many other similar novels, you know about The Law of Attraction, and how being able to envision what you want in life can help you bring about what you think.

What you think about is what you create, right? Some people might be skeptical. Perhaps, they have tried and nothing has happened from trying. Well, perhaps, the problem is ‘trying,’ rather than really committing. While thinking about what you want is a good start, taking action is better… being open to opportunities that come your way, and finding ways to help you focus on what you want to create.

Creativity Coach & Possibility Partner Nanette Saylor knows all about the power of envisioning. She conducts vision board (Mixed Media) workshops, providing materials for those who attend so they can create their own boards so they can put their thoughts into images to focus on throughout the day. By keeping it in existence through images, it helps the mind focus on the goal and draws it into your life.

On April 13, Saylor had such a workshop at Uptown Art in Boca Raton (6018 SW 18 St. www.uptownart.com). She asked those in attendance to share why they had come to the workshop and what they hoped to achieve in their life. One person had gone through a divorce and wanted to create a new direction in her life. Another had been moving back and forth between American and Europe, and felt a little unsettled and also wanted to bring love into her life. Someone else said they felt stuck.

Saylor showed off some of the vision boards she had created, poster boards or pieces of paper with magazine clippings and other items affixed to them. She said some people look at the process more logically, creating a quadrant and putting pictures and words in each section that focus on different aspects on their lives – physical self, financial, relationships, etc. Another way of creating them is to just cut out whatever inspires you and figure out why you chose it later. Sometimes, she only uses images without words. At this workshop, she brought stacks of magazines, but also ribbon, buttons, bottle caps, puzzle pieces, feathers, yarn, greeting cards and more.

She showed a few books that have inspired her, including one by Shakti Gawain, who she called ‘the mother of vision boards.’ She said Gawain said, “When you put images to your thoughts, you use the power of the Law of Attraction in a way that puts it on steroids.”

“Our minds process images faster than words,” said Saylor, who plans on doing another workshop on May 18.

This is not the only workshop she does. She is currently doing one on Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way.” Once this one is through, she will start another.

You can find out more about Saylor’s workshops on her Conscious Creators page on Facebook.

By Rachel Galvin

If you have ever been stricken with fear at the idea of speaking publicly in front of a crowd, or just being on stage period, then Improv is for you. Aside from Toastmasters, which is another excellent organization, doing Improv is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of performing, whether you are an actor or need to do a business presentation. Doing Improv is an opportunity to be free and explore a part of yourself you may not have even known you had inside you. Plus, it is a great chance to laugh and learn with many new friends.

Improv is also an excellent tool for those pursuing film or theater. Sometimes, a director will ask you to Improv a scene in a film, or even for an audition. Being prepared is always paramount and having one more thing to put on your resume is a plus.

If you are thinking of getting involved in Improv, there is a place to go just around the corner in Boca Raton. The company, which started in 2012, is called Sick Puppies Comedy. They offer five different levels of classes from beginner to expert, as well as stand up classes, sketch comedy, and more.

“Our beginners Improv class is titled ‘Permission to play,”’ said one of the founders, Casey Casperson. “We do a lot of exercises that help you come out of our own head. Word association, movement, music and silliness are incorporated early to teach everyone that if one person does something weird, they look like an a**. If everyone does it, it’s art. So let’s make art together. We get into some scene work and, toward the end of the series, we start to dive into [Improv] games.”

He added, “The majority of students take Improv classes to overcome some sort of fear or shortcoming regarding presentations or public speaking,” he clarified. “The main benefit is that it provides you the confidence in yourself to know that you are enough. Everything you need to be the best version of you is right there, inside your mind. Improv teaches you to trust your instincts and helps you understand your point of view and, most importantly, the point of view of others.”

Casperson works primarily with Sick Puppies, but sometimes is asked to do a guest set with other casts. There are other troupes in South Florida. He also teaches companies how to improve themselves through Improv.

“Improv lets me explore all of my emotions, premises, theories and ideas. I can be anyone that I want and say anything that I think that the character believes to be true,” he said. “Improv is always opening night and closing night. But the main thing that keeps me coming back for more is our cast. These are the best people on the planet. Improvisers are collaborators. We want to work together to make incredible art.”

Another founding member Aniela McGuiness agrees with that sentiment.

“To see someone follow their dreams by creating a space and teaching others to follow their dreams is awe inspiring, and that is exactly what Casey Casperson did with Sick Puppies Comedy,” said McGuiness.

Sick Puppies also holds a lot of special events in which people can watch and interact. The troupe has a special event called “The Other World” show on Sept. 17 in which the cast develops an alternate parallel universe and creates a series of narratives that make you ask “If this is true, what else is true?” On Sept. 24, they are creating “The Play,” an Improvised play from start to finish based on one word suggestions. This is a way for those seasoned in Improv to practice and show off their stuff, and have a lot of fun with the audience in the process.

“Improv is for everyone. It’s not about being funny because, if humans are acting honestly, they are naturally funny. Improv teaches you to be a better listener, a better friend, a better companion, a better soul. If everyone could be the best version of themselves and stop judging their thoughts, we would have an incredibly productive and funny world,” said Casperson.

Their next beginner’s Improv class is Sept. 21. Sick Puppies Comedy is located at Center Stage at 7200 W. Camino Real #330, in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.sickpuppiescomedy.com.

Boca Raton, FL —  ObserverTV a division of The Observer Newspaper, celebrates its 50^th year of publishing in Broward County, Florida by being  the premiere online broadcaster at the final 2012 Presidential debate to be held on Oct 22, at Lynn University.

“We are one of less than 25 newspapers in the US with the technology to stream live the proper way” said Jim Lusk, Vice President of The Observer.  “Our platform is very similar to TV broadcasting. We can punch multiple cameras

and locations live, all from a laptop. We can even run commercials during the broadcast. We have been streaming since early 2006, before it was cool,”said Lusk.

Visit www.observernewspaperonline.com to watch the presidential debate live and behind the scenes.

Candlelight, carols with Rock Band

Friday, Dec. 23, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater , 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Get into the Christmas spirit with Journey Church band outdoors at Mizner Park. Candlelight service. Families, local residents, visitors welcome.

All People’s Day Puppetry Extravaganza

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m.

Heart Painter Studio/Gallery, Royal Palm Place, 310 Esplanade, Suite 50 A, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Children can make puppets and perform on a puppet stage. The theme is bullying and resolution. $10 donation. Half of proceeds go to create the free All People’s Day Diversity Festival in Delray Beach this March. PRE-REGISTER to save a place and get more info – call Susan at 561-495-9818.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Through Jan. 2, 6 to 10 p.m.

Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Drive through three miles of animated holiday displays. $13 per car. Mon-Wed, $10. $3 for 3 pair of 3-D glasses. www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com.

North Pole Village

Through Jan. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. (daily)

1498 SW 2 St., Boca Raton, FL 33486

For the past eight years, Boca Raton resident Lance Liebl has delighted the community with this holiday display of lights and a miniature village complete with a train running by it. No charge for admission, Donations benefit Hospice by the Sea, Inc. Tomasso’s Pizza certificate for 20 percent off one of their delicious meals will be given to anyone donating more than $10 or more. 561-376-1198.

“Friends” of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Speaker: Alan Chin-Lee. Subject: Butterflies (Lepidoptera). Refreshments served. Arboretum plant give-away, auction. 954-480-4494 or Jerry@treezoo.com

RAD Community Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Free lunch, health fair, education fair.  Sponsored by Radiant Worship Center. 954-531-0200 or www.radiantliving.com.

Pet CPR & First Aid Class

Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am – 3pm

Florida Humane Society, 3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Certified PetTech trainer Laura Kays covers pet first aid, restraining/muzzling injured pet, CPR & rescue breathing, choking, management, excessive heat, drowning, snakes & bufo toads. Limited space, reservation required. 561-809-3213 or nopaws4concern@msn.com.

Yuletide Christmas Concert

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free admission, features performances by Fiddleworks Children’s String Ensemble (Keili Kids) and Steeple Singers.  954-427-0222 or www.communitych.org.

Gold Coast Youth Orchestra “Christmas Concert”

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church , 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Corelli Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 (The Christmas Concerto), selections from Handel’s Messiah and more. Freewill offering at door. 954-501-0401 or 954-594-3990.

Broadway Costume Luncheon

Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.

Costume World Museum, 2313 NW 30 Pl., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

View costumes, get behind-the-scenes stories about favorite Broadway shows. Lunch served on china and under crystal chandelier from “Tavern on the Green.” Hear toe-tapping tunes from best Broadway shows. Seats: Front/Center-$95 ea, other: $85 ea. Reservations: 954-463-8028. Symphony office: 954-335-7002 or www.symphonyofthe
americas.org.

Gingerbread Holiday Concert

Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Boca Raton Resort and Club Great Hall , 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Lynn University Philharmonia performs under baton of Maestro Albert-George Schram. Benefits scholarship for Lynn Conservatory’s students. $35 includes valet. www.lynn.edu/tickets or call 561.237.9000.

George Brummer Park Grand Opening

Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.

George Brummer Park, 3500 West Palm Aire Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Information, call 954-786-4191.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Holiday Luncheon

Monday, Dec. 12, noon/meeting, 1 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ida Molfetto presents “Creative Dried Flower Greeting Cards.” Refreshments served. Open to the public.  954-943-2699.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Tuesday, Dec. 13, noon

Deer Creek Country Club Banquet Room, 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Holiday luncheon. Enjoy informative presentations and yummy refreshments.954-421-4700 for info.

(Park in lot on SE 9 Terrace, across from the rear of the fire station)

Trinity Church’s Annual Live Nativity

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Church, 3901 NE 22 Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

5:30 to 6:30: Hot dog/ chili dinner, 6:45: Trinity Worship Team sings Christmas Carols outside sanctuary entrance.  7:15 p.m.: Live nativity. All children welcome to participate.  Performance and live nativity are free to attend.  Cost for dinner: $6- adult, $2- child, $15-families.

Ice Cream Social with Santa

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get in holiday spirit with games, family activities, a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and elves and an ice cream snack! $2 adult, $1 child. 954-480-4481.

Deerfield Beach

Main Beach Parking, Ocean Way & SE 1 St. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free concerts all day and a variety of food vendors. Smuggling YoYos – 1-3 p.m., Scott Ringerson, “The Elvis Experience” – 4-6 p.m., The David Ray Band – 7-9 p.m. Fireworks (off the pier) – 9 p.m. Free shuttle available – between The Cove and the beach 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. 954-480-4430.

Road and facility Closures

International Fishing Pier closes at noon, July 3, reopens 5 a.m., July 5. Ocean Way from Hillsboro Boulevard to SE 3 Street closes 6 a.m. July 4,  reopens morning of July 5. Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge and A1A, from NE 1 Street to SE 3 Street, will be closed to traffic 6-11 p.m. July 4. www.Deerfield-Beach.com or call 954-480-4430.

Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach Main Public Beach

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL  33062

FREE. Fireworks – 9 p.m. Blankets/chairs welcome. Refrain from bringing fireworks, glass containers, alcohol or pets. NE 14 Street Causeway and Atlantic Boulevard bridges will be in the “down” position from 9 to 11 p.m.  954-786-4111.

Rocketown celebrates 4th

371 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Teens celebrate! Concert-6:30 p.m. Group 1 Crew performing with Authentik, Twenty 2 G Crew and other Christian rock/ hip hop music. $12 before, $15 at door. 954-786-1116. www.rocketownfl.com.

Boca Raton

Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

FREE. 4 p.m. — “1940s Radio Hour,” University Theatre on campus. 6 p.m.—family-friendly activities. 7:30 p.m. – Florida Wind Symphony plays patriotic tunes. 9 p.m. – Fireworks. Bring blankets or chairs. Food and beverage vendors on site. Bring canned or non-perishible food item to help Operation Food Bank. 561-393-7827.

On April 16, Real Estate mogul and TV celeb Donald Trump visited Sanborn Square in Boca Raton to speak at the 3rd Annual Tax Day Rally for the Tea Party. Trump was joined by other guest speakers including Congressman Allen West, Bill Nelson, Adam Hasner and radio personality Joyce Kaufman, who emceed.

Trump is considering running for President in 2012, but he will not make an official announcement yet. “Sometime before June,” he continues to say. But, he had plenty to say at the rally about everything from inflation and gas prices to trade with China and our involvement with Libya. He also seemed to have plenty of support from the large crowd that had gathered.

See Video here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42625344#42625344

Photo and story by Rachel Galvin