With a new chef and healthier options

By Rachel Galvin

If you travel into Boca Raton just north of Yamato on Military Trail, you will find a very interesting shopping locale called Park Place, which opened two years ago but may still be unknown to many. The open air feel and fresh modern architecture are quite inviting. Within this shopping oasis, you will find several eateries, including Prezzo, which opened a little over a year ago. If that name sounds familiar, it should. You may remember Prezzo from years ago. It became a popular hotspot after originally opening in west Boca in 1989 bringing with it one of the first wood burning pizza ovens to South Florida.

Executive Chef Patrick Delay just started with Prezzo back in August. This up-and-coming chef was nominated for the Eater 2019 Young Guns award (the winner will be announced this summer) and is the youngest in the restaurant group, which includes Max’s Grill in Mizner Park, as well as Deck 84 and Burt & Max’s in Delray.

He has recently added some new items to his menu to accommodate those seeking healthier options. His veggie forward focus includes vegetable lasagna made with butternut squash noodles and other hearty, but healthy, ingredients. They also have zucchini noodles. Many items are easily made gluten free upon request.

A must-try is the Quinoa & Squash Salad — a light but filling option. Roasted chicken lays atop quinoa and arugula, mixed with pieces of roasted butternut squash and zucchini, sprinkled with dried cranberries with added pumpkin seeds for texture, made with balsamic vinaigrette.

A nice traditional entrée with a healthier spin is their chicken marsala. Rich with flavor, the chicken falls apart easily with a fork and pairs nicely with cauliflower cous cous, which serves as a great alternate base for the dish, and savory mushrooms.

Seeking comfort food? An option like baked rigatoni, which has a pop of flavor with its added crumbled Italian sausage, is a nice choice. It also has broccoli, red pepper flakes and parmesan cream.

They also have chicken, pork, seafood, pasta, pizza and more, so there is plenty to eat. Many items have carried over from the original Prezzo, like their fusilli pasta, roasted garlic breadsticks and their wood oven-baked apple tart, which makes for a nice light dessert (The best part is the cinnamon gelato on top).

There are plenty of specials here, including a 12 for $12 menu (including a beverage) Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a half priced happy hour daily from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.— buy one entrée, get the second one half off.

There is a full bar with a happy hour from 12 to 6 p.m. (from any seat in the restaurant) with wine by the glass specials and ½ priced beer and spirits. Enjoy live music on Thursdays from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on the outdoor patio. This is a great spot for a date night or family outing.

Prezzo is located at 5560 N Military Tr., #300, in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.prezzoboca.com.

By Karen Lustgarten

Which of the 38 cities in Palm Beach County attracts the highest number of corporate relocations? More than half selected the city of Boca Raton to establish headquarters. According to Andy Thomson, newly-elected member of the Boca Raton City Council, that amounts to more than 30 international corporations that have moved into or expanded in Boca Raton.

The council member cites several reasons for Boca’s big-business boom. With the establishment in 2014 of the Office of Economic Development being funded by the city, attracting corporations became a priority.

“The marketing strategy and message is ‘Boca is open for business; we are serious about helping corporations thrive here,’” said Thomson.

Technology and health are among the top sectors relocating to Boca, such as Modernizing Medicine and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Mr. Thomson is quick to add that marketing a “unique quality of life” is an easy sell. The obvious attributes include warm weather, beaches, sunshine and leisure lifestyle throughout Florida, along with no state income tax and corporate tax incentives. Among Boca Raton’s unique qualities attracting employees and businesses, he cites an executive airport for corporate jets with a new U.S. Customs facility, quality public and private schools, good housing, low crime and 46 parks.

“We are a city within a park,” he says, “and we take our green spaces seriously.”

The two local colleges — Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University — funnel a tech-ready workforce into job openings at area corporations.

“This helps transition graduates to nearby jobs so there is less of a brain drain,” he said.

One marketing challenge is overcoming the perception of a growing aging population.

“The fear companies have in considering relocation is the mistaken perception that Boca is the retirement community depicted in the hit TV series Seinfeld. But the age demographic is actually trending younger,” he says.

Jessica Del Vecchio, manager of the city’s Office of Economic Development, concurs that the population is growing younger, from migrating retirees to a median age of 47 according to Forbes magazine.

“When corporations relocate to Boca Raton, they have an economic impact on our overall economy by adding property tax income and creating jobs. More above average salary jobs become available to the talent pool of our local college graduates. They stay, find gainful employment and the quality of life improves,” she says.

The quality livability claim is backed up by online studies Del Vecchio references that rank Boca Raton high on their lists:

• Best Beach Towns to Live In: Boca Raton is No. 7 of 205 cities nationwide (WalletHub.com)

• Best Suburbs to Live in Florida: No. 13 of 351 (Niche.com)

• Top 100 Places to Live: No. 45 of 2,300 cities surveyed (Livability.com)

• “A” rating in a satisfaction survey of 45,000 renters (Apartment List)

The Office of Economic Development serves Boca Raton’s corporate community. Some corporations recently headquartered in the city are Shoes for Crews, Miami Grill, El-Ad National Properties and Gift of Life Marrow Registry (2019). Companies expanding (moving to new and larger space) include Modernizing Medicine, Cosmetic Solutions, Hair Club and TherapeuticsMD.

The Boca Raton Resort and Club is a popular destination for corporate conferences during the year, especially in winter.

Del Vecchio sums up a typical scenario: “Executives come in from all over the country [and world] and they experience a beautiful lifestyle, a luxury resort, warm weather, lower taxes. At the end of the conference, they’re thinking, ‘Why are we getting on a plane heading back to terrible weather in a higher tax state when we can be productive in paradise?’ That’s when relocation thoughts kick in.”

Karen Lustgarten is president of Multi-Media Works, a multiple award-winning media company specializing in video, PR, print and social media with offices in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She founded a newspaper in Washington, DC, was a syndicated columnist and a bestselling author. www.multi-mediaworks.com

By Rachel Galvin

Sanborn Square Park was packed for this year’s Boca Burger Battle on July 14. More people than ever found their way to vendor after vendor and stuffed themselves with taste after taste of delicious burgers, as well as craft beer, wine and other spirits. The night was made complete with well-placed mood lighting strung up high on the tall palm trees by Jan Van Der Baan (also of Birthday Comp.) and the musical stylings of the Gypsy Lights. They even had cornhole to play.

“This is my first time attending,” said Peter Wein (of WEI Network.) “I am amazed at how many incredible burgers we have to choose from. Unfortunately, only one is going to get an award.”

Each of the chefs was battling it out to win, judged by a long line of judges. In the end, the Best Grill Master was Funky Buddha Brewery. 2nd place was Tucker Duke’s and 3rd, Cheffrey Eats. People’s Choice for Best Battle Burger went to ROK: BRGR for the 2nd year in a row.

Burton’s Grill & Bar served up a Mediterranean stuffed burger slider, with feta and herb alouette, grilled zucchini, tzadeki and charred tomato ketchup.

“October will be our one year anniversary. This is our first time here,” said Stephanie Hammer, who marveled at how they had not slowed down the entire event. “Our Boca restaurant is the first in Florida… We are from New England.”

“I love it. This is our first year. We are having an amazing time,” said Ting Shen, director of training of Batch Gastropub, which is located in the Delray Marketplace.

Barrel of Monks Brewery owner Kevin Abbott said, “This event just makes sense for us. It is a Boca event and we are a Boca brewery,” saying he works with most of the restaurants in attendance. “We have been here [in Boca] for 3 ½ years. We have Belgian style ales, tours, food and beer pairings … We like to educate people that beer is just as complex as wine.”

The Voss,’ who seem to be at every event, participated here for the first time, bringing their coconut tool and fresh honey, along with their bees.

“It has been pretty good. The people are really friendly…” they said.

Flair for Fudge, which also seems to always be here yearly, created a fudge just for the event — Pecan BBQ Bourbon. But they have so many other flavors, including salted black truffle and Tropical Temptaton, made with coconut, pineapple, banana, and mango in dark chocolate. [This reporter really liked the chocolate peanut butter]. They also had samples of key lime pie and others…

“We ship all over the US. We customize products for corporate, gifts for holidays, realtors, financial advisors, etc.,” said Hilary Saporta, who runs the company with Bernie Diaz. You can find out more and order at www.aflairforfudge.com.

“We come every year. It has gotten bigger. Every year, there are more vendors. There are a lot more breweries,” said Natalie Batmasian, who attended with her husband, Jimmy.

This event may be over, but Russell Spadaccini, who runs the event, will have no time to rest. He is already gearing up for his next soiree, the Boca Wine & Food Festival, which will take place Nov. 10. Find out all the info., at www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com.

By Rachel Galvin

Gearing up for the 16th Annual Boca Bacchanal beginning April 6, Mugsy PR gave media an outstanding sneak peek with a unique event. Media met up at Saks 5th Avenue in the Town Center at Boca Raton, received a branded wine glass, and then waited for our cars and drivers from Excell Auto Group to arrive, including Lamborghini, Ferrari and a Rolls Royce, as well as the Sprinter, a custom cargo van. We jumped in our individual cars and headed out to visit three of the Boca Raton restaurants who will be a part of the Boca Bacchanal. [I was in the Sprinter and we had champagne ready for us in the back!]

First stop was Louie Bossi, which opened last May in a prime location on Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton (100 E. Palmetto Park Rd.) We had a selection of cheese and meat selections and wine. After visiting there briefly, we switched up cars and headed to Seasons 52 (2300 NW Executive Center Dr.) where we were offered tender chicken skewers and pineapple with red pepper, a delicious flatbread and scrumptious scallops, and more wine. The last stop was Maggiano’s Little Italy (21090 St Andrews Blvd.) for more wine and a delicious meatball and pasta offering. We went back to Saks and received a collection of perfume samples as a parting gift.

This event was a perfect collaboration between the Boca Raton Historical Society, who puts on and benefits from the Boca Bacchanal; Saks 5th Avenue and Excell Auto Group.

This was just the first in a series of events leading up to the main event. Coming up are the following events (rates are per person):

• Bacchus Beckons: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m., at Saks Fifth Avenue. The chef and vintner pairings will be announced as well as the vintner dinner hosts. $50.

• Bubbles & Brunch: Sunday, March 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at the brand new Robb & Stucky showroom in Boca Raton. Guests will enjoy live music while strolling the showroom sipping champagne that will be featured at Boca Bacchanal this year. Upstairs will be a designer work-shop by Robb & Stucky creative director on new trends and inspirations from the Highpoint Market. $30.

Boca Bacchanal

• Vintner Dinners: Friday, April 6, 7 p.m. Guests go to different private residences (grand estates and historical sites, including The Boca Raton Resort & Club) to experience an intimate, dining experience. Each features a vintner and chef pairing their wine and cuisine together to create a magnificent five-course meal. Each dinner will also have a unique Saks Fifth Avenue silent auction item. $325 per person.

• Bacchanalia 2018: Saturday, April 7, 7 to 11 p.m. Mizner Park Amphitheater. This is a more casual event, as guests experience incredible food from over 30 local restaurants with world-class vintners showcasing their wineries’ best – all for attendees to sample. DJ and electric violinist Timothy Lovelock will keep the party going until 11p.m. High-tech auction too. $100.

For more information and tickets, visit www.bocabacchanal.com.

Deerfield Beach Computer Club

Friday, Jan. 4 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Century Village East Le Club/Activity Center, Rm. B. 3501 W. Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

$1 class fee waived for first-time guests. For more information, contact Barry at 954-725-9331 or visit www.db-cc.org

Voice lessons begin

Saturday, Jan. 5 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Source 230 Lock Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Hosted by Gene Townsel. For info., call 561-436-0868.

PB AAUW meeting, fundraiser

Monday, Jan. 7 – 12:30 p.m.

Dick and Miriam Hood Center 217 NE 4 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Pompano Beach Branch will hold a membership meeting. After, there will be a short presentation and discussion on “Women & Fashion.” Then, the “ELITE REPEAT” Fundraiser begins! A fabulous array of “gently used” purses & jewelry will be on sale for a $10 donation per item. Plan a shopping spree and raise needed money for scholarship fund! New members welcome. No charge. Please RSVP to 954-524-2938.

Casting Call: The Dating Game – Senior Style

Monday, Jan. 7 – 10 a.m. to noon

Broward Health North – Classroom 5 201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Remember that dating game TV show? This one is for seniors over 65. RSVP for auditions – 954-786-5197.

Event: Jan. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Broward Health North (201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064). Dr. H. Murray Todd, neurologist and medical director of BHN’s Neurologic Institute, will give an introduction about socialization and importance for the senior community. Seating limited first 150 guests. RSVP by calling 954-759-7400.

Retired Educators Club meets

Monday, Jan. 7 – noon

Stratford Court 6343 Via de Sonrisa del Sur, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Topic: “Slimming Down, Super Foods, & Supplements.” Speaker: Julia McRae. Free, public invited, new members welcome. Info.: 954-255-6360 or 561-483-5445.

Garden Club of LHP Membership Coffee

Thursday, Jan. 10 – 11 a.m.

St. Paul’s Education Hall 2700 NE 36 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Program: “Stipular Secrets & Piquant Pyrenes, A Fantastic Cruise through Rubiaceae: THE COFFEE FAMILY! 954-942-9310.

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.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Exciting news for locals – The 17th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) will have many events right here in Boca Raton at the Mizner Cultural Arts Centre.

Highlights of the festival include June Lockhart, an actress since the 1930s, receiving a Lifetime Achievement award in West Palm Beach.

In 1938, Lockhart made her screen debut in A Christmas Carol, playing one of the Cratchit children. Her real parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, played Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit.

In the 1950s, she was Lassie’s mommy and, in the 1960s, she was the matriarch in “Lost in Space.”

In the 1970s, she smashed sexual stereotypes by portraying a medical doctor on Petticoat Junction. Still active on the independent film circuit, she will be screening her latest film at PBIFF, Zombie Hamlet, which co-stars Shelley (Cheers) Long.

Speaking of Hamlet, Alex Hyde-White directs and stars in Three Days (of Hamlet), a documentary about a stage production of Hamlet. In three days, he confronts actors and the ghost of his own father, British Character actor Wilfrid Hyde-White.

This year, PBIFF will present some good documentaries. Be on the lookout for the following films:

• 7 Years Underground: A 60s Tale, which pre-dates Woodstock, is a documentary about Café Au Go Go and features unseen footage of stars like Lenny Bruce and Cass Elliot as a waitress in Greenwich Village.

• In Cartoon College, young people go to cartoon college in New Hampshire to become the next Walt Disney or Robert Crumb. This documentary features endearing students, some with learning disabilities, and caring teachers who love their craft.

• Los Dioses De Verdad Tienen Huesos (True Gods Have Bones) shows young doctors trying to move people from Guinea Bissau, an impoverished environment, to Europe, only to have their mercy mission bogged down by bureaucratic red tape.

• The Lost Bird Project features the wood sculptures of birds that have become extinct, created by Todd McGrain. These sculptures can be found all over the United States, including one statue in Florida.

• Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story (from Israel) is a documentary about the older brother of the Israel Prime Minister. As the squad leader, Yoni contributed to the raid on Entebbe, circa 1976.

• Totem & Taboo (from Canada) makes its world premier.

• eMANNzipation is a German dark comedy about domestic abuse against men.

Schedule: http://pbiff. festivalgenius.com/2012/schedule/week.

Enjoy your seder or have a Happy Easter!

DB After Hours

Thursday, Feb. 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Hilton Deerfield Beach, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-427-1050.

IHOP offers Free Pancakes

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and IHOP celebrate National Pancake Day.

Donations to Shands Children’s Hospital, U of F and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Bullying Prevention Class

Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.

ATA Black Belt Academy of Deerfield, 1520 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

FREE. Teaches emotional control and de-escalation techniques. Children 5 to 11 yrs. To reserve space, call 954-596-2700.

Community Health Fair

Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. to noon

E. Pat Larkins Center, 520 Martin Luther King Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

In honor of Black History month, Broward Health N. Broward Medical Center will provide free carotid artery screenings, blood pressure checks, colorectal cancer screening kits, stroke assessments. Cholesterol and blood sugar screenings available to first 60 people to register.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. (must fast 12 hours prior to screening). Dr. Mayuri Gupta, gastroenterologist, will speak on common gastrointestinal disorders, treatments. Dr. Ridwan Lin, interventional neurologist, will speak on latest stroke prevention, treatment. Also cooking demonstration and tasting.

Visit www.BrowardHealth.org for info.

Keeping Up the Pace Fashion Show/Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m.

LHP Yacht Club, 2701 NE 42 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Held by Narcissus Chapter 289, Daughters of Penelope. Benefits PACE Center for Girls.

Reservations: 954-427-5453.

3rd Annual Tea in the Garden

Saturday, Feb. 25, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

100 NE 44 St. , Pompano Beach, FL 33064

English Tea and pastries. Learn about local hunger issues, explore the tropical Food Forest and stroll Tiki-lit garden paths while listening to live music. $15 per person/$25 per couple. Family package available. Held rain or shine. Limited seating. Purchase tickets at www.teainthegarden.info or call 954-247-1087.

Luncheon/Fashion Show

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.

Via Mizner Golf & Country Club, 6200 Boca Delmar Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Donation: $35. Featuring fashions from Mario Pucci, Boca Raton. Sponsored by Bonnano Lodge# 2549, OSIA, which supports various charities. Open to public. Advanced reservations required. 561-479-4187.

Children in the Arts piano competition

Saturday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

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

FREE event. Open to public. Light refreshments served. 954-786-4111.

Deerfield Beach Green Market

Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Theme: Orchid show.

954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

Mardi Gras Celebration

Sunday, Feb. 26, 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Presented by Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. Admission $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

“Pops in the Park,” featuring Florida Youth Orchestra

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

FREE family concert. Hosted by LHP Cultural Arts Committee. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Keep pets at home. 954-784-3439.

IntraCoastal History Tour

Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park, 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5/person, ages 6 and up.  Pre-registration required: 954-357-5100.

Relay for Life team party

Tuesday, Feb.28, 6:15 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall, 2220 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Register your team (Deerfield Bch., LHP and Hillsboro Bch.) RSVP to Nona Breitenstein at nonabreit@gmail.com or 954-304-4248.

Broward County Mummers String Band

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

$8. 954-786-4590.

Save the date: St. Ambrose 18th Annual Carnival

Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4

St. Ambrose Church, 380 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Carnival rides, games, food, entertainment. Last year’s event brought in 10,000. They expect more this year. It benefits the church and school. For details, visit www.stambrosecarnival.com.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation’s Art and Photographic Judged Show

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

Skolnick Civic Center, 800 SW 36 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Public invited. Artists present. Winners announced, prizes given at reception. Light refreshments served. Display up until Feb. 29. 954-786-4590.

Meeting on Pompano Urban Area improvements

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 Hammondville Rd., (Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.), Deerfield Beach, FL 33060

Discussion on land-use, zoning changes for Downtown Pompano (discussion on streetscape improvements and upgraded pedestrian connectivity plans for MLK Jr. Boulevard – Feb.16, 6 p.m.). 954-467-6822.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Saturday, Feb. 11, Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to Sunset

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Opening weekend theme: Celtic Irish – Kiss the Blarney Stone. $20-adults/$7-children ages 6 to 11, 5 and under – FREE. www.ren-fest.com or 954-776-1642.

Miles for Meso

• Saturday, Feb. 11

Symposium, 3 p.m.

Hilton, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Sunday, Feb. 12

Pre-registration: 6 a.m., race: 7:30 a.m.

8K Run & 2 Mile Tribute Walk

Spanish River Park, 3001 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Proceeds benefit Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Symposium features speakers, including keynote speaker Dr. Raja M. Flores from Mount Sinai Medical Center. Race info: 561-361-1950. RSVP for symposium – mesosurvivor@aol.com or 954-303-5960.

DB Green Market

Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sweetheart’s Day theme. 954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

“Music in the Park”

Sunday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.

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

FREE. Florida Youth Orchestra performs contemporary and classical music. Bring blanket or chair (chairs available for $2 rent, benefits Boca Raton Police Explorers), food available for purchase. 561-393-7827.

Young Israel of Deerfield Beach 32nd anniversary dinner

Sunday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.

Young Israel of Deerfield Beach Synagogue, 202 Century Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Gala smorgasbord/ dinner honors Toby & Seymour Kleiman and Ina & Dick Ciocca, “Aishes Chayi Awardee,” Lenore Schelew. Reservations: 954-571-3904

DB Democratic Club meets

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Century Village Activity Center, 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Broward County, Vice Mayor, Kristin Jacobs. Blood Pressures taken, 6 p.m, sell gold. Refreshments served.  954-415-5658.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meeting

Monday, Feb. 13, 12:30 p.m.

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

Program: “Native Plants for your Garden,” presented by Diane Guidry, Naturescape of Broward County. Open to public. Refreshments served. 954-943-2699.

A night of music to remember

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Country Club, Christine’s on the Green, 50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Music and entertainment, including Petar Kecenovici, a master cellist who is in town performing with Andrea Bocelli, and Debi Incandela, a singer. Full bar and select menu. $10 at door helps 22-year-old fighting for life after motorcycle accident. 954-427-4400.

Valentine’s Day event NE Focal Point Senior Center

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 to 11 a.m.

227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Ink Spots–Generations with The Shambala Band. All welcome. 954-480-4449.

AARP Driver Safety Program

Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save money, earn discount on insurance. For seniors 50 yrs +. $14/$12-AARP members. Limited space, reservations required. 954-480-4447.

Open House and BBQ

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11:45 a.m.

American Flyers Flight School, Pompano Beach Airpark, 801 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE event and BBQ. Tours, presentation by certificated flight instructor, training aircraft on display, tour flight line and simulators. No reservations needed, guests encouraged to bring guests. 954-785-1450 or www.americanflyers.net/about/aviation_seminars.asp.

Pompano tops “Sensitive Men” list

Friday, Feb. 3, 6 to 9 p.m.

2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

East Village Uncorked celebrates Pompano being No. 1 on Chemistry.com’s list as best city in the U.S. for women to find sensitive, loving, caring single men. Singles attending will be invited to special VIP section to mingle, meet and greet while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting. Stroll and look at art, wine, featured specialty merchants, restaurants and planned improvements for everyone. FREE parking available. 954-786-7824.

“The Truth about Health and Healing Naturally”

Friday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.

Hilton Deerfield Beach , 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: International natural health authority Dr. Peter Amlinger will discuss benefits of natural health from an international standpoint. Hear how to get out of pain and feel great without need for drugs and surgery. Free event/ticket required for limited seating. 954-426-3200 for reservations.

Unity in the community

Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Community Park, 2001 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free food, entertainment. Bounce houses, clowns, fun bus, DJ Joe Balistreri will manage entertainment. 954-899-5557.

Wishing on a Star Fashion Show & Luncheon

Saturday Feb. 4, Social-11:30, Luncheon-noon

Royal Fiesta Caterers­, 1680 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by St. Gabriel Council of Catholic Women. Raffles, door prizes and more. Donations: $35. Reservations necessary. 954 786-0667.

Boca/DB Christian Women’s Connection: Valentine’s Luncheon

Monday, Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m.

Deer Creek Golf Club, 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Henry Poates on “Peace and Everlasting Love,” program on golf tips. Vocalist: Mary Beth Williams, keyboard: Jane Forbes. $21. Reservations required:  561-715-6426 or 954-427-8434.

AAUW-Pompano meets

Monday, Feb. 6, 12:30 p.m.

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

Presentation on “Elected Women in Power,” after brief membership meeting. New members welcome. No charge. RSVP: 954-524-2938.

PB Highlands Civic Improvement Assoc. meets

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50 Ct., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Speaker: Real Estate Broker Gerry Contrino. Topic: Current market trends, opportunities in bank-owned properties. Also, Attorney Paul DeBianchi will discuss foreclosure process, options available to homeowners. FREE admission, all welcome. 954-933-6393 or www.pbhighlands.org.

Coed Volleyball League Open Nights

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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

Every Tuesday, same time. Have a casual game of Volleyball with friends. Once enough participants come out, teams can be formed. They hope to start the league mid-February.

Also – Adult basketball and Women’s Flag Football set to begin new seasons in February.

954-480-4439.

Classical pianist Francesco Attesti in concert

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Performance will include pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, Bach and Piazzolla. Opening guest performer – pianist Emily Nourishirazi. $12 – general admission/ $18 – V.I.P tickets. Semi-formal to formal attire preferred. Valet parking available. 954-786-4590.

Sunset Green Market

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2240 NW 19 St (corner of Butts Rd. & 19 St.), Boca Raton, FL 33431

Farmer’s market featuring locally-grown produce, bakery items, plants & flowers, organics, doggie treats, Amish foods, soaps, teas & coffee, fresh herbs, and more. 954-270-9917.