Page 22 - Boca Exposure - October '22

Page 22, Boca Exposure
Council Corner: Happy Fall, Y’all ... The Best Is Yet To Come!

By Yvette Drucker, who was that are necessary so that we can continue to provide and sustain and Intergovernmental Relations Policy Committee. As a
re-elected to the Council in outstanding quality services in our city. We will continue to member, I will help develop the League’s Legislative Action
her own name. Drucker had make improvements at the Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club Agenda, which details priority issues that are most likely to affect
been serving on the Council (BRGRC). Ongoing projects include the replacement of the daily municipal governance and local decision-making during
after being appointed to fill clubhouse, cart barn roofs, new restaurant/bar and extensive golf the upcoming legislative session, as well as help league staff
the vacancy left by Jeremy maintenance. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure with understand the real-world implications of proposed legislation.
Rodgers when he was called our approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Committee members are also asked to serve as advocates for
to military service. Continuing to add to all amazing things in Boca, we anxiously local decision-making throughout the legislative process. I am
Seasons change, and we await the Wildflower Park opening and Brightline Station. excited to take on the big issues that municipalities face daily
are changing for the better as The Wildflower Park (Fall 2022) is almost ready to open throughout the state, and share with communities locally and
big things are coming to Boca its doors as it approaches completion, and we are so excited! around Florida the successes we have had here in Boca Raton. I
Raton! As we approach the fall Construction continues at Wildflower Park as we continue to am looking forward to working with my colleagues to advancing
season, we continue to be busy and, yes, #thebestisyettocome! add the art sculpture, play art, seating and the water feature. The solutions for housing affordability, transportation mobility issues
Last month, the city approved the City’s FY 2022/23 balanced art pieces were designed and created by May + Watkins Design and infrastructure needs.
budget. The balanced budget is a requirement of Florida state and make for some beautiful additions to our waterfront parks! Check out all the fun activities happening in October. For
statute and is defined as revenues and other sources equaling Brightline Boca Raton station continues to make progress all fall fun and Halloween events visit www.myboca.us. As
expenditures/expenses and other uses, including our reserves. and is still on track for completion late this fall; we can’t wait to always, I want to hear from you and if you have any questions
The budget supports the goals defined by the city council during be All Aboard! or concerns, please email me at ydrucker@myboca.us and you
our strategic planning workshop that was held this past May. The Lastly, The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for can always follow me on @yvettedrucker on all social media
budget and strategic goals will commence on Oct. 1. Florida’s municipal governments, announced my appointment platforms. Happy fall, be safe, have fun and, most importantly,
What’s new for 2022/23? The budget includes new positions to serve on the Florida League of Cities 2022/23 Transportation enjoy our city!
City’s First Tree Lighting, Holiday Extravaganza

Set For Boca Raton Innovation Campus Nov. 17

The 2022 winter season will officially start in Boca when nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive that brings holiday
CP Group once again presents its Annual Community Tree cheer to 6,000-plus children throughout Palm Beach
Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza on Thursday, Nov. 17, County. The SOG network creates alliances with nonprofit
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at its Boca Raton Innovation Campus organizations by sharing resources and providing education
(BRiC) on Yamato Road at 5000 T-Rex Avenue. to strengthen our communities.
Featuring the first tree lighting and Santa arrival in VIP tickets are available at $50 per adult, including access
Boca – this year with live reindeer – the free and open-to- to a VIP hospitality tent; open bar with top shelf choices,
the-public event will offer an abundance of entertainment, wine, and beer, catered hors d’oeuvres, and other special
friends and family merriment, and free parking. For the activations. Kids’ VIP tickets are also available for $15 each
past seven years, the holiday kickoff event benefits Spirit (16 years and under) and will include access to a “Kids
of Giving’s (SOG) Annual Holiday Gift Drive and Junior Corner” within the tent that will serve up children’s treats
League of Boca Raton (JLBR). and beverages. One hundred percent of VIP ticket sales will
As eventgoers enter BRiC’s merry and bright destination, It Is Florida, So There Is A Rain Date benefit the JLBR, an organization of women committed to
they will drive through an illuminated “Snowflake Lane” CP Group Director of Communications Giana Pacinelli promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women,
into a spectacular winter wonder-rama of memory-making reported that, should inclement weather impact the event date, and improving communities through the effective action and
fun, festivities, selfie and group photo opportunities, and an alternative rain date is set for the following day, Friday, Nov. leadership of trained volunteers.
food. All are in countdown to the illumination of a 40-foot 18. Weather-related updates will be reported on workatbric.com Owned and operated by CP Group, the largest office
Christmas tree adorned in thousands of twinkling LED and registration page on Eventbrite page, and notices will be sent landlord in the state, BRiC is the largest single facility office
lights and hundreds of ornaments. to all registrants. Guests are encouraged to RSVP on Eventbrite building in Florida at 1.7 million square feet. Designed by
Seasonal Holiday Celebration Set To Dazzle to ensure they receive updates should the event date be moved. iconic Brutalist architect Marcel Breuer, the campus was
Eventgoers are scheduled to enjoy: “We are proud to kickoff the holiday season once again originally built in 1969 for IBM and is home to the invention of
• Jolly Santa arrival with live reindeer. with our seventh annual marquee tree lighting at BRiC, offering the first personal computer. CP Group acquired the campus in
• Meet-and-Greets/Photo Ops with Santa and thousands of free parking spots conveniently located off two I-95 2018 with the vision of transforming BRiC into the technology
reindeer. Santa’s official photographer will capture exits,” shared Pacinelli. “Of course, the reason for the season is and life sciences hub for the Southeastern United States
the moments and print out commemorative photos for giving back, and we look forward to exceeding our fundraising with unparalleled amenities. Tenants include Boca Raton
eventgoers to take home. efforts this year and sharing in those achievements with the rest Regional Hospital, Kroger, Modernizing Medicine, Canon,
• Santa’s Workshop, a kid-friendly tented area for of the community.” and Bluegreen Vacations.
holiday-inspired children’s activities led by ArtNEST Admission Is Pure Giveback. General admission is free For event updates and to RSVP for general admission or
Studios and letters to Santa organized by Boca Raton with an unwrapped new toy or monetary donation to SOG, purchase VIP Tent tickets, visit www.2022CPGtreelighting.
Historical Society & Museum. collected upon drive-through check-in entry to support the eventbrite.com.
• LED Cirque performers, on-stage and roaming,
featuring mesmerizing high levels of risk balancing, Boca Kicks Off Holiday Season
Hula-Hoop contortionist spinning with over 30 Hula-
Hoops and juggling.
• Extreme face painters. Nov. 19 With Free Annual ‘Light The
• Interactive Celebrity DJ/Emcee Dennis Stelling,
who has opened for John Mayer and others.
• Plus ... holiday-themed performances by: Lights’ Ceremony
○ West Boca Raton Community High School
Choral: BELLA VOCE, an auditioned treble
ensemble composed of students in grades 10 to 12 Light Up Boca, a series of winter holiday festivities,
under the direction of Choral Director Catherine kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the
Briggs and with support from Nat King Cole Mizner Park Amphitheater (MPA), with “Light the
Generation Hope. Lights,” a free holiday happening.
○ Grandview Preparatory School music students The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial
under the direction of Carrie Furman lighting of the city’s tree led by Mayor Scott Singer and
○ Acapride, an a capella ensemble of students City Council, that will illuminate simultaneously with
in grades 6 to 12 performing holiday pop choir Mizner Park’s 47-foot animated tree at the south end
arrangements in three-part harmony. of the center and all of the holiday lighting throughout
○ Extensions, an audition-based ensemble consisting Downtown Boca.
of upper school and middle school students performing In Mizner Park, 50,000 LED lights will adorn 75
pop, jazz, and classical choir arrangements in three- to palm trees; poles will be laced with garland; lights Your favorite Mizner Park restaurants will be open
five-part harmony. and four wreaths (each 60 inches in diameter) will be with special seating options offering great views of the
○ Organic Movements Dance School featuring placed throughout the center; garland will be swooped holiday decor, light, and fireworks. Please contact the
30 classically trained ballet students presenting throughout the gazebos and the valet parking station – restaurants directly for more information.
a magical selection from its upcoming seasonal all of which will be decorated with lights and holiday The event is sponsored by the City of Boca Raton,
production based on the timeless classic, The Grinch. trimmings. Mizner Park, and WPBF-TV. Other holiday events,
And ... Located at the south end of the center, Mizner Park’s presented by the City of Boca Raton, include:
• Food Truck Lane, offering diverse yum-filled menu “iTree” consists of more than 32,000 lifelike PVC branches, - Merry in Mizner will bring evening holiday
choices. red and gold bows, ornament clusters and 25,000 clear entertainment to Mizner Park every Friday in December
• Cash Bars for beer/wine, coffee/ desserts. and multi-colored LED lights. There will be 20-minute (Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23) from 6 to 9 p.m. with strolling
With health and safety of utmost importance, Baptist musical light shows performed nightly at 6, 7, 8. and 9 pop-up musicians to enhance the holiday spirit.
Health South Florida/Boca Raton Regional Hospital is p.m., continuing through the holiday season. The tree will
providing lifeguards for the lake area. be illuminated for photo opportunities between shows. Boca Kicks Off Holiday Season on page 24