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Rotary Toy Drive Means a Xmas for Kids

Thousands of children will find a toy or a bicycle on Christmas morning, thanks to the annual Boca Raton Toy Drive sponsored by the four Boca Raton Rotary Clubs.

The Carousel in Sugar Sand Park, a joint Rotary project 20 years ago, was the annual pickup spot Sunday for nonprofits like the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach and others who will distribute the toys to deserving kids.

This year’s toy drive set records for the amount of toys donated and collected, said Douglas Heizer, a toy drive co-founder and former Rotary International District 6930 governor. In fact, two members of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Oceanside stopped by to pick up toys for Little Birthday Angels, homeless children.

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On December 25, The Boca Raton Tribune proudly presents its Centennial Special Edition — celebrating 100 years of Boca Raton with exclusive stories written by local journalists who know this city best.

A celebration. A keepsake. A thank you to our community.

Available December 25.

A Christmas Gift for Our Community

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Marketing Team

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News Room

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Dini Heizer

Doug Logan Isabel Rizzi

Kartik Krishnaiyer

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Michael Demyan

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Thomas J. Madden

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TWO

Games

STATEPOINT MEDIA

THEME: YEAR-INREVIEW

ACROSS

1. W.E.B Du Bois’ org. 6. Rascal 9. Ho-hum 13. “Pomp and Circumstance” composer 14. Tropical constrictor 15. Forgo 16. Tequila source 17. + or - atom 18. Reason by deduction 19. *Trade war “weapon,” pl. 21. *2025 MLB World Series winners

23. ____-tzu 24. C&H crop

25. Dunce

28. Western necktie

30. Catch in a snare

35. Ginger cookie

37. Master of his castle

39. Use a razor

40. British slang for donkey

41. Arch and ball locations

43. Winglike

44. March celebrants

46. *Arthur Sze, 2025 ____ Laureate

47. Dam-like structure

48. *Beyoncé’s “Cowboy ____,” 2025 Grammy winner

50. King Kong and Curious George, e.g.

52. Like a fox

53. What Pinocchio did

55. *Florida Panthers won this org.’s ‘25 championship

57. *”Wicked: ____ ____”

61. *Late environmentalist and chimpanzee expert

65. German submarine destroyer

66. *2025 Ryder Cup loser

68. Manuscript sheet

69. Brazilian coins

70. Roll-your-own one, for short

71. To the left, on a boat

72. Orpheus’ instrument

73. Geological time period

Quote of the Week:

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the

Luke 2:10

74. They are cut by Federal Reserve

DOWN

1. At room temperature, bar order

2. Algae, sing.

3. Petri dish filler

4. Raise trivial objections

5. Ready to be assembled

6. Avian wader

7. Farm sound

8. China’s goodwill “____ diplomacy”

9. Collision, onomatopoeically speaking

10. *Taylor Swift’s “The ____ of a Showgirl”

11. Affirm solemnly

12. Third-person possessive pronoun

15. Makes broader 20. Why do they fall in love?

22. *Aryna Sabalenka’s seed 24. Auto contents

25. Pertaining to osmium

26. *2025 Academy Awards Best Picture winner

27. Faquir, alt.spelling

LAST WEEK RESULT

29. Pilot’s stunt

31. Spring event

32. Pneumonia symptom, pl.

33. Be of use

34. *Blue Origin’s 2025 singing passenger

36. Boll weevil, e.g.

38. *____Seek

42. Shorthand typist, for short

45. Serfs

49. 2016 Olympics host, for short

51. Ram’s horn at a synagogue

54. Draw a conclusion

56. Parkinson’s disease drug

57. Roll up

58. Heed

59. Lion sound

60. Dorothy’s last name

61. *Lady of “The Mayhem Ball”

62. Tons (2 words)

63. Lira, pl.

64. Land parcels

67. *Gary Oldman received this honorific in 2025

Thoughts from the publisher

By Douglas Heizer

We wish you a Merry Christmas, a very, very Merry Christmas. I want to extendwarm wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas. And to those observing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or celebrations specific to other faiths, I hope you also enjoy your special time.

Let’s talk about Christmas for a moment. Like the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and that holds true regardless of the circumstances. It’s fantastic when a year is prosperous, and everyone has some cash jingling in their pockets when the holiday season arrives. However, this year, as in the past few years, many people don’t have much money to pay the bills and buy presents.

Sometimes, we must shift our focus from the present to the traditio al. We need to reflect on the Miracle in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Even if you don’t believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, we can acknowledge that he was a man with a very special message, gifted with a charisma that reached all parts of the world and whose memory is memorialized by millions.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, could have come to this world with royal robes and flights of angels, but he didn’t. He arrived the same way you and I did - as a baby nurtured in the womb and born into the world. Yet, his birth was on a day that would be celebrated for all times.

Regardless of one’s perception of Jesus, he did not come with grandeur. Born in a manger where horses and cattle feed, there was nothing spectacular about his arrival - much like the unremarkable aspects of many lives this past year or in the past few years.

Jesus was never materially rich. His

family was poor, and he earned a living as his father, Joseph, did - as a carpenter. As he grew, he went to the Temple and taught lessons.

Yes, Jesus was also a teacher. In today’s world, carpenters and teachers may not receive substantial pay, but their work is vital as it provides shelter and education, crucial aspects of our lives.

In life, Jesus never ruled as the Son of God. If anything, he rejected the regal world for that of his Father in Heaven, where we all aspire to dwell someday. He taught us how to do it and expressed his love for us - imperfect as we humans are. We are sinners, but he forgives. Even as he died on the cross, he forgave us.

To this day, he hears the cries of the poor and the wails of the homeless. While some may feel Jesus doesn’t treat us all fairly, this isn’t the case. We are the ones who must work for a living, pursue happiness (which is not guaranteed), and learn life’s lessons, sometimes difficult to fathom but necessary.

Now is not the time for depression; it’s a time to celebrate. To adorn co orful wreaths and ornaments, share the spirit of the season. It costs nothing to share goodwill with others. We’ve witnessed how those with more material things help those with less by donating food and toys. There is a special feeling in simply walking down the street and saying “Hi” to people we don’t even know.

It’s the spirit that’s important, not materialism. At this time of year, we must abandon sadness for a happier demeanor, keeping the good mood and the faith of better days into the future as we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Originally Published on December 28, 2011 - Edition 79

A Boca Christmas

“Twas the night before Christmas, Down here in Boca, I was sitting at Starbucks, ... sipping my mocha.

I know we’re all Jewish, But was wondering still, If Santa would come here And give us a thrill.

On my way home, No Christmas lights did I see, On the houses, the windows, Not even the tree.

What a strange feeling, Not a decoration in sight. Was it really December Or a warm summer’s night?

I drove past Toojay’s, There were lines out the door, People were waiting For kishka and more.

The restaurants were busy, Christmas dinners not planned. Never, not here, We’re in Boca Land.

At home, all was quiet, I left out Kosher wine, In case Santa came to Boca For the very first time.

Snoozing came easy To me Christmas Eve. I wasn’t waiting for presents To be left under a tree.

I could hope all I want, I could fuss and then see, If Santa would make time

For little old me.

Then all of a sudden, He pulled up in his Jag, With a sack full of presents, Each sporting a tag.

“Oh Bloomies, Oh Saks, Oh Neiman’s and more. He knows where to shop, He frequents my stores!”

He looked for the lox, The bagels and deli. He came to Boca first To fill up his belly!

“I have a long night ahead, I want you to know. From Boca I leave For New York and the snow.”

He stayed for a while, He chatted and ate. Then he left in a flash Before it got late.

What a great night I thought with a sigh. That jolly old Santa Is a really nice guy.

As I cleared off the table, I heard with delight, “Shalom to you all, And OY, vat a night!!”

Best wishes For a happy new year...”

Originally Published on December 28, 2011 - Edition 79

Publisher

The Boca Raton Tribune

Founded January 15, 2010

DOUGLAS HEIZER, Publisher

MONDAY MANNA

By C.C. Simpson

Maximizing the Power of Closed Lips

A few years ago, I was in a highstakes meeting with senior executives from multiple sectors: an audience not easily impressed. We were discussing integrity in leadership, and I had just finished speaking when I ended with a pointed challenge: “What would it cost you to do what’s right when no one’s watching?” Then I stopped talking. No clever close. No pivot to the next slide. Just silence.

I looked; I made eye contact. Five seconds, then 10. At first, people shifted in their chairs, waiting for me to finish the script they had written in their heads. But as the silence stretched, the atmosphere changed. They leaned in. The weight of the question didn’t fade; it deepened. The silence gave it room to breathe.

That is what wise silence does. It does not retreat from responsibility or signal weakness. It magnifies meaning. It invites reflection. And for the Christian leader, it reveals something greater: a deep confidence in God’s sovereignty and in the faithful trajectory you have already set.

We are conditioned to think good leadership is about having the sharpest answer, the strongest voice, or the most decisive action. But kingdom leadership also includes the discipline of discerned silence, especially when you know you have led with righteousness, planned with godly intention, and can now rest in it. Jesus stood before Pilate, accused, pressured, and misunderstood: “But He gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.” (Matthew 27:14).

Let that settle in. The Son of God, fully able to dismantle every lie with a word, chose silence. This was not passivity. This was power under perfect control. It was leadership grounded not in image, but in obedience. Not in performance, but in purpose. Jesus’ silence was not uncertainty; it was unshakable trust in God the Father’s plan. It said, “I don’t need to defend myself. The mission is already in motion.” That is the posture we need in the marketplace: set your course, lead with righteousness, plan with godly intention, and then rest. You do not have to fill every pause with self-defense

or scramble for consensus when you are anchored in God’s direction.

In today’s marketplace, noise is currency: strategy sessions, rapid-fire messages, constant “personal branding.” We are told to always speak, always weigh in, always stay visible. But what if your most formative leadership move this week is not what you say, but what you choose not to say?

When utilized well, silence can: Give space for wisdom to emerge, from you or from others.

Shift focus from self-justification to truth-examination.

Model emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity.

Demonstrate a non-anxious presence: someone who doesn’t need to dominate the room to lead it.

Invite reflection on what’s eternal, not just what’s tactical.

A well-placed pause in a meeting can become a doorway. It’s not manipulation, it’s ministry. It allows the biblical worldview you carry to echo louder than any pitch can. And when you have already set a faithful trajectory, silence becomes less about hesitation and more about steady, God-trusting leadership. In a culture of reactive leadership, the Christian who pauses, listens deeply, speaks sparingly, and embraces holy stillness leads from a different source. Such leadership doesn’t just get results; it shapes souls.

© 2025. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

Scan the QR Code to read the full article.

By Rick Warren FAITH

How to Find the Joy in Giving

“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Acts 20:35 (GNT) When it comes to generosity, one of the best ways to learn is from the example of others.

I learned how to be generous from my parents. I grew up watching them give away so many things in life. They gave away hospitality, income, and food. They gave away time, energy, and effort. They held out their gifts and resources with an open hand, and they were some of the most joyful people I ever knew.

The Bible offers another great model of generosity: the church in Macedonia. Here’s what the apostle Paul said about them: “We want you to know what God’s grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia. They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor” (2 Corinthians 8:12 GNT).

Notice how the church in Macedonia had their own problems to deal with. They were “severely tested” because they lived during the Roman Empire, when Nero was emperor. It was a time when being a Christian could lead to a death sentence. The Macedonians were not only being persecuted for their faith, but they were also extremely poor and maybe in need of financial assistance themselves.

But because “their joy was so

great,” their difficult circumstances didn’t stop them from being “extremely generous in their giving.” They didn’t give out of duty or obligation. They gave out of joy.

The Bible says, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35 GNT).

When I was a kid, I didn’t believe that verse. I was immature and thought it was more fun to get than to give. And Christmas was always about me: “What am I going to get?”

But as my parents taught me the value of generosity, I began to experience the joy that comes from giving. I slowly began to mature and understand there really is more joy in giving than receiving.

Maybe you find yourself giving out of pressure or compulsion—and you’re miserable. Try this instead: Give out of joy, knowing that God is always generous in providing for your needs. After all, he’s already given you the greatest gift of all: the gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Talk It Over

Who has modeled generosity for you? How has their influence affected your desire to be generous to others?

What are some of God’s promises that can encourage you when you feel like you don’t have enough to give or that you will run out of something if you give it away?

What can you give out of joy this week?

Your Voice Matters.

Share your opinion, concerns, or perspective with our newsroom.

Email your Letter to the Editor to:

Use the subject line: Letter to the Editor editor@bocaratontribune.com

The Boca Raton Tribune

COLUMNIST

By: Douglas G Logan SOLVITUR AMBULANDO

Gerrymander

Its origins go back to the early 19th century: from the name of Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts + salamander, from the supposed similarity between a salamander and the shape of a new voting district on a map drawn when he was in office (1812), the creation of which was felt to favor his party; the map (with claws, wings, and fangs added) was published in the Boston Weekly Messenger, with the title The Gerry-Mander. It is the willful manipulation of an electoral district, or districts, to favor one party.

Certainly un-Democratic, but now, Constitutional. In 2019, the Supreme Court, in Rucho vs Common Cause, cowardly failed to declare the practice unconstitutional, and said it was a “political matter” to be handled by the states. This encouraged Texas Republicans to commence a voting district arms race. Today, Trump’s plan to rig the 2026 Midterms came to an abrupt halt.

In Indiana, 21 Republican Senators said ‘enough’. They thwarted this cynical vote grab; defied Trump’s bullying tactics; courageously put themselves at political and personal risk. Just one of a number of losses to the autocratic anti-Democratic forces in Washington this week.

For the second time in seven days, another Virginia Grand Jury failed to find probable cause in Trump’s political vendetta against NY State Attorney General, Leticia James. Two separate panels in two separate cities. A clear embarrassment for Pam Bondi and a corrupt DOJ.

In accordance with a Judicial order, Kilmar Obrego Garcia was released from custody, again, as is, for now, a free man. If you will recall, this Salvadoran exile has been constantly harassed by ICE, unlawfully deported, tortured in a Salvadoran prison, repatriated, and has been in jail for most of this year. He is Trump’s poster boy for ‘worst of the worst’. He has been accused, without evidence, of being a gang member and a trafficker. A WH spokesperson, some months ago, declared the man would ‘never see a day of freedom in this country, again’. So, how’s that going?

Trump’s preferred candidate got routed in the Miami mayoral race. Kristi Noem got pancaked in a Congressional hearing today, and lied her way into an early exit. Trump’s attempts to block spending IRA money on EPA projects have been blocked by the courts. Courts have also opened the door to releasing Epstein and Maxwell grand jury testimony. Probably more there than in the DOJ files.

And, his polling continues to drop. There is no plan to walk back tariffs. Chairman Powell explained current inflation as being 2%, but close to 3% because of tariffs. And Trump continues to be delusional in rating his own performance. “I would give me an A plus plus plus!”.

He has been awful. Bad judgement, crappy execution, mean spirited demeanor, and a stream of “own goals”. Nearly a year in; this is one of his worst weeks.

By: Tom Madden

Could Too Much Relaxing Be Playing with Fire? Has It Become an Outdated Custom to ‘Retire?’

If you want to stay healthy, not to mention solvent, forget about that aged concept called retirement!

That’s the advice strategic wealth advisor and certified financial planner Nancy Hite gives to her clients, especially those in or approaching seniorhood.

As living to 100 is becoming more common, here’s what you should do, says the author of The Retirement Mirage

First, Hite says forget about that “old fashioned word, and concept, retirement as it’s a mirage.”

Here’s what you should do instead to prepare for the inevitable, call it more and more maturity.

People planning to live until age 100 will want to bolster their finances ahead of time as much as possible.

She advises delaying Social Security until age 70 and taking on easier jobs after your main line of work is over, which will help keep you healthfully active and your money supply percolating instead of just parking yourself on some beach chair.

Having a financial advisor can ensure that your assets keep growing even after you leave your main line of work that got you where you are. You might also consider purchasing longterm care insurance.

Yes, more people are living to 100, and to Hite that means not just stretching your savings but keeping them invigorated with other activities that are easier, preferably even more fun to do.

Thankfully for us humans, longevity is a growing trend sparked by improvements in healthcare and medicine creating wonderfully longer lifetimes.

In the next 30 years, the number of Americans living to age 100 and beyond is expected to quadruple, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

In 2024, there were over 100,000 centenarians in the U.S and by 2054, that number is expected to exceed 420,000.

“Living to 100 isn’t rare anymore,” said Hite, “thanks to biotech innovation and healthier lifestyles, so don’t underrate good financial planning as more folks will be hitting those triple digits.”

That’s maybe 30 or even 40 more years beyond that 9 to 5 job, so better plan for a longer future than you’re figuring, she strongly advises.

Financial Planning for a Longer Life

A longer lifespan means you’ll need not just a larger nest egg, but to keep on feeding it eventually with income from lighter work that’s fun to do.

A study by Nationwide found that healthy, higher-income retirees were significantly more likely to live to advanced ages. The report found that for healthy couples, there was a 20% chance that one partner would live past the age of 100.

So, if you’re a healthy individual with no pre-existing conditions, you might consider working a few years past what used to be the typical, excuse the expression, “retirement age” to keep building up your savings. You may also consider delaying Social Security to maximize your benefits, Hite says.

Every year you keep actively earning past 70, the benefits pile up until you’ll have a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income for life.

Hite says you can convert a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA, which offers tax-free growth.

“As people live longer, strategies such as traditional IRA and 401(k) conversions to Roth IRA and planning around Medicare premium brackets make sense,” said Hite.

Scan the QR Code to read the full article.

COMMUNITY

Rotary Toy Drive Means a Xmas for Kids

By Marci Shatzman

Thousands of children will find a toy or a bicycle on Christmas morning, thanks to the annual Boca Raton Toy Drive sponsored by the four Boca Raton Rotary Clubs.

Who was there beside Santa, of course? Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas and city council member and CRA chairman Marc Wigder brought an official city proclamation. Well-known

journalist and mentor C. Ron Allen stopped by to collect toys and bikes for students in need at Plumosa School of the Arts in Delray Beach. Mega Rotary volunteer Gary Hildebrand, membership chair of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, pitched in.

Volunteers also included members of Rotary Club of Boca Raton West, Heizer and his wife Dini’s home club. Heizer is also publisher of The Boca Raton Tribune. The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton and Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise are the other clubs involved. https://bocaratontoydrive.com/

And always volunteering at the toy drive are Rotary’s Interact Club for middle and high school students and Rotaract Club for college students. It was Boca native and Florida Atlantic University student Cristal Auger’s third year volunteering for this toy drive. It helps her to “be part of the greater community,” she said.

Boca Community Church Holds Joyful Christmas Rooftop Festival

By Caris Weinberg

Friday evening, members of Boca Community Church, along with friends, families, and the community, gathered outside of Boca Raton Christian School for Boca Community Church’s annual Rooftop Special.

Upon arrival, a friendly staff welcomed guests, accompanied by festive, Christmas light–lined fences and decorations that set the tone for the celebration on Boca Raton Christian School’s field. Guests enjoyed an assortment of food from around 12 food trucks while a DJ played a Christmas-themed set from the rooftop.

In addition to food and music, at the celebration was a petting zoo, where attendees could hold rabbits, ducks, chickens, and guinea pigs, pet goats, and see a real live turkey, a miniature cow, goats, and an emu. A Christmas-themed photo booth was available and enjoyed by the crowd, and the event even featured its very own snow machine. Christmas-themed characters walked around throughout the evening. Kids played on inflatable slides and bouncy houses in the field, and a raffle was held for a $100 Visa gift card.

Around the rest of the festivities, the event included prayer tents, offering guided prayer for anyone who needed it.

As the night continued, around 7

p.m., the musical portion of the evening began with a live jazz band taking the stage after the DJ, who played Christmas tunes for the first part of the evening. Next, the children’s ministry choir performed several Christmas songs they had spent the previous weeks preparing.

Continuing with the musical performances, Shine Music Group from Boca Raton Christian High School performed a medley of worship songs, wowing audience members.

Following Shine Music Group, Pastor Matthew took the stage to wish the audience a Merry Christmas and led the crowd in prayer.

The finale of the event was a joyful community sing-along with Boca Community Church’s Worship Team. Classics were sung in unison, including Little Drummer Boy, Angels (Glory to God), Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, What Child Is This, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Away in a Manger, Ring Them Bells, Manger Throne, and Joy/Joy to the World.

On Wednesday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m., Boca Community Church will hold a Christmas Eve Family Service in the Main Sanctuary. The candlelit evening service will include acoustic Christmas carols, a message of hope, and more.

Boca Raton Urban Gardens Hosts Community Morning of Learning and Giving Back

By Caris Weinberg

Sunday morning, Boca Raton Urban Gardens held a food drive event at the Susan Whelchel Community Garden to benefit Boca Helping Hands. This community gathering brought together neighbors, gardeners, and local nonprofits for a morning focused on gardening, learning, and giving back. The event featured hands-on activities, including cassava and taro harvesting, plant education tables, and interactive garden demonstrations, as well as a garden tour and garden talks led by community partners.

Garden talks included an introduction to the Susan Whelchel Community Garden by Allan, Valentina, and Jonathan from Boca Raton Urban Gardens; “Soil Health” by Will from The Fruitful Field; and “Food Forest and Native Pollinator Gardens” by Gary from 2Day4Tomorrow. These were followed by a garden tour, which included sampling of edible plants, an introduction to the Swinton Community Growing Project,

“Vegetable Gardening” by Melanie from Pearl City Community Garden, an introduction to Developing Interracial Social Change (DISC) of Pearl City, and concluded with an introduction to Community Servant Leaders.

Participating organizations alongside Boca Raton Urban Gardens included the City of Boca Raton, Junior League of Boca Raton, 2Day4Tomorrow, Developing Interracial Social Change (DISC), Community Servant Leaders, Pearl City

Community Garden, The Fruitful Field, and Swinton Community Growing Project.

Sunday’s event also marked one of the first public gatherings at the Susan Whelchel Community Garden under its new operator, Boca Raton Urban Gardens, following a transition from the Junior League of Boca Raton, which remains involved through ongoing volunteer support.

The food drive event worked to raise awareness and support for Boca Helping Hands, a local organization providing about 300 meals daily with volunteer support. Plot leasing is available at the Susan Whelchel Community Garden, where community members can obtain annual leases for individual plots within the garden. Each plot holder is required to donate 10% of their harvest to Boca Helping Hands. For more information on the Susan Whelchel Community Garden, visit bocagardens.org/swcg.

Boca Beach Chabad to Celebrate Chanukah with Menorah Lighting and Tribute to Sydney Victims

By Caris Weinberg

The Boca Beach Chabad is set to hold its annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Concert, and Community Gathering on Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m., in Sanborn Square.

The public event will feature a concert by internationally known Jewish hip-hop artist Nissim Black and a memorial for the victims of the Sydney terror attack, as well as prayers for the recovery of the wounded. There will be a special tribute to Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed while leading a public Chanukah menorah lighting in Sydney, Australia.

For Rabbi Ruvi New of Boca Beach Chabad, this loss is personal. Rabbi New, who founded the organization in 1999, is from Melbourne, Australia, and has strong ties to Sydney, where many of his friends and relatives live. He knew Rabbi Schlanger, whom he met two years ago after October 7th during a Chabad rabbis’ delegation visit to Israel. During this trip, they spent five intense days together, forming a close bond.

“He was younger than me—probably the youngest rabbi in the group— but very impressive. In Sydney, he was deeply loved and highly respected,” Rabbi New said. “This is a tremendous loss for the city, for the global Chabad

community, and for the Jewish people as a whole.”

Sydney’s tragedy comes after a global rise in antisemitism and intolerance, which is creating a climate where Jewish communities feel increasingly vulnerable. Rabbi New emphasizes that education plays a key role in preventing violence and antisemitism, and that teaching tolerance and respect for human life is essential before hatred can take root.

Rabbi New believes that Jewish communities should come together stronger and more united after attacks. The meaning of Chanukah is the power of light over darkness and the coming together in solidarity as humans.

For the last 20 years, Boca Beach Chabad has held the Chanukah Menorah Lighting event. Rabbi New invites the public, regardless of if they are Jewish, to come this year to support humanity as a whole.

“This is a moment for the Jewish community to come together stronger and more united than ever,” Rabbi New said. “In Sydney, the very next day, a large crowd gathered at Bondi Beach for a menorah lighting. That is the Jewish response—to answer darkness with greater light. Rabbi Schlanger truly embodied that spirit.”

MUNICIPAL

Public North Park Bids Too Expensive

By Marci Shatzman

With a construction budget of $22.5 million, the district that owns the new public North Park property voted to reject all four competitive bids and pare down the whole project.

“We have to go back to look for a smaller approach. This is taxpayer money,” said Craig Ehrnst. His fellow Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District commissioners agreed, and approved a motion to start over. On the possible cutting board is a $2,400,000 pedestrian tunnel under Jeffrey Street, a city requirement.

In other action, inspired by the new covered pickleball courts at Patch Reef Paddle and Raquet Club, Malcolm Butters won approval to cover some outdoor courts at Boca Paddle, the complex he’s building in North Park. Covering four outdoor courts and a main center court will attract more tournaments, he told commissioners. In fact, Boca Paddle will be the new home of Palm Beach Royals Major League Pickleball, Butters announced. The fabric coverings will have open sides and

cost about $1 million, he said. Butters Construction, with partner and operator CityPickle and other investors have raised $20 million so far for the com-

sider ranged from $29,377,540.84 to $49,143,467.04. Eleven are required city projects that included the tunnel and increased costs by $4,556,500, representing nearly 20% of the district’s entire construction budget. Two commissioners suggested scrapping the tunnel for a traffic light with a crosswalk. “These are different times,” Commissioner Robert Rollins noted.

The board will consider reducing landscaping and buffering; removing all pavilions except for the restroom pavilions; reducing picnic tables and benches. Also removing the South Playground but retaining the fitness area; reducing the North Playground scope and dog park features, and removing all blue light call boxes for a total potential reduction of $9 million.

The district also agreed to continue working with consultant Miller Legg to update the construction documents. They plan to re-advertise the project after the New Year to give contractors time to review the project and resubmit bids.

plex at Jeffrey Street and NW 2nd Avenue.

The four North Park construction proposals the district was about to con-

The Boca Raton Tribune

SPORTS

West Boca Makes School History with Second Straight State Title

With only two games remaining, the 7A and 4A State Champsionships, the high school football season in all of Florida has come to an end. Earlier this week, five teams were declared State Champions following their thrilling performances at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium in their respective championship games. One team in particular had an especially impressive win, as this is now their second ever State Championship and it came as a back-to-back State Championship win. That team is no one else but Boca Raton’s own, the West Boca Bulls.

The Bulls rise to success can be classified as an underdog story. The program had never played in the State Championship game prior to their win in 2024. The Bulls continuously found themselves in tough situations, ending the season with losing records and repeatedly missing the playoffs time after time. However, following the arrival of their head coach Dylan Potts in 2022, West Boca has transformed into a team to be feared.

Last year, the team faced off against

By Katie Mosley

7. This year, the Bulls played West Broward and won in an even more dominant fashion than last year as the Bulls defeated West Broward 31-0 to win their second consecutive 6A State Championship. With this win, the Bulls’ sea-

Bulls amassed two losses in the regular season to Bergen Catholic and Cardinal Newman. Following the Bulls week one win over Palm Beach Central, West Boca played at home against Bergen Catholic and lost by a touch-

on the road against Cardinal Newman, a team which recently beat Chaminade Madonna in the 1A State Championship game, in a game which would go to overtime where the Crusaders defeated the Bulls 26-20. Although the Bulls had a few rough patches in their regular season, come the postseason, West Boca was ready for any challenge.

This mindset proved not only to be true but it also proved to work immensely as the Bulls won each of their games in the playoffs and have now been crowned 6A State Champions once again. With strong players such as Senior Runningback Javian Mallory, Junior Wide Receiver Billy Clancy III and Junior Linebacker Maxwell Reid, West Boca proved to be one of the most dominant and talented teams in all of the nation.

The Bulls have ended the season with a final record of 13-2. They are currently ranked 11th in the State of Florida and 89th nationally. They were undefeated in District play, and they have a tough group of underclassmen ready to win a third straight State -

West Boca players celebrate their 6A State Championship win.

Photo by Kasaun. Marcelin.

The Boca Raton Tribune

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