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Levis JCC’s 2025 Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival Offers Two Weeks of Culture and Connection

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Photo Credit: Wendy J. Studios (From L to R: Judy Levis Krug, Levis JCC Grand Benefactor; Steve Clarfield, Chairman of the Board)

Boca Raton, Fla., (January 7, 2024) – The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC) is proud to present the 2025 Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (JLKBRJFF) Feb. 8 – 22, at Movies of Delray. The two-week festival will feature more than 30 Israeli and Jewish-themed feature films, shorts, documentaries and comedies from around the world. Boca Raton’s original Jewish film festival, now in its ninth year, offers entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking stories, community connection, and the unique opportunity to learn from filmmakers, producers, actors and directors at screenings and special events throughout the Festival.

Viewed by more than 3,000 film enthusiasts in 2024, the JLKBRJFF is the premiere destination for Jewish and international films, carefully cultivating a variety of film genres ranging from comedies and love stories to political and historical dramas.

“I am so proud of our festival, which is a respected space for cultural enrichment and really excels at bringing our community together through the universal language of film,” said Evan Foster, Manager of the Levis JCC Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. “By presenting a variety of films that offer diverse perspectives, we are able to spark conversations that enrich our collective understanding of each other and the world around us.”

The 2025 JLKBRFF lineup captures the depth and diversity of Jewish and human experiences. From poignant dramas like “Bliss,” which delves into the complexities of marriage, to powerful documentaries like “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” which provides a unique biographical insight into one of the most revered voices in the Holocaust remembrance movement, the festival offers a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and history.

The festival also delves into the realms of music and personal legacies with “Janis Ian: Breaking Silence,” which chronicles the turbulent and inspiring life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian, and “Beethoven’s Nine,” which intertwines the history of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with contemporary global events. Meanwhile, the Festival’s lighter films include “31 Candles,” a quirky and heartfelt story about late-life bar mitzvahs and personal rediscovery set against the backdrop of New York City.

This extensive mix not only entertains but also educates and inspires dialogue on significant historical events and personal stories, showcasing the Festival’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish life across times and territories.

“We take great pride in being Boca Raton’s original Jewish film festival,” said Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s Grand Benefactor Judy Levis Krug. “Each year, our goal is to present new stories that resonate with our audiences, reflecting both the historical depth and the vibrant spirit of Jewish culture.”

Cultural arts programming demand remains strong throughout the year with the Emily & Neil Kishter Year-Round Film Programs including Featured FilmsMovie Club and two popular film series—the Sunday Morning Israeli Film Series and Fascinating Sephardim: A Film Series, presented in partnership with The Sephardi Federation Palm Beach County. These programs provide continuous opportunities for cultural engagement and learning beyond the festival itself.

For more information on dates, films, festival pass packages and individual ticket purchases, visit https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival or contact Evan Foster at evanf@levisjcc.org. Individual tickets are $14. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton. Movies of Delray is located at 7421 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.

About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival 

The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented. 

About the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center

The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center promotes and enhances Jewish culture, heritage, and values through educational, spiritual, social, wellness and recreational programs for individuals of all ages. With a preschool, summer camp, family activities, athletics, cultural arts, adult enrichment, and special needs programming, as well as a Resale Boutique, the Levis JCC offers something for everyone. 

AW in Pictures – January

Resolutions by Rollin McGrail

2024 Boca Bowl. Photo: Alan Fabricant
Wellington Holiday Parade. Photo: Carol Porter
Vanilla Ice at the 2024 WinterFest. Photo: Lois Spatz.

Community Classroom Project  “Pub at the Hub: Back to Our Future” 

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The Heavy Pets to Perform Rare Tribute to the ‘80s Set 

Saturday, January 25th in Downtown Delray Beach 

What: Get ready to time-travel back to the raddest decade ever! Community Classroom Project’s (CCP) annual Pub at the Hub is returning with an ’80s-themed bash called “Back to Our Future” on Saturday, January 25th. Held at The Hub at Space of Mind, this event will teleport you straight to the ’80s—complete with a DeLorean onsite for photo opps.

The Heavy Pets will perform a rare tribute set to the ‘80s—covering everything from Bowie and Prince to Madonna and Tears for Fears. Between sets, DJ Johnny Quest will keep the golden days of MTV-inspired tracks going. And since there’s no rule against dancing, you’re encouraged to get Footloose and show off your best moves. 

The Hub at Space of Mind will be decked out in a neon explosion with Insta-worthy themed rooms, interactive entertainment, an art sale featuring works from both professional and student artists, a mystery auction, and plenty of 80s pop culture and memorabilia!

Top area chefs will be serving up ’80s-inspired bites like mini sausage sammies in tribute to Abe Froman, the “Sausage King of Chicago,” a Dirty Dancing watermelon salad, the “Marty McFLYBIRD” chicken fried rice, slices of Mystic Pizza and a Baby Ruth dessert bar. You can also grab a bag of classic ’80s candies like Nerds, Fun Dip and Pop Rocks to go. 

Guaranteed to take you back to the simpler days of Rubik Cubes and Walkmans, this is everyone’s favorite party of the year! Limited to just 250 guests, it’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the best Sixteen Candles meets Risky Business house party of 1985. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now!

Listen to The Heavy Pets Tribute to the ‘80s HERE 

Participating Restaurants + Beverages: 

Blake Malatesta, The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar

Jimmy Everett, Driftwood

Daniel Dore, DADA 

Katt Dreyfuss, The Butcher & The Bar 

Deb Dickinson, Space of Mind/Community Classroom Project 

Eric Lamb, Windy City Pizza

Michael Salmon, Flybird

Nicolas Eddy, Florida Fresh 

Aaron Schiffman, Delray Beach Pizza 

Bounce Sports Bar 

Don Arepa 

Red Pine

Golden Goat Caviar 

Munyon’s Paw Paw 

Old School Bakery

For sponsorship, please email admin@myspaceofmind.com or view options at: https://PATH2025.givesmart.com

When:

Saturday, January 25th at 7pm

Where:

The Hub at Space of Mind

101 NW 1st Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444

Valet parking available 

Tickets: 

Starting at $150

https://PATH2025.givesmart.com

www.yourccp.org | Facebook | @communityclassroomproject

About Community Classroom Project: The Community Classroom Project (CCP) is an innovative 501(c)3 nonprofit launched by Space of Mind. CCP bridges the gap between students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers, and the community, providing experiential learning, educational resources, entrepreneurship opportunities, and scholarships. Their goal is to rethink education and reduce school-related stress.  Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) project is on a mission to enhance mental and physical health for families in South Florida through the art of cooking and communal dining. It starts by training a passionate and skilled culinary workforce for the restaurant industry.

About Space of Mind: Launched in 2004, Space of Mind was founded by Ali Kaufman as a private coaching company. In 2011, SOM moved into the historic Clarke House (circa 1896) in Downtown Delray Beach and it has since evolved into a dynamic social homeschool program offering flexible education solutions for students and families.

About The Hub at Space of Mind: Funded in part by the Community Classroom Project, The Hub is a multifaceted space in Delray Beach, housing CCP’s headquarters, resource center, studios, an entrepreneurship incubator, commissary kitchen, community theater and more. The Hub also offers community programming, event rentals, and meeting spaces for local businesses and organizations.

Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Spearheads Local Nonprofits’ Effortsto Provide No Cost Cervical Cancer Diagnostic Screenings…

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to Thousands of Underserved Women in South Florida 

West Palm Beach, FL, December 30, 2024 – As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month kicks off this January, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is racing to reach tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, under insured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018, is dedicated to increasing survivorship from cervical cancer and breast cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond. 

“The lack of early detection, particularly among women of color, is what we are finding here in our community where nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home,” said Ambassador Brinker.  

“Many women encounter barriers to screening and diagnosis primarily due to work commitments, childcare, lack of transportation, and fear of the costs,” she continued. “We co-locate our Promise Fund Women’s Health Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provides access to Patient Navigation, pap smears to detect cervical cancer, mammography and breast ultrasounds and help women access treatment for cancer if needed. Plus, our dedicated patient navigators are there every step of the way—guiding women through the screening process and coordinating treatment if a cancer diagnosis is made—so no one faces it alone.”

To date, the organization has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 14,576 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.

The Promise Fund arranged for a total of 4,735 Pap tests from June 2020 to August 2024 and, each year over the past four years, the organization has significantly increased the number of women being screened and who receive the HPV vaccine.

“A number of women that have received Pap smears through Promise Fund have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and we have been able to arrange for treatment for all of them,” Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker said. “This is why we do what we do.”

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate has dropped by more than half since the mid-1970s because of prevention and screening, although rates have stabilized in recent years. The death rate in Black women and Native American women is about 65% higher than in White women.

Promise Fund gives special emphasis to working with black and Native American women to arrange cervical cancer screenings and early detection—this is the key to increasing survivorship.

Cervical cancer is mostly preventable through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes 99% of cervical cancer cases. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get a Pap test every three years starting at age 21.

Screening tests can detect cervical cancer early when treatment is more effective. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our eventual goal of screening 100% of underserved women in our local communities. It’s the first and most critical step in ensuring these women get the early care they deserve,” said Ambassador Brinker.” 

ABOUT PROMISE FUND 
Promise Fund,  founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond. To date, they have touched 40,335 through outreach & education and impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.  To learn more, visit ThePromiseFund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefund and on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL

MIND, MUSIC, MOVEMENT FOUNDATION FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS HOSTS JANUARY COFFEE TALK: PSYCHIATRY’S ROLE IN PARKINSON’S CARE

Join Dr. Meera Joseph for a Free Community Discussion on Managing Non-Motor Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life for Patients and Families

Palm Beach Gardens, FL – December 30, 2024 – The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders, Inc. (M3F) continues its winter/spring Coffee Talk series with a presentation by Dr. Meera Joseph, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in neurodegenerative disorders and geriatric care. This free and informative event takes place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Tropical Sands Christian Church, 2726 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registration is required at m3f.org/events or by calling (561) 510-8611 or emailing info@m3f.org.

Dr. Joseph’s presentation, “The Role of the Psychiatrist in Treating Parkinson’s Disease,” will explore how psychiatry plays a crucial role in managing the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and memory challenges. She will also discuss how balancing neurotransmitters can improve a patient’s quality of life.

“Our Coffee Talk series brings the community together to share knowledge and resources for navigating neurodegenerative diseases,” said Beth Elgort, Founder and President of M3F. “This event is part of M3F’s ongoing Coffee Talk series, which features expert speakers and engaging discussions on topics related to neurodegenerative diseases and aging.”

M3F is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Through an array of innovative education events and programs—including music therapy, dance, yoga, movement, drumming, brain game sessions, and support groups—M3F provides tools to enhance mobility, mental well-being, and community connection. By integrating arts and science, the foundation helps its members and their caregivers improve quality of life and build resilience.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, connect with others in the community, and learn more about the comprehensive support services M3F offers, including music therapy, dance, yoga, and counseling programs.

Additionally, M3F and FAU Stiles Nicolson Brain Institute will host its 3rd Annual Interactive NeuroArts Symposium,“The Power of Arts & Science for Resiliency in Aging,” will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the FAU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Jupiter, FL. For a full schedule of Coffee Talks and to learn more about the NeuroArts Symposium, visit m3f.org/events

About the Mind Music Movement Foundation
The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders, Inc. (M3F) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Through innovative programming—including music therapy, dance, yoga, and support services—M3F promotes confidence, wellness, and friendship. M3F’s integrative approach helps to improve mobility, balance, speech, and mental well-being. For more information, visit m3f.org.

About Dr. Meera Joseph
Dr. Meera Joseph is a Board-Certified Adult and Geriatric Psychiatrist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She specializes in treating neurodegenerative, cognitive, and psychological conditions associated with aging, including Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Joseph is the founder of Inlet Psychiatry in Jupiter, FL, where she provides compassionate, patient-centered care in an intimate outpatient setting.

Calendar Listing:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders (M3F) hosts their January Coffee Talk series with Dr. Meera Joseph discussing “The Role of the Psychiatrist in Treating Parkinson’s Disease.” This free event will take place at Tropical Sands Christian Church, 2726 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registration is required at m3f.org/events or by calling (561) 510-8611 or emailing info@m3f.org.

BHS to Host Senior Safety & Prevention Expo at Luxury Retirement Community Wellington Bay

Wellington, FL – Luxury retirement community Wellington Bay is pleased to announce the upcoming Senior Safety & Prevention Expo presented by B.Home Solutions Inc.

Designed to empower seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources to promote safety and well-being, the expo will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at  Wellington Bay.

The event will feature keynote presentations by renowned medical professionals such as:

  • Dr. Andrew Shapiro, general surgeon and partner at Advanced Surgical Partners. He will be discussing the importance of awareness and prevention through symptom identification and self-checks.
  • Dr. Yehuda Herschman, neurosurgeon at Palm Beach Neurosurgery. He will be addressing the impact of falls on the spine and sacroiliac joint.

Expo host Brooke Havrilla, Certified Senior Safety Advisor and AIP specialist, will also be a keynote speaker as will Michael Raiman, a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent who will provide valuable insights on fraud and crime prevention for seniors.

“I selected Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Center for its accessibility and safety after touring several others in Palm Beach County,” said Brooke. “I found the grounds to be the most secure and safe and the residents contribute to a feeling of well-being.”

Attendees can expect a wealth of informative resources from a variety of vendors and organizations, including:

  • Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who will be teaching a hands-only CPR and AED course as well as offering the American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed training which teaches participants three techniques to save a life and prevent someone from bleeding out. 
  • Howard Weitzner, Esq, a Coral Springs-based attorney specializing in senior injury law
  • The Florida Highway Patrol 
  • Patrice Schroeder, Community Relations Specialist at 211 Helpline. 
  • Vision screenings by Wellington-based ophthalmologist Dr. Jason Gorscaks
  • Memory screenings by Wellington-based Nurse Practitioner Roshini Singh from 365 Wellness. 

The expo will also showcase practical demonstrations in Wellington Bay’s Physical Therapy room, including:

  • Stretching and chair exercises
  • Safe maneuvering of wheelchairs, walkers, upright walkers, and assistive equipment
  • Foldable scooter demonstrations

Dr. Shane LeMar will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

“We are proud to host the Senior Safety & Prevention Expo at Wellington Bay. Both Wellington Bay and Lisbet Health Center are committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for our senior community,” says executive campus director Jay Mikosch. “We hope this expo will empower seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate everyday life with confidence.”

For more information about the BHS Senior Safety & Prevention Expo, please contact Brooke Havrilla at bhomesolutionsinc@gmail.com.

About Wellington Bay

Wellington Bay is a luxury rental retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care, and advanced memory care at the Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. The community is dedicated to supporting active aging and vibrant living, offering something for everyone.

Named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Money Magazine, Wellington boasts a thriving equestrian community, premier golf courses, and scenic neighborhoods.

Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management specializing in senior living communities. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and its communities, visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.

Saving Water One Yard at a Time

By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director, Arden

Farmers and gardeners are often concerned with conserving water to protect our crops in times of drought. We don’t always spend time thinking about the opposite problem of too much water. 

Heavy rain can become flood runoff and carry pollutants from your yard, such as nitrates from fertilizers, into the streets. Once on the pavement, the flood waters pick up additional pollutants, including motor oil, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria.

Stormwater runoff impacts the water we drink, the seafood we eat, and the rivers, lakes, and beaches we play in. Runoff is often dumped into the same drainage pipes that are used for home sewage and industrial waste. When stormwater exceeds capacity the system overflows, releasing raw sewage into our waterways.

Disease-causing bacteria enter our recreational areas through rainwater runoff causing a range of public health issues, including digestive illnesses, liver disease, skin outbreaks, asthma and more. 

What can you do to help?

We can all help improve water quality by decreasing the amount of stormwater that leaves our yards. Soil and plants in your home landscape can help capture and filter rainwater or irrigation water before it becomes runoff.

Rain Barrels
Install barrels next to your home to capture rain. Water your plants or wash your car using water from your roof.

Rain Gardens
This is basically a median or a small yard area designed as a basin and planted with perennial native plants that trap water from roofs, sidewalks, and street runoff. According to the Groundwater Foundation, a typical rain garden is 30 percent more absorbent than a conventional lawn.

Mature Trees
Tree canopies catch rainfall in the air. The root system also plays a role in water infiltration by aerating the soil. This allows the rain to seep down into groundwater. Planting trees has many other environmental benefits, including shade for people and wildlife. 

You can play an important role in keeping water safe for all of us.

Happy 2025!

By Savannah Hess

4th of July Fireworks @ Aaron Lurie, VMA Studio

Hello everyone. And of course happy new year! With the coming year, we are also halfway through the 2020s. How can that be? I don’t know (please note my sarcasm here). New Years has to be one of my favorite holidays. I always enjoy hanging out with my family, staying up until midnight, watching New Year’s rockin ‘Eve, and singing the song no one remembers the title of (it’s auld lang syne, which before a few weeks ago I never knew). The only context I’ve ever heard is in the Christmas/New Years’ masterpiece, Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg. 

How did we get here? What is the history behind New Years’? Well, that’s what we’ll be discussing today. Alrighty, let’s go!

According to my research, we’ll be taking the time machine first back to ancient Babylon. Over 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians used to celebrate new years on the first new moon after the vernal equinox- which was a day in late March with the same amount of light and dark. During this holiday, the Babylonians held a religious festival called an Akitu, which meant a different ritual on each of the 11 days it was held. During this time a new king was crowned too, so the significance for the people of Babylon can’t be overstated. 

Going a little further in time, Julius Caesar adopted the Julian calendar, and also decreed the first day of the year as January 1st. 

In the middle ages, my personal favorite time period, the church would often replace January 1st with Christmas or other important Christian holidays of the time. It wasn’t until 1582 A.D that Pope Gregory XIII reestablished the first day of the year as being in January. 

It wasn’t until about 1800 when people followed the classic tradition of staying up until midnight, according to www.dailyhistory.org. It became popular to hold parties with family and friends to see the New Year, and these parties often involved alcohol. Particularly in the early years of the 19th century. In the Victorian era, circa 1878, new bells were installed to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Crowds gathered to hear the ringing of the bells for the first time ever. Over time this became more of a tradition for the English, and every year the bells are rung on New Years Eve. The origin of Same Auld Lang Syne can be traced back to this time period, in Scotland, when Robert Burns translated the 18th century poem into the well-known song. However the song really gained popularity on December 31st of 1929, when it was played on the radio in the United States. The New York Times began the tradition of a New Years Eve party in 1904, which New York City eventually adopted as its official celebration. Just a few years later in 1907, New York City would ban fireworks. Instead of fireworks, an electrician came up with the idea of a 700 pound illuminated ball which would drop at midnight. Who knew? 

Anyway, that’s all I have for you guys. Have a happy 2025 everyone!!