March 18, 2026-Rotary Club of Lake Worth Beach Newsletter

NO MEETING on March 18, 2026

canceled due to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday at the restaurant.

   UPCOMING EVENTS:

2026-Future Events to Plan For:

April-2026

Saturday, April 11

Picnic @ John Prince Park

May-2026

Experience the electrifying synergy of the  Copeland Davis Trio partnering with the wonderful Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches.

 SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026 - CONCERT AT 7:30 PM

Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College

LWB Rotarians and their guests  who attend the concert please join us beforehand for Appetizers, Wine, Soft Drinks and Desserts

5:00 pm at home of Jim Sugarman and Cliff Fritts

248 North Country Club Drive Atlantis, FL

RSVP by May 1 with your and your guest’s name to JimmieSugarman@gmail.com

March Celebrations

Birthdays

John Endruschat           March 2

Pat Growney                 March 6

Harry Wolin                 March 12

Anniversarys

Pat Growney                 15 March 1966

John Endruschat            20 March 1975

50/50 Drawing

The 50/50 drawing is $141, and there are 25 cards left in the deck

Speakers:

March 4, 2026

We had the pleasure of hearing from John Gorsky, the President of the Parks Foundation of Palm Beach County. He shared that the Foundation was established three years ago as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, overseen by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance park assets and programs without filling the budgetary gaps of the Department.

The Board, composed of prominent leaders in Palm Beach County, is dedicated to pursuing philanthropic opportunities to ensure sustainable support for our parks. While the benefits of parks and recreation are vast, public funding for quality park systems is limited. The Parks Foundation exists to reflect and enhance the quality of life in our community, creating inclusive spaces for residents and visitors to connect and strengthen community ties.

Their aim is to raise awareness about the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department’s programs, encouraging the use and enjoyment of parks, green spaces, and recreational areas. The county boasts 110 parks spanning over 8,700 acres, supported by 609 employees, and has been recognized nationally by CPRP.

As the county focuses its funding on rising demands for transportation, infrastructure, and emergency services, there is an increasing need for new park spaces, enhanced amenities, and additional resources to upgrade aging facilities. The Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to providing an excellent park system, but current economic conditions and funding priorities mean that maintaining basic park standards is the primary focus.

To address the gap between taxpayer funding and the need for exceptional parks, many communities are turning to public/private partnerships, such as park foundations. The collaboration between the Parks Foundation and the Parks Department aims to benefit both residents and the county as a whole.

Pictured are the President of Parks Foundation of PB County, John Gotky, Rotary President Chris Dabros, and Parks Board member Tony Lofoso.

March 11, 2026

Last week, Vice Mayor and District 1 Commissioner Sarah Malega addressed the City Commission regarding significant concerns with proposed state legislation aimed at cutting property taxes in Florida.

The primary issue is that such cuts would create a substantial revenue shortfall for municipal governments, forcing cities like Lake Worth Beach to seek alternative ways to cover the gap. This could jeopardize funding for essential local projects, services, and programs. The proposed bill would also end the current practice of using profits from municipally owned utilities such as Lake Worth Beach Utilities, the community-owned provider of electricity, water, sewer, and stormwater services to reinvest in the local community. These funds currently support initiatives like expanding the city's renewable energy programs. Eliminating this revenue stream would severely disrupt many community programs and day-to-day municipal operations.  Overall, critics argue that the changes would primarily benefit the state government while imposing significant harm on local communities and their ability to maintain services.

In related local updates, the City of Lake Worth Beach supports various programs and organizations, including:

The Business Advisory Committee, which helps convey business community needs and priorities to the City Commission.

The CIRCUIT transit system, providing public transportation options in the Lake Worth Beach area.

The city is also actively seeking volunteers for a wide range of community activities and events—anyone interested is encouraged to get involved.

Finally, an update on the Gulfstream Hotel project: The historic property is progressing toward a June–July 2026 opening (with some sources indicating a potential summer or early 2026 target). Construction is set to begin on an additional hotel building and a 4.5-floor parking garage to support the redevelopment. This long-awaited restoration aims to revitalize the iconic site at the foot of the Lake Worth Bridge.

LWB Vice Mayor Sarah Malega and President Chris Dabros

CHUCKLES FOR THE WEEK

Walmart had to remove 50,000 milk cartons from its stores. 

The labels had to be changed from “Open here” to  “Open at home.”

Your Editors,

Pat Growney & Lorraine Hernandez

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Chartered December 23,1927

Motto: “Service Above Self”

Weekly Meetings:  Wednesdays at Noon

Location: The Irish Brigade - 621 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

Board Meetings:  2nd Wednesday of the month at 11AM (open to all)

Rotary Year 2025-2026 Leadership

Rotary International President:  Francesco Arezzo

District 6930-District Governor:  Marcia Gaedcke

Area 7 Assistant District Governor:  Lorraine Hernandez

Lake Worth Beach Rotary Club Board Officers:

President:  Chris Dabros

President-Elect: Harry Wolin

Secretary:  Josh Nelson

Treasurer:  Lorraine Hernandez

Immediate Past President:  Amanda Cartwright

Board Directors:

Patrick Growney, Patrick Livingston, Dermot MacMahon & Frank Verney

Interact advisors:

Britt Feingold Lake Worth High School

Members—Joined Rotary—Classification

P.O. Box 1444      Lake Worth Beach, FL        33460

561-316-35650

Website:  LakeWorthBeachRotary.org