Page 10 - Boca Club News - November '23

Page 10, Boca Club News
Honorary Street Naming Recognizes

Boca Raton Activist Lois D. Martin

Boca Raton celebrated a significant community milestone The Lois Martin Community Center in Boca Raton is “Mrs. Martin was considered a community champion,”
with the dedication of “Lois D. Martin Way,” a portion of also named in her honor and serves the underprivileged said Marie Hester, President of D.I.S.C. “She was a public
Glades Road between Federal Highway and Dixie Highway. communities of Boca Raton. official, community leader, concerned citizen, a human/health
Hosted by Developing Interracial Social Change (D.I.S.C), service worker and volunteer. She was always there, willing
the designation paid tribute to the legacy of Lois D. Martin to do whatever had to be done to keep things going.”
(1928-2022), a community activist, educator, and lifetime Pearl City, the community Martin championed, was
resident of Pearl City, the City’s historic black community. established in 1915 as a three-block neighborhood for
The honorary street naming was the result of efforts by African American residents who worked nearby on farms
D.I.S.C. as well as the Boca Raton City Council, and was and businesses. The area grew to include its own churches,
voted into law by the Florida Legislature this summer. businesses and schooling during segregation. Pearl City is
D.I.S.C. is a community-driven organization committed to Boca Raton’s oldest surviving neighborhood and earned a
fostering inclusivity, social progress and unity within Boca historic designation from the city in 2002. Pearl City was
Raton’s diverse populace. recently approved by the state for historic designation on the
The street naming dedication event celebrated the life National Register of Historical Places. It has been forwarded
of Lois D. Martin and the significance of Pearl City. An to Washington D.C. for signature and Department of Interior
exceptional figure in Boca Raton’s history, Martin’s activism for final approval.
and commitment to Pearl City was strong. Born in 1928 in Building a strong partnership with the community is one
Boca Raton, Martin graduated from Carver High School in of four Strategic Goals outlined by City Council. Longtime
Delray Beach, and earned her degree from Florida A&M support of Pearl City, its milestones, and leaders, continues
College in 1950 before pursuing graduate studies at Boston to be a priority for the city.
College. In addition to her career as an educator, Martin was “Lois D. Martin’s legacy as an educator and community
an active member of her community, whose involvement leader shines as a beacon of inspiration in the City of
included: Secretary to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boca Raton,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “Her unwavering
Board, Member of Boca Raton’s Historic Preservation Board, commitment to fostering positive change has resonated deeply,
Vice Chairman for the Housing Authority, Vice Chairman particularly within the historic Pearl City neighborhood. In
of the Pearl City Blue Ribbon Committee, Contributor to naming a street in her honor, we pay tribute to her life of
Habitat for Humanity, Treasurer for the Martin Luther King advocacy and substantial contributions to our city and hope
Memorial Committee, Sunday School teacher and treasurer it will inspire generations to come.”
for the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Lois D. Martin
Shops at Boca Center Tree Lighting November 17th

Highlights Free Family Holiday Festival

Ring in the holiday season at The Shops at Boca Center, The Shops at Boca Center is a 117,227 square-foot Letters to Santa Craft Station – Children can craft and
5150 Town Center Circle, on Friday, November 17th from retail and dining destination with tenants including Total personalize their letters to Santa, making their wishes extra
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an evening filled with magic, joy and Wine & More, Copperfish Kitchen, Morton’s Steakhouse, special.
holiday cheer, culminating with the lighting of the holiday tree. Narbona, Orange Theory Fitness, Rocco’s Tacos, Sixty Live Holiday Music – Melodious sounds from
Vines, Tap 42 and more. Krescendo, the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, the
Key highlights of the event include: St. Paul Lutheran School handbell choir and more will fill
Nutcracker Stiltwalkers, Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy the air with festive tunes that will surely get you in the
Ballerinas – These iconic characters will be present to greet holiday spirit.
and delight children, adding an extra touch of holiday magic. Tri-County Animal Rescue – Support this local charity
Santa’s Grand Entrance – Santa Claus himself will with a donation to help fund furry friends this holiday
make a spectacular entrance, followed by a meet and greet season.
with the children. Mrs. Claus will be on hand to enchant Tree Lighting – The highlight of the evening, the
the audience with a heartwarming holiday story. lighting of the magnificent holiday tree, will mark the
Delicious Treats – Satisfy your sweet tooth and official start of the holiday season at The Shops at Boca
decorate holiday cookies with Blueprint Cookies and warm Center.
up with delightful hot chocolate, courtesy of Starbucks. For more information, visit www.bocacenter.com.

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