Your Closest Neighbor
Prepare for a Fabulous Fourth
By Marci Shatzman
Get your red, white and blue on, whether you celebrate Independence Day in the city of Boca Raton or the county park in West Boca.
There are three major must-dos to plan for July Fourth in either venue: Get there early. These events attract thousands of spectators. Bring your own seating and plenty of hydration. And leave the pets, booze and personal fireworks at home.
Boca Raton has a full day of events leading up to their fireworks display and celebration in Countess de Hoernle Park with all parking off campus at BRiC. The city runs a shuttle. Firecracker 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. on the Boca Raton campus of Florida Atlantic University.
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Announces 10 Winning Nonprofits in
Centennial Grant Initiative
Page 8
Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton
Addison
$100k
Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan Bring Nostalgia to South Florida
Page 12
Local Boca Raton Playwright Takes AwardWinning Family Drama to NYC
Page 14
By Kartik Krishnaiyer
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Mailing Address
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Paper Chain
TWO
Games
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD
THEME: FLOWERS
ACROSS
1. Straw man’s “victim” 5. Protestant denom.
8. Large edible mushroom
11. Mischievous Norse deity
12. *Thumbelina emerges from a flower in a fairy
13. Brick and mortar destination
15. Garner wages 16. Guinness and such 17. *Poison: “Every Rose Has Its ____”
18. *”If you go to San ____, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair”
20. Electric one and moray one 21. Killer whales 22. p in mpg 23. Fatwa, alt. sp.
26. Spain’s neighbor, across Strait of Gibraltar
30. “Back To The Future” actress
31. Leaked, as in ship
34. Miso bean
35. Operatic solos
37. H+, e.g.
38. Is dressed in
39. Leave a Hancock
40. Cast-off skin
42. Egyptian boy king
43. Clearance, as under a bridge
45. Neglectful in duty
47. *”Dandelion Wine” author ____ Bradbury
48. Dear one
50. Black cat, to some
52. *”Build Me Up _____”
56. Adult
57. ____ bowl, frozen dish
58. Poetic “through”
59. Latin dance
60. “Buffalo ____, won’t you come out tonight...”
61. Kids’ building block
62. Altitude, abbreviated
63. Like a fox 64. Water carrier
DOWN
1. Staff symbol
2. Zoo sound
3. Gumbo pod
4. Separate grain from chaff
5. Model-building wood
6. Smart ones?
7. 100 centavos
8. Refrigerate
9. Commits a faux pas
10. Mont Blanc, e.g.
12. a.k.a. meditation in motion (2 words)
13. Ranch grazer
14. *Bette Midler’s 1981 Grammy winning song (2 words)
19. Dungeness one and snow one
22. *Poppy’s seed container
23. Banned camera setting, in a museum
24. Falcon’s home
LAST WEEK RESULT
25. Boreal forest, in Russia
26. Ma tre d’s list
27. Raccoon’s South American cousin
28. *2024 Grammy winner for “Flowers”
29. Hop-drying kilns
32. *Lis in fleur-de-lis
33. *____ Goo Dolls of “Gutterflower” fame
36. *”Flowers in the Attic” author V.C. ____
38. One of journalism’s Ws
40. Declare
41. Costing nothing
44. Want to
46. ____ Beach, SC
48. Belonging to duke
49. Miuccia Prada’s homeland
50. Like traditional storytelling
51. Lose skin
52. Tea servings
53. Tobacco
54. Strong desire
55. Standard’s partner
56. Govt. property org.
The Boca Raton Tribune
COMMUNITY
Get your red, white and blue on, whether you celebrate Independence Day in the city of Boca Raton or the county park in West Boca.
There are three major must-dos to plan for July Fourth in either venue: Get there early. These events attract thousands of spectators. Bring your own seating and plenty of hydration. And leave the pets, booze and personal fireworks at home.
Boca Raton has a full day of events leading up to their fireworks display and celebration in Countess de Hoernle Park with all parking off campus at BRiC. The city runs a shuttle. Firecracker 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. on the Boca Raton campus of Florida Atlantic University. The race requires advance registration and a fee: https://runsignup. com/Race/FL/BocaRaton/Firecracker5KRunwalkCityofBocaRaton
Liberty Cup pickleball and tennis tournament starts at 9 a.m. in Patch Reef Park Racquet Center. That requires skill level advance registration and a fee: https://fourth-july.com/ event/2025-liberty-cup-racquet-tournament-eid4a7fb6pwep
There’s a free block party from 1 to 4 p.m. in Sugar Sand Park with kids’ crafts, yard games, food trucks and
Prepare for a Fabulous Fourth
By Marci Shatzman
vendors. There’s a carousel and a playground in that park at 300 S. Military Trail.
Boca Raton’s Fabulous Finale is
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Countess deHoernle Park with live music, food trucks and vendors. Fireworks display is at 9:15. The shuttle service from all park-
ing ends at 10:30 p.m. Free parking at nearby Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) is a 5-to-7-minute walk to the park, according to the city. Shared ride drop-off at 4530 Technology Way. Not permitted are pets, coolers, sparklers, drones, alcohol and glass bottles. https://myboca.us/1456/Fourth-ofJuly
Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Fourth of July Celebration Fireworks Show & Concert is presented by Commissioner Maria Sachs. Gates open 5:30 p.m. at Sunset Cove Amphitheater in South County Regional Park, 12551 Glades Road west of U.S. 441. Giaco Pop Rock is the band and the event includes games, dancing and activities. Free parking onsite. https://discover.pbc.gov/parks/amphitheaters/Pages/4th-of-July-Celebration.aspx
If you’re closer to Delray Beach, their 4th of July Celebration is 6 to 9:30 p.m. on East Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to A1A. Food trucks and vendors, children’s activities and games, entertainment, live music on main stage at A1A. Fireworks start promptly at 9 p.m. https://www. delraybeachfl.gov/our-city/things-todo/4th-of-july
Palm Beach County Library System Honored with Prestigious Florida Library Association Award
Boca Raton, FL – June 19, 2025 –The Palm Beach County Library System has been recognized by the Florida Library Association (FLA) with a prestigious award for its outstanding work in promoting inclusivity and accessibility through the Disability and Neurodiversity Resource Expo. Winner of the 2025 Maria Chavez-Hernandez “Libraries Change People’s Lives” Award, this honor highlights the library’s commitment to fostering community engagement and providing valuable resources for individuals of all abilities.
The Disability and Neurodiversity Resource Expo, a groundbreaking initiative, brought together advocacy organizations, educators and community members to share resources and promote awareness of disabilities and neurodiversity. The event empowered individuals, families and caregivers fostering a culture of inclusivity.
“This award from the FLA is an
incredible honor and reinforces our mission to serve every member of our community,” said Palm Beach County Library System Director Douglas Crane. “Libraries play a vital role in ensuring equal access to information, resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent experiences.”
The Palm Beach County Library System remains committed to expanding its efforts, ensuring that its programs and services continue to support and uplift individuals of all backgrounds. This recognition from FLA further highlights the library’s dedication to connecting communities, inspiring thought and enriching lives.
For more information about the Palm Beach County Library System and its ongoing initiatives, visit www. pbclibrary.org or follow @pbclibrary on all platforms for updates on upcoming events.
PODCAST: Andrew Turnbull and formation of the New Smyrna Colony
By Kartik Krishnaiyer
One of Florida’s oldest cities is New Smyrna (now New Smyrna Beach) in Volusia County. The settlement began in 1767 and was undertaken by a Scottish doctor and diplomat Andrew Turnbull.
This week on the Florida History Podcast, we discussed Turnbull’s settlement and the fate of the original colonists that settled New Smyrna.
You can listen to the Florida History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple Podcasts, Radio Public, Breaker, Overcast, Castro or Pocket Casts. Overcast, Castro, Spotify, Radio Public and Breaker have App Store apps for free which enable you to subscribe and listen on your iPhone if you do not use the Apple Podcast app. We release a new episode weekly.
New ER Now Open in West Boca.
“Extremely efficient and caring staff from check-in to check-out. Everyone was professional and friendly. Listened to my symptoms and kept me aware of the plan for my care. I’m so glad they are here to serve our community.”
— Sandi D.
SYNESIO LYRA
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MONDAY MANNA
By: D. C. Chen
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DOUGLAS HEIZER,
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Establishing A GodHonoring Business
Every individual entering the marketplace possesses certain skills and abilities bestowed by God, enabling them to establish a foothold in a competitive environment. However, when everything is going well, it is easy to become self-assured, even prideful, and gradually drift away from God. This is akin to Lot in the Bible’s Old Testament, gradually moving his tent toward the sinful city of Sodom, ultimately leading to his downfall.
When facing difficulties in business, we have two choices: to rely solely on people, or to depend on the Almighty God. Jeremiah 17:5-8 describes the different outcomes of these choices: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord… But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream…and never fails to bear fruit.”
In 1972, shortly after my company was established, Everlight Chemical was confronted with the global oil crisis, putting the business in a difficult position. At that time, some people suggested that we appoint a legislator as our company’s chairman to secure support from banks for financing. I had to choose between relying on people and trusting in God, and chose to rely on God’s guidance and provision.
When I was young, a missionary from Canada had encouraged us to rely on God, using those verses from Jeremiah 17. She emphasized that doing so would enable us to flourish and bear fruit abundantly in our lives. This passage of Scripture had a profound impact on me, leading me to choose to depend on God rather than on people.
In 1988, Everlight Chemical successfully went public on the Taiwan stock market. While preparing the script for the stock-listing presentation, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude toward God and decided to include a statement: “Conducting business according to the truths revealed in the Bible will surely lead to God’s blessings and success.” Since then, in Everlight Chemical’s profile and press
Publisher
MICHAEL DEMYAN DOUGLAS G LOGAN TONI KING
releases we have consistently highlighted that we are a company that strives to bear witness to God.
At the CBMC World Convention in 1997, I learned that the purpose of Christian business differs from non-Christian enterprises in that it aims to “glorify God.” This understanding clarified for me that the mission of a Christian business is not only to bear witness to God but also to bring glory to Him.
Everlight Chemical has faced many challenges in the high-tech industry; however, we have chosen to rely on God and entrust the success of our business to Him. Thanks to God’s grace, direction and faithful provision, we have been blessed with talent, wisdom, and great customers, allowing many new ventures to gradually turn from losses to profits.
I believe the success of our company is undoubtedly a manifestation of God’s grace. As stated in Micah 6:8, we are “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Walking with the Lord and establishing an intimate relationship with Him enable us to remain steadfast in the ever-changing marketplace and to bear witness to Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Ding-Chuan Chen – D. C. Chen –is the founder of Everlight Chemical, a publicly listed advanced dye and hightech chemical company in Taiwan. The company currently operates subsidiaries in six countries worldwide and has more than 1,800 employees. He is the author of “Ever Admire the Light” and “Higher Ground”; has been a member of CBMC for more than 50 years; serves as the Honorary Chairman of CBMC Taiwan and has previously held the positions of Chairman for both CBMC Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as an International Director of CBMC. He actively participates in various Christian ministries and charitable organizations.
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DOUGLAS HEIZER
By: Rick Warren FAITH
Celebrate What God Has Done in Your Life
“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him. . . . His name is the LORD.” Psalm 68:4 (ESV)
To get back in a right relationship with God, you first have to get fed up with the way you’re living, own up to your sin, and hand over control of your life to God. Then, you celebrate what God has done in your life.
In Jesus’ story of the prodigal son, it’s important to notice the father’s response: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him . . . The father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate’” (Luke 15:20, 22-23 NIV).
The prodigal’s father is like your heavenly Father. No matter what you’ve done, when you come home to God, he wraps you in his love. He gives you his best and says something like, “All is forgiven! Go get the robe. Go get the shoes. Let’s have a feast! My child has returned to me.”
You come home to a celebration, not condemnation. And God wants you to join the celebration by giving him your praise.
You can celebrate your spiritual transformation by simply saying, “Thank you, God. Thank you for your grace, love, and goodness. I lift up my praise to you!”
The Bible says in Psalm 68:4, “Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him. . . . his name is the LORD” (ESV).
One of the easiest ways to celebrate your own transformation is by singing to God. Worship songs give you a chance to celebrate what he has done in your life and to thank him.
“But I’m not a singer!” you might say. I have good news: The Bible doesn’t say to make your singing sound pretty. It says to
make your singing joyful. You can do that! Anybody can make a joyful noise.
Sing your praise to God—not just for who he is but also for the spiritual transformation he’s made in your life.
Talk It Over
How do your experiences with your earthly father affect your expectations of God when you mess up?
Does it surprise you to know that God celebrates when you return to him, no matter what you’ve done or how far away you’ve been? In what way?
What keeps you from expressing your praise to God through singing? Or what makes you enjoy worshiping God through song?
Have you trusted God’s promise of salvation through Jesus Christ?
If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.
“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
The Boca Raton Tribune
COLUMNIST
By: Douglas G Logan SOLVITUR AMBULANDO
We Survived The Last One
“Bomb, Bomb, Bomb…Bomb, Bomb Iran”
To the tune of the great Oldies classic, “Barbara Ann”. John McCain got caught on an embarrassing open mic, joking with colleagues, singing this ditty. I thought of it last night, as I watched the coverage. It has since become an ear worm. It followed me through my walk this morning.
On the surface, the air strike was executed brilliantly. Violent, impactful, surgical, powerful. No casualties; no return fire. Probably resulted in a great deal of damage. Sold to the world and Iran as a ‘one off’; no mention from the White House or the Pentagon of regime change.
However, the skeptic in me keeps me seeing this uber-successful tactic in more strategic terms. Bombing a nation-state into submission has mixed historical results. Everyone points to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but Japan had already lost the war, and the nuclear bludgeoning merely accelerated the inevitable.
Hitler’s blitz against London did little but strengthen Britain’s resolve against the Axis. The Allies’ bombing campaign, including the firebombing of Dresden and Hamburg, was only an aspect of the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany.
I saw first-hand how reliance on air
superiority can sometime produce Pyrrhic victories. In Vietnam, from March 1965, to October 1968, the US Air Force and Navy conducted Operation Rolling Thunder against the North. A major objective, and failure, was to interdict the flow of troops and materiel down the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
I was there through the brunt of it. Lots of noise, lots of craters, not much else. The program was touted as a way to enhance the morale of the South; ironically it wound up raising the spirits of the North. I think it is way too early to make value judgements on last night’s bombing. Most of the post mortems I see are dripping with political partisanship. However, the Mullahs are not prone to going away. A proud nation of 92 million has been embarrassed and humiliated. I don’t believe this act will force them to either surrender or meaningful negotiations leading to peace. Vengeance is major component of the regional ethos. The country still has mighty conventional arms, a large standing military force, and substantial petroleum-base finances. They also control a major mercantile choke-point in Hormuz.
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CARTOON Budget
By: Lisa Benson
By: Tom Madden
When Cometh a Nuclear Threat Is It Better to Act or Not to Act
Whether you like him or you don’t, whether you voted for him or you didn’t, one thing is crystal clear, which is this, we have president who is unafraid to act to save a whole population from nuclear devastation.
When it comes to dealing with what strongly appears to be a highly likely, rapidly oncoming, imminent nuclear threat by a renegade regime, do you wait for all the i’s to be dotted, the t’s to be crossed, for congressional hearings to be held, debates to occur, votes to be taken?
Or do you do something to stop it from happening? Do you act to prevent it? Do you act before a ruthless regime develops a weapon to kill thousands of innocent people nearby? Do you just ponder and talk? Or do you act?
When there’s a whole lot at stake and a regime known to be troublemaker in its region, known to act like an arsonist, behave at times as a terrorist, a documented thug, quick to fire missiles at people, and now heading rapidly toward creating a nuclear bomb, do you act?
Sure, the Islamic nation of Iran is also known for nobler things. There are decent people there as well as gung-ho lunatics and assassins as there are in so many countries in this heterogeneous, sometimes wacky world.
Iran is the birthplace of the Persian empire.
It’s one of the top oil producers globally, has tasty food, incredible carpets and hospitable citizens who for the most part have maintained a rich and distinctive cultural and social continuity dating back to the Archaemenian period, which began in 550 bce.
But do you act when you see there’s a
clear and distinct turning point, when you hear leaders of a powerful country saying they’d love to annihilate a neighbor?
And when you have evidence that a regime that’s turned to wishing it could wipe a neighbor off the face of this earth is rapidly acquiring the nuclear capability to do so, is that not a reason to act?
If you do act as our president did, you have to act smartly, carefully causing the least mortality as did President Trump when he ordered the world’s most proficient military to do it in such a highly targeted way, causing the least human casualties, suffering or disruption.
We destroyed not people and their rich culture and heritage, but a buried facility in a remote area, a burgeoning factory of death expanding rapidly underground far from any population centers.
And you do it as our President did when it’s not occupied by people, but just machines rapidly assembling a supercritical mass of fissile (weapon grade) uranium or plutonium.
A supercritical mass is one in which the percentage of fission-produced neutrons captured by other neighboring fissile nuclei is large enough that each fission event, on average, causes more than one follow-on fission event. And on the process goes as the percentage of uranium enrichment that had reached 60 percent would now go faster.
So, thankfully we don’t have a Hamlet in The White House pondering whether to be or not to be, or in this case whether to act, or not to act, when the urgency was so paramount and clear, that a terrible weapon’s creation was so near.
So, was it better to act or not to act?
The Addison Announces 10 Winning Nonprofits in $100k Centennial Grant Initiative
Boca Raton, FL – June 20, 2025 –
The Addison is proud to announce the 10 nonprofit recipients of its 100 Years, $100K Giving Initiative, created to celebrate the landmark’s centennial year by giving back to the community that has supported it for a century.
“We were incredibly moved by the level of passion and purpose displayed by all the applicants,” said Zoe Lanham, Vice President of the Addison. “This initiative is a reflection of our century-long commitment to serving the community — and we look forward to helping these ten deserving organizations advance their missions in meaningful ways.”
Each of the following organizations received a $10,000 grant to help support a signature fundraising or awareness event at the Addison in 2025:
JARC Florida
Boca Raton Historical Society
Sweet Dream Makers
EmpowHERto Inc.
Boca Raton Police Foundation
Great Plains Foundation
Impact 100
Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County
Florida Atlantic University Foun-
dation
Twin Palms Center
Winners were celebrated at a Centennial Grant Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, June 17 at the Addison.
The Addison’s 100 Years, $100K Giving Initiative reinforces the historic venue’s legacy of community connection and charitable giving. Designed by architect Addison Mizner in 1925, the
Addison is hosting its Centennial Gala in partnership with the City on November 9, 2025.
For more information, visit www. theaddisonofbocaraton.com/celebratingourlegacy or contact 100years@ theaddison.com.
A treasured landmark in the heart of Boca Raton, the Addison was designed by Addison Mizner in 1925 and stands as one of South Florida’s most important pieces of architecture. Originally built as a hub for real estate innovation and hospitality, the Addison has evolved into a premier venue known for its elegance, historic charm, and commitment to community. Now celebrating its centennial year, the Addison continues to honor its legacy of connection, service, and style.
EmpowHERto Inc.), Jeff Gordon (Friends of Foster Children of Palm
Melisa Rehrauer (Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, Inc), Chloe Evans (Sweet Dream Makers), Abby Bernstein Henderson (Sweet Dream Makers), Fallon Gechter (JARC Florid a), Vanessa Freer (JARC Florida), Zoe Lanham (the Addison), Cindy Krebsbaugh (Impact 100 Palm Beach County, Inc. Bottom Row Sarah Boeckmann (Great Plains Foundation), Sara Greene (Florida Atlantic University Foundation, Inc / College of Medicine), K arla Kannan ( EmpowHERto Inc.), Jane Richardson (Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, Inc), Doris Gillman (Sweet Dream Makers), Mary Csar (Boca Raton Historical Society, Inc.), Nancy Freiwald (JARC Florida)
Top Row Bob Tucker (Boca Raton Police Foundation), Chris Berens (Twin Palms Center), Harry Seidman, Amy Seidman, Martha Jeifetz ( EmpowHERto Inc.), Charnell Charlestin(
Beach County, Inc),
WE DON’T RELY ON MIRACLES.
We continually monitor over 800 quality and care metrics in real time, so we can constantly innovate and improve on every factor that impacts patient recovery and survival.
Our relentless focus on every detail has helped us to achieve the lowest mortality rates, the lowest hospital-acquired infection rates, and the lowest lengths of stay in the nation. That’s why we were named #1 for quality care in the U.S.
Better health starts with a better health system.
T:13.25"
POLITICS The Boca Raton Tribune
Florida asks US Supreme Court to Intervene in Immigration Case
By Kartik Krishnaiyer
On Monday, Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier requested the Supreme Court intervene in an ongoing immigration case by extending a stay to the State of Florida.
The state had been blocked from enforcing a new immigration law by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams. The new law would make it illegal for those who enter the nation illegally (presumably in another state) to cross into Florida. Williams blocked enforcement of the law on the grounds that it’s a case of a state preempting federal law.
“Illegal immigration continues to wreak havoc in the State while that law cannot be enforced,” Uthmeier wrote.
“And without this Court’s intervention, Florida and its citizens will remain disabled from combatting the serious harms of illegal immigration for years as this litigation proceeds through the lower courts,” the request continued.
The lawsuit against the state’s law was brought by the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Farmworker Association of Florida.
How Apartment Renters Can Cut Energy Costs and Save Big
(StatePoint) With economic uncertainty and soaring housing prices putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans, apartment living is on the rise. But if you’re a first-time renter, one often-overlooked aspect of apartment life may come as a surprise: the energy bill.
While you may expect to pay for electricity or gas usage inside your unit, you might not realize you could also be footing the bill for energy used elsewhere in the building.
“In apartment complexes, your energy costs may also include a share of the cost of heating and cooling common spaces, such as lobbies, hallways, fitness centers and recreational rooms,” said Timothy J. Harper, president and CEO of Nationwide Energy Partners, a Columbus-based company that specializes in energy management for multi-family communities. “You might not always be aware of it because it’s sometimes baked into your rent or utility bill and not called out separately.”
Harper advises that whether you’re apartment hunting or already settled in, it’s wise to ask a few key questions: Are utilities individually metered? Do you pay the energy provider directly or is it bundled into your rent? Does your building use a third-party service that also offers tools to monitor and reduce your usage?
“These details can help you understand what’s driving your energy costs,” Harper said. “Because after rent, utilities are typically your next biggest expense.”
While as a renter you may not have the authority to install new appliances or upgrade insulation, there are several simple strategies that can make a
noticeable difference in monthly bills:
Adjust the Thermostat: If your unit allows it, slightly adjusting your thermostat – lower in winter, higher in summer – can significantly cut energy use. Portable fans or space heaters can sometimes be more efficient than relying solely on central systems, as long as they’re used safely.
Seal the Leaks: Older units can suffer from drafty windows and doors. Removable weather stripping and draft stoppers – available at most hardware stores – can provide inexpensive insulation and reduce heating or cooling loss.
Use Curtains Wisely: Blackout or thermal curtains can help regulate indoor temperature. Keep them closed on hot days to block out sun and open them during winter daylight hours to naturally warm your space.
Cut “Vampire” Power: Even turned-off electronics can drain power. Smart plugs allow you to cut electricity to devices like TVs, chargers and game consoles when they’re not in use.
Switch to LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They’re an easy upgrade with long-term savings.
Adopt Smart Appliance Habits: Run laundry machines during off-peak hours, typically late at night or early morning, if your building uses timeof-use pricing. Also, avoid overcrowding your refrigerator, which can reduce airflow and force it to use more energy.
Ask About Energy Audits: Some apartment communities offer energy audits that identify inefficiencies throughout the building that can be addressed to reduce waste, or third-party reports that provide historical data on average energy usage and cost by unit so people shopping for, or living in, those units know what’s typical.
“The key to saving on your apartment energy bill is understanding how your specific building operates and making small changes to optimize your personal energy use,” Harper said.
For more energy saving tips, visit nationwideenergypartners.com.
By staying informed and adopting energy-smart habits, you can stay comfortable in your rental unit without letting energy bills spiral out of control – an important step toward financial peace of mind in an increasingly pricey rental market.
Recreate the Taco Truck Experience at Home
(StatePoint) There’s no better treat than Mexican street fare, thanks to the complexity of its flavors and the freshness of its ingredients. And this summer, it’s easier than ever to recreate the taco truck experience at home.
While the rich, slow-cooked flavors of Mexican cuisine can sometimes take hours to prepare, a new line of cooking and simmer sauces from Cholula can help you recreate these complex flavors without the time-consuming process. Bringing its signature balanced heat to 11 new products crafted with authentic Mexican flavor, convenience and versatility in mind, Cholula can help you go way beyond Taco Tuesdays to whip up a broader spectrum of Mexican cuisine in your own kitchen.
To get you started, Cholula is sharing this mouth-watering recipe for Quesabirria Tacos, a crave-worthy spin on classic birria. These cheesy, crispy tacos are filled with tender shredded beef made with Cholula Birria Cooking & Simmer Sauce, then fried until golden. Serve with warm consommé on the side for dipping for the ultimate flavor experience.
Ingredients:
• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 bottle Cholula Birria Cooking & Simmer Sauce
• 16 corn tortillas, warmed
• 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Place beef and Cooking Sauce in electric multifunction cooker. Close lid. Set valve to seal.
2. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. When done, quick-release the pressure. Open lid once pressure inside pot is completely released. (Follow manufacturer’s safe operating instructions.)
3. Skim fat from surface of cooking liquid and reserve, transferring to shallow dish or pie plate. Transfer beef to large bowl and coarsely shred using two forks. Mix shredded beef with reserved cooking liquid as directed.
4. To assemble tacos, heat large non-stick skillet on medium heat. Dip one side of a 6-inch corn tortilla into pie plate with reserved fat to coat lightly. Place fat-side down in skillet. Sprinkle tortilla with 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and layer with about 1/4 cup of shredded beef. Cook just until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro, drizzle lightly with lime juice and fold tortilla in half to enclose filling. Cook just until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining filling.
5. Serve with additional lime wedges and remaining sauce for dipping. Craving a spicy, yet refreshing beverage to wash these delicious tacos down? Follow this Magonadas recipe from Cholula. From the icy, sweet mango, to the fresh lime juice and uniquely salty, sweet, tangy and spicy flavors of Cholula Chamoy Sauce, it’s easy to see why this Mexican dessert is so popular.
Mangonadas Ingredients:
• 16 ounces frozen mango chunks
• 2 cups mango nectar
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup Cholula Sweet & Spicy Chamoy Sauce, plus more to rim glasses
• Finely chopped fresh mango
• Lime wedges or wheels
• Tamarindo candy straws
Chili Lime Seasoning Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Chili Powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
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ENTERTAINMENT
Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan Bring Nostalgia to South Florida
By Michael Demyan
Does the current state of the world got you down? Looking for a way to bring back everything good about the early 2000s for a night? The Avril Lavigne Greatest Hits Tour is a pretty good option.
As someone who was in their early childhood when Avril Lavigne and her opener for the evening, Simple Plan, were the newcomers topping charts, my night at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. felt like a pure blast from the past –even the crowd mostly dressed the part.
The tour has a rotation of openers that include Simple Plan, We the Kings, and Fefe Dobson, with Simple Plan being the choice for the energetic South Florida crowd, and wow did they deliver.
Lead singer Pierre Bouvier jumped onto the stage with an “I’m Just a Kid” t-shirt, with the joke being that “a Kid” was crossed out and “an Adult” was written underneath. But all these years later, this band can really put on a show. It was filled with streamers, giant beach balls, and nonstop energy.
They played many of their famous hits, including “I’d Do Anything,” “Jump,” and “I’m Just a Kid.” Plus, they even performed arguably their
most famous song amongst millennials – the What’s New Scooby Doo theme.
After they left the stage, Avril Lavigne started out strong with “Girlfriend,” “What the Hell,” and “Complicated.” And while hearing these classics (feels weird to even call an
Avril Lavigne song a classic) was cool, you could definitely notice a step down in stage presence compared to Simple Plan.
Lavigne has been very open about her struggles with Lyme disease, which she contracted from a tick bite rough-
ly 10 years ago, and it has really played an unfortunate factor in her performances, however she has made quite the leap compared to being left bedridden for months. She has also used her experience to become a huge advocate for Lyme disease awareness, working with the Global Lyme Alliance and her own Avril Lavigne Foundation.
So, all things considered, the concert was still an entertaining step back to two decades ago. The stage was gorgeous, with video screens projecting her old album covers, a backdrop of her classic skulls and hearts, and lots of pink.
Lavigne even sang a song with Simple Plan and brought numerous fans on stage before closing out with “Sk8er Boi” and a three-song encore. And while it might not be exactly the same as seeing Avril Lavigne back in 2002, her fans will still definitely enjoy seeing her live.
The Avril Lavigne Greatest Hits Tour concludes on July 4. Missed the South Florida show and are looking for that taste of nostalgia? More bands and artists coming to Hard Rock Live this year include Shania Twain, blink-182, and Def Leppard.
Simple Plan at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Simple Plan at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne’s guitarist at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne and her band at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Simple Plan at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Avril Lavigne at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. Photo Credit: Michael Demyan
Local Boca Raton Playwright Takes Award-Winning Family Drama to NYC
Boca Raton, FL – June 19, 2025 –Boca Raton resident and playwright Karen Campion brings her award-winning family drama “I Made It to the Moon” to New York City for the first time at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival this August.
This compelling story has special resonance for South Florida audiences, as it explores how family secrets from the turbulent 1960s come back to haunt a carefully constructed 1990s life of a New Yorker—themes that speak to the many New York transplants who now call Boca Raton home.
I MADE IT TO THE MOON A Family Drama in Two Acts
When college student River brings his fiancée home for the holidays, his mother Kristina is determined to break up the engagement. But her plan explodes when a figure from her secret past walks through the door, forcing the entire family to confront the lies they’ve built their lives on.
Set in December 1996—the last days before the internet stripped away privacy—this eight-person ensemble piece explores what happens when survival decisions made during the chaos of the 1960s come back to haunt a carefully constructed 1990s life.
Local Connection: While Campion calls Boca Raton home, the production features an all-New York theater team, including director KM Jones (League of Professional Theatre Women Board Member) and veteran NYC actors Warren Bub (Law & Order, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Janel Tanna (Best Acting Performance, Cannes 2024), and the scene stealing grandma, Roberta Pikser (danced with Chuck Davis!). Interestingly, Bub’s character John hails from South Florida, adding another local connection to the story.
Broadway Bound Theatre Festival 2025
AMT Theater, 354 W 45th Street, New York City
August 6 (5pm) • August 8 (8pm) • August 9 (5pm)
The production has garnered recognition including Official Selection at American Story Showcase 2025 and Best Stage Play Script Nominee in Los Angeles.
Local Angle: For Boca Raton residents who dream of seeing their own stories told on bigger stages, Campion’s journey represents the possibilities that await local artists. Many South Florida theater enthusiasts are already planning trips to support their hometown playwright’s NYC debut.
Tickets Now on Sale for The Art of Laughter with Headliner Vien Phommachanh at Arts Garage in Delray Beach
Boca Raton, FL – June 20, 2025 –Arts Garage, a Visual & Performing Arts Venue located in Delray Beach that connects the community to the world through the arts, is excited to present The Art of Laughter with Headliner Vien Phommachanh Ft. Mark Christopher on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 8 to 10 p.m. Dr. Phommachanh is a practicing ear, nose and throat doctor in Sarasota, FL, who brings his unique perspective to the stage. His comedy is an anecdotal stew of funny medical experiences, a stressful Laotian upbringing, and some mixed-racial marital spice.
WHEN: Friday, August 1, 2025 from 8 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
COST: Tickets are $40 (including fees) and are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at 561-4506357 or by visiting https://artsgarage. org/event/the-art-of-laughter-withheadliner-vien-phommachanh/.
Vien Phommachanh has performed stand-up comedy across the United States and internationally, with stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Toronto, The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and Adelaide, Australia. He has participated in numerous comedy festivals, including The Asheville Comedy Festival, World
Comedy Expo, Clean Comedy Challenge, Main Event of the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, North Carolina Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe. Known for his appearances on CBS and a DryBar Comedy Special that featured one of the top 10 clips of 2024, Vien is currently touring with the Heroes Off Duty and White Collar Comedy Tours.
Arts Garage is a Visual & Performing Arts Center in Downtown Delray Beach, Florida that delivers innovative, diverse, and accessible arts experiences to the South Florida community. From Grammy Award-winning musicians to renowned regional talent, Arts Garage showcases performers representing a wide variety of cultures. The Marshall Family Foundation Gallery at Arts Garage features exhibitions by emerging visual artists from South Florida and provides educational programs for adults and children to grow their talents and knowledge of the arts. Located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove Arts District (33444), Arts Garage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported in part by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-450-6357 or visit artsgarage.org.
Dr. Vien Phommachanh
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PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No.: 502024CP004824XXXASB IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DONNA DECARLO NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DONNA DECARLO, deceased, whose date of death was July 10, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Broward County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 205 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is June 26, 2025.
Personal Representative: Daniel Decarlo 74 Eldredge Square Chatham, MA 02633
Attorney for Personal Representative: Spencer H. Golden, Esq. 533 NE 3rd Ave #309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO. 50-2025-CP-001865
IN RE: ESTATE OF STANFORD A. HARVEY, Deceased.
The administration of the Estate of STANFORD A. HARVEY, whose date of death was March 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, the address of which is 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is June 26, 2025.
Personal Representative: Evette Elaine Ferron
Attorney for Personal Representative:
Jeffrey R. Eisensmith, P.A. Florida Bar Number: 311561 5561 N. University Drive, Suite 103 Coral Springs, FL 33067
Telephone: (954) 523-7601
E-Mail: je@eisensmithlaw.com
BY: JEFFREY R. EISENSMITH
Jeffrey R. Eisensmith, Esquire
Attorney for Personal Representative
Glass-front niche at The Gardens, Boca Raton, for two people. Includes two openings/closings. Current price: $13,000 Asking price: $10,000 Call: 772359-6922 or 772-539-1561 Email: jstuttlepsl@gmail.com
