Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

You Inspire Us!

LI F E + C U LTU R E G R AT I T U D E FOOD + DRINK T R AD I T I O NS TR AV E L S TAYCAT I O NS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Don Schnurr | don.schnurr@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Marti Schnurr | marti.schnurr@lifestylepubs.com

We are blessed and grateful!

Brian Afonso | Brian.afonso@lifestylepubs.com Marcie Campbell | marcie.campbell@lifestylepubs.com

WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU?

AD DESIGNER

Wow, Boca. How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the year? The

L AYO UT DESIGNER

holidays will be here before we know it, and pretty soon we will be writing out our

Jayme Emery

2021 resolutions.

ACCO UNT MANAGERS

Evan Deuvall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Taylor, Laura Todd, Sharon Caldwell Peddie

Before everything gets crazy and we start shopping for all of the people on our gift list, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been a crazy journey with all of you, and we are grateful that we get to create this magazine every

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Bosonac, Sharon Caldwell Peddie, Amanda Paige

month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for the community service you do and coming together and supporting our first responders and front line defenders. Every time we've asked you've answered and our community is Boca Strong! We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you. In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

being grateful for the people we have around us. Planning Thanksgiving dinner

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and traveling to see family this year will be stressful, and don’t worry, we’re

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

here to help with some of the details. But don’t forget to look at each person

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

around your table and remember how they have made a difference in your life.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

We wouldn’t be here without each other.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Happy Thanksgiving Boca Raton!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Marti Schnurr, Editor

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

Proverbs 3:5-6 Boca Style™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Boca Style areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Boca Style™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy

Boca Style | November 2020

of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Toni Valentino, Pam Thomes, and Teri Jacobsen pamandtoni@compass.com Pamandtoni.com @pamandtoniteam 561 -843-6950

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 Gratitude is everywhere! Coping with our “new normal” and all that this year has taught us!

12 After Dinner Thanksgiving Traditions Special ways to highlight the day with family fun and gratitude!

26 Staycation Destination : Naples, Florida Spend quality time with the ones you love on a 0ne-0n-One-Tank Road Trip

12 34

34 Things that make me Happy... A child’s eye view of gratitude

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Giving Back

Our Town

Healthy Lifestyle

20 Culinary Creations 22 Page Turners 26 Road Trip 31

Faith Reflections

34 Local’s Choice

GIVING BACK

GRATITUDE IS EVERYWHERE! COPING WITH OUR “NEW NORMAL” AND ALL THAT THIS YEAR HAS TAUGHT US!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SHARON CALDWELL PEDDIE

GRATITUDE IS EVERYWHERE! 8

Boca Style | November 2020

IT'S PRETTY SAFE TO SAY THE YEAR 2020 IS NOT WHAT WE ALL WISHED FOR AS WE WELCOMED IT IN WITH OUR ENTHUSIASTIC TOASTS! Never did we foresee a Pandemic crashing through every life on the planet, forcing us to stay at home, stay away from each other, and turn our lives upside down. While we were trying to cope with our “new normal” and scary daily news, racial injustice was brought to the forefront through a series of horrific events. It sparked protests against racism, police, and other agendas. Wildfires to the West. Hurricanes to the East. Political unrest everywhere and a presidential campaign to boot. Tragic crashes, killer insects, you get it, you’re enduring 2020 with me. So hey, it’s Thanksgiving now and you’re feeling super thankful right? I’m not serious, I know you’d rather skip having to say thank you for 2020. As a writer who searches for inspiration through life’s journey to comfort and help us gain a healthy perspective, I’ve used my “forced time” to reflect a lot. I can honestly say, I’ve arrived at a heart full of gratitude for 2020. Ok, this is the part where I fess up, I’ve been accused of being a “Pollyanna” a few times in my life. I will own my rose colored glasses; but in my defense, I’m an informed and grounded Pollyanna. I believe life is about our perspective. It’s how we view and handle the crap thrown at us. It’s how willing we are to see what’s good, and appreciate it. I’ve had plenty of bad situations in my life. Within each one, there was good too. If a joyful life is important to us, we have to be determined

Author Sharon Caldwell Peddie

to see the good. It cultivates our gratitude. Gratitude gives us our power and joy.

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is a new, Inspirational Writer and Author of “Grow Yourself 20 REASONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO

Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner

BE GRATEFUL FOR 2020:

Joy”. Peddie grew up in South Florida and now lives in Oregon. She’s a proud UF Gator Journalism Grad and currently working on Book 2. Check out her social media

REFLECTION

for ways to grow you and your life even more beautiful!

2020 forced reflection time. Our elevated

www.sharonpeddieblog.com

perspective will take us forward to import-

www.instagram.com/author sharoncaldwellpeddie/

ant journeys for our minds, bodies, souls,

www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/boards/

careers, relationships and pastimes.

www.sharoncaldwellpeddiie.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) FREEDOM 2020 made us appreciate our freedom to go where we want, when we want.

“IF A JOYFUL LIFE IS IMPORTANT TO US, WE HAVE TO BE DETERMINED TO SEE THE GOOD.”

HOME Thank you 2020 for strengthening our family units. Thank you for our deeper appreciation for our homes. SPECIAL PEOPLE 2020 showed us how important it is to cultivate and nurture our support system. GOOD HEALTH 2020 has sharpened our perspective on the importance of our health and wellness. It had us work together to protect each other’s health. It’s deepened our gratitude for infectious disease control, access to vaccines, hospital beds, equipment and treatment. It’s made us know we’re blessed to have soap and water.

ALL LIVES MATTER, OF COURSE

THE POWER OF HUMAN TOUCH

children when they need it doesn’t imply we don’t love our other

2020 wants to teach us that lifting up and protecting one of our 2020 reminded humans the technology can never replace the power

children. 2020 tried hard to teach ALL of us to concentrate more on

of human touch and personal interaction.

loving everyone, rather than fighting over rhetoric.

VIRTUAL INTERACTION

CONVENIENCE AND ABUNDANCE

Technology can never replace human touch, but it connects us when we don’t have access to each other. Thank you 2020 for show-

Americans had gotten spoiled. 2020 made us more appreciative of resources and conveniences at our fingertips.

ing us we’re creative and adaptable. We worked, socialized, danced on TikTok, and celebrated virtually like never before!

LIVE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

FAVORITE PLACES

arenas, 2020 will have us showing up to experience LIFE more!

Watching our kids play their sport, live concerts, stadiums, fields, 2020 made us more grateful for the places that give our life important routine, structure, learning, light, and fun. 2020 gives deeper gratitude for our churches, schools, gyms, restaurants/bars & stores.

RIGHT TO VOTE Rather than memes and screaming at each other on social media, 2020 reminds us casting our vote is more powerful and productive.

HUMANITY When bad things happen, unfortunately, we get to see the best and worst in humanity. 2020 showed us there are many more good

PEACE Too often people are drawn toward drama and negativity. 2020

people in the world than bad. That’s a comforting fact.

reminded us, peace and security are what humans need to thrive.

APPRECIATION OF ALL PROFESSIONS

NATURE

Life had to be so different in 2020, it made us see all professions

2020 reminded us that God gave us a beautiful sanctuary called

with more respect and appreciation.

Nature that’s always there for us.

HEROES

COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

2020 shined light on the heroes & helpers among us--some looked like we expected, some took us by surprise. We even saw one in the mirror.

Not knowing how much we can handle during tough times can cause us great anxiety. So much gratitude to 2020 for showing us how strong and resilient we are.

BLACK LIVES MATTER Deep gratitude to 2020 for the emergency wake up call, forcing us to open our eyes to the social injustice that still exists. Gratitude for a powerful movement and new hope for a new way of life. 10

Boca Style | November 2020

GRATITUDE FOR GRATITUDE 2020, you reminded us the most important lessons of light, often come to us in the dark.

eMy work is intended to inantaneously immerse the viewer into the visual and emotional energies that I have devoted to each piece. Depending on onees ability and willingness to be guided by the senses, these paintings can lead one away from the mind and into an alternate and self-made reality filled with cor and feeling. My new series features original and different mixed media such as BB Gun Pellets. I love working with different mediums, because they change in the light and I can manipulate the textures and layering; thus affording each piece movement and energy from the reflecting and refracting light. - Sara Conca

www.SaraConca.com Sara@SaraConca.com 917.535.2669

Sara Conca is a contemporary abstract artist of French-Italian descent. She has sold her works to many collectors in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her paintings can be found in private chateaus and hotel lobbies in France, as well as in many exclusive celebrity homes and museums. By the age of 17, Sara was living and working in Paris. A life changing experience that reinforced her need for movement, energy and art. While in Paris, Sara studied sculpture at Ateliers D’Art De St Maur Des Fosses, and further continued her education in South Florida as an assistant of the critically lauded artist Purvis Young. Sara Conca has spent her last 18 years in Manhattan, Living solely off her painting sales, Extensive international travels, and the influence of New York City has given her an insightful appreciation for her ever- changing environments and settings, as well as heavily influencing her. Sara Conca has returned to her roots in Florida, which has inspired her to create a fresh aquatic mystical series involving natural mixed media such as raw silver dust, brass key shavings, mica flakes, natural crystals, raw pigments, BB Gun pellets and 18k gold leafing.

OUR TOWN

ARTICLE MARTI SCHNURR | PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA PAIGE

TURKEY DAY IS JUST AROUND THE

gratitude and you will experience a deeper

that will remind them of their joys all year

CORNER AND YOU PROBABLY ALREADY

appreciation for your life and those around

long, adding to it each year.

HAVE YOUR MENU SET. But, what are you

you. Everyone has something to be thankful

doing after your big feast? You will probably

for—even in the midst of a lot of hardships.

pack in the traditional foods by mid-afternoon

This is a great time to remember a loved one

Make a ridiculous turkey hat and force

and still have a good chunk of daylight left!

if you are missing someone important at the

everyone to wear it while they play a simple

Here are 15 ways to spend the rest of the day,

table this year.

game, like pin the tail on the turkey, corn hole

starting after Thanksgiving-meal traditions:

or a three-legged race. You can turn anything WRITE DOWN THANKFUL THOUGHTS

TALK ABOUT GRATITUDE

PLAY A SILLY TURKEY GAME

Don’t just talk about it, write down your

into a hilarious game with one simple, silly prop. The more ridiculous you get, the better.

Some people do this before their big meal,

best memory for the year or thing you are

while others save it for after the delectable

most grateful for. These could be put in a jar

dishes are served out. Talk about what

for next year or drawn out and read anon-

Okay, this might not be planned. All that

makes you grateful in your life and the

ymously one at a time. Some people write

tryptophan from the turkey, carbs and sug-

blessings you enjoy. Spend time considering

their blessings on rocks for a decorative jar

ars are going to lead to a crash. Lean into

Boca Style | November 2020

TAKE A NAP

AFTER DINNER THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS SPECIAL. WAYS TO HIGHLIGHT THE DAY WITH FAMILY FUN AND GRATITUDE!

it and plan a Thanksgiving siesta! It could

swept and kitchen spotless within just a

for years to come. Handprint activities can

become a thing.

few minutes. Many hands will make light

be really cute for kids, showing how much

work. And, this is a great time to divvy up

they’ve grown in future years. Leaf and

the Thanksgiving leftovers so one person

pumpkin decorations are often popular for Thanksgiving as well.

GO FOR A WALK If sleeping after Thanksgiving sounds

doesn’t end up with all the mashed potatoes.

awful, try the opposite (or, better yet, do it

Tell your guests to bring their own storage

after the nap!). Wake up your senses with

containers and everyone will leave happy.

READ THANKSGIVING BOOKS

MAKE THANKSGIVING CRAFTS

thanksgiving stories and read them one

some fresh air and beautiful sites. You can walk your neighborhood, a local beach, a park or a trail. Just get outside and enjoy the

If you have kids in the mix, pull out the Do you have kids (or crafty adults?) that

last time for the year. If you don’t have any

need something to do after dinner? Plan

Thanksgiving books, this could be a great time

some cute Thanksgiving crafts to serve as

to order them. Most of your favorite charac-

a memory of your event. You won’t get a lot

ters have a fall or Thanksgiving book. These

We are all about practical and someone’s

of use out of them this year, but make some-

can teach kids about colors, seasons, giving,

gotta do it. Buckle down and get that table

thing you will store and pull out as décor

sharing, gratitude and more. Find books that

fall weather while your meal settles in. CLEAN THE KITCHEN!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR—EVEN IN THE MIDST OF A LOT OF HARDSHIPS. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO REMEMBER A LOVED ONE IF YOU ARE MISSING SOMEONE IMPORTANT AT THE TABLE THIS YEAR.”

are fun to read so you can enjoy entertaining them for a little

goal is to get people of all ages involved. Once you do one,

bit with the read-aloud session.

you might feel addicted to the feeling of this post-Thanksgiving community event.

START A BACKYARD FOOTBALL GAME Thanksgiving is often known as a football day. You can

PLAY A GAME OF CHARADES

start a game of flag or touch football for fun with your

Acting out random words with terrible attempts at mim-

friends or family. All ages can play or you can make it more

ing is one of the funniest ways to spend the rest of your

competitive by limiting it to a specific age range.

Turkey Day. You don’t even need a special game to do it!

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

wants to play) write down a bunch of random objects, movie

Just have someone (you know, the wallflower that never No kids (or older kids)? Take time to do something for

titles, foods, emotions and activities on slips of paper. Throw

someone else. Soup kitchens and homeless shelters often

them into a bowl, split into teams and have the wallflower

get a lot of volunteers on Thanksgiving, as people help dish

run the timer. You can draw on paper or a whiteboard.

out their large community meals. Animal shelters and other

Keep track of the score and make the losing team run

nonprofits often look for willing volunteers during this time

around the house, clean the kitchen or do a coordinated

as well. Thanksgiving is a day for gratitude, so volunteering

dance routine. There are options. It will make the game

or doing RAoK (random acts of kindness) is just fitting.

much more serious by upping the stakes (especially if you are playing with adults).

GO SHOPPING! Perhaps opposite would be running into Black Friday lines,

PLAY A GAME OF CARDS

but it is another huge Thanksgiving tradition. Many stores

Gin Rummy, Spades, Euchre, Go Fish, Poker—there are

have been pushing their hours back to the point where “Black

tons of fun games for a post-Thanksgiving party. Start

Friday” starts shortly after your Thursday Meal. But there are

tables with different groups and create a tournament if

still some trying to hold off their early bird hours until after

enough people are interested. If it becomes a big enough

midnight. You can usually score some cheap throws, slippers,

tradition, you can create certain prizes by asking everyone

games or kitchenware. If you are going for any tech items,

to donate something small, like a candy bar or four quar-

plan to get there early and wait in line.

ters to the winner pot.

RUN OFF THE CALORIES

your loved ones and self-reflecting on the things you

The most important part of Thanksgiving is enjoying

Turkey Runs help burn the calories and jumpstart your

are thankful for. Have a great Thanksgiving Day with

weekend. Join a fun run or Turkey Trot to cover 1k, 5k or

these after dinner ideas and create a tradition that takes

10k distances. Your kids are usually welcome too, since the

up your whole day!

Boca Style | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

TURKEY WORKOUT HOLIDAY FITNESS FUN!

ARTICLE MARY SAMMARCO | PHOTOGRAPHY 47 FILMS

THANKSGIVING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. A favorite holiday where we join our family and friends and express gratitude for all of life’s blessings and, of course, eat a very big meal. It’s estimated the average Thanksgiving dinner plate clocks in at around 3,350 calories — and that’s not factoring in seconds! Check-out local Broward County P.E. teacher, Mary Sammarco, as she shakes up any workout boredom with these fun, Thanksgiving-themed exercises!

Boca Style | November 2020

“MOST AMERICANS WILL CONSUME BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 CALORIES DURING THANKSGIVING DINNER.”

01.

SQUAT PRESS

02.

WEIGHTED GLUTE BRIDGE

03.

ROMANIAN DEADLIFT (RDL)

Standing hip-width apart. Push

Lie face up on the floor, with

Engages the muscles in the back of your

back into the hips and keep the back

your knees bent and feet flat on the

body including your lower back, glutes, and

straight to lower into a squat holding

ground. Lift your hips off the ground

hamstrings. Stand with feet hip-width apart

the weights on the front of the shoul-

until your knees, hips and shoulders

and knees soft, holding the turkey from in front

ders. ... When the hips are below the

form a straight line while holding the

of hips. Keeping spine in neutral position and

knees in the squat, push both legs

turkey on your pelvic. Squeeze those

squeezing shoulder blades, start sending the

into the ground to stand up and at the

glutes hard and keep your abs drawn

hips back. Lower the turkey in front of shins,

same time press the turkey overhead

in so you don’t overextend your back

keeping it close to the body. Once they pass the

by straightening the arms.

during the exercise.

knees, do not allow the hips to sink further. At the bottom of the movement, maintain a neutral spine and drive through heels to fully extend hips and knees, squeezing glutes at the top. CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

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CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

t ha n ksg iv in g lef tovers FROM A CLASSIC HOLIDAY MEAL TO A CREATIVELY, REPURPOSED HOLIDAY LUNCH! ARTICLE CHEF LAURA TODD PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY TAYLOR

Chef Laura Todd

Boca Style | November 2020

ea s y t u rkey wa ldor f sa l ad WE LOVE THE DAY-AFTER-THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GUY, BUT HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS TASTE EVEN BETTER WHEN THEY’RE REPURPOSED CREATIVELY. Chef Laura Todd shares her delicious post Thanksgiving recipe for Easy Turkey Waldorf Salad.

i n g re d ient s + 1 cup diced left-over, cooked and chilled turkey + 1 large red apple, cored and chopped + 1/4 cup chopped celery + 1/4 cup lightly toasted walnuts, roughly chopped + 1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries + 1/2 teaspoon chopped dried thyme + 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard + 1/2 teaspoon of Salt & Pepper + 1 cup of mayonnaise or plain greek yogurt

i n st r uc t ion s 1. In a large mixing bowl combine diced turkey, chopped apples, chopped celery, walnuts, cranberries, and thyme. Stir in Dijon mustard and mayonnaise (or greek yogurt.) Salt and pepper to taste. 2. Serve this delicious salad on a bed of mixed greens or create a sandwich on a toasted croissant. For more recipes and culinary inspiration follow Chef Laura Todd on social media. Instagram/ la_caters_palmbeach Facebook/ Laura Ashley Catering (561) 315-1681

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

PAGE TURNERS

fall book list ARTICLE JANINE KLUCKHOHN

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE IT’S ALREADY FALL! When I started @DowntoGettheFictionOn on Instagram, I found so many great books in different genres of which I would have previously rolled

some may give you hope; while others may leave you with a call to

my eyes. I would have never imagined I would enjoy fantasy or

action, but each book I have read and recommend! Grab your blan-

speculative fiction, but I’ve found I will read anything as long as

ket, break out the apple crisp, buffalo chicken dip and grab one of

it’s well written, has a good plot and strong characters. My recom-

these six book recommendations. If you would like to see more rec-

mendations are from a wide variety of genres, so if at first glance

ommendations, please check out my account on Instagram. Also,

a genre makes you pause or think it’s not for you, give it a second

check out @CityLifestyle on Instagram as I will be recommending

look before you pass it up. Some of these books may scare you;

a new book early each month.

Boca Style | November 2020

one

two

three

A D U LT F I C T I O N / FA N TA S Y

YO U N G A D U LT

THRILLER/SUSPENSE

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA

THIS IS MY AMERICA

DON’T LOOK FOR ME

Linus Baker is a strait-laced, no non-

Seven years ago, the Beaumont

Molly Clark’s life is messy. Her fam-

sense case worker for the Department in

family was torn to pieces when James,

ily is falling apart; her kids don’t want

Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is content

the patriarch, was put on death row

her around; her husband could be

making his reports and going home to

for a crime they are certain he did not

having an affair, and there is a cloud

his cat, Calliope. That is until Extremely

commit. Every week since his convic-

of blame floating over her from five

Upper Management forces him to take

tion, Tracy Beaumont, a 17-year-old

years ago. One night during a storm

on a highly classified case to travel to an

high school student, sends a letter

her car breaks down, and she is left

orphanage filled with the most mystical

to the Innocence X Project pleading

having to walk for help. Alone with

creatures managed by an equally myste-

with them to take on her father’s

her thoughts, she feels the pull to just

rious Arthur Parnassus. Linus begins to

case. All these years later, she’s still

walk away from the ones she loves

find his edges soften as he learns more

yet to receive a response. When the

who all seem to be miserable in her

about this orphanage and all of those who

police show up to arrest her track star

company. When Molly doesn’t come

inhabit it. This book is a masterpiece of

brother, Jamal, for another crime, she

home, that one night could forever

whimsy and humor while simultaneously

is determined to not let the system

haunt the Clark family. This suspense-

dealing with deeper topics like love and

fail them twice. This is My America is

ful thriller is a fast-paced page turner.

the equality of others. While I am not a

a deep story about the injustices in

I was never quite sure who to root for

fantasy reader, I fell in love with this vivid,

America. Part social justice story and

and what was going to happen next.

imaginative and heartwarming book.

part mystery romance, I recommend

Told in alternating points of view, the

Don’t let the fantasy element scare you,

readers of all ages take the time to

story is filled with twists and turns

this book is perfection from page 1!

meet the Beaumonts.

that will make it hard to stop reading!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

PAGE TURNERS (CONTINUED)

four

five

six

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

C U LT U R A L F I C T I O N

S P E C U L AT I V E FICTION

THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF

NO HEAVEN FOR GOOD BOYS

EUDORA HONEYSETT

(on sale 10/13)

THE YEAR OF THE WITCHING In puritanical Bethel, the Prophet is

Eudora Honeysett is in her twilight

Set in Senegal, Ibrahimah is a 6-year

sacred and his word is the law. Outside

years and after 85 years of a hard life,

old boy who loves his close-knit fam-

the strict lands of Bethel, is the Darkwood,

she’s ready to call it a wrap. She likes

ily. He and his mother are heartbroken

a forbidden forest haunted by the death of

to keep to herself and is used to a life

when he’s sent to Dakar to live with

four witches. Immanuelle Moore has always

of routine and independence. That is

Marabout Ahmed, a well-known reli-

lived her life according to the prophet but

until Rose, a rambunctious and unique

gious teacher. There he finds himself

in the shadow of her mother who broke

9-year-old, moves in next door. If you

sleeping on a cardboard mat with his

vows and brought shame upon her family

love a curmudgeon and precocious chil-

older cousin and the other boys while

before her death. While there have always

dren, this is the one for you! The story

spending their days roaming the city

been rumors that her mother was a witch,

alternates between present day and

streets as they beg for money for his

Immanuelle finds herself drawn into the

Eudora’s past which gives it a fresh spin

teacher. This powerful story taught me

Darkwoods and begins to uncover more

on a familiar genre. Filled with humor

about a culture and part of the world I

truths about her mother, the church and

and heart, the characters are ones you’re

didn’t know much about. One thing I love

the witches. Is there a better month to read

sure to fall in love with. In a time when

about reading is it can transport you to

a story about witches than October? This is

so many people are feeling isolated, this

places you’d likely never be able to visit.

dark and atmospheric story is a mix of fan-

book was a great reminder to stay con-

While at times brutally heartbreaking,

tasy, horror and historical fiction. If you’re a

nected and the importance of cultivating

the story is filled with hope and love. I

fan of The Handmaids Tale, I would recom-

and maintaining relationships.

thought about Ibrahimah and his friends

mend you grab this book!

when I wasn’t reading, and this book will stick with me long after I finished.

Boca Style | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

ROAD TRIP

S TAY C AT I O N D E S T I N AT I O N : NAPLES, FLORIDA SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE ON A ONE-ON-ONE-TANK ROAD TRIP

ARTICLE MARTI SCHNURR PHOTOGRAPHY MARY SAMMARCO

IF YOU’RE LIKE MANY PEOPLE THESE DAYS, YOUR TRAVEL AGENDA HAS BEEN SHARPLY CURTAILED IN RECENT MONTHS — AND PERHAPS IT EVEN FEELS LIKE YOU’LL NEVER HAVE THE CHANCE TO HIT THE OPEN ROAD AGAIN. Maybe you’ve just been working a lot and can’t seem to pencil in quality time with family or are ready for a much-needed romantic getaway with your partner. Either way, the one-tank road trip provides a great way to feed the travel bug without having to contend with crowded airports or spend a succession of nights on the road. When you’re lucky enough to live in South Florida, Naples is an obvious destination for those seeking fun on the water, 5-star dining, and luxurious lodgings situated right on the white sugar-sand beach. Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of a one-tank trip to Naples:

Boca Style | November 2020

From lazing on the beach soaking up the sun with a frosty, fruity drink in your hand to swimming with the dolphins or enjoying a deep-sea fishing trip, Naples offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all individual tastes and preferences. Naples is renowned

+ WHAT TO DO

for its world-class golf courses, but its real star attraction is the Gulf of Mexico. You can take a guided boat tour, enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, go surf fishing on the beach or go on a deep-sea charter trip, or if you’re in need of some quiet reflection, visit the Naples Pier and sit and watch the dolphins playing in the nearby waves and maybe cast a line for shallow-water species such as grouper. Naples is one of the only true year-round fisheries in North America, which means that there’s something biting no matter what time of year. Popular sportfishing species in the Naples area include bass, shark, snook, and the Gulf Coast’s signature species, tarpon. Swimming with the dolphins is another favorite Naples activity, so be sure to visit Dolphin World if you’re a fan of these playful and intelligent marine mammals.

“WHEN YOU’RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, NAPLES IS AN OBVIOUS DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING FUN ON THE WATER, 5-STAR DINING, AND LUXURIOUS LODGINGS SITUATED RIGHT ON THE WHITE SUGAR-SAND BEACH.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

+ WHERE TO EAT

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED) Fishing, exploring, and swimming with the dolphins works up quite an appetite, and you’re in the right place for a fabulous meal. Thanks to Naples’ location, amenities, and climate, nationally and even internationally acclaimed chefs have been relocating to it, opening restaurants, and creating a vibrant and an eclectic cuisine scene. Try Dorona’s For a modern twist on the classic Italian steakhouse model, or if the mood calls

for

finely-crafted

Parians-

inspired fare, you can’t go wrong with D’amicos the Continental — think winsome 1920s style French bistro turned up several notches and seriously influenced by oldschool New York City steakhouses. D’amicos has both indoor and outdoor seating, creative craft cocktails, and a menu that features the best

+ WHERE TO STAY

from both land and sea.

Why let the Naples experience end with a 5-star dinner? Keep the luxury theme going by staying at the Edgewater Beach Hotel as a grand finale to your Naples adventure. You’ll be just steps away from the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf, and if you’ve ever wondered why they call the area Florida’s Paradise Coast, you’ll understand why when you see the view from the balcony of one of Edgewater’s Tower Gulf View suites. Other amenities include two heated swimming pools with gulf views, 24-hour concierge service, a fully-equipped, high-tech fitness center, bicycle rentals, WiFi throughout, beachside and poolside dining options, and valet parking. As you can see, Naples packs quite a punch for a onetank road trip. Whether a family vacation, a romantic interlude, or even a solo sojourn is what you’ve been craving these days, a road trip to Naples topped off by a stay at the Edgewater hotel will deliver it in spades.

Boca Style | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

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FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 32

Boca Style | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

CityLifestyle.com/BocaStyle

LOCAL’S CHOICE

ARTICLE MARTI SCHNURR

CHILDREN FIND JOY IN EVERY MOMENT.

PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY BOSONAC

A child’s ability to focus on the here and now is a lesson we can all learn from. Living in

A CHILD’S EYE VIEW OF GRATITUDE

the moment without worrying about things

THINGS T H AT M A K E ME HAPPY

to come shines a light on what truly makes us happy. Our sweet reader, Chase Bosonac, shares what makes him happy and reminds all of us the importance of gratitude!

CHASE

TECHNOLOGY: + Youtube to watch documentaries on volcanos & the Titanic and video games + Zoom to talk to my favorite athlete: Washington Football Team Player Chase Young! YES, he really did have a zoom call with me during quarantine

VETERANS: My great-grandfather was in WW2. I love playing war with toy soldiers with my best friends Dylan and Samuel. Both of their great-grandfathers were in the Navy too!

SEASONS: Summer: In Monmouth Beach at the Jersey Shore, Football Season: (My mom says this is not a real season), Winter: Boca Raton with grandparents & riding Golf Cart, Spring: my birthday

SNOW-CONES:

DOCTORS:

No captain needed!

I’m thankful for doctors like my daddy! Also the medical team at CHOP who made my leg braces so I could walk better & kick a football!

Boca Style | November 2020

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