ST LUCIE AIROSO 593

WINDOW LEARNING CENTER

- Peter Bulger, Owner

Meet the Doctor!

Dr. Jacques Benchimol, DMD, epitomizes a distinguished career marked by a dedication to exceptional patient care and a relentless pursuit of excellence in dentistry. His academic voyage commenced at the esteemed Boston University, where he embarked on a journey of learning and discovery that laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. With each step, he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the intricacies of dental science, setting the stage for his transformative impact in the field.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Benchimol’s unwavering commitment to advancing his craft led him to the esteemed Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. It was here that he not only excelled academically but also demonstrated a profound passion for dentistry that would shape the trajectory of his professional journey. Graduating magna cum laude, Dr. Benchimol emerged as a beacon of excellence, poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his patients.

Fuelled by a desire to further expand his expertise and contribute to the forefront of dental innovation, Dr. Benchimol sought out additional training at the renowned Misch International Implant Institute. Here, he immersed himself in the latest techniques and advancements in implantology, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. His tireless pursuit of excellence was duly recognized,

culminating in the prestigious Henry Schein Award for Excellence in Implantology—an accolade that underscored his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill.

At the heart of Dr. Benchimol’s practice lies a fervent belief in the profound connection between skill and compassion. As a dedicated dental professional, he remains steadfast in his commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring that his patients receive nothing short of the most cuttingedge treatment options available. It is this unwavering dedication to excellence that sets Dr. Benchimol apart, earning him the trust and admiration of patients and peers alike.

Under Dr. Benchimol’s visionary leadership, Healthy Smiles Dental transcends the traditional bounds of dentistry. More than just a dental practice, it serves as a sanctuary of oral health and well-being—a place where healthy smiles are nurtured and lifelong relationships are forged. Every member of Dr. Benchimol’s esteemed team shares in this commitment, dedicated to providing unparalleled service, care, and value to every patient who walks through their doors.

We look forward to meeting you and starting you on the path to a beautiful smile!

At Healthy Smiles Dental, patients are not merely names on a chart; they are unique individuals deserving of personalized care and attention. Dr. Benchimol and his team take pride in forging genuine connections with each patient, taking the time to understand their unique needs and aspirations. Together, they craft tailored treatment plans that prioritize not only their oral health but also their overall well-being, ensuring that every smile shines brightly with confidence and vitality.

Your journey to a healthier, more radiant smile begins here. Contact Healthy Smiles Dental in Port St. Lucie today at 772-877-0488 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards optimal oral health. Let Healthy Smiles Dental be your trusted partner in achieving lasting dental wellness and radiating confidence with every smile.

MY LIVING CONTENTS - ZONE P

e Patient Investor

My mother was a very patient person. She raised four boys. At one point in her life, she had newborn twins, a 17-month-old, and a 7-year-old. I still to this day do not know how she did it, but I know patience was a virtue that she practiced daily throughout my childhood and probably a good part of my adulthood. She passed away six years ago April 16, and not a day goes by that she is not still a part of my life. Being patient is something we as human beings need to practice more. It seems like everyone wants instant grati cation in life, whereas the patient person tends to reap more of the rewards life brings.

Investing takes patience. Investing is a long-term prospect. It can take years to bene t from an investment, whether it be stocks, bonds, or real estate. In my twenty-eight-year career, the one virtue the successful investor seems to always portray is patience. e Patient investor does not let the emotions of fear and greed drive their investment decisions. ey use a disciplined approach and rarely overthink current market situations. ey understand that not all their investments will appreciate or depreciate at the same time. If all your investments move in the same direction at the same time, this is not a diversi ed portfolio. ey realize that just because one of their investments is performing poorly in the short term, it is not an indication of the value that can be created over the future years. Short-term volatility is not a long-term indicator. e patient investor accepts short-term volatility as an opportunity.

e opportunity when markets are volatile can come from buying or selling an investment. When markets or individual investments become over-bought or over-sold, it is usually an opportunity for the long-term, patient investor to take advantage of mispriced investments. Investments get mispriced quite o en. On average the stock market has a correction every 18 months. Corrections are de ned as a decline

of ten percent, but not more than twenty percent. On the other hand, markets do have long bull runs that can make stocks look expensive. e question is how does the non-patient investor handle these situations? Typically, the non-patient investor buys towards the end of the bull run and sells at the bottom of the correction. e patient investor does the opposite, because the patient investor practices a disciplined approach and reduces the risk of his or her portfolio when the market looks overvalued and adds it when the market is undervalued. ere is nothing wrong with selling part of one of your successful investments if it becomes too much of your portfolio. is is how wealth is made and more importantly kept.

It is di cult to get to the top of the mountain. It is even more di cult to stay there. We prefer getting there and staying there by utilizing a patient and disciplined approach no matter what the market is doing in the short-term.

So, like the rest of you, I’m more than a little discouraged about the cost of, well, let’s say, everything! I can begin with food prices, because we all have to eat. What used to be a somewhat pleasant experience to go food shopping has become an event that feels like post traumatic stress. Regardless of what we buy, the prices are ridiculous. Even what used to be the “cheap” meat back several years ago, chicken (sorry chickens, I don’t mean to call you cheap) has gone nuts. If you want to x a nutritious meal for your family, you might as well grow your own vegetables and raise your own farm animals because anything else is going to break the bank. I understand there are things beyond everyone’s control, like bad weather for the farmers, bird u for the eggs, and even mad cow disease (that’s a real thing!) but the simpli ed version for let’s say growing fruit and vegetables are dirt, water and seeds. I admit I have never grown anything edible so I might be obase, but we have to come up with a better solution unless everyone just wants to just pig-out on pasta, fastfood and chips. Someone please write in and tell me a good solution and I promise I’ll publish it! My children are grown, but I can’t imagine how a family of four, ve or six can eat on most people’s weekly wages. Are children just eating junk food, or are parents sacri cing

their good nutrition so that their children can get the vitamins and minerals they need?

ose of you who have read my column for years now, know that I know nothing about healthy eating, but even I know that it is impossible to a ord to eat healthy anymore. How are our elderly, who rely on assistance, getting what they need? Are they hungry? Are they substituting food so they can a ord medicine? And what about pets? Are they hungry? Are they getting table scraps instead of food made with the nutrients that pets need. I’m not on top of the whole food chain thing, but can anyone help? Is it that there is not enough farm land, not enough cattle, not enough chickens, or not enough workers? Somewhere things have gotten away from us, and I’d like to know where things have gone wrong. Again, if any of you can tell me, I’ll be more than happy to pass it along in my column. Please don’t send anything political. at’s another conundrum which I avoid like the plague.

And please don’t think I have put the Cleveland Clinic thing to rest. I’m still waiting and watching, listening and hoping, and at some point, I’ll pass on the updates, good or bad.

As for me, I would like to thank those of you who have purchased my book, Dream Me Home, and

read it. Your reviews have been very helpful on Amazon Books, and I’m crossing my ngers (and toes) that I might be able to get a limited television series, but you know, like everything else, that takes time and money. I do have a sequel to Dream Me Home in the works, so if you haven’t read the rst one yet, I would really love it if you would order a copy. e more people who order my book, the more chance I have to get the attention of those in charge of making things happen. Ahh, I know I’m a dreamer, but what can I say?…without dreams what do we have, really?

For What It’s Worth, I wish you a pleasant spring and if you’re going back to your home state, a safe journey. For those of us who live here, I’m putting in my request for a short summer, light hurricane season, no bugs and low humidity!!!

Wow, I’ve asked for a lot! Sorry to be so needy!!

“100% satis ed with this company. From the initial inspection of our 17 yr old roof , through the estimate, the contract, the permitting, the tear off, the installation, needed repairs on siding & around gutters, Andy kept his word on all promises. They delivered exceptional quality assurance, Matt came on site every day to check on crew/progress/quality & to answer any questions we had. They were very diligent in cleaning up after each step. I was also impressed as to the immediate response time for each of my inquiries. Finally a company who delivers the quality, timeliness, honesty & true diligence as promised. Also very reasonable price. We had four roof estimates and are so glad that we chose Fox Haven Roo ng. Highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed!”

— Netty Smith

Commercial & Residential 24 Point Tune-up

• Check thermostat operation.

• Clean lter (Washable Filters Only).

• Check system temperature split.

• Refrigerant check.

• Inspect disconnect.

• Inspect fuses and wiring.

• Inspect drier lter.

• Tighten electrical connections.

• Inspect contractors and relays.

• Check voltage and amperage to all motors.

• Compressor check, amp draw and connections.

• Inspect indoor blower motor and housing.

• Inspect condenser motor.

• Inspect condensate drain.

• Add algaecide tablets to drain pan.

• Inspect condenser and evaporator coil.

• Inspect plenum seal at unit and secure panel.

• Visual leak check. No nitrogen testing.

• Run and test system.

• Clean drain line.*

• Up to 1-pound of R-410 refrigerant.

• Check capacitor.

• Inspect low voltage wire.

Palladium® Multi-Year Guarantee (MYG)

Single Premium Fixed Deferred Annuity

Guarantee Periods

3-Year 5-Year 6-Year 7-Year 8-Year 9-Year 10-Year

The Interest Rate Guarantee Periods listed above are subject to availability. Your agent can confirm which Interest Rate Guarantee Periods are currently available.

The Interest Rate Guarantee Periods listed above are subject to availability. Your agent can confirm which Interest Rate Guarantee Periods are currently available.

• Tax-Deferred Growth

• 10% of the annuity value can be withdrawn1 each year, with no surrender charge or market value adjustment

• Tax-Deferred Growth

• All funds can be withdrawn without penalty during a special 30-day window after the end of the initial guarantee period

• 10% of the annuity value can be withdrawn1 each year, with no surrender charge or market value adjustment.2

• Following the interest rate guarantee period, interest will be credited at a rate determined by the company annually, at each contract anniversary.

• All funds can be withdrawn without penalty during a special 30-day window after the end of the initial guarantee period.3

• The interest rate will never be less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate as specified in the contract.

• Following the interest rate guarantee period, interest will be credited at a rate determined by the company annually, at each contract anniversary.

• The interest rate will never be less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate as specified in the contract.

Rates effective as of 4/1/2024. Rate subject to change for new issues at any time. All interest rates are declared as annual effective rates of interest. Interest is credited to your annuity daily on a compound basis assuming a 365 day year. Any withdrawals including interest only withdrawals will reduce the amount of interest credit to your contract. 1) For withdrawals prior to age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply. 2) Within 30 days of the end of the initial guarantee period, the client may surrender the contract without incurring any surrender or MVA (market value adjustment) charges. 3) Within 30 days of the end of the initial guarantee period, the client may surrender the contract without incurring any surrender or MVA (market value adjustment) charges. Form Series: MYG20; AI20 (Forms may vary by state). CA Form: MYG16(04). Neither American National nor its agents give legal or tax advice.

American National Insurance Company

Please consult your tax advisor or attorney on your specific situation. American National Insurance Company, Galveston, Texas.

“I would like to thank the entire team at Fox Haven roo ng group. They treated my like family from the very beginning. Matt was an excellent salesman and was super communicative and explained all of the details to me up front. The pricing was clear and transparent. The crew that installed the roof was extremely quick it only took two days and the workmanship was topnotch The of ce staff have went above and beyond to take care of me and my home. Sam and Lexi in the of ce I can’t that you enough for helping me get my new roof. You guys are amazing and I’m forever grateful for all that you’ve done. I will never be able to thank you and your team enough.

— J. Feliciano

PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

1. Island nation

7. Platforms

13. Project plan

14. French shing port

16. South Dakota

17. Oakland’s baseball team

19. Military policeman

20. Ornamental stone

22. Garland

23. Process that produces ammonia

25. Mousses

26. Music notation “dal __”

28. Fail to win

29. Peyton’s little brother

30. Not near

31. Some cars still need it

33. Lizard genus

34. An idiot (Brit.)

36. Postponed

38. African country

40. Gazes unpleasantly

41. In a way, traveled

43. Ukraine’s capital

44. Appropriate

45. Dash

47. Twitch

48. Swiss river

51. Data le with computer animations

53. City in S. Korea

55. Particular region

56. They have eyes and noses

58. Tear

59. Large Madagascan lemur

60. Not out

61. Ornamental saddle covering

64. A driver’s license is one

65. Latin term for charity

67. Rechristens

69. Objects from an earlier time

70. Hindu male religious teachers

CLUES DOWN

1. Used as a weapon

2. Yukon Territory

3. Makes a map of

4. An established ceremony prescribed by a religion

5. Unnilhexium

6. Merchant

7. Playing the eld

8. Folk singer DiFranco

9. Something to scratch

10. Mexican agave

11. Equal to one quintillion

bytes

12. Session

13. North American people

15. Ranches

18. Electroencephalograph

21. A type of compound

24. Avenue

26. High schoolers’ test

27. A type of meal

30. Gradually disappeared

32. Ancient Frankish law code

35. Popular pickup truck

37. Buzzing insect

38. Deal illegally

39. Lying in the same plane

42. Obstruct

43. Related

46. Challenge aggressively

47. Nocturnal hoofed animals

49. Bird’s nests

50. Forays

52. __ B. de Mille, lmmaker

54. Title of respect

55. One-time name of Vietnam

57. Self-immolation by re ritual

59. Private school in New York

62. Political action committee

63. A way to fashion

66. Email reply

68. “The Great Lake State”

SUDOKU PUZZLE

By Gabby Gregory

Everything Within Reach

When you’re cooking or baking in your kitchen, naturally, you need to gather the materials to follow your recipe. But, o entimes, it can be quite the hassle to collect a necessary kitchen tool that’s been tucked away into the voids of the shelves within a cabinet or cupboard. Suddenly, you nd yourself being forced to bend, squat, or otherwise contort your body into an awkward and/ or uncomfortable position just to be able to reach a mixing bowl, a cookie sheet, or your favorite mug. If you’re a person who su ers from arthritis, back pain, mobility, etc., then you especially understand the challenge it can be just to access basic necessities in your kitchen, not to mention other storage areas in your home. Let’s face it– these spaces aren’t always designed with functionality in mind. ShelfGenie of West Palm Beach has the perfect solution for you, whether you’re living in an existing

home or you’re in the process of building a dream one.

e Perfect Solution

ShelfGenie’s custom pull-out shelves for your new or existing cabinets truly make your wishes come true when it comes to not only perfectly arranging your space, but also vastly improving your quality of life. As the local owner of ShelfGenie of West Palm Beach – Bret Chevrier – explains, “ShelfGenie isn’t just an organizational solution, but an access one.” Indeed, it is not uncommon for Bret and his team to get hugs from clients with mobility and pain issues because they are so thankful that they can nally reach their possessions without having to struggle or su er. One 5-star Google review of the business a rms, “My kitchen is now complete! Now everything is easy to access, no having to practically crawl to the back of the cabinets, just pull out the shelf and it’s there in easy reach.” Another reviewer highly recommends the ShelfGenie of West Palm Beach, saying, “ ey were very helpful and thorough. It was installed with expertise and is a wonderful option to be able to pull drawers out to nd pots and pans instead of getting down on the oor to dive into the back recesses of a deep cupboard.”

Customized Cabinets

Everyone has their own unique lifestyle, so everyone has their own preferences and necessities. us, when it comes to creating your ideal storage space, the designers and installers at ShelfGenie are dedicated to addressing all of your wants and needs. During your free,

no-obligation design consultation, the expert team at ShelfGenie will ask the right questions and carefully listen to your responses to come up with your customized solution. From there, the professional ShelfGenie installers will make your vision come to life. “Had a great experience with the everyone and with every step of the process. Professional and friendly experts came and explained the process, made wonderful suggestions and answered all of my questions. Would recommend this company without hesitation,” endorses a recent ShelfGenie client.

Everything Within Reach

With ShelfGenie, everything you need is right within reach. No more struggling to get your things! As owner Bret emphasizes, “ is is something that literally

is going to make your everyday, the things you do every day – the cooking, the cleaning, the food prep – it's going to make that better every day, for the rest of your life. is product will actually work for you and make it easier for you.” He continues, saying ShelfGenie “really allows some people to stay in their homes longer. A lot of people who enjoy baking but have had a back issue are now able to access their mixer again… I think the best way to describe it is that it takes things that are painful and frustrating and it makes them enjoyable again.” Do your body and your sanity a favor – call the experienced,

knowledgeable, and, most importantly, caring team at ShelfGenie to schedule a complimentary design consultation and discover your customized cabinet solution.

ShelfGenie of West Palm Beach serves clients from Melbourne to Boca Raton. For more information or to schedule your FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION, call 772-244-3557 or

A Tight-Knit Family of Roo ng Professionals

Homeownership provides us with security, privacy, and a comfortable place from which we leave each morning and retreat each evening. Owning a home, however, entails constant upkeep and improvement. A roof replacement is one of those home improvements that will have a great impact on the overall look, feel, and function of your home.

Roof replacement on an existing structure or roof installation on new construction are both major considerations because they are investments that should last for years to come. For that reason, you shouldn’t settle for just any roo ng company that happens to knock on your door. Trust the family at FoxHaven Roo ng Group!

FoxHaven Roo ng Group is a thirdgeneration, family-owned and operated, residential and commercial roo ng company serving St Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties. Owners Andy Keys and Matt Stewart grew up together in Philadelphia, where they both learned the value of hard work and impeccable cra smanship from former roo ng and contractor generations.

Matt was a general contractor in Philadelphia since high school, learning the basics of the trade from his dad beginning at nine years old. He worked in Pennsylvania for 12 years as a GC before

deciding to relocate to South Florida with his family and join Andy in his business venture.

Andy Keys has worked in the roo ng industry his entire life, and explains, “my entire family has been in the roo ng business, so as a kid, my job was to pick up all the tile at the job site.”

A PERFECT, 5-Star Reviewed Company Built on Trust

Now, almost four years later, FoxHaven Roo ng Group is a thriving, reputable company built on quality and service. e business has a perfect, 5-star rating on Google!

Andy and Matt have many years of experience between them, but they realize and respect that the roo ng industry is a di erent world in Florida. “Down here, everything has code. e codes, inspections, and regulations are intense,” states Matt. ankfully, FoxHaven Roo ng’s sta of professionals are incredibly knowledgeable, plus insured and certi ed. Additionally, they make customer service a top priority.

FoxHaven Roo ng Group

By Gina Zuk

also uses cutting-edge technology, like a man-operated scissor-li dumpster called the Equipter. is device maneuvers easily around landscaping and other features to deposit debris directly from the roof to the dumpster and o the property… genius!

Let’s face it, a roof replacement is one of the biggest investments in your home, so Andy and Matt encourage consumers to do their research. ey believe it is bene cial for potential customers to read the good and the bad reviews, visit the o ce, inquire about the estimate process, and assess the e ciency of several companies before signing a contract. If you do your homework on FoxHaven Roo ng, then you will nd that their 5-Star Google reviews are a result of honest, quality work, impeccable customer service, and a valued, happy sta .

Need More Coupons -

Insurance Company Friendly

ere are two types of roo ng companies in the industry: those that exclusively do work for insurance purposes (referred to as insurance restoration roofers) and others that work on referrals and reputation. FoxHaven Roo ng Group actually does a bit of both, and are true professionals in the insurance industry. Andy states, “We are not an insurance restoration roofer. However, we do work well with insurance companies.” If you think you have an insurance claim, then Andy recommends nding a roo ng company that has a good reputation, like FoxHaven Roo ng, when it comes to inspections.

Unfortunately, South Florida insurance companies are trying to compensate for unnecessary insurance claims by requiring homeowners to have more frequent roof inspections, and in some cases, roof replacements. Andy and Matt recognize this requirement as a problem for homeowners, so FoxHaven Roo ng Group avoids unnecessary insurance claims and will never encourage a customer to le a claim with their insurance company just to get business. If a claim needs to be led, then Andy or Matt will work with the inspector. “Our percentage of insurance claim approvals is very high because I don’t tell people to le claims unless there is real damage.”

When the time comes for a claim, Matt or Andy will get on the roof with the inspector to discuss the best plan of action for the customer.

Communication is Key

FoxHaven Roo ng Group works like a well-oiled machine! Your experience will begin with an initial call to Sam, the o ce manager, who schedules all appointments, pulls permits, and gathers information for estimates, which are usually provided to clients within 24-hours.

e streamlined estimate process begins with aerial measurements before Andy and Matt show up to the site for an inspection. Customers learn about not only FoxHaven’s superior product choices, but also whether a roof repair would be advisable over a full roof replacement.

“If we go to a house and it has a leak that needs to be repaired, but the roof is still in good shape, we of course will repair it,” explains Andy.

FoxHaven Roo ng Group makes communication a top priority, and prides itself on the whole customer experience from start to nish. Matt says, “ ey [the customers] have our cell phone numbers, and we tell them to call us any time.”

Both Matt and Andy understand the time sensitivity related to insurance claims, and Andy admits, “If people have deadlines, we move them up [in the schedule].”

FoxHaven Roo ng Group is located at 713 NE Dixie Highway, Unit D, in Jensen Beach. e company’s hours of operation are Mondays-Fridays from 8AM-5PM. Flexible nancing options are available. For more information, call 772-258-4989 or visit foxhavenroof.com.

Generally, work is started about two to three weeks a er a contract is signed. When the project begins, there is always a foreman on site at every job. Additionally, Andy or Matt will visit each job site every day to assure that their customers are fully satis ed.

And, satis ed you will be! FoxHaven Roo ng Group doesn’t just sell roofs, they build relationships.