Hello, Abacoa Community!
My name is Jennifer Melvin/Alfano, and I am the proud owner of Salty Chiq Salon, located in the vibrant downtown Abacoa. Since opening our doors in 2019, I’ve been committed to creating a welcoming, relaxing, and fun environment for our clients—a place where everyone feels not like a guest, but part of the family.
My journey to this point hasn’t been easy. As a single mom working three jobs, I dedicated myself to reaching my goals. In 2006, I met my husband, Joseph Alfano, who shares my passion for entrepreneurship and service. Joseph is the owner of Barber’s Edge, and together, we’ve pushed and supported one another to turn our dreams into reality. His shop opened first, and with his encouragement, I eventually launched Salty Chiq Salon.
At Salty Chiq, I’ve always prioritized creating a space where women can access quality services at affordable prices. Beyond that, giving back to our community has been central to everything we do. My husband and I are honored to provide free services to individuals with special needs of all ages and offer discounts to local teachers, police officers, firefighters, and active or retired veterans.
I’m also fortunate to work alongside two talented women, Dina and Gerri, who share my dedication to exceptional service and giving back. Running a small business comes with its challenges, but collaboration has been key. Recently, I partnered with my friend Jennifer Patterson, owner of Ceci Palm Beach Boutique. We now share a space, supporting each other both financially and creatively. This partnership has been an incredible experience, embodying the spirit of women supporting women.
Our connection to the Abacoa community runs deep. We are especially passionate about helping families with children who have autism. Every Sunday, my husband
Gerri McKittrick, stylist for over 25 years from Upstate New York, owned and operated her own salon until relocating to Florida. She is experienced in color, highlighting/balayage and precision cutting, hair extensions and smoothing treatments.
Dina Maietta is from Boston, Mass., and has been a stylist for over 30 years, also a salon owner prior to moving to Florida in 2024. Her experience is in cutting and color/ highlights, smoothing treatments as well as updos for special occasions.
and I open our doors to provide services in a quiet and comfortable setting, ensuring children and their parents feel at ease during their visit.
We’re so grateful for the ongoing support from our wonderful clients and neighbors. It’s your encouragement that fuels our passion and allows us to continue doing what we love. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and letting us be a part of this amazing community.
Jennifer Melvin/Alfano, Owner, Salty Chiq
About Salty Chiq
In Downtown Abacoa, Salty Chiq Salon and Boutique is a full service hair salon and clothing boutique. We also offer spray tans, lash tint and lift, brow tinting, and waxing. We’re located at 1155 Main Street in Abacoa, Jupiter, FL 33458; phone (561) 225-1522.
Experience The Heritage Of Louisiana Through Authentic Food, Music, And Cocktails Bourbon Street Style!
of crawdads, and Cajun Master Crawfish Broiler, Louisiana John, is back again with his family and will be gettin’ busy broilin’ up the tasty little “mudbugs”!
Enjoy your choice of a Louisiana staple, the Po’ boy, including soft shell crab, chicken, shrimp, crawfish, and andouille sausage. And how did this classic originate? The Martin brothers, Benny and Clovis, were former streetcar conductors who worked in New Orleans in the mid-
Downtown Abacoa is going Mardi Gras Cajun on April 4 and 5, 2025, with the engaging smells, tastes, and sounds known only to N’awlins, plenty of city celebrative purple, green and gold decorations, bundles of bead necklaces, tubs
BANKS BANKS
Bank of America
ABACOA BUSINESS DIRECTORY
624-4007 Abacoa Plaza
PNC Bank 630-2718 Abacoa Plaza Truist 799-6670 Abacoa Plaza Wells Fargo 775-5665 Abacoa Plaza
Aldo Beltrano, PA -
Beltrano & Associates
799-6577 Greenway Prof. Center Curran Law Firm, PA 935-9763 Jupiter Bus. Center Daszkai Bolton, LLP (CPA) 624-2118 Greenway Prof. Center Einstein Group LLC Bermudiana Friedman, Feldmesser & Karpeles, CPA
622-9990 The Commons at Abacoa
M Jacques, LLC (CPA) 818-5592 Antigua at Town Center
Schanel & Associates, PA, CPAs
624-2118 The Commons at Abacoa
Smith & Elkin, CPA PA 775-2134 Bermudiana
Beacon Cove Intermediate School 366-6400
Florida Atlantic University 799-8500
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College 799-8646
Independence Middle School 799-7500
Jupiter Middle School of Technology 745-7200
LifeLong Learning Institute @ FAU 799-8547
Lighthouse Elementary School 741-9400
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience 972-9000
UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation/Technology 228-2000
S.T.E.M. Studio (Downtown Abacoa) 832-2026
Alloy Personal Training Jupiter 783-5731 Centre at Abacoa
Sloane Stecker Physical Therapy 790-8256 Downtown Abacoa
E3 Strength 292-0585 Downtown Abacoa Club Pilates 449-8161 Downtown Abacoa
F45 Fitness Studio 557-8965 Abacoa Plaza
Hamsa Yoga 660-5330 Abacoa Plaza
Rising Sun Martial Arts 222-3903 Downtown Abacoa
In Motion Ballroom 851-4808 Downtown Abacoa
Stretch Lab 873-2400 Downtown Abacoa
Tula Yoga School 316-0598 Downtown Abacoa
CARE
A Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery 427-2000 The Commons at Abacoa
Abacoa Podiatry and Leg Vein Center 624-4800 Bermudiana
Access Medical Laboratories 866-720-8386 Corporate Comm. Center.
Acupuncture & Anti-Aging Physicians Group 624-9744 Bermudiana
Advanced Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care 627-6277 Greenway Prof. Center
Advanced Diagnostic Group 775-6600 University Commons
Allegro Addington Place of Jupiter 253-8161 Community Drive
Allergy and Asthma Care of the Palm Beaches 627-4377 University Commons
Aqua Plastic Surgery - David Rankin, MD 776-2830 The Commons at Abacoa
Bafitis Plastic Surgery 795-3787 Bermudiana Beer Dermatology 932-1707 The Commons at Abacoa
BioHealth Spa 316-2598 Abacoa Commons
Cardona Pain & Anesthesia
Professional 624-0702 The Commons at Abacoa
Charles W. Hoffman, DMD 691-9161 Abacoa Town Center
Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Surgery 799-9581 Greenwich
Dana M. Goldberg, M.D. 691-8088 Greenwich
David S. Rondon, MD 694-8945 The Commons at Abacoa
Dental Healing Arts 626-6116 Abacoa Commons
Dental Team at Abacoa 420-8888 Downtown Abacoa
Family Acupuncture 459-0528 Greenway Prof. Center
Family Counseling
Associates 747-2775 Greenway Prof. Center
Flex Spine & Sport 772-262-2530 Downtown Abacoa
Florida Vision Institute 839-2780 University Commons Gardens Pediatrics Care 622-6610 University Commons
Genesis Care
Radiation Oncology 275-1820 Greenwich
Goldman Vein Institute 625-9853 The Commons at Abacoa
Integrative Foot & Ankle 293-3439 University Commons
Jupiter Dental Care 748-5099 Greenway Prof. Center
Jupiter Family Healthcare 776-5252 The Commons at Abacoa
Jupiter Hematology & Oncology
Jupiter Medical Center
Meier & Benetiz
Orthodontics 799-4848 University Commons
New Path Chiropractic: Wellness & Sports Rehab Center 653-1197 Greenwich
Palm Beach Dermatology 296-1122 Greenway Prof. Center
Palm Beach Sports Medicine 845-6000 The Commons at Abacoa
Palm Beach Sleep and Sinus 440-2815 University Commons
Partners in Women’s Health 354-1515 Abacoa Prof. Center
Premier Rheumatology and Endrocrinology 932-1212 Corporate Comm. Ctr.
Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center 693-3236 Abacoa Commons
Quest Diagnostics 804-7689 The Commons at Abacoa
Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry 626-6667 University Commons
Robert Anderson, M.D. 776-7676 University Commons
Sage Dental 427-6850 Bermudiana
Skolnick Eye Institute 296-2010 The Commons at Abacoa
South Florida Endocrine Center 626-9041 The Commons at Abacoa
Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology 805-9399 The Commons at Abacoa
Tenet Florida Physician Services 627-3130 University Commons
The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery 429-5403 Greenway Prof. Center
University Pharmacy 622-4088 University Commons
Vargas Orthodontics 775-7007 Abacoa Prof. Center
Visual Eyes of the Palm Beaches 625-4380 Bermudiana
Abacoa Notary Signing Agent 719-2007 Abacoa
Alofs Law Firm 622-1558 Antigua at Town Center
Gabriel & Gabriel, LLC 622-5575 Bermudiana
Jones Foster 659-3000 Regions Bank Building
Linkhorst & Hockin, PA 626-8880 Greenway Prof. Center
Lipinski Law 453-4800 Jupiter Business Center
Pineiro & Byrd, PLLC 799-9280 The Commons at Abacoa
Zele Huber Trial Attorneys 630-9700 The Commons at Abacoa
PETS CARE
All Animal Care Clinic 630-3908 Greenwich
Lifetime Veterinary Center 799-7717 Abacoa Plaza
The Zoo Pet Nutrition & Spa 815 - 1188 Abacoa Plaza
Chabad Jewish Center Jupiter 694-6950 Downtown Abacoa Lifesong Community Church 691-0804
Apogee Real Estate Services Inc. 776-8233 Greenwich
Checklist North 625-1760 Antigua at Town Center
Century 21 Tenace Realty 500-2100 Centre at Abacoa
Family Mortgage Inc. 625-2660 The Commons at Abacoa
FLF Holdings, LLC. 575-6455 Jupiter Business Center
Harbor Management 935-9366 The Commons at Abacoa
Holland Group of Golden Bear Realty International 514-7300 The Commons at Abacoa
Illustrated Properties at Abacoa 622-5006 Abacoa Plaza
Jupiter Business Center 296-7751 Executive Office Suites
Keller Williams Realty 427-6100 Greenway Prof. Center
My Islands Realty, Inc. 262-7150 Antigua at Town Center
Rendina Companies 630-5055 The Commons at Abacoa
Sheenan Realty Corporation 745-2600 University Commons
Stanbra Team Realtors 708-4129 Bermudiana
Versa Property Management 877-354-1380 The Commons at Abacoa
3 Natives 328-8361 Bermudiana
Abacoa Grille Room 622-0036 Abacoa Golf Club
Akiyo Hibachi Japanese 567-8999 Abacoa Plaza
Bagel Boyz 624-9884 Abacoa Plaza
Bahama Bucks 318-8102 Downtown Abacoa
Brick & Barrel 623-0916 Downtown Abacoa
Carmine’s Coal Fired Pizza 340-3930 Bermudiana
CG Burgers 340-3940 Bermudiana
China Star 355-8808 Abacoa Plaza
Mrs. Smokey’s Real Pit BBQ 557-3800 Abacoa Plaza
Panchero’s Mexican Grill 469-7601 Abacoa Plaza Poke N Go 557-3949 Downtown Abacoa
Stadium Grill 630-9669 Downtown Abacoa
Starbucks 775-6034 Abacoa Plaza
Starbucks - Courtyard by Marriott 779-2700 Abacoa Town Center
Sal’s Italian Ristorante 493-8777 Abacoa Plaza
Suzy Q’s Hometown Diner 822-3744 Greenwich Taco Shack 508-3789 Downtown Abacoa Tavern Pi 776-5448 Downtown Abacoa Tropical Smoothie 624-8775 Abacoa Plaza
RETAIL
A&R Pharmacy 630-3770 Downtown Abacoa Beaux’s Biscuits 459-7579 Abacoa
748-2488 Bermudiana
Urgent Care 263-7011 Abacoa Plaza
Karen Collins, MSW, LCSW, ACSW 512-9743 Antigua at Town Center
Kevin Innwood, MD 745-7311 The Commons at Abacoa
Lighthouse Health Group 249-7400 The Commons at Abacoa
Luxe Health Care Rehabilitation /Skilled Nursing 485-0070
Luxe Senior Living & Memory Care 532-1800
Lyric Pediatric Dentistry 320-4304 Downtown Abacoa
Main Street Dental 935-4425 Abacoa Plaza
Med X 486-2175 Downtown Abacoa
Medicus Veincare 220-8514 Corporate Comm. Center
Civil Society Brewing Company 855-6680 Downtown Abacoa
Copacabana Cuban Cuisine 360-3378 Downtown Abacoa
C.R Chicks 318-6921 Abacoa Plaza
Crux Coffee Roasters 768-0400 Downtown Abacoa Das Beer Garden 776-8669
SALONS AND SPAS
Doors 252-9949 Windsor Park
Cleaners 624-7550 Bermudiana GCP Architecture 331-5036 Jupiter Bus. Center Go Green Drycleaners 335-5798 Abacoa Plaza
IFIXYOURI 619-6600 Abacoa Plaza
Linca Insurance Agency 624-4087 Downtown Abacoa Metamorphic Media Design
Courtyard by Marriott 776-2700 Abacoa Town Center
Music & concerts at abacoa
Deadline for the next Abacoa newspaper is the 11th of the month. Submit articles/pictures to abacoaadmin@langmanagement.com
Publisher M. Sean Reid S. Miller • E. Miller
Sales
Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney
a P oa n ews & a ctivities
Letter From The Desk Of The Property Manager
Springtime. March brings us the most awaited days of the year – the last days of winter; for South Florida a particularly cold and wet one this round.
Beautifully, it’s 75 degrees, cool breezes gently blowing across our seas, and the days sunlight creeping in a little longer with a sky that seems just a little more blue. March is said to be a time of “rejuvenation and renewal.” Let’s take a moment to sit back, relax, and let March inspire and uplift as we welcome the season of spring in.
Here in Abacoa the annual oak tree trimming was completed last month and March brings a budding of events that will definitely put some spring in your step.
Spring pastels, floral prints, nudes, sandals and sundresses start lining the windows of the cozy, lovely shops Downtown. Salons of Abacoa are boasting the “Spring 25 Hair Trends”; step on in for a budding new you! For you men and boys, stop on in at the only area hobby card shop and pick up some bright favorite team tees or get your spring sports cards collection started now.
a P oa u P date
Abacoa
POA Meeting Notices
Official notification is posted via the bulletin board outside the POA office as well as the Abacoa website. Members may view and/or download Abacoa POA agendas and approved minutes from Abacoa.com.
Notice of APOA Board of Directors Meeting –Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 11:30 a.m. –APOA office or Zoom
Notice of Monthly CAC Meeting –Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m. –APOA Office or Zoom
The deadline to submit CAC materials for review is one week prior to the CAC meeting.
All Meetings Subject to Change
All meetings to be held at the offices of the Abacoa POA, 1200 University Blvd., Suite 102, Jupiter, FL. 33458 or via Zoom.US unless otherwise posted.
Articles herein are the creation of the individual writers, and do not express the opinion of the APOA.
By printing an article herein, the APOA is not endorsing the writer, the article’s content, or any business referred to herein.
The APOA will not be responsible for errors contained herein, or related to, articles.
“Ireland – the Home of Craic,” definition: a good time and enjoyable experience, is what is said amongst its home country promoters, and the annual Jupiter Irish Fest promises a sham-rocking “craic” of a boost to the Downtown Abacoa’s streets on the March 8 and 9.
On March 15, soar into spring with the Eagles! Don’t miss tribute to the Eagles band, The Long Run, on the green grassy lawn of the Abacoa Amphitheater. Enjoy a “gas”, Irish for fun entertainment, of a time at the March 17 annual St. Parick’s Day Block Party!
Got a cravin’ for Cajun? Following in early April, April 5 and 6, we host the annual Cajun Crawfish & Music
Festival. That will most certainly spice up your spring! I hope that in March, you will have lots of adventures, new discoveries, play time, restoration, and happiness! We are always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact the APOA office at (561) 624-7788 or email abacoaadmin@langmanagement.com.
For events and other information visit our website, www.abacoa.com, where you can also subscribe for the monthly event e-blasts right to your email inbox. The monthly event calendars can also be found posted at your community clubhouse.
Robert Burns
CFP®, ChFC ®, CPWA ®
Managing Director Wealth Partner, Portfolio Manager 3825 PGA Blvd, Floor 9, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 561.694.5666 robert.m.burns@jpmorgan.com jpmorgan.com/burnswm
Financial Focus®
Key Decisions For Retired Couples
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make –decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices?
Here a few of the most important ones:
• How much should you withdraw from your retirement accounts? By the time you retire, you may have contributed for decades to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. But once you retire, you’ll probably need to draw on these accounts to help pay your living expenses. Consequently, both of you will need to be sure that you don’t withdraw so much each year that you risk running out of money later in your retirement. One common guideline is to aim for an annual withdrawal rate of 4 percent, but everyone’s situation is different based on age, pre-retirement income, lifestyle, health, travel plans and other factors. (Once you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later, you
will have to take certain amounts, based on your age and account balance, from your traditional IRA and traditional 401(k) each year.)
• When should you take Social Security? The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as your age and other sources of income. You can take Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payments will typically be bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will be age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you can afford to wait even longer, your payments will “max out” when you reach age 70. Your decision on when to take Social Security can affect your spouse –and vice versa. If the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security before their full retirement age – again, age 67 – their own retirement benefit and any potential spousal benefit will be reduced. (Spousal benefits are given to the lower-earning spouse if their full retirement benefit is less than half the other spouse’s full retirement benefit.)
• Should you downsize? If you live in a big home and your children are grown, you may find it economical to downsize. Of course, this is also an emotional decision, but you may find that you can save money by moving into a smaller home.
• Where should you live? Some states are far more expensive to live in than others. You’ll want to weigh your decision carefully, considering the cost of housing, food, income and real estate taxes, transportation and health care in whatever state you choose.
• Have you finished your estate plans? If not, now is the time. You’ll want to work with your legal professional to create whatever documents are needed – a will, living trust, power of attorney – to help ensure your assets go where you want them to go, and that your financial and health care choices will be protected if you become physically or mentally incapacitated.
Of course, many of these same issues will apply if you are single, divorced or widowed. But if you are married, you and your spouse will want to discuss all your choices and then decide which steps to take. Once you’ve got your plans in place, you may well find that you can fully enjoy your retirement years.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Offers
Same-Day Discharge Robotic Surgery for Faster Recovery
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center continues to invest in orthopedic innovation with advanced roboticassisted surgery, offering many patients the possibility of same-day procedures with faster recovery times. The hospital is home to three cutting-edge orthopedic surgical robots—Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI and ROSA ®—enhancing precision and efficiency in knee and hip surgeries.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Palm Beach County to acquire two Mako SmartRobotics™ systems. Mako SmartRobotics™ provides highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for partial knee, total knee, and hip replacements. Many patients undergoing Mako-assisted surgery experience shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery—often returning to an active lifestyle within weeks. By preserving more of the patient’s natural joint, Mako SmartRobotics™ may also help address osteoarthritis in earlier stages, improving long-term mobility.
For knee replacement procedures, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center also utilizes the ROSA ® robotic system. This advanced technology assists surgeons in
planning and performing knee surgeries with remarkable accuracy, using real-time data and 3-D visualization to optimize implant positioning while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
The CORI™ Surgical System uses handheld roboticsassisted technology that helps the surgeon plan and perform the procedure. It also gives surgeons a threedimensional (3-D) view to help finalize and verify the selection of the knee implant and create a plan for surgery without needing a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
“Incorporating Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI, and ROSA ® into our orthopedic program reinforces our commitment to offering patients the latest in surgical innovation,” said Judy Dellosa, orthopedic service line director. “These robotic-assisted procedures allow for greater precision, less invasive surgery, and the potential for same-day discharge, helping patients get back on their feet faster.”
To learn more about same-day robotic-assisted surgery at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, contact the Orthopedic Service Line at 1-(855) 769-2969 or visit https://www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/ orthopedic-care.
Smart But Scattered Adolescent Workshop
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
A parent described her son to me, “Sam is struggling with school and his grades. This year in sixth grade he is struggling with the workload, executive functioning, and expectations of the grade. The demands are more. I
constantly have to stay on top of him or he’d be failing.”
This mom was describing her son’s executive functioning weaknesses. He was smart but scattered. Executive functioning skills are crucial for success in school, social settings, and everyday life.
This month I am offering an in-person one-day executive functioning course for students in grades six through nine. Your student can join us fun, interactive activities to learn executive functioning skills related to organization, planning, time management, memory, and attention. The group size is limited to 12 students. We use classroom instruction combined with games, scenarios,
and videos to illustrate points and practice skills. Students receive written handouts to keep which summarize the new skills.
Developing executive functioning skills is an ongoing process in adolescence, and teens often need instruction to improve these areas. Weak executive functioning skills can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being, so interventions like workshops and coaching can be helpful if your teen struggles in these areas.
Adolescents face academic pressures, social dynamics, and life changes. Teens with strong executive functioning skills can handle uncertainty and stressful situations with more resilience. By understanding and supporting the development of these skills, your student can improve their ability to navigate the complexities of adolescence and prepare for greater independence as they grow into adulthood. Join us so your student can learn these important skills for success.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to sign up or if you need school neuropsychological testing for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or to give you understanding and answers about your child. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com/ executive.
1910s. The name “poor boy” is believed to have come from the streetcar strikers whom the brothers supported. About the 1920s the brothers created and introduced the Po’ boy at the New Orleans’ French Market where they owned a coffee stand. If you haven’t tried Muffuletta, described as one of the “five most important sandwiches in the history of life, the universe, and everything else,” you’ll be missing “the magic”! This classic New Orleans sandwich starts with its name sake
“muffuletta” bread. Originally created at the Central Grocery in New Orleans when the enterprising owner suggested that customers place their typical lunch of sliced cured meat and preserved vegetables inside the bread instead of alongside it, the sandwich can now be found all over the city. One of the few foods that actually gets better as it sits around at room temperature. With its constructed thin layers of cold cuts and olive salad (chopped olives, chopped pickled celery, cauliflower, and carrots [giardiniera]; garlic; olive oil; and
The Singles Scene Column©
Real Talk: Your Love Life
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
(The Award-Winning
Matchmakers)
“To truly change the way we approach love, we have to go to the source of everything we do: our minds.”
— Todd Perelmuter Romance has arrived and you have front row seats. Cupid’s arrow is aimed, and couples are falling in love all over town, thanks to us. February is all about LOVE. Whether you’re actively looking for it or quietly wishing for it, LOVE is on everyone’s mind this month. You can run, but you can’t hide from the magic of Valentine’s Day. So, how is your love life? (Take a moment to think about it). Do you need a little extra help from our sweet, professional cupids this month? Well, good news—we’re right here in your local area, ready to help! As always, don’t forget to share this valuable info with your single family and friends—especially during this inspiring month. They might just be more motivated to take action than they think.
The Power of a Two-Some Countless studies have shown that we’re at our best when we’re in a healthy relationship. It’s not money, fame, or beauty that brings true happiness—it’s togetherness. We ask people of all ages—from 20 to 80-plus—what their happiest moments have been, and the overwhelming answer is always the same: “The best time of my life was when I was in a loving, committed relationship.”
It Makes Perfect Sense
When you’re in a relationship, you have someone to share life’s joys with, and someone to lean on during the tough times. You have a partner to help you plan your future, and a person who becomes your rock, your sounding board, and your biggest cheerleader. Two beats one, any day of the week. Not only does this connection improve your emotional health, but it’s also essential for your physical well-being. A supportive relationship gives you something to look forward to every day, and that’s crucial for mental and physical wellness.
Taking Responsibility for Your Love Life
Deep down, no one wants to be single forever. Yet, many will be alone this February—and possibly longer— because they’re not owning their love life. They’re too comfy in their comfort zones, waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen. Some people blame others (or even an ex) for their single status, but here’s the truth: you are responsible for your relationship status.
Facing the Truth
In the world of dating, it’s easy to get stuck in patterns of blaming external factors rather than reflecting on our own actions, dating style, or mindset. Taking ownership of your love life requires self-awareness, self-improvement, and a willingness to face the discomfort of stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Fear of rejection, getting hurt, or losing freedom often holds people back, but this is precisely what keeps them from finding happiness. Online dating is a risky platform, and we get that. This is why we’re here! Unlike online dating, we vet every single candidate and connect with them personally. We act as cheerleaders, and sometimes we hold up a mirror when we see our clients standing in their own way. Tough love leads to success, and we’re fortunate that most of our clients listen to us.
Taking Control Leads to Growth
Taking responsibility for your love life is a mindset that opens the door to personal growth and increases your chances of finding your grand finale relationship. Dating isn’t
for the faint of heart—it’s a combat sport. You will take a few hits along the way, but you must keep going if you want to score the touchdown.
Know Your League
It’s crucial to understand what “league” you should be dating in. You can’t be a third-string player on a community football team and expect to date the head cheerleader of an NFL team. If you have incredibly high standards, make sure your attributes match what you’re looking for in a partner. Ask a brutally honest friend or, better yet, ask your matchmaker. We’ll give you the truth (while your friends might sugarcoat it). Most of our clients appreciate this transparency.
Optimism and Open-mindedness
Remember, there is a pot for every lid. Don’t let low self-esteem hold you back from believing in love. If you find yourself thinking, “No one will ever love me,” STOP. You are lovable, and you deserve the best partner in the world. Start telling yourself: “I am lovable, and love is on its way.” Stay optimistic, and get off that negative train—it’s headed nowhere. Is that really where you want to go?
More Amazing Singles Than Ever
We’re excited to report that we’re meeting more incredible, like-minded singles than at any other time in our history. Nationwide exposure and a recent article in The Shiny Sheet have been an astronomical experience for the club and its members. Times have changed, and so has our matchmaking style. New candidates for men and women are walking through our doors every day. Our database is growing and ever-changing, and the quality of matches pack a powerful punch.
The Right People Are Out There
We feel so fortunate to work with such attractive, successful, and positive clients. Our clients are too wise and too busy for the bar scene or online dating. They want quality, and they deserve it too.
In honor of love month, here’s one final piece of advice. “Treat yourself the way you want to be treated by others. Love yourself, and you will be loved.” Love the world, and it will love you back. It’s the LOVE MOVEMENT. Join us and enroll today--before we book solid!
Happy Valentine’s Day Wishes and Caviar Dreams to all of you! May you find love in 2025—with yourself and with others. We are obsessed with 2025 and can’t wait to make this year even better—together!
Thank you for sharing your time with us today. We appreciate all of you.
Xoxo – Kelly & Miranda
#34YearsOfExperience #WhyWaitJustDate #LoveOffline #MatchmakingRoyalty #TellYourFriends #ComeAliveIn2025
vinegar, roasted red peppers), it’s specially textured soft crust bread will soak up the sweet and sour olive oil rich flavors … and that’s when “the magic” gets real!
For a true walk on the French side, and mustn’t be skipped, is the Crawfish Capitol of the World’s Crawfish Etouffee. “Etouffee,” French, meaning smothered or suffocated, is a method of cooking where seafood is smothered in vegetables and sauce becoming a stew-like dish that will dazzle the taste buds!
Of course, there will be all kinds of traditional dishes such as Seafood Gumbo and Jambalaya, both originating in Louisiana in the 18th century. Other Cajun Fest favorites include Cajun Seafood Rice, Gator Tail, Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Grits, Crawfish Bites, Shrimp Boil, Fresh and Fried Oysters, conch fritters and more!
Want to learn some Cajun culinary skills of your own!? Come hang out with Voodoo Bayou! They have prepared cooking demonstrations teaching and sharing their personal food and drink favorites just for you!
Come hungry (Be prepared, this can be messy!) and take your chance for a win at the Annual Crawfish Eating Challenge!
Kelly Leary© has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine , and many more. Revolution Dating members are pre-screened in person, including background checks. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and her Team also provide feedback from your dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast/Tri-State Area. Call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code below to hold your place in the club.
Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival from page 1
neigHborHood news
Abacoa Community Garden
The Magic Of Community Gardening: From Fresh Herb Pesto To Kimchi
The beauty of a community garden is that it brings people together—not just to tend to plants, but to create something delicious from what the earth gives us. It’s about the conversations we have while we pull weeds and the simple joy of sharing.
Not every community garden has its own pesto wizard, but at ours, our herb garden coordinator transformed freshly harvested herbs into culinary magic. On a recent Saturday morning he crafted two delicious versions of pesto using ingredients that had been picked just minutes earlier.
The first pesto was a nod to tradition—arugula, lemon basil, sweet basil, green onions, parsley, and even carrot tops made their way into the blender along with some olive oil, walnuts, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. The result was an aromatic pesto that we spread on fresh bread and consumed on the spot. A second version was a bit more unexpected: a blend of carrots, red chard, turmeric, and nasturtium (yes, the edible flower!). So yummy!
These pesto creations are an example of the magic that happens when you grow, harvest, and share food in a community space.
A few weeks ago, another member of our community hosted a kimchi demonstration on site, showing us how to turn the garden’s bounty into a tangy, flavorful fermented dish. Lest you think this is the Hallmark channel or a Norman Rockwell painting, just know it is about a little plot of land in your neighborhood at the corner of Central Boulevard and Community Drive.
Dr. Hemang B. Panchal, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, is board-certified in cardiology, interventional cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. He recently established his new cardiology practice, South Florida Heart & Vascular, located in Jupiter, FL.
Hospital Affiliations:
• Jupiter Medical Center
• Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
• Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic Martin North and South Hospitals.
For more information, please visit our website at www.sfheart.org.
South Florida Heart & Vascular 4425 Military Trail, Suite 102 Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: 561-208-5246
Fax: 561-245-5399
Email: infosfheart@gmail.com
We offer same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
Garden membership runs from August 1 to July 31. Download forms at https://www. abacoa.com/abacoacommunity-garden or find one in the outside mailbox at the garden entrance at 1022 Community Drive. There is a waiting list for independent beds but if interested, just check the box. Stop by, especially Saturday mornings, and check out our Facebook page.
Highlights of Dr. Panchal:
• 13+ years of experience
• Well-published in top-rated journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation.
• Helped reform the guidelines by the American College of Cardiology.
• Reviewer for many journals, including the American Heart Journal, British Medical Journal, and many others.
JuPiter Police dePartMent
MARCH HAPPENINGS
SPRING BREAK CAMP | BANYAN BUDDIES KID’S CLUB
AND SNACKS
March Hours
Monday – Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm Friday & Saturday Kid’s Night Out: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Sessions:
Full Day: 9:00am-6:00pm | $125.00
Morning: 9:00am-1:00pm | $90.00
After Camp: 2:00pm-6:00pm |$50.00
Partial Day: 2:00pm-4:30pm | $35.00
Embark on an exciting adventure this Spring Break at Banyan Buddies Kids Club! Our Spring Break Kids Camp kicks off with an engaging sessions including seasonal art projects, enriching activity time, time in our resort pool, and more Don't miss out on this educational and fun-filled experience for kids!
For more information or to book, please contact banyanbuddiesreservations@pgaresort.com
Jupiter Police officers come out to different neighborhoods to walk and talk. We invite residents of the community to come out and meet officers and their neighbors. This initiative will enhance communication within the community while promoting physical fitness. Upcoming Walk-N-Talk: By request only. Please call Officer Canonico at (561) 741-2412.
March 11
• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Copacabana
• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Jumby Bay
• Trivia - 7:30pm-9:30pm - DAS Beer Garden
• Chip 'n Sip (Ladies) - 4pm - Abacoa Golf Club
• Abacoa Green Market - 5pm-8pm
• No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker - • Domino's 2pm - Copacabana 7pm & 9:30pm - Stadium Grill
• Live Music - 6pm-9pm - DAS Beer Garden
APRIL 2024
Weekly Events
Mondays
• Kids Eat Free (with adult) - Copacabana
•High Noon Hoedown 10-12pm Country DJ - Jumby Bay
• Bingo - 6:30pm-8:30pm - DAS Beer Garden
Tuesdays
• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Copacabana
• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Jumby Bay
Thursdays
• Karaoke - 8pm-11pm - DAS Beer Garden
• Ladies Night - 10pm-12am - Jumby Bay
Fridays
• Live Music - 6pm-10pm - Jumby Bay
• Live Music - 7pm-10pm - DAS Beer Garden
• No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker - 7pm & 9:30pm - Stadium Grill
• Trivia - 7:30pm-9:30pm - DAS Beer Garden Saturdays
Wednesdays
• Chip 'n Sip (Ladies) - 4pm - Abacoa Golf Club
• Abacoa Community Garden - 9am-12pm
• Live Music - 7pm-10pm - DAS Beer Garden
• Abacoa Green Market - 5pm-8pm Sundays
• No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker - • Domino's 2pm - Copacabana
7pm & 9:30pm - Stadium Grill
• Live Music - 6pm-9pm - DAS Beer Garden DJ and/or Live Music: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat. 6pm-10pm - Jumby Bay
science on tHe cutting edge
‘Ding-Dong’: A Study Finds Specific Neurons With An Immune Doorbell
By Gisele Galoustian
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key molecule involved in inflammation and plays an important role in both healthy and diseased states. In disease, high levels of IL-1 in the brain are linked to neuroinflammation, which can disrupt the body’s stress response, cause sickness-like behaviors, worsen inflammation by activating brain immune cells, and allow immune cells from the body to enter the brain. It also can lead to brain damage by causing support cells to produce harmful molecules. Elevated IL-1 levels are associated with mood disorders, such as depression, and problems with memory and thinking.
Conversely, in normal conditions without inflammation, IL-1 has essential roles in the brain. It helps regulate hormone activity, supports healthy sleep patterns, and improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
IL-1R1 is like a doorbell on cells that gets rung when there’s an infection or injury, and in immune cells, it signals the body to start an immune response. However, neurons that express IL-1R1 are not thought to induce inflammation, suggesting that these cells may actually integrate immune signals into neural ones. It has yet to be revealed where or how IL-1R1 (Interleukin-1 Receptor Type 1) may control or modify normal brain function.
Now, a new study by Florida Atlantic University provides the most detailed and comprehensive mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain to date, resolving long-standing inconsistencies. Previous research has suggested that IL-1 signaling in neurons is involved in sickness behaviors, anxiety, and changes in sleep, but the exact neural circuits involved have not been well-defined.
The study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, narrows down the specific neuronal populations and neurotransmitter systems that could mediate these effects. Researchers were able to tag neuronal populations that express nIL-1R1 using a clever cell tagging approach, offering new insights into the functional roles of this receptor in the central nervous system (CNS).
Previous studies conducted by the FAU Quan Laboratory, reveal that chronic IL-1 signaling in glutamatergic neurons influences cognitive and socialavoidance behaviors, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and stress-related disorders. This supports the idea that nIL-1R1 could play a crucial role in conditions such as chronic stress, depression and anxiety in the unique neural circuits described by the current study.
Using genetically modified mice, researchers identified neurons in certain brain areas such as the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus and others, which have neuronal IL-1R1. Most of these neurons use glutamate (a neurotransmitter for signaling), while some use serotonin (important for mood). They found that these IL-1R1-positive neurons are involved in circuits that control sensory processing, mood regulation and memory.
“Our study shows how certain neurons are connected to immune signals and may help explain how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood and memory disorders,” said Ning Quan, Ph.D., senior author, professor of biomedical science, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine, and an investigator in the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute.
“These findings could lead to new ways to treat brain disorders tied to inflammation. In terms of behavioral implications, our results support the hypothesis that nIL-1R1 signaling influences emotional and cognitive behavior.”
Results reveal that nIL-1R1 expression is most prominent in the somatosensory and glutamatergic systems, areas that had previously been understudied in this context. Among the brain regions identified as expressing nIL-1R1, the dentate gyrus (DG) was consistently highlighted, reaffirming its role as a key site for neuronal IL-1R1 expression. The study also pinpoints the thalamic relay centers and various sensory cortical regions, suggesting that IL-1 signaling could play a significant role in sensory processing.
“This new discovery opens up questions about whether immune signals influence our sensory processing and whether IL-1R1-mediated alterations of sensory signals contribute to cognitive issues, anxiety or depression,” said Dan Nemeth, Ph.D., first author and a postdoctoral fellow, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine and Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. “Furthermore, this study shows that neurons do not signal the same way other IL-1R1-expressing cells do.”
While researchers found neuronal IL-1R1 in brain regions related to mood, affect and cognition, an unexpected finding is that IL-1R1 is expressed in neurons in the sensory system. Using high-tech spatial transcriptomics, they identified that neuronal IL-1R1 regulates gene pathways involved in synapse organization without triggering typical inflammation. This suggests that IL-1R1 has a role in synaptic formation and can modify neural circuits and their function.
“With the most detailed mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 expression in the mouse brain to date, this study brings an unprecedented level of clarity to how IL-1 signaling impacts the neural circuits that govern behavior,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., co-author, executive director of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, the David J.S. Nicholson Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience, and a professor of biomedical science in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “The findings open the door to new pathways of exploration, offering critical insights into the mechanisms underlying both normal and disrupted behavioral states seen in stressrelated disorders, depression and anxiety.”
Science On The Cutting Edge on page 17
IL-1R1 expression labeled in green within the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex.
Learning To See: How Early Visual Experience Builds Reliable Brain Circuits
Because it does it so well, we often take for granted how our brain creates reliable visual representations of our surroundings that are critical for guiding our behavior. While scientists understand a lot about how mature neural circuits support reliable vision, the sequence of developmental events before and after birth that build these circuits is not clear. Collaborating scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies,
and Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered how early visual experience dramatically changes the brain networks that process vision – changes that are essential for establishing reliable visual perception.
The Interaction Of Nature And Nurture In Brain Development
Brain circuits emerge from a developmental sequence that includes two distinct phases often referred to as “Nature and Nurture.” The period before birth is when genetic mechanisms and spontaneous patterns of neural activity drive the initial formation of brain networks (Nature). The subsequent period, following birth, is when patterns of neural activity driven by experiences further shape neural circuits (Nurture). Despite the clear boundary that defines these two developmental phases, exactly how events at each stage contribute to the function of mature neural circuits remains poorly understood.
In a study reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience, neuroscientists led by Dr. David Fitzpatrick and Dr. Matthias Kaschube gained fundamental insights into how these different developmental phases contribute to the response properties of the mature functional networks responsible for visual perception.
As Jupiter begins to vote on Town leadership, I’M PROUD TO STAND ON MY RECORD of thoughtful, lawful decision making on Jupiter’s priorities! The countless conversations I’ve had with residents and small businesses have guided the votes I have cast in the past three years, and I’ll continue to have those conversations - easy and hard - to ensure I faithfully execute my oath of service to you, the residents of the Town of Jupiter!
... NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT JUPITER’S BRIGHT FUTURE!
“Immediately following birth, there is a dramatic change in the brain’s circuitry as the number of connections between neurons increases. This makes it critical to understand the functional state of the networks prior to experience and how the novel patterns of neural activity driven by experience after birth shape the maturation of brain circuits. This knowledge is crucial for addressing a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and has the potential to guide interventions to maximally promote healthy brain development,” described Dr. Fitzpatrick. Visual Circuit Development
To understand how nature and nurture contribute to the maturation of circuits underlying vision, the team of scientists looked at the activity of the neurons in the visual cortex of the ferret at three different stages of development- before any visual experience, during very early visual experience, and when vision was fully mature.
Jupiter Town Council for
SAFETY
by the
Maintain exceptional, Jupiter-focused police and fire rescue services that keep our community safe
TRAFFIC
We’ve secured state funding to help fix Indiantown Road, now let’s follow through
SMALL TOWN FEEL
Development should be compatible with the character and scale of the Town we have
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ENVIRONMENT
Keep taxes low, spending responsible, and services top-notch for residents and small businesses
Scientists characterized the patterns of spontaneous activity in networks prior to the onset of visual experience and compared these activity patterns to the very first neural responses driven by sight. This first visual experience –simple and highly controlled patterns of moving bars of light – produced activity in the visual circuits that were unlike the patterns found in the spontaneous activity before eye-opening. Moreover, although the circuit’s responses to the bars of light were highly robust, the response patterns were not reliable. Each time the same visual image was shown, different activity patterns were produced, and even the activity of individual neurons was not consistent or stable across trials.
This instability was very different from the stable activity the researchers measured in response to the same visual scene in the mature visual processing circuit. Even after just a few days of visual experience, the same scene shown multiple times activates the same neurons in precisely the same pattern, allowing for robust visual encoding. Additionally, after visual experience, the spontaneous patterns of activity exhibited by the circuit align with the patterns of activity driven by various visual scenes. Critically, without early visual experience, the stability of the activity patterns and their alignment with spontaneous activity patterns did not emerge.
With further quantitative analysis of the activity patterns, the scientists were able to show that the stable patterns that emerged following experience were different from both the early evoked patterns and the early spontaneous patterns. This indicated that early visual experience had driven developmental changes in the organization of neural circuits that produced novel patterns of stable activity. Although the nature of the specific network changes responsible for the emergence of reliable responses remains to be determined, a computational model that was developed and compared with the biological data has made specific predictions that are currently being tested.
Dr. Fitzpatrick explains, “This study has revealed the powerful role that visual experience plays in transforming the early properties of neural circuits into a mature circuit with novel patterns of activity that reliably encode visual information. Understanding the role of experience in this process advances our goal of uncovering fundamental mechanisms of brain circuit development that we believe are critical for understanding and mitigating developmental disorders.”
Citation: Sigrid Trägenap, David E. Whitney, David Fitzpatrick and Matthias Kaschube (2024). “The developmental emergence of reliable cortical representations.” Nature Neuroscience . doi.org/10.1038/ s41593-024-01857-3.
To read more about Dr. Fitzpatrick’s work to understand the development of brain circuitry, visit https://www.mpfi. org/science/our-labs/fitzpatrick-lab/.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying To College
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
Applying to college can be a stressful process but avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference in a student’s best chances of success. One of the most frequent mistakes is waiting until the last minute to submit applications or gather necessary documents. Procrastination increases the
Science On The Cutting Edge from page 17
Science Meets Music Event Showcases The Intersection Of Neuroscience
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) hosted another inspiring edition of Science Meets Music, a signature event blending groundbreaking scientific research with world-class musical performances.
In this first event of the three-part lecture series, the audience enjoyed a compelling lecture by Dr. Elisabeth Binder, scientific director at the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, alongside stunning musical performances by soprano Joy Berendt and pianist Dr. Patricia Izbicki.
How Stress Gets Under The Skin
Dr. Binder’s lecture, “How Stress Gets Under the Skin,” explored how both traumatic events and genetic factors can have an impact on resilience and mental health. Binder shared that everyone responds to traumatic events in their own ways, but that she and her lab have identified a specific genetic marker, FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51), that is a significant predictor of whether trauma will lead to mental illness. The identification of this marker has important implications for potential treatments and screenings for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
Additionally, stress is a physical phenomenon that affects us at the cellular level. In her research, Dr. Binder has shown that stress hormones from pregnant mothers can affect the genetic makeup of their children, changing the way they respond to stress later in life.
The evening was also a celebration of music’s power to inspire and heal. Joy Berendt and Dr. Patricia Izbicki performed a beautiful selection of pieces, including Puccini’s O mio babbino caro , Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Think of Me , and the timeless classic You’ll Never Walk Alone . Their performances provided a harmonious counterpoint to the scientific discussion, demonstrating the deep connection between art and the brain.
Prior to the event, MPFI hosted a special reception honoring its supporters, whose generosity makes programs like Science Meets Music possible. In attendance were Dr. Elisabeth Binder; Dr. David Fitzpatrick; Kleper De Almeida, M.D.; and Vivian De Almeida, guests including John and Jackie Hannon, Arnie Utzinger and Darlene Mulock, Gary and Amy Ma, Bill and Nancy Schneider, Beverly Caruso, Nasser Kazeminy, Yvonne Kazeminy, Dr. Lin Tian, and Dr. Robyn Woo-Finkbeiner.
The event was generously sponsored by The Honorable David Fischer and Mrs. Jennifer Fischer. Join Us For The Next Science Meets Music Event
MPFI invites the public to its next Science Meets Music on February 19, 2025, featuring a lecture by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stefan Hell on “Optical Microscopy: The Resolution Revolution,” with a musical performance by Ilya Vakushev, piano. Learn more about the event and register today.
For more information about upcoming events and MPFI’s research, visit www.mpfi.org.
risk of missing deadlines, submitting incomplete materials, or rushing through tasks. This can lead to errors like typos, poorly written essays, or incomplete recommendation letters. To avoid this, start early. Create a timeline with clear deadlines and allocate time to review each application component—essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
Another common mistake is underestimating the importance of college essays. Many students mistakenly treat the essay as an afterthought, focusing more on their test scores and GPA. However, the essay is a key part of the application, offering a chance to showcase your personality, values, and uniqueness. A generic or poorly written essay can fail to set you apart from other applicants. Take the time to reflect on your personal experiences and how they align with the school’s values. Your essay should be authentic and show who you are beyond academics. Don’t forget to revise and seek feedback to refine it.
Applying to a limited number of schools can also limit your options; while applying to too many can lead to burnout and make it harder to tailor each application. A balanced approach is essential—apply to a mix of reach schools, match schools, and safety schools. Focus on quality over quantity by investing time and effort into each application to ensure it’s the best representation of your abilities and fit with the school. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of submitting a standout application.
Class 101 North Palm Beach is holding a free information session on March 15 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss how to stay ahead of the college application process. Donuts and coffee will be served, and door prizes will be given.
To register call or text Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com. Our website is Class101. com/northpalmbeachfl.
governMent Tax
Dear Friends:
Talk
Is spring in the air? With a somewhat chilly winter in South Florida, perhaps the springtime weather is right around the corner, and that means outdoor gardening is in full swing. While I tend to my outdoor garden throughout the year, this time of year is about planting and fertilizing. But be careful, it is important to know your soil before you plant as you want to ensure the right soil will help your plants grow and remain healthy. There are many different types and combinations of fertilizer on the market so you need to know what your soil needs before you decide to incorporate nutrients into the ground. A soil testing kit is a good start and I recommend visiting Mounts Botanical Garden’s website for helpful gardening tips at www.mounts.org/gardening-tips. Good luck with your spring gardening and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.
approved Amendment 5, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and will begin with the upcoming 2025 tax year assessment. Amendment 5 requires the value of the second, or additional, homestead exemption to be adjusted for annual inflation. If inflation goes up, your second exemption will also go up, and you could pay less in property taxes as a result.
To learn more about homestead exemptions, visit the Property Appraiser’s website at www.pbcpao.gov.
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
New Homestead Adjustment
If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, as determined by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. A homestead exemption lowers your property’s assessed value and caps its increase, meaning you pay less in property taxes. In last November’s general election, Florida voters
Before You Go, You Should Know …
If your 2025 travel plans include taking a flight domestically and/or internationally, please be sure to take note of new travel requirements going into place.
On May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must be Real ID compliant to board domestic flights. If you have a gold star on your driver license/state identification card, you are compliant. If not, be sure to make a reservation at www. pbctax.gov/reservations to obtain your Real ID. Check the website for the required documentation you will need to bring to your reservation. Don’t delay, reservation lead time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Planning a trip the United Kingdom? U.S. citizens traveling to the U.K. for short visits, tourism or business,
including just passing through U.K. airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies to all parts of the U.K., including Northern Ireland. The ETA is modeled after the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization and acts as a pre-clearance for travel to reduce security risks and make border entry more efficient. The ETA is $12.75 and takes approximately three working days to process. It is required for travelers of all ages and valid for two years. Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-foran-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta to apply and happy travels!
Drop It!
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service to all of our clients throughout Palm Beach County. We serve you online, in-person, by kiosk and also by drop box. Did you know we have drop boxes located at each of our six service center locations? The drop box allows you to drop off payments for property tax, business
Tax Talk on page 20
tax, tangible personal property tax, and motor vehicle registration. You can also surrender your license plate. Using the drop box is twice as fast as mail and is checked multiple times per day!
To use the drop box, you will need to visit one of our service centers during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.), check in with our team at the reception desk to ensure you have what you need and then you are good to go – no reservation required! For more information about the services that are drop box eligible, visit www.pbctax.gov/resources/payment-options/.
Northern Notes
Loggerhead Shrikes –Nature’s Butcherbird
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray and white bird that resembles a Mockingbird at first glance. Both are types of songbirds with a similar overall gray, black and white pattern and are about the size of a cardinal or robin. The shrike has blacker wings, a larger head, a black mask, and a heavy, hooked bill, unlike mockingbirds that have grayer wings, a smaller head and a thinner bill.
The Loggerhead Shrike’s black mask acts like the black paint athletes wear to keep the sun’s glare from impeding eyesight.
Where they truly stand out is in their unique hunting techniques. The shrike, a carnivorous bird, has a preference for lizards, bugs, and small animals, unlike the seeds and berries that mockingbirds enjoy. Their hunting style is both fascinating and terrifying for their prey. Shrikes hunt from above, diving down to snatch their prey in their hooked bill. The upper part of the shrike’s hooked bill features a pair of built-in projections called “tomial teeth.” These specialized “teeth” are used to dispatch rodents by striking the nape of the neck, instantly paralyzing them, and then shaking them with enough force to break their necks. They are quick and efficient hunters, earning them the nickname “butcherbirds.” Their genus name, Lanius, is derived from the Latin word “butcher.” Shrikes can also hover over prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
These remarkably intelligent birds then impale their prey on barbed wire, thorns, tree branches, or other sharp objects to immobilize and kill it, if their beak hasn’t already done the job. This practice, akin to a human’s pantry or larder, also helps them store food for days if food is scarce. A large pantry can serve to attract mates or feed juveniles. This practice can also help remove toxins, making the prey safe to eat after a few days. For instance, impaling a toxic monarch butterfly helps break down toxins, making it safe to eat after a few days.
Another reason for their macabre tendency to impale their prey is due to their tiny feet and legs. Their beak and hunting abilities are similar to hawks and falcons, but their passerine feet are similar to songbirds and can only perch on branches instead of using them like hawks and falcons to rip and tear. The barbed wire and sticks hold the prey in place so the shrike can eat it. Don’t judge their feet too quickly, though; shrikes have been known to carry prey the same size as themselves.
Loggerhead Shrikes are typically found in open areas with scattered shrubs and trees, but the species can also be found in more heavily wooded habitats with large openings and very short habitats with few or no trees. They particularly
like tree snags (dead trees), where they can perch high up to look for prey.
These vicious, intelligent, ruthless birds are amazing animals in our area. Next time you see a gray and white bird, look closely and see if it might be nature’s butcherbird.
tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticide. If all of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your solid waste management authority to find out when and where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
NPDES
Photos by Lucas Shaffer, NPBCID Environmental Manager
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
Dear Taxpayer:
One of the most underrated aspects of the homestead exemption is that it doesn’t just reduce the taxable assessment of your home, it also caps its annual valuation. The Save Our Homes cap limits any increase to the assessed value of a homestead exempt property to a maximum of 3 percent each year or the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. Over time, the cap can provide substantial tax bill savings.
For 2025, the maximum increase will be 2.9 percent, as that was the change in CPI from December 2023 to December 2024. This slowed increase in CPI reflects plateauing inflation over the past year across dozens of consumer categories including shelter, food, transportation, and energy.
While the change in the CPI follows many markets, Florida law requires my office to value property based on the status of the real estate market in Palm Beach County. My office will determine a total market value for every home as of Jan. 1, taking into consideration the price fluctuations reflected in the sales of residential properties. But if your property is homesteaded, the taxable assessed value will not increase more than 2.9 percent.
If you already have a homestead exemption on your property, you do not need to reapply. There are several additional property tax exemptions, including those for widows/widowers, veterans, and those with disabilities. For more information, visit pbcpao.gov or call Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866.
In this month’s newsletter, a reminder to all business owners in Palm Beach County about filing for a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return for 2025 and my office’s annual college scholarship application process is now open. Enjoy reading and enjoy your spring.
Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Business Tangible Personal Property
Tangible personal property is equipment used in a business and includes furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, appliances, signs, leasehold improvements, supplies, leased equipment, and other assets. It is taxed at the same rate as real property.
All tangible personal property must be reported. Florida law allows an exemption up to $25,000 for business tangible assets. Businesses with tangible personal property assets valued at more than $25,000 are subject to ad valorem taxes, and those with less than $25,000 in assets are exempt from ad valorem taxes.
All businesses must file an initial Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (DR-405) their first year of operation. Afterwards, all businesses are required to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (e-file or Form DR-405) annually unless the value of the personal property was under $25,000 and they received a yellow postcard from our office that the requirement to file has been waived. If a business purchases additional assets that increase the total value of the assets over $25,000, they are required to file a return.
The statutory deadline to file a return without an extension is April 1. All extension requests must be received by 5 p.m. on March 31 to be considered for approval. Failure to file will result in the loss of the exemption and the assessment of
penalties per Florida Statutes, Sections 193.072 and 193.073. Our office will not waive penalties for any returns filed after the extended deadline of May 15.
Save time, paper, and postage by e-filing. If you need a paper form, you can download the DR-405 on our website. If you have any questions about reporting personal property, tangible e-filing, or the $25,000 tangible exemption, please call our office at (561) 355-2896 or email mytpp@pbcpao. gov.
Property Appraiser’s Office Annual Scholarship Awards Program
The 32nd Annual Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Scholarship program is now accepting applications. Six college scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a higher education institution full-time, regardless of interest or major. The deadline to apply is March 31.
To be eligible for a scholarship award, a student must be a resident of Palm Beach County, have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and plan to attend an accredited higher-education institution (college or community college).
In addition to receiving a scholarship, each recipient will be offered an opportunity for a paid summer internship in the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Since 1994, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has awarded $179,000 in college scholarships. The program is particularly special to the Property Appraiser’s Office because the scholarships are completely funded by employee donations.
For more information, call (561) 355-3230 or visit https:// pbcpao.gov/scholarship-awards.htm.
Navigators Are Here To Help Guide
You Through Court Document Prep
By Joseph Abruzzo, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Palm Beach County
As your Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County, I am excited to share a valuable resource that is making a real difference in our community: our free document preparation assistants, known as “navigators.”
Navigator assistance is available for free by appointment at our West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Delray Beach locations. Navigators can assist you in completing court documents and can give you procedural information for most family law and county civil actions.
Navigators can assist you with filing many of the forms that we offer, including divorce, legal custody and tenant eviction complaints. You can find a full list of forms available on our website at mypalmbeachclerk. com/selfservice.
While our navigators are here to help, they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. Also, they are unable to assist with certain specialized forms such as those involved in probate, mortgage foreclosure, or guardianship cases.
To schedule an appointment with our navigator, please call (561) 355-7048.
And for those who prefer to tackle things on their own, we have a range of how-to videos and workshops at https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/services/selfservice-center/how-to-videos-toolboxes.
Do not hesitate to take advantage of this free service – we are here to help make navigating the court system as easy as possible.
About The Clerk Of The Circuit Court And Comptroller, Palm Beach County
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is Palm Beach County’s protector of public money and records including marriage licenses, court documents, financial reports and real estate records. Visit www. mypalmbeachclerk.com and find us @ClerkPBC on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and X.
Office staff at the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers 2024 Tangible Personal Property conference: from left, Kathy Rhodes, CFE, Manager; Trina Morrison-Nash, CFE, Personal Property Appraisal Department Manager; Tara McCoy, CFE, TPP Appraiser I; Kevin M. Bradley, PPS, CFE, Senior TPP Appraiser
The 2024 scholarship awardees with the Property Appraiser’s Office Scholarship Committee
Town Of Jupiter News
By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter
The Town Council works with our town manager, staff and others to address issues affecting our residents and businesses. The following provides a summary of actions and achievements since last month’s community newspaper report:
Town Parks: Playground Upgrades Exciting playground upgrades are coming! The town is on a journey to revamp all of its playgrounds. At our Feb.
Commissioner’s Update
Free Tax Services Offered To Palm Beach County Residents
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
It’s that time of year when the United Way of Palm Beach County teams up with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers for a tax-free filing campaign. This initiative offers free, confidential, and secure tax preparation and e-filing for qualified taxpayers. Taxes Filed Free provides two easy and stress-free ways to file at no cost: taxpayers can file online at www.MyFreeTaxes. com anytime and anywhere, or they can meet with an IRS-certified volunteer in person at one of 16 locations throughout the county. Volunteers are available to assist in English, Spanish, Creole, and sign language, with no appointment required.
To make it easier to prepare your return please bring the following items to the VITA sites:
• Last year’s Federal Income Tax Return (2024 income tax returns)
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse (if married), and all dependents listed on the return
• Correct birth dates for all names listed on the return
• All W-2s for 2024, including spouses
• Form 1098 – Mortgage interest, property taxes
• Form 1099 – DIV, G, INT, MISC, NEC, K, Q, R, RRB, SSA for 2024
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund (This is optional, but it gets your cash to you fast)
• A Photo ID card (driver’s license, etc.), including spouse’s, if married and filing joint return
• For Dependent Care Credit, bring care provider’s name, address, SSN/EIN, and amount you paid
• For Education Credit, bring 1098T or 1098E and amount paid for qualified expenses
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must come to the VITA site.
VITA volunteers will NOT prepare Schedule D (Complex), Schedule E, Employee Business Expenses, Moving Expenses and Nondeductible IRA.
This free tax assistance is offered from Thursday, Jan. 22 to Tuesday, April 15. Don’t miss this deadline!
To find a VITA site location near you, call 211 or visit www.TaxesFiledFree.org.
4 meeting, the Town Council approved construction on the first three—Indian Creek Park, Jupiter Community Park, and Maplewood Park.
But that’s not all. The town has a roadmap to renovate all 11 parks over the next 5 years and we would like your help in building the future of Jupiter’s playgrounds. We’re gearing up to design the playground at Abacoa Community Park, and we want your input. What cool features would you love to see? Town staff are reaching out through various channels to secure your ideas.
Jupiter Jubilee 2025
The Feb. 8 Jupiter Jubilee event was returned to the town’s governmental campus. It was held offsite in Abacoa Community Park the past two years due to construction of our new Town Hall.
This year’s Jubilee was extra special because we celebrated a truly historic milestone—Jupiter’s 100th year anniversary! This year should and will be all about honoring
our rich history, the people, places, events, stories, and moments that have made Jupiter the incredible place and community that it is today.
A little history lesson – our annual Jupiter Jubilee was created to be a community event that brings us together to perpetuate our small town feel in a uniquely Jupiter way. It began 25 years ago and commemorated our town’s 75th birthday. It has always been our annual birthday bash, but the celebration was bigger this year because the very next day, Feb. 9, marked Jupiter’s official 100th birthday! Jupiter’s Centennial Celebrations
We have a full calendar of exciting events planned throughout the year. We encourage each of you to join in and actively participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Find the complete schedule of events at the town’s website at Jupiter.fl.us/Centennial.
Stay tuned.
Bagpipes In The Fire Service
Professional Firefighters And Paramedics Of Palm Beach County
This article was published last year, but there are so many new residents, and many may not know the history or significance of bagpipes in the fire service. Each year around St. Patrick celebrations, we are often asked why fire departments have pipe and drum bands.
If you see firefighters in kilts and hear the unmistakable sound of bagpipes during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, there is a reason why those sounds and images have become a part of the Fire Service traditions.
Parades featuring fire department honor guards and pipe and drum bands take place across the United States, and especially in the Northeast as part of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
This often piques the curiosity about the relationship firefighters and police officers have with the bagpipes, and how it has become part of our tradition.
In the mid-1800s, there was a massive migration of Irish to the United States, mainly to cities in the Northeast. This was due largely in part to the potato famine in Ireland prompting people to search for a better life. Initially, the Irish were not welcomed here, and as they searched for jobs, they were usually greeted by signs stating ‘Irish need not apply.’
Becoming desperate to earn money to support their families, they took the jobs that no one else wanted because it was a dirty, dangerous and physically demanding way to earn very little pay and even less respect. They became firefighters and police officers.
One of the Irish traditions they brought with them was the bagpipes. In an effort to keep their traditions alive, the firefighters would play the bagpipes while at work, and over time it became part of the firefighter culture.
Few things evoke a firefighter’s emotions like the sounds of pipes and drums. Feelings of pride and joy swell a firefighter’s heart when listening to up-tempo Irish and Scottish tunes at a joyous occasion, just as the ever-present pride and overwhelming sorrow breaks the firefighter’s heart when hearing the wail of Amazing Grace at the funeral for a fallen firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Next time you hear a fire department pipe and drum band, please remember just how it came to be such a deep-rooted part of our tradition.
Steen Eriksson, Community Relations – HOA North, Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, IAFF Local 2928, HOAN@iaff2928.com
Book Review
The Backyard Book Chronicles
By Nils A. Shapiro
Nils began his career as marketing director for a major book publisher. He has since edited the authors’ manuscripts’ for more than 20 published books, written more than 200 book reviews, served as publisher of several million-plus circulation national magazines, created the official yearbooks for teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, and “retired” as president of a successful telecommunications company.
It was a wonderful surprise—and coincidence—when a copy of this book arrived at my home one Monday as a gift from my two daughters, Brett and Hillary. Just a day earlier I had noted The Backyard Book Chronicles at the top of the Sunday New York Times nonfiction bestseller list, and Barnes & Noble bookseller chain’s naming it as their “Book of the Year.”
Such success is not new to author Amy Tan, whose ten earlier books include the novel, The
Club , which became an international bestseller and the inspiration for the hit motion picture of the same title.
After learning of the book, I had immediately decided to schedule it for review in my column, thanks to my daughters’ thoughtfulness, a clear indication that they are very much tuned in to my reading tastes, this very special book was already in my hands. And now, as I have just turned the last page I am in awe of every aspect of this remarkable work:
• the very concept of the book —a day by day dated journal of the author’s experiences watching and inter-acting with the natural lives of the wide variety of bird species that visit her home’s backyard in the San Francisco Bay area; • the author’s writing skills that reflect the wide range of emotions she (and we) feel through her experiences; the more than 130 drawings, sketches and color illustrations Tan herself learned to create that include many which compare favorably to the iconic Audubon paintings,
Joy Luck
• and even the splendid presentation of this initial edition from the publisher, Knopf, with a hardcover binding that is slightly flexible and the book’s overall stunning design.
In 2016, unhappy and uncomfortable with the national and international news swirling around her and everyone else—and having always been aware of what she refers to as her lifelong “obsession” with birds —Amy Tan decided to focus inward, studying the natural life within her own backyard, and to keep a personal journal of that experience. She took drawing lessons to brush up on the art skills she had already demonstrated at a very young age.
After an excellent and informative foreword by renowned ornithologist David Allen Sibley, who explains why birdwatching has become such a popular activity throughout the U.S., followed by the author’s preface in which she describes a childhood and personal life interests that have led to this new book, the first entry in the Chronicles is dated Sept. 16, 2017; the last is dated Dec. 15, 2022.
That is a period of just over five years in which Amy Tan, and we readers along with her, learn so much and feel so much as she not only watches the many species of birds that visit her backyard, but often becomes a part of their lives—feeding them, sometimes holding them, protecting them whenever possible from predators, trying to outsmart the agile and determined squirrels who want their portions of the seeds meant for the birds—and each day learning something wonderfully new which she shares with us: their individual personalities, her avian friends’ food likes and dislikes, fears or willingness to be approached, mating habits, parenting skills, dominance traits, aggression or shyness—and so much more.
Throughout the period covered in these pages Tan learned to identify 62 different kinds of birds that visited her backyard and lists them at the back of the book in such categories as: corvids, doves and pigeons, finches, nuthatches, raptors, sparrows (which alone covers 10 species), thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers and other songbirds.
Some visit her regularly throughout the year. Others obey their ancient instincts and migrate thousands of miles around the globe as the seasons change, returning the same time each year to a warm welcome at Tan’s backyard.
We learn about them not only through her Chronicle’s fascinating and informative text but also from some of the
intentionally rough drawings accompanied by handwritten notes that are equally interesting and which point out unusual facts worth knowing that she has either sketched, or less often photographed then sketched, while observing the birds’ actions.
The range of emotions engendered by these experiences is exemplified by two examples that I will touch on very briefly here. Most of the text has been omitted for lack of space and replaced with ellipses (…). Here is the first, dated Sept. 26, 2021, a situation in which a young, inexperienced Cooper’s Hawk flying over Tan’s backyard had spotted three cage feeders and done a fast dive intending to pluck a songbird from its perch as an easy meal, not realizing that the birds were safe inside the metal feeders. It crashed into one of the feeders, injured a wing and Amy Tan, after frantic efforts to free and release her, rushed the hawk to a wildlife center to try to have the bird healed.
“She received a total of three months of incredible care. But she was still not flying symmetrically. A few days after that report, I received a voicemail message from the medical director, asking that I return her call. I knew by her soft, consoling tone that the news would not be good. I spared her the difficulty of telling me and left a voicemail message, saying I appreciated all that they had done. I knew that if (the hawk) could not fly well enough to find food, she would slowly starve in the wild … I understood why it was more humane to euthanize her, and I was grateful that they would do it in the kindest way possible.
“After I left the message, I cried. I tried to draw her portrait. But I could not capture her spirit. I could not capture the way she must have felt within I briefly held her in my arms and told her I was sorry.”
A month later, on Oct. 24, 2021, a bomb cyclone arrived in the Bay Area. As Amy Tan notes—here again I am quoting just brief excerpts from her wonderful description of the event:
“It hurled serial storms and produced an atmospheric river that dropped a thirty-minute deluge. We, the denizens who had been saving shower water to wash bird poop off the porch were happy to be waterlogged … But as I watched the large limbs or our oak trees swaying, I imagined the birds in those trees being whipsawed and flung into the storm. Where do they go to stay dry when the rain is blasting sideways?
“As if in answer, two pygmy nuthatches flew into the covered porch off my office, shook themselves off, and sat on top of a cage feeder a couple of inches apart. Most people would agree that the pygmy nuthatch is one of the cutest birds on earth. They look and sound like squeaky toys. I assumed they would eat a few suet balls for fortitude and head for a heavily leafed hiding spot. But after five minutes, they were still there …
“They did not go into the feeders to eat. They simply watched the rain from their spectator seats. The smaller nuthatch scooted closer to the bigger one. The bigger one then allopreened the smaller one, poking and picking at its feathers. I assumed they were adults, a mated pair, since the season for fledglings was long over. For thirty minutes the two nuthatches sat close together like lovers on a porch swing, watching the rain as I watched them.”
These offer just a bare hint of the information and experiences awaiting you in the almost 300 pages of this book, so deserving of its recent honors. Experience it for yourself.
The Pet Cottage Wins $10,000 In Great Charity Challenge Pet Parade
Southeast Equestrian Takes First Place, Bringing The Mission Of The Pet Cottage To Life
The Pet Cottage is thrilled to announce that its incredible team, led by Southeast Equestrian, won first place in the Great Charity Challenge’s highly anticipated pet parade, securing a $10,000 prize to support the organization’s mission of providing lifelong care for pets in need.
With outstanding creativity and heart, the Southeast Equestrian team brought The Pet Cottage’s mission to life in a visually stunning way. The parade entry featured:
• Children dressed as seniors , walking alongside beloved pets
• A miniature replica of The Cottage, complete with a real dog inside, symbolizing the safe and loving homes the organization provides
• Adorable miniature horses, adding a magical touch to the performance
• Incredible teamwork and leadership, making this inspiring vision a reality
“This was such a beautiful and joyful moment for The Pet Cottage,” said Lisa Gendal, Chairman of the Board. “We are incredibly grateful to Southeast Equestrian for their dedication, talent, and generosity in representing our mission so beautifully. Winning this award means even more resources for the pets and people we serve, and we couldn’t be more excited!”
The Great Charity Challenge, hosted annually at the Winter Equestrian Festival, brings the equestrian community together to support local charities, with millions of dollars awarded to deserving organizations. The Pet Cottage is honored to have been a part of this impactful event and deeply appreciates the support of all who made this victory possible.
For more information about The Pet Cottage and how to support its mission, please visit www.thepetcottage.org.
About The Pet Cottage
The Pet Cottage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong care for pets who have lost their humans
due to death, disability, or deployment. Through its unique guardian program, The Pet Cottage places these pets with Forever Guardians, providing companionship and purpose for seniors while ensuring the pets receive love and stability for the rest of their lives.
10am-10pm 10am-8pm
Samantha Fisher, M.D., F.A.A.D., sees patients of all ages at the Dermatology Associates in the Palm Beach Gardens office after more than 13 years of experience practicing medical, cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment.
Dr. Fisher received her Medical and Bachelor of Science degrees with honors from the University of Florida, where she completed her postgraduate training, including serving as Chief Resident in Dermatology.
Her past professional experience includes providing Dermatology services to patients in Stuart , FL from 2013-2024, Naples, FL from 2012-2013, and as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Department of Dermatology in Gainesville, FL from 2011-2012.
Dr. Fisher looks forward to providing you with excellent dermatology care.
SATURDAY 8PM
SUNDAY Amanda Shaw & Rockin’ Jake
CELEBRATE the CULTURE & TRADITIONS of LOUISIANA through FOOD, MUSIC & DANCE! Get your tickets now!
Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches is a group practice of board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons providing general dermatology, surgical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology services. These physicians trained at some of America’s great medical institutions and conduct research into the most advanced treatments. Our physicians are also recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Make an appointment to see Dr. Fisher in Palm Beach Gardens at 10355 N. Military Trail, Suite A, by calling (561) 622-6976. www.greatderms.com
The Truth About Commission What’s Your Realtor Doing?
Buying or selling a home is a big deal—it’s not just about the transaction, it’s about the experience. You deserve a team that keeps you in the loop, makes the process smooth, and actually listens to what you need. That’s where The Simmonds Team comes in.
Think about it—when you hire a contractor to remodel your kitchen, you don’t go for "average." You wouldn’t trust an average lawyer with your legal matters, and you certainly wouldn’t settle for an average car if you could have the best. So why would you accept anything less than an exceptional real estate team?
With the Compass One platform, you’ll always know what’s happening— no guessing, no waiting around for updates. Whether it’s an offer, a market shift, or just a simple question, you’ll have real-time access to the info that matters, all in ONE spot. Like your own personal assistant, you will see real time updates about what’s going on with your transaction, from sigining documents to looking at marketing collateral.
With The Simmonds Team & Compass One, you’re always in the loop. Get real-time updates, expert market insights, and instant communication—so you’re never left wondering what’s next. Whether you have a question about an offer, the status of your sale, or what’s happening in the market, we’re here. No delays, no guessing—just results.
Because when it comes to real estate, you deserve more than average. You deserve the best.
One Unified Dashboard to Streamline Your Sale / Access to 24 hrs a day phone/tablet/computer
Instant Access to listings, contracts, relevant paperwork and transaction details
Complete Market Transparency with live data and trends
Real-Time Communication with your agent.
Benzaiten Center For Creative Arts
Do Not Miss The Most Fun Gala In Town!
Each year the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts holds a gala to help raise money for their many “kids and scholarship” programs. It is considered the most fun and least expensive gala in town. So, if you’ve never attended, you are truly missing out!
Held on the veranda of the National Croquet Club’s center, overlooking its lush green lawns, it a great venue for Benzaitens’s annual gala. The men love it because it is a casual affair, and after dressing up all season this is a welcome reprieve. The silent auction is stellar due to all the many talented glass artists who contribute to it each year. They are so thankful to have such a great glass art facility here in Palm Beach County that they are more than happy to support the cause with some of their best work. Also, because of an inside connection with a major wine collector, the silent auction provides some of the best wines to bid on such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, or Chateau D’Yqeum … just to name a few! Sandy James who is the in-house food purveyor for the Croquet Club always offers up some of the best catered food in town. And because JoAnne (JB) Berkow, founder and president of the center insists on everyone having a good time, she always makes sure that the band is the best at getting people up and dancing!
But just as important to Berkow and the entire board of the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts is raising money for their many outreach programs in arts and culture by means of free classes and scholarships for young adults who want to continue a career in art. “We see well over 1,000 kids through our doors each year free of charge,” says Berkow, adding, “This gives these children and teens an exposure to the arts and what it means to make art that they would otherwise not be exposed to. It also instills in them a deeper cultural appreciation that will hopefully stay with them for a lifetime. We also give thousands of scholarship dollars away each year as well. Some we give to talented, in-need artists, and others we give to benefit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs to enable them to participate in our summer kids’ programs.”
The Following Is An Intriguing Scholarship Success Story
using the least amount of tape as possible. He must have done a good job as he was accepted, and subsequently attended Bak for the next three years. After that, he went onto the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and ultimately would finish his junior and senior years at Lake Worth High School, where he was encouraged to take part in the city’s famous “Street Painting Festival.”
His schooling, spent predominantly in schools dedicated to the arts, offered him a tremendous education in art that he would have never received attending ordinary schools. Thinking art consisted mainly of painting and drawing when he began, his mind opened to what else was possible. He learned color theory, art history, different styles and disciplines, trying his hand at etching, sculpting and many other mediums.
in their comradery and experiencing their strong sense of community and shared knowledge. He understood the fullness of what it meant to call yourself a professional artist. Yes, it could be fun, but it also meant many long years of hard work to hone your skills and to ultimately develop a signature style that you could call your own.
After high school he went to work on a cleaning crew with his parents. He might have been stuck in that job had it not been for a sign he noticed about a place called Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, which had glassblowing classes. He had to check it out. Once in the center, watching people doing the extraordinarily hard work of blowing glass into beautiful creations, he was hooked. Determined to accumulate the necessary money to take the six-week beginner’s course, he saved up enough to cover half the tuition and paid the other half with his tax return’s dividend check. This was a determined young man. He began volunteering when he could and the Benzaiten’s staff was so impressed with his abilities and determination that he won a small scholarship that enabled him to take the center’s next level, eight-week course.
Since then, he has won another, larger scholarship and finally was sponsored by the center, and friends of the center, to be Rob Stern’s assistant at Pilchuk, the internationally famous glass school founded by Dale Chihuly. During this stint he met many hardworking professional artists who have made their careers in the field of glassblowing, sharing
He now works at Benzaiten five days a week, which has enabled him to quit his cleaning job. Working as an assistant to the many different professional artists who rent time at Benzaiten has empowered Mateo and made him proficient enough in his skills so that one day soon, he will be able to begin making his own exotic creations. A career in art is definitely not for the faint of heart.
To learn more about the gala, please contact the Benzaiten office or go to their website and press “On the Veranda” under the “Events” tab. You can also make a donation online or by contacting the office. www.benzaitencenter.org (561) 508-7315 inspired@benzaitencenter.org
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find Us: 1105 Second Avenue South, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460
GPS doesn’t always get you here: Exit I-95 at Sixth Avenue and go east. Take a left at the blue Kwik Stop Store and then a right on Third Avenue South. Park in our parking lot or anywhere on the street.
David Mateo’s journey towards his chosen career in art was anything but average. After all, in the rough, tightknit, Guatemalan, working-class neighborhood, like the one where David grew up, no kid would dare to imagine a career in art. It just wasn’t done. How would his father tolerate such a departure from their shared collective reality? Of course, that was exactly the typical reaction one would expect, and the patriarch of Mateo’s family was no exception. The Mayan culture, as so many cultures around the world, is set up as a male-dominated society. However, as we all know, many households within such societies are often ruled by its women. Here’s where Mateo’s dreams of an art career got a helping hand. Constantly drawing and doodling from an early age, he obtained the encouragement from his mother to keep his artistic impulses alive and well.
He lived in the second poorest city in Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, attending South Grade Elementary School, one of the city’s many Title 1 schools. He was able to take some art classes, and one day, at one of the school’s art exhibits, a scout from the Bak Middle School of the Arts approached Mateo about applying to his school. With help from his teachers and other kids who had gone through the same process, he filled out the necessary application forms and set up a date for his “tryout.” He’ll never forget that day. Full of nervous tension, he went to the Bak MSOA’s campus where he and other potential students were led into a room with four kids at each table. These tables were stocked with sheets of card-stock paper, scissors and tape, and each child was given the same assignment: to build a structure
David Mateo, one of Benzaiten’s scholarship successes
Croquet Club’s veranda venue
FLORIDA ATLANTIC DESIGNATED R1
Florida Atlantic University has officially established itself among the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States for its notable accomplishments in research. It now holds the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and shares this status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S.
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The Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute presents
Featured Events
March 2025
The Power of the Arts and Science for Resiliency in Aging presented by the Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation (M3F) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter Register: m3f.org/events
GRAND OPENING:
David and Lynn Nicholson Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Guest Speaker: Professor Sir John Hardy, Ph.D. FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter Register: tinyurl.com/BrainyDaysHardy
Art of Science Gallery Opening presented by Florida Atlantic’s Division of Research Ritter Art Gallery, FAU Boca Raton Campus Register: tinyurl.com/fauartofscience
MindFest presented by Florida Atlantic’s Center for the Future Mind Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Register: fau.edu/future-mind/mindfest
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In the competitive landscape of higher education, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education plays a pivotal role in determining a university’s standing. To qualify for the R1 status, institutions must meet a stringent set of criteria such as the number of research doctorates awarded and total research expenditures. FAU is now the sixth institution in the Florida State University System to hold R1 status. READ MORE.
New University President
The Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Adam Hasner the university’s eighth president. The State University System’s Board of Governors approved the selection on Feb. 20. Hasner is set to begin his new role in March.
READ MORE.
Brain Sparks! presented by FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s ASCEND program Cox Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach No Registration Required. Experience included with museum admission.
Guest Speaker: Michael D. Burton, Ph.D. FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter Register: tinyurl.com/BrainyDaysBurton
Guest Speaker: Andrew B. Newberg, MD Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach Register: tinyurl.com/BrainyDaysNewberg
Full calendar of events, registration and more: fau.edu/brain/brainydays
