During the dinner, while eight professional actors began to interact with the Broken Sound members, a shot suddenly rang out and one actor was “murdered.” Four members had been pre-selected as suspects and clues were to be found at tables around the room. All attending members moved from clue to clue in an effort to solve the crime. The actors made this a very engaging show. Finally, one of the members was discovered to be the “murderer” by a winning team of member sleuths.
The event was arranged with the professional organization, The Murder Mystery Company, that had garnered national recognition when first introduced on the popular Shark Tank TV show.
Bocaire Members Continue from page 1
Roy Foster and the late Donald Reed, also a former homeless veteran, co-founded Faith Hope Love Charity in 1994 with avision to provide assistance to those veterans who suffer from homelessness, ultimately opening the Stand Down House.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approached, Bocaire continued to support local food banks. Its chosen charity was Boca Helping Hands (BHH). In 2023 alone Boca Helping Hands distributed 114,525 pantry bags from five Palm Beach County locations and served more than 100,000 hot meals. The organization expands access to affordable medical, dental and behavioral care through its partnership with Genesis Community Health (serving clients at clinics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach) and Florida Atlantic University’s
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Community Based Clinics (serving clients in West Palm Beach).
In addition, the organization sends weekend meals home with food-insecure elementary school students via the BHH Backpacks Program and serves 13 schools across south Palm Beach County. Its Resource Center provides emergency financial assistance to Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach residents in crisis to help with rent, overdue utilities and the rising cost of childcare through the Children’s Assistance Program (CAP).
In 2024 Bocaire has raised over $6,000 and provided boxes of food for holiday distribution and will be having the club’s Play for P.I.N.K. event to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research Foundation in March, 2025. Those who know Bocaire are confident there is more to come.
American Humane to Honor Heroic Canines At 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards® Gala
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, will host the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® Gala at The Breakers Palm Beach on January 8th, at 6 p.m.
Known as the “Oscars® for Canines,” this year’s starstudded gala will be hosted by supermodel, actress and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley and TV personality Carson Kressley. Before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner, video presentation and live entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to mingle on the red carpet with the canine finalists from five key categories, including therapy dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs and emerging hero and shelter dogs.
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“Whether they protect us on the frontlines, help us with medical challenges or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a long day, dogs save and improve our lives in infinite ways,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We are thrilled to kick off the Palm Beach season with the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala honoring the best of our best friends.”
Nominees for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards® are: Dayo (Therapy); Sampson (Service and Guide/ Hearing); K-9 Niki (Military); Bo (Law Enforcement and First Responder), and Penny (Shelter and Emerging Hero).
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes America’s standout working dogs—often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things—such as saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals.
To purchase tickets, visit: herodogawardsgala2025. funraise.org, call (561) 537-5887, or email events@ americanhumane.org.
For sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@ americanhumane.org.
About American Humane. With offices in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support this lifesaving work visit: AmericanHumane.org, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
Jim Morehouse Arnold Kirsch
THE BATTAGLIA GROUP
I have cash buyers that are currently looking for the following. Call me now if you are thinking of selling in the near future.
Buyer 1. Courtyard style home up to 3.6 million depending on condition
Buyer 2. Single family home up to 2 million. They will renovate if needed.
Buyer 3. Home with 2 bedroom plus a den. 800k-1.5 million. They will renovate.
Buyer 4. Home in Whisper Trace, Laurel Point or Timber Mill with primary suite on the ground floor
Condo for Sale in Broken Sound
2481 NW 59th St. #901
2 Bed + Office (3rd Bed)/2.5 Bath
2,322 Sq.Ft.
at $1,095,000
Wishing you & your loved ones a joyful holiday season overflowing with health & happiness. Here’s to a bright & sparkling 2025!
SOLD! 6724 Casa Grande Way, Delray Beach, FL 5360 NW 20th Ave., Boca Raton, FL Townhome for Sale in Broken Sound 2273 NW 53rd St.
3 Bed/2 Bath/1,650 Sq.Ft. Living Space Offered at $700K Perfect (real estate) present: Completely renovated home with gorgeous golf course views.
St. Andrews’s Andrea Cannon Earns Nomination As Boca Junior League’s “Woman Volunteer of the Year”
St. Andrews
member Andrea Cannon, representing Congregation B’nai Israel, was among the nominees honored at The Junior League of Boca Raton’s 37th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon that sold out with more than 900 attendees at The Boca Raton on November 1st.
At the event Terry Fedele, the nominee for Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, was named Woman Volunteer of the Year; and Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, the nominee for Promise Fund, won the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event raised the most money in the history of the event with the leadership of Event Co-Chairs, Meryll Bangsil & Khris Kellerman and Honorary Chair, Kelly Woods Fleming.
Terry Fedele’s healthcare background and passion for service have propelled her from a board member to a dynamic leader, serving as Chair of the College of Nursing and President of the Caring Hearts Auxiliary Board. Her leadership has significantly increased community engagement among leaders, faculty, students, and advisory board members. Her efforts have been crucial to addressing
Want
Boca’s nursing shortage, as many students stay local after graduation. Over the past 13 years, Terry’s dedication has directly improved countless lives in our community.
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which has raised several billion dollars for breast cancer research and she founded Promise Fund, which provides access to mammograms and cervical cancer screenings for underserved women in Palm Beach County and beyond.
There were 43 local women who were nominated for the 37th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Award. Nonprofits from across Palm Beach and Northern Broward counties each nominated one of their valued volunteers to be considered for Woman Volunteer of the Year Award.
The nominees, in addition to Andrea Cannon, were Amiee Hawkins, Alzheimer’s Association; Althea Largie Ceasor, American Association of Caregiving Youth; Elaine Tobita, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary; Sue MacDonald, Best Foot Forward Foundation; Loretta Parker, Boca Ballet Theatre; Zoe Lanham, Boca Helping Hands, Inc.; Eileen Travasos, Boca Raton Christian School; Olivia Hollaus, Boca Raton Historical Society; Nicole Flier, Boca Raton Police Foundation; Marcia Mithun, Boca West Children’s Foundation; Mandy Bohlman, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County; Jan Savarick, Brain Bowl Events, Inc.; Janet Diaz-Martinez, Caridad Center; Cheryl Crowley, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County; Amanda Perna, Delray Beach Public Library; Tammera Atkins, Dress for Success Palm Beaches; Randee Wechsler, Eda and Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation; Teresa Fedele, Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; Ashley Cacicedo-Surdovel, Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, Inc.; Danielle Rosse, George Snow Scholarship Fund; Shawn Sherlock, Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation Inc.; Mindy Shikiar, HabCenter of
Boca Raton; Robyn Raphael Dynan, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County; Michelle Makris, Hanley Foundation; Iris Urbina, Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative; Carrie Rubin, Impact 100 Palm Beach County; Elizabeth Rivera, In The Pines; Nancy Dockerty, Junior League of Boca Raton; Arlene Herson, National Society of Arts and Letters; Jennifer Nawrocki, Palm Beach Symphony; Judy Noren, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League; Haley Winstead, Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus; Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Promise Fund; Tabitha Stambaugh, Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton; Sudane Ricketts, Scholar Career Coaching; Gabby Teran, Student ACES; Abby Bernstein-Henderson, Sweet Dream Makers; Reilly Glasser, The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida; Robyn Perlman, Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program; Caroline Johnson , Women’s Executive Club; Nicole Grimes, YMCA of South Palm Beach County; and Daniela Levenson, YWCA Palm Beach County.
The Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon celebrates outstanding women in the community, nominated by nonprofit organizations for their dedication and expertise as volunteers, as well as the work they do to further the missions of the organizations they serve. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton.
About the Junior League of Boca Raton. Throughout the year, JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. The Junior League currently focuses on two community issues, Child Welfare and Non-Profit Support. To learn more about the organization, please contact the Junior League of Boca Raton office at (561) 620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org. Connect on Facebook @Junior League of Boca Raton or Instagram @juniorleagueofbocaraton.
to Feel Like a Santa this Holiday? Here’s How to Do Good, Feel Even Better.
The Achievement Centers for Children & Families, which has served the southern Palm Beach County communities since 1969 and helps underserved children reach their full potential, is asking the community to consider adopting a class, adopting a program, or participating in the organization’s annual toy drive for the holidays.
You can make a one-time, annual donation of $1,500 to adopt a classroom, which goes towards school supplies; curriculum materials, arts and crafts supplies, snacks, enrichment activities, in-class field trips, and more. Or, for that special person who has everything, an “Adopt-a-Class” gift is perfect. It is the gift of making a meaningful difference in a child’s life and being a part of a child’s educational journey. The recipient will receive a personalized note from the classroom, a thank-you video, and an invitation to tour and visit his or her adopted class. Additionally, as a special holiday touch, he or she can enjoy a 30-minute thank-you party to meet some of the children and teachers the gift is supporting.
Achievement Centers for Children & Families has four toddler classrooms and four pre-school classrooms. All classroom sponsors receive invitations to special events; name recognition on a plaque in the adopted classroom; a special thank you at the end of the school year, and quarterly classroom updates.
For those who would like to donate towards the organization’s annual toy drive, toys are being collected now.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for some Achievement Centers families who have few resources, so every year the organization strives to help its families by collecting toys for children from one to eighteen,” said Stephanie Seibel, CEO for the Achievement Centers.
Current drop-off locations include A Little Wyld & Perna, American Heritage, Andie DeVoe, LLC, Bella Mar Delray Beach, Death by Pizza, Delfina Pilates, Lang Realty - Amy & Noreen Team, Northern Trust, Purlife, SOFA, Worthing Place, Vincent’s Hairstyling for Women & Men, and Young Dentistry.
Another way to support the children of Achievement Centers is through the Adopt-A-Program opportunity. Achievement Centers’ Platinum Steppers and Drum Line welcome youth from our after-school programs. Students in these programs perform at Achievement Centers’ events and throughout the community. The programs promote healthy living; self-respect; respect for others; leadership skills; parental involvement; teamwork and good sportsmanship. Through Adopt-a-Program, supporters can directly support the Platinum Steppers and our Drumline. Donations go towards uniforms and costumes; new equipment; transportation; snacks and more.
Donations for Adopt-A-Class and Adopt-A-Program can be made here: www.tinyurl.com/AchieveAdopt. To learn more about these initiatives, contact ggriffin@delraychild.org.
About Achievement Centers for Children & Families. At Achievement Centers for Children & Families, children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), After School, Teen and Summer Camp programs that help prepare them for academic and social success and inspire them to discover their talents. Families are served through Family Support and Economic Stabilization services which benefit the community
by stabilizing families in crisis; supporting them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth. Family strengthening services are embedded within four core programs of Early Learning, After School, Teen and Summer Camp. Achievement Centers currently serves over 700 local children and families annually from three locations in Delray Beach: Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. Achievement Centers for Children & Families is located at 555 NW Fourth St., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 266-0003 or visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.
St. Andrews resident Andrea Cannon, nominee for Woman Volunteer of the Year (at left) and Victoria Matthews, PresidentElect of the Junior League and Director of Retail at St. Andrews Country Club.
Happenings Outside Boca
Resource Depot Earns 2024 “Hats Off” Arts & Culture Impact Award
Resource Depot, a creative reuse center in West Palm Beach, was granted the 2024 “Hats Off”Arts & Cultural Impact Award by Nonprofits First®, an organization that accredits and provides resources to nonprofits in Palm Beach County.
The Award was sponsored by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. It celebrates and honors nonprofit organizations and individuals in Palm Beach County that dedicate themselves to making the community a better place to live and work. This year’s Eighth Annual “Hats Off” Nonprofit Awards were presented on October 30th at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
“Receiving the Arts & Culture Impact Award is an incredible honor that celebrates the creative heart of Resource
Government
Depot,” said Jennifer O’Brien, Executive Director of Resource Depot. “This recognition underscores our commitment to inspiring sustainable practices through art and education, transforming discarded materials—and perspectives—into something truly impactful for our community.”
Resource Depot was recognized for the nonprofit’s dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and community education. Specifically, in the past year, the company has welcomed over 13,000 visitors to its West Palm Beach locations and engaged over 11,000 participants in its various reuse and education programs.
The organization’s GalleRE exhibits served more than 9,000 community members, including 67 artists. Grant funding enabled the nonprofit to distribute 500 stARTer
Kits to students at Palm Beach County Title 1 schools. Resource Depot’s annual Catwalk Student Fashion Show, in collaboration with Loggerhead Marinelife Center, has become a signature community event by challenging students to create wearable art from various materials. Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www. nonprofitsfirst.org.
Mayor’s Update: Happy Holidays and 10 Reasons to Be Happy About Boca Raton
Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of Boca Raton and was re-elected in 2023. A South Florida native, attorney and small business owner, Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken Sound with their two children.
The holiday season and new year provide extra reminders of the many reasons we can be grateful for what we have in Boca Raton. Here are a few points of gratitude for our wonderful community.
1. Caring Residents: Boca Raton residents remain the best neighbors. Our residents are known for their strong sense of community and commitment to helping others. Their deep-rooted love for Boca Raton is always on full display whether they are volunteering at local charities, participating in neighborhood events or supporting local businesses. Boca Raton’s residents consistently demonstrate their caring nature, which fosters a sense of belonging and makes our city not only a vibrant but nurturing place to live.
2. Veterans & Servicemembers: After dedicating the entire month of November to recognizing our veterans it is important to remember their service all year round. During the city’s recent Red, White and Boca Veterans Day ceremony we heard from veterans from the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. We are thankful for their service and for the Boca Raton-based organizations dedicated to helping our veterans.
3. Public Safety: We continue to have the finest public safety professionals safeguarding us. Our crime rate has continued to decrease, building on already low figures. When crime does occur our police department’s preparedness shows in their swift and decisive action.
4. City Employees: While our first responders are highly visible members of the city’s staff it’s easy to forget that they are just some of the nearly 2,000 city employees. So many unseen employees work 365 days to make sure our water is clean and safe, our roads and traffic signals work, and so much more. I’m grateful to be one member of a group of professionals who serve us all every day.
5. Nonprofits and City Help: As dedicated as our staff is to ensure that our residents have the best services, the city’s nonprofits fill in the gaps in many areas. The City of Boca Raton continued its funding for more than 70 nonprofits in our annual budget. These organizations provide meaningful services to our community. The dedication of our residents to the many nonprofits that provide an array of services was evident during Junior League’s 37th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon where 43 women were nominated for this illustrious award. Every nominee demonstrated her devotion to a worthy cause and, through her dedicated efforts, has made our community a stronger and better place. This was just one of many events showcasing the volunteer work in our community.
6. Access to Great Minds: Through my roles with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the City of Boca Raton is able to tap into a global network of best practices. Our participation in these organizations opens various opportunities, such as becoming a designated Better Cities for Pets. We continue to search for additional
programs and certifications that can enhance the world-class city we strive to maintain.
7. Strong Economics: The continued attractiveness of Boca Raton is keeping property values high and taxes low, which we can be thankful continued in 2024. Our city’s tax rate had another small decrease–to 3.67 mils. It is a testament to our strong planning, careful investment and outstanding city staff that we can maintain world-class city services and keep the tax rate the lowest of any full-service city in Palm Beach County, and about 60% less than larger cities like Miami.
8. Big Business Presence: With over 13,000 businesses in Boca Raton it is evident that the business community wants to be in our city, too. There were many new ribbon cuttings in 2024 and I look forward to welcoming more businesses in 2025. Highlights include the Innovative Solutions corporate headquarter relocation to Boca Raton, New York’s famed H&H Bagels opening their first Florida outpost in Boca Raton, Wells Fargo Advisors’ office expansion, Withum’s new larger Boca Raton office, and Ocean Bank opening its first Palm Beach County branch in Boca Raton.
9. Centennial: While it is exciting to reflect on the past year, the anticipation of the future is also something to
recognize. This year we will celebrate 100 years of Boca Raton. I am excited to remember our roots and plant the seeds for the next 100 years. With a concert, drone show and community celebrations planned for all year I look forward to participating in a year-long bash. The events kick off with BocaFest, a new festival at Mizner Park on Jan. 25th. The city will soon debut a website dedicated to all centennial happenings so you can stay informed.
10. Downtown government campus: After many years of discussing the redevelopment of the city’s downtown government campus, ideas for transforming the roughly 30 acres are in the works. In early 2025 the city will begin to review bids for plans to bring a new city hall, community center, public facilities and other amenities to a key part of Boca Raton.
As always, I’m grateful to serve the people of Boca Raton! You can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@ myboca.com, and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.
Wishing you and yours a safe, happy and healthy New Year!
Council Corner: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…in Boca!
By Marc Wigder, Boca Raton Council Member & CRA Chair
I’m Councilman Marc Wigder and am pleased to bring you this holiday update during this exciting time for Boca Raton. With the Season in full swing, lights glimmer a little brighter in Boca as we enjoy the holiday trees and spectacular winter decorations in our Downtown Boca, Midtown and BRiC districts. Likewise, we often see people going all out decorating their homes and apartments beautifully for the winter season. And there are so many events going on around Boca it’s sometimes hard to keep up! Our talented staff also continues to plan for our city’s Centennial in 2025, which will feature citywide events recognizing this important historic milestone for all things Boca.
At City Hall, the City Council and staff are working hard on several prioritized initiatives, which include considering the reimagining of our downtown government campus, much in need of replacement after 60+ years of valiant service to the community. We are also very fortunate to have recently extended the term of our downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, which reinvests dollars that would otherwise leave the city, to implement important infrastructure and community benefit improvements. Together with public-private partnership opportunities
recently received, Boca Raton is in a very unique position to have private companies participate in the improvements we need, which in turn significantly reduces impact to our taxpayers. We have just begun exploring this opportunity and have engaged the best consultants in the country to properly evaluate the needs of our community, and produce the best product for Boca’s next generation. There will be many public input opportunities during the planning phase so stay tuned.
Additionally, Boca Raton and the Beach and Parks District recently approved a paddle facility in Boca Teeca and broke ground on the first fully accessible playground at Patch Reef Park, where our new pickleball courts and covered pavilion are also under construction. An updated Boca Raton park system master plan is in the works.
I’m excited to report the city has hired its first Director of Transportation & Mobility, who is already hard at work implementing the city’s Vision Zero and Safe Streets For All programs funded in part through innovative grants. We are also considering improvements to our east portion of Palmetto Park Road to make it nicer and safer for pedestrians; yet still recognizing its importance as an arterial and evacuation route.
In addition to all the events going on for the holidays all over the city, as we near the city’s Centennial in 2025 there are many wonderful exhibits to check out that celebrate Boca Raton, its illustrious history and our positive progress.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art recently opened its exhibit called Splendor and Passion including art from Baroque Spain. It also features art from contemporary Spanish artist Felix de la Concha, who painted several works commissioned by the Museum in honor of the city’s centennial featuring historic crossroads of Boca Raton.
The Boca Raton Historic Society & Museum located downtown in Boca Raton’s original Town Hall also opened its Centennial exhibit celebrating all things Addison Mizner, including historic pictures, artifacts and art. It is not to be missed.
And that’s not all! Don’t forget the Boca Raton Bowl is December 18th at Florida Atlantic University, winter festivities continue at Mizner Park before and after Christmas, and New Year’s Eve parties will be happening all over our community. You can find a list of important city projects and holiday events at myboca.us or at the downtown website DowntownBoca.Org. As always, your Council is available and interested to hear your ideas to make Boca Raton even better. Please contact me at mwigder@myboca. us or call at (561) 334-9709. It’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy Boca Raton and all the amazing things happening... and the great weather!
Do not forget to be alert for safety updates and important news, and have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year. 100 years of Boca Raton, celebrating all year in 2025!
Memo from County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon: Did You Change Your Address?
By Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional
Tax Collector serving Palm Beach County. You can reach her office by Email: ClientAdvocate@ taxcollectorpbc.com. Phone: (561) 355-4271.
As 2024 comes to a close I want to take this time to thank you for being part of the “Tax Talk” family and know that I thoroughly enjoy chatting with you each month. I hope you enjoy hearing more about my office, Palm Beach County and the occasional news about my cats, Biden and Bader. They bring me so much joy, even when they are just being cats and lounging around.
I also want to take this time to wish you, your family, friends and even your pets—we can’t forget them—a very happy holiday season. Whether you are enjoying the holidays here in South Florida or traveling to be with
family, take time to recharge and relax and enjoy all the traditions that the holidays so befittingly offer. I look forward to communicating with you in 2025!
Happy holidays and Happy New Year!
New Address Change Requirements. Did you know that there were recent changes made to the proof of address documents required for driver licenses and ID cards? These documents verify that driver license and ID card applicants are residents of Florida by requiring two pieces of qualifying documents in their name.
This new requirement is a simple process for most individuals; however, others may not have certain documents that contain their name and address. For example, teens getting their learners permit or individuals living with family members. Under this new address change requirement those individuals have a few options: They can complete a Certification of Address document and have it signed by our staff during their reservation
or they can have it signed by a notary prior to their reservation.
In addition to the certification of address form, this new change requires the applicant to bring two additional documents containing the name of the person with whom they are residing. For a complete list of the new required driver license and ID card documents visit pbctax.gov/ driver-license/.
Hello, may I help you? Our Client Care Representatives in our Client Care & Research Center (call center) are ready to take your call or answer your email and help you with your questions. This year we have added an additional five representatives to help keep wait times to a minimum during our busy season. With an average of 1,700 calls coming into the call center each day we are proud that we have reduced wait times to an average of five minutes. While the team is working hard to answer all calls quickly this time of year you may experience longer than normal wait times so we appreciate your patience. Representatives can be reached at (561) 355-2264 and are available Monday – Friday, 8:15 am to 5 pm.
Don’t want to call us? You can always email us at clientadvocate@pbctax.com for assistance and you can expect a response from one of our Client Care Representatives within two business days.
Found Money? Did you know there could be thousands of dollars waiting for you? Some clients overpay on their transactions, and if this happens we issue a refund check for the overpaid amount. If the refund is returned to us as undeliverable we continue to attempt to issue the refund. Once we have explored all refund options we post a list of unclaimed funds on our website hoping that clients can reclaim the money due to them. We hold onto these funds for at least one year. If the funds remain unclaimed we forward those funds to the state of the last known address.
Currently, there is more than $749,000 in unclaimed funds available. So I encourage you to check if your name is on the list to see if there are funds waiting for you. Visit Palm Beach County Unclaimed Funds and State of Florida Unclaimed Funds for more information, and good luck!
Important Dates & Holidays:
December 24th Christmas Eve – Tax Collector Offices
Closed
December 25th Christmas Day – Tax Collector Offices
Closed
December 26th Kwanza Begins
December 31st New Year’s Eve
December 31st Last Day to Receive 3% Property Tax
Discount
December 31st IPP:3rd Installment Payment Due
From the Desk of Commissioner Marci Woodward: A Message from Marci
Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year resident of Boca Raton, was elected in November 2022 as Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner. She serves on the following board of directors as a representative of the county commission: Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency; South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
This month’s local elections brought exciting changes, and as the Board of County Commissioners we are thrilled to welcome two new commissioners: Commissioner Bobby Powell (District 7) and Commissioner Joel Flores (District 3). I look forward to working alongside them to make Palm Beach County the best place to live, work, and play.
At the same time it’s a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to Commissioner Mike Barnett, the former District 3 commissioner. It has been a pleasure sitting beside you in chambers and I will miss seeing you around. I know you’ll continue to do great things in the future. Best of luck, Mike.
Additionally, I’m excited and honored to serve as Chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) Governing Board. As many of you know, transportation has become a passion of mine and I’ve dedicated myself to improving mobility across Palm Beach County--whether it’s through cars, trains, buses or walking. I’m eager to take on this new role and tackle the transportation challenges that lie ahead with a forward-thinking approach.
A heartfelt congratulations to Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado on her election as Vice Chair. I’m looking forward to working together and supporting each other over the next year as we continue to move our region forward.
I’d also like to bid a fond farewell to Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan. Tim has been an outstanding Chair and I’m grateful for his leadership and friendship. I wish you the best of luck.
Wishing you all a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Michael and I are looking forward to spending some time with family in South Carolina. Hope you have a wonderful celebration filled with love and gratitude.
Bonefish Cove Update. I had the exciting opportunity to witness firsthand the ongoing transformation at Bonefish Cove in Lake Worth Beach. A barge carrying sand and a crane arrived, continuing the creation of the first island in this important project.
Palm Beach County, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has made significant enhancements to the original design. These updates ensure that the traditional boating route to the Intracoastal Waterway remains unobstructed, preserving easy access for local boaters.
When completed the project will feature two intertidal mangrove islands, each with a bird nesting mound. Surrounding these islands will be intertidal oyster reefs, creating a thriving and biodiverse ecosystem. For a firsthand look at this exciting transformation head over to the Bryant Park boat ramp and enjoy a view across the Intracoastal.
Huge thank you to Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management to witness the project’s progress and visit Snook Islands and Tarpon Cove to get a glimpse of what the completed islands will look like.
Veterans Day. Participating in the Veterans Day event hosted by VFW Post 10556 at Veterans Park is always an honor. Thank you to Commander Goodin for including me in this meaningful occasion.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is the opportunity to publicly thank and honor our veterans. I hope each of them left feeling deeply appreciated and proud of the incredible service they’ve given to this country. A special highlight from the event: the oldest veteran in attendance was 95 years old and the youngest was just 28. Such a remarkable range of experience and dedication!
To all the veterans, I am profoundly grateful for the years you’ve devoted to protecting America. We are truly blessed because of your courage and sacrifice.
Nonprofit Spotlight. Community Greening is a remarkable local nonprofit dedicated to expanding South Florida’s tree canopy. By mobilizing volunteers and partnering with likeminded organizations they’re making a meaningful impact-enhancing the environment, creating more sustainable neighborhoods, and fostering equity in our communities.
I recently had the chance to visit one of their impressive projects in Delray Beach. Their efforts include adding shade trees to public parks and schools, as well as transforming vacant lots into “urban orchards” filled with fruit trees. Much of their planting stock comes from the nursery at the HabCenter in Boca Raton, which provides a steady supply of trees for their initiatives.
Excitingly, Community Greening has plans to address “hot spots” in the Glades area of western Palm Beach County, where shade is sorely needed. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing their impact in our parks. These recreation spaces are already wonderful but adding more trees will make them even better.
Did you Know? Every year the Board of County Commissioners selects a mayor to preside over commission meetings.
Every year the Board of County Commissioners selects a mayor to preside over commission meetings and serve as the ceremonial head of Palm Beach County government. I would like to extend my congratulations to fellow commissioner Maria Marino, who was selected to serve as mayor.
A vice mayor is also selected to assume these duties in the absence of the mayor. Congratulations to commissioner Sara Baxter for being selected to serve as vice mayor.
The position of county mayor, introduced by former commissioner Steven Abrams, was created in 2013 and replaced the title of chair. The reason for this was to heighten the board’s visibility by increasing public awareness of the role of the commission since the general public identifies more with a mayor than a board chair.
Having a county mayor benefits us regionally when partnering with the mayors of Miami-Dade and Broward counties and provides a stronger voice in Washington and Tallahassee.
The three most populous counties in Florida are a powerful force when united together on common issues such as economic development, transportation funding and environmental issues including Everglades restoration.
If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
Asset Protection in Estate Planning
You’re beginning to accumulate substantial wealth, but you worry about protecting it from future potential creditors. Whether your concern is for your personal assets or your business, various tools exist to keep your property safe from tax collectors, accident victims, health-care providers, credit card issuers, business creditors, and creditors of others.
To insulate your property from such claims, you’ll have to evaluate each tool in terms of your own situation. You may decide that insurance and a Declaration of Homestead may be sufficient protection for your home because your exposure to a claim is low. For high exposure, you may want to create a business entity or an offshore trust to shield your assets. Remember, no asset protection tool is guaranteed to work, and you may have to adjust your asset protection strategies as your situation or the laws change.
Liability insurance is your first and best line of defense
Liability insurance is at the top of any plan for asset protection. You should consider purchasing or increasing umbrella coverage on your homeowners policy. For business-related liability, purchase or increase your liability coverage under your business insurance policy. Generally, the cost of the premiums for this type of coverage is minimal compared to what you might be required to pay under a court judgment should you ever be sued.
A Declaration of Homestead protects the family residence
Your primary residence may be your most significant asset. State law determines the creditor and judgment protection afforded a residence by way of a Declaration of Homestead, which varies greatly from state to state. For example, a state may provide a complete exemption for a residence (i.e., its entire value), a limited exemption (e.g., up to $100,000), or an exemption under certain circumstances (e.g., a judgment for medical bills). A Declaration of Homestead is easy to file. You pay a small fee, fill out a simple form, and file it at the registry where your deed is recorded.
Dividing assets between spouses can limit exposure to potential liability
Perhaps you work in an occupation or business that exposes you to greater potential liability than your spouse’s job does. If so, it may be a good idea to divide assets between you so that you keep only the income and assets from your job, while your spouse takes sole ownership of your investments and other valuable assets. Generally, your creditors can reach only those assets that are in your name.
Business entities can provide two types of protection — shielding your personal assets from your business creditors and shielding business assets from your personal creditors
Consider using a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company (LLC) to operate the business. Such business entities shield the personal assets of the shareholders, limited partners, or LLC members from liabilities that arise from the business. The liability of these owners will be limited to the assets of the business.
Conversely, corporations, limited partnerships, and LLCs provide some protection from the personal creditors of a shareholder, limited partner, or member. In a corporation, a creditor of an individual owner is able to place a lien on, and eventually acquire, the shares of the debtor/shareholder, but would not have any rights greater than the rights conferred by the shares. In limited partnerships or LLCs, under most state laws, a creditor of a partner or member is entitled to obtain only a charging order with respect to the partner or member’s interest. The charging order gives the creditor the right to receive any distributions with respect to the interest. In all respects, the creditor is treated as a mere assignee and is not entitled to exercise any voting rights or other rights that the partner or member possessed.
Certain trusts can preserve trust assets from claims
People have used trusts to protect their assets for generations. The key to using a trust as an asset protection tool is that the trust must be irrevocable and become the owner of your property. Once given away, these assets are no longer yours and are not available to satisfy claims against you. To properly establish an asset protection trust, you must not keep any interest in the trust assets or control over the trust.
Trusts can also protect trust assets from potential creditors of the beneficiaries of the trust. The extent to which a beneficiary’s creditors can reach trust property depends on how much access the beneficiary has to the trust property. The more access the beneficiary has to the trust property, the more access the beneficiary’s creditors will have. Thus, the terms of the trust are critical.
There are many types of asset protection trusts, each having its own benefits and drawbacks. These trusts include:
• Spendthrift trusts
• Discretionary trusts
• Support trusts
• Personal trusts
• Self-settled trusts
Since certain claims can pierce domestic protective trusts (e.g., claims by a spouse or child for support and state or federal claims), you can bolster your protection by placing the trust in a foreign jurisdiction. Offshore or foreign trusts are established under, or made subject to, the laws of another country (e.g., the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Belize, Jersey, Liechtenstein, and the Cook Islands) that does not generally honor judgments made in the United States.
A word about fraudulent transfers
The court will ignore transfers to an asset protection trust if:
• A creditor’s claim arose before you made the transfer
• You made the transfer with the intent to defraud a creditor
• You incurred debts without a reasonable expectation of paying them
From The Professionals’ Desks
Another Word from the Editor
At the risk of being redundant—in that I complimented Dale Brown on another recent column of hers, something I rarely do because I am so proud of all the excellent and informative columns provided by our writers every month in their respective areas of expertise that I would soon overdo it—I cannot resist pointing out how perfectly she has stated in her column here the very message that I have been wanting to express to many in my own life. Thank you, Dale. No wonder you are a Certified Life Coach. — NAS, Editor
Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living: “Now Can We Please Get Along?”
By Dale Brown, B.S., M.A., C.E.C.
Dale is a motivational speaker who has spent many years as a Certified Life Coach and has written numerous articles and e-books relating to selfimprovement and ways to build a high-performance team. She is the author of the book, “Small Steps... Big Changes: The Personal Stories of a Life Coach.” Her education and years of experience in physical fitness and training of elite athletes has enabled her to sharpen her knowledge in many health-related areas. The following introduces a new approach to Ms. Brown’s series of columns devoted to many topics that deal with the mind/body connection and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can be reached at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com.
As I sit down to write this article I’m saddened with all that has transpired during this very contentious election our country endured. Maybe things didn’t go your way, but regardless of the outcome America has spoken. We now have to accept this truth and move on with our lives with hope that what divided us can someday bring us together.
As I reflect on this past year I’m concerned by how many people have become disconnected with friends and family members. You may have found yourself scratching your head wondering why it’s so hard to talk to even your closest relations if you disagree. Why have people disengaged from one another just because they see things differently?
These times may seem troubling, but it’s not all that different from what our forefathers lived through and survived. It’s the challenges that have changed. We live in an age of technology and the internet has opened up a
whole new avenue in which to receive information. What you watch and who you listen to influences your view. Where you live and how you were raised plays into your perspective. This may be understandable, but it would appear to me that people are just plain angry over any and everything. This misdirected anger is often harmful to others in your path, especially to those you love.
Sometimes it takes a reality check for someone to realize that words and gestures are hurtful and unkind. This is an example of an incident that happened to me recently: I was pulling into a parking space at Publix, which in itself can be dangerous. Thinking that the driver of an oncoming car didn’t see me, I gave my horn a blast. With that the driver threw me the middle finger with a nasty remark and expression to go along with it.
As he hurried off I clearly said within earshot, “I didn’t deserve that, I simply thought you didn’t see me.” Upon my return I was surprised to find a note on my windshield that read, “I’m sorry, I’m just so used to people blowing their horns for no reason that I overreacted. You’re right, you didn’t deserve it!” This may be a stretch as an act of kindness, but to me it was enough to restore my belief that people are basically kind at heart. They might just need a little wake-up call.
It begs the question, “Why is this happening and why have people become disconnected?” It might be a byproduct of external factors such as excessive exposure to social media, or internal factors such as anxiety, stress, depression or lack of sleep. Disconnection happens when something gets in the way of the energy flow between people. It could stem from a misunderstanding, misinterpretation, miscommunication or simply from one person becoming distracted.
There are other reasons, too, that cause more isolation
than in the past. People have friends over for dinner 45% less often than they used to. Fenced backyards, coupled with the disappearance of front porches and verandas, have made residences more private. At least a minimum of three hours a day are spent indoors watching TV, surfing the net, texting or talking on the phone. Even in gated communities where many people know one another the tendency is still one of privacy. When the doorbell rings I can assure you it will not be a neighbor stopping by unexpectedly for a cup of coffee.
As we look to a new year there is no better time to turn over a new leaf. Let us all take a step back and accept others for who they are, regardless of whether we share their opinions. Try if you will to rethink your new year resolutions and make a list that might go something like this:
I accept the will of the people even if I don’t agree. I will try to understand the differences of opinion and why so many disagree with one another.
I will keep my cool and try not to stress over what I cannot control.
I will temper my strong views and be willing to listen to another perspective.
I will make this year a “year of acceptance.”
I will channel my energy into living a more purposeful life.
I will share the holidays with friends and family and promise to get along, even if we don’t see eye to eye.
In conclusion, I’d like to thank all my fellow readers who have supported me and read my column throughout the years. Your comments, notes and compliments have been my inspiration. I wish all of you Happy Holidays and a very healthy New Year!
Medical Matters: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
By
Richard Nagler, M.D., a member of Broken Sound Club and retired physician. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Nagler served his internship and residency at Baltimore City Hospital and Johns Hopkins. He followed that with a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine, and was then Chief of Gastroenterology at Fitzsimons General Army Hospital in Denver. He returned to the Yale Medical School for one year as an Assistant Professor of Medicine before opening his own successful private practice in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. During that time, he also served for ten years as Chief of Medicine at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, N.Y.
Diverticulosis is a medical condition where small bulging pouches form in the lining of the digestive system, almost all in the large intestine (colon). These openings are usually multiple, easily visualized during a routine colonoscopy as a screening procedure.
What happens is that naturally weak areas in the wall of the colon, most commonly on the left side, give way under pressure from gas, feces or straining due to inefficient defecation. They protrude outward through the wall. It is found in more than 40% of adults and 60% of seniors.
Most people with diverticulosis never develop any symptoms. However, 4% (about 200,000 people) will develop diverticulitis when one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected with bacteria-laden waste. These patients have diverticulitis with constant and persistent sharp abdominal pain, usually on the left side of the abdomen, but it can occur on the right side as well. Nausea and vomiting, chills, fever, abdominal tenderness and a change in bowel habits–more often constipation, but diarrhea can be present. GI bleeding is common.
The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age, obesity, smoking, lack of physical exercise and diets high in animal fats and low in fiber. Certain medications are associated with an increased risk, such as steroids, opioids, some antihypertensives and NSAIDs.
About 25% of patients with diverticulitis will develop complications from it. Pus may collect in an affected pouch and form an abscess. Intestinal blockage may develop secondary to scarring. A fistula, which is an abnormal connection between other sections of the colon or other abdominal organs such as the liver, bladder, skin or pelvis may occur.
The most ominous complication is the rupture of an infected pouch spilling fecal intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity causing peritonitis, which is a medical emergency.
The diagnosis is made by having the patient describe the symptoms, how frequent they are and how severe. Are they continuous or occasional, is there anything that makes symptoms worse or better, is there fever, any pain in urination, any rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and what medications are they currently taking?
On physical examination, palpation of the abdomen will detect any tenderness, keeping in mind that there are other conditions to consider, such as appendicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
A CBC and urine test will show signs of infection, and a stool examination can rule out another infection, especially when there is diarrhea.
Colonoscopy is not an option because of the danger of perforation. A CT scan is effective in identifying inflamed or infected pouches, the severity of the process and any associated pathology, such as cancer of the colon.
Treatment depends upon the severity of the signs and symptoms of the disease. For mild cases, which are most common, patients can be treated at home. A liquid diet for several days complemented by oral antibiotics for seven to 10 days is usually successful in inducing a remission.
Thereafter, the follow-up shows that 33% will have no further episodes, 33% will have some later mild episodes and 33% will be hospitalized eventually with a more serious bout with the disease.
In the hospital IV antibiotics, IV fluids and rest with only liquids permitted orally is the regimen, and if an abscess has formed the insertion of a drainage tube is done. Surgery is mandated when there is a large abscess, a fistula, obstruction, perforation with peritonitis, multiple frequent serious episodes and a weakened immune system.
There are two types of surgery. A primary bowel resection where diseased segments of the colon are removed, and the remainder of the colon segments hooked back together. This can be accomplished by laparoscopic or open surgery.
When the degree of inflammation is too severe or extensive and it is impossible to remove all the infected areas and hook back the normal segments, a temporary colostomy is done with a normal segment of colon attached to an external bag to put the colon at rest and await the calming down of the infection with medical treatment. Once this has been accomplished the segments can be hooked up and the colostomy closed.
After surgery, usually after six to eight weeks when everything has subsided, a colonoscopy should be done to rule out an underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) the risk of which is 33% higher in these patients.
To some extent the development of diverticulitis can be diminished by physical exercise, which promotes regular bowel function and lowers pressure in the colon. Eating less red meat and more fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains soften waste material and help it pass faster in the colon. Good hydration also softens waste and accelerates its passage. No smoking, weight reduction and avoidance of opioids, NASAIDs and steroids are recommended.
Legal: Real Property Taxes
By
Michael J Posner, Esq., a partner at Lippes Mathias LLP, a full-service law firm representing clients in a variety of practice areas in 16 offices nationwide. He can be contacted by phone at (561) 594-1442 or by email at mjposner@lippes.com.
It is November again and that means real property taxes for the year 2024 are finally due and payable. As an incentive to early payment, state law provides a discount of four percent if the taxes are paid in November. This discount declines each month by one percent (three percent in December, two percent in January and one percent in February) with full payment due on or before March 31st, 2025.
Each year the property appraiser determines the value of real property in the county with an effective valuation date as of January 1st. This valuation is broken down into several categories. The “just value” (or total market value) is a property’s market value. The “assessed value” is the just value minus assessment limitations discussed below. The taxable value is the assessed value minus exemptions such as homestead and widows, and this is the value used by the tax collector to calculate the amount of taxes due.
The just value is often substantially (25 to 35 percent) below the actual value of property. For example, a house in Wellington currently shows a total market value of $626,268 as of January 1st, 2024. That same house sold for $827,500 in September 2024, and per realtor.com’s valuations, as of January, 2024, CoreLogic set the value at $854,600; Collateral Analytics at $895,000; and Quantarium at $800,464. While not explicitly stated, this
disconnect is due to several factors. One factor is that while a home may be worth $800,000, the net value after sale costs is usually about seven percent lower ($744,000). In addition, the need to keep tax costs down helps dampen valuations.
Assessment limitations are imposed on increases in taxable value based on statutory caps adopted under Florida law. Florida currently has two separate caps, the three percent cap for homestead property and the ten percent cap for nonhomestead property.
In 1995 Florida voters approved an amendment to the Florida constitution to impose a three percent cap for homestead property, known as the Save our Homes law. This was in response to ever rising valuations for real property that threatened to force seniors from their homes over high taxes. The law states: Assessments subject to this subsection shall be changed annually on January 1st of each year; but those changes in assessments shall not exceed the lower of the following: a. Three percent (3%) of the assessment for the prior year. b. The percent change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, U.S. City Average, all items 1967=100, or successor reports for the preceding calendar year as initially reported by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In order to qualify for the Save our Homes cap, a homeowner must have a valid homestead exemption for the subject property. Homestead status is automatically granted under the Florida Constitution, but in order to be eligible for Save our Homes and other applicable exemptions, an owner must (i) have title and reside in the property prior to January 1st; and (ii) file a homestead application with the local property appraiser before March 1st of each year.
The Good Life: Dining,
In addition to the constitutional protection for homestead property, the voters of Florida in 2008 adopted a ten percent cap on increases in assessments for non-homestead property. This constitution states:
Assessments subject to this subsection shall be changed annually on the date of assessment provided by law; but those changes in assessments shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the assessment for the prior year.
This cap does not require any filing or action and applies to any property that does not have the homestead exemption. However, the 10% cap does not apply to school district levies, which levies have no cap on annual increases.
These exemptions do not stay with the property forever, and transfers can reset the valuation. For example, a property that has a Save our Homes homestead exemption that is sold to a buyer who immediately moves in and applies for homestead will not retain the capped assessed value, and instead, effective the next tax year will have a new capped assessed value based on the just value for that new tax year. However, the seller may be able to take that lower capped assessed value to a new home they buy through portability, a topic we will discuss in the next column.
In addition, transfers for estate planning or tax planning purposes may also trigger a revaluation. The Florida constitution states that “After a change of ownership or control, as defined by general law, including any change of ownership of a legal entity that owns the property, such property shall be assessed at just value as of the next assessment date.” For example, a deed from an owner to his/her personally owned limited liability company will trigger a new valuation despite the fact that the owner is the sole owner of the company.
Drinks, Destinations
Dining Out: An Invitation That Makes This
By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire
Country Club. Hungry Al’s love for food started very young. Never satisfied with his Mom’s dishes, he started to cook his way through her “Betty Crocker Cookbook.”
During the years to follow he spend many hours working in restaurants, both as server and cook, attending cooking classes and traveling the world in an effort to expand his palette. As a professional writer, Hungry Al offers his perspective on current food trends and guides you through your local restaurant options.
Casalina Ristorante Italiano 16950 Jog Road
Delray Beach, FL 33446 (561) 381-0037
casalinarestaurant.com
Food For Thought: For some reason most folks think that food writers go around to various eating establishments on an open carte blanche ticket to eat their way to food nirvana. Sorry to burst your imaginary bubble, but it’s not that good! For Hungry Al, (that’s me) I’m not reimbursed in the true sense of a food writer. That’s basically because this is not my full-time job. Wish it was, but then again my bathroom scale is happy it’s not.
For me, I do this out of my personal passion for the art of food and wordsmithing. And let us not forget that eating comes easy for me. Which brings me back to the few perks I encounter as a published food writer.
Once in a blue moon I get an inquiry about a special food event or tasting. They don’t come often, but occasionally they give me an opportunity to visit with the rest of the food community and stay current on the local dining scene.
Recently, a public relations firm invited me to a media food tasting at a new restaurant opening called Casalina. Normally, I would avoid these promotional events. However, I was reminded by the editor of this publication that I should remain objective to my readers and not feel compelled to over-season my review. Thankfully, there’s no check at the end of the meal! With fingers crossed, Casalina delivered an excellent meal that made this Hungry Al’s job easy and my stomach satisfied. Hopefully, they will stay consistent for you and this wasn’t a “one-hit wonder.”
First Impressions: If you used to live in my neighborhood you probably remember Angelo Elia Pizza, an Italian restaurant on Jog Road sharing the strip center where you would find Henry’s Restaurant. For some unknown reason it closed its doors and sold off to another restaurateur group from Miami.
The new version is called Casalina, and it’s definitely an improvement over its previous owners. There are some notable changes in décor but they are minimal. The interior façade
utilizes darker woods and offers a more elegant look with cloth tablecloths, proper flatware and ample number of servers. The long bar still remains, and so does the happy hour we often enjoyed in the past.
Dining Out on page 15
Prime Your Taste Buds: It was smart of these restaurateurs to keep some of the favorites from Angelo Elia Pizza.
Dining Out from page 14
Remember those delicious chicken meatballs bathing in a wellseasoned broth? Well, it doesn’t have to be a distant memory because they resurrected it to an even better version of itself.
Hungry M and I also shared the Vongole Oreganata ($22) and we couldn’t decide if we liked the baby clams with the bread crumbed oregano crust or the garlic buttery sauce we kept sopping up as though we were in fencing competition with bread sticks.
Straight From the Kitchen: Hungry M, is one who gravitates to the basics and a Chicken Parmigiana ($38) was his selection. To Hungry Al this dish has a few requirements that are not excusable. One is the chicken has to be tender and not burnt on its bottom side. Secondly, the cheese needs to be of high quality and not burnt on its upside. Fortunately, they didn’t miss the mark on any of these demands. Certainly worth having again!
Hungry Al decided on the Scaloppine Marsala ($37) for his entrée of the night. Thankfully, the veal was tender and could be easily sliced with a butter knife! I have cooked this at home many times and the secret is in the sauce. You have to have fresh Marsala wine and, hopefully, a source for much needed
demi-glace. This stock reduction is not an easy process and I was fortunate to have chef friends who would give me some to freeze.
Now, rather than cooking at home I have Casalina to offer up this correctly prepared dish. Wild mushrooms and the thick wine-sweetened sauce made for a perfect bite without the work. The sautéed spinach side was amazingly flavorful with only a hint of garlic and perfectly cooked for a guy who does not like spinach.
As an add-on I had requested the Spaghetti Carbonara ($24), one of my all-time favorites. Here the chef excelled with perfect al dente cooked pasta, the proper rendered use of guanciale, and the blend of egg yolk with Pecorino grated cheese to make a silky creamy sauce. Loved it!
From The Dessert Tray: Our choices for a bit of sugar tonight were the Tiramisu and the Panna Cotta ($12). For a guy who’s not overly excited about Tiramisu I relied on our excellent waiter to twist my arm in trying their version of the very popular Italian dessert. I have to confess I might be a convert. They masterfully combined the whipped mixture of egg yolks, sugar and mascarpone layered between coffee-dipped lady finger pastries with a touch of cocoa powder. If I could send you a picture you’ll be ordering your next dessert to go home.
The Panna Cotta was also excellent but an understatement compared to the Tiramisu. If you like this kind of dessert I will state the texture was correctly well set and lightly sweet in taste.
Check Please: As food writers we are appreciative of these establishments allowing us a free pass to taste and enjoy their offerings. And in return we hope that our evaluations reflect exactly the foods we have experienced to be consistent with their regular menu for valuable patrons to appreciate.
As you know, Hungry Al likes to call it the way it is and, thankfully, I was able to wipe away the sweat from my forehead because Casalina was excellent.
Grape Expectations: Reflections and Celebration!
By Ed Wolfarth,
who recently moved to South Florida after retiring with his wife, Vicki, as Professor of Sports Sciences & Physical Education at both Queens College and Hofstra University. He is a nationally ranked senior tennis player and long-time USPTA Elite Teaching Professional. Ed has written many educational and tennis articles in the past. Over the past few years, Ed has turned his hobby of wine collecting into a way of continuing his passion for writing, and has written on the subject for publications. As a selfproclaimed “wine snob,” he has collaborated on many wine lists for private clubs and a few restaurants. Ed can be reached at wolfarthe@msn.com.
Some believe a person is identified by his or her beliefs, ideologies and opinions. I prefer to identify my friends by their character, their compassion, their smarts, and their tolerance and sense of humor. Because you like California Cabs and I prefer old world reds doesn’t make you a bad person. We should be able to agree to disagree, don’t you think?
In today’s climate of divisiveness, where friends often become enemies because of their beliefs, I am so disheartened and disappointed. Okay, enough of this rant. Just had to get it off my chest. On to the important stuff. The holidays are coming!
What could be more celebratory than the bubbly stuff? Sparkling wines are not only a fixture in holiday times, but terrific food wines as well. Let’s take a look at what’s
on the market today for you to quaff on New Year’s Eve or for any celebratory occasion.
Champagne – There are many myths as to how sparkling wine came about. The most common, however, involves Dom Perignon, a French Monk. In the 1600s, Dom was making white wine and decided to bottle the wine, thinking the fermentation was done. Actually, the yeast had gone to sleep because of the cold weather. What then happened was that the yeast woke up, ate all the sugar and formed CO2. The CO2 had nowhere to go and was absorbed in to the wine. When he went to check his wine, he found corks popping everywhere, and he loved the results. Voila , champagne!
While we are pretty sure the French invented the “Methode Champenoise,” it became so popular that other countries copied it using the same method. Spain calls their sparkling wines Cava. The Italians call theirs Prosecco.
Sparkling wines have four levels of Sweetness: Extra Brut: The yeast has devoured all the sugar. The driest version.
Brut: The most common, with a hint of residual sugar. The winemaker stops the fermentation at just the right time to leave a pleasant sweetness.
Extra Dry : This label can be confusing to many since it is not as dry as Brut or Extra Brut. It’s not cloyingly sweet either, but is noticeably sweeter than Brut wines. Prosecco is most often made in this style.
Demi Sec: This is very sweet and often referred to as dessert wine.
Now let’s see what’s available and what you might have to spend.
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Hopefully, nothing changes just because they were going out of their way to impress us. I even quizzed the management on the size of the portion and quality to reassure myself that it will remain the same for you. They assured me what I saw is what you get...so I have my fingers crossed you will be in for a real treat. Therefore, the Hungry Squad of two gives Casalina four golden small houses and a welcome mat to our neighborhood!
Champagne – Veuve Clicquot NV can be found for $35. NV sparklers are simply grapes from many harvests and can save you a bit of money as opposed to vintage wines. Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut for $40 is another reasonable value in Champagne. Comtesse Gerin Grand Reserve Brut is another “bargain” French Champagne for $40. Remember, Dom Perignon will set you back around $175 a bottle, and Cristal close to $300 per! It’s always advisable to ask your local merchant about a level of sweetness and price that you prefer.
Spanish Cava – My personal choice for an affordable alternative to Champagne. Most can be found for under $20 a bottle. Look for Segura Viudas, Campo Viejo, and my favorite Freixenet Brut or Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut. All for under $20.
Italian Prosecco – When searching for a good Prosecco, look on the label for Valdobbiadene and, to a lesser extent, Conegliano. These are the two finest Prosecco producing regions in Italy. Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, often referred to, but not accurately, as the Prosecco grape. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco is fermented in stainless steel tanks, making it much less costly than Champagne. Good Prosecco will cost you $15 to $20 a bottle. If it’s less, you probably won’t find the name Valdobbiadene or Conegliano on the label, but it will probably be quaffable. American Sparkling Wines – In the Napa Valley of California, many producers are making world-class sparkling wines. Mumm, Domain Chandon, Roederer Estes and Korbel, to name a few. My personal favorite, however, is Domaine Ste. Michelle Lux, from Washington State. It’s bright, jazzy with a hint of tangerine and fine bubbles, and a bit of sweetness. It sells for around $20 and outscored more expensive Champagnes in many blind tastings. Many “bubblies” are affordable and are terrific with Asian cuisine. You don’t have to wait for New Year’s Eve or the next birthday party to enjoy a sparkling wine. I look forward to next year and more “normal” times. Enjoy the holidays, stay safe and healthy, and have a drink on me!
Get Fresh! Tips from The Produce Maven… The Irish Potato Famine
Irving Swedko and his wife, Beverly, are members of Broken Sound Club. He hails from Ottawa, the capital of Canada, where he spent more than 50 years in the produce business that included taking a small fruit and vegetable retail store and expanding it across the city and into other areas to include wholesale, food service and importing, bringing trucks of fresh produce from across the U.S. directly into Ottawa. His experience made him an expert on all things produce-related, from how to select the perfect melon to the best way to store fruits and veggies. After retiring, Irving and his wife Beverly became snowbirds and have been enjoying life at Broken Sound for 20 seasons. He is the proud father of three daughters and looks forward to family time with his seven grandchildren.
The Irish Potato Famine (1845–1852) stands as one of the darkest chapters in European history, highlighting the critical role the potato played in sustaining millions of lives and the devastation that occurred when that lifeline was cut off. Over one million died; two million immigrated. The blight, caused by the Phytophthora infestans fungus, decimated potato crops and left a population that had been reliant on the tuber without its primary food source.
For the Irish people the potato was more than a staple; it was a necessity. The majority of Ireland’s land was owned by English landlords who rented small plots to Irish tenant farmers at high prices. Much of the land was used to grow wheat and corn, which was then sold to pay rent, leaving only a small portion for the farmers themselves to grow food. The rocky, less fertile plots that were left were ideal for potatoes, which thrived even in poor soil conditions.
A typical adult male in Ireland could consume up to 14 pounds of potatoes daily. One acre of potato crops was sufficient to feed a family of four for an entire year. However, when the blight struck in 1845 it caused the potatoes to rot in the ground, leading to widespread hunger. With the blight lasting for seven years farmers couldn’t produce enough food to sustain their families. Many were evicted from their homes by landlords when they couldn’t pay their rent, forcing them to live in makeshift shelters or without shelter at all.
The potato is native to the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, where it was cultivated over 1,800 years ago. When Spanish explorers arrived in South America during the 16th Century they introduced the potato to Europe, and it quickly became a key crop across the continent.
In modern times the potato remains a dietary staple. The average American consumes 124 pounds of potatoes annually. Potatoes are beloved for their versatility and are used in many different forms; 35% of potatoes are turned into French fries, 28% are sold fresh and 13% go into making potato chips. The potato’s adaptability makes it an essential part of meals in cultures all over the world.
There are over 200 varieties of potatoes available in the United States alone, each falling into one of seven categories: russet, red, white, yellow, blue/purple, fingerling and petite. One of the most popular varieties, Yukon Gold, was developed in Ontario, Canada, at the University of Guelph in the 1960s. These yellow potatoes have a buttery flavor and are lower in starch, making them ideal for many different culinary applications.
Although potatoes often get a bad reputation they are packed with nutrients. A medium-sized potato contains about 110 calories and is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and such key vitamins and minerals as vitamin C, B6, potassium, magnesium and iron. Potatoes also have a low glycemic index, meaning they provide a steady release of energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes.
Contrary to popular belief carbohydrates in potatoes, particularly starch, are a healthy part of a balanced diet. Starch, a complex carbohydrate, is digested slowly, ensuring a steady source of energy throughout the day. Potatoes also contain resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic, promoting healthy digestion by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients, capable of being prepared in countless ways. Whether they are fried, boiled, mashed or roasted, potatoes can fit into virtually any meal. However, cooking potatoes to perfection requires some technique.
For example, soaking potatoes in cold water before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can cause them to become sticky or gummy. Adding a little lemon juice or vinegar to the water also helps prevent oxidation when preparing potatoes ahead of time.
For crispy roasted potatoes a general rule of thumb is to parboil them until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. This ensures the exterior becomes perfectly crisp while the inside stays soft. Parboiled potatoes will keep for a couple of days in your fridge prior to roasting, making them a convenient option for preparing in advance.
Avoid adding too much oil as potatoes can absorb excess oil, leading to a soggy texture. Instead, lightly coat the potatoes, ensuring they are dry before roasting.
When choosing potatoes look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes, sprouts or wrinkled skin. Avoid potatoes with green patches, which indicate the presence of solanine, a bitter-tasting compound. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place—never in the refrigerator—as cold temperatures
can cause the starches to convert to sugar, altering the flavor and texture of the potato.
Potatoes are not only an essential crop for feeding the world; they are also relatively sustainable. They require less water than many other crops and produce a high yield per acre. This makes potatoes an efficient crop for regions with limited resources and for combating food insecurity.
The potato has played a central role in history, from its tragic involvement in the Irish Potato Famine to its modernday status as a global food staple. Its versatility, nutritional value and ability to grow in a variety of climates make it an essential part of diets worldwide. Whether mashed, fried or baked, the potato remains a resilient and beloved food for millions.
Second Helpings: A Favorite Recipe from the Past Pages of Boca Club News… Grilled Mushroom and Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing
You’ve served potato salad many times before to family and guests, but never a dish like this! Shitake and Portobello Mushrooms make all the difference.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
• 8 Large Red Potatoes;
• 4 Large Shiitake Mushrooms;
• 2 Large Portobello Mushrooms, stem removed;
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil;
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste;
• 1 Large red onion, finely sliced;
• 2 red bell peppers, cut julienne;
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped thyme leaves’
• ¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley.
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat a gas or charcoal grill to high.
2. Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Slice thinly and place in a large bowl. Cover to keep warm.
3. In a large pot of boiling salted water over high heat, boil the potatoes until cooked but still firm to the touch, approximately 15 minutes. Cut the cooked potatoes into
1-inch cubes and add to the bowl. Add the onion and red bell peppers.
4. Pour the mustard vinaigrette over the warm potato mixture and mix gently to combine. Add the thyme and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Book Review: “’Twas the Bite Before Christmas” The Arts
By Nils A. Shapiro
When I was trying to decide on an appropriate book to review for this December column, several features on the cover of this month’s selection attracted me: the obvious connection to the Christmas holiday, the cute twist of the “Bite” for “Night” in the title and the adorable Dalmatian with the Gingerbread Man cookie in his mouth—an irresistible draw for the doggie lover I am.
What I did not realize until I arrived home, opened the book, noted the author’s credentials and began reading this novel is that I had struck literary gold in my selection! Within the first few pages I understood why David Rosenfelt has developed a massive fan base of readers for his more than 40 already published novels, over half of them about Andy Carpenter, the same attorney who stars in “’Twas the Bite Before Christmas.”
In this novel, Carpenter is serving as defense attorney for a friend and excellent neighbor who, shockingly, has been arrested and charged with the murder of a high-ranking mobster. It turns out that his friend, to the surprise of Carpenter and everyone else in town, has been living among them as part of the government’s witness protection program after having earlier been a part of the mob but who “turned” and gave evidence at great personal risk.
With his friend and client declaring himself to be completely innocent of the new charges, Carpenter must get to the truth about the “evidence” and find the real killer. (He also takes on the responsibility of caring for his friend/client’s two dogs while he is in prison.) This won’t be an easy case: The victim was found dead in the trunk of his client’s car, and his bloodstains on the client’s clothing. It’s a well-told tale with a surprising, satisfying and credible ending. What makes this book special is Rosenfelt’s writing style. But there are so many reasons to love this author
it is difficult to know where to begin. Most importantly, his tongue-in-cheek humor will keep a grin on your face from first page to last. I kept thinking that he would make a great writer for the Saturday Night Live TV show.
Here are just a couple of examples early on when Andy Carpenter is describing how he feels about certain aspects of his family life. (I have omitted large sections of the text for lack of space here and substituted ellipses…)
“I don’t like eggnog, and I don’t think anybody does. It’s too thick and too sweet for my taste…like drinking melted chewing gum. I just tried some again anyway and found that sucking some of this batch through a straw requires either a serious pair of lungs or a hydraulic pump; it’s not nearly good enough to justify that amount of work.
“But the reason I doubt that anyone really likes it is that it’s only popular at Christmas. Good food or drink should not require a holiday to justify consumption…I feel the same way about fruitcakes and candied yams; if you like them, eat them all year. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear about them.”
Or this passage about his son, Ricky.
“Ricky is watching a soccer game.
“He likes soccer.
“I’ve known this for a while, but it’s still jarring. I’m a good parent, so as much as I hate soccer and hate even more that he likes it, I’m not about to say anything or be critical. He has to live his own life and make his own choices, even a ridiculous one like this.
“What are you watching, Rick?”
Essays on Life: The Peddler
By Sonia E. Ravech. Sonia
is a native of Massachusetts and a resident of Broken Sound for more than 30 years. She is the mother of four, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of four. She has been the facilitator of the Broken Sound Memoir Writers’ Workshop for the past seven years.
During the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, door to door salesmen were popular selling such items as Hoover vacuum cleaners, Fuller Brush products, Avon cosmetics, Tupperware, encyclopedias, life insurance, etc. Since these products could be purchased on a payment plan, it was a convenient way for many, especially in lower income families, to buy such luxury items.
Although my parents did buy us kids a set of encyclopedias, they usually could not afford the expensive items these salesmen offered. Instead, my mother depended on the Jewish peddlers who sold small items and allowed her to pay for them over time.
My first memory of such a peddler was Nellie Greenfield. Her hair was salt and pepper, long and thinning and wrapped into a tight bun secured with a tortoise shell comb. Her face was fleshy and wrinkled; a flabby double chin encased her neck. She wore wire rimmed glasses. When she smiled, a gold front tooth glistened in the sunlight that streamed through the kitchen window. She was plump, dressed simply in a cotton printed house dress. Her stockings were rolled like bagels around her ankles, and her feet were encased in sturdy black oxfords. She carried two large satchels; one filled with various household linens… dish towels, tablecloths, sheets, pillowcases and lace doilies. The other was stocked with small pieces of kitchen hardware…potato masher, paring knife, egg beater, measuring cups and spoons.
Nellie came to our house once a month when I was young. She opened her satchels and proudly displayed her wares for Mama to peruse. “Feel the quality. One hundred percent cotton, absorbent and only 50 cents each. If you buy three, I’ll charge you only $1.25. You can pay me just fifty cents a week.”
For many years this is how Mama outfitted her kitchen. As a child, I thought that was how everyone shopped for such items. There were no credit cards in those days, and Mama couldn’t afford such luxuries unless she paid for them a few cents a week.
When Nellie died, Mrs. Elfman took over. She sold more substantial merchandise… pots, pans, bakeware, cutlery, china and flatware. She carried a few samples in her satchels, but most items were selected from a catalogue. When I became engaged, I bought my first set of melamine dishes from her, one place setting at a time. My fiancé was actively serving in Korea, and I thought he would be proud when he returned home and saw the new set of dishes I had purchased with my own money.
“It’s a Premier League game. Liverpool is playing Chelsea.”
“They’re five hours ahead there. Are they playing at midnight?”
“I taped it”
“You taped an English soccer game? Voluntarily?”
“Yup”…
“Does it bother you that they score about once every couple of months?
“Nope.”
…“I watch along with him for a minute or so, pretending to be interested, then I leave. I could watch until someone scores, but by then Bobby’s trial might have started….
“I can’t sugarcoat this or enter a state of denial…The simple fact is that I have a son who prefers soccer to good old American college football.
“I am raising a Communist.”
As if David Rosenfelt’s delightful writing style weren’t enough to have me join his vast base of admiring readers, how about the following: He and his wife live in Maine with 25 of the 4,000 dogs they have rescued. Do I need to say more? *****
On a doggie note, my wife Linda and I will be sharing our first holiday season with Lacey, who joined our family three months ago. Lacey, a “teacup” Maltese who weighs just 3-1/2 pounds, will celebrate her first birthday on December 20th, and is already completely bonded with my wife Linda, as you can see here.
With the advent of the credit card, came the demise of the door to door peddler replaced today by the computer and internet. Just type in what you need and a myriad of choices will pop up on the screen. Make your selection, provide your credit card number, and the next day your purchase will arrive at your front door. This certainly is fast and convenient, but lacking the nostalgia I recall when I was a child and Nellie opened her satchel to reveal her wares.
Film Review: “The Family Man”
By Nils A. Shapiro
Is there anyone of a “respectable” age who does not remember and love the film, It’s a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart? You know–the one in which an angel in the form of an old geezer gives Jimmy a peek at how his life might have turned out if he had done things differently, and how that would have affected others’ lives as well.
That all-time classic 1946 film still shows up around holiday time even these many years later, but I was especially reminded of it while watching a film first released in 2000 and now being streamed on Netflix.
The Family Man is a wonderful example of Nicolas Cage at his best, equally convincing in both aspects of a dual role.
In a brief opening scene set at New York City’s JFK airport, Jack Campbell (Cage) is rushing to catch his flight to London for an important temporary financial training opportunity with Barclay’s Bank, despite his girlfriend, Kate, (Tea Leoni in the role) pleading with him not to go for fear that it will lead to the end of their relationship.
We then see Jack 13 years later—sure enough, a bachelor—now a highly successful, wealthy New York financial executive in the process of putting together a multibillion-dollar corporate merger. When he leaves his office and stops at a small shop on the way home to his penthouse apartment he becomes a bystander in a dangerous situation: the store owner refuses to accept a winning $238 lottery ticket and pay its owner (played by Don Cheadle), claiming the
ticket is a phony. The ticketholder pulls out a gun and threatens to shoot the store owner.
Jack resolves the issue by paying the lottery ticketholder his winnings. But the latter’s strange response—informing Jack that he has now brought the consequences on himself—leaves Jack bewildered.
As we soon learn, in this film the ticketholder serves the same role as the angel in It Happened One Night . For when Jack awakens the next morning, instead of being in his Manhattan penthouse apartment he finds himself in a New Jersey home with a wife, Kate—the former girlfriend he last saw at JFK Airport—and two children!
Confused and panic-stricken, Jack races to his Manhattan office only to be turned away by doorman and staff who don’t recognize him at all. That Jack Campbell no longer exists and this new one realizes that, no matter how or why his life has been turned upside down, he has no choice but to make
the best of it…which means working for Kate’s father, in the man’s auto dealership. It turns out to be a good life when the love he had felt for Kate those many years ago is rekindled, and the joys of fatherhood added.
But when the business partner of his other, corporate life enters the auto dealership one day the memories of those exciting, luxurious times kick in and Jack manipulates the opportunity into an invitation for a business meeting that leads to a critical decision about which of these two very different lives is right for him.
And then, in a totally unexpected twist of the film’s story line, Jack discovers that the final decision is not really his to make after all!
Fortunately for the readers of this column, the only decision you have to make is whether to find this film on Netflix. And that should be an easy one. The answer is, definitely
