Boca Club News
Christopher Reichart of Gleneagles Takes Top Honors at 8th
Annual
“Chef Showdown”
A sold-out crowd of 313 enjoyed a memorable culinary experience as Delaire Country Club on November 6th hosted the 2025 edition of the annual competition between four of Southern Palm Beach County’s premier country club chefs. The “Chef Showdown” is a charity event benefitting the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports patients throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties who are facing advanced illness and end of life. To date, this year’s Showdown has raised $254,715 in support of Trustbridge’s mission.
By tradition, the winner of each competition serves as the official host for the following year’s event. After capturing the title in 2024, Delaire Executive Chef Glenn Matusik welcomed guests to his home club for this year’s Chef Showdown, supported by Delaire’s outstanding management, banquet and culinary teams.
Guests were greeted by Master of Ceremonies Neil Saffer and an enthusiastic event leadership team that included Event Chair Mickey Rosenzweig, Event Vice Chair Jeff Persily and Event Auction Chair Andrea Cannon. During the cocktail hour guests were invited to participate in a silent auction and to indulge in a tempting array of imaginative hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails presented by each participating club.
Guests were then guided into the ballroom and seated at tables to enjoy the evening’s main program, an Iron Chef-style showdown with each chef creating an original dish that was required to include a surprise “secret ingredient” revealed to each of the chefs within just 30 minutes before he was to begin preparing the dish. This year, the secret ingredient was blood orange, generously donated by Sysco.
Boca, Beatles & Beyond: Morgan Freeman to Headline Beatles on the Beach 2026, March 12th-15th
The legendary Beatles on the Beach Classic Rock Festival is heading to a new home in 2026 … beautiful Boca Raton!
“We’re thrilled to welcome Beatles on the Beach to downtown Boca Raton,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “Our city has become a vibrant destination for world-class arts, culture and live entertainment, and we’re excited that fans from near and far will experience all that Boca Raton has to offer. Hosting this incredible festival at Mizner Park Amphitheater is the perfect encore to our city’s centennial celebrations.”
From March 12th–15th, Beatlemania will sweep across the city as fans and music lovers come together for four unforgettable days of world-class performances, themed events and symphonic rock celebrations inspired by the world’s most iconic band.
Tickets are on sale now at BeatlesOnTheBeach.com and Ticketmaster.com.
Festival of the Arts Boca Celebrates 20th Season
with World-Class Performances
February 27th to March 8th
A cultural milestone takes center stage as Festival of the Arts BOCA celebrates its 20th season, returning to Mizner Park Amphitheater from February 27th to March 8th, and tickets are now on sale for a schedule that promises a signature blend of musical brilliance, thought-provoking ideas and artistic innovation –anchored by this year’s theme: Legends, Luminaries and the Unexpected.
Opening this year’s Festival is the return of the popular Postmodern Jukebox, whose timetraveling musical performances transform today’s chart-toppers into vintage jazz, swing and Motown hits. On Saturday, February 28th, Jurassic Park will be brought to life on the Festival’s state-of-the-art LED screen with live orchestra.
Broken Sound Women’s Club
Hosts Susie Essman, Comedy Star of TV’s Curb Your Enthusiasm Show
By Merle Setren, co-President of the Broken Sound Women’s Club
On Friday, November 21st, more than 360 ladies enjoyed a Welcome Hour of champagne and appetizers in the stunning clubhouse lobby. Then they entered the Illuminations Ballroom, where the dramatic décor featured dim lights and a navy draped wall behind the stage.
Co-Presidents Eilene Schneiderman and Merle Setren welcomed the attendees, summarized the season’s exciting line-up and thanked the staff and event chairs for their tireless work. Prior to the main attraction, guests dined on a sumptuous luncheon of lobster and sea bass. After an exquisite dessert of chocolate hazelnut mousse served in martini glasses, Ellyn Mantell escorted Susie Essman into the room as the catchy theme music from the long-running TV show, Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm , played in the background.
Broken Sound Women’s Club Hosts on page
Festival of the Arts Boca Celebrates on page 7
Christopher Reichart of Gleneagles Takes Top Honors on page 6
Merle Setren (at left) and Susie Essman
The Symphonia Appoints Alastair Willis as Music Director
The Symphonia, South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra, has announced the appointment of Alastair Willis as its first Music Director. After serving as The Symphonia’s Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor for the past five years, the appointment of Mr. Willis marks a significant milestone in the orchestra’s artistic evolution.
Alastair Willis’s tenure continues a distinguished legacy of leadership that has shaped The Symphonia since its inaugural 2004–05 season. Notable predecessors include Philippe Entremont and Alexander Platt, who each served three-year terms as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, and Jeffrey Kaye, who fulfilled the role of Artistic Director for nine years. Together, these visionary leaders have contributed to the orchestra’s growth and development over the past two decades.
A longtime collaborator with The Symphonia, Willis first took the podium as a guest conductor during the orchestra’s earliest seasons and has since played an integral role in broadening its artistic reach. He conceived and introduced New Directions, a series of his own creation that has captivated audiences through its distinctive blend of theatricality and music, offering programs that are as innovative and enriching as they are entertaining.
An acclaimed conductor with an illustrious international career, Willis has led many of the world’s most celebrated
orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, and Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble. In addition to his new role with The Symphonia, he continues to serve as Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Alastair Willis as Music Director of The Symphonia,” said Annabel Russell, Executive Director. “Maestro
Willis’s artistry, imagination and leadership have been instrumental in helping to shape The Symphonia into the dynamic and innovative ensemble it is today. His new appointment reflects our confidence in his vision and our steadfast commitment to presenting performances that are both musically exceptional and profoundly engaging for our community. As Music Director he will guide the orchestra’s artistic evolution and creative growth.”
“I’m honored to deepen my relationship with The Symphonia in this new role,” said Maestro Willis. “This extraordinary chamber orchestra has meant so much to me for two decades. I’m thrilled to continue building programs that inspire and connect with our audiences in new and meaningful ways.”
About The Symphonia. Recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, The Symphonia provides high-quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. Founded in 2004, its performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of area residents with special emphasis on its younger citizens. Follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @ SymphoniaBoca. More at thesymphonia.org.
Bruce and Barbara Bell Endow Relationship Program For Adults with Developmental Disabilities at JARC
JARC Florida, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that provides programs and services to educate and empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, has announced a new initiative made possible through a $100,000 endowment from longtime supporters Bruce and Barbara Bell. The program will serve clients within the Dr. Allen and Annette Stone Adult Day Training Program at JARC, which helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build vocational, social and life skills.
The Bruce and Barbara Bell Relationship Program addresses one of the most profound yet often overlooked needs among neurodivergent adults: understanding and navigating human relationships. Participants in the program will learn about friendship, dating, emotional intimacy and consent in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
“Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities seek the same fundamental life experiences as everyone else: a safe and welcoming home, meaningful employment,
genuine friendships and fulfilling intimate relationships,” said Bruce and Barbara Bell of Boca Raton. “Through this program we hope to empower JARC clients with the knowledge, skills and confidence to form healthy, respectful and enriching connections.”
Without clear guidance individuals with intellectual or development disabilities may face challenges in recognizing appropriate social boundaries or may be vulnerable to manipulation, such as catfishing or emotional abuse. To help mitigate these risks JARC’s facilitators use interactive lessons and guided discussions to help participants build self-awareness, communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Sessions begin with foundational concepts—such as distinguishing between friends, acquaintances and strangers—and gradually progress to more advanced topics including trust, dating and consent. Each class encourages dialogue and peer engagement, helping clients learn to navigate complex emotional and social situations with confidence.
Dr. Rosenbusch has been practicing dentistry for 38 years and has extensive experience in many
Gordon, a JARC client participating in the Bruce and Barbara Bell Relationship Program, said, “I hope to learn about how to develop a friendship. I am looking forward to using what I learn.”
Rebecca, another JARC client, added, “Relationships are complicated. This class will let me feel better prepared to face challenges.”
“JARC Florida’s mission is to educate and empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, through housing, vocational training and community-based programs that promote independence and inclusion,” said Jeffrey Zirulnick, CEO of JARC Florida. “The Bell family’s commitment ensures that relationship education will remain a cornerstone of JARC’s holistic approach to supporting the well-being and lifelong growth of its clients.”
Stephen Miller • Elizabeth Miller Sales
Tom English • Margo Williams
Laura Berrio • Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter • Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias • Anissa Stender
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Michelle Feeney Andie Reynolds
Editor Nils A. Shapiro
More Than 1,500 Participated in B’nai Torah
Congregation’s Mitzvah Day in Boca
B’nai Torah Congregation, the largest conservative synagogue in the Southeastern United States, hosted 1570 people of all ages on November 16th, for “Mitzvah Day” in Boca Raton.
This meaningful morning offered opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to make a difference through acts of kindness, compassion and community connection. There were more than 50 different types of activities and give-back opportunities available for those in attendance. Opportunities included: packing essential items and food for the homeless, collecting and sending candy for the troops, flower arranging for seniors, crocheting dolls and crafts for cancer patients and NICU babies, donating blood, and much more.
Summer Faerman, Director of the TLC Program at B’nai Torah Congregation said, “Mitzvah Day is special because everyone comes together to help the community at large. For me, Mitzvah Day is a chance for everyone to see the different opportunities available in this community, and they can find their niche and what matters personally to them. There is something for everyone. Whether you want to feed the hungry, read to children, clean a sneaker or make a bagel, there is truly something for everyone.”
The Meryl & Ron Gallatin Tzedakah, Learning & Chesed (TLC) Program of B’nai Torah Congregation, led by Summer Faerman, is B’nai Torah’s official source for meaningful Mitzvah opportunities that help make a difference in the
community and throughout the world. A Mitzvah is any of the 613 commandments that Jewish people are encouraged to observe, and more generally refers to any good deed. The ‘Mitzvah of Tzedakah’—giving to charity—is one of the most important and is a common component of synagogue life. At B’nai Torah the commitment to acts of Mitzvot is a critically important focus. The TLC program was developed to teach the core Jewish value of Tzedakah, through learning and action, to people of all ages within the congregation. It was founded in 2012 and has continued to grow in size and scope. This flagship Mitzvah program touches all areas of critical need including hunger, homelessness, literacy, elder care, vulnerable populations, special needs and more. Learn more here: https://btcboca.org/community/tlc-program/.
B’nai Torah Congregation is the largest conservative synagogue in the Southeastern United States with over 1,300 membership families. It is a close-knit, multi-generational, modern, and egalitarian synagogue, which offers diverse services, programs of worship, learning, tzedakah, social action and social activities. B’nai Torah Congregation creates an outlet for arts, culture, and learning as a home to several schools of Jewish education. The synagogue, which offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that enriches the synagogue experience, is a vibrant center for tzedakah acts and projects that touch thousands of people. Learn more at https://btcboca.org.
Boca Raton 2025 Bowl Game at FAU Campus Set
for 2 p.m. on December 23rd
For at least one day the City of Boca Raton will borrow from Boston the nickname of “Beantown” when the most anticipated college football event of the year in Palm Beach County—the 12th Annual Boca Raton Bowl—takes place at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. That’s because the Bush’s Beans company has been announced as the game’s official title sponsor. That naming took place in mid-November, even before the announcement of which two teams would be competing in the game…information not available at the time this issue of Boca Club News was preparing to go to press.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and broadcast on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 106.3. “The Boca Raton Bowl continues to be a can’t-miss celebration of college football and this year will be no exception. We’re excited to once again showcase top-tier talent and deliver a first-class experience for fans, partners and the community,” said Boca Raton Bowl executive director Doug Mosley.
The Boca Raton Bowl, a postseason college football bowl game owned and operated by ESPN Events, has agreements with five conferences (American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, Sun Belt Conference) plus select independents for berths in this year’s game. The game has logged 11 successful years with cumulative viewership surpassing 30 million households and total sponsoring value over $250 million. Over 50 Boca Raton Bowl alumni have gone on to be selected in the NFL Draft and dozens more have entered the league as undrafted free agents.
The two teams selected to compete in the 2025 Boca Raton Bowl will have been announced in early December following the conference championship games.
“Each year, this game brings the energy of bowl season to life in a setting unlike any other. We can’t wait to welcome fans, teams, and viewers nationwide back to Boca Raton and the Palm Beaches,” added Mosley.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bush’s Beans as our title sponsor this year,” said Doug Mosley, Executive Director of the game. “Bush’s Beans is a market leader because they have the best product, one that I’m sure will be present in parking lots as fans tailgate ahead of our bowl game.”
For more information about game tickets and the Boca Raton Bowl, visit www.BocaRatonBowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram. Post-game coverage will, as always, be ready for you in the pages of Boca Club News
Community Foundation’s 13th Annual Founders Luncheon February 13th to Address Area’s Hunger Issues
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties will host its 13th Annual Founders Luncheon on Wednesday, February 11th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Dr. David Himmelgreen, Director for the University of South Florida Center for the Advancement of Food Security & Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), will be keynote speaker; Marshall Field V, a noted philanthropist, will receive the 2026 McIntosh Award for outstanding service.
The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues, holds its Founders Luncheon each year to rally hundreds of donors, nonprofit partners and community leaders around a key community issue.
This year’s event, themed “Hope for Hunger,” will spotlight local donors and nonprofit partners working to ensure reliable access to healthy, affordable food across Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Co-hosts of the event are Jeffrey A. Stoops, Chair of Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO of the Community Foundation.
“Food insecurity affects families in every zip code, often quietly, but with real and lasting consequences,” said DeHaney. “Through this year’s theme, Hope for Hunger, we aim to shine a light on the incredible local organizations ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a future where no one in Palm Beach or Martin County goes hungry.” Himmelgreen, Ph.D., is a biomedical anthropologist and professor in the Department of Anthropology at USF. Dr. Himmelgreen’s research focuses on food insecurity and health, food-as-medicine initiatives and nutrition education. He has conducted research in the United States, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Lesotho and India.
Dr. Himmelgreen founded and directs the USF CAFSHC, a statewide center recognized by the Florida Board of Governors. CAFSHC’s mission is to eliminate food insecurity through research, education and innovative strategies that increase access to affordable, nutritious
Christopher Reichart of Gleneagles Takes Top Honors from page 1
The Showdown featured four standout chefs and their teams:
• Executive Sous Chef Ronnie Bensimon of Broken Sound Club, who served Mint Crusted Lamb Loin with Cauliflower Cream, Roasted Autumn Roots and Fig Bordelaise.
• Sous Chef Hector Roque of St. Andrews Country Club, who offered Brown Butter Basted Ribeye with Horseradish Crust, Smoked Ribeye Cap Croquette, Glazed Porcini Mushrooms and Asparagus, Braised Carrot, Pickled Tomato, Celery Root Purée and Sauce Au Poivre.
• Executive Chef Jeff Terentieff of Boca Woods Country Club, who prepared Long Island Duck Breast with Smoked Parsnip Purée, Pickled Bing Cherries, Confit Croquette and Local Beets.
• Executive Chef Christopher Reichart of Gleneagles Country Club, who presented Australian Wagyu and Lobster featuring Savory Puff Pastry, Australian Wagyu Strip Loin and Butter Poached Lobster.
A distinguished panel of local celebrity judges was tasked with the difficult job of selecting the winner from four exceptional entries:
• Major Christopher Keane, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
• Chef Paul Niedermann, winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 9 and Executive Chef, Jupiter Grill South Florida.
• Burt Rapoport, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group.
• Chef Jamie Simpson, Executive Chef Liaison, The Culinary Vegetable Institute.
As far as the dining guests were concerned it was clear that all four chefs were winners. In the end, however, the judges named Executive Chef Christopher Reichart of Gleneagles Country Club as the 2025 Chef Showdown champion.
By virtue of this victory Chef Reichart and Gleneagles Country Club will serve as the official hosts for the 2026 Chef Showdown, giving culinary enthusiasts throughout the area something special to look forward to. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors the dedication of the event leadership and the Trustbridge team, and the warm hospitality of Delaire Country Club, this year’s event set a high bar for the years to come.
foods and create healthier communities. The center works closely with community partners to design and evaluate programs that improve food security, health and wellbeing. He also co-organized the USF Future of Food Think Tank and is an active member of the Florida Alliance for Food Security, which is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“I look forward to joining the Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ giving community to shed light on what true food security means,” said Dr. Himmelgreen. “It’s crucial in this moment to understand the ecosystem that sustains food access, the threats it faces and proven ways to strengthen it, including approaches like ‘Food Is Medicine’ programs that not only stem hunger but improve health and reduce healthcare costs.”
Marshall Field V of Hobe Sound, a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation, has been named the 2026 McIntosh Award recipient. Named in honor of Community Foundation founders Winsome and Michael McIntosh, the award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, generosity, and service.
Field, a fifth-generation philanthropist from a family celebrated for its civic leadership, is known for his enduring commitment to Martin County through volunteer service and strategic philanthropy. His lifelong passion for environmental conservation, education, healthcare and the arts continues to shape and strengthen the community.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at https://founders.yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Festival of the Arts Boca Celebrates from page 1
On Sunday, March 1st, the boundary-blurring Live Arts Global will present “From Swan Lake to the Stones: A Night of Ballet,” fusing classical ballet and contemporary choreography with some of today’s most renowned dancers from around the world.
The Festival’s Authors & Ideas series runs March 2nd–5th with a dynamic lineup of literary and thought leaders:
March 2nd: Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin – “The Enduring Significance of the American Revolution: A Historical
Perspective.” Goodwin will be in conversation with Dr. Robert Watson of Lynn University, offering audiences a rich dialogue between two distinguished historians.
March 3rd: Walter Mosley , award-winning novelist best known for his crime fiction, joins the series with “The Only True Race is the Human Race.” With a simple, eloquent message, Mosley changes the conversation about race because, to him, there is only one: the human race.
March 4th : Esteemed bioethicist Arthur L. Caplan of NYU Grossman School of Medicine – “In Defense of Science.”
March 5th : Political scientist Dr. Danielle Gilbert –“A Very Particular Set of Skills: Life Lessons from Hostage Negotiation,” exploring how negotiation strategies from hostage situations can apply to everyday life.
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Heart Care Close to Home
March 6th: Music lovers can look forward to an exhilarating second weekend. On Friday, internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Conrad Tao—a former Festival prodigy who first appeared at age 13—returns to perform Rhapsody in Blue and one of his own dazzling original works.
Saturday, March 7th: Genre-defying, Grammy-winning trio Time for Three takes the stage, blending classical training with indie-folk energy.
Sunday, March 8th: The Festival concludes with an evening starring Broadway legend Patti LuPone. In her only Florida performance this season LuPone’s powerhouse vocals and stage presence promise a showstopping finale that will resonate long after the last note.
“As we celebrate this milestone season, we’re honoring the legendary artists who’ve graced our stage and making space for the next generation of greats,” said Joanna Marie Kaye, Executive Director, Festival of the Arts Boca. “This season is a love letter to the power of the arts to surprise, inspire and unite.”
All performances will take place at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Tickets are available now at www.festivalboca. org or by calling (561) 571-5270.
When it comes to treating your heart, time is of the essence. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the new cardiac catheterization lab at West Boca Medical Center allows our cardiovascular team to offer minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing a range of heart disorders from heart attacks to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and more.
Broken Sound Women’s Club Hosts from page 1
For more than an hour attendees got a glimpse into the real Susie’s life as well as that of her irreverent alter-ego, Susie Green, the wise-cracking wife of Larry David’s manager, Jeff Greene, from Curb Your Enthusiasm
Merle Setren posed questions for Susie and encouraged her to share stories about her experience as a stand-up comedian, actress and author. Women expressed their surprise that Susie did not sound like her TV persona as she spoke about her life.
Unlike some of the outrageous characters she has portrayed, Susie described herself as a painfully shy child. Her keen ability to listen carefully and to mimic voices gradually served her well in comedy. She talked about her funny yet practical book, “What Would Susie Say:
1
This year’s festival theme will feature a once-in-alifetime performance by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, with Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, headlining an extraordinary lineup that bridges the worlds of blues, classic rock and symphonic sound.
A Star-Studded Musical Journey
Audiences can look forward to an all-star roster of Beatles tribute acts and Classic Rock icons from across the globe performing at multiple Boca Raton venues, with the main stage set beneath the stars at Mizner Park Amphitheater.
Among the highlights is Live and Let Die: A Symphonic Tribute to Paul McCartney , featuring the world-renowned Tony Kishman, hailed by fans and critics alike as “the quintessential Paul McCartney.” With full live orchestra, world-class musicians and multimedia staging, the show has earned rave reviews and sold-out audiences around the world.
A City-Wide Celebration
“Beatles on the Beach” transforms Boca Raton into a musical playground filled with sun, fun, love and music—a multi-day festival experience like no other. Festival-goers will enjoy a full lineup of themed events and interactive experiences throughout the city, including: BeatleCon – Dress as your favorite Beatle, Rockstar, or 60s/70s icon for prizes and photo ops.
Beatles Bar Crawl – Sip on Magical Mystery Margaritas and Strawberry Fields Frozen Daiquiris at such Mizner Park favorites as The Studio, Crazy Uncle Mike’s, Funky Biscuit, Biergarten and others.
Ringo Starr Art Exhibition – Presented by Ringo’s personal art curator, Neal Glaser, featuring rare and exclusive works by members of The Beatles.
Beatles Yoga, Beatle Bowling, Celebrity Symposiums , and other FAB happenings around town.
Ticket holders will receive special discounts and perks at participating restaurants, bars and merchants across Boca, turning the entire city into a “Magical Mystery Tour.”
A Festival with Heart
Produced by Daniel Hartwell and the United We Rock Foundation, the event supports the Foundation’s mission to transform lives through the power of music.
“Boca Raton is the perfect setting for this next chapter of Beatles on the Beach,” said Hartwell. “It’s vibrant, creative, and full of heart, just like the music of The Beatles. This year’s theme, ‘From the Blues to the Beatles and Beyond,’ truly reflects the universal spirit of connection that music brings.”
About Beatles on the Beach
Hailed as one of Florida’s most exciting and eclectic live music experiences, Beatles on the Beach celebrates the timeless influence of The Beatles and the rock legends who followed. The festival has drawn fans from across the U.S. and abroad, with previous years selling out entirely—and 2026 is shaping up to be its biggest and boldest celebration yet.
Bullshit Wisdom about Life, Love and Comedy.” Guests hung onto every word as Susie described how Larry David creates each episode of Curb , and the closeness of the cast. Attendees watched an entertaining video of scenes from the series, which highlighted its hilarious, organic dialogue.
A ten-minute question and answer period followed. Susie answered each question with insight and humor. As the ladies filed out of Illuminations, the theme music of Curb played once again in the background. Without a doubt, those in attendance could hardly curb their enthusiasm.
West Boca Medical Center Expands Heart Care With New Cardiac Catheterization Lab
West Boca Medical Center is strengthening its commitment to heart health with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, set to open in December 2025. The $1.1-million investment will bring advanced diagnostic capabilities closer to home for patients in southern Palm Beach County, improving access to lifesaving cardiac care.
The new cardiac cath lab will enable physicians to perform minimally invasive procedures that aid in the diagnosis and management of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease. Using thin, flexible tubes called catheters, specialists can identify blockages or other abnormalities within the heart’s arteries, helping guide timely treatment and intervention before more serious complications occur.
“Adding cardiac catheterization services is a major step forward in expanding our cardiovascular care capabilities,” said Dr. Michael Halista, interventional and structural cardiologist at West Boca Medical Center. “For our community, it means faster access to diagnostic care, less need for transfers to other hospitals, and greater peace of mind knowing that these advanced services are available right here, close to home.”
The cardiac cath lab will be designed with the latest imaging technology to provide real-time views of the heart and blood vessels, allowing for precise assessment of cardiac conditions. This development complements West Boca Medical Center’s ongoing investments in patient care and innovation, reinforcing its role as a trusted healthcare destination for families across the region.
West Boca Medical Center was recently recognized by Healthgrades for its excellence in cardiac care, receiving a five-star rating for the treatment of heart failure. This national recognition highlights the hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality outcomes and compassionate care to patients managing chronic heart conditions.
“As we continue to grow and enhance our services, we remain focused on providing exceptional, patientcentered care for every member of our community,” Dr. Halista added. “This new cath lab represents our continued investment in both innovation and accessibility, ensuring our patients receive the highest level of care without having to travel far.”
West Boca Medical Center’s new cardiac catheterization lab is expected to open to patients in late 2025.
Boca, Beatles & Beyond from page
Susie Essman (third from the right in the second row) with the Board of Directors of the Broken Sound Women’s Club.
Boca Happenings
Boca Public Library Spanish River Branch’s Art Exhibit, “For
the
Love of Abstraction” Now on View
The Boca Raton Public Library’s Spanish River Branch is currently presenting a new art exhibit, “For the Love of Abstraction” by Monica Kassan. Ms. Kassan is a lifelong artist who relocated from New York City to Florida in the early 2000s. Beginning her career in psychotherapy with a master’s degree in psychology, art was always a twin passion, leading her to also attend the Parsons School of Design. Monica fell in love with abstract art eight years ago and has been working in this style ever since, attending the Advanced Abstract Art workshop at the Boca Raton Museum Art School for the past five years.
Her paintings are bright, vibrant and dynamic. Ms. Kassan notes that she is “in love with abstraction. It is in my everevolving vision.” For Monica, art “enriches our world, brings peace to strife.” Working with acrylics, inks, paper and crayon, she feels this lets her leave space for her works to “breathe.”
“For the Love of Abstraction,” a free exhibit, will run until January 16th at the Spanish River Library, 1501 N.W. Spanish River Blvd., during regular library hours.
Boca Downtown Library’s Art Exhibit, “Fur, Feathers and Fins” Now on View
The Downtown branch of the Boca Raton Public Library is currently presenting a new art exhibit, “Fur, Feathers, and Fins” by Sheila Perry that will run through January 9th. Ms. Perry is a Florida-based artist and educator inspired by the beauty of coastal life. With a background in art education Sheila is dedicated to sharing creativity and inspiring others through both her artwork and teaching.
Her vibrant paintings use texture and color to capture the natural world and its peaceful rhythms. She is inspired by the calm that coastal environments
often provide, using her techniques and this feeling to create luminous paintings bursting with character and color.
“Fur, Feathers, and Fins” is a free exhibit at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue, during regular library hours.
Mayor’s Update: 10 Reasons to Be Grateful 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 provides extra reminders of the many reasons we can be grateful for what we have in Boca Raton. That includes many problems facing other cities that we do not have.
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.
2. Veterans and 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 Red, White and Boca Veterans Day ceremony we heard from veterans from the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, including our new City Manager, Mark Sohaney, who joined us this year after a distinguished 37-year career in the Navy, including as COO at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Key West Naval Air Station! We are ever grateful for their service to our nation.
10. Downtown Government Campus Opportunity: After many years of planning for needed updates to our community center, City Hall and other components of our downtown government campus, with extensive input from residents, we are finalizing a plan that will double green and recreation space downtown, brings upgrades, and which creates a new and vibrant area that will be a destination for residents. The current proposal from One Boca features no private development on Memorial Park, which will be officially dedicated and enhanced. All land west of NW 2nd Avenue will remain 100% city-owned and dedicated to public, civic and recreational uses including a world-class Memorial Park, City Hall, community center
and more. Private development confined to east of NW 2nd Avenue creates a safe, shaded and walkable experience with protected bike lanes, wide sidewalks and tree-covered paths that connect within the site and to nearby areas of downtown with residential units, offices, a hotel, restaurants and shops. Forecasts from leading financial firms show the project will deliver more than $4 billion in revenues to city taxpayers over 99 years.
As always, I’m grateful to serve the people of Boca Raton. You can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@ bocaraton-fl.gov, and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.
Council Corner: Enjoy the Holidays, Enjoy the Weather, Enjoy Boca Raton Government
3. Public Safety: We continue to have the finest public safety professionals safeguarding us. Our crime rate has continued to decrease year-over-year, building on already low figures. When crime does occur our Police Department’s preparedness shows in their swift and decisive action. Our Fire Rescue Department continues to rank in the top onehalf percent in the nation with its ISO Class I rating.
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 that our water is clean and safe, our roads and traffic signals work, innovations continue to make dealing with the city easier, and so much more.
5. Nonprofits: As dedicated as our staff is to ensuring 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 dozens of nonprofits in our annual budget. These organizations provide meaningful services to our community.
6. Access to Great Minds: Through my roles as Chair of the America First Policy Institute Mayor’s Council, the City of Boca Raton can tap into a vast network of best practices. A recent Mayors’ Fly-In to Washington, D.C. included meetings with key officials from the Trump administration to discuss how the federal government can better support local initiatives that align with the America First agenda–empowering cities to grow stronger and safer. We continue to find ways to 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 continued in 2025. While Tallahassee is discussing property tax issues this is a reminder that Boca Raton has the lowest property tax rate of any full-service city in Florida. We lowered the rate again this year to 3.66 mills, a rate less than half of some nearby cities. Residents benefit with lower rates because of our…
8. Big Business Presence: With over 14,000 businesses in Boca Raton it is evident that the business community wants to be in our city, too. We have strategically targeted business growth in key markets. This year we launched a NYtoBoca.com campaign, which earned the city millions of dollars in free media coverage and continues to draw interest as companies consider relocations and expansions. We also saw new investment in our city with a diversified group of companies calling Boca Raton home and adding hundreds more high-paying jobs in fields including biotech, AI, financial services, manufacturing, consumer services, and more. This is in addition to strong growth in existing headcount and nurturing of talent at our great universities and schools.
9. Centennial: 2025 was extra special because we celebrated our Centennial, marking 100 years since the founding of the then Town of Boca Raton. The year started off with debuting our Reflections of Time installation at Sanborn Square, continued with a successful BocaFest day at Mizner Park, and the Centennial celebration weekend included an epic concert featuring Weezer and Fountains of Wayne and a Boca Raton-themed drone show at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus. The entire year was filled with community events that brought neighbors together for tree giveaways, public art installations and a celebration of Boca Raton pride.
Councilman Marc Wigder, a 20year Florida resident and 15+ year resident of Boca Raton, is a business attorney, investor and Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Florida Atlantic University. His innovative startup, Greenhouse RE, is headquartered in Boca Raton and infuses sustainability into small business commercial real estate nationally. He is the Chair of the Boca Raton Community Development Agency, Board member of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, past Chair of the Boca Raton Affordable Housing Committee, Chair of the Boca Raton Audit Committee, past Vice Chair of the Boca Raton Community Advisory Panel and past Vice-Chair of the Citizens’ Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board. He lives in Woodfield Country Club with his wife Fran and three children who are in high school and college. He is always out walking neighborhoods, so please call to schedule a walk in yours.
As we continue celebrating Boca Raton’s Centennial and enter this joyful holiday season it’s a perfect moment to reflect on all we are grateful for and to look ahead with excitement for what’s to come. It remains an honor and privilege to serve the people of Boca Raton as your Councilman, alongside my colleagues and our dedicated public safety and operational teams. There is much to share.
City Leadership and Infrastructure Investments. Our new City Manager, Mark Sohaney, joined Boca Raton this year after a distinguished career as a Navy Commander. He has already taken the lead on several major initiatives, particularly in the ongoing modernization of our infrastructure.
Citywide capital projects continue through our iSIP initiative, which addresses road and undergrounding replacements sector by sector. We are also surveying and replacing aging seawalls and enhancing stormwater systems. Seawalls near Jeffrey Street, NE Spanish River Boulevard
Council Corner on page 11
Council Corner from page 10 and Por La Mar are next in line, with additional locations scheduled throughout the city. These efforts are funded through state and federal grants as well as dedicated city infrastructure funds. While we wish every project could be completed at once, prioritization ensures responsible budgeting and attention to the areas of greatest need.
Also of note, recent storms have caused flash flooding in several neighborhoods, and our engineering team is actively evaluating stormwater improvements—both stand-alone enhancements and upgrades paired with road projects in such areas as Old Floresta.
Learn more about road replacement projects here: iSIP here:https://www.myboca.us/1715/iSIP-and-CapitalImprovements-Projects and flood control initiatives here: https://myboca.us/693/Stormwater-Management
Public Safety and the New Police Headquarters.
Boca Raton has evolved significantly in both population and geography over the past 40 years. Our current police station, built over four decades, no longer meets modern building standards or the technological needs of today’s law enforcement, including cybercrime, forensic analysis and related support operations.
To address this need the city is now implementing the long-term plan for our new centralized Police Headquarters on Spanish River Boulevard, on land originally donated by IBM. As part of this initiative a substantial downtown substation will remain to ensure a strong police presence in the district. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on this public safety bond referendum for this project in March. To learn more go to: https://www.myboca.us/2820/57413/Police-Department-HQ.
Traffic, Mobility and Transportation Innovations. With the busy season underway, traffic management continues to be a top priority. The city is coordinating with the county and School District to improve flow on shared roads and reduce congestion during school pick-up and drop-off times. More to follow as information is available.
We continue to plan and implement upgrades to traffic signals with AI-enhanced technology, and last year launched Boca Connect, the popular on-demand shuttle operated by Circuit. Thousands of monthly riders now use the electric fleet—golf carts, EVs, and vans—to reach downtown from a two-mile radius including FAU and the barrier island. If you’re heading downtown, consider leaving the car at home and trying Boca Connect.
We also launched our first autonomous shuttle pilot with Guident, a Boca-based tech company. Phase 1 connects destinations within Mizner Park, and Phase 2—coming soon—will extend service south of Palmetto Park Road to Royal Palm Plaza and nearby neighborhoods. Additionally, our airport has been identified as a primary VTOL/air taxi venue as we continue to lead the way on mobility innovation. Learn more here: https://www.myboca.us/2460/ BocaConnect---Circuit-Shuttle…
Downtown Improvements and Government Campus Planning. Downtown Boca continues to thrive as a community gathering place, with active events at Mizner Park and an exciting mix of restaurants, retailers and cultural venues throughout Mizner Park, Royal Palm Plaza and along Palmetto Park Road. Ongoing improvements include upgraded lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks, security, parking and public programming.
Visit DowntownBoca.org for holiday activities and the full events calendar.
The city is also continuing due diligence on a proposed public–private partnership in the Brightline district area. Significant citywide community input has already led to revisions that expand open space and recreation opportunities in Memorial Park. Future design and programming workshops will further refine plans to rebuild aging infrastructure—lift stations, utilities, electrical systems—and to replace several critical facilities including City Hall and the Community Center. Learn more about this initiative here: https://www. myboca.us/1431/Government-Campus…
Walkability, Bikeability and Connectivity. The City Council, staff, our Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory groups and many engaged residents continue to prioritize expanded trails, safer crossings and improved bike/pedestrian connectivity. These efforts are partially funded by the city’s Vision Zero and Complete Streets initiatives, which are in their implementation phase.
A major milestone is the state-funded design of a new El Rio Trail underpass beneath Spanish River Boulevard, secured with support from Representatives Peggy GossettSeidman, Lori Berman and Tina Polsky.
Additionally, a legislative bill in Tallahassee may restrict certain high-speed e-bikes (which operate more like electric motorcycles) from sidewalks for safety reasons. More information will follow as this develops. More details are
available here: https://www.myboca.us/2360/MultimodalMobility-Connectivity
Recreation and Parks Updates. Boca Raton’s parks and recreation amenities continue to expand with the collaborative effort of the city and the Boca Raton Beach and Parks District:
• New covered pickleball courts at Patch Reef Park;
• The beautifully renovated Rutherford Park waterfront, including kayak access;
• Initial improvements to North Park, including a new paddle/racquet complex in a Beach and Parks District public private partnership;
• And a planned field house to provide additional indoor space for basketball, volleyball, and more.
Learn more about Recreation and Parks projects here: https://www.myboca.us/2395/Recreation-Services… Business Growth, Innovation and Local Partnerships. Boca Raton continues to stand out as a cost-effective headquarters destination, with operational costs that are more affordable than surrounding markets and many national cities. Several corporations have recently relocated here as our economic development efforts actively to highlight Boca’s advantages for growing companies and our staff work tirelessly to balance economic vitality with thoughtful planning that protects infrastructure and quality of life.
Likewise, we are strengthening our partnerships with FAU, FAU Tech Runway and the Research Park, which help attract innovative businesses, create jobs and investment and support student entrepreneurs. See https://www.myboca. us/470/Economic-Development for more info.
Staying Informed. There is so much more happening in Boca Raton than any single newsletter or meeting can cover, and with the spread of online and social media information that can be misleading I encourage all residents to rely on official sources:
• MyBoca.us;
• DowntownBoca.org;
• Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Stay Connected. As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Enjoy the weather, enjoy the celebrations and enjoy everything that makes Boca Raton such a remarkable community. mwigder@myboca.us (561) 334-9709
Memo from County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon: The 2025 Property Tax Season is Here.
By Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector serving Palm Beach County. You can reach her office by EmailClientAdvocate@ taxcollectorpbc.com. Phone: (561) 355-4271.
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season begins I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family from the entire team at the Palm Beach Tax Collector’s organization. We hope this time brings you joy, reflection and peace.
Our Premiere Publication : 2026 Tax Planner & Services Guide. Have a question about registering your boat? Looking for more information on disabled parking permits? Need to know important payment deadlines for 2026? You can find all this information and more in our 2026 Tax Planner and Services Guide
In its 19th year of publication this award-winning, comprehensive guide is your go-to for information on all services the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s organization provides. This color-coded guide is designed to help you easily find the information you need. Also included is a monthly calendar so you can keep track of your important payment deadlines.
Visit www.pbctax.gov/tpsg to request your copy of the 2026 edition. Copies will be available after the first of the year. To help us to continue enhancing this publication, once you receive your guide we invite you to respond to a brief survey to provide us with your feedback.
I hope you enjoy this publication as much as we enjoy providing it to you!
Never Too Early to Renew Your Driver License. Did you know that you may be eligible to renew your driver license online? If your driver license is due to expire soon, we encourage you to explore the convenience of renewing online. Online renewals are quick, easy, and can be renewed as far in advance as 18 months prior to the expiration date.
Renewing your license online allows you to handle this important task from the comfort of your home, saving you a trip to our service center. This self-service option is available 24 hours a day, offering unparalleled flexibility.
Please note: While online renewal is a fantastic option for many, not everyone is eligible. A REAL ID Driver License, or ID Card, is required. Also, certain circumstances, such as stops/holds on your license, name change or expired licenses require an in-person reservation. For more information about reservations and online renewals visit www.pbctax.gov/ driver-license/renewal.
First step is to check if you qualify for renewing online and to start your renewal process by visiting https:// mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/. If you are unable to renew online and your driver license is set to expire within the next few months, schedule your reservation today at www.pbctax. gov/reservations. Driver license reservations book up fast, sometimes as far out as 60 business days.
And the Award Goes to…I am proud of our organization’s continued commitment to communicate effectively with you, our clients. We do this through a variety of channels, including this column, our website and a variety of print
Caruso’s Corner: How to Stay Safe from Major Scams
publications that are available at our service centers or by visiting our website. This year, several of our publications have been recognized nationally for their high quality and creativity.
Our redesigned website received four awards: a Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators, a Radiance Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s Sunshine District, a Digital Design Award from Graphic Design USA, and a MarCom Honorable Mention.
The 2025 Tax Planner & Services Guide, which is a guide to all the services we provide, received a MarCom Gold Award and an APEX Award of Excellence from Communications Concepts, Inc. In addition, the 2023-24 Report to Our Citizens publication received an In-House Design Award from Graphic Design USA. Finally, our 2024 In-Service Day employee recognition videos, received a Graphic Design USA Digital Design Award.
Important Dates & Holidays:
December 14th Hanukkah Begins
December 22nd Hanukkah Ends
December 24th Christmas Eve – Tax Collector Offices
Closed
December 25th Christmas Day – Tax Collector Offices
Closed
December 26th Kwanzaa Begins
December 31st New Year’s Eve
December 31st Last Day to Receive 3% Property Tax
Discount
December 31st IPP: 3rd Installment Payment Due
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso brings significant private sector experience to his new role, working as a Certified Public Accountant in accounting firms including KPMG and Grant Thornton International. He opened his own accounting firm in Palm Beach County, from which he has currently retired. He worked his way through George Washington University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration, specializing in accounting. During his tenure in the Florida House Clerk Caruso served as the Chair of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, Chair of the Economic Infrastructure Committee, Vice Chair of State Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. He was a member of the Ways & Means Committee, the Energy, Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee and the Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee.
We’re not trying to be alarmist when we say scams are on the rise. But there is significant danger to residents if they are not careful. The United States Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that South Floridians lost more than $12 million to impersonation scams last year. The threat is real, and my office is Here to Help.
The best way to protect yourself is to spot the signs. In one type of scam, fraudsters impersonating the Sheriff’s office call and claim you missed jury duty, threatening to arrest you if you do not pay a fine or warrant. Our office will never call or threaten you. Official notices from our office come through the mail. If you are in doubt, we have jury service resources available at mypalmbeachclerk. com/jury.
In another scam, criminals send a text or email claiming your actual unpaid traffic ticket (all information is public record) must be paid online, often including a suspicious link to an unverified payment site. Again, no one from our office will call you to pay your traffic tickets. Do not click
or tap links in unsolicited messages. If you have questions about a traffic ticket, check with our office directly at mypalmbeachclerk.com/traffic.
Real estate is a hot target. Criminals file fake deeds to steal property ownership or commit mortgage fraud. You may receive unexplained mail regarding your property or unexpected legal notices. Don’t panic. Sign up for the free Property Fraud Alert service to receive email notifications about document filings in your name. It’s free and easy to set up at mypalmbeachclerk.com/propertyfraud.
Here are some tips to keep yourself safe from these criminals:
• Watch for threats of arrest, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, pressure to act quickly and unexpected text messages.
• Real court staff will never demand payment over the phone or threaten arrest.
• Verify tickets directly with the Clerk’s office or through the official payment portal.
• Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. Never give out your Social Security number.
• Sign up for the free Property Fraud Alert service to get notified about document filings in your name. Scams may be common these days, but prevention is possible with vigilance and support from your Palm Beach County Clerk’s office. We are Here to Help you stay scam-free. Together, we can keep our community safer and better informed.
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 CarolinaAiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
One of my top priorities as your County Commissioner is to help make homeownership more attainable for working families in Palm Beach County. That’s why I’m excited to share that we are developing a new Homebuyer Match Program, which I recently presented to the Board of County Commissioners as a workshop item. The feedback from my fellow commissioners was overwhelmingly positive, and I’m eager to see this program come back as a voting item in the near future.
A few months ago I sent out a survey asking the community why they think young talent isn’t staying in the county, and affordable housing was brought up by many constituents. This input has been invaluable in shaping a program that truly addresses the needs of our residents.
The Homebuyer Match Program is designed to make homeownership more achievable by partnering with buyers who are ready to invest in their future. Under the proposed pilot the County would match homebuyer funds dollar-fordollar, up to $50,000, to help with down payments, closing costs and other home purchase expenses.
The program will be administered by the County’s Housing and Economic Development Department. Crucially, it will be funded entirely through Workforce Housing Program in-lieu fees (contributions from developers who opt out of building workforce units), not taxpayer funds. Approximately $5 million will be allocated to assist qualified buyers in the pilot phase.
Eligible applicants would include Palm Beach County residents or employees earning between 80% and 140% of the area median income (AMI), roughly $93,000 to $156,000 for a household of four. Buyers could purchase single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums anywhere in Palm Beach County, provided they apply for a homestead exemption within one year of purchase and complete an eight-hour homebuyer education course.
The assistance would be secured by a second mortgage, with the principal forgiven after 15 years as long as they stay homesteaded in Palm Beach County. If the owner sells before that time they will either repay the principal or transfer the lien to another homesteaded property within the county.
This approach helps strengthen our local workforce and encourages long-term homeownership without adding pressure on infrastructure or requiring new development. By tapping into existing housing inventory the program supports economic mobility and keeps families rooted in our community.
I want to especially thank Kevin Ratterree with Gold Coast Builders, Michele Jacobs from the Economic Council, Fabiola Brumley from Bank Of America and county staff, particularly Johnathan Brown and Carlos Serrano with Housing and Economic Development and Deputy County Administrator Tammy Fields, for jumping in early, having important conversations with me and helping translate my ideas into a comprehensible program.
I’m proud to be advancing policies that help more residents put down roots in Palm Beach County, while not burdening taxpayers and I’ll continue to keep you updated as the Homebuyer Match Program moves forward to the Board for consideration.
Join Team PBC! Palm Beach County is hosting its firstever annual Job Fair on Tuesday, December 10th, from 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport (150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33406).
Meet representatives from all county departments including Community Services, Public Safety, Parks & Recreation, Information Systems Services, Engineering & Public Works, and more. Bring your resume; computers will be onsite to apply, and areas are set up for on-the-spot interviews. Whether you’re
starting your career, a seasoned professional, a student or an intern, we have exciting opportunities for motivated problemsolvers who want to make a difference in Palm Beach County. For more information, visit https://discover.pbc.gov/Pages/ pbc-job-fair.aspx.
PBC Firefighter Calendar to Support ACC. What do firefighters and rescue pets have in common? They’re both everyday heroes, and this year they’re sharing the spotlight.
This special calendar was made possible through a collaboration between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Fire Rescue and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2928, who jointly covered all printing costs. Every dollar raised goes directly to Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control (ACC), helping more local pets get the second chance and loving homes they deserve.
The handsome pup featured in the calendar has already been adopted, a wonderful reminder that your support truly saves lives. To purchase a calendar, visit https://shop2928.com/ products/2026-firefighter-calendar.
Nonprofit Spotlight. The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, raising essential funds to support hospital projects, advanced technology and critical equipment. Its mission is to strengthen the hospital and its affiliates so they can continue providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare for our community.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Go Pink Luncheon at The Boca Raton, hosted by the Foundation. A heartfelt thank-you to April Lewis for the invitation. April reserved a table in honor of her mother, Rosemary, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer at a young age. The luncheon featured Cheryl Ladd, known for her role in Charlie’s Angels. In 2023 she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer, an especially aggressive form.
She has since completed treatment and shared her experience during the event. Her remarks underscored the importance of continued investment in cancer research, treatment and patient support. For more information, visit https://donate.brrh.com/. If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living: “How Do You Set Your Clock?” From The Professionals’ Desks
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.
When my cat, Mickie, started howling at 5:30 a.m. this morning it made me recall an article I had written around this same time a few years ago. It was like déjà vu, adjusting to an earlier wake-up hour, resetting clocks, changing schedules and wondering why this crazy time change has to happen again! I felt the need to do a little update on the subject.
In 2025 a Public Opinion Research poll found that 75% of Americans are ready to do away with Daylight Savings Time (DST), the yearly spring forward/fallback system. In other parts of the world it’s no different; globally the majority of people clearly wish to stop changing clocks as soon as possible! So why hasn’t it happened?
The reason behind Daylight Saving Time is complicated. It was introduced nationally during World War I to save energy, was revived during WWII and kept afterward in various forms. Over time, it became routine. Changing it now requires federal coordination, which is slow even for popular causes. In short, DST persists not because people love or want it but because of political gridlock.
Under U.S. law (the Uniform Time Act of 1966): States could choose to stay on standard time year-round. When I lived in Indianapolis we never switched our clocks, but it has since returned to DST. So even though states like Florida, California and others have voted for year-round DST they need Congress to approve it and Congress can’t seem to get their act together to agree.
That being said, there is much more associated with changing time zones than a slight adjustment to your sleeping schedule. This shift in time can disrupt the alignment of circadian rhythms, often referred to as the body’s internal clock. You may not even be aware it’s happening but your circadian clock plays a crucial role in regulating a variety of physiological, behavioral and biochemical processes in your body.
During the time it takes to fully adjust to time changes circadian rhythms may be temporarily misaligned, leading to variations in the secretion of such hormones as melatonin and cortisol. You may experience a brief increase in fatigue or irritability when you lose an hour of sleep in the spring. In the fall the extra hour of sleep may lead to a slight improvement in mood and alertness. Studies have suggested that time changes may have short-term impacts on health, including an increase in the number of accidents, cardiovascular events and even a temporary uptick in the risk of stroke.
For some individuals the shift in the time associated with DST may intensify symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, often in the fall and winter. The reduction in daylight hours and disrupted sleep patterns can worsen these symptoms. When clocks fall back you’re waking up and eating “later” according to your body clock. Gaining an hour may not seem like much but it’s important to align eating habits with your circadian time clock. You might feel hungry an hour earlier or snack more in the evenings. Best thing to do is to keep your usual mealtimes on the new clock right away. Use protein and fiber to stabilize your appetite to help you go longer between meals. Interruptions to your biological clock also occur as a result of jet lag, shift work, or lack of daylight hours. Sudden changes in time can lead to irregular meal timing and, in some cases, skipped meals. This can affect the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels and may contribute to feelings of fatigue and irritability.
Other considerations when facing significant time changes, such as long-distance travel, include to gradually adjust your meal times to be on the same local time. I know this from traveling abroad as an international gymnastic judge. It would be crucial for the gymnasts and myself to assume the new time zone as soon as possible. Forget about what time it is at home. Rather, change your clock and accept what it is where you are. Other tips to get you back on track might be to stay active in the late afternoon. The early darkness can make you feel sluggish or snackish; a short walk or light exercise helps keep your metabolism on an even keel. Keep lights dim during the evenings to maintain consistent sleep and digestion rhythms.
Remember to always stay hydrated.
It’s not that everyone’s preference is the same. It’s not our decision to make and who knows when or if things will change? Go with the flow and within a few days you’ll be humming along as usual until it’s time to “spring forward” once again. Unfortunately, my cat Mickie will not read this information and probably continue to be my new early-to-rise alarm clock until he, too, resets his circadian rhythms!
If you’ve ever traveled to Australia, China or anywhere that crossed a number of different time zones you know how messed up you feel. Hunger may strike at the oddest times and cravings may be strange. For example, upon my return from Indonesia after 36 hours of travel all I could think of having was a cold beer and pizza. Oh, did I mention it was 8:00 a.m.? Not exactly my idea of a healthy breakfast, but the local time didn’t matter to my internal clock.
Mickie
Legal: Will New York’s Mayoral Winner Spark Florida Exodus?
By Michael J Posner, Esq.,
a partner in Lippes Mathias LLP, a national real estate and business-oriented law firm with sixteen locations nationwide. Michael specializes in real estate and association law. He can be reached at (561) 594-1452 or at mjposner@lippes.com.
My 88-year-old father called me up this weekend and said I needed to start marketing in New York City to all of the residents concerned about Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. Apparently, he believes that the new socialist leaning, pro-Palestinian civil servant will cause a mass exodus from New York, especially among its nearly 1.3 million Jews who live in New York.
The New York City to Florida migration rates have been significant, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by factors like cost of living, taxes and quality of life. A 2025 report found that around 150,000 New Yorkers moved to Florida between 2018 and 2022. The New York Post , based on a J.L. Partners poll (which newspaper is known to exaggerate) claimed that if Mamdani won the election that over nine percent of New Yorkers would “definitely” leave the city. If true that would mean a mass migration of over 765,000 current residents. The Post added that another twenty-five percent of New Yorkers or about 2.12 million residents would “consider” packing up and leaving.
The Post also asserted that the Carolinas, Florida and Tennessee have emerged as top escape destinations thanks to lower income taxes and property taxes. Fox news host Sean Hannity joined forces with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to urge a mass exodus from New York City to the “free state of Florida” in the wake of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral election win. Hannity himself left New York in January to move to Florida.
Realtors in South Florida are now claiming that they are seeing more New York buyers, their brokers, agents and representatives, who are already looking to buy real estate and getting information about property for sale.
With an expectation that taxes and crime will rise, high income earners are most likely desirous of leaving the city, assuming their jobs would permit such a move. Mamdani has pledged to pay for some of his programs based on a two percent tax increase on the top one percent of earners.
Another factor is the threat from President Trump who, prior to the election, threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City if Mamdani was elected, calling him a communist and endorsing Cuomo. President Trump warned during a speech in Miami that New Yorkers will soon flee to Florida following the election last Tuesday.
“Now the Democrats are so extreme that Miami will soon be the refuge for those fleeing communism in New York City. They flee,” Trump said speaking to a crowd at the America Business Forum.
Many South Florida realtors and government officials are talking up South Florida to New York City residents, encouraging them to relocate with a promise of low taxes and safety. Cities like Boca Raton have even created websites to promote the move (https://citybocaraton. my.canva.site/new-york-to-boca).
The Daily Show , a satirical comedy TV show, looked at the claims and presented a sixteen-year montage showing talking heads claiming people will be leaving New York in droves: https://tinyurl.com/2xsxmcsn. They also noted that the number of millionaires living in New York has doubled since 2010.
The New York Times reported that many Realtors in South Florida were optimistic for a New York rebound to the real estate market. They hoped Governor DeSantis’ crowing that Mr. Mamdani would be the “realtor of the year” in Palm Beach would drive up mansion prices as New Yorkers wary of his progressive policies voted with their feet.
However, South Florida has actually been losing residents. A recent survey by the Business and Economic Polling Initiative at Florida Atlantic University found that a quarter of respondents were “seriously considering” moving elsewhere because of the high cost of living.
The good news is that the latest trends seem to show a rebound in the South Florida real estate market. September
sales as total single-family homes and condo sales in both Miami Dade and Broward all grew year-over-year, according to statistics released by the Miami Association of Realtors. Prices have somewhat stabilized and inventory has only grown slightly, but still at manageable levels. Mortgage rates have slightly declined, but are still hovering over six percent, hampering the lower end of the market.
While home sales are up, new housing starts are down substantially in South Florida from 1,417 to 939 homes year over year. This is evident due to a six percent decline in builder confidence. One remedy recently proposed by the President is a fifty-year mortgage. This would lower the monthly cost from $2,158.38 for a thirty-year fixed rate loan for a $450,000 house with twenty percent down and six percent interest rate to $1,895.06 amortized over fifty years. Whether the $263 a month savings would actually help is debatable, and with such a long mortgage the amount of additional equity after seven years is only about $10,000 versus $33,000 for a thirty-year mortgage leaving many home buyers stuck longer in their homes as they wait to build up equity for sale.
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 spent 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.
Novecento
116 NE 6th Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33483 (561) 450-6101
www.novecento.com
Food for Thought: With the influx of Latin Americans making their way to our shorelines it’s not surprising to have more options of these different but similar cuisines. It’s only been a decade or two since we rarely would have seen Brazilian, Peruvian or Argentinian restaurants in our neighborhoods.
Having traveled extensively throughout South America I’ve been quite familiar with their cultures and foods. Some of the best restaurants in the world are found in these countries, each utilizing its local source of protein, vegetables and fruits. But...there’s always a “but.” What you find when visiting these distant countries doesn’t always resonate to South Florida eateries.
It’s not surprising to have these exceptional dishes commercialized to fit the palate of Americans’ expectations. Just look at what they did to the Italian Pizza! Unfortunately, the spices and cooking preparations are slightly modified to limit the throwback of acceptance here in the States. That being said, I wasn’t surprised to find this Argentinian restaurant called Novecento, located just off the avenue in Delray Beach, to perfectly define my sentiment discussed above.
First Impressions: If you know the history of Delray Beach you could easily count on both hands the number of restaurant concepts that occupied this historic house. Since I used to have property two blocks away from Novecento I easily remember the Falcon House, Max’s Social House, Ceviche Tapas Restaurant and a slew of others.
The old house built in 1925 used to run a pharmacy by the Falcon family in the early 1940s. As a designated “historical” building, renovations have to be kept at a minimum. There is a wonderful bar that gives you that Cheers type of recognition—a rather small amount of indoor seating and double that on the outside. Tip: There are parking spots behind the restaurant.
Novecento is not a new concept; there are several locations outside of Delray in Aventura and Miami. All of them have basically the same menu featuring Argentine-inspired fare, savory steaks, homemade empanadas and house-made pastas.
Prime Your Tastebuds: To start our South of the Border eating experience we all decided to share a few appetizers. First up was the Caesar Salad ($16) consisting of two huge Romaine lettuce leaves that was hard to split at a four-top table. Regardless of this minuscule tasting the salad rated “fair” and acceptable. Only thing missing would be a few slivers of anchovies.
Hungry D had selected the Camarones Al Ajillo ($16) for a share. Here the dish excelled. The nice-sized shrimp were cooked properly and the paprika garlic butter sauce added the needed ingredient to fit the Argentinian flavors.
Also served was the Burrata ($16) that not only lacked an accompanying salad component but also failed to deliver the creamy texture we had expected. I do recommend the Handmade Empanadas ($13) that certainly drove home the Latin theme.
Straight from the Kitchen: If you ever visit Argentina I can personally assure you that sampling the Argentinian cuisine is high on the list of many travelers. Much of the Argentinean diet consists of lots of local-sourced beef grilled over hot flames in the traditional “parrilla” restaurants. But here at Novecento they opted for quality cuts of American wagyu or USDA prime.
Mr. Hungry D had made up his mind prior to our menu delivery and was set on ordering the Steak Sandwich ($24). To Hungry Al it seemed more like a slider than a sandwich. I kept thinking of Wendy’s slogan, “Where’s the Beef?” Luckily, the few slices of Hanger Steak provided a flavorful punch.
Hungry Al and Hungry L decided to share a huge portion of Novecento’s Branzino ($34). Strangely, our Branzino was more of a European sea bass, much lighter and smaller than the Chilean variety, which would have been a more logical choice for this menu. Though it was slightly overcooked, we still enjoyed this entrée.
Interestingly, Argentina has a very large percentage of families from Italy, so Italian food is highly popular there. Hungry L decided on a Pesto Pasta ($22) that consisted of Cavatelli, a heavy dose of pistachio pesto and grana Padano cheese. Sadly, it suffered from the American obsession of over-saucing everything!
Note: If you have several folks hungrier than Hungry Al, I suggest you share Novecento’s Parrillada ($82). This mixed grill will easily feed 2-3 people with a combination of Prime hanger, Picana (sirloin cap), chicken, chorizo, mollejas, and four sides. Just writing this makes me full! So, after deciding how much we liked or disliked our outing to Novecento we decided “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” when casting only two and a half golden empanadas on this Hungry Al’s pick of the month!
By Ed Wolfarth, who decided to move 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 self-proclaimed “wine snob,” he has collaborated on many wine lists for private clubs and a few restaurants. Ed can be reached at wolfarthe@msn.com. You will certainly be attending dinners and parties around the holiday season. So what are you bringing?
Too often we settle for the comfortable choice: A name brand of wine or that ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand have become the default choices of many consumers. I’m always faced with the question: Should I bring what my hosts or guests like or what I like? Since I am usually the only wine snob in the group this is a conundrum.
So, lately I have hedged. One bottle for them, usually either Meomi Pinot, a Kendall Jackson something, Mondavi or Kim Crawford, and a bottle for myself and Vicki. My recent choices have been a wine I need to try. Margaret River wines from Australia or Alsatian wines, single vineyard Beaujolais or New Zealand Pinot Noirs. Allow me to suggest a few you need to try. These wines are all in the $15 - $25 range. My go-to QPR wines: that’s Quality, Price and Ratio.
Here are a few Pinots from New Zealand you should seek out. All current vintages scored 90 and above with most critics but look especially for the Otago Valley on the label. Felton Road, Craggy Range, Dog Point and Cloudy Bay all make fabulous Pinots for under $30. NZ Pinots are more like California Pinots in that they have more alcohol and body than their Burgundian counterparts.
The Margaret River from Western Australia is my current go-to region for fabulous QPR Wines. Their Mediterranean climate, well-drained gravelly soil and location produce terrific Chardonnays and Cabernets. I would particularly look for 2022 and 2023 vintages as other years were challenging. As for producers, almost all are excellent but if you can find Vasse Felix Chard or Cab, buy by the case! Vasse Felix is seldom seen here and is regarded by many as a “cult wine.” In 2023 Wine Spectator rated it the best red wine under $30. Single vineyard Beaujolais—yes, Beaujolais! Not the nouveau type that comes out every third week of November but the good stuff, also made from the Gamay grape but vinified in a style similar to the great red Burgundies for a fraction of the cost. Look for Kermit Lynch or Georges Dubouef on the label. All current vintages were excellent vintages, but I would avoid 2021 which had a difficult growing season. Also seek out Moulin a Vent and Morgon for really age-worthy, silky smooth wines. Or Brouilly, St. Amour or Fleurie for wonderful food-friendly wines. All for less than $20 a bottle.
So those are a few thoughtful suggestions when bringing wine to your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Have people try these. Open their minds and palates to new and different wines. Enjoy!
Pet Matters
You and Your Pet: The PURr-oblems of Feline Urethral Obstruction
By Dr. Courtney Glotzer, DVM, MS, Calusa Veterinary Center,
6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL. 33487 (561) 999-3000
www.CVCBoca.com
Urinary blockages in cats are a serious concern—especially for males, since their urinary tract has a long, narrow tube that’s more likely to clog. When a blockage occurs urine backs up, creating a dangerous situation that can rapidly cause kidney damage, imbalances in the blood and other lifethreatening complications.
Blockages usually happen because of what’s called a urethral plug, a sticky mix of mucus, protein and urinary crystals, but they can also result from bladder stones, inflammation, stress, scarring, or even tumors.
At home, warning signs may include frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine produced, straining in the box, crying out when trying to urinate, or blood in the urine. You might also notice more licking around the genital area or a tense belly if gently touched. As things worsen the cat may stop eating, become very quiet, vomit or show signs of weakness or collapse.
Because this condition can progress so quickly any of these signs deserve immediate veterinary attention. At the clinic the vet will likely feel the bladder (which can become very firm and painful), run blood tests to check for kidney issues and electrolyte imbalances, analyze urine and take X-rays. Once a blockage is confirmed treatment begins right away, usually with IV fluids, pain relief and placing a catheter under sedation or anesthesia to unblock the urethra. After unblocking, the cat will be monitored in the hospital to make sure urine flow returns and to manage any ongoing issues.
If blockages keep happening, vets may recommend a surgery called a perineal urethrostomy to widen the urinary opening and lower the risk of future episodes. Preventing future blockages is just as important as treating one. Changes like feeding more wet food, keeping water available (like a circulating water bowl), reducing stress and possibly switching to a prescription urinary diet can make a big difference.
In conclusion, urinary blockages aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re life-threatening. Acting fast saves lives. Because recurrence is common, managing them means more than just treating the emergency; it means committing to long-term care, monitoring and prevention. Without swift intervention, careful follow-up and a plan to stop it from happening again, even a successfully “unblocked” cat remains at risk.
Book Review…“Small
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 before being appointed Editor of Boca Club News when the newspaper was launched in January 2007.
It is inconceivable to me that in the four years since this book was first published it did not occur to me to devote a Book Review column to it until I received an email from one of our readers last month pointing out how much the book has helped her and wondering why I had never written about it.
My reaction was disbelief in realizing that I had not already devoted a column to this book—first, because the author, Dale Brown, is one of this newspaper’s most highly regarded writers, whose popular Healthy Answers column has been an important feature in these pages since our very first issue. The second reason is that I myself have purchased five copies of this book as gifts for members of my family on their wedding days to provide them with Dale’s guidance for long-lasting,
happy and successful relationships.
Indeed, I had been so enthusiastic about the idea of Dale sharing her knowledge and advice with the widest possible audience that when she asked me to add my own comments on the back cover of her book I was proud to do so.
The very concept of the book had come from Dale’s grateful clients in her successful practice as a Certified Life Coach, many of whom told her that after the successful completion of their in-person consultations they would love to have a way to be reminded from time to time of her thoughtful lessons, wisdom and outlook on life.
The result is this 246-page paperback that is carefully and thoughtfully organized as a continuing guide, with 62 brief, four-page “reminder lessons” arranged under seven overall headings: Attitude…Life Lessons…Communication.. MindBody Connection…Habits…Aging Gracefully…and Goals
There are far too many to be listed here, but just a few of the more than 60 “lessons” will offer a hint of why wellknown author Philip J. Harkins offered this praise of Dale’s work: “Rarely does one find a book that they will keep at their bedside, desktop or coffee table. This is not to be stashed on the bookshelf. Readers will want to keep it close by…as a handy reference to help guide through important times in your life.”
Here are the titles of just a dozen of those 62 chapters:
• “Love the Skin You’re In”
• “Don’t Kill the Messenger!”
• “What are You Grateful for Today?”
• “Move On When It’s Time!”
Film Review: “A House of Dynamite”
By Nils A. Shapiro
Longtime readers of this column know that I devote many hours each month to searching for films that I feel are deserving of your attention but which have often been overlooked among the current flood of super hero, teen angst, monster flicks and violence focused features.
It would be natural then to assume I welcomed the recent debut on Netflix of a film that has been touted as a likely nominee for several Oscars at the upcoming Academy Awards in the categories of Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Director.
So why is it that when my wife, Linda, and I viewed A House of Dynamite on Netflix, as the end credits rolled down the TV screen we looked at each other in shock and I had the instant feeling that if we had watched this movie in a theater I would have rushed to the box office and demanded a refund of the price I had paid for our tickets!
The reason is obvious: the film’s credits rolled on the screen not at the end but right in the middle of the story. There was no ending and we in the audience were left hanging, to try to figure out what would happen next!
If all the talk about potential Academy Awards for the brilliant work of screenwriter Noah Oppenheim and Director Kathryn Bigelow are intended to be accolades for creativity and originality, I can only equate that kind of thinking to how the art world and some museums enthralled by the idea of its “uniqueness” embraced the first artist who thought of painting a white square in the middle of a white canvas.
I will balance my criticism by pointing out that the film’s story line—as far as it takes us—is in fact gripping and praiseworthy, as are the uniformly excellent performances. The concept is that the White House’s Situation Room staff has spotted an intercontinental nuclear-armed missile that has been fired from an unidentified location and is targeted to hit and destroy Chicago and all its inhabitants in 20 minutes!
Over the course of the film we see what occurs over the next 18 minutes of the missile’s flight from three different perspectives:
(1) the White House Situation Room’s urgent request for two American defense weapons to intercept the invading missile and blow it up mid-air;
(2) Secretary of Defense Reid Baker’s steps to institute the official governmental protocols through the Deputy National Security Advisor, even as Baker himself agonizes over the fact that his daughter lives in Chicago–a realization that results in a personal tragic act; and…
(3) the President of the United States, now faced with
the fateful decision of whether or not to retaliate against the nation that fired the nuclear missile. The problem is, that nation’s identity is only assumed to be Russia, which denies responsibility. The result of a recent North Korea nuclear test is as yet unknown and a mistaken, unprovoked attack on Russia threatens a nuclear world war.
With two minutes left until doomsday, the oncoming missile still in the air and critical decisions to be made, we are left to wonder what happens next as the end credits roll and the screen turns black.
I wrote the above review several days ago, shortly after having watched the film. Since then it has been reported in the media that screenwriter Oppenheimer and Director Bigelow claim to have done intensive research with federal U.S. government officials in preparing their film; they learned that
• “To Have a Friend Is to Be One!”
• “Do You Have the Disease to Please?”
• “You Hear But Do You Listen?”
• “How Well Do You Cope?”
• “Time to Make a Change?”
• “Why Not Shake Things Up?”
• “Too Old for Sex? Think Again!”
• “Better Than the Alternative”
• “To Keep or Not to Keep”
Dale writes so interestingly that you will enjoy reading this book from beginning to end and benefit greatly from each section. Or, you can turn to a specific chapter depending on what problem you may be experiencing for the guidance you need at the time.
Dale has included a list of brief thoughts at the end of each chapter as a “take-away” that will help you focus on the solution to whatever issue you need to resolve.
As I note in my comments on the book’s back cover, I can’t think of a more comforting feeling than having Dale’s counsel as a year-round companion, which is why I have given this book as a wedding gift to members of my own family and recommend it highly to you and yours. Look for it on Amazon.com.
our missile defense system is presently capable of only a 50% success rate in intercepting an incoming attack, and intended this film to serve as a warning to the public of the precarious nature of today’s nuclear situation.
The film has garnered so much attention that President Trump’s recent order for the “War Department” to test our nuclear arsenal, which includes both offensive and defensive weapons, has been hinted at by the press as having been prompted by the scene in this film in which America’s defense system fails to intercept the invading nuclear missile.
Perhaps much of the praise being heaped on the film is a way of expressing a collective gratitude for its warning message. If so, then a more appropriate Academy nomination might be one for Public Service. But as for “Entertainment” in the traditional sense of expecting a story with a beginning, middle and end…I rate this film an “F” for Frustration.
Essays on Life: The Christmas Holiday Season
Sonia Ravech 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 six. She is the facilitator of two Writing Workshops at Broken Sound.
In 1870, when Congress enacted legislation declaring December 25th a national holiday, who could have imagined what this simple event celebrating the birth of Jesus would morph into 155 years later. Today the holiday is celebrated by Jews as well as Christians, albeit in different ways. Christians go to church and enjoy a sumptuous family dinner on Christmas day while Jews go to the movies and dine at the Chinese buffet.
Nowadays, the celebration of Christmas begins a month before the actual holiday on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, when folks stampede into the malls and specialty stores in search of bargains and the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.
Tents are erected on every street corner and church parking lot to protect rows of evergreen trees stacked up for sale. These trees need to be decorated with glass balls, ornaments, tinsel, artificial snow and colored bulbs. In Florida even the trunks and fronds of palm trees are entwined with twinkling lights.
Christmas music and carols dominate the airwaves. It’s a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street and other Christmas movies have become an annual tradition to be televised during the weeks leading up to the holiday. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey and Michael Buble all participate in television Christmas specials. Of course, every city has to perform its own version of the Nutcracker ballet.
Once, only the nativity scene symbolized Christmas. Now there are Santa, his elves, his sleigh and Rudolph. There are Salvation Army bell ringers, wreaths, fruitcake, eggnog, candy canes and stockings filled with goodies.
Neighbors compete with each other over who can have the most extravagant lights, animated and blow-up characters, and synchronized music to lasers adorning their homes and lawns. Electrified Santa and his sleigh appear to prance across numerous rooftops.
Exchanging gifts is an expectation at Christmas. An avalanche of catalogs stuff our mailboxes and online ads permeate our inboxes offering us discounts on everything from socks and underwear to luxury automobiles. Men shop for jewelry for the women in their lives. Women buy electronics and tools for their mates. The kiddies want toys, toys, toys. Even the animals at the zoo are given their own Christmas trees and wrapped gifts.
What would the holiday be like without parties, over-imbibing in alcoholic beverages and gorging at buffets overflowing with delicious, highly caloric foods? Christmas dinner for Americans usually consists of the traditional turkey or ham. For the English it is roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. The Italians feast on a meal of seven fishes. My Hungarian friend insists on roasting a goose every Christmas.
In sunny Florida Christmas means an additional influx of tourists trying to get away from the nasty weather in other parts of the country, as well as an invasion of the little people. Schools throughout the country are closed for an extended holiday so grandchildren can make their annual pilgrimage to visit grandparents. In my Broken Sound community the usual quiet streets become crowded with bicyclists, skate boarders, joggers, baby carriages and entire families walking together. Guests rush to the pool by 9:00 a.m. to reserve chaise lounges. The tranquility of poolside is filled with squealing and splashing as kids swoosh down the water slide, play in the playground and run under the fountains. There’s breakfast with Santa, a carnival, kiddy cooking classes, children’s golf and tennis clinics, ping pong competitions, a magic show, face painting and a variety of activities all geared to keep the little ones amused.
The Christmas holidays bring out the best and worst of humanity. There is a spirit of charity that is expressed
during the season unlike at any other time of the year. Organizations from far and wide solicit contributions in the name of Christmas. Meals are prepared and served to the homeless and the homebound; toys are delivered to sick kids in hospitals; the Marine Corps, police associations and firefighters collect toys and gifts for the underprivileged. Strangers wish other strangers “Happy Holidays.” A spirit of generosity and goodwill prevails.
But then there are also the “grinches” who shop lift, snatch handbags from pre-occupied shoppers, break into homes knowing there will be gifts under the tree to steal, and even grab packages delivered by UPS, Amazon or Fed Ex from customers’ front entrances.
All this excess is stressful, expensive and exhausting. Many folks swear that next year they are not going to be sucked into the commercialization and craziness of the holidays. They vow instead to concentrate on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. But, of course, that’s just wishful thinking, and I am positive the hectic cycle will begin again in November or sooner.
