Boca Club News
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month! Enjoy Many Surprising Benefits with Your Boca Library Card
This month the Boca Raton Public Library joins the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to encourage everyone to sign up for the most important card of all—a free library card. And for those of you who may not be aware of it, that may be the best deal in town!
For example, if you still think that libraries are a “just a place to borrow books,” it’s time you discovered that your Boca library card entitles you to enjoy the two TV movie streaming services, Kanopy and Hoopla, that work like Netflix and Amazon Prime! And that’s just the beginning, as you will learn later in this article. Plus: New and current Boca Raton Public Library cardholders get a special bonus from Florida Atlantic University. Your card enables you to attend the Florida Atlantic University football game on September 27th against Memphis for the special rate of only $5 per ticket. Visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/Fauloves76 to get a ticket today.
More than 250 civic, business and university leaders, healthcare professionals, community advocates and medical students gathered at The Addison for the Annual White Coats-4-Care fundraiser benefiting Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Now in its 15th year, the signature tradition celebrated the college’s newest class of 80 future physicians while raising funds to expand scholarships, drive innovation in medical education, support research and strengthen community health initiatives.
Boca History Museum Offers
to Celebrate Nation’s Birthday
What did it feel like to wear a Redcoat? How did Washington’s army endure brutal winters and impossible odds? And could you have survived surgery during the Revolutionary War?
As America marches toward our 250th birthday, the Boca Raton Historical Society and Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum invite you and your family to experience history like never before with a thought-provoking series of Town Hall Talks and a landmark exhibit, America 250: The 14th Colony, all commemorating the national America250 initiative.
“America250 invites us to take a thoughtful look at how our country came to be, and the people who shaped it along the way,” said Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “Through compelling stories, scholarly insights and often-overlooked perspectives, we hope to spark dialogue and reflection as we approach this historic milestone.”
Free “Centennial Celebration Concert: Through the Decades” a Big Band Musical Tribute to Boca Raton’s History, October 25th
As Boca Raton continues our year-long Centennial celebration, residents and visitors are invited to a special Centennial Celebration Concert: Through the Decades, on Saturday, October 25th at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The free, open-to-the-public performance begins at 8:00 p.m., with doors opening at 7:00 p.m.
The Centennial Celebration Concert: Through the Decades is a reprise of the acclaimed 2025 Festival of the Arts Boca finale, co-presented with the Boca Raton Historical Society and Festival of the Arts Boca. This multimedia, Big Band-style extravaganza will take audiences on a musical and visual journey through 100 years of Boca Raton history, from its founding days through today.
Conducted by Kyle Prescott and featuring the Festival Boca Jazz Orchestra, the program will spotlight music from such icons as Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, KC and the Sunshine Band and others, along with the world premiere of a special Centennial composition by FAU composer Kevin Wilt.
“This is more than a concert; it’s a tribute to Boca Raton’s unique story, its people and its cultural legacy,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater & Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “We’re thrilled to bring this unforgettable performance back to the community as a gift for our Centennial year.”
Event details:
Venue: Mizner Park Amphitheater;
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025; Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.| Concert: 8:00 p.m.;
This special performance is presented as part of the Boca Raton Historical Society’s Summer Sips & Sounds series, which celebrates Boca’s 100th birthday with vintage music and historic flair. The Centennial Concert serves as the grand finale of the multi-event series. Blankets and chairs are welcome, but for your convenience chairs will also be available to rent for $5.00. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information about Boca Raton’s Centennial events, visit www.Boca100.com. To learn more about the Summer Sips & Sounds series, visit www.BocaHistory.org.
Schmidt College of Medicine Dean Dr. Lewis Nelson, Laura Nelson, WC4C Co-Chairs Bonnie Kaye and Jon Kaye, Dr. Michael Dennis
Boca’s 9th Annual “STEAM Passport” Program Offers Fun, Knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics
The Boca Raton Recreation Services Department is once again offering the city’s 5to 12-year-olds a variety of exciting programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). Although the program started the beginning of September there are enough activities scheduled in the second half of the month to enable young participants who sign up mid-month to reap the full benefits of their “STEAM Passports.”
Young explorers can partake in a series of interactive and educational activities hosted by the Children’s Science Explorium, Boca Raton Public Library and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Each venue offers unique challenges that will inspire curiosity and learning.
Get Your STEAM Passport
Right now, families can visit any participating location to pick up a “STEAM Through September Passport” or download it online. This passport serves as a guide, listing the challenges and opportunities for participants to earn a stamp for each completed challenge across the five STEAM categories. Collect all five stamps to receive a special goodie
bag featuring swag from all three facilities. Most programs require advance registration, and some have a registration fee.
Exciting Weekly Activities still available. Here is just a brief partial list of the thrilling activities planned each week:
Week 3: September 14th-20th:
Eyes to the Skies (T - Technology Stamp): Stargaze with a professional telescope at the Children’s Science Explorium.
Friday Night at the Museum (EEngineering Stamp): Experience an exclusive museum night at the Explorium.
International Coastal Cleanup (TTechnology Stamp): Participate in a global cleanup effort at Spanish River Park.
Bug Hotel Math Challenge: (M - Mathematics Stamp): At the Children’s Science Explorium. How much luggage can one ant carry? Let’s visit the Grand Bug-A-Pest Hotel and figure it out together! Available daily at the Explorium front desk.
Week 4: September 21st-27th:
Bugio: At all locations! (S - Science Stamp): Search high, seek low, it takes some explorin’ to win bugio! Check in at the front desk after completing the bug bingo challenge in the back of your passport.
The Lab: Laser Art Canvas (A - Art Stamp): Explore creative projects at the Children’s Science Explorium.
Education Explorations - BioBlitz Bonanza! (A/M - Art/ Mathematics Stamp): Discover the beauty of nature and pollinators.
Week 5: September 28th-30th:
STEM in Action - The Science of Goo (E - Engineering Stamp): Unravel the science of slime at the Downtown Library. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to inspire young minds and foster a love for STEAM disciplines. For more information, visit the participating locations or download the STEAM through September Passport at www.myboca.us/ STEAM. Happy hunting!
About the Recreation Services Department: The Recreation Services Department enhances the community’s quality of life by managing a diverse range of facilities and services, including 49 parks, three community centers, two aquatic facilities, two golf courses, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, the Boca Raton Public Library, three racquet sport centers, a field house, numerous satellite courts and fields, a cemetery, community events, landscaped roadways, three beach parks, an amphitheater, a Park Rangers unit, Ocean Rescue lifeguards, and the Public Art Boca program. Together, these services reflect the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant, active and connected community
Sugar Sand Park Carousel Celebrates 20 Years with Free Rides
Sugar Sand Park’s beloved carousel is offering free rides to the community every Sunday throughout September in celebration of its 20th year. Visitors can also collect limited edition tokens, and ride during the week for just $1.00.
This vintage-style carousel features 30 beautifully hand-carved and painted wooden horse reproductions, inspired by 19th-century designs. In addition to the horses there are two chariots, one of which is wheelchair-
Dr. Rosenbusch has been practicing dentistry for 38 years and has extensive experience in many aspects of
focus
accessible, underscoring the park’s commitment to inclusivity for users of all abilities.
Opened on February 23rd, 2005, by the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, the Sugar Sand Park carousel has since become a symbol of joy and nostalgia. Brought to life by the efforts of then Commissioner Elaine Kleinman and by The Four Rotary Clubs of Boca Raton, the attraction aimed to enhance the park’s family-friendly appeal, offering a delightful experience for children, adults and seniors. Sugar Sand Park is located at 300 S. Military Trail. Hours of operation: Tuesdays–Fridays: 3-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
FAU College of Medicine’s White Coats-4-Care from page 1
Co-chaired by Bonnie and Jon Kaye and supported by a dedicated committee, White Coats-4-Care has generated critical resources to attract, recruit, train and educate the next generation of humanistic clinicians and scientists. This year’s incoming class of 80 students was selected from 4,165 applicants.
“We are proud that since the inception of White Coats4-Care, this community initiative has raised $2.6 million for scholarships, resources and innovation that have supported more than 1,000 compassionate healers across primary care, specialty practice and research,” said Bonnie Kaye, who cofounded and has co-chaired this fundraiser with Jon Kaye for 15 consecutive years. “Community has always been central to the College’s mission, and the students carry that forward through clinical outreach at the Caridad Clinic, Mission Medical Center, and other vital programs across the region.”
Jon Kaye added that this year’s initiative further advanced the College’s vision of establishing an academic health presence that fills a critical gap in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that Florida’s southeast region receives the highquality care it deserves, now and in the future.
“It is through the success of this annual cornerstone fundraiser that we can continue to strengthen student education and clinical programs, expand community partnerships and cultivate donor opportunities that drive positive change today and for generations to come,” shared Dr. Lewis Nelson, dean of the Schmidt College of Medicine.
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month! from page 1
In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month the Boca Public Library is launching a new library card design for children: My First Library Card! This bright, colorful card features such adorable animal friends as fox, racoon, squirrel and blue bird reading together. In addition, this year’s City of Boca Raton Centennial special edition library card is also available (while supplies last).
Each resident of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District is encouraged to select his or her favorite design when signing up for a free library card. Visit bocalibrary.org for more information on obtaining a library card.
“The Boca Raton Public Library has four terrific libraries all in one: the Spanish River Library, the Downtown Library, Mobile Library Services and the Digital Library,” notes Laura Sparrow, Account Services Librarian. “At the Spanish River Library or the Downtown Library, cardholders can check out books, movies, puzzles and games, instruments, cake pans and American Girl dolls; take live French, Italian and Portuguese language classes; use Wi-Fi, computers or printers; attend a storytime or book club or find a nice place to study/work/ meet. The Mobile Library Services team takes popular library programs out to parks, schools, community centers and other partner locations. The Digital Library provides 24/7 access to online books, audiobooks, news, magazines, genealogy and investment research.
Take online language and technology classes or stream popular apps Kanopy and Hoopla to watch on your Smart TV. Any way you choose to visit the Library you can access the best of entertainment and lifelong learning. It’s a great value.”
The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural and informational needs of library users in its two locations: the Downtown branch at 400 NW 2nd Avenue and the Spanish River branch at 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, (561) 393-7852.
“Each donor’s investment is paying remarkable dividends because we are not just funding medical education – we are building the future of healthcare.”
“Championing the establishment of the Schmidt College of Medicine during my time in the Florida House of Representatives remains one of the most meaningful initiatives in my public service career,” shared FAU President Adam Hasner. “Seeing so much support for the college and its students at events such as White Coats-4Care shows the impact of the college in our community as we work to improve patient care for the region.”
This year’s event welcomed both longtime and firsttime supporters. In recognition of the College of Medicine’s impact on the Boca Raton community, The Addison of Boca Raton—the evening’s presenting sponsor—awarded the FAU Foundation and White Coats-4-Care a $10,000 Centennial Grant as part of its initiative honoring 10 nonprofits on its 100th anniversary. The Stocker Family Foundation joined the White Coats Society with its first-time $25,000 scholarship gift. Other significant donors and sponsors included Palm Beach County Medical Society; American Care Medical Centers; Bonnie and Jon Kaye/Kaye Communications PR & Marketing (KCOM-PR); Baptist Health; Cleveland Clinic; Phyllis and Dr. Michael Dennis; E. M. Lynn Foundation, Henry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation; Boynton Eye Institute; First Horizon Bank, and Synovus Bank.
The 2025 WC4C dedicated committee included Patricia Anastasio, M.D., and Thomas Mersch, Esq.; Melissa Azrack; Florida State Senator Lori Berman and Jeffrey Ganeles, D.M.D.; Donna and Joseph Biase, M.D.; Alisa and G. Richard Cohen, M.D.; Phyllis and Michael T.B. Dennis, M.D.; Emily and Stephen A. Grabelsky, M.D.; Bonnie Halperin; Arlene Herson; Jaclyn Klimczak, M.D.;
Margie and Alan Kaye; Jennifer and Gary Lesser; Elizabeth and Stuart Markowitz, M.D.; Nathan E. Nachlas, M.D.; Michael Pierce; Margie and Maurice D. Plough, Jr.; Ronald L. Rubin, D.M.D.; Constance Scott; Robin Trompeter; and Janice Williams.
With recent national rankings in U.S. News & World Report (2023, 2024), the College continues to thrive as one of approximately 156 accredited allopathic (M.D.) medical schools in the United States, expanding into new disciplines and programs. Continuing to evolve from a community-based school to a world-class academic health center in Florida since its inception in 2010, the College of Medicine has grown today to 101 employed faculty members, 1,312 affiliate faculty, 314 medical students, 180 residents and fellows, and 70 graduate students. The College has increased class size by 25% and can now accommodate 80 students. In February, Florida Atlantic achieved the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” and shares this elite status with fewer than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S.
For information about the College of Medicine, or giving opportunities, contact Sara Greene, Associate Director of Development, at (561) 297-2984 or greenes@health.fau. edu. For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Haley Barnes at (561) 297-2371 or barnesh@health.fau.edu.
2025 White Coats-4-Care Committee
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Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties Names Two New Board Members
Mary Pat Alcus and Kristen Bissett have been named as the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Pat and Kristen to our Board,” said Jeffrey A. Stoops, chair of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation. “Their leadership and deep financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue working to support our neighbors and create lasting change across Palm Beach and Martin Counties.”
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations and corporations. Since 1972 the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at https:// yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Kristen Bissett of Jupiter is managing director at UBS Private Wealth Management. With a strong background in macroeconomic research and portfolio strategy, Bissett
Boca History Museum Offers Year-Long “America250” Program from page 1
From now through 2026 this multi-year movement encourages Americans to reflect, reconnect and reimagine our collective story–and Boca Raton is embracing the moment with a rich lineup of educational and engaging events.
Mark your calendars. Bring your curiosity. And get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about America.
Town Hall Talks: History Comes Alive in Boca’s Original Town Hall
Led by acclaimed historian and reenactor Robert Feeney, this three-part fall lecture series was planned to dive deep into the lived experiences of those on the front lines of the American Revolution–on both sides of the battlefield. The first part, “The Redcoats Are Coming,” was presented on September 10th, just prior to the publication date of this September issue of Boca Club News. It covered the world of British soldiers during the Revolution: their training, gear, mindset, and the myths that still surround them.
The rest of the extensive schedule is as follows: October 8th, 6:00 p.m. “Continental Soldiers: Washington’s Army in the Revolution.” Discover the trials and triumphs of America’s early fighters—ordinary men who became extraordinary heroes.
November 12th, 6:00 p.m. “Medicine and Surgery During the Revolutionary War.” Not for the faint of heart: explore battlefield surgeries, 18th-century remedies, and the roots of American military medicine.
specializes in designing and implementing customized investment plans for multigenerational families, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. Before joining UBS in 2015 she worked as an investment strategist at JP Morgan Private Bank and Barclays Private Wealth. A graduate of Drew University, Bissett is actively involved in the community through the Kravis Center, HomeSafe, The Benjamin School and the Community Foundation. She has served on the Community Foundation’s audit and investment committees since 2023.
Mary Pat Alcus of Gulf Stream is an institutional investment advisor and chartered financial analyst with more than 30 years of experience advising foundations, endowments and public and corporate pensions on
Each talk features limited seating. RSVP required at www.bocahistory.org.
Coming Spring 2026: Scholars, spies, and surprising stories round out the commemorative journey
February 18th: Declaration: The Story of American Independence with Dr. Robert Watson (Lynn University)
April 8th: A Strategic Overview of the American Revolution with Dr. Jason Sharples (Florida Atlantic University)
May 15th: Spies! The Shadier Side of the American Revolution with Roger Smith
May 15th: Women of the American Revolution: Lost Voices of America’s First Generation with Roger Smith May 16th: The 14th Colony, The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution with Roger Smith
May 16th: It Was the 4th of July… Or Was It? with Roger Smith
June 17th: South Florida in the 18th Century with archaeologist Robert Carr
June 26th: The Road to Revolution family activity with BRHS Education Director Shannon Patron
investment strategy, policy development and performance monitoring. A former principal and senior consultant with Mercer Investment Consulting, Alcus has held leadership roles with several nonprofit boards, including the Greater Washington Community Foundation and Horizons Greater Washington. She currently serves as board chair of the Montgomery College Foundation and trustee of the Norwood School. A Vanderbilt University graduate, she earned her MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She has served on the Community Foundation’s investment committee since 2024 and scholarship committee since 2023.
“Mary Pat and Kristen are welcome and valued additions to our Board,” said Danita R. DeHaney, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Their dedication and insight will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact as we build stronger, more connected communities.”
Alcus and Bissett join current Board members Jeffrey A. Stoops, Susan P. Brockway, Dennis S. Hudson III, Sheree Davis Cunningham, Julie Fisher Cummings, Danita R. DeHaney, Michael J. Bracci, Nancy G. Brinker, Timothy D. Burke, James “Chip” DiPaula Jr., William E. Donnell, Earnie Ellison Jr., Phyllis M. Gillespie, Tammy Jackson-Moore, Joanne Julien, Marti M. LaTour, David Mérot, Elizabeth R. Neuhoff, Kevin Powers, Pam Rauch, Gabrielle Raymond McGee, Laurie S. Silvers and Kenneth West II.
July 2nd: America 250! Concert with Festival of the Arts
July 22nd: Spain, the Forgotten Alliance with author Martha Guttierez Steinkamp
August 1st: Conquistadors for Kids! with Robert Feeney America 250 – The 14th Colony Exhibit: May 13th – August 27th
Before it was a sunny paradise, Florida was a land of ambition exploration, and resilience. America 250: The 14th Colony uncovers Florida’s pre-statehood journey through centuries of cultural clashes, freedom seekers and trailblazers.
Bonus: View reproductions of important Documents of Liberty provided by FAU’s Spirit of America Collection. Follow along in future issues of Boca Club News and on social media @BocaHistory for updates, behind-thescenes previews and historical trivia as we count down to July 4th, 2026.
Mary Pat Alcus Kristen Bissett
Colonial era surgeon
Continental soldier
British soldier
Rachel Blumberg, President–CEO of Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences, Reappointed to LeadingAge Southeast Board of Trustees
Readers of Boca Club News will recall the recent announcement of St. Andrews club members Toby and Leon Cooperman’s $500,000 donation to the award-winning Sinai Residences Health Center named in honor of their ongoing philanthropy.
Now, Rachel Blumberg, President and CEO of Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences in Boca Raton, has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees of LeadingAge Southeast. Her reappointment, announced at the recent 2025 LeadingAge Southeast Convention in Orlando, extends her term through 2028 and marks her second consecutive term with the organization, the region’s most respected association representing senior living providers across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Ms. Blumberg has served on the Board since 2022, playing a role in LeadingAge’s strategic expansion from a Florida-based organization into a powerful four-state alliance. A visionary leader in the field of aging services, in 2021 she founded the first-ever Women’s Leadership Network within LeadingAge. Today, the network is one of the leading national cohorts of female executives in senior living and a model for empowering women and fostering inclusive leadership across the industry.
In addition to her board role, Ms. Blumberg is an active member of the LeadingAge Southeast Political Action Committee (PAC), advocating in Tallahassee and collaborating with the national office in Washington, D.C. to shape public policy and strengthen senior care legislation. She was also featured as a guest speaker at the convention, joining Angela Marino-Ortiz, Vice President of Clinical Services at Sinai Residences, and Emergency Medical
Responder (EMR) Manager James Montesino to present “Life-Saving Heroes: How Our EMRs are Outpacing 911 and Saving Lives in Senior Living.” She is slated to speak again at the national 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Boston this November, addressing an audience of more than 7,000 professionals in the aging services field.
The LeadingAge Southeast Convention also recognized three other leaders from Sinai Residences: Katie Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer, graduated from the Leadership Academy Class of 2025. Kristy Curtis, Vice President of Independent Living, was named a Fellow in the Leadership Academy Class of 2026. Cameron Gordon-Forbes, Executive Director and Administrator of the Health Center at Sinai Residences, earned certification as a Preceptor for Administrators in Training.
These recognitions underscore Sinai Residences’ commitment to leadership development and excellence in senior care. About Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences Boca Raton. Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences Boca Raton is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community developed by Federation CCRC Development, an independent 501(c)(3) associated with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Highly secure, with restricted gated access, Sinai is located on the 100-acre Federation campus, the largest landbased Federation in the country. Sinai provides a superior lifestyle for active adults through a focus on wellness, health services and a wide variety of sophisticated activities. Sinai’s progressive senior living community in Boca Raton welcomes people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures. Learn more at www. SinaiResidences.com.
Sinai Residences Leadership Team at LeadingAge Southeast Conference.
Rachel Blumberg
2025-2026 Night Market Season to Feature Boca Lights, Centennial Nights, Food, Art, Music
The City of Boca Raton is keeping the Centennial celebration glowing well into 2026 with the return of its popular Night Market series in Sanborn Square (72 N. Federal Hwy). Launching Thursday, October 2nd, from 6–9 p.m., the monthly evening event invites locals and visitors alike to gather under the stars for an unforgettable mix of food, music and art.
Each Night Market transforms Sanborn Square into a lively open-air festival, featuring: Tastes & Treats – A variety of delicious food and sweet indulgences.
Makers & Artisans – Handcrafted goods and local treasures.
Boca Happenings
Live Music & Art – Performances and installations that bring Boca’s creative spirit to life.
Mobile Bar – Sip and stroll beneath the lights of downtown.
Here are the dates:
October 2nd, 2025
November 6th, 2025
December 11, 2025
January 8th, 2026
February 5th, 2026
March 5th, 2026
April 2nd, 2026
May 7th, 2026
This year, the city is adding an extra touch of convenience and sustainability: free rides to and from the Night Market with BocaConnect, the new eco-friendly shuttle service. Attendees can download the Circuit App to book rides with ease.
“Boca Raton’s Night Markets capture the heart of our Centennial, bringing people together to share food, music and culture,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “From bites to beats to browsing, it’s where Boca Raton shines brightest under the stars.”
For more details on the Night Market and other Centennial events, visit www.myboca.us.
Boca Crowns 2025 “Battle of the Bands” Champions
The amps roared, the crowd cheered and the stage at Mizner Park Amphitheater lit up for an unforgettable evening as the City of Boca Raton hosted its 5th Annual “Battle of the Bands” on Friday, August 8th. Eight talented local bands went head-to-head in two age categories—Under 20 and Over 20—delivering powerhouse performances that showcased the depth of musical talent in South Florida.
When the final chords faded and the judges’ scores were tallied, the winners emerged: Under 20 Category: Jinx.
Over 20 Category: The Marina Effect.
Each category-winning band received a $2,500 cash prize together with exclusive promotional opportunities and bragging rights as one of Boca’s top emerging acts.
“This year’s Battle of the Bands was one of our most exciting yet, with an incredible variety of styles, talent and energy on stage,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “The competition is always fierce, but what really makes the night special is the way our community comes together to celebrate live music, young talent and local creativity.”
The evening also featured the return of the Young
Entrepreneurs Market, where teen-owned businesses sold handmade goods, art and specialty items. This entrepreneurial showcase gave the crowd an opportunity to support budding business owners ages 13 to 20 while enjoying the night’s music.
From Boca to the Big Stage. Over the years, Battle of the Bands has proven to be a launchpad for rising talent. Such past winners as Audio Crisis have gone on to perform alongside major acts, including opening for Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate.
This year’s judged included: Addiel Gomez, Director of Media and Communications for Student Affairs, Florida Atlantic University; Brittany Flores , Regional President, Live Nation Entertainment; Joe Wohlfeld , Music Agent, United Talent Agency (UTA); Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager, City of Boca Raton.
Rotary Club of Boca Sunrise, Boca Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Bell Education Foundation to Tee Up for 38th Annual Golf Tournament
The Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise has announced plans for its 38th Annual Golf Tournament, set for Monday, November 10th, at Boca Grove Country Club, an afternoon of golf, camaraderie and charitable giving.
This signature event brings together local businesses, community leaders and golf enthusiasts for a day on the green–all to benefit the educational efforts supported by Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise Foundation and the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Bell Education Foundation.
This year the club is proud to honor Chuck Stout, Chair of the Golden Bell Education Foundation, whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on education and youth development throughout the Boca Raton community. Chuck will be recognized for his outstanding service and commitment to supporting local schools and students.
Sponsorship opportunities range from Event Title Sponsor ($10,000) to Silver Sponsor ($2,000), with additional sponsorships available for drinks, golf shirts, balls, hats, lunch, swag bags and more. Golfers may register as a foursome for
Happenings Outside Boca
$1,400 or as a single player for $350, and guests are welcome to attend the Barbecue Dinner & Drinks for $55.
This year’s event will also feature a lively silent auction, offering guests a chance to bid on unique experiences, gifts, and local treasures, all in support of Rotary’s mission to serve others above self.
The deadline to register or become a sponsor is November 3rd.
For more information or to register, visit Home–38th Rotary Boca Raton Sunrise Golf Tournament or bocasunriserotary.org.
Cult Classic, “The Rocky Horror Show,” in West Palm Beach
Live Theatre Performances October 10th Through 26th
It’s never too early to think about Halloween, and who better to celebrate the fast-approaching holiday with than the denizens of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s home-sweet-castle in Richard O’Brien’s beloved cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. Entr’Acte Theatrix is inviting audiences to come do the Time Warp again when they present “Rocky” in the the Bhetty Waldron Theatre at Actor’s Rep from October 10th through October 26th.
The Rocky Horror Show is an outrageous assemblage of, and humorous tribute to, the most stereotypical science fiction and horror movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings, and rock ’n’ roll of every vintage. The play (upon which the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based) has grown from an experimental production originally produced in a small London theatre in June 1973, to a cult phenomenon with fans world-wide.
The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple who,
when caught in a storm, find refuge in the home of a decidedly unusual scientist who is madly working towards unveiling his latest and greatest creation.
Rocky is also the quintessential audience participation show, and Entr’Acte will offer what have come to be known as “survival kits” available for purchase for those who want them.
This is the fifth time Entr’Acte Theatrix will present The Rocky Horror Show. The 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2019 productions were so successful that when an encore presentation was suggested it was, as Entr’Acte’s founder and producer Vicki Halmos says, “A ‘no brainer’! Our audiences love the show,” she continues, “and so does our cast. You can see it during rehearsals. Their enthusiasm is boundless, and they are so excited to be able to bring all these characters to life–figuratively and literally!”
Carlo Rufino Sabusap, who has appeared in each of the company’s Rockys, as well as numerous other Entr’Acte productions, will direct the production.
Cast in Entr’Acte’s Rocky Horror Show are Elijah Pestana as Brad Majors, Rose Foster as Janet Weiss, Trevohnn Garner as Frank N. Furter, Carly Graefe as Magenta, Amalia Phend as Columbia, Greg Halmos as Riff Raff, Ace Gilliam as Rocky, Matthew Mayer as Eddie, Cherry Rivera as the Usherette, David Taylor as Dr. Scott, and Jason Fisher as The Criminologist. Also in the cast are Christia Santi, Sarah Romeo, Sarah Kenny and Adler Monpremier.
The Rocky Horror Show will run for 12 performances only, at Actor’s Rep. The theatre is located at 1000 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at https://linktr.ee/entractetheatrix.
Ticket prices range from $50 for VIP/Premium Seating, $35 for Standard Seating and $25 for Value Seating (at an odd angle or partially obstructed view).
Jinx
The Marina Effect
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 City of Boca Raton continues to lead with the lowest full-city tax rate and outstanding safety. Once again, we are improving in both of these areas as we expand services and plan for our future.
As summer winds down and kids are back in school we are focused on new safety measures and smart spending. We have implemented a new school zone safety program and we will be focusing on setting the millage rate and adopting a budget for the next fiscal year. Budget preview. In September the city is tasked with adopting its budget. Unlike Washington D.C., our budgets are always balanced, and we maintain healthy reserves. With our eye on the future we remain dedicated to providing the unparalleled quality of life that our residents need, expect, deserve and receive.
Our residents have not faced a property tax increase for over a decade, and I am proud that while I have been mayor and a City Council member the rate has only decreased each year. I have repeatedly voted for consistent reductions and never for an increase--all while maintaining a strong financial reserve in the event of a natural disaster or economic downturn, and investing to improve infrastructure, parks and green space.
The millage rate is set to decrease yet again to 3.66 of $1,000 of assessed property value. Boca Raton maintains the lowest millage rate of any full-service city in Florida. Not only is our millage rate lower than our nearby cities of Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, Fort
Lauderdale and Hollywood, our residents pay less than half the millage rate than property owners do in West Palm Beach or Miami—with outstanding services. School zone cameras. As our students travel to and from school we want to take every precaution to ensure their safety. To do so, the City of Boca Raton has implemented a School Zone Safety Program with state-of-the-art camera technology.
The program, which complies with a new state law that permits speed cameras in school zones, has already rolled out at several of our schools: Addison Mizner Elementary School, Boca Raton Community High School and J.C. Mitchell Elementary School.
Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School, and Spanish River Community High School will be added later this school year.
How it works:
• The city will start the programs with warnings before fines. The point of the program is to ensure safety, not revenue.
• Citations will be automatically issued during arrival and dismissal times when the school zone lights are flashing.
• Motorists will be cited only if they exceed the school zone limit by more than 10 mph. Traffic studies found hundreds of drivers travel 10+ mph over the speed limit in school zones every day.
School zone cameras have reduced speeds and improved safety. Again, tickets will only be issued when drivers are more than 10 miles an hour beyond the limit. So please take this opportunity to slow down for our students.
New City Manager. As we prepare for a new fiscal year we will have a new leader at the helm. At a special meeting on August 12th the City Council unanimously selected retired Navy captain Mark Sohaney as Boca Raton’s next
City Manager, following the planned retirement of City Manager George S. Brown. Mr. Sohaney will be tasked with implementing the vision and policy direction of the Mayor and City Council Members.
After nearly 50 years with the City of Boca Raton, Mr. Brown will coordinate a seamless leadership transition to ensure continuity of city operations as Mr. Sohaney familiarizes himself with our city.
Mr. Sohaney has an impressive leadership background. As a naval officer with a distinguished 37-year career he oversaw large, complex infrastructure projects in previous roles, including chief executive officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and as chief executive officer of the Naval Air Station in Key West. We are excited to bring his fresh perspective and experience to our city.
As always, you can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@bocaraton-fl.gov and stay connected on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.
Memo from County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon: Making
By Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional
Tax Collector serving Palm Beach County. You can reach her office by Email: ClientAdvocate@ taxcollectorpbc.com. Phone: (561) 355-4271.
The other day I mentioned to a colleague about a potential visit I was planning to Marathon later this year and we both started listing all the wonderful opportunities and resources we have as residents of South Florida. We are fortunate to have so many things to do right in our own backyard. We have year-round great weather and a unique variety of attractions and resources. For instance, the Florida Keys are a nearby treasure, perfect for a quick weekend getaway.
We also have several regional cruise ports, making it easy to hop on a ship for a quick trip to the Bahamas or other islands without the hassle of a flight. And for a truly unforgettable experience, a view of a nighttime rocket launch from Cape Canaveral is an absolutely astounding sight on a clear night.
Enjoy whatever is left for your summer doing what brings you the most pleasure because we are.
Park Here! As of July 1st, expectant mothers are now eligible to apply for a temporary disabled parking permit. Applicants must complete Form 83040, Application for Expectant Mother Parking Permit. Form must be completed and signed by the applicant and physician. The permit costs $15 and will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Completed applications may be submitted through one of the options below:
Mail to: Tax Collector, Palm Beach County, PO Box 3715, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3715 – Be sure to include copy of valid Florida driver license/ID card and payment (money order or check)
Drop Boxes located in all Palm Beach County Tax Collector Offices (8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) – Be sure to include copy of valid Florida driver license/ID card and payment (money order or check)
Make a reservation for in-person service at www.pbctax.gov/ reservations.
Faces of the TCO: Steve Weiss. Title: Chief Excellence Officer. Hometown: Lakeland, Florida. Favorite Activity: Surfing. Favorite Food: Seafood or steak. One of the key areas of our office that you may not know about is our Excellence Department. Led by Chief Excellence Officer Steve Weiss, this team has several important functions that impact our day-today operations, which you may encounter as a client.
Steve’s team is responsible for corrections to the tax roll, which is provided to us by the Property Appraiser’s office. If a home ownership changes, or someone qualifies for an additional exemption, Steve’s team will handle that correction. They also handle transactions related to delinquent property taxes, including tax certificates and tax deeds.
“I’m super proud of my team because of their commitment to public service,” says Steve, who has been with our organization for five years. “They take great pride in their work with helping clients with any property tax-related issue they may be facing.” However,” Steve notes, “the reason we are called Excellence is because we assist all departments in the organization with process improvement projects.”
When Steve is not leading his team of eleven analysts he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, ages 19 and 16. He also loves spending time on and in the water surfing, fishing, swimming and free dive spear fishing. Road Test Process Gets an Upgrade. Great news for anyone preparing for their road test with our office. We have been piloting a new system to make the process faster and more efficient for everyone, and the results are impressive.
Previously, the road test examiners would take shifts during the day, which contributed to delays whenever a change of examiner took place. To streamline this process we now have a designated road test examiner assigned each day. This dedicated person focuses solely on conducting tests, ensuring a streamlined experience for you.
This change has had a significant impact as there has been a 37% increase in our daily road test capacity since launching this new process at our North County and Central Service Centers. We plan to implement this at other Service Centers soon. This means shorter wait times, more available reservations, and a quicker path to getting a license. To schedule a road test or any service with our office, visit pbctax.gov/reservations.
We are committed to providing exceptional service and are constantly evaluating how we can improve, and this is another example of our commitment to exceptional service.
Important Dates and Holidays:
September 30th – Last Day to Renew Local Business Tax Receipt
September 30th – IPP: 2nd Installment Payment Due
From the Desk of Commissioner Marci Woodward: A Message from Marci
Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year resident of Boca Raton, was elected in November 2022 as Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner. She serves on the following board of directors as a representative of the county commission: Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency; South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
Summer break had some unexpected but delightful turns for me and my family. Many of you may have heard about the 24 dogs believed to have been abandoned in poor conditions here in Palm Beach County.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers at Three Stooges Rescue in Stuart, all of the dogs were safely captured and began receiving the care they desperately needed.
Commissioner Gregg Weiss first shared this story with me after working with law enforcement and Animal Care and Control to ensure the animals were safe. When Michael and I learned more we knew we wanted to help. We agreed to “foster” one of the pups, but as you can probably guess it didn’t take long for our dogs Zoey and Fritz to fall in love with him. And just like that, fostering turned into adopting. This summer we officially welcomed Toby to the Woodward pack!
I want to thank the volunteers, shelters and animal lovers across our community who helped these dogs find safe, loving homes. Their efforts are a reminder that compassion can turn a difficult story into a hopeful one. Additionally, Team PBC officially welcomed Joe Abruzzo on his first day serving as County Administrator and during his first BCC meeting. I look forward to many meetings, discussions and solutions happening right here as we work together to serve the residents of Palm Beach County.
And to all our Palm Beach County students and teachers heading back to school this month, good luck! Drivers, remember: the maximum speed in school zones is 20 mph. Many municipalities have also added school zone cameras, so please slow down and pay extra attention when lights are flashing to help keep children safe. Fines are doubled (up to $400) for illegally passing a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal. A second offense within five years could result in your license being suspended.
DOGE Visits Palm Beach County. This week, Palm Beach County welcomed the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its on-site audit of county government operations. The DOGE team began by reviewing documents provided in advance, focusing on contracts, procurement,
personnel management practices, diversity and inclusion, and grants.
County staff, led by Sherry Brown, Director of the Office of Financial Management and Budget, worked closely with Administration, multiple departments and the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office to provide requested information related to financial management, compliance and reporting. Additional documentation was also supplied throughout the visit.
Over two days, DOGE staff conducted in-depth interviews and Q&A sessions with more than 35 county employees. Departments engaged in the process included Community Services, Facilities Development & Operations, Housing and Economic Development, Human Resources, Mounts Botanical Garden, the Office of Community Revitalization, the Office of
Equal Business Opportunity, the Office of Resilience, Parks and Recreation, Procurement, the Tourist Development Council, Engineering (Transportation), and Youth Services.
At a press conference held at the Governmental Center, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia emphasized Palm Beach County’s unique distinction among Florida’s 67 counties and noted that additional visits are expected here and across the state. We will continue to provide updates as DOGE’s review progresses.
Palm Beach County Launches PBCMoves.com. I’m thrilled to share that as part of the Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP) a new website, PBCMoves.com, is officially live!
From the Desk of Commissioner Marci Woodward on page 11
Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living: “Do You Have a Bone to Pick?” 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.
To beat the heat, my husband and I spent our summer in Park City, Utah. We noticed that everyone there seems to have either a dog or a cat, and sometimes both. When you have so many animal lovers you can be sure to find plenty of doggie playgrounds designed for dogs to run and interact. Surprisingly, there are numerous stores and restaurants that offer water bowls, and even a few dog biscuits to keep these four-legged creatures happy!
However, living in Florida with dogs is not the same as Park City. With all the condos, townhomes and many regulated communities, it’s no surprise you’ll find strict rules for our beloved animals. I’m sure you have encountered many of the usual questions. How large is your dog? No, the
From the Desk of Commissioner Marci Woodward from page 10
This site will serve as a central hub for residents, community partners and stakeholders to stay informed, provide input and track the progress of our transportation initiatives. You can sign up for notifications, share transportation data and eventually view the plan’s final recommendations. With public meetings and surveys coming soon, this is your chance to help shape a safe, efficient and connected transportation network for Palm Beach County over the next two decades. Nonprofit Spotlight. Clinics Can Help is a local nonprofit in Palm Beach County that connects people with medical equipment and supplies, empowering them with mobility, independence and dignity at all stages of life.
Founded in 2005 by hospice nurse Owen O’Neill,
dog can’t wander in those areas. Do you have a certificate of emotional support? You must pick up after your dog. The concerns are endless!
It begs the question: What is the basis of what I call “pet discrimination”? There always seems to be a pet bias towards animals one way or the other. You either love them or you don’t.
I’m not referring to obvious reasons a person might shy away from owning a pet, such as allergies, traveling too often or homeowner restrictions. I’m referring to a real dislike of the animal variety. The cause of this aversion is not necessarily a defect in character but may stem from a bad experience or a lack of understanding due to never having owned a pet.
There are a few myths that contribute to forming negative opinions about pets. Some may see dogs as harmful, messy (pooping on lawns), dangerous, or a nuisance (incessant barking). Cats on the other hand are often misunderstood and underestimated in their intelligence, often seen as aloof, scary, aggressive and non-engaging.
When I first met my husband he hated cats. His opinion was that they slept all day, didn’t come when you called and ran away when you approached. Being a cat person all my life, the ultimatum was easy: “Love me, love my cats.” And so, he did. After living with a cat and giving it half a chance, he learned to respect their independence and actually love their funny ways. He has now become a cat advocate.
As pet lovers we may not be able to change the minds of those who don’t understand the connection between animal and human. However, one thing is definitely true: pet-less people are in the minority and for good reason. There are
Clinics Can Help began by collecting hospital beds and wheelchairs that would have gone to waste and providing them to patients at local free clinics. Starting with a small storage locker, Owen’s efforts have grown into a large warehouse and a dedicated team that serves nearly 4,000 individuals and their families each year.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Sally Degenhardt Chester and Owen O’Neill, CEO of Clinics Can Help, and learned more about their work. Every day, a simple piece of medical equipment can make a real difference, whether it’s a child’s first wheelchair or a senior’s new walker.
For more information, visit https://www.clinicscanhelp. org/.
If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
over 62 percent of households in the United States with one or more animals: 78.2 million dogs and around 86.4 million cats. Pets become our children before and after the real babies are born into our lives. Many newly married couples acquire a pet first, before having children. It’s a good way to learn responsibility for another living thing, caring for its health and well-being and defining the chores each person will assume.
Pets take the place of kids when we’re older; they fill a void and emptiness within the household. Dogs or cats become part of the family and people will spare no expense when it comes to making their pets happy. This year alone, Americans will spend more than 60 billion on everything from upscale lodging, training, medical bills and pet supplies.
Our cats are often the topic of conversation, especially when they do something silly or run to greet us when the door chimes sound. They make us laugh and lighten our mood, give us pleasure when they curl up on our lap or play with a toy.
Sometimes when the mood is tense my husband will speak for Mickie in a funny voice and say, “You need to chill out, Mom!” It makes me laugh and clears the air. Having a pet increases your happiness level and makes you accountable for another being, be it a dog or cat.
The emotional bond between owner and pet can be more powerful than it is between humans. Pets are unconditional friends and are there for you in ways that people aren’t. They offer companionship, love and devotion and ask very little in return. It’s no wonder pet owners are in better health than people without pets. Having a pet in your life gives you purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, knowing you’re depended upon.
Having a dog means more exercise for you and gets you out to socialize. It’s always such a pleasure to see our neighbors walking their dogs, stopping to make conversation and petting their furry family members as they run up to say hello. Whether it’s because your dog needs to be walked or because you want companionship as you walk, the bottom line is, dog owners get more activity.
Depression is a common symptom of those who are lonely. When people are strongly attached to their pets they are less likely to suffer from depression. Animals connect with those who lose hope and feel withdrawn from the rest of the world. Just the comfort of a purring cat or even gazing at a tank of beautiful fish has a calming and therapeutic effect.
Pet ownership may not be for everyone due to culture, upbringing or experience. However, if a pet is in your future you will find the benefits of ownership to be undeniably rewarding. Nothing will give you so much love, stimulate laughter and make you feel more needed than a four-footed friend.
A Free Opportunity For Animal Lovers ...
Now Feed 6 Shelter Dogs and Cats Every Day at No Cost to You ... in Less Than a Minute ... with just a “Click”
Want to feel really good about yourself? If, like most of us, those TV announcements bring tears to your eyes with photos of sad shelter dogs and cats in small cages, hoping somehow to be brought into loving homes – when you wish over and over again that you could somehow bring joy into their lives, here is an act of loving kindness that will cost you absolutely nothing ... and take less than a minute a day. Visit the website: www.theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the words “Click here to feed a dog or cat.” A “button” will appear on your screen, and all you have to do is click on it once. Each time a person clicks on that button, the website’s sponsors provide bowls of food, free, to feed
That’s all there is to it. In only seconds each day, you can see to it that 6 animals are fed. The folks who run the website never bother you with tons of promotional e-mails. You can, if you wish, click on a link that sends a daily reminder to you. I did that; the reminder is e-mailed, and that is it. No hard-sell follow-ups. And if you realize how good it will make you feel to be able to do at least something for these poor, loving creatures who are there through no fault of their own (some have been rescued from abusive owners), imagine how even bowls of food will help make the animals feel better.
Please take just seconds a day to lift 6 animals’ spirits ... and your own. Thanks.
Legal: Florida Land Trusts
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.
There are various methods available to landowners to address the issue of probate and creditor protection. These include landownership in a Trust (revocable or irrevocable), in a limited liability company, in a corporation, or a partnership (limited or limited liability partnership). Each form has its pros and cons, including cost of formation and maintenance, triggering of tax increases on transfers from individual ownership, triggering of due on sale clauses in existing mortgages on transfers from individual ownership, lack of creditor protection for grantors in revocable Trusts, and loss of control by grantors in irrevocable and Land Trusts. There is simply no “magic bullet” that grants owners of land everything they want, low cost, no consequences and absolute protection.
A Florida Land Trust is one method of holding real estate for the purpose of both estate planning and asset protection. It provides elements of a revocable Trust by providing for a mechanism to pass benefits to your beneficiaries, and elements of a limited liability company by offering some creditor protection.
In Florida, Land Trusts are created under the Florida Land Trust Act (Section 689.071, Florida Statutes), which dictates the formation and terms of a Florida Land Trust. To create a Land Trust, a written Trust Agreement must be created that specifically sets forth the creation of the Trust, the named Trustee or Trustees, the limited powers of the Trustee(s) and the beneficiaries of the Trust.
Generally, a trustee of a Land Trust has limited power, such as the duty to convey, sell, lease, mortgage or deal with the Trust property; the duty to sell or dispose of the Trust property at the termination of the Trust; and the duty to perform ministerial and administrative functions that may be delegated in the Trust Agreement, or by the direction of the beneficiaries. Title to any property held by a Land Trust vests in the named trustee(s) subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement.
While the power of sale and mortgage vests in the Trustee, a Land Trust can include a provision giving some or all of the beneficiaries the power of direction. Under the power granted in the Trust Agreement, the named person(s) have the authority to direct the Trustee(s) of the Land Trust to convey property or interests, execute a lease or mortgage, distribute proceeds of a sale or financing, and execute documents incidental to the administration of a Land Trust. This direction is not discretionary and must be performed by the Trustee(s).
In order to protect the Trust’s ownership in real property from creditor claims, the Trust Agreement will treat the beneficial interest of the beneficiaries as personal property. Therefore, a creditor with a judgment against an individual beneficiary may not be able to place a lien directly on the real property owned by the Trust.
The Land Trust also provides a mechanism for probate avoidance. The Land Trust will dictate the transfer of a deceased beneficial interest in the Trust to a successor beneficiary.
Finally, a Land Trust can provide privacy as the beneficial owners’ interest does not have to be disclosed. Only the name of the Trustee(s) is listed in the public records. This does not mean that a beneficiary cannot be a Trustee, but if privacy is an issue the Trustee can be a trusted third party, such as a financial advisor, lawyer, bank, or a Trust company. In addition, once created a Land Trust does not need annual reporting and filing as is required for corporations and limited liability companies in Florida.
While a Florida Land Trust can provide several potential benefits it also has several drawbacks. Due to the complexities of a Land Trust the cost is generally far more expensive than a simple revocable Trust. In addition, any transfer of existing property to a Land Trust could trigger an existing mortgage due on sale clause (which would not happen if the owner transferred the property to their own revocable Trust due to a specific federal law exemption). A transfer to a Land Trust could also trigger a reevaluation of a property’s tax value for real estate taxes, which can result in recapture of substantial growth that was shielded by Florida’s cap on increases (3 or 10% depending on whether the property is homestead). Florida Land Trusts can be effective tools but great care and proper understanding are keys before proceeding.
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.
Motek
Restaurant Row
5377 Town Center Rd. #300, Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 922-3319
If there’s one thing that brings people together it’s a “no brainer”: Food & Wine! And with all our differences somehow food is a bridge that bonds every culture and allows us to feel the essence of humanity. If you ask anyone why they love to travel I would wager their first, if not the second, answer would be the “fabulous food or wine.”
There’s a saying, “We all desire what we don’t have.” Maybe it’s because we become normalized to the foods we eat on a daily basis. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve expressed my frustration to Hungry D that I was tired of the same old menu. I truly believe our taste buds love the stimulus of new and exciting additions of salt, fat, acid and heat (great TV series). I will even throw in “textures” to that mix.
That’s why restaurants like Motek take a quantum leap in this competitive dining market to bring a missing piece of the cuisine puzzle to our neighborhood. Now if only someone will bring in a great Chinese restaurant too. Since it’s difficult to travel to the Middle East and experience this amazing and understated food palette, I highly recommend you grab a camel and trot over to Motek soon.
First Impressions: Motek originated in Miami with its cult-like followers longing for this type of MediterraneanIsraeli comfort food. It’s situated in Boca’s new “Restaurant Row” along with the formidable Stage Restaurant and the over-crowed Camino Real. The good news is, this operation is well-seasoned with their seventh location.
Having taken the previous spot of the short-lived Fiolina restaurant, they have adapted this 220-seat space to fit a fresh and inviting natural environment. You will find floor to ceiling windows, a wrap-around bar opening to an expansive patio canopied with bright umbrellas, and plenty of greenery. The restaurant design also radiates a vibrant Mediterranean feel
with ivy-wrapped oak trees, an open view to the action in the kitchen and enough servers to create a helpful neighborhood vibe. The only drawback for some might be the loud, sometimes annoying sounds of what I assume is a South Beach music playlist.
Prime Your Taste Buds: To start, Motek means “sweetheart” in Hebrew. And this setting and menu choices make you feel like you’re on your first date. So don’t come here without the vision of sharing your dishes. The appetizers and entrees bring culinary influences that originated from the heart of eastern Mediterranean, such as Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Morocco.
Keeping with the family theme, there was no way any of us would stand guard over our individual plates. It’s amazing how fast forks fly when presented with an array of delicious choices. Our starters consisted of Crispy Cauliflower ($15) treated with a spicy harissa honey glaze and, of course, a Laffa with a side of their smooth-as-silk hummus. Laffa is a pita type bread in a portion very shareable for two or more.
We also decided to give Za’atar Greek Salad ($19) a go. For a guy who has spent plenty of time in Greece this one hits on all cylinders. The ingredients are very fresh and the huge piece of Feta was beyond good!
Straight from the Kitchen: There is no doubt that the owners of Motek, Charlie and Tessa Levy, have raised the bar in delivering their childhood family recipes from Israel to give you a taste of the vibrant flavors of Tel Aviv, even if you have never been there.
The Hungry Squad had a difficult time deciding what to choose on this menu since everything seemed so tempting. Hungry H decided she had overdosed on the appetizers so went for the smaller plate, Tel Aviv Tuna Tartare ($24). This optimal portion of Ahi Tuna was as good as at any quality sushi house. Joined by ripe avocado, slivers of red onion and a dollop of tahini made it a perfect shareable item.
As for Hungry S, her choice had us scratching our heads. Usually associated with Germany or Austria, her order of Chicken Schnitzel ($25) defined the description as crispy and with a bit of spice. Lightly breaded and sprinkled with sesame seeds it was sautéed to perfection. The accompanying heated mustard sauce was good, but you might need a water hose nearby.
Hungry D, of course, went for the seafood. Her order of the Salmon Skewer ($19) was not exciting; not to say it was bad, but nothing other than grilled chunks of salmon filet on a stick, served with labneh (cheese sauce made from yogurt) and pickled onions was enough to get her by.
As for me, Hungry Al, I didn’t hesitate to try their Lamb Shawarma ($38) and glad I did! Tasty shredded lamb draped
Grape Expectations: Red is a Tasty Summer Color, Too!
By Ed Wolfarth, who moved to South Florida after retiring with his wife, Vicki, as Professor of Sports Sciences & Physical Education at both Queens College and Hofstra University. He is a nationally ranked senior tennis player and long-time USPTA Elite Teaching Professional. Ed has written many educational and tennis articles in the past. Over the past few years, Ed has turned his hobby of wine collecting into a way of continuing his passion for writing and has written on the subject for publications. As a 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.
Rosé and white wines are the summer classics. Hot weather still lingers but many of us are yearning for something a bit more substantial in our wine choices. There are many diaphanous red wine grapes that allow the fruit to shine through without the associated heaviness of such “winter reds” as Cabernets, Malbecs and Syrahs.
Dining Out from page 12
over another Laffa was amazingly good and worth having again. I will assume their chicken version is equally as good.
Side Note: You might want to try Motek’s Arayes Burger ($25). This Lebanese-style grilled beef-stuffed pita has become a recurring favorite at the Burger Bash event at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
From the Dessert Tray: The desserts here stay within the region and highlight all you would expect to sweeten your meal. Delicacies such as Turkish Baklava, Halva ice cream, Knaffe (this cheese pastry is usually spelled Knafeh) and Pistachio Cheesecake. Any way you go I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Check Please: There are sometimes when you wish the dinner experience doesn’t have to end with a check. But in the case of Motek you seem happy to compensate
Summer reds should have the following qualities: First, they should be fairly low in alcohol. Secondly, they should be low in tannins. Tannin is a natural preservative found in wine skins that makes you pucker, like the taste you get from teabags that steep too long. Thirdly, they should have good acidity to stand up to typical summer fare, such as salads, tomato sauces, etc. And finally, they should taste great when chilled. The following wines certainly fill that bill.
Gamay is often referred to as “a poor man’s P inot or Burgundy.” The Gamay grape is the foundation of all Beaujolais wines. Remember, Beaujolais is the region and Gamay is the grape. You’ve probably heard of Beaujolais Nouveau, that light quaff that hits the U.S. market early every November and sells for $5 to $10 per bottle. This is a wonderful summer wine, has all three of the characteristics of a summer red, but the single vineyard Gamays are really the wines to seek out.
In order to separate themselves from the Nouveau variety these single vineyard Beaujolais do not even have the name Beaujolais on the label! These cru wines, from heaviest to lightest, are: Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Chenas and Julienas,
with a monetary nod of appreciation. It was inconceivable a few decades ago that Boca Raton would be enriched with exciting restaurants rooted in culinary history and based on family traditions. Fortunately, Motek is a great example of our changing dining scene offering the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality right here in our own Boca Raton neighborhood.
Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Saint Amour, Brouilly, Regnie and Chirobles, which is the lightest. These are terrific summer wines that age well.
New Zealand Pinot Noir. With the exception of Beaujolais these are the best red wines to chill. The fruity flavors are a perfect match for the summer heat. Pinot usually survives best in cooler climates. In New Zealand the Marlborough and Martinborough regions seem to fit the bill. Villa Maria, Geisen, Palliser Estates, Brancott and the famous Cloudy Bay (which started it all) are making excellent and affordable Pinots that taste fabulous chilled. Grenache/Garnacha, grown around the world, is often a blending grape. It is characterized by low acidity and soft tannins, and is fruit-forward. You may have heard of GSM blends from the Rhône Valley of France. That’s Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. In southern Australia these GSM blends are prevalent and their fruitiness and lack of tannins make them an excellent candidate for summer drinking. If you can find it my favorite GSM blend is Nine Popes by Charles Melton. It will set you back some $40 but is a lot cheaper than many Chateauneuf-du-Papes. Garnacha, in Spain, is also used in Rioja wines. Rioja wines are nice summer reds but Garnacha in Priorat, another Spanish wine region, tends to be much heavier with more alcohol content. Just shows that all grape varietals can be made in different styles.
Motek is certainly helping to line up the marbles correctly in “Restaurant Row” by offering another great reason to return. Even the waiter stated that the management is nice, the customers great and it’s the best place she has ever worked. Says a lot for Motek or their training program. The Hungry Squad didn’t have trouble coming to a consensus on awarding Motek four golden Falafels in their efforts to bring us the best of the Middle East.
Zinfandel. For many years Zin was thought to be indigenous to California, until DNA testing proved that it really originated as Primitivo in Croatia. Californians cannot claim it to be theirs any longer! Zin is characterized by bright acidity and red fruit flavors. These are the “go to” wines for all foods on the barbeque. In California my favorite Zin producers are: Joel Gott, Carlisle and Seghesio. All affordable in the $15 to $25 range. For more upscale and expensive Zins, Helen Turley wines are renowned and sought after. While red Zinfandel wines tend to be high in alcohol the acidity can tame the heat. Don’t be afraid to add an ice cube.
So there you have it. It’s permissible to drink red wine in the summertime. As a matter of fact, remember my first rule of pairing food and wine. This is important, so pay attention: “Eat the food you like, with the wine you like.” Till next time...enjoy!
Book Review… “Bad Days in History: A Gleefully Grim Chronicle of
Misfortune, Mayhem, and Misery for Every Day of the Year”
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.
Jesus!” before a second strike all but severed her head. The headsman, exasperated by his own incompetence, was forced to saw away the remaining sinew to finally finish the job…”
• March 6, 1835. The English philosopher John Stuart Mill on this night faced an excruciating task. His friend Thomas Carlyle had entrusted to him the only copy of the manuscript of Carlyle’s magisterial history of the French Revolution. Mill’s maid had accidentally burned it as kindling, and now he had to go and explain this terrible fact to Carlyle! Farquhar describes Carlyle’s extraordinary response to this disastrous news.
• September 30, 2006. Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas hotel mogul, had just made a deal to sell Picasso’s 1932
masterpiece, “Le Reve,” a portrait of the artist’s young mistress, Marie-Therese Walter, for a record $139 million and brought some friends into his office to show them the painting before the sale. “Suddenly, there was a terrific noise and when Wynn stepped away there was a hole in the painting where his elbow had punched through the canvas…The price of the painting plummeted by $54 million.” A costly day for Mr. Wynn!
With these and several hundred more such true experiences against which to compare your own days, you have many good reasons to keep a copy of this book nearby—not to mention that it is a heck of a lot of fun! Illustrated with drawings and photos.
This paperback book should be made available in every pharmacy chain store for non-prescription, over-the-counter sales to anyone looking for a “feel better” antidepressant. All anyone would have to do is take home a copy, keep it on a nightstand next to the bed and any time of the year when you are feeling a bit “down” about having had a bad day—for example, if it’s January 3rd and your score on the golf course was a few strokes over your usual game—just turn to page 15 of this book and read about what happened to another guy on a different January 3rd…in his case, in the year 1977.
The man’s name: Ronald Wayne. He had been asked by two younger men to join them in a start-up business. Ronald was more mature and experienced; he was expected to keep the other two very bright but difficult personalities under control and for that was given 10% of the company’s shares in addition to a salary. The company was incorporated on January 3rd, 1977.
But after a while, working with the other two became too much for Ronald Wayne and he decided he wanted out. So he turned in his shares of the company in exchange for a total of $800. Incredibly, according to this book’s author, Michael Farquhar, Wayne lived happily enough afterward selling stamps and coins and collecting Social Security… while his former partners, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, built the company, Apple, to the point where Wayne’s original 10% that he sold for $800 would now be worth about $30 Billion!
Having a bad day on the golf course doesn’t seem so bad now, by comparison, does it?
Arranged day by day in calendar order, from January 1st through December 31st, this 478-page paperback offers 365 stories of such bad experiences borne by people throughout thousands of years of history. They range in length from a paragraph to several pages, all fascinating and told with a sense of humor and irony.
No small selection of examples from among these almost 400 stories would do justice to the variety presented by the author after his clearly extraordinary amount of research, but the following offer at least a hint of why you will consider yourself as having a (relatively) wonderful day, every day of the year, with this book to turn to for each comparable date.
(These brief descriptions are my own, just to give you an idea of the events. The author’s stories are generally much longer and more interestingly described.)
• May 15, 1998. Soap opera diva Susan Lucci gave fresh meaning to the word ‘loser’ on this date when, after being nominated again, she was denied the Daytime Emmy Award as best actress—for the 18th time!
• February 8, 1587. When on this date Queen Elizabeth I of England ordered her cousin Mary Queen of Scots to be beheaded, things got a bit messed up…and messy. “The executioner took a mighty swing with the ax. He missed. The blow struck the back of her head instead of the neck. Witnesses reported the stunned queen muttering “Sweet
Essays on Life: Summer Memories
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 1980 my husband and I purchased a summer vacation home on Cape Cod. It was our 25th anniversary gift to each other and we closed on the property June 21st, the date of our marriage. The reason for buying the house was not only to provide ourselves with a refuge to escape the hectic routine of our daily lives but to spend time with our adult children who were now busy establishing careers and living independently. In addition, it was our way of ensuring that our children would have the opportunity to spend quality time with each other.
This decision proved to be prophetic. Almost every weekend the kids came, and even after they married and started their own families the tradition continued, enabling the grandchildren to become closer. Every grandchild grew up spending summer weekends together.
Forty-five years later my life has evolved. I am now a widow and spend eight months of each year in Florida, returning to my beloved vacation home from June through
September. My Broken Sound friends cannot understand why I want to return; why I want the hassle of traveling back and forth at my stage of life. But I cannot imagine being anywhere else.
My summer residence is situated atop the second highest point in all of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Surrounded by a three-acre forest of mature oak, scrub pine, wild blueberry bushes, sweet fern and creeping English ivy. To the north I can see both the Bourne and the railroad bridges spanning the Cape Cod Canal. From the west the house overlooks Buzzard’s Bay, Old Silver Beach and Cleveland’s Ledge. To the South is Martha’s Vineyard. I have neighbors but their houses are hidden by the dense foliage of the woods.
Although the house may seem isolated I have established a routine and never feel alone. Every morning a brightly colored hummingbird stops by to sip nectar from the hanging plant on the dining room deck. Bumblebees hover and butterflies flutter over the flowerfilled window boxes. As I sip my breakfast tea I watch the antics of squirrels leaping from branch to branch. A variety of birds—cardinals, blue jays, finch, chickadees, sparrows—flit back and forth from the bird feeder where they eat to the birdbath where they drink and take their morning showers.
Chipmunks dash across the yard to retrieve the seeds on the ground that have fallen from the feeder. A brown bunny nibbles on a blade of grass that has pushed its way through the mulch. A majestic hawk perches on a bough patiently eyeing the prey below.
Each day is filled with the addition of other little critters. An emerald green frog sits camouflaged under a canopy of petunias, a box turtle slowly ambles across the driveway, a daddy-longlegs creeps down the glass sliding door, a wild turkey visits the feeder, her seven baby poults following behind. I smile as they waddle and struggle to keep up, but then I worry if they will survive as I remember the red fox I’ve seen lurking in the woods and the coyotes that howl in the night.
After lunch I go outside to tend to my gardens. I pluck, prune, weed, transplant and admire the array of radiant blooms that are the rewards of my toil. A cool breeze dries the perspiration from my brow. I brush debris from the fairy garden, pick a ripe tomato to add to my dinner salad and cut a small bouquet of snapdragons to put into a vase and display on the kitchen counter.
Later in the day I wander down to the pool deck to read, meditate and revel in the serenity. I watch a flock of wood starlings streak across the sky as they return to their nests to roost for the night. The sun begins to set, turning the horizon ablaze with its magnificence evolving from golden yellow to orange, pink, lavender and, finally, deep indigo. I return inside to prepare my evening meal.
The weekend brings with it a flurry of activity as the family arrives. It is still hard to believe that my grandchildren, who spent every summer weekend of their childhood visiting this special place, are now returning to carry on the tradition with their own children. Hamburgers, hot dogs and steak tips sizzle on the grille. Laughter emanates from the play area where the little ones swing on the swings, slide on the slide and climb the ramp onto the Jolly Ravech pirate ship.
They jump and frolic in the pool, each vying for my attention to show off their newly acquired swimming skills. They squirt one another with water guns and compete for who gets to ride next on the Willy the Whale float. The babies kick and squeal as they experience sitting in the splash pool for the first time.
Sunday morning we all commune around the breakfast table laden with lox, bagels, frittatas, French toast, fruit salad, coffee cake and, of course, fruit loops and pop tarts for the kids. After eating, some decide to go to the beach while others choose to head home early to avoid the traffic. Come Monday morning, I’m kept busy with laundry, cleaning and restoring my house to its usual tidiness. Although I am always excited to spend time with my family I must admit I look forward to returning to the peace and tranquility of my daily routine once they leave.
All too soon the calendar reminds me that another summer has passed. The pool gets closed and covered, the patio furniture stored away and the flowers begin to wither. Pumpkin patches crop up in the nearby farms. Cranberry bogs get flooded in anticipation of harvesting. Apple picking and hayride advertisements pepper the local newspapers. It’s time for me to make my plans to return to Florida for the winter season. Time to tuck away in the scrapbook of my mind another collection of summer memories.
By Dr. Bridget Dermott DVM, CCRT,
Calusa Veterinary Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487, (561) 999-3000, www. cvcboca.com.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature rises too high and cannot be cooled effectively. This can cause severe damage to body organs and can result in death. Heatstroke occurs from exposure to hot or humid environments and from overly strenuous exercise.
Heatstroke results when dogs cannot regulate their body temperature and it rises above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Short-muzzled dogs (Examples: French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs) as well as overweight and older dogs are at a higher risk of heatstroke.
Signs of Heatstroke include: Heavy Panting, Drooling, Bloody Diarrhea, Vomiting, Weakness/Collapse and/or Seizures.
If elevated body temperatures are prolonged it will cause damage to every organ in the body including acute kidney injury, blood clotting issues and shock. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires intensive critical care. If your dog starts to display signs of H eatstroke, start to cool them immediately by wetting your dog with cool water and placing them directly in front of the air conditioning on the way to your veterinary hospital.
Once at the veterinary hospital treatment includes active cooling, intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy and diagnostics, including blood work to check your pet’s electrolytes, glucose, etc.
Heatstroke can cause widespread organ damage and, unfortunately, many pets do not survive. Chances of survival improve with early recognition of H eatstroke, intensive treatment, and supportive care.
How to prevent Heatstroke in your pets
• Never leave dogs unattended in your car.
• Avoid strenuous exercise in hot and humid weather.
• Always provide access to shade and water while outside.
• Avoid walking your pet during the hottest time of the day.
• Remain indoors during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
If your pet develops symptoms of Heatstroke, especially while outside in the summer heat, seek immediate veterinary care at your nearest emergency facility.
