March Of The Living Southern Region Commemorates Kristallnacht With “Marching Forward” Program
The March of the Living Southern Region hosted its Kristallnacht Commemorative Program, Marching Forward: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future, on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Zinman Hall on the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) campus. The program honored Rabbi Dr. Leon Weisberg for a lifetime of leadership in Holocaust and Jewish education and rallied community support for the March of the Living Scholarship Fund, which ensures that every eligible student can participate regardless of financial means.
The program was chaired by Lesli K. Ross, with Southern Region Co-Chairs Phyllis Gutmann and Deborah Rudmann. Guest speakers included Julia Jassey, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jewish on Campus, and Natalie Sanandaji, public affairs officer at the Combat Antisemitism
Movement and a survivor of the October 7 Nova Music Festival massacre.
Dr. Roni Rab, head of school at Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, moderated the discussion. Survivors, teens, parents, educators, and community leaders participated in a solemn six-candle lighting in memory of the Six Million, joined together for Mourner’s Kaddish and Hatikvah, and viewed a short film highlighting the transformational impact of the March of the Living on local teens.
Igor Alterman, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, stated, “Our Federation is invested in the future of March of the Living. Through commemoration we honor those who came
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, thoughtprovoking 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 time-traveling 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.
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.”
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.
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.
Igor Alterman, Deborah Rudmann (March of the Living committee co-chair), Rabbi Dr Leon Weissberg
before us. Through immersive and accessible education we strengthen Jewish identity today and help secure a strong Jewish future. Together we are stakeholders in bringing essential Holocaust education to the next generation.”
Stephanie Nichol, director of March of the Living at the Federation, noted, “Looking around this intergenerational gathering, my heart is full. The 38th year of the March reminds us how much there is still to remember and to teach. As antisemitism rises, Holocaust education and Jewish identity are more vital than ever. Your support keeps survivor testimony alive by placing it directly into the hands and hearts of our teens.”
Honoree Rabbi Dr. Leon Weisberg reflected on lessons from decades of leading March of the Living groups, observing, “Memory is a verb. It is not only what we know; it is what we do with what we know. Numbers have names, and the best answer to Jew-hatred is living a joyful Jewish life. If you see a tear in the fabric of our community, be the thread.”
Jassey and Sanandaji offered practical guidance for empowering students to respond to contemporary antisemitism on campus and online, underscoring the role of testimony, relationship-building, and accurate information in countering disinformation and apathy.
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.
“Real change comes from the conversations that aren’t public—the hard, uncomfortable ones,” said Jassey. “If we don’t have those conversations with our friends, our children, and our grandchildren, the next generation of leaders will grow up never hearing our stories.”
Sanandaji added, “Every time we share our stories, we give others the courage to speak, too. I survived the Nova Music Festival attack because others fought for me—now I speak so that no one ever has to feel alone in their Jewish identity again.”
About The Jewish Federation Of South Palm Beach County Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish
and social service organizations, synagogues, and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents. To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit https:// jewishboca.org or call (561) 852-3100.
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Holocaust Survivors Mary Eckstein, Zelda Fuksman and Anya Baum
Natalie Sanandaji, Julia Jassey and Dr. Roni Raab
Boca, Beatles & Beyond from page 1
The Singles Scene Column©
2025 Lessons In Love
Special Holiday Edition:
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world”
– Louis Armstrong
Happy December to all of our loyal friends, clients, and couples. As the holiday glow takes over many of us, we may find ourselves reflecting on what the year has meant to our hearts: the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable. At Revolution Dating, we’ve enjoyed watching our clients evolve from SINGLE to TAKEN all year long, and we’ve learned a lot about what people truly want (and need) when it comes to courtship and romance. Once again, thank you for joining us as we celebrate the season with you, and do share this column with your single friends and family as always. We appreciate each and every one of you!
2025 has been a transformational year for relationships. Coming out of years of social uncertainty, emotional resets, and digital fatigue, upscale singles showed they are ready for something real. Humans are craving genuine connection and meaningful conversation, the kind that can’t be found in a swipe or a DM. Let’s look back at the biggest and best lessons of the year and how you can use them to make sure you guard against those pesky “holiday blues.”
Lesson One: Love Requires Courage
This year reminded us that love still favors the brave. It’s not easy to put yourself out there again, especially after heartbreak, divorce, loss, or dating exhaustion. But those who took the leap this year discovered that courage pays off. We know this because we are celebrating a brand-new Revolution Dating engagement this weekend! The gentleman proposing had tried every online dating site as well as two other matchmakers before joining our award-winning club. Imagine if he had given up before he called us? Some of our most epic 2025
stories came from people who almost didn’t reach out to us or were unbelievably pessimistic about the current dating scene. They thought: Maybe it’s too late? or Maybe there is no one out there for me? Now, those same people are traveling with their new partners, spending their first holidays together, or slipping a shiny rock onto their finger.
The lesson? Courage is the secret ingredient to connection. Love rewards action, not hesitation.
Lesson Two: Quality Over Quantity
Online dating promised endless options, but it mainly delivered endless frustration. Ghosting, fake profiles, and superficial matches have left many singles disillusioned. That is why in 2025, more people than ever said goodbye to the apps and hello to real matchmaking. At Revolution Dating, we’ve seen a surge in successful pairings because our clients understand one thing: it’s not about having hundreds of matches, it’s about meeting the right one (at the right time) who has the same emotional readiness. Last year, on Christmas Day, one of our new grooms proposed to his beautiful bride after dating for only seven months. They were each other’s first and last date, handpicked by us. The groom almost didn’t join. Imagine if he didn’t consummate his merger with Revolution Dating?
The lesson? Love is not a numbers game. Quality connection beats quantity every single time.
Lesson Three: Florida Is The Love Capital
Thousands of singles have moved here from across the country, bringing with them fresh energy, success, and an openness to new adventure. We’ve seen an incredible mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees all coming into our brick-and-mortar corporate headquarters ready to make real connections. The Sunshine State isn’t just a place to live; it’s become a place to love. Consider us the new love hub with branches up and down the coast and far west. Our popularity is growing and people are hearing about our good deeds and work nationwide ... thanks to all of you.
The Lesson? This one is obvious. You are lucky to live and love in this ever-growing state.
Lesson
Four: Embrace The Change
As the calendar flips, one thing becomes clear: Love favors those who heed the call to action. Individuals who actually find love are the ones who say: I am ready for love (again), and it starts today. The perfect time is the moment you decide to make a change. The couples who will ring in 2026 together
are the ones who stayed on course and did not wait another week or another day. He who hesitates is lost.
The new year is a blank page—and it’s waiting for your new love story. If 2025 was about learning, growth, and rediscovering what you want, then 2026 will be about receiving it. We expect next year to be the most romantic year yet, with more engagements, more success stories, and more real relationships coming from our office. The energy is shifting, and if you’re ready to be part of it, there’s no better time than now. Don’t let another year slip away wondering what if. You have learned the lessons, so now is the time to apply them. If you find yourself struggling, ask for some coaching or a morale booster. We could all use the encouragement. Just never quit on love--no matter what has gotten in your way. Your next love is out there and waiting to meet you too. Look how hard you have worked and know that you will never be as young and attractive as you are today.
Join Revolution Dating this December, and step into 2026 with confidence, hope, and statistics on your side. We have the perfect gift waiting for you, and it is destined to last a lifetime. Allow us to help you meet the right person and create your next great chapter before the new year begins. Let the ball drop with your secret in your pocket--US.
Happy Holidays From Your Favorite Matchmakers!
XOXO, Kelly & Miranda
#TheGiftOfLove #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends #HolidayLove
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, The Coastal Pearl, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback
The Singles Scene Column© on page 4
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.
The Singles Scene Column© from page 3
from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an addon to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jetsetting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area or Mountain Country. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!
’Tis The Season of Love--The Year In Review!
Now is the time to celebrate and reflect on the many love stories created by Revolution Dating. It’s Plus-One Party season too, so do tell your friends and family who are still single--there is HOPE in the wild world of too much tech. Revolution Dating specializes in bringing back traditional dating and chivalry by screening and representing likeminded clients. Our love connections yield happiness from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades and is now picking up even more traction in mountain country and the Midwest. Lucky for all of you, our corporate office is here in Florida which has become the epicenter of new starts and budding new romance. Take a look at the good energy overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where we have been established almost 12 successful years and counting. Become UN-Single and book your first interview today. It’s so easy to start. Bonus: December is the perfect time to find your love just in time for a New Year’s Kiss. #TellYourFriends #RomanticRevolution
Kelly and Miranda Won Numerous Awards in 2025! #MatchmakingRoyalty
Young Professionals Find Love Here! #RepresentingAllAges
CEO John and Dr. Christine With Their Two Beautiful Blessings! #RevolutionBabies A Very Special Engagement of Our Own! #SheSaidYes
Bruce and Brenda Always Steal Our Hearts! #RevolutionCouple
Gail and Alan Got Married This Year! #GoldenMarriage
“US Special Agent” Event With a Favorite Senior Success Story! #AmericanHero
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.
Glazer Hall Welcomes Nationally Renowned Executive Chef
To Lead Glazer
Hall Private Events With Lessing’s Hospitality Group
Glazer Hall has partnered with Lessing’s Hospitality Group to produce elevated, high-end events for Palm Beach’s reimagined premier waterfront arts and cultural center.
Glazer Hall is delighted to welcome nationally acclaimed and Michelinawarded chef, Daniel DiStefano, as executive chef for Glazer Hall Private Events – its new private event division. In collaboration with Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Glazer Hall Private Events will curate luxury gatherings at Glazer Hall, Palm Beach’s premier waterfront performing arts center, which is set to debut this season.
“We wanted to partner with a world-class hospitality group that will deliver five-star quality and service for Glazer Hall Private Events,” said Jill Glazer, co-founder of Glazer Hall.
Chef DiStefano will drive culinary innovation and excellence to create exceptional, one-of-a-kind events at Glazer Hall’s picturesque waterfront setting. He is an accomplished culinary leader with over 20 years of fine dining and executive experience. Chef DiStefano spent more than a decade at Eleven Madison Park, where he helped secure and maintain three Michelin Stars and contributed to the restaurant being ranked by San Pellegrino as one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017. He was also an executive culinary director with Daniel Humm Hospitality, where he oversaw global culinary partnerships, new concept development, and the launch of acclaimed projects, including Clemente Bar, which debuted at No. 11 on San Pellegrino’s annual ranking of North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2025.
“We chose Daniel to oversee the cuisine for Glazer Hall Private Events because he brings a proven record of creativity and excellence in fine dining,” said Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group. “His leadership will position Glazer Hall as the top destination in South Florida for one-of-a-kind weddings, events, and dining experiences.”
Lessing’s Hospitality Group has established a reputation for hospitality excellence across the Northeast and South Florida. Chef DiStefano’s appointment to lead Glazer Hall Private Events strengthens Lessing’s foundation and supports Glazer Hall’s mission of providing exceptional, unique, and elevated experiences in South Florida through leading innovation.
performances with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
While honoring the rich history of John Volk’s original design, the new venue will offer cutting-edge facilities rarely seen in such an intimate setting.
Glazer Hall’s second-floor private event space will feature breathtaking western and northern views of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a remarkable setting for any celebration. Spanning 1,200 square feet, the space is ideal for pre-show dining, elegant receptions, corporate gatherings, or intimate celebrations. A connected, 600-square-foot, multipurpose room brings added functionality to accommodate breakout sessions, private meetings, or additional guest seating. The event space’s sophisticated, versatile design and serene waterfront ambience creates the perfect blend of luxury and functionality to make every moment memorable and unique.
To inquire about private events at Glazer Hall, visit glazerhall.org, email rentals@glazerhall.org, or call (561) 576-7860.
Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography.
Location:
Future patrons of Glazer Hall can expect an extraordinary experience of world-class
Michael Lessing, Jill Glazer, Avie Glazer, Daniel DiStefano
Daniel DiStefano
Shields Up – It’s Tough To Remain Professionally Detached
By Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP
It was a long, emotionally draining, summer. I have been practicing locally for 45 years now and many of my patients have lived a high quality of independent life well into their eighties and nineties. I’ve had a few centurions as well. Some of these individuals have seen me three or four times a year now for 25 years or more.
Over the last 90 days, I have unfortunately lost a slew of long-time patients to dreaded diseases that have been kept in check for decades. At some point, our body just wears out with little or no reserve to call on.
I often make an adjustment in a patient’s medication here and there and change a routine which improves their health condition and quality of life for a bit longer
Festival Of The Arts Boca from page 1
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.
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: Genredefying, Grammy-winning trio Time for Three takes the stage, blending classical training with indie-folk energy.
– giving them an opportunity to enjoy what they love to do and who they love to speak to and be with.
This past summer, some of those chronically diseased and damaged bodies just gave out. I lost a few dear patients to death. A few were transferred to hospice services for palliative and end of life care. Other patients were advised by me to move closer to their children or family members because living alone in Florida, and no longer being able to drive their automobiles, was not conducive to a happy high quality of life. Some moved into senior skilled nursing facilities that have their own set of physician providers with no option for outside physicians to continue their care. In every case, it’s a sad good-bye and acknowledgement of a new stage of life both professionally and personally.
During the years of medical training, one learns to build up a protective emotional shield so that you don’t take everyone’s illness, pain and heartache home. That experience gives you some inner strength and protection but it’s incomplete. While the number of patients dying
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
and moving on will not cause a major change in economics in my practice, it does end years of trusted relationships with the patients, their life partners and their children. These departing patients have put their faith and trust in me, and I cannot thank them enough for their confidence in my abilities.
The shield against experiencing emotions for someone else’s troubles is far from complete and invincible. It still hurts when the circle of life and nature’s forces take a cherished human being who happens to be my patient. I feel the pain, endure the ache and vow to help the next person stay healthy, active and independent enough to enjoy the things they love to do and the people they love to be with.
Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP, is board certified in internal medicine with added qualifications in geriatrics. He has practiced in the area since 1979 and is accepting new patients. To request a complimentary meeting with Dr. Reznick to discuss your health needs, and learn about his concierge medicine practice, call (561) 3680191, www.bocaconciergedoc.com.
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.
Benzaiten Center For Creative Arts
Three Events You Don’t Want to Miss!
Each year in mid-December the Benzaiten Center hosts The Great South Florida Showdown. This is when they gather all the most talented glassblowers working in South Florida to collaborate on one giant work of art. This year the center is bringing down Corning’s Hot Shop Manager, George Kennard, to be the lead artist on this project. He will be creating one of his large spheres using the “Encalmo” method. Classically known as Incalmo, this is a Venetian glass blowing technique that involves fusing different glass sections together. Encalmo pieces are traditionally worked with several bands of color, stacked on top of each other to create a uniquely heady aesthetic. This is an impressively tricky technique to get down, as colors require different temperatures to work without damage. This large sphere will serve as the base for the rest of the collaborative pieces. This is a once-a-year opportunity to see such a high level of fiery collaboration in real time. It is the center’s most popular “Artist Blow-Out.” The event is graciously being underwritten by the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts. Arthur Wiener is creating a new 30,000-square-foot museum building in the heart of Lake Worth Beach.
On Thursday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Benzaiten will be hosting a fun fundraiser called “A Night in Venice.” It will be
Baltimore artist Tim McFadden and one of his large “Nesting Bowls” compositions
an immersive Venetian experience providing a special “Venetian goblet,” glassblowing demonstration performed by Baltimore artist, Tim McFadden, who is one of the center’s visiting artists this year. Sergio Gnesin, who represents some well-known Murano artists, will be exhibiting his own personal collection of Venetian art from the 1920s to the present. The center won’t have a gondola, but they will have live piano music and opera singing. What could be more romantic? Of course, there will be an open bar and enough heavy hors d’oeuvres for dinner. You don’t want to miss it!
The night after our fundraiser the center will be holding its first “Double Header Blow-Out.” Everyone at Benzaiten is very excited about this new type of artist blow-out as instead of featuring one artist, there will be one glassblower and one flameworker both in the hot shop at the same time. Tim McFadden will be blowing some of his large nesting bowls and flameworker, Sibelle Yuksek, will be flameworking one of her amazing figurines. Her work will be projected through a large screen TV hung in the middle of the hot shop. This will be part of the center’s new livestreaming setup.
Since all these events sell out, we urge you to check the schedule at the right and start reserving your spots now. Artist Blow-Outs are $25 per person for general admission, $50 for premium seating. The “Meet the Artist Dinners” are capped at 40 people and the price per person is $100. A
Flameworker, Sibelle Yuksek, will be creating one of her figures at the Double-Header Blow-Out.
Night in Venice is $125 per person and the Fire & Ice Gala is $350 per person. To learn more go contact us at: www.benzaitencenter.org (561) 508-7315 inspired@benzaitencenter.org
Event Schedule For 2025-2026
South Florida Showdown At The Benz Corning Glassblower, George Kennard And Other South Florida Artists
Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
$25/$50 per person
This event is being graciously underwritten by:
“A Night In Venice” Fundraiser Funds raised will go to: Benzaiten’s Charitable Outreach Projects
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Double Header Blow-Out
Featuring: Glassblower, Tim McFadden Flameworker, Sibelle Yuksek
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Both artists will be performing in the Hot Shop
$25/$50 per person
“A Night in Venice” will raise funds for our many charitable programs.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
Happy Holidays!
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on another year of service and the milestones that continue to shape our growing county.
Property values in Palm Beach County remain strong. While the pace of growth has moderated compared to the historic gains of recent years, taxable property values increased 8.13 % this year, reflecting the continued desirability of our communities. The overall market value of all property now exceeds $529 billion.
Throughout 2025, my staff continued the careful work of gathering information and valuing property based on the real estate market as of January 1. Every day, I am grateful for their dedication and professionalism. Our motto— We Value What You Value —is more than words; it represents the accuracy, fairness, and commitment of all 220-plus public servants who determine the taxable value of more than 655,000 parcels and nearly 58,000 tangible personal property accounts in Palm Beach County.
The end of the year also brings a new chapter for our Agriculture Department, which will be relocating to our Mid-West County Service Center the first week of December. The move allows our agricultural specialists to better serve western Palm Beach County’s farmers, ranchers, and growers closer to where agricultural activity is most concentrated. The new location provides expanded workspace, enhanced accessibility for inspections, and a more convenient experience for our agricultural community. You can read more about the Agriculture Department below.
As we look toward 2026, our mission remains unchanged: to value property, administer exemptions, and maintain ownership records fairly, equitably, and in accordance with Florida law. We also continue to enhance our online tools and services to make it easier for residents to file, research, and interact with our office wherever they are.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as your property appraiser. I wish you and your families a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Respectfully,
Dorothy
Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Homestead Exemption Receipt Cards Mailed Late December
On the last business day in December, our office mails a pink and white Homestead Exemption Receipt Card to every property owner with an active homestead exemption. A homestead exemption can save money for the average homeowner each year and caps annual assessment increases at 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower.
If there are no changes to ownership or property use, simply keep the card as your confirmation that your exemption is automatically renewed for another year. However, if ownership changed due to sale, marriage, divorce, death, or change in use, please contact us at (561) 355-2866 or email MyExemption@pbcpao.gov.
If you purchased a new home this year and haven’t yet filed, it’s easy to e-file online, by mail, or in person at one of our five service centers. The deadline to file is March 1, 2026.
Agriculture Department Services
Our Agriculture Department’s new location is in our Mid-West County Service Center, inside the Mayor Fred Pinto Midwestern Community Building, 200 Civic Center Way, Suite 100, in Royal Palm Beach—just behind the Royal Palm Beach Library.
The department administers the Agricultural Classification Program (commonly called the “Greenbelt”), which helps protect bona fide agricultural land from being assessed at market value. Staff conduct field inspections, review applications, and verify the continuing agricultural use of property in accordance with Florida Statute 193.461.
In addition, the team assists with questions about agricultural classification as it pertains to farming, equestrian, apiary, aquaculture, and ranch operations to ensure fair and consistent application throughout Palm Beach County.
To help property owners better understand the program, Agriculture Manager Keith Alexander will host a free public lecture titled, “From Downtown to the Fields: Ag Classification Made Simple,” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Royal Palm Beach Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach.
To learn more, visit the Agriculture Department page at pbcpao.gov/agriculture or call (561) 784-1257.
Holiday Office Closures
All five Service Centers of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed on:
• Wednesday, Dec. 24
• Thursday, Dec. 25
• Friday, Dec. 26
• Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday and all the best for the new year.
6063 SW 18TH STREET #110 BOCA RATON, FL 33433 561-391-2266
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Tax Talk
Dear Friends:
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.
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!
And The Award Goes To…
I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of subscribers that read about our office and the community each month. Your engagement is very much appreciated. I look forward to sharing more information with you in the new year. Watch for a refreshed Tax Talk in 2026!
Until then, happy holidays and happy new year.
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Our Premiere Publication: 2026 Tax Planner And 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
Never Too Early To Renew Your Driver’s License
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 newsletter, our website, and a variety of print 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.
Did you know that you may be eligible to renew your driver’s license online? If your driver’s 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’s 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.
The 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’s license is set to expire within the next few months, schedule your reservation today at www.pbctax.gov/ reservations! Driver’s license reservations book up fast, sometimes as far out as 60 business days!
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 and 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.
Healthy Answers – A Guide To Healthy Living: “How Do You Set Your Clock?”
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 healthrelated 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.
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.
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!
Mickie
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.
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-for-dollar, 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 singlefamily 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 first-ever 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.
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.
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 one-half 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 worldclass 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.
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% cityowned and dedicated to public, civic and recreational uses including a world-class Memorial Park, City Hall,
• Oil Paintings
• Oriental Rugs
• Tapestries
• Fine Furniture
• Service Plates
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.
ARCHIVE GALLERIES
• Sterling Silver
• Objects of Art
• Sculptures
• Bronzes
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• Orientalia
• Tiffany Items
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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, multigenerational, 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.
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.
Community Foundation’s 13th Annual on page 16
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.
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 foods and create healthier communities. The center works closely with community partners to design and evaluate programs that improve food security, health and well-being. 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.”
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.
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.
Dining Out: An Argentinian Steakhouse...Sorta!
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!
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.
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