for the adaptive reuse of old buildings as a key solution for America’s housing affordability crisis and sustainable living.
“As a center of academic excellence and a cultural resource for the South Florida community, where the arts and humanities are the foundation of all learning, the College of Arts and Letters is pleased to showcase the diverse disciplines and programs at our CAST Party as we put an ‘appreciative’ spotlight on those who invest and engage with us as partners, donors and role models for our students,” said Michael J. Horswell, Ph.D., dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.
A Standing Ovation Awaits For Preserving Legacy, Supporting Music Education
Jon Lappin is being honored for his recent establishment of the Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops Music Legacy Endowment for the College of Arts and Letters music program, which includes assets and an extensive music library comprised of more than 1,600 titles and scores of which a significant amount were arranged by the industry’s most prestigious arrangers and from some of the Great American Songbook’s greatest composers. The endowment will fund scholarships, graduate fellowships and other student financial aid to recruit and retain top music students. It also provides financial support for students to purchase higher quality instruments, as well as specialized instruments and pianos within the music department. This support bolsters the Department of Music’s successful degree programs in commercial music, music education, music performance and conducting, which have produced Grammy-winning artists and producers, industry-leading music executives, world-class music educators, and top-tier scholars. Applause Will Spotlight A First-Of-A-Kind Strategic Partnership In Architectural Design
The college’s partnership with AHF and Glavovic Studio is the first-of-its-kind, bringing together a leading
academic institution, a global nonprofit organization, and a for-profit architecture studio to advance innovative solutions to the affordable housing problem in Florida and across the United States. Approaching the affordable housing crisis from different perspectives, the three partners work with FAU students to identify adaptive reuse opportunities and amplify the voices of the next generation in solving generational problems. Through the new partnership, FAU students have developed a guidebook to help identify which kinds of existing vacant properties may be most viable for affordable housing projects, putting adaptive reuse into practice. The students have also unveiled comprehensive architectural designs on specific sites in South Florida, taking advantage of the state’s new Live Local Act that allows certain properties to be rezoned for housing. Over time, the FAU students’ design proposals will become new models for adaptive reuse and sustainable living in Florida and beyond.
Chairpersons for the CAST Party evening are Dean’s Advisory Board members Maurice D. Plough and Beth K. Schwartz. CAST host committee members include Melanie
Cabot, chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Suely Berelson, Alisa Cohen, Nancy Dershaw, Silvana Halperin, Andrea J. Karsch, Frank LoRé, Bonnie and Jon Kaye, Sandra Meyer, Marcia Mithun, Dr. Deborah Mulligan and Linda Satz. Along with Cabot, sponsors include Marilyn and Jay Weinberg, Beth K. Schwartz, the Mithun Family Foundation (Marcia and Doug Mithun), Margie and Maurice D. Plough, Kaye Communications PR & Marketing, Bonnie Halperin and family, Sally and Digh O’Loughlin, Linda and Jay Rosenkranz, and Judith and Dr. Howard Weiner. The Boca Raton Observer is the exclusive magazine sponsor; Legends Radio 100.3 WLML-FM is the exclusive broadcast sponsor. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships for the Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. The college houses 21 academic programs including the School of the Arts, along with humanities degrees, social science degrees, and the areas of communication and architecture. The college also houses the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights; the Center for the Future Mind;
The Fifth Annual on page 3
CAST Party Honoree Jon Lappin, president and executive director of the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County/Palm Beach Pops. Photo courtesy of FAU.
Streamline, a design proposal for reuse of an old building, by FAU students Dane LaRocque, Daniel Lasso and Cristian Sanchez. FAU’s School of Architecture is working with CAST Party Honoree AIDS Healthcare Foundation to deliver new transformational models to address America’s housing affordability crisis. Photo courtesy of FAU.
Spady House Still Stands: Spady Museum Kicks Off 100th Anniversary Celebration Of Its Historical House
Supporters Plan House Parties, Fundraisers For 2025/26
Family members of the late Solomon D. Spady joined the audience at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum on Oct. 5, as the museum kicked off its 2024/25 season with a preview of the 100th anniversary celebration of The Spady House. Built in 1926, the historical home of Spady, a local educator and civil rights leader, now houses the museum’s exhibits, archives and administrative offices. To raise funds for another 100 years of programs, museum leadership invited supporters to help it raise $100,000 or more during 2025 and 2026.
On Oct. 5, the museum welcomed Spady family members, special guests and participants of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s “Do Good Delray” initiative to an unveiling of a portrait of Spady, which will be added to the galleries. Portrait artist Serge Strosberg gave the audience a peek behind the scenes of creating the portrait, which
The Fifth Annual from page 2
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Global Studies; Jewish Studies; among others.
was originally commissioned as part of an exhibition at the Cornell Museum at Old School Square.
Spady family member Patti Spady Ross presented the museum with an award given to Solomon D. Spady by FAMU in 1951.
Also in attendance were Elizabeth Burrows, Spady Museum Board Chair; Debby Coles-Dobay of Art Moves You; Marusca Gatto of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority; Dave Lawrence, president/CEO of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council; Stephanie Immelman of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce; and Carolyn Patton and Price Patton of the Delray Beach Preservation Trust.
Founding supporters of the museum’s 100th anniversary celebration have committed to hosting House Parties to bring more supporters and friends to planned fundraising efforts. Called Society 1926, the founding supporters include Immelman, Larry Rosensweig, Nora Rosensweig, Bob Hayes, Susan Hayes, Steve Martel and Lori Martel.
Currently on display is Inside Outside, a solo, abstract, multimedia exhibition by conceptual artist Yves Gabriel that
Tickets are $300 per person until Saturday, Dec. 31; and $350 per person thereafter. To purchase tickets, visit www. fau.edu/artsandletters/cast-party/ or contact Daniela Andrade at (561) 297-2337.
explores how our society interacts with racism, colonialism, and other forms of suppression. Inside Outside will be on display through January 6, 2025.
“The Spady Museum welcomes businesses and patrons who are interested in its mission to learn more about new sponsorship opportunities for the 100th anniversary,” said Museum Executive Director Charlene Farrington. Learn how to become a part of the celebration at www. spadymuseum.com.
About The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the nonprofit organization, Expanding And Preserving Our Cultural Heritage, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. For more information call (561) 279-8883 or visit our website www.spadymuseum.com.
Sponsorships are available at many levels. For more information, contact Esther Swann at eswann@fau.edu or (561) 297-4667. For more information about the CAST Party, visit www.fau.edu/artsandletters/cast-party/.
When back pain persists, it may be a sign of a more severe problem. At West Boca Medical Center, our dedicated team of physicians offers personalized treatment options that utilize minimally invasive techniques to manage and resolve acute and degenerative conditions affecting the spine.
CAST Party will feature The Great American Songbook performances by FAU students. Photos courtesy of FAU.
Why am I doing this? To help the Donor Conceived Community Organization (DCC), it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making a better world for donor-conceived people (DCP). They promote the well-being of donor-conceived people, parents, donors, and the professionals who work with them. Your donations will help them promote through education and aid their cause in an industry that is full of complicated ethical and emotional issues.
In December of 2021, my wife Donna discovered through a “fun” Ancestry DNA test that her father was not her biological father. What she uncovered was that she was donor-conceived, her parents used an anonymous sperm donor. During these past three years she has navigated her way through this emotional journey which involved many challenges. She found her parents’ donor, who is her biological father. To date she’s identified several halfsiblings, there are likely more to come. She, like many other donor-conceived people has had to overcome the betrayal of not knowing her true origin, who she looked like, her true medical history and the list goes on. Fortunately, she discovered DCC which gave her emotional support, companionship from others on this same sudden discovery and most importantly understanding that this is trauma. She has learned a great deal about an unregulated industry making trillions of dollars creating humans with little to no regard for them to know their truth. The true number of donor-conceived people will never be known since it continues to be cloaked within secrets and anonymity. Never had anyone anticipated today’s home DNA test kits which have exposed these long-held secrets.
greatly appreciated and goes to a wonderful cause. Feel free to forward this email to anyone who may be interested in donating. With your donation you will receive a monthly update on my progress monthly beginning the end of October. Thank you in advance for your support of the Donor Conceived Community Organization.
To learn more about DCC’s mission please visit their website at: www.donorconceivedcommunity.org. Many thanks, Donna and Stuart Bookatz
As a 63-year-old avid cyclist who has raised funds for various charities, I am taking on this challenge to help this worthy cause. Alongside Donna, I have witnessed how this grassroots organization comprised of donor-conceived people through their own trauma are passionate about helping others who suddenly find themselves in this new reality. They are dedicated to helping everyone on all sides of this discovery. Donna is an ambassador for donor-conceived people and works with a team from DCC by attending large fertility conferences in the U.S. and facilitates Zoom support groups for those in their late 40s and older. DCC hopes to influence positive change within the complex emotionally charged world of reproductive medicine that we live in today and ease the personal trauma that comes along with it.
I hope to raise these funds through my business contacts, family, and friends. Any donation you can make will be
Local Jewish Community Honors The Heroes Of Israel Lost
On October 7 At A Special Commemoration On Sept. 26
In commemoration of the one-year milestone of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, more than 600 members of the local Jewish community came together at B’nai Torah Congregation to honor the heroes who saved lives, as terrorists invaded their homes, kibbutzim, and gathering places.
On September 26 a special program was produced by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and its partners that featured a moving performance by “Project Heroes,” prayers and song led by a coalition of local rabbis, and fellowship among friends and family.
“As the struggles of October 7 continue, I am awed and revitalized to look out at so many of you from throughout our beautiful, diverse Jewish community,” said Jill Rose, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “We come together tonight from across our varied backgrounds and practices, as we did a year ago – as one united community to remember, to pray and to stand strong. “Not a day goes by without remembering the tragedies and bravery of that fateful day. 1,181 innocent lives brutally lost; a nation changed forever. Tragedies and bravery that continue each and every day a full year later.”
Gilad Segev, CEO of Project Heroes (https://projectheroes.co.il/en/), travels the world, sharing stories of the heroism and courage demonstrated by countless Israelis on October 7, through a multimedia and musical performance. As his band plays original compositions, documentaries
showcase the men, women and children whose stories are told through the lyrics. The audience learns their personal stories – through their own words, video and pictures – that tie them to the moment when they lose their lives because they chose to save others.
“As October 7th happened, I was in shock from the atrocities, but also in shock from the many heroic acts that took place that day. Ever since then, I can’t stop myself from writing songs about our great heroes, commemorating each one in a special song, as each one of them represents the unique characters of Jewish heroism of all time,” Segev said.
Event partners included The Judy and Allan Schuman Center for Israel Engagement, The Deborah and Larry D. Silver Center for Jewish Engagement, The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, B’nai Torah Congregation, Congregation B’nai Israel, Congregation Shaarei Kodesh and Temple Beth El of Boca Raton.
“Our community welcomed Gilad and Project Heroes because we want to connect to the people behind the headlines,” said Dana Vizner, chief planning and allocations officer for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Through tears, we see our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers; we witness their bravery and their love; and we honor their memories with respect and dignity. They will never be forgotten.”
About The Jewish Federation Of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC)
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. 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 – 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 JFSPBC contributes to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit jewishboca. org, jewishdelray.org, or call (561) 852-3100.
Photos by FANE Photo
Stephanie Owitz, Cantor Magda Fishman, Rabbi David Steinhardt, Uri, Chen, Rabbi Dan Levin, Rabbi Josh Broide, Rabbi Rony Keller, Rabbi David Baum, Rabbi Laila Haas
The audience waving glow sticks
Gilad Segev, CEO of Project Heroes
Stephanie Owitz hugging a friend
Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living: ‘Oh, My Aching Back!’
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 self-improvement 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 have 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.
There may be a time in your life when your night table might start looking like the “pain relief” aisle at the pharmacy. Let me give you a shortlist: Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and eye drops. Anything to help you sleep better and avoid the dreaded and anticipated morning pains. Hopefully, you’re not there yet but let me ask you: When you wake up in the morning does it take you a while, not only to open your eyes, but also to straighten up?
Those first few movements of sitting up, getting out of bed and taking a walk to the bathroom can make you feel like you’ve aged 10 years during the night. Even bending over or brushing your teeth is enough to send sharp pain to your lower back. Yet, after a few minutes of moving and walking you find yourself gradually feeling better. Why?
This is because during sleep your body is inactive for several hours, resulting in less blood flow to your muscles. This lack of movement causes a temporary decrease in circulation so your muscles feel stiff when you wake
up. Also, the production of synovial fluid, which during the day keeps your joints lubricated, slows down during sleep. So, until you start moving again you walk around stiff legged, zombie-like until things loosen up.
There are a variety of reasons why people have back pain as they age. It could be arthritis, worn and torn cartilage or a lifetime of playing sports that have taken their toll. Regardless of the cause the important thing is to warm-up and stretch for at least three to four times per week, if not daily, to maintain and improve flexibility.
For as long as I’ve known my husband he has practiced a daily stretch routine that was recommended by his muscle therapist. It only takes about 20 minutes and I have to say he never misses. I tease him about looking a little silly swinging his arms or holding up the wall while doing his hamstring stretch, but it gets him up and going. He is clearly dedicated to this routine that he claims helps jump start his day with vim and vigor.
However, not everyone adheres to a similar regimen. There are some people who rise early in the morning, throw on their clothes and hit the golf course for 18 holes. I’m not surprised when I hear they suffer with back problems. I recently joined a group of golfers after their game and the topic of conversation dealt with their aching backs. One guy was wearing a back brace, another was taking pain medication, and another could barely finish the last hole because his back was so bad.
Often, we take our physical abilities for granted until we do something that reminds us that our bodies are not as young as they used to be. You realize you can’t easily get up off the floor or get on your shoes or clip a toenail. As we age our flexibility decreases because collagen, the protein found in connective tissue, begins to change. Collagen fibers in skin, muscle sheath, bone, tendons, ligaments and cartilage begin to stick together making them less elastic. The less active you are the more your joints stiffen up.
This is the reason that stretching is so important! It keeps your body limber by lengthening the muscles and tissues that hold your body’s structure in place. It helps
your equilibrium and gives you the range of motion you need to live independently. Stretching also promotes relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. There is a peacefulness that results from slow, static stretching that helps us be less uptight and more relaxed.
Back pain and feeling stiff in the morning are normal physiological responses to inactivity during sleep, but with some adjustments it can be minimized for a smoother start to the day. Here are a few suggestions that might help you reduce morning stiffness:
Stretch Before Bed: Gentle stretching or yoga before sleep can help keep your muscles more limber during the night.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and before bed (but not too close to sleep to avoid waking up).
Use Proper Sleeping Posture: Use a supportive pillow and mattress that help keep your spine aligned and avoid putting strain on your muscles and joints.
Gentle Movement Upon Waking : Start your day with light stretching or a short walk to get your blood flowing and loosen up your muscles and joints.
Warm Showers or Baths : A warm shower in the morning can help increase blood circulation and relax stiff muscles.
Regular Exercise : Regular physical activity can help keep your muscles strong and flexible, reducing stiffness over time.
Stretching doesn’t have to involve a major time commitment but can end up giving you huge results. Consistency is more important than doing it for long periods. Maintaining flexibility throughout your lifetime is probably one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life as you age.
Consider joining a yoga class, or a “stretch zone” near you if you prefer instruction and the benefits of a group dynamic. I can tell you from experience that learning the correct way to stretch with proper breathing techniques will help you get the results you desire.
Proceeds from the event supported Fuller Center’s mission of providing early education, family support services, and afterschool programs for families that live in 60-plus South Florida zip codes across Palm Beach and Broward counties. The funds raised will help empower children and families, enabling them to build brighter futures.
For more information about future events or, how to support Fuller Center please contact Alana Lagerström at alagerstrom@fullercenterfl.org.
About The Fuller Center
For more than 50 years, the Fuller Center’s mission has been to embrace, educate, and empower hardworking, under-resourced families and children to reach their full potential by building a positive future through education for more than 1,000 children (infants through teens) annually.
The Fuller Center reaches more than 700 families in more than 60 zip codes throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties. We serve more than 433,740 meals and snacks yearly.
92 percent of Fuller Center parents serve as essential or frontline workers, working in hospitals, retail outlets, restaurants, and hotels. Fuller Center’s high-quality but affordable childcare programs ensure that these essential workers can afford to live and work in South Florida.
Fuller Center programs help empower children to start school prepared, succeed academically, and break the generational cycle of poverty through quality early childhood education, out-of-school programs, a private elementary school, teen leadership programs and family empowerment center.
East Campus: 200 N.E. 14th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33432
West Campus: 10130 185th Street South, Boca Raton, FL 33498
Intergenerational Program at The Volen Center: 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486
Facebook: @fullercenterfl
Instagram: @fullercenterfl
Vibrant
Savor every second and cherish your independence at Abbey Delray. Here, resort-style living, elegant amenities and engaging programming are all outside your door. Enjoying life at your own pace with friends and family by your side has never been more accessible or more affordable. Experience it all for less through our all-new rental option, which allows you to reside in our welcoming community on a rental basis at delightfully affordable rates. Make yourself at home right where you want to be — in the heart of Delray Beach, where life is bright, beautiful and worry-free.
Call (561) 269-3362 to schedule a personal appointment.
* Rates include an additional, one-time community fee, and second-person fees may apply.
Fuller Center’s Second Annual Charity Poker Tournament
U.S. Air Force Band’s Premier Jazz Ensemble Performs Across Florida
The United States Air Force Band’s premier jazz ensemble, “The Airmen of Note,” from Washington, D.C., is heading out on a 9-day community relations tour through Florida. The tour honors the service of airmen both past and present and highlights the excellence of military members working across the globe. All concerts are free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Ticket information for these concerts is available at: https://www.music.af.mil/ Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/.
Don’t miss this chance to see one of the world’s greatest jazz bands live in concert! The Airmen of Note will be performing an eclectic program, ranging from big band hits of the 1930s and ’40s to brand-new compositions encompassing many genres!
Monday, November 11 at 7 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa, FL 33602
Tuesday, November 12 at 7 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Brandenton, FL 34207
Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m., Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m., Miami Senior High School, 2450 S.W. First St., Miami, FL 33135
Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m., FAU Carole and Barry Kay Performing Arts Aud., 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., Bailey Hall 3501 Davie Rd., Davie, FL 33314
Sunday, November 17 at 3 p.m., The Benjamin School, 11000 Ellison Wilson Rd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Monday, November 18 at 7 p.m., Vero Beach High School
Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960
Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m., Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Wednesday, November 20 at 7 p.m., Apopka High School, 555 Martin St., Apopka, FL 32712
The Airmen of Note is one of the six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the premier musical organization of the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., The United States
Air Force Band honors those who have served, inspires American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connects with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
GB CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Discover the perfect blend of elegance and functionality at GB Construction and Design. We specialize in customized construction and interior design solutions throughout Palm Beach and Broward County.
Our process is designed to make your remodeling project smooth and stress-free. From the initial consultation to the final touches, our team handles every aspect in-house, ensuring a seamless process that turns your vision into reality.
Boca Unveils First Public Art Experience: Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 at Wildflower Park
The City of Boca Raton has extended an invitation for the community to experience Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 , a large-scale interactive public art experience that debuted in Wildflower Park on October 25th and will be available to experience through Thursday, December 5th.
Launched by the city’s Public Art Boca program in partnership with leading destination maker Creos, Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 is Public Art Boca’s first major temporary public art installation.
Created by acclaimed artists Esrawe+ Cadena, Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 is inspired by the mercados of Latin America, lively street markets where human connections are made every day. The installation features eight threedimensional red frames that illustrate the warmth, comfort and safety of our homes. Inside each is a swing that invites visitors to engage in a fun and playful way, transforming the area into a hub of engagement and activity where
Italian and Yiddish repertoire performed as only Kol Esperanza (Voice of Hope) can. “Pillars of Rock,” the final concert of this year’s season offers up Classic Rock hits of Elton John, the Beatles and others sung by a trio. Each of these special events is an example of how music can create a powerful connection between artists and audiences while exploring a variety of emotions and aspects of human experience.
“It is my honor to continue the tradition of presenting excellent live musical performances that my parents established more than twenty years ago,” commented Jeff Morgenstern, Executive Director of Spanish River Concerts. “This year’s lineup offers everything from lighthearted, fun music to deeply emotional music and storytelling. We have curated a season that evokes a range of emotions. I am so pleased to welcome back many seasoned performers who have become audience favorites over the years, as well as some phenomenal
people of all ages can socialize. A warm glow invites passersby to enter when a Casa is empty, with the glow intensifying to indicate someone is home.
new talents. Beginning this season with Maestro Adaddi’s return is particularly meaningful, and I look forward to a really special season of incredible musical performances in our community,” he said.
Tickets are available online at https://www. SpanishRiverConcerts.org. For a limited time, “SuperSaver 25” enables patrons the opportunity to purchase tickets for the entire season (all concerts in the Series and all three Special Events) in a single transaction, for 25% savings off the entire purchase. Details are available online.
Jan. 6, 7, 9: “Triumph of the Human Spirit”
Jan. 20, 21, 23: “Once Upon a Time in Jersey”
Feb. 3, 4, 6: “And the Winner is...”
Feb. 17, 18, 20: “The Great American Road Trip”
March 3, 4, 6: “Kol Esperanza - Better Days”
March 17, 18, 20: “Symphonic Broadway - Kings & Queens”
March 31 and April 1: “Pillars of Rock”
“ Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 represents the spirit of community and connection that defines the city,” commented Veronica Hatch, the city’s Public Art Coordinator. “This is an opportunity for everyone that encounters this interactive art experience at Wildflower Park, to reflect and celebrate the warmth of sharing spaces as a community.”
Public Art Boca, part of the city’s Recreation Services Department, is dedicated to enhancing Boca Raton’s urban environment and distinctive sense of place by integrating art and creativity throughout the community. The program aims to make art accessible to all, enrich the city’s cultural landscape, and foster community engagement through innovative and thought-provoking installations. Recent initiatives from Public Art Boca have included a community survey, a new interactive online map of public art in Boca Raton and a Community Conversation on the impact of public art in our community.
Wildflower Park is located at 551 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca. The art experience is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until December 5th. To learn more, visit the city’s Public Art Boca webpage.
Spanish River Concerts from page 12
Book Review
What The Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation Of The World’s Most Familiar Bird
By Nils A, Shapiro
All you need to know is that the author is Sy Montgomery.
For millions of readers around the world, and I do mean millions , the name Sy Montgomery is associated with more than 35 books, many of which have climbed the bestseller lists in 25 countries around the world – most describing her exciting adventures with some of nature’s most fearsome creatures. It is with good reason that the Boston Globe has
described award-winning author Sy Montgomery as “a combination of Indiana Jones and Emily Dickinson” for the beautiful way in which she has written about such experiences as being chased by a silverback gorilla in Africa, hunted by man-eating tigers in India (National Geographic produced a TV special about that), worked in a pit with 18,000 snakes in Manitoba, swam with piranhas and dolphins in the Amazon, studied octopuses in their Gulf of Mexico habitat for her classic National Book Award finalist Soul of an Octopus, was undressed by a wild orangutan, learned the art of falconry so she could hunt as a partner with one of the world’s most feared predators … and too many more to touch on here.
once again in making us aware of what unrealized wonder and beauty surrounds us, all too often under-appreciated.
So, I was more than a little surprised when I learned that Sy’s new book, published this month, is devoted to … chickens! My first thought was, what could there possibly be to learn about these birds that all of us already know so well? How wrong I was! And how fortunate we all are to have so knowledgeable a guide as Sy Montgomery to enrich our lives
If You Want Protection From The Flu, Get Your Shot Now Ahead Of Peak Season
While winter in Florida is warmer and more humid than most parts of the country, the common wintertime sicknesses are still prevalent here and there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
Dr. Luisa Brito, an internal medicine physician with the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group and on staff at West Boca Medical Center, shares insights on common wintertime illnesses and how to protect your health during colder months.
Winter brings a surge in respiratory diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, but also the common cold. The cooler weather is a risk factor, as people tend to stay indoors more, increasing exposure to viruses. Additionally, cold and drier than usual air can irritate the respiratory tract, making those with conditions like asthma or COPD more susceptible. This is especially concerning because less time in the sun and reduced physical activity can weaken immune defenses.
To protect yourself, Dr. Brito emphasizes the importance of flu shots, particularly for individuals with respiratory
diseases like asthma, COPD, and for the elderly. “It’s best to get your flu shot in September or October,” she advises. This timing allows your body to build immunity before flu season peaks.
For those considering the COVID-19 vaccine boosters, especially patients with respiratory diseases, Brito recommends consulting with your healthcare provider.
Other preventive measures like washing hands frequently, wearing a mask in group settings, and maintaining social distance can also help reduce the spread of illness. These strategies, learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, remain effective during flu season.
The RSV vaccine, available as a one-time shot, is recommended for people over 60 with increased health risks or anyone over 75 too.
When should you seek medical attention? Brito warns that symptoms like high fevers, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe body aches, dizziness, drowsiness, and persistent fatigue may require a visit to your doctor.
Stay healthy this winter by following these tips and being proactive with your healthcare.
For more information on Luisa Brito, M.D. at Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group – Primary Care practice, visit https://www.pbhnphysiciangroup. com/find-a-doctor#term=Luisa%20Brito%20 MD&detail=1649841057. Dr. Brito’s office is located at 9970 Central Park Blvd., North, Boca Raton, FL 33428, (561) 487-7931.
Paid Advertisement
For those not yet familiar with Montgomery’s background, I should point out that she and her author-historian husband, Howard Mansfield, live in New Hampshire and for decades have shared their home’s property from time to time with an assortment of animals, from their border collie dog, Thurber, to a pig that they raised from a tiny runt to 500-plus pound Volkswagen-sized Christopher Hogwood who wandered the town on his own getting handouts from the butcher, pet scratches from the kids and became the subject of a bestselling book by Montgomery.
But always among her favorites have been the small flock of egg-laying hens that she calls her “little ladies,” who have their own chicken coop but are allowed free run of the backyard under the protection of several of the latest team of roosters.
And one could not want a better protector than a rooster, as two episodes described by Montgomery make very clear: one in which a fox that had sneaked onto the property with chicken dinner in mind got the shock of its life facing an angry, charging rooster and did a rapid about-face … and another time, when Sy’s husband, Howard, was lying on the ground repairing a lawnmower. As she describes it:
“Just beyond the narrow space between the grass and the machine’s metal undercarriage, movement catches your eye. Scaley reptilian, yellow feet, heavily armed with long, pointed claws – and, just above the toes, curved, knife-sharp spurs –are purposefully striding toward you at face level. It feels like that scene from Jurassic Park, where the humans are hiding from the hunting velociraptor – an animal from which, in fact, your avian assailant is descended.
“You have been detected. The ominous feet hurry now, pounding the ground in a frenzy. There is no mistaking it; this is a rooster on a rampage – the bane of many an otherwise peaceful barnyard.”
What to do? The answer, shockingly, is to pick it up and cuddle it!
It is from Montgomery’s several decades of her own experience raising her “ladies,” many from chicks, plus her roosters and all that she has studied about her ever-changing flocks, that she has filled the pages of this deceptively slim 72-page book with an extraordinary number of surprising facts about the birds we all – mistakenly – thought we knew.
Within the first few pages you will readily understand why more families than you might imagine throughout the nation
Book Review on page 16
inSIGHT Through Education Is The Backbone Of The Holocaust Studies Program For Palm Beach County Schools
inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and genocides worldwide, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study and prevention of antisemitism. Last school year, inSIGHT reached new audiences and doubled its impact, reaching 40,000 students and hundreds of educators. inSIGHT knows that education is key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders.
inSIGHT provides age-appropriate resources, speakers, and programs for students at every level, and funds professional development for teachers and administrators. Principals and assistant principals may attend the Principal’s Field Study in Washington, D.C. With local Holocaust Survivors, they visit the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Participants are profoundly impacted, enhancing their support for Holocaust and antisemitism education. At the Centropa Summer Academy (CSA), 70-plus educators from 15-plus countries convene for a 7-day program. They use the city of Berlin as their classroom and collected stories to learn history and its implications today. Key to the CSA is the active participation of teachers, who share good practices and work on lesson plans and cross-border projects together. At the JFR Lerner Institute, a prestigious program aimed at advancing educators’ knowledge of Holocaust history and
Book Review from page 15
enjoy the company of chickens (how many “pets” offer the gift of eggs in return for their care?) and name each of the birds in their precious feathered family members for its individual personality, color or other physical feature. As she notes, some are shy, some more aggressive; some affectionate, others aloof. Just like humans.
And they are smart! Here are just a few examples of the many surprises you will find in these pages. (Some text has been omitted for lack of space):
• “In 2023, a study reported that roosters recognize their own reflections in mirrors – common … measure of self-awareness. Previous experiments show that apes, like humans, do this.”
• “Only hours after leaving the egg they are able to walk, run and peck.” (An adult chicken can run as fast as nine miles an hour!)
• “Relationships are important to them. The average chicken can recognize more than 100 other chickens. They can remember the past and anticipate the future, and they communicate specific information through at least 24 distinct calls.” A warning signal from a rooster to his hens, for example, will alert them to whether an enemy is approaching by ground or from the air!
There is hardly a page without an eye-opening surprise: “The disturbing fact that, on the way to the soup pot, a chicken can continue to run around after decapitation does little to bolster appreciation for the species’ more refined traits. In fact, one rooster was able to live for 18 months after his head was cut off. Farmer Lloyd Olsen, hoping to please his visiting mother-in-law, who particularly savored boiled chicken neck, failed to kill the rooster when his axe missed the bird’s carotid artery and left one ear and most of the brain stem intact. Not only did the victim survive, but he grew from two and a half pounds to eight and attained national fame as Mike the Headless Chicken from 1945 to 1947.”
For me personally, as I turned the last page of What the Chicken Knows, one thought struck me most poignantly: Ever thoughtful and considerate of her readers, Montgomery has kept this book’s focus entirely on helping us to better understand and enjoy the fascinating and fun facts about these remarkable birds who are so much a part of our lives.
Not once in these pages does this author mention that she herself is a vegetarian, nor does she devote a single sentence to the suffering of these sentient creatures from the cruelty of the factory-like poultry industry. It was not her purpose in writing this book.
Sparing us such a balanced narrative is her gift to this book’s readers despite what I know to be her own deep feelings on the subject, having read and reviewed half a dozen of her earlier books.
As a senior now, I realize that if this book had been written decades ago it might have been a life-changing experience in one sense for me. Perhaps it’s not too late. I hear those plantbased burgers and other meat substitutes are pretty good … and I would feel so good about myself.
I strongly suggest you lay your hands on a copy of this book as soon as possible … even if you have to scramble to get it!
Traveling cattle car classroom
the legacy of Righteous Gentiles who saved Jews during the Holocaust, participants attend a rigorous program led by Holocaust scholars, becoming Alfred Lerner Fellows.
These fellows are committed to sharing their knowledge with schools and communities, thus promoting Holocaust education and the values of courage and compassion. Palm Beach County has a cohort of 20-plus Lerner Fellows who share this knowledge with their peers. This impact ripples through schools, fostering understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust.
Since the tragedies of October 7 and the significant rise in antisemitism, organizations worldwide have acknowledged the need for education from an early age. inSIGHT has done this for 14 years. Looking ahead to inSIGHT’s 15th year, we remember the vision that unites us: to create a generation of future leaders who are kind, empathetic, informed critical thinkers with the courage to stand up for themselves and the rights of others.
More information: insightthrougheducation.org.
Tax Talk
Dear Friends:
’Tis the season! No, I am not referring to the upcoming holidays or the arrival of our friends from the north for the winter. I am talking about tax season! Yes, tax season is upon us and my office is in full swing. Once the tax bills are mailed at the beginning of November, we see a jump in online payment activity, which is your easiest and quickest way to pay your taxes. Our mailroom is about to become overrun with mail trays for those who prefer to send in their tax payment through the mail. Whichever way you choose to pay, remember that paying your taxes in November provides you with the largest money saving discount of 4% so getting your tax payment to us by November 30 will save you money.
For complete information about paying your property and tangible personal property, visit our website at www.pbctax.gov/taxes/.
Anne
M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
First Look! Introducing Our New Website
I am pleased to announce the new Tax Collector website is ready for its debut with a new look and name – say goodbye to pbctax.com and hello to pbctax.gov. With the new “.gov” domain, we get enhanced levels of security and reliability. Our new website was developed using years of feedback from visitors to our website. Our goal is to ensure that we provide exceptional service in everything we do and that includes our website. Our goal with a new website was to not only give it a cosmetic refresh, but a total renovation from the ground up featuring a new look, enhanced functionality, and updated content.
When you visit the site, you will notice our use of color and imagery to help our visitors navigate our website, allowing them to locate needed information easily. In addition to the color and imagery we made significant upgrades to the functionality including a new accessibility widget that assists individuals with disabilities to customize the site allowing them to navigate the website more effectively. We also worked on editing the content of our website – simplifying the language and the display of information.
I invite you to experience the new website for yourself, by visiting https://www.pbctax.gov/. We invite you to take a moment to share your experience with our website by visiting https://www.pbctax.gov/.
Honoring Palm Beach County’s Vietnam Veterans
commemorative pin, no need to request again. You must be a Palm Beach County resident to participate. We thank you for your service and we are most honored to recognize you with this special commemorative lapel pin.
Congratulations, TCO!
Our organization has recently been the recipient of five awards – one for the Finance & Budget team and four for the Communications and New Media team!
Our organization has the honor to participate in the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration program. Over the past several years, we have honored hundreds of Palm Beach County Vietnam Veterans and their families with a special commemorative lapel pin as my way of saying “thank you” for their service and sacrifice. This is the fifth year we have participated in this special partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
This is the official pin of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, authorized by Congress to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each pin is embossed with the heartfelt message, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”
Requests can be made by completing a request form online at www.pbctax.gov. Your pin, along with my personal letter of appreciation will be mailed directly to you. These commemorative pins are available to Vietnam Veterans now through November 30. Veterans are only eligible to receive one pin; therefore, if you previously received your
The F&B team were once again awarded the Certificate of Merit for Audit by the Florida Tax Collectors Association. This award recognizes our office’s achievement for a perfect 2023/24 audit! Congratulations to Carmen C. Richardson, Chief Financial Officer, and her hardworking team for all they do to ensure we are fiscally responsible and delivering exceptional service to our clients.
The Communications and New Media team is proud of the hard work that went into our Welcome Guide, which was created and designed for people relocating to Palm Beach County. It details the services offered by the TCO, including driver’s license, motor vehicle registration and property tax payment information. It also includes valuable information to assist new residents with voter registration, school enrollment and other popular county services. We are extremely proud and honored that several national communication organizations have awarded the TCO’s Welcome Guide.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Dear Taxpayer,
My office has certified the 2024 Real Property and Tangible Personal Property Assessment Rolls for Palm Beach County to the tax collector.
Property tax bills should arrive in mailboxes soon.
The Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for printing and mailing them on or before November 1.
As for my office, we’re already hard at work preparing for next year’s valuations.
This is a great time of year to consider securing your property against fraud. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller offers a free property fraud alert service. More about that is in this month’s newsletter.
As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, I also wanted to highlight exemptions available to veterans and activeduty military. We honor the service and sacrifice of those in our armed forces and their commitment to protecting our country.
I hope this Thanksgiving finds you with much to be thankful for. As always, I am thankful to be your property appraiser.
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Military Exemptions And Discounts
These are available to those who qualify for a homestead exemption and who have been honorably discharged.
Veterans 65 Or Older Combat Related Disability Discount Disabled veterans, age 65 or older, who are partially or totally and permanently disabled, have a disability that was combat-related, and have been honorably discharged upon separation from military service may be eligible for a discount to ad valorem taxes to the percent of their disability.
Veterans Disability Exemption
Veterans with a total and permanent disability that was service connected may be eligible for an exemption from ad valorem taxes. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more may be eligible for an additional $5,000 exemption. Veterans with a non-serviceconnected disability may be eligible for an additional $5,000 exemption.
Surviving Spouse of a Military Veteran Exemption
The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who qualified for a total and permanent disabled veteran exemption is exempt from ad valorem taxes. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who died in the line of duty is exempt from ad valorem taxes. The surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from ad valorem taxes.
Active-Duty Military Exemption
An exemption is available for service members of any branch of the U.S. Military, U.S. Coast Guard and Florida National Guard who were deployed during the preceding calendar year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of various military operations listed in the Florida Statute 193.173 (2).
The amount of the exemption is equal to the taxable value of the homestead of the service member on January 1 of the year the exemption is sought, multiplied by the number of days that the service member was on a qualified deployment in the preceding calendar year and divided by the number of days in that year. We will do the math for you.
More information is available at pbcpao.gov. You can always call us at (561) 355-2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcpao.gov with questions.
Protect Your Property With Fraud Alert
Scammers commit property fraud by filing fake deeds, making it appear as if they own homes that are not actually theirs. Then, they trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.
The property fraud alert from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is a free service to help you protect your property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the official records of the clerk’s office.
Register to receive free email alerts when a document such as a deed or mortgage is recorded using your name, your business’s name, or your address. This early notification can save time when stopping scams.
Sign up at mypalmbeachclerk.com.
Holiday Food Drive
This month kicks off the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office’s annual Holiday Food Drive. The special food-raising campaign is in its 25th year.
Last year, 4,609 pounds of food were collected from staff and donated to Extended Hands Community Outreach and The Glades Initiative.
The Property Appraiser’s Office encourages and supports employee community service throughout Palm Beach County. Our employees are dedicated to giving back to the community that we serve.
Our office’s 2023 donation; from left to right, Chief Appraiser Cecil Jackson, RES, AAS; staff from Extended Hands; Public Services Manager Virginia Leonard, CFE; Public Services Department Specialist Clarice Bethel-Laing; Public Services Department Customer Service Representative II Robert Castillo (kneeling); Public Services Department Customer Service Representative II Sade Neuforth; Extended Hands Community Outreach Executive Director Coeliah Bryson; Director of Information Technology Richard Hernandez, CGCIO, AAS, ITIL, CFE
Holiday Office Closures
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be closed: Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day Friday, Nov. 29, Floating Holiday
