Boca Exposure SEPTEMBER 2025

Boca History Museum Offers Year-Long “America250” Program:

Talks, Concert, Exhibits To Celebrate Nation’s Birthday

What did it feel like to wear a Redcoat? How did Washington’s army endure brutal winters and impossible odds? And could you have survived surgery during the Revolutionary War?

As America marches toward our 250th birthday, the Boca Raton Historical Society and Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum invite you and your family to experience history like never before with a thought-provoking series of Town Hall Talks and a landmark exhibit, America 250: The 14th Colony, all commemorating the national America250 initiative.

“America250 invites us to take a thoughtful look at how our country came to be, and the people who shaped it along the way,” said Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “Through compelling stories, scholarly insights and oftenoverlooked perspectives, we hope to spark dialogue and reflection as we approach this historic milestone.”

America250 on page 2

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month! Enjoy So Many Surprising Benefits With Your Boca Library Card

This month the Boca Raton Public Library joins the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to encourage everyone to sign up for the most important card of all—a free library card. And for those of you who may not be aware of it, that may be the best deal in town!

For example, if you still think that libraries are a “just a place to borrow books,” it’s time you discovered that your Boca library card entitles you to enjoy the two TV movie streaming services, Kanopy and Hoopla, that work like Netflix and Amazon Prime! And that’s just the beginning, as you will learn later in this article. Plus: New and current Boca Raton Public Library cardholders get a special bonus from Florida Atlantic University. Your card enables you to attend the Florida Atlantic University football game on September 27th against Memphis for the special rate of only $5 per ticket. Visit https:// www.gofevo.com/event/Fauloves76 to get a ticket today!

In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month the Boca Public Library is launching a new library card design for children: My First Library Card! This bright, colorful card features such adorable animal friends as fox, racoon, squirrel and blue bird reading together. In addition, this

year’s City of Boca Raton Centennial special edition library card is also available (while supplies last).

Each resident of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District is encouraged to select his or her favorite design when signing up for a free library card. Visit bocalibrary.org for more information on obtaining a library card.

“The Boca Raton Public Library has four terrific libraries all in one: the Spanish River Library, the Downtown Library, Mobile Library Services and the Digital Library,” notes Laura Sparrow, Account Services Librarian. “At the Spanish River Library or the Downtown Library, cardholders can check out books, movies, puzzles and games, instruments, cake pans and American Girl dolls; take live French, Italian and

The Junior League Of Boca Raton Launches Membership Recruitment For 2025/26 Provisional Class

The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) is actively recruiting dynamic and service-minded women to join its 2025/26 provisional class. Women who are interested in making a lasting impact in the community through volunteerism and leadership are encouraged to attend one of several upcoming informational sessions.

These information sessions offer prospective members a chance to connect with current league members and leadership, learn more about JLBR’s mission, and explore the many opportunities to create meaningful change in the Boca Raton community.

The information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s headquarters at the Vegso Community Resource Center, 261 N.W. 13th St., Boca Raton.

“We are excited to welcome a new class of women who are passionate about service and committed to growing their leadership

skills,” Victoria Matthews, Junior League of Boca Raton president said. “The Junior League provides a unique platform for members to make a difference while building lifelong friendships.”

For more information as well as to join the invite list for an upcoming event, contact Lisa Warren, JLBR recruitment chair at newmember@jlbr.org.

About The Junior League Of Boca Raton

The Junior League of Boca Raton is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s community issues, child welfare and nonprofit support. To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at (561) 620-2553 or visit www.JLBR. org. Connect on Facebook or Instagram.

Colonial era surgeon Continental soldier

British soldier

From now through 2026 this multi-year movement encourages Americans to reflect, reconnect and reimagine our collective story–and Boca Raton is embracing the moment with a rich lineup of educational and engaging events.

Mark your calendars. Bring your curiosity. And get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about America.

Town Hall Talks: History Comes Alive in Boca’s Original Town Hall

Led by acclaimed historian and reenactor Robert Feeney, this three-part fall lecture series was planned to dive deep into the lived experiences of those on the front lines of the American Revolution–on both sides of the battlefield. The first part, “The Redcoats Are Coming,” was presented on September 10th, just prior to the publication date of this September issue of Boca Exposure. It covered the world of British soldiers during the Revolution: their training, gear, mindset, and the myths that still surround them.

The rest of the extensive schedule is as follows: October 8th, 6:00 p.m. “Continental Soldiers: Washington’s Army in the Revolution.” Discover the trials and triumphs of America’s early fighters— ordinary men who became extraordinary heroes. November 12th, 6:00 p.m. “Medicine and Surgery During the Revolutionary War.” Not for the faint of heart: explore battlefield surgeries, 18th-century remedies, and the roots of American military medicine.

Each talk features limited seating. RSVP required at www.bocahistory.org.

Coming Spring 2026: Scholars, spies, and surprising stories round out the commemorative journey

February 18th: Declaration: The Story of American Independence with Dr. Robert Watson (Lynn University)

April 8th: A Strategic Overview of the American Revolution with Dr. Jason Sharples (Florida Atlantic University)

May 15th: Spies! The Shadier Side of the American Revolution with Roger Smith

May 15th: Women of the American Revolution: Lost Voices of America’s First Generation with Roger Smith

May 16th: The 14th Colony, The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution with Roger Smith

May 16th: It Was the 4th of July… Or Was It? with Roger Smith

June 17th: South Florida in the 18th Century with archaeologist Robert Carr

June 26th: The Road to Revolution family activity with BRHS Education Director Shannon Patron

July 2nd: America 250! Concert with Festival of the Arts

July 22nd: Spain, the Forgotten Alliance with author Martha Guttierez Steinkamp

August 1st: Conquistadors for Kids! with Robert Feeney

America 250 – The 14th Colony Exhibit: May 13th – August 27th

Before it was a sunny paradise, Florida was a land of ambition exploration, and resilience. America 250: The 14th Colony uncovers Florida’s pre-statehood journey through centuries of cultural clashes, freedom seekers and trailblazers.

Bonus: View reproductions of important Documents of Liberty provided by FAU’s Spirit of America Collection.

Follow along in future issues of Boca Club News and on social media @BocaHistory for updates, behind-the-scenes previews and historical trivia as we count down to July 4th, 2026.

Sugar Sand Park Carousel Celebrates 20 Years With Free Rides

Sugar Sand Park’s beloved carousel is offering free rides to the community every Sunday throughout September in celebration of its 20th year. Visitors can also collect limited edition tokens, and ride during the week for just $1.00.

This vintage-style carousel features 30 beautifully hand-carved and painted wooden horse reproductions, inspired by 19th-century designs. In addition to the horses there are two chariots, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, underscoring the park’s commitment to inclusivity for users of all abilities.

Opened on February 23rd, 2005, by the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, the Sugar Sand Park carousel has since become a symbol of joy and nostalgia. Brought to life by the efforts of then Commissioner Elaine Kleinman and by The Four Rotary Clubs of Boca Raton, the attraction aimed to enhance the park’s family-friendly appeal, offering a delightful experience for children, adults and seniors. Sugar Sand Park is located at 300 S. Military Trail. Hours of operation: Tuesdays–Fridays: 3-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. About the Recreation Services Department: The Recreation Services Department enhances the community’s quality of life by managing a diverse range of facilities and services, including 49 parks, three community centers, two aquatic facilities, two

golf courses, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, two libraries, three tennis centers, a field house, numerous satellite courts and fields, a cemetery, community events, landscaped roadways, three beach parks, an amphitheater, a Park Rangers unit, Ocean Rescue lifeguards, and the Public Art Boca program. Together, these services reflect the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant, active and connected community.

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Portuguese language classes; use Wi-Fi, computers or printers; attend a storytime or book club or find a nice place to study/work/meet. The Mobile Library Services team takes popular library programs out to parks, schools, community centers, and other partner locations. The Digital Library provides 24/7 access to online books, audiobooks, news, magazines, genealogy and investment research.

Take online language and technology classes or stream popular apps Kanopy and Hoopla to watch on your Smart TV. Any way you choose to visit the Library you can access the best of entertainment and lifelong learning. It’s a great value.” The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural and informational needs of library users in its two locations: the Downtown branch at 400 NW 2nd Avenue and the Spanish River branch at 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, (561) 393-7852.

The Singles Scene©

September: The Gateway Month

Game Changing Edition

By: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capperelli

“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” – St. Gregory the Great

As the pressure to live the “perfect” summer dissipates, you will begin to feel extra space. Pressure makes diamonds, and it is an ideal month to reignite your sparkle. If you are a parent of school-age children or college-age adults, you likely just gave the backto-school motivational talks. “Make new friends. Join clubs. Study hard.” Having children is a lifelong commitment to love forever. However, back to school means “back to you.” Once again, we thank all of you for following us for so many years and for sharing this enlightening news with your single family and friends. We love you back.

Along with flirting with the last quarter of the year, single adults are thinking about what it would be like to be in a relationship again. This is called “healthy stress,” and it will move you forward. “Unhealthy stress” will freeze you in your spot and hold you back. What would you tell your younger self entering into a new chapter of life? Thoughts of coupling off are unavoidable this time of year, don’t stress the inevitable. As the prelude to cuffing season, September invites us to embrace change, leave our comfort zone, and experience the journey of falling in love (again). In the same way you encourage young people to go after their dreams, we urge you to take your own advice while you are youthful enough to enjoy it! Connection.

September merges an ending with a beginning, a time when the universe seems to take a collective breath. We are in a moment of subtle yet profound change. Leaves are changing, and the energy is different this time of year. This

prepares us for the revolution that lies ahead – the prospect of finding deep and meaningful connections before the year ends. Biological factors are at play. Whether you like it or not, the human body will biologically seek emotional support through relationships—super loaded this time of year. It’s science. Love is in our DNA. Above a healthy eating lifestyle and ten thousand steps a day--longevity is contingent on connection. Anticipation.

As the days grow shorter, the anticipation of cuffing season begins to build. This idea of “cuffing season” may be seen as just one of many cultural influences through the media, but there’s no denying that you have not felt this feeling too. This is the prequel to holiday romance. Your new beau will be chiming in soon. Believe it and live on this trajectory and it will present itself—because you are living “as if” it has already happened. Fight it or buck it and you may have another holiday season solo. It will be a “you problem” if you do. This is a two-man job--and it won’t happen unless your mind and body are living it...before it even happens. This can lead to thrilling adventures and unexpected encounters that culminate in lasting relationships. It is said that relationships that begin in the Fall Season have a higher rate of longevity and sustainability.

Behold The Learning Curve.

Just as nature adapts to the seasons, you can too. You can overcome any hurdles that may be blocking your (romantic) growth. Today we know more than we did yesterday. Our knowledge of what you need and who you need is at your service and has been for 34 years and counting. We meet clients who are easy to match because of their own strengths. Likewise, we have clients who need some tweaking. We urge you to keep your ears open, because no one is perfect, and you might need some work to prepare for your new plus one. Be open to learning as you enter into a relationship again and embark on a new dating journey.

The Solution.

Welcome September with the excitement of a child on the first day of school. Pretend you are on a college campus again. Make new friends. Try new things. Join new clubs. Get yourself out there and be seen by new (single)

people. Say goodbye to your old life and greet your new life with open arms and an open heart. You can be living a completely different reality by the holidays. Let’s hit the last part of 2025 with the strength and courage we instill in our children as they go to school.

There are people ready and excited to meet you. Someone is waiting to fall in love -- with you. Be present and available so they can find you. Reach out to connect to the hottest and most well-respected matchmaking firm, ideally located just for you. Stay in love with life. Let it love you back.

Thank us later.

XOXO, Kelly & Miranda

#LoveOffline #ChangeIsGood #TellYourFriends #MatchmakingRoyalty #CuffingSeason

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, 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 provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast. Do call the central hotline at 561-6309696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!

The Singles Scene© on page 4

Community Foundation For Palm Beach And Martin Counties Names Two New Board Members

Mary Pat Alcus and Kristen Bissett have been named as the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues.

The Singles Scene© from page 3

Fall in Love at Revolution Dating

Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are ready to live and love offline and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. With record-breaking match success and clients enrolling every day, it is clear everyone wants the love we give. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Take a look at the love overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons, where they have been established for eleven successful years and counting. Do tell your single friends about this grand gesture of love and hope in your local area. He who hesitates is lost, so get “unstuck” and book your first interview today. September is the perfect time to REV-up your love life. #TellYourFriends #FallInLove

We Won Again! #BestOf2025

Modern Luxury Palm Beach Features Us Again! #MatchmakingRoyalty

Team Love at Revolution Dating Headquarters! #Cupids

Kelly and Miranda Awarded as Dynamic Women! #ModernLuxuryPalmBeach

“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Pat and Kristen to our Board,” said Jeffrey A. Stoops, chair of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation. “Their leadership and deep financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue working to support our neighbors and create lasting change across Palm Beach and Martin Counties.”

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations and corporations. Since 1972 the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at https:// yourcommunityfoundation.org.

Kristen Bissett of Jupiter is managing director at UBS Private Wealth Management. With a strong background in macroeconomic research and portfolio strategy, Bissett specializes in designing and implementing customized investment plans for multigenerational families,

entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. Before joining UBS in 2015 she worked as an investment strategist at JP Morgan Private Bank and Barclays Private Wealth. A graduate of Drew University, Bissett is actively involved in the community through the Kravis Center, HomeSafe, The Benjamin School and the Community Foundation. She has served on the Community Foundation’s audit and investment committees since 2023.

Mary Pat Alcus of Gulf Stream is an institutional investment advisor and chartered financial analyst with more than 30 years of experience advising foundations, endowments and public and corporate pensions on investment strategy, policy development and performance monitoring. A former principal and senior consultant with Mercer Investment Consulting, Alcus has held leadership roles with several nonprofit boards, including the Greater Washington Community Foundation and Horizons Greater Washington. She currently serves as board chair of the Montgomery College Foundation and trustee of the Norwood School. A Vanderbilt University graduate, she earned her MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She has served on the Community Foundation’s investment committee since 2024 and scholarship committee since 2023.

“Mary Pat and Kristen are welcome and valued additions to our Board,” said Danita R. DeHaney, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Their dedication and insight will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact as we build stronger, more connected communities.”

Alcus and Bissett join current Board members Jeffrey A. Stoops, Susan P. Brockway, Dennis S. Hudson III, Sheree Davis Cunningham, Julie Fisher Cummings, Danita R. DeHaney, Michael J. Bracci, Nancy G. Brinker, Timothy D. Burke, James “Chip” DiPaula Jr., William E. Donnell, Earnie Ellison Jr., Phyllis M. Gillespie, Tammy Jackson-Moore, Joanne Julien, Marti M. LaTour, David Mérot, Elizabeth R. Neuhoff, Kevin Powers, Pam Rauch, Gabrielle Raymond McGee, Laurie S. Silvers and Kenneth West II.

Mary Pat Alcus Kristen Bissett

Mayor’s Update: School Zone, Budget And Boca Raton’s New City Manager

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of Boca Raton and was re-elected in 2023. A South Florida native, attorney and small business owner, Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken Sound with their two children.

The City of Boca Raton continues to lead with the lowest full-city tax rate and outstanding safety. Once again, we are improving in both of these areas as we expand services and plan for our future.

As summer winds down and kids are back in school we are focused on new safety measures and smart spending. We have implemented a new school zone safety program and we will be focusing on setting the millage rate and adopting a budget for the next fiscal year. Budget preview. In September the city is tasked with adopting its budget. Unlike Washington D.C., our budgets are always balanced, and we maintain healthy reserves. With our eye on the future we remain dedicated to providing the unparalleled quality of life that our residents need, expect, deserve and receive.

Our residents have not faced a property tax increase for over a decade, and I am proud that while I have been mayor and a City Council member the rate has only decreased each year. I have repeatedly voted for consistent reductions and never for an increase--all while maintaining a strong financial reserve in the event of a natural disaster or economic downturn, and investing to improve infrastructure, parks and green space.

The millage rate is set to decrease yet again to 3.66 of $1,000 of assessed property value. Boca Raton maintains the lowest millage rate of any full-service city in Florida. Not only is our millage rate lower than our nearby cities of Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, our residents pay less than half the millage rate than property owners do in West Palm Beach or Miami—with outstanding services. School zone cameras. As our students travel to and from school we want to take every precaution to ensure their safety. To do so, the City of Boca Raton has implemented a School Zone Safety Program with state-of-the-art camera technology.

The program, which complies with a new state law that permits speed cameras in school zones, has already rolled out at several of our schools: Addison Mizner Elementary School, Boca Raton Community High School and J.C. Mitchell Elementary School.

Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School, and Spanish River Community High School will be added later this school year. How it works:

• The city will start the programs with warnings before fines. The point of the program is to ensure safety, not revenue.

• Citations will be automatically issued during arrival and dismissal times when the school zone lights are flashing.

It's Back To School Time!

Drivers be aware of students and school zones.

• Motorists will be cited only if they exceed the school zone limit by more than 10 mph. Traffic studies found hundreds of drivers travel 10+ mph over the speed limit in school zones every day.

School zone cameras have reduced speeds and improved safety. Again, tickets will only be issued when drivers are more than 10 miles an hour beyond the limit. So please take this opportunity to slow down for our students.

New City Manager. As we prepare for a new fiscal year we will have a new leader at the helm. At a special meeting on August 12th the City Council unanimously selected retired Navy captain Mark Sohaney as Boca Raton’s next City Manager, following the planned retirement of City Manager George S. Brown. Mr. Sohaney will be tasked with implementing the vision and policy direction of the Mayor and City Council Members.

After nearly 50 years with the City of Boca Raton, Mr. Brown will coordinate a seamless leadership transition to ensure continuity of city operations as Mr. Sohaney familiarizes himself with our city.

Mr. Sohaney has an impressive leadership background. As a naval officer with a distinguished 37-year career he oversaw large, complex infrastructure projects in previous roles, including chief executive officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and as chief executive officer of the Naval Air Station in Key West. We are excited to bring his fresh perspective and experience to our city.

As always, you can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@bocaraton-fl.gov and stay connected on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.

Students always cross at the crosswalks.

Opening in late 2027, The Winsberg at Green Cay will be more than a brand-new luxury Life Plan Community – it will also be a fresh start filled with new friends, new adventures, and new reasons to smile.

Here, every detail will be designed to bring people together. From happy hours and live entertainment to lectures, clubs, and friendly competitions, you’ll be surrounded by people who love to stay active, engaged, and inspired.

Be among the first to shape the culture, build the community, and belong from the very beginning. Join the Founders Club and secure priority residence selection, exclusive benefits, and savings averaging $120,000.

Healthy Answers – A Guide To Healthy Living: ‘Do You Have A Bone To Pick?’

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 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.

To beat the heat, my husband and I spent our summer in Park City, Utah. We noticed that everyone there seems to have either a dog or a cat, and sometimes both. When you have so many animal lovers you can be sure to find plenty of doggie playgrounds designed for dogs to run and interact. Surprisingly, there are numerous stores and restaurants that offer water bowls, and even a few dog biscuits to keep these four-legged creatures happy!

However, living in Florida with dogs is not the same as Park City. With all the condos, townhomes and many regulated communities, it’s no surprise you’ll find strict rules for our beloved animals. I’m sure you have encountered many of the usual questions. How large is your dog? No, the dog can’t wander in those areas. Do you have a certificate of emotional support? You must pick up after your dog. The concerns are endless! It begs the question: What is the basis of what I call “pet discrimination”? There always seems to be a pet bias towards animals one way or the other. You either love them or you don’t.

I’m not referring to obvious reasons a person might shy away from owning a pet, such as allergies, traveling too often or homeowner restrictions. I’m referring to a real dislike of the animal variety. The cause of this aversion is not necessarily a defect in character but may stem from a bad experience or a lack of understanding due to never having owned a pet.

There are a few myths that contribute to forming negative opinions about pets. Some may see dogs as harmful, messy (pooping on lawns), dangerous, or a nuisance (incessant barking). Cats on the other hand are often misunderstood and underestimated in their intelligence, often seen as aloof, scary, aggressive and non-engaging.

When I first met my husband he hated cats. His opinion was that they slept all day, didn’t come when you called and ran away when you approached. Being a cat person all my life, the ultimatum was easy: “Love me, love my cats.” And so, he did. After living with a cat and giving it half a chance, he learned to respect their independence and actually love their funny ways. He has now become a cat advocate.

As pet lovers we may not be able to change the minds of those who don’t understand the connection between animal and human. However, one thing is definitely true: pet-less people are in the minority and for good reason. There are over 62 percent of households in the United States with one or more animals: 78.2 million dogs and around 86.4 million cats. Pets become our children before and after the real babies are born into our lives. Many newly married couples acquire a pet first, before having children. It’s a good way to learn responsibility for another living thing, caring for its health and well-being and defining the chores each person will assume.

Pets take the place of kids when we’re older; they fill a void and emptiness within the household. Dogs or cats become part of the family and people will spare no expense when it comes to making their pets happy. This year alone, Americans will spend more than 60 billion on everything from upscale lodging, training, medical bills and pet supplies.

Our cats are often the topic of conversation, especially when they do something silly or run to greet us when the door chimes sound. They make us laugh and lighten our mood, give us pleasure when they curl up on our lap or play with a toy.

Sometimes when the mood is tense my husband will speak for Mickie in a funny voice and say, “You need to chill out, Mom!” It makes me laugh and clears the air.

Having a pet increases your happiness level and makes you accountable for another being, be it a dog or cat.

The emotional bond between owner and pet can be more powerful than it is between humans. Pets are unconditional friends and are there for you in ways that people aren’t. They offer companionship, love and devotion and ask very little in return. It’s no wonder pet owners are in better health than people without pets. Having a pet in your life gives you purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, knowing you’re depended upon.

Having a dog means more exercise for you and gets you out to socialize. It’s always such a pleasure to see our neighbors walking their dogs, stopping to make conversation and petting their furry family members as they run up to say hello. Whether it’s because your dog

needs to be walked or because you want companionship as you walk, the bottom line is, dog owners get more activity.

Depression is a common symptom of those who are lonely. When people are strongly attached to their pets they are less likely to suffer from depression. Animals connect with those who lose hope and feel withdrawn from the rest of the world. Just the comfort of a purring cat or even gazing at a tank of beautiful fish has a calming and therapeutic effect.

Pet ownership may not be for everyone due to culture, upbringing or experience. However, if a pet is in your future you will find the benefits of ownership to be undeniably rewarding. Nothing will give you so much love, stimulate laughter and make you feel more needed than a four-footed friend.

Book Review

Bad Days In History: A

Gleefully Grim Chronicle Of Misfortune, Mayhem, And Misery For Every Day Of The Year

By Nis A. Shapiro

Nils began his career as marketing director for a major book publisher. He has since edited the authors’ manuscripts for more than 20 published books, written more than 200 book reviews, served as publisher of several million-plus circulation national magazines, created the official yearbooks for teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, and “retired” as president of a successful telecommunications company.

This paperback book should be made available in every pharmacy chain store for nonprescription, overthe-counter sales to anyone looking for a “feel better” antidepressant. All anyone would have to do is take home a copy, keep it on a nightstand next to the bed and any time of the year when you are feeling a bit “down” about having had a bad day—for example, if it’s Jan. 3 and your score on the golf course was a few strokes over your usual game—just turn to page 15 of this book and read about what happened to another guy on a different Jan. 3 … in his case, in the year 1977.

The man’s name: Ronald Wayne. He had been asked by two younger men to join them in a start-up business. Ronald was more mature and experienced; he was expected to keep the other two very bright but difficult personalities under control and for that was given 10% of the company’s shares in addition to a salary. The company was incorporated on Jan. 3, 1977.

But after a while, working with the other two became too much for Wayne and he decided he wanted out. So, he turned in his shares of the company in exchange for a total of $800. Incredibly, according to this book’s author, Michael Farquhar, Wayne lived happily enough afterward selling stamps and coins and collecting Social Security … while his former partners, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, built the company, Apple, to the point where Wayne’s original 10% that he sold for $800 would now be worth about $30 billion!

Having a bad day on the golf course doesn’t seem so bad now, by comparison, does it?

Arranged day by day in calendar order, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, this 478-page paperback offers 365 stories of such bad experiences borne by people throughout thousands of years of history. They range in length from a paragraph to several pages, all fascinating and told with a sense of humor and irony.

No small selection of examples from among these almost 400 stories would do justice to the variety presented by the author after his clearly extraordinary amount of research, but the following offer at least a hint of why you will consider yourself as having a (relatively) wonderful day, every day of the year, with this book to turn to for each comparable date.

(These brief descriptions are my own, just to give you an idea of the events. The author’s stories are generally much longer and more interestingly described.)

• May 15, 1998. Soap opera diva Susan Lucci gave fresh meaning to the word “loser” on this date when, after being nominated again, she was denied the Daytime Emmy Award as best actress—for the 18th time!

• February 8, 1587. When on this date, Queen Elizabeth I of England ordered her cousin Mary Queen of Scots to be beheaded, things got a bit messed up … and messy. “The executioner took a mighty swing with the ax. He missed. The blow struck the back of her head instead of the neck. Witnesses reported the stunned queen muttering ‘Sweet Jesus!’ before a second strike all but severed her head. The headsman, exasperated by his own incompetence, was forced to saw away the remaining sinew to finally finish the job. …”

• March 6, 1835. The English philosopher John Stuart Mill on this night faced an excruciating task. His friend Thomas Carlyle had entrusted to him the only copy of the manuscript of Carlyle’s magisterial history of the French Revolution. Mill’s maid had accidentally burned it as kindling, and now he had to go and explain this terrible fact to Carlyle! Farquhar describes Carlyle’s extraordinary response to this disastrous news.

• September 30, 2006. Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas hotel mogul, had just made a deal to sell Picasso’s 1932 masterpiece, Le Reve , a portrait of the artist’s young mistress, Marie-Therese Walter, for a record $139 million and brought some friends into his office to show them the painting before the sale. “Suddenly, there was a terrific noise and when Wynn stepped away there was a hole in the painting where his elbow had punched through the canvas … The price of the painting plummeted by $54 million.” A costly day for Wynn!

With these and several hundred more such true experiences against which to compare your own days, you have many good reasons to keep a copy of this book nearby—not to mention that it is a heck of a lot of fun! Illustrated with drawings and photos.

End A Long Term

Lithium For Alzheimer’s Disease

By Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that lithium may be deficient in the brains of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In rodents, bred specifically to develop Alzheimer’s disease for research purposes, they have fed them a safe preparation of lithium to reverse the disease process. What the researchers observed is a startling and spectacular discovery not yet tried in human beings.

Lithium, in various preparations, has also been used in human beings. Initially, in one form, it was used unsuccessfully to treat congestive heart failure. In more recent years, it has been used to treat psychiatric disorders such as bi-polar mood disorder and schizophrenia. It is a tricky drug to use as the difference between a safe therapeutic dose and severe toxicity is very small.

Pre-administration comprehensive blood evaluations must be performed looking particularly at kidney function and an EKG for cardiac rhythm and structure. A medication history is essential because diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARB blood pressure medications, certain calcium channel blockers and thyroid medications interact with the lithium leading to adverse effects.

Physicians prescribing lithium start with a low dose and monitor blood serum levels closely when initiating therapy and continue timed monitoring of blood levels and kidney function for the life of the treatment. Toxicity is common, even with monitoring and common adverse effects include severe gastrointestinal symptoms, severe neurological symptoms and heart arrythmias.

I bring this caution up in the face of an extraordinary scientific breakthrough because humans are overwhelmed with a fear of Alzheimer’s disease. I anticipate online influencers and foreign supplement manufacturers to take advantage of our fears and start making available “brain protection products” containing lithium. There is no regulation of supplements in the USA and fearful adults and family members not qualifying for, or accepted to,

legitimate research trials will take a chance. As a result, I fully expect to see many more cases of lithium toxicity and poisoning in the next few years.

The discovery of the relationship between lithium and Alzheimer’s dementia is an extraordinary scientific opportunity to begin exploring how lithium depletion occurs and how to safely reverse that process in human beings. Whether doing that prevents or reverses the disease remains to be seen.

In the interim, during the period of time needed to design and implement this research, I hope a frightened and fearful public will not injure themselves by being taken advantage of by social media snake oil charlatans.

Steven E. Reznick, M.D., FACP, is board certified in internal medicine with added qualifications in geriatrics. He has practiced in the Boca Raton area since 1979 and is currently accepting a limited number of new patients. To request a complimentary meeting with Dr. Reznick to discuss your health needs and learn about his concierge medicine practice, call (561) 368-0191 or visit www. bocaconciergedoc.com.

See Vision Eye Institute Welcomes Dr. Kylie Barto, O.D.

Enhancing Patient Access And Surgical Support In Palm Beach County

See Vision Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Kylie Barto, O.D., to its growing clinical team. With a strong foundation in ocular disease management and post-surgical care, Dr. Barto expands the practice’s ability to deliver timely, personalized, and outcomes-focused care across Palm Beach County.

A graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Barto brings a deep commitment to excellence in optometric care, with a special focus on ocular surface disease, post-operative management, and comprehensive eye health. She will work in close partnership with Dr. Jason Gorscak, M.D., founder and Chief Medical Officer of See Vision Eye Institute and a leading authority in advanced cataract and refractive surgery.

“We conducted a national search to find the right doctor who shares our philosophy of care,” said Dr. Gorscak. “Dr. Barto stood out from the start. She’s collaborative, clinically sharp and, most importantly, committed to doing what’s best for every patient. With her on board, we’re making care more accessible—without ever compromising on quality.”

The addition of Barto aligns with See Vision Eye Institute’s long-term strategy to meet growing demand while preserving the concierge-level experience that has defined the practice. Her role will also enhance support for referring physicians who rely on See Vision’s clinical team for comprehensive ophthalmology and surgical care.

“Every patient and referring provider can feel absolute confidence in the care we deliver—care that’s seamless, intentional, and efficient at every step,” said Myra Cherchio, CEO. “Our mission is to remove every barrier to exceptional eye care and change lives by restoring clarity and freedom from glasses. From the first call to the final follow-up, we make the experience as frictionless and personalized as the transformative results we provide.”

See Vision Eye Institute has become a trusted destination in Palm Beach County for patients seeking

precision, innovation and concierge-level care—earning hundreds of five-star reviews for its unmatched patient experience and surgical outcomes. Renowned for its expertise in advanced cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange, the practice helps patients reclaim clarity, confidence and independence from glasses.

To learn more or to refer a patient, please visit seevisioneye.com or call (561) 621-2020, Homeland Plaza, 5165 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Photo by Tracey Benson photography

Jason Gorscak, M.D. and Dr. Kylie Barto, O.D.

From The Desk Of Commissioner

Marci Woodward: A Message From Marci

Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year resident of Boca Raton, was elected in November 2022 as Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner. She serves on the following board of directors as a representative of the county commission: Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency; South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.

Summer break had some unexpected but delightful turns for me and my family. Many of you may have heard about the 24 dogs believed to have been abandoned in poor conditions here in Palm Beach County.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers at Three Stooges Rescue in Stuart, all of the dogs were safely captured and began receiving the care they desperately needed.

Commissioner Gregg Weiss first shared this story with me after working with law enforcement and Animal Care and Control to ensure the animals were safe. When Michael and I learned more we knew we wanted to help. We agreed to “foster” one of the pups, but as you can probably guess it didn’t take long for our dogs Zoey and Fritz to fall in love with him. And just like that, fostering turned into adopting. This summer we officially welcomed Toby to the Woodward pack!

I want to thank the volunteers, shelters and animal lovers across our community who helped these dogs find safe, loving homes. Their efforts are a reminder that compassion can turn a difficult story into a hopeful one. Additionally, Team PBC officially welcomed Joe Abruzzo on his first day serving as County Administrator and during

his first BCC meeting. I look forward to many meetings, discussions and solutions happening right here as we work together to serve the residents of Palm Beach County.

And to all our Palm Beach County students and teachers heading back to school this month, good luck! Drivers, remember: the maximum speed in school zones is 20 mph. Many municipalities have also added school zone cameras, so please slow down and pay extra attention when lights are flashing to help keep children safe. Fines are doubled (up to $400) for illegally passing a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal. A second offense within five years could result in your license being suspended.

DOGE Visits Palm Beach County. This week, Palm Beach County welcomed the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its on-site audit of county government operations. The DOGE team began by reviewing documents provided in advance, focusing on contracts, procurement, personnel management practices, diversity and inclusion, and grants.

County staff, led by Sherry Brown, Director of the Office of Financial Management and Budget, worked closely with Administration, multiple departments and the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office to provide requested information related to financial management, compliance and reporting. Additional documentation was also supplied throughout the visit.

Over two days, DOGE staff conducted in-depth interviews and Q&A sessions with more than 35 county employees. Departments engaged in the process included Community Services, Facilities Development & Operations, Housing and Economic Development, Human Resources, Mounts Botanical Garden, the Office of Community Revitalization, the Office of Equal Business Opportunity, the Office of Resilience, Parks and Recreation, Procurement, the Tourist Development Council, Engineering (Transportation), and Youth Services.

At a press conference held at the Governmental Center, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia emphasized Palm Beach County’s unique distinction among Florida’s 67

counties and noted that additional visits are expected here and across the state.

We will continue to provide updates as DOGE’s review progresses.

Palm Beach County Launches PBCMoves.com. I’m thrilled to share that as part of the Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP) a new website, PBCMoves.com, is officially live! This site will serve as a central hub for residents, community partners and stakeholders to stay informed, provide input and track the progress of our transportation initiatives. You can sign up for notifications, share transportation data and eventually view the plan’s final recommendations. With public meetings and surveys coming soon, this is your chance to help shape a safe, efficient and connected transportation network for Palm Beach County over the next two decades.

Nonprofit Spotlight. Clinics Can Help is a local nonprofit in Palm Beach County that connects people with medical equipment and supplies, empowering them with mobility, independence, and dignity at all stages of life.

Founded in 2005 by hospice nurse Owen O’Neill, Clinics Can Help began by collecting hospital beds and wheelchairs that would have gone to waste and providing them to patients at local free clinics. Starting with a small storage locker, Owen’s efforts have grown into a large warehouse and a dedicated team that serves nearly 4,000 individuals and their families each year.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Sally Degenhardt Chester and Owen O’Neill, CEO of Clinics Can Help, and learned more about their work. Every day, a simple piece of medical equipment can make a real difference, whether it’s a child’s first wheelchair or a senior’s new walker.

For more information, visit https://www.clinicscanhelp.org/. If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561)-355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.

The Golf Learning Center

The Pivot

By Tom F. Stickney II, Director of Golf Instruction

Over the course of time there have been several different positions that people have played successfully from … in the beginning some players tended to lean away from the ball at address, next we saw players leaning towards the target at address, and now the trend on Tour is to set up with the spine basically centered right in the middle of your body. Let’s examine a visual of the three different pivots from setup to the top.

1) The Right Tilt

2) The Centered Pivot

3) The Leftward Tilt

In the right tilt position, you will see that the spine is leaning away from the target at address a few inches, this places the rear shoulder under the lead shoulder at address. It will also place the head a touch behind the ball at address as well and 55 to 60% of the weight will be on the player’s right foot at address. The more you tilt to the right the more weight will move to the right and the more the shoulders will tend to close at address. Be careful not to allow the hands to push too far past the inside of the forward thigh as this can open your shoulders at address.

At the top when using this pivot, you will see that the head has moved a touch laterally to the right and there is an extreme amount of weight on the inside portion of the right foot at the top. This lean over the right leg also will influence the shoulder turn to be a touch flatter to the top or more rounded and is a better position for less flexible players to get into if they cannot make a full turn to the top as well.

In the centered address position, you will notice that the spine is vertical, and the hands are basically right on the forward portion of the zipper on the target-side. As you can see from the left frame that the weight is distributed 50% on each foot while the shoulders are square to the target line. Be careful when you center your spine as you can easily lean your weight too much targetward and having open shoulders at your address position can also throw off your swing plane on the way to the top.

As you reach the top of your backswing you will notice that the rear knee has straightened slightly keeping the weight in the middle of the body … this is the point we will pivot around on the way down keeping us “centered.” The spine is just slightly leaning to the right of center and the shoulders have made a full turn to the top. Having

this position will help the player to have a shorter arm swing to the top.

In the leftward tilting position, you can see that the spine is indeed leaning leftward placing most of the weight on the forward foot. The head is even to slightly in front of the ball (to some degree) from the overhead position you can see. This setup position will help you to make sure you hit more down on the golf ball and tends to steepen the player’s angle of attack into the ball. As always try to keep the shoulders square at address as shown above.

In the top position of the leftward tilt, you can see that the body has not moved to the right and most of the weight is on the forward foot to the top. This is helped in part by a straightening of the right knee to the top which tilts the right femur inward keeping the weight more leftward. As you can see this player has to work hard to keep the shoulders turning behind the ball and the swing will tend to be a touch more upright than the centered pivot position. Once again the arms are extended so the swing can have width to the top as well. Experiment with these three up positions and see which works best for your game … each has its own merits, but only you can decide which works best! Enjoy.

Introducing Jupiter HarbourFest: A New Waterfront Tradition Begins October 18 To 19

Get ready to experience a new waterfront tradition that captures the vibrant spirit and coastal charm of Jupiter. The inaugural Jupiter HarbourFest, presented by Jupiter Medical Center, will take place October 18 to 19 at The Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk, delivering two days of highenergy entertainment, mouthwatering food and a curated marketplace of local artisans and vendors.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Intracoastal, Jupiter HarbourFest is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of everything that makes the town unique. From live music

performances that will have you dancing by the water to savory culinary creations that showcase regional flavors, this festival embodies the culture, creativity and community connection that defines Jupiter.

“We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors alike to this uniquely Jupiter experience,” said Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.

“Whether you’re shopping local, enjoying a bite with friends, or soaking in the music, HarbourFest is designed to bring people together and celebrate the best of our town.”

Jupiter HarbourFest is a ticketed event with options ranging from general admission to VIP. Ticket sales started in July.

For event details, vendor information and more, visit jupiterharbourfest.com. To stay up-to-date on HarbourFest happenings follow them on Instagram and Facebook @ jupiterharbourfest.

For more information visit pbnchamber.com.

FAU College Of Medicine’s White Coats-4-Care 15th Annual Fundraiser Supports Scholarships

More than 250 civic, business, and university leaders, healthcare professionals, community advocates and medical students gathered at The Addison for the Annual White Coats-4-Care fundraiser benefiting Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Now in its 15th year, the signature tradition celebrated the college’s newest class of 80 future physicians while raising funds to expand scholarships, drive innovation in medical education, support research and strengthen community health initiatives.

Schmidt College of Medicine Dean Dr. Lewis Nelson, Laura Nelson, WC4C Co-Chairs Bonnie Kaye and Jon Kaye, Dr. Michael Dennis

Co-chaired by Bonnie and Jon Kaye and supported by a dedicated committee, White Coats-4-Care has generated critical resources to attract, recruit, train and educate the next generation of humanistic clinicians and scientists. This year’s incoming class of 80 students was selected from 4,165 applicants.

“We are proud that since the inception of White Coats4-Care, this community initiative has raised $2.6 million for scholarships, resources and innovation that have supported more than 1,000 compassionate healers across primary care, specialty practice and research,” said Bonnie Kaye, who cofounded and has co-chaired this fundraiser with Jon Kaye for 15 consecutive years. “Community has always been central to the College’s mission, and the students carry that forward through clinical outreach at the Caridad Clinic, Mission Medical Center, and other vital programs across the region.”

Jon Kaye added that this year’s initiative further advanced the College’s vision of establishing an academic health presence that fills a critical gap in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that Florida’s southeast region receives the highquality care it deserves, now and in the future.

“It is through the success of this annual cornerstone fundraiser that we can continue to strengthen student education and clinical programs, expand community partnerships and cultivate donor opportunities that drive positive change today and for generations to come,” shared Dr. Lewis Nelson, dean of the Schmidt College of Medicine. “Each donor’s investment is paying remarkable dividends because we are not just funding medical education – we are building the future of healthcare.”

“Championing the establishment of the Schmidt College of Medicine during my time in the Florida House of Representatives remains one of the most meaningful initiatives in my public service career,” shared FAU President Adam Hasner. “Seeing so much support for the college and its students at events such as White Coats-4Care shows the impact of the college in our community as we work to improve patient care for the region.”

This year’s event welcomed both longtime and firsttime supporters. In recognition of the College of Medicine’s impact on the Boca Raton community, The Addison of Boca Raton—the evening’s presenting sponsor—awarded the FAU Foundation and White Coats-4-Care a $10,000 Centennial Grant as part of its initiative honoring 10 nonprofits on its 100th

anniversary. The Stocker Family Foundation joined the White Coats Society with its first-time $25,000 scholarship gift. Other significant donors and sponsors included Palm Beach County Medical Society; American Care Medical Centers; Bonnie and Jon Kaye/Kaye Communications PR & Marketing (KCOM-PR); Baptist Health; Cleveland Clinic; Phyllis and Dr. Michael Dennis; E. M. Lynn Foundation, Henry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation; Boynton Eye Institute; First Horizon Bank; and Synovus Bank.

The 2025 WC4C dedicated committee, included Patricia Anastasio, M.D., and Thomas Mersch, Esq.; Melissa Azrack; Florida State Senator Lori Berman and Jeffrey Ganeles, D.M.D.; Donna and Joseph Biase, M.D.; Alisa and G. Richard Cohen, M.D.; Phyllis and Michael T.B. Dennis, M.D.; Emily and Stephen A. Grabelsky, M.D.; Bonnie Halperin; Arlene Herson; Jaclyn Klimczak, M.D.; Margie and Alan Kaye; Jennifer and Gary Lesser; Elizabeth and Stuart Markowitz, M.D.; Nathan E. Nachlas, M.D.; Michael Pierce; Margie and Maurice D. Plough, Jr.; Ronald L. Rubin, D.M.D.; Constance Scott; Robin Trompeter; and Janice Williams.

With recent national rankings in U.S. News & World Report (2023, 2024), the College continues to thrive as one of approximately 156 accredited allopathic (M.D.) medical schools in the United States, expanding into new disciplines

• Oil Paintings

• Oriental Rugs

• Tapestries

• Fine Furniture

• Service Plates

and programs. Continuing to evolve from a community-based school to a world-class academic health center in Florida since its inception in 2010, the College of Medicine has grown today to 101 employed faculty members, 1,312 affiliate faculty, 314 medical students, 180 residents and fellows, and 70 graduate students. The College has increased class size by 25% and can now accommodate 80 students. In February, Florida Atlantic achieved the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” and shares this elite status with fewer than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S.

For information about the College of Medicine, or giving opportunities, contact Sara Greene, Associate Director of Development, at (561) 297-2984 or greenes@health.fau. edu. For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Haley Barnes at 561-297-2371 or barnesh@health.fau.edu.

ARCHIVE GALLERIES

• Sterling Silver

• Objects of Art

• Sculptures

• Bronzes

• Porcelain

• Collectibles

• Fine Crystal

• Orientalia

• Tiffany Items

• Clocks

2025 White Coats-4-Care Committee

Tax Talk

Dear friends:

The other day I mentioned to a colleague about a potential visit I was planning to Marathon later this year and we both started listing all the wonderful opportunities and resources we have as residents of South Florida. We are fortunate to have so many things to do right in our own backyard. We have year-round great weather and a unique variety of attractions and resources. For instance, the Florida Keys are a nearby treasure, perfect for a quick weekend getaway.

We also have several regional cruise ports, making it easy to hop on a ship for a quick trip to the Bahamas or other islands without the hassle of a flight. And for a truly unforgettable experience, a view of a nighttime rocket launch from Cape Canaveral is an absolutely astounding sight on a clear night.

Enjoy whatever is left for your summer doing what brings you the most pleasure because we are so fortunate to have so much to do and see as residents of Palm Beach County!

Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County

Park Here!

As of July 1, expectant mothers are now eligible to apply for a temporary disabled parking permit. Applicants must complete Form 83040, Application for Expectant Mother Parking Permit at www.pbctax.gov/onlineforms. The form must be completed and signed by the applicant and physician. The permit costs $15 and will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Completed applications may be submitted through one of the options below:

• Mail to: Tax Collector, Palm Beach County, P.O. Box 3715, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3715 – Be sure to

include copy of valid Florida driver license/ID card and payment (money order or check).

• Drop boxes located in all Palm Beach County Tax Collector Offices (8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.) – Be sure to include copy of valid Florida driver license/ID card and payment (money order or check).

• Make a reservation for in-person service at www.pbctax. gov/reservations.

Faces Of The TCO: Steve Weiss

Title: Chief Excellence Officer

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Favorite Activity: Surfing

Favorite Food: Seafood or steak

One of the key areas of our office that you may not know about is our Excellence Department. Led by Chief Excellence Officer

Steve Weiss, this team has several important functions that impact our day-to-day operations, which you may encounter as a client.

Steve’s team is responsible for corrections to the tax roll, which is provided to us by the Property Appraiser’s Office. If a home ownership changes, or someone qualifies for an additional exemption, Steve’s team will handle that correction. They also handle transactions related to delinquent property taxes, including tax certificates and tax deeds.

“I’m super proud of my team because of their commitment to public service,” says Steve, who has been with our organization for five years. “They take great pride in their work with helping clients with any property tax-related issue they may be facing.” However, Steve notes, “The reason we are called Excellence is because we assist all departments in the organization with process improvement projects.”

When Steve is not leading his team of 11 analysts, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, ages 19 and 16. He also loves spending time on and in the water surfing, fishing, swimming and free dive spear fishing.

Road Test Process Gets An Upgrade

Great news for anyone preparing for their road test with our office! We have been piloting a new system to make the process faster and more efficient for everyone and the results are impressive.

Previously, the road test examiners would take shifts during the day, which contributed to delays whenever a change of examiner took place. To streamline this process, we now have a designated road test examiner assigned each day. This dedicated person focuses solely on conducting tests, ensuring a streamlined experience for you.

This change has had a significant impact as there has been a 37% increase in our daily road test capacity since launching this new process at our North County and Central service centers. We plan to implement this at other service centers soon. This means shorter wait times, more available reservations, and a quicker path to getting a license. To schedule a road test or any service with our office, visit pbctax. gov/reservations.

We are committed to providing exceptional service and are constantly evaluating how we can improve, and this is another example of our commitment to exceptional service.

Transforming Surgical Care with Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Our robotic technology enhances precision, reduces recovery time and improves outcomes – all through the hands of our experts. For greater comfort and faster healing. For every care in the world.

See how we’re transforming surgical care at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Dear Taxpayer,

By now, all property owners in Palm Beach County have received their 2025 Notice of Proposed Property Taxes and Assessments from my office. You can always access this information by searching your property at pbcpao.gov and then selecting “2025 Proposed Notice” at the top of your Property Detail page.

The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes is not a bill, but rather an estimate of your taxes based on the proposed tax rates, your property value and exemptions.

The next stage in the tax roll process is the petition filing period. Property owners have the option to appeal their property’s assessment or denial of portability before the county’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB), which is administered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. Florida law sets the value petition filing period, which begins when the notices are mailed and ends 25 days later. This year’s deadline to file a petition is Sept. 15, 2025.

This month’s newsletter examines the VAB process. I hope you find this information helpful.

Respectfully,

Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

We Value What You Value

The Value Adjustment Board Process

If you feel that the market value of your property is inaccurate or does not reflect fair market value as of January 1, 2025, or you are entitled to an exemption or classification that is not reflected on the 2024 Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, contact our office for an informal review. Call (561) 355-3230 or email myhouse2025@pbcpao.gov and we will connect you

with an appraiser or exemption specialist to discuss your concerns. If we are unable to resolve the matter, you have the right to file a petition for adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).

The VAB is administered by Palm Beach County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, which is independent of the property appraiser’s office. The Board is made up of five individuals: two from the county’s board of commissioners, one from the county’s school board and two citizen members. The Board approves and hires special magistrates who are experienced in property appraisal techniques or legal matters to conduct hearings and recommend decisions to the VAB for final approval. Special magistrates will review property valuation, denials of portability, deferrals and change of ownership or control determinations. All final rulings are determined by the VAB.

Filing A Petition

Florida law sets the deadlines for filing a petition on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the notice from our office. This year’s deadline is Sept. 15, 2025. These deadlines do not change, even if you choose to discuss the issue with our office. The VAB may charge $20-plus for filing a petition.

PDF petition forms are available on our website or online petition filing is available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Once a petition is filed, you will receive a notice with the date, time and location of your hearing at least 25 days before your hearing date. You can reschedule your hearing once for good cause. If your hearing is rescheduled, the clerk will send notice at least 15 days before the rescheduled hearing.

Both you and our office have deadlines 15 days before the scheduled petition hearing:

• The petitioner must provide a list and summary of the evidence that shall be presented at the hearing. This can be submitted electronically through the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

• Our office must provide you with a list and summary of the evidence we will present at the hearing.

The Hearing

At the VAB hearing, you may represent yourself or seek assistance from a professional. Some examples of professional representation might include an attorney, a licensed real estate appraiser or broker or a certified public accountant. If someone who is not a licensed professional represents you, you must sign the petition or provide written authorization or power of attorney for your representative.

During the hearing, a special magistrate hired by the VAB will ask you to present your evidence and testimony in support of your petition. In most cases, to win a reduction in appraised value before the VAB, you must prove that the county’s appraisal of your property exceeded market value and explain why. A representative from our office will then present evidence in support of the property valuation, denied exemption, etc., depending on the issue. You will have another opportunity to comment before the end of the hearing.

The VAB will mail you a written copy of its final decision. Regardless of the outcome of your hearing, you must pay all or the required portion of your taxes by April 1 to keep your petition valid and avoid additional cost and fees.

After The Hearing

The VAB must issue all final decisions within 20 calendar days of the last day it was in session. Although the decision of the magistrate is binding, you may file a lawsuit in circuit court if you do not agree with the VAB’s decision.

For more information about the VAB in Palm Beach County, email vab@mypalmbeachclerk.com or call them at (561) 355-6289.

Holiday Office Closure

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all our Service Centers) will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1, but our website is always open at PBCGov.com/PAPA for convenient, 24/7 access to property records and services.

Colon Cancer Screenings: Which One Is Best For You?

As a Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital colorectal surgeon and the Vice Chair, Research of the Digestive Disease Institute in Florida, Marylise Boutros, M.D., values the tools she has at her disposal to provide good outcomes for her patients who have digestive conditions and cancer. She points to the colonoscopy, the gold standard for screening colon cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“It’s gratifying to be able to prevent a common cancer by performing a simple procedure on a patient,” she says. “The colonoscopy is rated so highly because it not only detects polyps in the colon, but also allows us to remove them before they develop into cancer.”

Thanks to regular screenings, the overall rate of colon cancer has been trending downward over the past 10 years. However, the incidence in adults under the age of 50 has been rising.

As a result, the American Cancer Society now recommends starting regular colon cancer screenings at age 45. Those who are at increased risk of colon cancer, based on family history or other factors, may need to start screening before age 45.

“We have different options to consider when it comes to colon cancer screening tests,” says Dr. Boutros.

“This is an important and personalized discussion to have with your doctor.”

Marylise Boutros, M.D.

Factors to consider with your doctor include: how long the test will take; what prep is required; how often it needs to be repeated; whether you need sedation; the accuracy of the test to detect cancer and/or polyps; and the potential for follow-up testing if there is a positive finding or a need to remove tissue. Your individual risk for colon cancer may also influence your choice of screening tests. Visual Exam Vs. Stool-Based Tests

Colonoscopy and CT colonography are classified as “visual exam tests.” The latter is a quick CAT scan reserved for patients who are unable to undergo a colonoscopy for various reasons. Both tests require

bowel prep and are performed in a health facility. They provide the physician with a view of the entire colon and rectum. The difference is that a colonoscopy allows on the spot removal of any polyps that are identified, while a CT-colonography requires a follow-up colonoscopy to remove polyps, if found.

Stool DNA tests require collecting a stool sample and sending it to a lab. They are performed at home and don’t require bowel prep. These tests look for blood in the stool and DNA changes in cells that might indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous conditions. The downside is the test’s inability to detect small polyps and the need for a follow-up colonoscopy if the test results are abnormal.

“Regular screening is one of our most powerful tools in the fight against colon cancer,” says Boutros. “The most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose. It could be a lifesaving decision.”

Call (877) 463-2010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boutros or another digestive disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/ Colonscopy to learn more.

Boca’s 9th Annual ‘STEAM Passport’ Program Offers Fun, Knowledge In

The Boca Raton Recreation Services Department is once again offering the city’s 5to 12-year-olds a variety of exciting programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics

Although the program started the beginning of September there are enough activities scheduled in the second half of the month to enable young participants who sign up mid-month to reap the full benefits of their “STEAM Passports.”

Young explorers can partake in a series of interactive and educational activities hosted by the Children’s Science Explorium, Boca Raton Public Library and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Each venue offers unique challenges that will inspire curiosity and learning.

Get Your STEAM Passport

Right now, families can visit any participating location to pick up a “STEAM Through September Passport” or download it online. This passport serves as a guide, listing the challenges and opportunities for participants to earn a stamp for each completed challenge across the five STEAM categories.

Collect all five stamps to receive a special goodie bag featuring swag from all three facilities. Most programs require advance registration, and some have a registration fee.

Exciting Weekly Activities still available. Here is just a brief partial list of the thrilling activities planned each week:

Week 3: September 14th-20th:

Eyes to the Skies (T - Technology Stamp): Stargaze with a professional telescope at the Children’s Science Explorium.

Friday Night at the Museum (E - Engineering Stamp): Experience an exclusive museum night at the Explorium. International Coastal Cleanup (T - Technology Stamp): Participate in a global cleanup effort at Spanish River Park.

Bug Hotel Math Challenge: (M - Mathematics Stamp): At the Children’s Science Explorium. How much luggage can one ant carry? Let’s visit the Grand Bug-A-Pest Hotel and figure it out together! Available daily at the Explorium front desk. Week 4: September 21st-27th:

Bugio: At all locations! (S - Science Stamp): Search high, seek low, it takes some explorin’ to win bugio! Check in at the front desk after completing the bug bingo challenge in the back of your passport.

The Lab: Laser Art Canvas (A - Art Stamp): Explore creative projects at the Children’s Science Explorium.

Education Explorations - BioBlitz Bonanza! (A/M - Art/ Mathematics Stamp): Discover the beauty of nature and pollinators.

Week 5: September 28th-30th: STEM in Action - The Science of Goo (E - Engineering Stamp): Unravel the science of slime at the Downtown Library. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to inspire young minds and foster a love for STEAM disciplines. For more information, visit the participating locations or download the STEAM through September Passport at www.myboca.us/STEAM. Happy hunting!

About the Recreation Services Department: The Recreation Services Department enhances the community’s quality of life by managing a diverse range of facilities and services, including 49 parks, three community centers, two aquatic facilities, two golf courses, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, the Boca Raton Public Library, three racquet sport centers, a field house, numerous satellite courts and fields, a cemetery, community events, landscaped roadways, three beach parks, an amphitheater, a Park Rangers unit, Ocean Rescue lifeguards, and the Public Art Boca program. Together, these services reflect the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant, active and connected community

Delicious Deals Await!

Flavor South Florida Returns With Record Number Of Restaurants

From Boca Raton To Sebastian, Diners Can Enjoy Affordable Prix Fixe Offers

Hungry for a deal? Flavor South Florida, Florida’s largest restaurant month-long dining event, is returning this September with a record 101 participating restaurants. From Sept. 1 to 30, the best restaurants in South Florida and on the Treasure Coast will offer affordable prix fixe menus ranging from $25 to $65. Diners can enjoy lunch, brunch and dinner specials at restaurants spanning 122 miles – from Boca Raton to Sebastian.

Flavor South Florida boosts business for restaurants during the slowest tourism month in Florida. Last year, Flavor South Florida generated $1.3 million in revenue for local restaurants with an estimated 300 million diners.

“During the summer months, restaurants rely heavily on local customers to drive business, while locals actively seek out attractive promotions and value-driven dining experiences,” said Kerri Paizzi, Flavor South Florida’s CEO. “Flavor is the perfect time of year for restaurants to unleash their creativity and craft bold, new dishes that give new and returning customers a memorable culinary experience.”

The House Kitchen & Bar’s The House Burger Le

West Palm Beach, and Ona Coastal Cuisine inside the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa. Venture to the luxurious island of Palm Beach to indulge in Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel, La Goulue, Le Bar à Vin, and The Italian Restaurant at The Breakers Palm Beach.

In northern Palm Beach County, choose from upscale dining experiences such as La Masseria in Palm Beach Gardens, Michelin-recommended The Butcher’s Club at PGA National Resort, 1000 North in Jupiter, and Blackbird in Tequesta. On the Treasure Coast, enjoy the coastal atmosphere at Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House in Jensen Beach, Hudson’s on the River in Stuart, Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks on Hutchinson Island and Cobb’s Landing in Fort Pierce.

This year, Flavor South Florida welcomes newcomers to the restaurant scene, including Michelinrecommended Moody Tongue Sushi at Hilton West Palm Beach, Israeli kosher restaurant Malka in West Palm Beach, The Clubhouse in North Palm Beach, Caretta Caretta on Singer Island, AquaSan in Juno Beach, The Beacon reimagined in Jupiter at Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street, Lila Coastal Mediterranean in Jupiter, and Sophia’s in Hobe Sound.

In southern Palm Beach County, check out a variety of casual and elevated restaurants, including Abe & Louie’s, Mia Rosebud and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in Boca Raton, Dada and Avalon Beach House in Delray Beach, Driftwood and Michelin-recommended Nicholson Muir Distinguished Meats in Boynton Beach and Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth.

In central Palm Beach County, head to The House at West Palm Beach’s iconic golf course, The Park, Felice

To drive more tourism to South Florida, Flavor South Florida is also partnering with iconic resorts to offer special staycation rates in September. These include The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Amrit Ocean Resort, PGA National Resort, and Capt. Hirams Resort. Guests can enjoy each resort property’s scenic restaurants that are offering Flavor South Florida’s prix fixe menus.

To view the full list of participating restaurants and to book a staycation, visit flavorsouthflorida.com. Follow us at @flavorsouthflorida on Instagram and @flavorpalmbeach on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Flavor South Florida.

Cobbs Landing in Fort Pierce

Moody Tongue - specialty nigiri selection

Bar a Vin spaghetti dish

The Beacon Fresh Catch of the Day

Ona Coastal Cuisine

The Beacon

Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse - outside dining at Lucky Shuck

Aquasan table assortment 1000 North Oysters Rockefeller

Avalon

Dining Out: Harmony In The Middle East!

By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire Country Club.

Hungry Al’s love for food started very young. Never satisfied with his Mom’s dishes, he started to cook his way through her “Betty Crocker Cookbook.” During the years to follow he spent many hours working in restaurants, both as server and cook, attending cooking classes and traveling the world in an effort to expand his palette. As a professional writer, Hungry Al offers his perspective on current food trends and guides you through your local restaurant options.

Motek

Restaurant Row

5377 Town Center Rd. #300, Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 922-3319

If there’s one thing that brings people together it’s a “no brainer”: Food & Wine! And with all our differences somehow food is a bridge that bonds every culture and allows us to feel the essence of humanity. If you ask anyone why they love to travel I would wager their first, if not the second, answer would be the “fabulous food or wine.”

There’s a saying, “We all desire what we don’t have.” Maybe it’s because we become normalized to the foods we eat on a daily basis. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve expressed my frustration to Hungry D that I was tired of the same old menu. I truly believe our taste buds love the stimulus of new and exciting additions of salt, fat, acid and heat (great TV series). I will even throw in “textures” to that mix.

That’s why restaurants like Motek take a quantum leap in this competitive dining market to bring a missing piece of the cuisine puzzle to our neighborhood. Now if only someone will bring in a great Chinese restaurant too. Since it’s difficult to travel to the Middle East and experience this amazing and understated food palette, I highly recommend you grab a camel and trot over to Motek soon.

First Impressions: Motek first originated in Miami with its cult-like followers longing for this type of MediterraneanIsraeli comfort food. It’s situated in Boca’s new “Restaurant Row” along with the formidable Stage Restaurant and the

over-crowed Camino Real. The good news is, this operation is well-seasoned with their seventh location.

Having taken the previous spot of the short-lived Fiolina restaurant, they have adapted this 220-seat space to fit a fresh and inviting natural environment. You will find floor to ceiling windows, a wrap-around bar opening to an expansive patio canopied with bright umbrellas, and plenty of greenery. The restaurant design also radiates a vibrant Mediterranean feel with ivy-wrapped oak trees, an open view to the action in the kitchen and enough servers to create a helpful neighborhood vibe. The only drawback for some might be the loud, sometimes annoying sounds of what I assume is a South Beach music playlist.

Prime Your Taste Buds: To start, Motek means “sweetheart” in Hebrew. And this setting and menu choices make you feel like you’re on your first date. So don’t come here without the vision of sharing your dishes. The appetizers and entrees bring culinary influences that originated from the heart of eastern Mediterranean, such as Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Morocco.

Keeping with the family theme, there was no way any of us would stand guard over our individual plates. It’s amazing how fast forks fly when presented with an array of delicious choices. Our starters consisted of Crispy Cauliflower ($15) treated with a spicy harissa honey glaze and, of course, a Laffa with a side of their smooth-as-silk hummus. Laffa is a pita type bread in a portion very shareable for two or more.

We also decided to give Za’atar Greek Salad ($19) a go. For a guy who has spent plenty of time in Greece this one hits on all cylinders. The ingredients are very fresh and the huge piece of Feta was beyond good!

Straight from the Kitchen: There is no doubt that the owners of Motek, Charlie and Tessa Levy, have raised the bar in delivering their childhood family recipes from Israel to give you a taste of the vibrant flavors of Tel Aviv, even if you have never been there.

The Hungry Squad had a difficult time deciding what to choose on this menu since everything seemed so tempting. Hungry H decided she had overdosed on the appetizers so went for the smaller plate, Tel Aviv Tuna Tartare ($24). This optimal portion of Ahi Tuna was as good as at any quality sushi house. Joined by ripe avocado, slivers of red onion and a dollop of tahini made it a perfect shareable item.

As for Hungry S, her choice had us scratching our heads. Usually associated with Germany or Austria, her order of

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why choose DejaVu Estate Sales and Auction?

DejaVu is the only full-service estate liquidation company in South Florida! Not every estate is the same and in these challenging times, liquidating an estate by yourself can be a daunting task, not to mention extremely stressful. The staff at DejaVu is experienced and knowledgeable about current market values and has connections with worldwide buyers and dealers.

Our goal is to eliminate the worry and stress you would face by dissolving the estate by yourself and give you a greater rate of return. Our four-part estate liquidation process sets us apart from the rest. We offer estate sales in the home, consignment services in our 20,000-square-ft. showroom located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, monthly auctions with thousands of on-line bidders, and cleanout services. We also purchase estates - from one item- to entire households.

Chicken Schnitzel ($25) defined the description as crispy and with a bit of spice. Lightly breaded and sprinkled with sesame seeds it was sautéed to perfection. The accompanying heated mustard sauce was good, but you might need a water hose nearby.

Hungry D, of course, went for the seafood. Her order of the Salmon Skewer ($19) was not exciting; not to say it was bad, but nothing other than grilled chunks of salmon filet on a stick, served with labneh (cheese sauce made from yogurt) and pickled onions was enough to get her by.

As for me Hungry Al, I didn’t hesitate to try their Lamb Shawarma ($38) and glad I did! Tasty shredded lamb draped over another Laffa was amazingly good and worth having again. I will assume their chicken version is equally as good.

Side Note: You might want to try Motek’s Arayes Burger ($25). This Lebanese-style grilled beef-stuffed pita has become a recurring favorite at the Burger Bash event at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

From the Dessert Tray: The desserts here stay within the region and highlight all you would expect to sweeten your meal. Delicacies such as Turkish Baklava, Halva ice cream, Knaffe (this cheese pastry is usually spelled Knafeh) and Pistachio Cheesecake. Any way you go I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Check Please: There are sometimes when you wish the dinner experience doesn’t have to end with a check. But in the case of Motek you seem happy to compensate with a monetary nod of appreciation. It was inconceivable a few decades ago that Boca Raton would be enriched with exciting restaurants rooted in culinary history and based on family traditions. Fortunately, Motek is a great example of our changing dining scene offering the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality right here in our own Boca Raton neighborhood. Motek is certainly helping to line up the marbles correctly in “Restaurant Row” by offering another great reason to return. Even the waiter stated that the management is nice, the customers great and it’s the best place she has ever worked. Says a lot for Motek or their training program.

The Hungry Squad didn’t have trouble coming to a consensus on awarding Motek four golden Falafels in their efforts to bring us the best of the Middle East.

The staff at DejaVu will come up with a plan that works best in your situation. Usually, it’s a combination of all four services.

Top Auctioneer. Rated 99% or better! Have you closed the Estate Sale Business?

Absolutely not. Estate sales are an intricate part of our business. Not only does it provide an essential service to our clients, it also is the great source for inventory for our auctions. But I do caution anyone who is settling or cleaning out an estate not to throw out anything without having a trusted estate professional look at it first. You don’t know how many times I’ll go into an estate and find thousands of dollars in a “donate pile.” Just last week, I had a consultation with a couple whose mother passed away. All the things they thought were valuable were not - and they were amazed at the items that were. On top of that, the jewelry that was in the safe had value - but was worth only about $3,000. They were planning on donating the costume jewelry. It turned out that the jewelry in the safe was probably the jewelry she didn’t wear any longer. There was over $20,000 worth of gold in the costume jewelry! I wish I had a picture of the look on their faces! This happens a lot. Sometimes finding the mark is difficult and custom pieces are not always marked. Many times, only one of the earrings is marked 14K so people assume it’s costume.

Sterling silver tea sets and flatware are also items that some people make a mistake by melting for the scrap value. People still buy them at auction and a client can make 2 - 3 times more by selling them and letting someone else enjoy them! What does a Top Rated Auctioneer mean?

Being a Top Rated Auctioneer means that we have been reviewed by our clients and have a rating of at least 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. You also have to maintain an 80% satisfaction rate on payment, shipping, responsiveness, and accuracy. We are currently rated on LiveAuctioneers, the largest platform for online auctions, as 99% or better than any auctioneer in the world. It’s a great honor and I am very grateful to our staff for helping us achieve that status. What kind of items are you accepting for your auctions?

We try to have a little bit of everything. And depending on the estates we get in that month - you NEVER know what we will have. Our company has auctioned large items like cars and boats and even a jewelry store. Last year, we started aggressively marketing women’s designer handbags, costume and fine jewelry and upscale clothing and shoes.

It’s a market that has done very well for us. Due to the high commercial rents in our area, many consignment stores are closing

down. Our clients appreciate the fact that at auction their items sell quickly in an international market. Many times, designer items take months to sell in a consignment store – if they sell at all.

Designer handbags, costume and estate jewelry, signed crystal, fine china, collectibles, the sterling silver are all very salable items. Unusual and unique items do very well too. We held a “Man Cave” auction with fishing equipment, sports memorabilia, cars, car accessories, high end cigars and wine with great results. And everyone loves a hoarder auction!

How do you determine pricing?

Our auction staff carefully researches prices and our items are all priced fair market. But at auctions, you never know. If multiple people are bidding on an item, sometimes prices go crazy! We have had many items that have sold for way more than they are worth. We had a Kirkland lamp that we estimated at $40 - $70. It was really pretty - but not expensive. There was a bidding war - and it eventually sold for almost $1,000!

Do you have reserves on items?

Absolutely. Although all items are estimated at fair market value - we do honor reserves that our clients set. One of the reasons we opened the auction company was because when we sent things to auction, our reserves were not being honored and many times it was difficult getting paid.

Even if our client does not set a reserve, if I feel we can make more money for a client at a later auction, we will pass on the item and offer it at a future auction. One of our clients consigned a gorgeous Italian chess set that was previously auctioned by another company for $5000. At our first auction, the bidding went up to $5500. We passed because we had a $7,000 offer in the store. The second time it came up for auction, it reached $9,800. It was a tough decision, but we passed on it. It finally sold at the third auction to a gentleman in North Carolina for $19,500.

Do you purchase items outright?

Yes, we do! To consign items to our auction or arrange for a buyout, we can set up a no obligation consultation for you or you can email pictures to DejaVuAuctions@gmail.com. We offer a free pick up service for most items.

The Best of the BEST in Palm Beach