Chairman’s Corner
Dear Boca Pointe Homeowners,
We appreciate the positive response we have received so far regarding revitalizing our governing documents but there remain many who have not yet responded. Our governing documents authorize all that is involved in maintaining our roads, landscaping and the appearance of our common areas. Likewise our governing documents authorize us to provide security guards and related access control services.
If you have not yet responded, we ask that you do so as soon as possible.
Remember, the burden imposed upon us applies to all Florida HOAs and Condominiums who must periodically comply with the requirements imposed by the Florida legislature. Nothing has been changed in our governing documents in connection with their revitalization. Your written consent simply is a vote to keep what we have.
We appreciate your support in this important matter.
Bob Cornell, President and Chairman, BPCA Chairman, Florida Statutory Organizing Committee
Director Of Security
Attention Boca Pointe Resident Owners and Tenants
By Ebenson Bristol
To avoid any confusion at the gatehouse, please take note of the following entry procedures and resident identification requirements:
RESIDENT LANE ACCESS
All resident owners and tenants have the option to purchase a Tag Master device, allowing for smooth, unimpeded entry through designated “Resident Lanes” in your restricted area.
Club members may also access the West restricted gates (Gates 1 and 2) using their gate devices in the “Resident Lane.”
GUEST LANE IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE
If you’re entering through the “Guest Lane” and identify yourself as a Boca Pointe resident, gate officers will follow these steps:
1. You’ll be asked to present a valid picture ID. Note: Resident Access Codes alone are not sufficient.
2. Your name and address will be verified in the community database.
3. If you do not have a picture ID, you may be asked to confirm several details.
4. If the information checks out, entry will be granted.
5. If the information is incorrect or doesn’t match the system, entry will be denied, and a patrol supervisor will be called to assist.
GUEST LANE PROCESS
All guests, visitors, vendors, and realtors are processed through the Guest Lane, following these steps:
1. The gate officer will request one of the following to locate the resident in our system:
○ Resident’s last and first name
○ Resident’s address
○ Resident’s phone number
2. The officer will then:
○ Check the guest list in the computer system.
○ Ask for a valid photo ID
○ If the guest is listed, they’ll be granted access.
3. If the guest is not listed, the officer will:
○ Call the resident for authorization, if traffic conditions allow.
Note: This courtesy call may be skipped if traffic is backed up.
○ If the resident confirms, the officer will grant access and record the details in the system.
4. If the resident cannot be reached, a message will be left, and entry will be denied
IN THE CASE OF DENIED ACCESS:
• The guest will be respectfully informed that the resident could not be reached.
• They will be asked to make a U-turn and come back around to keep the traffic moving.
• Adding your guests on the list ahead of time will help the traffic move faster.
• A live access control person is on site 24/7. You can always call access to add your guest on the list.
• You can also add your guest on the list via gateaccess. net (If you have any questions regarding gateaccess.net, I will be more than happy to assist you.)
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and well-organized community at Boca Pointe.
From The Desk Of Commissioner Marci Woodward
A Message from Marci
Whether you’re a daily commuter or just trying to get to the beach, transportation affects us all. That’s why I’ve been closely involved in shaping the Countywide Transportation Master Plan. This plan is designed to tackle the traffic headaches we all know too well and to plan ahead for smarter, smoother travel across Palm Beach County.
I recently attended the Public Kickoff Meeting at the Vista Center, and wow what a turnout! It was great to see so many residents, community leaders, municipal partners, and county staff all in one room, ready to talk about the future of getting around Palm Beach County.
The project team from WSP USA, Inc. gave a detailed presentation outlining the plan’s goals, followed by a Q&A where attendees got to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas. Many residents mentioned traffic signal synchronization which was music to my ears!
After the meeting, I sat down with the WSP team to share some of my top transportation priorities, especially the traffic congestion we all experience in District 4 and across the county. I emphasized the need to engage all municipalities so we’re working together as one region, not in silos.
I also pushed for expanding the use of smart traffic signal technology to help ease delays and improve flow. Lastly, I stressed the importance of collaborating with the School District to improve safety and reduce traffic near schools, making commutes smoother for students, families, and nearby neighborhoods.
Let’s face it—transportation doesn’t stop at a city limit sign. We’re all connected, and it’s going to take real collaboration between cities, the County, and the School District to create solutions that actually work.
We all want smoother commutes, safer roads, and better connections and this plan is our roadmap to get
Please Help
We are all so fortunate to live at Boca Pointe. However, there are many who are struggling to just get by. The homeless in our area have a constant need of clothing. Please consider donating any used clothing to those less fortunate. The only requirement is that the clothes are clean and placed in a bag (no loose items). All clothing collected will be donated to local homeless shelters and programs. All clothing can be dropped off at the Boca Pointe Community Association Office at 6909 SW 18th Street, suite A120.
Thank you for your generosity and care for those in need.
Imagine That!
By Josette Veltri
Just for a moment, can we imagine:
• Everyone acts out of kindness, with understanding and compassion, even when they do not feel like it, or
• Imagine driving on 95, and the drivers seeing your signal begin waving to go ahead of them, or
• A lion and lamb lying peacefully side by side, or
• All things working together harmoniously in everyone’s favor?
There will be some who admit it is possible to imagine a world filled with kindness, understanding, and compassion, and in reality, many will say it is impossible, or , is it?
Board Of Directors
June 2025 – June 2027 Officers/Executive Committee
Chairman and President Robert Cornell
Vice President Steve Retzer
Vice Chairman Howard Weinstein
Secretary Chandra Stewart-Keith
Treasurer Lawrence Gelfond
District Directors
District 1 Morton Karper (Valencia)
Encantada, Valencia and The Palms
District 2 Chandra Stewart-Keith (Panaché)
Promenade, Imperial Royale, Imperial, Regency and Panaché
District 3 Steve Retzer (La Mirada)
La Mirada and Meridiana
District 4 Robert Greenstein (Lakes of La Paz)
El Viento, La Paz 1, La Paz 2, Lakes at La Paz, Lakes at La Paz 3 and Southwinds
District 5 Barbara Windheim (Esplanada) Esplanada, Caravelle, Palomar, La Corniche, and El Dorado
District 6 Parrish Gamarra (Palladium)
Villa Flora, Montego Bay, Villa del Sol, and Palladium
District 7 John Mineo (The Plum)
The Plum/Cortina, Villa Sonrisa and Pointe 100
District 8 Robert Cornell (Costa Brava)
Costa del Sol and Costa Brava
District 9 Susan George (Edgewater)
Edgewater Pointe Estates and Stratford Court
At Large Directors Through June 2027
Jacob Stark (Costa Del Sol)
Howard Weinstein (El Dorado)
David Weinstock (Esplanada)
However, throughout history, philosophers and artists have imagined a place where strife and jealousy are eliminated. We can use, for example, mediation as such a place where everyone wins and everyone loses, and where conflicts are resolved with dignity (most of the time). It was Einstein who said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and having the ability to imagine and embrace the possibilities is a true mark of a genius ( bigthink.com ).
Now, here’s one caveat! Most people do not want or desire a world filled with kindness, understanding, compassion, and harmony. And, if you find yourself among most people, I hope the following poem of Earth Breathing Light changes your mind:
There came a time when the earth grew quiet and began to sing not with power but with a still, kind voice. It was a time when children no longer learned fear, but in wonder learned how to hold a butterfly without breaking its flight. A time where nations no longer clashed, but celebrated life. A time when peacekeepers were gardeners and planted trust where no one was left to eat alone.
And, it all begins with a question: “Can we IMAGINE that?”
Josette Veltri, a Boca Pointe resident, is a certified educator and coach on loss and transition. Her purpose, to assist clients heal and move forward so they can go from I Can’t to I Can, One Step at a Time. She can be reached at josette@nextstepnewstart.com. (https://www. linkedin.com/in/josettejveltri/)
Lease Renewals
does not get deactivated when the lease ends. Please email to admin@ bocapointe.com.
Thank you!
Ledbeter • Alyssa Debban Justein Matthias • Anissa Stender www.seabreezecommunications.com
Zachary Elliott (Encantada) Daniel Gabrielle (La Corniche) Lawrence Gelfond (La Corniche)
Unfulfilled Dreams
By Judith Levy
When there’s more past behind you than future, do you sometimes wonder about what might have been had you followed those unfulfilled dreams?
Most were unrealistic, but how might your life have changed if you had taken a different path? Would you have been successful? Would your name have been up in lights?
Oh, I dreamed about becoming a ballerina, but I never could have made that wish come to fruition, because I had no money for dance lessons and besides, I wasn’t light on my feet. But, I dreamed on, picturing myself in a tutu, dancing on a stage, possibly with Baryshnikov. Well, I can dream, can’t I? Additionally, I longed to be
a virtuoso violinist. Another impossible hopeless dream. Again, no money for lessons and I needed to go to work to earn money to bring into the house, so there was no time to fiddle around.
What were your dreams, the ones that you think about on a rainy day, the ones that never came true. Did you really want to be a baseball player? Perhaps you longed to be in the movies and someday win an Academy Award. What did you settle for? Was it a college degree, or a job with a decent salary you could count on, or was it marriage and having a family of your own?
Has your choice brought you happiness? If it did, you made the right one. Still, some of my dreams keep popping up every once in a while, and though so many years have gone by, I still think of them. I wish they would dance away and I could enjoy listening to some Yasha Heifetz records, playing the violin as I only dreamed I could do. Oh well, I made my choices and now it’s wake up time. Still, I tell my grandchildren, “Reach for the stars and follow your dreams.”
Boca Pointe Community Association, Inc.
6909 SW 18th St., Suite A120
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Office (561) 395-7551 Fax (561) 395-5936
Email: info@bocapointe.com Website: www.bocapointe.com
Access Control
Operator: (561) 395-3392
Voice mail system: (561) 395-3369 Website: www.gateaccess.net
Staff
April Narine, General Manager
Lisa Cammaleri, Assistant Manager
Alexis Brito, Administrative Assistant Ebenson Bristol, Director of Security
Viewpointe of Boca Pointe is the newspaper of Boca Pointe Community Association, Inc. Please direct all questions, comments or articles for Viewpointe to lisa.cammaleri@ fsresidential.com.
Steve Handwerker
Judith
Harold
Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS , which has sold over four million copies. In response to many requests, her newest offering is GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS , a perfect gift for the special lady in your family, is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Here comes a new best-seller.
Hot Topics Group Notice
We are a women’s group who remember Reva Tucker. Hot Topics has resumed meetings every Friday and are seeking new members. Please join us for lively discussions at 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Boca Pointe Community Office. If you would like more information or to sign up, please call 561-715-8298.
Elyse Weintraub Brown Hillary
William
Milagros
The views of the writers of the various articles in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Boca Pointe Community Association. The Association nor the individual writers are not responsible for claims or promises contained in any advertising material appearing in the Viewpointe. Such claims and promises are the sole responsibility of the individual advertiser.
Office Hours
Monday Through Friday 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m
Current Events Group
The Current Events Group meet every Monday from 10am-11:30am at the BPCA office. The members consist of both men and women and all Boca Pointe residents are invited to attend. If you would like more information or to sign up, please call 516-835-2670.
there. But we need your voice, too. Resident feedback will help shape a transportation future that works for everyone.
I’ll continue to keep you in the loop as this important work moves forward. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the conversation and for sharing the road!
State Budget Changes Put TriRail at Risk
As Chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), I want to share an urgent update on funding changes impacting Tri-Rail.
Recent state budget revisions have eliminated $27.1 million in Tri-Rail operating funds previously provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), threatening service continuity in the coming years.
This funding had supported operations, maintenance, and dispatch services along the South Florida Rail Corridor since 2009.
The loss of documentary stamp tax revenues and Florida Rail Enterprise funds has created a serious budget shortfall that could lead to insolvency if not addressed.
SFRTA is working closely with FDOT, local leaders, and the Florida Legislature to find sustainable solutions.
Tri-Rail is a national leader in ridership recovery, reaching 100% of pre-pandemic ridership by February 2024, well ahead of the national average of 85%. This reflects strong regional demand and the essential role Tri-Rail plays in connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and more. Our consistent ridership growth is clear evidence that public transit is essential to everyday life and the economic mobility in South Florida.
Your continued support and ridership strengthen our voice and demonstrate that public transit is not just a line item, it is a critical service. Despite financial challenges, SFRTA remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for South Florida.
State Budget Update
Governor DeSantis approved Florida’s FY 2025–26 budget at $113.8 billion—$2.7 billion less than last year after $1.35 billion in vetoes. We’re glad to share that all of Palm Beach County’s requested projects were included, with many retaining full funding.
Palm Beach County Projects that Remain Funded:
• West Palm Beach Downtown Signalization Phase II –$3,000,000
• Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative – $897,000
• Peanut Island Historic Restoration – $500,000
• RESTORE Reentry Program – $500,000
• Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative – $486,426
Total Funded: $5,383,426
Palm Beach County Projects that Were Vetoed:
• Housing Units for the Homeless – $1,000,000
• Australian Avenue Road and Drainage Improvements –$742,614
• Morikami Museum “Bridge to Heaven” Design –$500,000
• Fire Rescue Water Vessels for Hazard Mitigation –$200,000
• Palm Tran Patriot Passes Pilot – $150,000
Total Vetoed: $2,592,614
Other District 4 Funded Projects: District 4 saw significant support for education, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development. Funded items include:
• Florida Atlantic University Lab Schools – Center for Educational Strategy and Innovation – $2,000,000
• FAU – Max Planck Florida Scientific Fellows Program – $1,110,899
• FAU – College of Medicine
Continued Enrollment
Expansion – $450,000
• Boca Raton Achievement Center – Building Occupational Opportunities and Skills Training – $70,000
• Lantana – West Pine Street Water Main Improvements (Phase II) – $1,300,000
• Lantana – Lift Station Rehabilitation (No. 3, 4, 8, 9) –$500,000
• Boca Raton – Golden Harbor Drinking Water & Distribution Improvements – $750,000
• Boynton Beach – Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements – $500,000
• Boynton Beach – Water Distribution System Improvements – $375,000
• Boca Raton – Spanish River Blvd. Grade Separation at El Rio Trail – $1,000,000
• Delray Beach – Citywide Crime Prevention Enhancements (Phase 2) – $525,000
Thank you to our state representatives and senators for championing these important investments in Palm Beach County. Your support helps move our communities forward.
Nonprofit Spotlight
The Golden Bell Education Foundation is a local nonprofit committed to enhancing public education through targeted support and innovative programs.
Established in 1991 by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, the foundation collaborates with local schools to administer grants that foster business skills and workforce readiness among students. Each year, it awards grants to K–12 educators for programs that promote career exploration and entrepreneurial development.
Additionally, the foundation hosts a chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which guides middle and high school students in creating and launching their own businesses. Since its inception, Golden Bell has awarded over $2 million in grants, benefiting more than 1,200 classrooms and serving over 900,000 students.
For more information, visit goldenbelleducationfoundation. org.
If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
We’re Right In Your Backyard
– Discover ClubLife At The Club At Boca Pointe!
Get ready to play, dine , and connect like never before. With our new Discovery Membership , enjoy full Dining and Social Privileges, plus access to Pickleball, Tennis, Fitness, Aquatics, and—we’re excited to introduce— PADEL programming launching this fall!
Membership Term: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Introductory Enrollment Fee: $4,000*
Monthly Dues: $500*
ClubLife is better with friends. Enroll together and split the Introductory Enrollment Fee—up to four Memberships can share!*
Why Join?
Conveniently located in your neighborhood
Year-round lifestyle and recreational access
New Padel courts debuting Fall 2025
Enjoy the Club with friends and family
We’re just around the corner—let us show you what ClubLife is all about.
*Eligible family members include a single member or two adults residing together (excluding adult children) and unmarried children under 26 living in the household. Prices exclude applicable taxes and additional fees. Discovery Membership eligibility is not guaranteed. Please review Club Bylaws and Rules and Regulations. Restrictions may apply.
Contact: Alexis Robertson, Membership Director (561) 864-8537
arobertson@heritagegolfgroup.com
Follow this link to learn more.
Inviting the Boca Pointe Community
The Club at Boca Pointe is inviting the Boca Pointe Community to join us for two fantastic fall events. Save the dates and join us at the Club!
High Holiday Services, September 22 & October 1
Boo House & Trunk or Treat, October 18
High Holidays
Inviting Boca Pointe Community Residents
The Club at Boca Pointe is proud to host Jewish High Holy Day Services as we have for the past 30 years, with a Cantor and a Rabbi officiating. These services are meaningful, spiritual, and beautifully conducted.
Both days of Rosh Hashanah are celebrated along with evening Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services.
We extend a warm invitation to all Boca Pointe Community residents to participate and join us:
The ticket cost for adults is $165, and for children 4 – 12 years, no charge. Seating availability is limited.
Contact Margie Alphonse to reserve your ticket(s):
Phone: 561.864.8500, ext. 0
Email: bpccreception@heritagegolfgroup.com
We look forward to having as many as possible join us for these fantastic services as we welcome the New Year of 5786 at The Club at Boca Pointe.
Boo House & Trunk or Treat
We hope the community will join us once again for our 3rd Annual Boo House & Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a fun and festive haunted house experience, creatively decorated trunks filled with treats, and delicious food available for purchase. It’s a night of Halloween fun for the whole family! A per-person fee will apply. Cash only. Final pricing to be announced.
Welcome To The Fantastic World Of FENG SHUI!!!
By Milagros Gutierrez de Herrera P.H.D.
In this new installment, we’re going to review some basic principles of FENG SHUI, an ancient science that studies, analyzes, and suggests “cures” that help the energy known as “CHI” flow positively.
Today, we’re going to clarify some concepts about FENG SHUI and its usefulness in the lives of humans and pets, which are part of the family and take on greater importance in the home every day. Below, we’ll try to simply explain some questions about the topic discussed here:
What is FENG SHUI ?
How can we apply it in our lives?
What are the cures that allow us to take advantage of this ancient science in our lives?
Are FENG SHUI cures simple or complex?
How can we know if my spaces need harmony in terms of energy?
We Are All Part Of The Ocean’s Health: Part I
By Steve Handwerker
The ocean is a vast “organism” on the face of our living planet. It is directly involved in our weather, absorbing toxins from the air and what is given to it, and it provides a home for countless species. It also has an intimate and symbiotic relationship with all humans. When we go into the ocean, we are connected to over 95% of all the water that exists on the face of the planet! We are all part of this enormous organism, which is very much alive.
This organism relies on a biodiverse array of living beings to keep it healthy and balanced. Conserving and healing the biodiverse population is the essence of the health of our planet, wildlife and coastal communities especially. Valuing its Presence in our lives and the need to care for it in whatever ways we can consider is a vital component of a truly sustainable lifestyle.
Biodiversity damage or loss negatively impacts the ecosystems within the ocean and reduces the resiliency of this great organism. The corals in the ocean, which comprise over 6500 species, form the reef structures that are critical to the health of the oceans. Loss of this structure due to plastics, dynamite fishing, and ships, and acidification all negatively impact the ocean ecosystems. These impacts are cumulatively impactful on the larger species dwelling within the oceans. For examples, green sea turtles, blue whales, shellfish of all varieties are being challenged by the plastics, human/industrial abuse/ toxic chemicals, and resultant toxicity and consequential rising temperatures all negatively impact health and wellbeing of the oceans. The ocean’s health and well-being lies in the health of the biodiversity and preservation of the vital habitats and ecosystems. This health is crucial to our shared survival and the survival of our own species. Thank you for considering this vital component in your lives and your lifestyle.
Steven E. Handwerker Ph.D. D.div, RM
Board Certified Licensed Psychologist 50 years’ experience www.peacewk.org.
Books and Blogs
LUXURY FOR LESS
UPSCALE CONDO 2/2 in Wynmoor Country Club in Beautiful Coconut Creek FL ... Totally renovated porcelain floors, motorized window treatment, custom closets, designer decorated, high impact windows. 1st floor Wynmoor features live theatre, movies, clubs, cards, golf, pickleball, cafe, bus service, doctor’s office on premises ... Included some new designer furniture. MUST SEE! $289,000 FLEXIBLE ...
Can FENG SHUI cures be applied to any space in the home or business?
FENG SHUI “WIND and WATER,” which flow in a circular, spiral-like manner depending on the areas that allow them to flow. This means that without this fluidity, both elements of nature cannot follow their course and therefore stagnate.
FENG SHUI can be applied to any area of our lives, as this science seeks to harmonize the positive energy called “CHI,” which brings benefits to the areas we wish to harmonize. For example: if we need to raise positive energy in the area of our professional career, we must locate it in the space according to the “BAGUA MAP” (see previous articles published in this monthly section). Once we locate the exact direction of the area in question, we will apply the respective cures that solve or guide that area.
FENG SHUI cures can be simple or complex depending on the problem to be solved. For this, we will present a simple case, which has been mentioned in previous articles: a woman consulted us because she couldn’t find a partner. Therefore, we diagnosed her love area and noticed that it was decorated with art where the female figure stood out individually. That is, one of
them was with a partner. These figures decorated a large part of the home, which energized the environment of a lonely person. Upon noticing this detail, we suggested “adding” partners to these figures or removing those that were naturally impossible. A few weeks passed, and the surprise was that she received the good news of a call for an appointment, which she hadn’t received for a long time.
Analyzing the areas and, therefore, the treatments will depend on which areas of our life we need or want to improve and ensure that the energy flows properly. It’s a personal perception, but if we’re not aware of the problem, despite the discomfort, we can seek appropriate help for a proper diagnosis.
Feng shui cures can be applied in any space, be it the home, office, or commercial space, where we want to improve the environment and make better use of energy. See you next time.
Milagros
Author Milagros Gutierrez de Herrera, Feng Shui Specialist is a resident of the Plum. Email: herreramilagros1983@gmail.com.
Community Association Meetings Monthly Schedule
(All meetings held via Zoom and in person.)
All meetings will be held electronically via Zoom and in person. The following is our regular schedule of monthly meetings, however, sometimes meetings are cancelled or schedules are revised due to holidays, etc. If you would like to attend, please call the BPCA office, (561) 395-7551, the day before the meeting to request the Zoom link be emailed to you.
Architectural Control Site Committee
Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Budget &
Clowns On Call
By Harriet Rubin, aka Florabelle the Clown
Greetings from the heat of summer!
Cutie Pie, Juggles, Twinkle Toes and I have been busy with camp at Boca Pointe at the Club. Juggles teaches juggling on Tuesdays and the rest of us teach clowning skills on Fridays. We have had anywhere from 16 to 23 campers, from ages 4 to 12. It’s amazing how easily many of them mastered magic tricks, basic balloons and now skits. This week we will practice for our “Kazoo Band” performance at the “Jr. Wiggles and Giggles” show on Friday, Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Sports Center. Each camper will have made his own decorated kazoo in the arts and crafts sessions. We use a small kazoo attached to a16-inch piece of a pool noodle and decorated with various plastic flowers, stickers etc. The result is a very pretty, colorful, weird looking “instrument”! Kids love playing music on these and we do three songs they know, so everyone has fun. The hardest thing is keeping them together, so it sounds like the song they are playing! The program will include several magic tricks, a demonstration of how to twist a long balloon into different shapes, some juggling of scarves and spinning plates and three to four clown skits. Last year’s show was so successful and the parents and grandparents who attended just loved seeing their kids in something so unique and requiring new skills! Needless to say, those of us involved were really proud of the accomplishments.
Throughout the country today, there are very few groups teaching kids clowning skills. During my early years of clowning, I knew several clowns who had clown classes for kids, which were fairly costly and very productive. Of course, the two national conventions still encourage “Jr. Joeys” to attend and have some classes included in the curriculum, but they generally don’t have more than five prospective students, and most are relatives of the clowns attending. There are “circus” summer camps around, but they concentrate on circus skills and very little clown training is offered. So, our services are unique and we love it!
Some of you younger residents attended the Family Day at the Sports Center and of course we were there. It was very hot that day and we stayed inside making balloons etc. Juggles of course was outside thrilling the kids with his huge bubbles. It was great seeing so many young families all having a wonderful time.
Looks like August will be a quiet time and we are disappointed that we will not be doing any clowning during International Clown Week, Aug. 1 to 7 this year. I remember the years we did an event every day and one year we did two on two days and one every day! That was tough, but we were all younger and there were at least eight of us available. People constantly ask us, “Are you still clowning?” My answer always is, “As long as there are places to go, those of us who can will
continue to bring laughter and smiles if only for a little while!” It’s wonderful to be able to still make others happy! Don’t forget to wave if you see a clown on campus!
2024 Boca campers remembering their routine Boca Pointe summer campers with their new kazoos
Cutie Pie and campers with their balloons
Open Call For Viewpointe
Contributing Writers!
We are looking for volunteers, whether experienced or hobbyist, interested in writing an article or a column for the Viewpointe. You may be interested in writing just once, occasionally or on a regular basis. It’s a great way to sharpen your skills or develop your talent while enlightening your community. Some themes we would like to include in the Viewpoint are as follows:
• Village Spotlight - write about your community. A different village will be featured each month.
• My Story - featuring a member of the community with a unique or interesting story.
• Student Life - High school students writing about school or a topic that interests them. Student writers will be eligible to earn community service hours.
• Global Cuisine or Gourmet Recipes - share a special, gourmet recipe or a recipe from our international community.
• Share an idea you may have for a new column or article.
Show your interest in joining the writing team by contacting Lisa Cammaleri at asstmgr@bocapointe.com.
Lenny And Jinny – A Class Act
By Arthur Dermer, Resident and Hospital volunteer
Lenny and Jinny Marsh have been volunteering at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital for the past 4 years. They’ve been Floridians for nearly seven years and love both Florida and volunteering. They live in the same Boca neighborhood as their closest friend Nona Goldstein (a long-time hospital volunteer) who convinced them to try volunteering. They did and loved it. Both volunteer one day a week at BRRH. Lenny serves as a tram driver shuttling patients, their families and staff between the several buildings on the hospital campus.
Jinny works in the surgical waiting room helping pre- and post-op patients and their families. They readily admit that they love volunteering and that they get far more out of volunteering than they give.
Their story began 42 years ago. In 1983 Lenny was a stand-up comic at a Manhattan neighborhood nightclub. One night during the club’s “open-mic” a singer, Jinny—came in to perform. When she took the stage and “wowed” the room, their fate was sealed. By year’s
Owners
end they had formed a cabaret act cleverly titled An Act Together . They performed in smart New York supper clubs, on upscale cruise ships and other like venues. They married and relocated to Maryland, where they welcomed a daughter, Leila.
There were many career twists and turns over the next 25 years. They settled in Fairfax Station, Virginia, where, they raised Leila and three Standard Poodles. Jinny became a cantor and served at Temple Beth Torah in Northern Virginia for over 15 years. She performed hundreds of weddings, bar bat mitzvahs, etc. Meanwhile, Lenny went back to school, earning a Master’s in Education. He then worked for Fairfax County Public Schools as a teacher and then as an assistant principal. Later, he transitioned to a highly successful career in real estate.
They often made visits to Florida. But in 2018, they came down for a wedding with some friends from Northern Virginia. Lenny and Jinny decided to “just peek” at a few homes in Boca. In a moment of “joint inspiration,” they decided right then to retire, sell everything, and move to Florida. The entire transition—from house-hunting to living in Boca—took just 49 days.
In addition to hospital volunteering, he currently serves as Chairman of Company A, a 36-year-old group of retired men who meet weekly to discuss items of national and local interest and share breakfast at the Boca Delray Country Club.
“Helping people is just in my blood,” he said. From a New York nightclub to a Boca hospital, from cruise ships to cantor and community activists, Lenny and Jinny are still very much An Act Together
If you are interested in volunteering at Boca Regional Hospital, please call 561-955-4098. A wonderful experience awaits you.
Jinny and Lenny Marsh – BRRH volunteers
Watch Your Speed!
Speeding fines are being enforced! Fine schedule: 6-20 mph over the limit $50 and more than 21 mph over the limit $100. Please obey the posted speed limit signs and drive safely!
Boca Pointe Residents!
Flatten All Your Boxes! Our recycling trucks do not pick up your cardboard boxes if they are not flattened. Instead, they go to trash and are burned with regular refuse....lost revenue for residents of Boca Pointe.
Time To Join Pap
By Andrea Gralnick
Would you like to meet some wonderful, interesting, and caring people while also making a difference in finding a cure for cancer?
The Boca Pointe Pap Corps, Champions for Cancer Research, is one of 51 chapters in South Florida with a membership of over 22,000 that contributes millions of dollars annually to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. Sylvester is the only designated National Cancer Institute (NCI) in South Florida.
We like to say The Pap Corps, is an organization that gives back to you while you are supporting it. Should you
need it, you are guaranteed a speedy appointment through the Physician’s Referral Program concerning a possible cancer diagnosis or a need for another specialist through the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. As a member, for annual dues of $50 or a lifetime of $350 dollars, you and your immediate household will be eligible. As you know, normally, it can take weeks to get appointments at a specialized Institution.
We would love to have you join our chapter. The Boca Pointe Pap chapter is an open chapter, so you can bring your friends too! You do not have to live in Boca Pointe to be a member with us.
If you have questions or want further information call: Andrea Gralnick, at 561-302-9108 or email her at gralnick.andrea@gmail.com.
is Here to Help!
Oh, They Built The Ship Titanic …
By William A. Gralnick
A trip to the Republic of Ireland should include a visit to Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. Not only is there an additional beautiful coastline to see, but the architecture and people are also different. Another influencer of the decision to visit is the history of the sectarian “troubles” between Catholics and Protestants. And it isn’t all history, even today, while at peace, each side takes every opportunity to poke the other in the eye. It makes Belfast seem weary. It’s something one feels. And finally, there is the Titanic museum, which is in its own way titanic.
Our trip started with a two-hour train trip to Belfast. While not a TVG or bullet train, the trip puts the U.S. to shame. We went 2nd class up to Belfast. The train is whistle clean. Very comfy seats can be reserved and are denoted by a small red light above the seat. At station stops, the boarding passengers look for the green lights and take those seats. We returned first class and first class it is—tablecloths, personal service, food, and beverages.
We departed the train in Belfast and hopped on a sightseeing standard throughout Europe. It is a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus. It tours the city, and you can hop off at any attraction and hop back on when ready to continue. There’s a bus about every 20 minutes. It’s a great way either to start a visit, get in the sights, and then decide where to go and what to do based on what you’ve seen and heard on the bus. One of the sights is the museum dedicated to the Titanic, which was built in Belfast to sail the ocean blue. As you undoubtedly know, it didn’t. The story of the Titanic is a complex one, one that the world had forgotten mainly until the movie produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, brought it back into focus. The multi-story museum immerses you in history, from conception to disaster. In its day, Belfast was the premier ocean-going shipbuilding capital of the world. Its craftsmen also turned out many other-sized ships. Competition between the two largest ocean-going
companies in the world—Harland and Wolff’s White Star Line and Cunard—created the birth of the ship. Not only is the story of that competition told, but one can examine the engineering drawings of this titan of a ship. It would be the biggest and fastest in the world. One of the most unique aspects of the tour is the cinematic creation of the characters. You eavesdrop on the conversations, you look over the shoulders of the engineers and draftsmen. You see the ship’s growth from creation to launch.
Titanic was the correct name. Built to be the biggest and fastest ship afloat, she was 882.5 feet long and 92.5 feet across. She could carry 46,328 tons and had a displacement of 52,000 tons. Two thousand sheets of oneinch steel were bolted into place by 3 million rivets. The Titanic was as tall as an 11-story building. Just getting her onto and then off the slides that would send her into the water took skill, luck, and prayers. Remember, this was the first decade of the 20th century.
There is a part of the tour where you become part of the building, listening to conversations of the men putting together this extraordinarily complex jigsaw puzzle, and you witness the launch, itself an engineering marvel. You also board the ship. There are complete place settings of the silverware, plates, and glasses to see. For those who travelled first class, you were sailing on the finest hotel in the world. The first-class dining salon on the Titanic could accommodate 554 passengers at a time. It featured 115 tables with seating ranging from 2 to 12 people. There were 3,000 teacups, 40,000 eggs, 36,000 oranges, and 3,364 bags of mail to give you an idea of what passengers had available to them. Billionaire (in today’s dollars), JJ Astor was the ship’s richest passenger. So, what happened?
First, there was overconfidence. After all, the ship was supposed to be unsinkable. She was in ice-berg-laden waters but going too fast. There were multiple warnings about bergs. They were ignored.
Due to lax requirements, the ship had only half the number of lifeboats needed for passengers and crew. There were 2,224 souls aboard, 1,317 passengers and 907 crew. Fifteen hundred died. The worst of it was that they shouldn’t have. Blunder after blunder sank the ship.
There were also structural flaws. In those days, steel had a high sulfur count. The Titanic’s was higher than
usual for those days. A diver’s find at the wreck site of a piece of steel from the hull showed what happened. The sulfur caused cracks, and the cracks had the peculiar effect of lengthening, creating long lines of potential weakness from the site of the imperfection. And there was a worse flaw. The watertight compartments weren’t watertight. They didn’t seal when full, so the water flowed from one to the next, causing the ship to tip forward and go down head first (excuse me, bow first). Had the compartments functioned correctly, the water would have pooled horizontally. Estimates are that the ship would have stayed afloat for several more hours, enough time for nearby ships to reach her and rescue many of the people in the water. The water temperature passengers fell into was below freezing, 28 degrees.
The RMS Titanic traveled approximately 1,809 miles (2,911 kilometers) from Queenstown, Ireland (now Cobh, Ireland) to the point where it struck the iceberg, according to Quora. This was roughly 3 days and 11 hours into its maiden voyage. The ship was about 400 miles south of Newfoundland when it sank. She went from celebration to sinking.
Both Irelands are a treasure trove of interactive museums. It is hard to pick a winner—the 8th-century Book of Kells, or the tenement building that recreates the lives of families numbering a dozen or more packed into one room. Families were large. 90% of all children died before the age of five, unless the family was wealthy. Arthur Guinness, the founder of Guinness Beer, born in 1759, had over two dozen children, all with one wife! More will be said about him next month. But even with all the experiences available, the Titanic Museum is a winner, well worth the time and money to experience.
Columnist and author Bill Gralnick was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He recently finished a humorous memoir trilogy. The first book is “The War of the Itchy Balls and Other Tales from Brooklyn.” The second is “George Washington Didn’t Sleep Here.” The recently published third is, That’s Why They Call It Work.” He is currently working on a novel. His books are available on Amazon and his other writings at https://www. williamgralnickauthor.com.
Achieving Optimal Estate Planning Through Portability
By Carolina Rosenthal, CPA & Principal
One significant advantage used in estate planning is portability. Under U.S. federal estate tax law, portability allows for the transfer to a surviving spouse of any unused portion of a deceased spouse’s federal estate tax exclusion.
Prior to the introduction of portability in 2010, any unused estate tax exclusion was forfeited upon the death of a spouse. However, with a portability election, a surviving spouse can potentially double their own exclusion by utilizing the unused portion of their deceased spouse’s exclusion. This strategy
Livestrong To Be Strong
By Joseph B. Ludwig
I have had cancer three times and each time it scared the crap out of me. In this respect, I probably am not much different than most other folks who have been diagnosed with this feared disease.
For my last bout with cancer, I was treated at Massachusetts General Hospital. The treatment was first rate, but one very important element was missing—dealing with the psychological and emotional consequences of the disease. I was pretty much left to deal with those aspects on my own.
Prior to my last cancer diagnosis, I had a total knee replacement for which I had physical therapy at a YMCA in Foxboro, MA. After my cancer treatment had been completed my physical therapist suggested that I investigate Livestrong classes at the Y. Livestrong (livestrong.org) is a global program that has changed the way the world talks about cancer survivorship while supporting over 10 million survivors since 1997. The program helps those living with, through, or beyond cancer to get back on their feet and connect with other survivors. Participants enjoy exercise regimens tailored to their individual needs. Sessions are led by certified fitness instructors at YMCA locations across the country. Instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise, and supportive cancer care.
Livestrong worked with researchers from Yale University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute to conduct a research study on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. They found that, as participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, their overall quality of life and fitness performance increased and cancer-related fatigue decreased. The 12-week program includes two 75- to 90-minute sessions per week and is free to participants.
The Hockomock YMCAs partnered with Livestrong in 2008 and had been running the programs since then. I enrolled at the Livestrong program at the Foxboro Y and began attending in September 2021. The group was led by Jackie Robison, a veteran instructor who had been running the Livestrong program at there for more than ten years.
My group consisted of approximately 15 members, 12 women and 3 men. Their ages ranged from about 30 to about 80. At 79, I was one of the oldest, if not the oldest , participant. All participants were quite nervous and did not know what to expect. The first session began with each person sharing the details of their cancer journey. This creates an instant connection among the group. 70% to 80% of the women were in various stages of breast cancer. They immediately began chatting among themselves, about their treatments, medication side effects, and sharing knowledge that they had gained in their journey. The next part of the session dealt with different exercise methods and how they might be modified to meet individual needs. The last portion is group exercise led by the instructor followed by a meditation session. Livestrong is concerned with healing the whole person—mind, body, and soul. If you or anyone you know needs this type of help, the Livestrong program is run at the YMCAs of South Palm Beach County with locations in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.
can significantly reduce or potentially eliminate federal estate tax liability. Additionally, by utilizing portability, couples can simplify their overall tax planning strategy while maximizing use of estate tax exemptions. Portability helps minimize estate tax and preserve wealth for heirs and beneficiaries, ensuring that a larger portion of an estate is passed on.
The exclusion for 2025 is $13,990,000 per individual, resulting in a total exclusion of $27,980,000 for married couples. These amounts were scheduled to decrease to approximately $7,000,000 per individual in 2026, but earlier this month, “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill” was passed by the House and sent on to the Senate, which provides a framework for 2025 tax reform and includes provisions to extend the increased estate tax exemptions. The Bill aims to make these higher exemptions permanent moving forward, increasing them to $15,000,000 per individual and $30,000,000 for couples starting in 2026.
An example of how a portability election can be advantageous is reflected in the below scenario.
Henry and Ellen are married. Henry’s assets total $7 million, and Ellen’s assets total $25 million. Henry passes away in 2025, having made no lifetime gifts and leaving all $7 million to their children. In 2025, the exclusion is $13,990,000 per individual, leaving Henry with unused exclusion of $6,990,000 ($13,990,000 exemption - $7,000,000 given to children). Assuming Ellen has made no lifetime gifts and electing portability, she would now have a total exemption of $20,980,000 ($13,990,000 own exemption + $6,990,000 unused exemption from Henry) to apply to transfers made during their lifetime or at her death.
Portability can be an effective tool as part of an overall tax planning strategy. To learn more about estate planning through portability, please contact me at crosenthal@ withum.com.
Author Carolina Rosenthal is a resident of Boca Pointe. Email: crosenthal@withum.com.
MARK – Resident Edgewater at Boca Pointe Near Boca Pointe Country Club
After decades of hard work and planning, it’s time to relax and spend your time doing what you love. That’s why moving to an Acts Retirement-Life Community is the smart choice for your QOL. Come in and talk with one of our happy residents to learn how moving to Edgewater at Boca Pointe enabled them to focus on Quality of Life.
COMPREHENSIVE RETIREMENT
Your residence, amenities and more are all included with a onetime entrance fee and an ongoing monthly fee. And if you need more help in the future, your monthly fee will remain predictable thanks to Acts Life Care®.
“Building Resilience: Supporting MDA’s Next Generation Of First Responders”
By Yishai Mizrahi and Leslie Viselman
Dear Friends,
This month, we want to share an urgent and vital aspect of Magen David Adom’s work that often goes overlooked— the training, education and emotional well-being of MDA’s heroic medics.
Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s national emergency medical service, renowned for its life-saving work and critical role in Israel’s health care system. With nearly 35,000 EMTs and pre-hospital emergency providers, MDA stands as the first line of defense in medical emergencies, whether it’s responding to a violent incident, a natural disaster, or a medical crisis. However, what truly sets MDA apart is its commitment to training and supporting the next generation of emergency responders—paramedics, youth volunteers, and even Resilience Officers who help protect the mental health of their teams.
At the core of MDA’s training programs is the paramedic training initiative. Paramedics are an elite group of medical professionals who undergo more than 2,000 hours of rigorous education to handle the most critical medical emergencies. This is over seven times the training required for most EMTs. Paramedics serve on MDA’s Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs), where they perform advanced life-saving procedures such as intubation and medication administration. As Israel’s needs grow, so does the demand for highly trained paramedics. MDA can only train a limited number each year, and as such, your support is vital. Sponsoring paramedic training not only ensures that MDA can continue to meet Israel’s emergency medical needs but also provides an opportunity for donors to be a part of the life-saving work. With a donation of $36,000, sponsors can fund the extensive two-year training required to certify one paramedic. In addition, sponsors will be recognized in the Marcus National Blood Services Center and receive periodic updates on the progress of paramedic training.
In addition to paramedics, MDA’s Youth Volunteer Organization plays a vital role in the organization’s mission. Comprising approximately 15,000 teens between the ages of 15 and 18, the Youth Volunteer Organization is a cornerstone of Israel’s health care system. These volunteers not only serve on ambulance shifts alongside EMTs and paramedics, but they also engage in life-saving activities such as conducting CPR and first-aid training for over 500,000 Israeli citizens each year. They are involved in organizing blood drives, collecting food for those in need, and even organizing holiday parties for families. Every year, a new cohort of 6,000 teens is trained, with each participant undergoing 60 hours of CPR, first-aid, and emergency scenario training. The Youth Volunteer Organization is responsible for nearly half of MDA’s volunteer base, providing a pipeline of future EMTs and paramedics as many of these teens go on to serve in MDA after their military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The program fosters leadership, community engagement, and resilience, with many graduates moving into leadership positions within MDA or in other fields. Sponsorship opportunities for the Youth Volunteer Organization are available starting at $2,500 for one youth volunteer, with the chance to sponsor groups of 10, 20, or even 40 volunteers. But training the next generation of first responders is not enough. The mental health and wellbeing of MDA’s first responders are just as crucial to their success in the field. MDA’s Resilience Officer Training Initiative addresses the emotional toll of working in high-pressure, life-or-death situations. Since October 7, MDA’s personnel have been subjected to an unprecedented emotional and psychological burden due to the surge in violent incidents and the severity of emergency cases, particularly in high-risk areas like the Gaza Envelope and northern Israel. Responders who witness traumatic events are at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. To combat this, MDA launched a nationwide initiative to train Resilience Officers who serve as the first line of mental health support for their teams. The Resilience Officers, who include senior paramedics, station managers, and regional directors, are trained to provide debriefing sessions after life-threatening events, offering responders a safe space to process their emotions and reduce the risk of long-term mental health issues. They also refer first responders to mental health professionals if needed. This initiative ensures that MDA’s
personnel have the emotional support they need to continue serving their communities effectively. Sponsoring a Resilience Officer’s training costs $10,000, and donors who contribute will be recognized in the Founders Hall of the Marcus National Blood Services Center.
These three initiatives—paramedic training, youth volunteer development, and the Resilience Officer Training Initiative—are all interconnected, working together to ensure that MDA remains strong, resilient, and capable of responding to Israel’s medical needs at any time. From the courageous youth volunteers who will become tomorrow’s leaders, to the paramedics who provide critical care, to the Resilience Officers who ensure that MDA’s teams are supported mentally and emotionally, each of these efforts plays a vital role in maintaining the strength of MDA’s emergency medical services.
Your support helps to ensure that MDA can continue to protect and save lives, both physically and emotionally, through its dedicated volunteers and first responders. Whether sponsoring the training of a paramedic, funding the development of youth volunteers, or supporting mental health initiatives for MDA personnel, your contribution helps to build a safer, stronger Israel. Together, we can safeguard the wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
The time to act is now. Israel’s future depends on it.
If you’d like more information or want to get involved, please feel free to reach out to either of us, Yishai Mizrahi or Leslie Viselman, Co-Area Directors for AFMDA, at 561.288.5658 or via email at Boca-Delray@afmda.org.
Your dedication means the world to us, and we are forever grateful for your continued support.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Leslie and Yishai
Boca Raton Public Library Presents The Art Exhibit,
“The
Impressionistic, Pop And Contemporary Imagination,” By Dmitri Ivnitski
August 11, 2025 – September 19, 2025, Downtown Library
The Boca Raton Public Library presents a new art exhibit, “The Impressionistic, Pop, and Contemporary Imagination” by Dmitri Ivnitski. Mr. Ivnitski is an artist and scientist, combining both subjects throughout his life to create unique, bright paintings that focus on the variety and life in landscapes and other aspects of the natural world. Mr. Ivnitski painted throughout his life, though he returned to painting on a more regular basis ten years ago, after retiring from his career as a scientist.
Mr. Ivnitski notes that, “Colors play a major role in my life. The subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape, people or a bird and flower painting.” Mr. Ivnitski uses a variety of styles, including contemporary, impressionistic, and realistic styles, and primarily uses oil and
acrylic paint on canvas to create his works. He also notes that his style has fluctuated over the years, from realistic styles to the more abstract, such as “accidental paintings” like acrylic pouring paintings. In this way, Mr. Ivnitski notes that, “I try to paint with a level of instinct rather than only making calculated decisions.”
“The Impressionistic, Pop and Contemporary Imagination,” a free exhibit, will run from August 11 to
How To Add Your Guests To The Gate
The Boca Pointe Community Association offers a few different methods to add guests to your visitors list, so please ensure that you add your guest BEFORE they arrive. If your guest is not on the list, they may be denied without a phone call being placed to get your approval. Phone calls are placed as a courtesy depending on how busy the guard is when they arrive.
To add a guest to your visitor list, you have several options:
• Website- www.gateaccess.net
• Cell phone app- Download ABDI/Gate Access from the app/play store
• Access Control- Call 561-395-3392 or leave a voicemail message at 561-395-3369
The advantage of using gateaccess.net or the app is the ability to:
September 19, 2025, at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue, during regular library hours.
The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources, and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and informational needs of the Boca Raton community.
• Add a guest for the day or permanently
• Remove a guest
• Send a pass with barcode
• Receive notification of guest arrival
If you have any questions regarding access methods, please call the Boca Pointe Community Association 561-395-7551.
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
Sometimes when I am out in the community, a resident will ask me why my office continues to require a reservation for in-person service at one of our service centers. There is a very good reason, and it simply is to make more efficient use of your time in our service centers. Prior to requiring reservations in our offices, you could experience upwards of an hour waiting to be called to a service window. With our current reservation system, we are seeing wait times of less than 20 minutes – that is time that we can give back to you!
however, if your teen driver completed the TLSAE course prior to Aug. 1, he/she will be grandfathered in and allowed to use their TLSAE course completion certificate for one year after the completion date. First time drivers 18 years of age or older will still be required to complete the TLSAE course. For more information, please visit www.flhsmv.gov/ driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses.
We Got Our Steps In, Did You?
This August, as we celebrate National Wellness Month, we are excited to highlight our organization’s Journey to Good Health program, designed to support employee well-being.
HOV Decal Notice
If you drive a hybrid or other low-emission vehicle, and you have been using a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) decal, you will no longer need the HOV decal.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will no longer be issuing, renewing or replacing HOV decals, due to the Florida legislature passing SB 1662, repealing Section 316.0741 of the Florida Statutes, which eliminates designated HOV lanes, most of which have been converted to pay-as-you-use express lanes.
But this does require some planning on your part as reservations do fill up; however, you can make your reservation months in advance. In fact, you can renew your driver’s license 18 months before the expiration and your vehicle registration can be renewed up to three months prior to expiration. So, you see, there is plenty of time to make a reservation to visit one of our service centers – it just takes some planning.
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
New Requirement For FirstTime Teen Drivers
If you have a first-time teen driver getting ready to come in for their learner’s permit, there is a new requirement in place. Beginning Aug. 1, Senate Bill 994 will require all teens aged 15 to 17 to complete a six-hour, state-approved Driver Education Traffic Safety course (DETS). This will eliminate the four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course (TLSAE) that has been a requirement over the years;
On behalf of The Club at Boca Pointe we would like to remind our residents that NO walking, running, bicycle riding or dog walking is permitted on the golf course or golf cart paths. For safety reasons, the paths are for golf carts only.
Thank you for cooperating with The Club's policy.
In partnership with CareATC, this program encourages healthier lifestyles through two main components. First, employees undergo a health screening. If results are within recommended guidelines, they receive a prorated insurance rebate. If results fall outside the healthy range, employees enroll in the Journey to Good Health program, receiving yearlong support from a dedicated nutritionist and a re-assessment to track progress.
The second component is our 10,000 daily steps challenge. Throughout the month, employees averaging 10,000 steps per day are rewarded with incentives. Last year our organization walked a combined 173,088 miles – that is the equivalent of walking around the Earth at the equator approximately 7 times! Now that is a lot of steps!
We encourage you to join us in celebrating National Wellness Month by finding ways to incorporate more movement into your own day.
We want to advise vehicle owners who have received this decal in the past with their vehicle registration will no longer receive it, as it is no longer required.
If you have any questions about the passage of this law, please reach out to your state legislator(s) by visiting www. flhouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov/senators/find.
The Journey Is The Destination
By Ilene Brookler
A quote has drifted through our house all year: “The journey is the destination.” Credit goes to my son’s AP Chemistry teacher—who turned out to be a philosopher cleverly disguised in a lab coat.
At first, this saying drove my son absolutely nuts. Like eye-rolls, sighheavy, mutter-under-your-breath kind of nuts. He is a practical kid. He likes goals, benchmarks, checklists, and quantifiable results. Being told that his grueling senior year was meaningful simply because it was hard? That was a tough sell when facing sixty multiple-choice questions in ninety minutes and seven free-response questions—with over forty subparts—in just over an hour and a half. But here is the twist. Somewhere between the endless practice problems, the impossible labs, and the occasional existential crisis over stoichiometry, he started to understand.
This year, my son tackled what amounts to the academic equivalent of scaling Mount Everest in Crocs: AP Chemistry. AP Calculus BC. AP English Language and Composition. AP Microeconomics. He essentially earned a minor in Overachievement, amassing enough college credits to start as a sophomore and positioning himself to complete his B.A. in five semesters. Yet, somewhere along the way—often mid-rant over poorly worded questions or during those tired-but-triumphant post-exam conversations—he discovered something surprising: it was not about the score. Not really. Sure, he earned the grades. All A’s. But the real work—the meaningful, unglamorous, quietly transformative work—was learning how to learn.
This was the year he became a scholar of process. He learned to read questions like a lawyer dissecting a contract: What is the question really asking? What is it not saying? Where is the trap? He trained himself to write answers that did not merely sound good but made logical, unassailable sense — especially under pressure. He spent seven to twelve hours a week—per class—learning to be precise, to structure his thoughts clearly, and to back up every answer with solid evidence and clear reasoning. He stopped skipping steps. He started reading directions (finally!). He learned to manage his time, pivot when necessary, and stay calm even when a question blindsided him.
We even strategized together. Parent-child bonding over College Board rubrics—every parent’s dream, surely. We tackled each AP test like a military operation. He learned to let go of the questions that took too long to complete in the short time allotted, and to tackle those that played to his strengths. He stopped trying to be perfect and started being strategic. And what a glorious, liberating moment that was. The most beautiful part? By the end, he no longer obsessed over the numbers. When he walked out of those testing rooms, he was not preoccupied with whether he had earned a 4 or 5. He knew he had done his best. He felt proud. He felt complete. He felt—dare I say it—fulfilled. Because the truth he once mocked had finally settled in: the journey really is the destination.
And that journey, it turns out, is paved with frayed notebooks, countless problem sets, long study sessions, sarcastic complaints, occasional meltdowns, and— eventually—moments of quiet triumph when a teenager looks up and says, “Wait—I actually understand this.” So now, as he prepares to head to college, carrying more than one year’s worth of credits on his transcript, we feel not just proud, but grateful. Grateful to have witnessed the transformation—not of a transcript, but of a young mind learning to wrestle with complexity, tolerate uncertainty, and emerge stronger and wiser on the other side.
In the end, his teacher was not just right. He was annoyingly right.
The journey is the destination.
And sometimes, it is even better than the test score!
Ilene Brookler, a Boca Pointe resident and Columbia Law School graduate, brings over 30 years of litigation experience to her role as a certified mediator. She founded Family First Divorce Mediation Services with the goal of helping families navigate divorce quickly and affordably. She can be reached at info@familyfirstmediate.com. For more information, visit www.familyfirstmediate.com.
Frederick Herpel Donates Historic Architectural Collection In Honor Of Boca Raton’s Centennial
By Hillary Reynolds
The Boca Raton Historical Society has announced the generous donation of artifacts from the Frederick Herpel Collection by Frederick Herpel, third-generation leader of Herpel, Inc.
The donation includes rare architectural elements, pottery, and artisan tilework from “Mizner Industries,” famed architect Addison Mizner’s series of workshops providing furnishings and architectural elements for designers working in the popular “Mediterranean Revival” style in the 1920s and 1930s. Mizner’s “Boca Raton” development project put the little farm town on the national map in 1925 and “Mizner Industries” artifacts were employed in his local landmarks such as The Addison, The Boca Raton resort, and houses in Old Floresta. Because of this, “Mizner Industries” artifacts are amongst the Boca Raton Historical Society’s most treasured collections.
“We are incredibly grateful to Frederick Herpel and the Herpel family for this remarkable and generous donation,” said Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “The Frederick Herpel Collection offers an extraordinary glimpse into the craftsmanship and materials that shaped Addison Mizner’s architectural vision. It was a highlight of our most recent major Centennial exhibition, and we’re proud to preserve and share this important part of our region’s cultural heritage.”
The Frederick Herpel Collection was established by Frederick H. Herpel, president of Herpel Inc., a cast stone and column company based in West Palm Beach and founded by Herpel’s father Henry Ketchin Herpel (1922-2012) during the late 1940s at its present Georgia Avenue site. Herpel’s access to original Mizner products, tile, pottery, and cast stone began during the 1970s from having professional relationships with property owners, architects, and builders of significant Mizner-designed mansions and buildings, built predominately on Palm Beach during the 1920s & 1930s. By the late 1920s, West Palm Beach was known for its “Artcraft” industry. Herpel’s collection represents a significant chapter of that era’s industrial production.
The Herpel Tile Collection contains approximately 2,275 historical and vintage tiles of various sizes. The 19-piece Pottery Collection ranges from a pair of Miznerblue Ali Baba jars to unglazed historical fragments of Mizner-produced clay fern bowls. The Cast Stone Collection offers 275 artifacts, representing a full range of Mizner structural and decorative architectural building
HAPPY HOUR: Celebrating our10year anniversary
artifacts. Mr. Herpel has generously donated 114 of these items including 42 examples of cast stone architectural elements and 72 Las Manos Pottery pieces and decorative tiles, recently featured in the Historical Society’s “19252025, Addison Mizner’s Legacy” exhibition. These items will serve as a study collection for researchers of Mizner architecture and style and will be incorporated into many future exhibitions of the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum.
About The Boca Raton Historical Society / The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum Founded in 1972, the Boca Raton Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Boca Raton. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and preservation efforts, the Society fosters a deeper understanding of the people, architecture, and cultural moments that helped shape the city.
Residents Are Registered on www.bocapointe.com. Are You?
If you have never registered on the Community Association web site, call Access Control for our “Community Code,” then go to www.bocapointe.com. Click on the “Not registered yet?” link right under the log in box.
If you think you are registered, but just can’t remember your User Name and Password, click on the “Forgot your password?” link and it will be mailed to the email address you used when you registered. Want to update your email address or add your mobile number to receive text messages? Go to the
web site Residents Only page and click on the “User Profile” link.
Once you are a registered user, to log onto the web site, you simply go to www.bocapointe.com and you will find the User name and Password boxes in the top right hand corner. Fill in your information, then click on the small blue forward arrow. The log in is “case sensitive.”
If you are a smartphone user, we now have a mobile version of the web site for your use that even includes a Comment Form. Let us know what you think and give us your suggestions for improvements.
The old style transponders that you use to gain entry through the gates work off of batteries. The batteries are built into the device and cannot be replaced. At the end of their life, the entire device must be replaced. Most of our devices have been in use for over five years now and are beginning to fail. If your device is no longer working properly, it may be time for you to purchase a new one. Replacement devices are sold at the discounted price of $75. Driver’s license and vehicle registration required. We are now using windshield devices.
$100.00 - New transponder
$75.00 - Replacement transponder
**Homeowners, tenants and club members will be issued a transponder to the village they reside in and into the Boca Pointe Club if they are a member**
FORMS
Armchair Traveling With Murder In Mind
Prep yourself for France and Italy – with guidance from quirky detectives
By Linda Leshnik – sleshnik@gmail.com
Forget about airport crowds, museums that force you to book fourteen months in advance and harried waiters in overpriced restaurants. Instead, relax in your favorite chair at home and follow the trails of detectives in regions all over France and Italy. They will take you to their favorite eateries, bars and other hangouts, often places seldom visited by tourists. Learn what the locals are interested in, read what they think and feel and how they spend their days and money.
“The intensity of light and color in Brittany had beguiled even the greatest of its fans: Monet, Gauguin and Picasso had fallen under Brittany’s spell.” That is author Jean-Luc Bannalec’s declaration of love for Brittany in northwestern France. His Commissaire Georges Dupin, who was recently transferred there from Paris, takes us through Brittany with the inquisitive eyes of a newcomer. Each of his books is about more than just murder. In The Missing Corpse, Bannalec vividly describes the activities on the Belon River, that bring the famous Belon oysters to the gourmet’s table. His Fleur de Sel Murders describes salt farmers who believe that the scent of violets emitted during the harvest of Brittany’s celebrated salt causes hallucinations. Death in Pont Aven has Commissaire Dupin investigating the murder of a hotel owner in the town in which the painter Gauguin once lived. To date, eleven of Bannalec’s books have been translated into English and more are in the works.
A mere one-and-half hour train ride whisks tourists from Rennes, Brittanny’s capital, to Paris, where Commissaire Jean-Baptiste Adamsberg conducts his investigations with extremely unorthodox methods. To date, he appears in eight novels available in English. Adamsberg is the creation of female author Fred Vargas, who is also a French historian. She writes mysteries as a sideline “just to relax.” Vargas sends his commissaire on her murder trails not only in Paris, but also to Iceland, London and the French Alps. In Seeking Whom He May Devour, the Alps story, a werewolf terrorizes the locals.
In the south of France, in Provence, Capitaine Roger Blanc, the creation of Cay Rademacher, chases villains. In Murderous Mistral (the icy wind that blows through the Rhone Valley) Blanc, another displaced Parisian, attempts
Stamp and Coin Club
Boca Raton Stamp & Coin Club asks you to start a new hobby.
Visit with us at the Stratford Courts Auditorium located at 6343 Via Sonrisa del Sur, off S.W. 18th Street, between Powerline Road and Military Trail.
We meet the second and fourth Thursday each month at 7 p.m. Please call membership coordinator Harvey Golinger at (561) 752-4922.
Vehicle Information
If you have purchased a new vehicle within the past 6 months, please make sure the Boca Pointe Community Association management office has a copy of your current vehicle registration on file. Your gate transponder is linked to your vehicle so it is important that we have accurate information in our system. Please fax it to (561) 395-5936 or email it to admin@bocapointe.com.
Thank you for your cooperation!
BPCA Management team
Are You Watching Your Speed?
Please obey all posted speed limit signs throughout Boca Pointe for the safety of our residents. As a reminder, the speed limits are as follows:
Boca Pointe Drive 30mph
Via de Sonrisa del Norte 25mph
Promenade Drive 20mph
to solve a complicated case. And in Deadly Camargue he is called to the southern part of the Provence, to investigate the suspicious death of a well-known political journalist The case confronts him with a spectacular art theft which took place decades earlier. Only two of Rademacher’s books are available in English.
Toronto-born Mary Lou Longworth lives in Aix-enProvence. All ten of her published mysteries take place in the surrounding rolling hills of this city. Her acclaim has resulted in a TV series called Murder in Provence, which is available from Britbox and Amazon Prime. Two outstanding novels are Death at the Chateau Bremont and The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne. Chief Magistrate Antoine Verlaine and his partner Marine Bonnet search for answers as to who stole the painting. To what lengths will they go to get it back?
Unsurprisingly, in Italy, Venice is the focus of two foreignborn crime writers. Author Donna Leon, an American, has a string of novels that feature Commissario Brunetti, an investigator who scouts the murky corners of the city. Leon’s descriptions include the many darknesses of the Serenissima, not least the embedded tradition of political corruption. She has published sixteen novels in which Brunetti does his thing.
Philipp Gwynn Jones, born in South Wales, has lived in Venice for more than a quarter of a century. His Nathan Sutherland series is, as one reader described it, a civilized, knowledgeable, charming antidote to the darker reaches of the genre, full of entertaining descriptions of the city. Eight books are out so far. One of the best is The Venetian Legacy. In this Nathan and his new wife become subject of the attention of the Venetian Mafia’s attention.
Moving to Tuscany, we come to Murder in Pitigliano Camilla Trinchieri weaves many recipes and meals into her murder stories. Her hero, Nico Doyle, is a retired New York police detective. He makes his home in the imaginary town of Gravigna, where his dead wife’s relatives live with a little dog, and where he becomes a part-time chef in their restaurant. In Murder in Chianti, Nico discovers a dead body in the woods and the local police recruit him to help find the murderer. The victim was well known to the locals and Nico must dive deep into Gravigna’s painful past to get to the truth. Camilla Trinchieri has published four books, and more are to come.
Michael Dibdin, one of my favorite mystery writers, is the creator of Italian police inspector Aurelio Zen. Ratking, Dibdin’s first novel, won the Gold Dagger award of 1988. In Cosi Fan Tutti, Zen is transferred from Rome to Naples, where he becomes embroiled in a romantic intrigue involving love-sick gangsters and prostitutes who pass themselves off as Albanian refugees. In this novel Naples seems to resemble the setting of Mozart’s opera of the same title. Dibdin has written eleven Aurelio Zen books. There will be no more – he died in 2007.
In following the trail of novelist Gianrico Carofiglio’s attorney-detective Guido Guerrieri, the town of Bari in the Puglia region of Italy comes to life. The rows of sausages and heaps of octopuses lying in push carts smell strongly, and vegetables and fruits call out for buyers. The sea breeze leaves the taste of salt on your lips and the locals speak a dialect wide removed from standard Italian. Before launching a second career as an author, Carofiglio was a public prosecutor specializing in organized crime. He was also a member of the Italian senate. His first novel, Involuntary Witness, was published in 2002. In it, a boy is found dead in a well near a beach resort. A Senegalese peddler is accused of the crime in a case soaked in racism. Carofiglio has six books that are available in English.
Andrea Camilleri is the author of the wildly successful Montalbano mystery series. By my count he has published 28 novels and two collections of short stories that feature this police inspector who lives and works in a fictional town in Sicily. Many of these captivating tales are available in English in the Montalbano TV series. The astonishingly prolific Camilleri has also written non-fiction, mostly about events in 19th century Sicily. One such book, set after WWI, is The Sacco Gang. This is a true story of the Sacco brothers, who defied the Mafia and the fascist government with tragic consequences. It is an account of the crimes and treachery that plagued the lives of peasants around Palermo. This past June, my husband and I had intended to travel to Italy. However, because discouraged by news of flight cancelations, unruly passengers and overbooked hotels we dropped the idea. Instead, I went off to the library, took out six of the above-mentioned books and began to read. I am still at it. …
The Many Reasons To Avoid Probate
By Martin Zevin, Attorney
You have heard that Probate is something to avoid; however, unless you have been through it, you may not understand why. Here are some basic facts about probate in Florida:
1. Full Probate (assets over $75,000 or under $75,000 with creditors) takes at least six months to a year or longer. During that time, the assets being probated are tied up. If your heirs want to sell your home in probate, they must go through a formal process. This includes filing a Petition to administer the Estate. If successful, the Judge of the Probate Court will sign an Order called Letters of Administration. This could take one to three months.
2. The next step is Notice to Creditors published in a newspaper. This must be done even if there are no creditors. Creditors have 90 days from the date of first publication to file a claim against the Estate. Nothing can be done regarding distribution of the assets until after the ninety days.
SPEEDING FINES ARE BEING ENFORCED!!
3. A tax ID number from the IRS must be obtained for the Estate. Once the Personal Representative (Executor) obtains the Letters of Administration and the tax ID number, an Estate account can be opened to transfer any funds from an account or future proceeds from the sale of a home or other real estate. If real estate is involved, a court order is generally necessary to allow the closing and another court order may be necessary to distribute proceeds.
4. A formal Inventory must be filed listing exact date of death values of all assets being probated.
5. A formal accounting may be necessary if all beneficiaries do not agree to waive it.
6. Once all distributions are made, the Estate cannot be closed without another court order.
7. If an estate asset is discovered after the Personal Representative has been discharged by the court, the Estate must be reopened and
more formalities must be followed.
8. The attorney’s fees can be quite high, depending on the value of the Estate. Florida law authorizes a 3% fee on the first million dollars, and a sliding percentage thereafter. The Personal Representative can negotiate with the lawyer for a lower fee. If the Estate is valued at $700,000 and the fee is reduced from 3% to 2%, that is still a $14,000 fee, plus about $1,000 in court costs for filing fees, publication in the newspaper, etc. An attorney can also charge an hourly rate, but this could easily exceed the 3%, particularly on smaller estates.
9. The Personal Representative will probably need to pay money out of pocket for initial costs and a Retainer for the attorney, plus funeral bills if not already pre-paid. In addition, if real estate is involved, the Personal Representative may have to pay taxes, utilities, maintenance, mortgage payments etc. until access to Estate funds is authorized. The Personal Representatives will reimburse themselves at that time, but it could cause hardship if personal funds are limited.
10. All of the above is stressful and time consuming for the Personal Representative. Although a fee is allowed, this could be an issue if family members or other beneficiaries object. That is just a brief summary of why it is so crucial to have proper and complete estate planning with a lawyer to be sure that ALL assets avoid probate. A Revocable Living Trust or a Life Estate Deed are two possible solutions. Please refer to many of my other articles for practical and detailed tips on avoiding probate.
My Dad used to say: “May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.” I will add: when you die, may your heirs avoid probate!
Please feel free to call me for a free phone or personal consultation regarding any issues pertaining to Wills, Trust, Deeds, Probate, Power of Attorney or Health Care Surrogate. I am also available for a free consultation regarding personal injury claims or to explain car insurance coverage. Call me at 954-569-4878. My address is 3275 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 204, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442. My web site is www.martinzevinpa.com and my e-mail address is martinzevin@netzero.com.
