Boca Pointe OCT 2025

From The Manager

By April Narine, LCAM General Manager

As the heat of summer begins to fade and we step into the beautiful month of October, we can finally enjoy a bit of rest from the hot sun. However, as Floridians, we know that hurricane season is still upon us, and it’s crucial to stay prepared.

Hurricane Preparedness: A Gentle Reminder

We are now in the peak of hurricane season, so it’s a great time to review your emergency supplies and plans.

Hurricane season goes to November 30th. Please make sure your emergency kits are stocked, your shutters are in place, and you’re signed up for our community alerts. Please register for our community website if you have not done so already at www.bocapointe.com. This is our quickest method to get information out to all residents. The safety of our residents is our top priority, and a little preparation goes a long way.

Welcome Fall!

Though we may not get the dramatic changes of the leaves like other states, but there’s still something magical about this time of year in Florida. It’s the perfect season to enjoy outdoor activities, whether it’s a picnic, a stroll around our beautiful neighborhood, or even just walking your dogs. Let’s embrace the cooler evenings and the festive spirit that comes with the season. 

Director Of Security

Putting Safety First: Let’s Slow Down Together

By Ebenson Bristol

Dear Boca Pointe Residents,

As your Director of Security, my top priority is keeping everyone safe. Lately, we’ve seen a rise in speeding, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Most of it comes from residents who care about our community but may not realize the risks.

Why It Matters

Speeding isn’t just breaking the rules, it’s dangerous. A small increase in speed can double the chance of a serious accident. Children, walkers, and cyclists are especially at risk. What We’re Doing

• Traffic Hawk: A radar system that tracks and records speeding.

• More Patrols: Security will focus on busy areas during peak times.

How You Can Help

• Drive Safely: Stick to the speed limit.

• Speak Up: Report unsafe driving.

• Set the Example: Remind family, guests and vendors to drive carefully.

Let’s keep Boca Pointe safe for everyone. If you have ideas or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at bpointe@smssi.com.

Stay safe. 

From The Desk Of Commissioner Marci Woodward

A Message from Marci

We have made some progress on the Countywide Transportation Master Plan since first bringing our cities together last September for a roundtable discussion on this important initiative. At that time, there was clear agreement that collaboration among municipalities would be key to addressing our transportation challenges.

A year later, I had the opportunity to attend one of the public meetings held in District 4 at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach. Our consultant, WSP, shared an overview of the plan, discussed next steps, and engaged residents through

an interactive survey. Not surprisingly, the top concerns were congestion and the need for smarter traffic signalization, issues we all experience daily.

It was great to see so many elected officials, community members, and county staff come together for this important conversation. The project is moving forward smoothly, and I will continue to keep you updated as the next steps unfold.

Your input matters! If you weren’t able to attend an in-person meeting, please visit pbcmoves.com to complete the survey and share your thoughts.

Hotwire Communications Important Launch Project Update

The underground construction work in the Villages included in Phase 1, 2 and Phase 3 of the project are complete. Phase 4 underground construction is in progress; you may see our crew in the area.

If you live in one of the Villages included in Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and have not completed your consultation appointment you need to schedule as soon as possible. If you are a seasonal resident and are currently away, please contact Hotwire to schedule a virtual appointment or make other arrangements based on your schedule.

Important Note: Installations continue for Phase 1 and 2. If you have not completed your consultation, you will not be able to schedule your installation appointment. Hotwire would also like to remind you the Hotwire Launch Office is Open!

If you would like to schedule your consultation or installation appointment, or have any questions about our Hotwire launch process, please email Bocapointe@ hotwiremail.com. You can also call (561) 509-5429 or visit the Hotwire Launch Office and speak to your dedicated Launch Account Manager, Vanessa Perez. Hotwire Office Address: 6919 SW 18th Street, Suite 214, Boca Raton, FL 33433. Located next to the Pizza District, enter through the Executive Suite door, 2nd Floor.

Villages Now Scheduling Installations

Phase 1

Caravelle, Esplanada, Palomar, El Dorado, Montego Bay, Villa Flora, Palladium, La Paz, Lakes at La Paz, Villa Sonrisa

Phase 2

Meridiana, El Viento I, El Viento II, La Mirada, La Corniche, Pointe 100, Plum Cortina, Villa Stel 

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. 

Mirrored Image

By Judith Levy

You might sometimes get blue, not often, but every time you look in the mirror and some strange face, one you don’t recognize, stares back at you. You want to shout. “Who are you? I don’t know you and I really don’t want to know you.” A stranger is peering at you. A person with wrinkles, a flabby neck and thinning hair. Where is the attractive young person you used to be? Where has she gone? Clearly you say, this intruder can’t be me.

The years have stolen so much. Yet, you still remember so much, not names of course, but much else. Your body tells the truth. It reveals what the years have stolen away, but your brain is as sharp as ever. Lots of seniors would agree and tell you the same if they remembered to do so.

How do you feel when you gaze into the mirror every morning. Have you made friends with the image greeting you or do you rail against the passage of time?

I wrote, “Choices are clear when options are few.” You have no choice, oh you might lose a pound or two, but in the end nature will have its way, so accept the cards you’ve been dealt. Face the future with a smile. Smiles afford you whatever youth is left for you, additionally people like to be with cheerful fellows. Find what you have to smile about and show off your teeth, yours or the ones you’ve purchased. Nothing can alter the passage of time. Save your money on those expensive creams, those messages, and think clearly before you choose surgery. You’re still beautiful because you’ve come through the good and the bad and you’re still here. Enjoy what life continues to offer you and smile. That’s the best way to greet a new day. I wonder what surprises a new day might bring if you’re open to embracing the future. Look up, it’s a lovely day and enjoy your life here in paradise.

Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold over four million copies. Her newest beautifully illustrated offering, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, a perfect gift, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Lease Renewals

Renters- If you plan to renew your lease at Boca Pointe, please provide the BPCA Management office a copy of your renewal lease and vehicle registration prior to your lease expiration date. Both items are needed to ensure that your transponder does not get deactivated when the lease ends. Please email to admin@ bocapointe.com.

Thank you! 

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)

Zachary Elliott (Encantada) Daniel Gabrielle (La Corniche) Lawrence Gelfond (La Corniche)

Additionally, I want to clarify a recent Palm Beach Post article titled “Palm Beach County officials seek your input on sales tax increase for fixing traffic.” The article may have given the impression that the Transportation Master Plan is focused solely on a penny tax.

That is not the case. Our current efforts are dedicated to developing a comprehensive plan for the future of transportation in Palm Beach County. While funding options, such as a potential surtax may be discussed down the road, for now our focus is on building the vision and framework for how people and goods will move throughout our county in the years to come.

Palm Beach County’s First Internship Portal

InternPalmBeach.com, developed in partnership with CareerSource Palm Beach County and the Business Development Board (BDB), is Palm Beach County’s first centralized platform for students and young adults to find

and apply for internships across industries like information technology, agriculture, construction, life sciences, manufacturing, and more. These opportunities provide realworld experience, broaden skills, and strengthen resumes.

As a member of the CareerSource Board, I’m proud to support initiatives focused on youth engagement and retention, bridging the gap between local businesses and emerging talent, including in underserved communities, to help keep educated professionals right here at home.

County Attorney Announces Retirement

Palm Beach County Attorney Denise Coffman has announced her retirement. We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and the expertise she has brought to the county.

For those unfamiliar with county operations, the Board of County Commissioners directly oversee three key hires, including the County Attorney. At our recent meeting, we began reviewing the details of this important position, including qualifications and salary.

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.

A special Thank You to our monthly volunteer contributing writers

Steve Handwerker

Judith Levy

Lisa Sileo

Harold Katz

Harriet

Anne Gannon

Elyse Weintraub Brown

Robert

Hillary Reynolds

Arthur Dermer

William A. Gralnick

Milagros Gutierrez de Herrera

Yishai Mizrahi

Lexi Miller

The Pap Corps

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

Treating Heart Rhythm Disorders in Delray Beach & Boca Raton

Dr. Kleinman is an electrophysiologist who specializes in heart arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia. He has extensive experience in performing procedures including pacemaker implant, Watchman™ left atrial appendage closure implant, defibrillator implant, and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (A-Fib).

Conditions And Treatments:

• Arrhythmias

• Pacemaker, Watchman™ and Defibrillator Implants

• Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

• Ventricular Tachycardia

• Supraventricular Tachycardia

The County Attorney plays a critical role in county government, directing and managing complex legal matters, preparing and presenting cases in higher courts, and issuing legal opinions of significant impact.

The position also leads and supervises the entire department, which includes nearly 30 attorneys and 20 support staff, such as paralegals, secretaries, and administrative technicians.

I will keep you updated throughout the process as we work to identify the next leader for this essential role.

Nonprofit Spotlight

Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County is a local nonprofit dedicated to advocating for foster children in our community. They ensure every child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected has a strong advocate and access to the resources they need to thrive, focusing on their best interests and enrichment opportunities.

I recently attended Margarita Monday at Rocco’s Tacos with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and Leading Edge Mortgage Corp—a fun night for a great cause, supporting this incredible organization!

It was wonderful catching up with Traci Sigel Israel, Troy McLellan, Coleen LaCosta, Lindy Harvey, Lisa Talley, Rosie Inguanzo-Martin, and so many others who came out to support this amazing cause!

For more information, visit, speakupforkidspbc.org. If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org 

David S. Kleinman, MD, FACC Cardiac Electrophysiology

No Matter Where You Run, There You Are!

By Josette Veltri

We all experience a time when we try to run away from our emotional hurts, anger, hatred, and sadness, only to find ourselves back to the same feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Remember, your unresolved emotions, patterns, habits, and behaviors, like your shadow, will not be far behind you, no matter how far you run or try to ignore them.

A monk once said, “Imagine being bitten by a snake and instead of trying to help yourself heal and recover from the poison, you are trying to catch the snake to find out the reason it bit you and prove to it that you didn’t deserve that.” Now read it again!

When we find ourselves stuck in an emotional battlefield, with internal conflicts between our emotions and values, STOP, look around, and ask, “What am I in conflict with and why?”

If we are unwilling to take time to reflect, brainstorm, and self-discover the what and the why the conflict is causing, we will continue to settle into “that’s just the way I am belief.”

A successful practice to follow is called the decision strategy. It is a step-by-step internal look at your conscious/ unconscious choices made over the years, then decide what needs to shift, change, or end altogether. However, there is one caveat to this strategy, which is that you need to clarify your desired outcome.

The following is an example of an autobiography in four short chapters:

Chapter 1:

An individual walks down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk, they fall in and think well, that is not my fault. And, it takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2:

The same individual walks down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk, they try to walk around it, but fall in with eyes wide open, and continue to think it isn’t my fault. Only this time it doesn’t take a long time to get out.

Chapter 3:

The same individual walks down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk; they fall in, only this time they admit it was their fault and get out immediately. Chapter 4:

The same individual walks down another street. I do not believe I have to explain the lesson, but if you learn nothing else from this article, remember this: YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO RUN FROM YOURSELF. And, that’s something to think about!

Josette Veltri, a Boca Point 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/) 

City Of Boca Raton Honors Veterans With Red, White & Boca: A Veterans Day Celebration

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | Mizner Park Amphitheater Free & Open to the Public

By Hillary Reynolds

As the City of Boca Raton proudly celebrates its 100th milestone year, the community will once again come together to honor America’s heroes at Red, White & Boca: A Veterans Day Celebration . This annual tradition takes place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real). The event is free and open to the public, welcoming veterans, their families, and all community members to share in a day of appreciation, remembrance, and patriotism.

This year’s program will feature inspiring speakers, live music, and a moving JROTC Presentation of Colors as Boca Raton reflects on its rich history and honors those who have selflessly served. As a city recognized as a Purple Heart City, Boca Raton stands among a distinguished group of communities that show gratitude to veterans who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty.

Event Highlights

• Veterans Marketplace – Connect with service organizations, veteran-owned businesses, and local sports team partners. Applications for marketplace participation are now open.

• Classic Car Show – Step back in time with vintage vehicles on the east lawn, featuring awards for Best of Show, Best Veteran-Owned , and more. Award ceremony begins at 6:50 p.m.

• Live Music & Entertainment – Enjoy performances that capture the spirit of unity and celebration. Additional event details include:

• Seating and chairs provided at no charge

• A variety of food vendors on-site

• Veterans presenting Military or Veteran ID will receive a complimentary food ticket at the City of Boca Raton booth

• Event will be held rain or shine

For more information, contact CommunityEvents@ myboca.us.

About the City of Boca Raton: Boca Raton, the second largest city in Palm Beach County, blends history and innovation with its Mediterranean Revival architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Influenced by architect Addison Mizner, the city is home to live concerts, international art exhibits, worldclass museums, five miles of Atlantic coastline, and 49 parks offering 1,650 acres of recreational space. A hub for business and innovation, Boca Raton hosts 40 publicly traded corporate headquarters. With three nationally ranked universities, top-rated schools, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, Boca Raton is a dynamic, safe, and educated community with a low property tax rate. Learn more at myboca.us.

For more information on Boca Raton’s Centennial events, visit www.Boca100.com or email Boca100@ bocaraton-fl.gov 

Boca Raton Public Library Launches New Online Learning Platform To Empower Adults 55+

Boca Raton Public Library (“BRPL”) is proud to announce the availability of GetSetUp , a proven digital resource designed to support the growing needs of older adults across our community.

Older adults are increasingly turning to digital tools for health, wellness, and lifelong learning. To meet their needs, BRPL is offering free access to this innovative platform built specifically for adults aged 55 and over.

“We’re excited to bring this empowering resource to our patrons,” said Vicky Fitzsimmons, Digital Librarian at BRPL. “ GetSetUp helps older adults stay mentally sharp, socially connected, and physically active—all from the comfort of home.”

Key Features of Gale Presents: GetSetUp:

• A rotating catalog of 5,000+ live and on-demand classes, short videos, and articles on topics like digital literacy, fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, travel, retirement planning, telemedicine, smart device usage and online banking to keep users informed and fluent in today’s world.

• Peer-led instruction by older adult educators who understand the unique learning styles of their audience.

• Built-in community features that foster social interaction and reduce isolation.

• Flexible, self-paced learning accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

BRPL cardholders can access GetSetUp for free by visiting BRPL’s GetSetUp or contacting 561-393-7906 for assistance.

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. 

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.

Thrift Shoppe Donations To BRRH Surpass $ 9 Million

By Arthur Dermer, Volunteer

Boca Raton probably is not the first thing to come to mind when you think of thrift shops. However, Susanne Morris, a resident of Boca Pointe and her daughter Sandra find that visiting some of these shops can be a pleasing and rewarding experience. Their favorite shop is the renovated Debbie-Rand Memorial Thrift Shoppe. For the uninitiated, charity thrift shops are wholly dependent on donations and the sale of these items. They give all of their proceeds after expenses to the charity of choice. This is not like a commercial consignment store that pays people for items they bring in only after they are sold. On a recent visit to the thrift shop, Susanne says she “snagged a wonderful designer dress” that she had been hoping to find for about $40. Susanne’s sister says that last month she bought a “great” glass top table for $45. Prices for many items will come as a surprise to those who might expect the higher Goodwill or Salvation Army prices.

With Boca Raton’s large number of people with expansive and expensive wardrobes, furniture and the like, it is obvious why so many thrift shops make their home here. The DebbieRand Thrift Shop is a great place to find a variety of goods such as antiques, rugs, bric-a-brac, clothing, jewelry and other goods. Dresses start as low as $5-$15 and name brands can be had for as little as $40-$50, says Renee, a volunteer cashier at the shop. Men’s name brand sport jackets can be had for $20 or less and trousers cost might be under $5. The Boutique is a section of the shop dedicated to almost new high-end merchandise, especially women’s clothing. Designer brand merchandise there can range at prices up to $100. These are merely illustrative of the kind of prices you can expect to pay for clean and often barely used items. Unless you have visited the Shoppe you can’t really imagine what a wonderful community resource we have right here in Boca.

Donations to the Debbie-Rand Thrift Shoppe can be made directly by bringing in items to 903 Meadows Road. The Thrift Shoppe is located just one block west of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital at 903 Meadows Road. The shop is open Monday thru Saturday from 10-4 pm. The shop staff can pick up larger items such as furniture or bulky boxes and larger bags. Families often arrange for pickups when a relative passes or moves to an assisted living facility, or when people downsize. For more information about making donations, or the free pick-up services call 561-395-2208.

For the past two years sales at the thrift shop have exceeded $500,000. That money was given by the thrift shop to the hospital to purchase needed medical equipment. Brooke Mateland has been the dedicated thrift shop manager for many years. She overseas about 50 volunteers. Ms. Mateland told me that since its founding, the hospital has received almost $9 million from sales at the thrift shop.

Dr. Aimee Yahn-Carmichael, Regional Director – North Region – Retail and Volunteer Operations, said that since its opening in 1962, the Shoppe has proven to be the primary money-making vehicle for the volunteer organization. Over the years the Thrift Shoppe has moved into larger facilities

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! 

and has grown in popularity. Donations from community members have included designer clothing, furniture from estates, a complete inventory of a lady’s dress shop, boats, cars, jewelry, art, and even cemetery plots. All profits are donated to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

The Debbie-Rand Thrift Shoppe is located just one block west of the hospital on Meadows Road. It is in a modern facility paid for largely with very generous gifts from community members including Countess de Hoernle, the late Belle Deitch and other residents. Ruth McGoldrick

was the guiding light of the Shoppe devoting 37 years to working there as a volunteer and manager before retiring in 2012. She had accumulated a phenomenal 36,000 hours of volunteer service amounting to about 20 hours a week for 36 years. Volunteers are the backbone of the shop’s operation. These volunteers often work there because of a positive experience they or a relative have experienced at the hospital. Volunteers are an integral part of helping patients, staff and families. Mary, a long-time volunteer, told me that she became involved with volunteering when her mother was sick 22 years ago. She saw how caring the volunteers were with her mother and “wanted to give something back.” Another woman told about starting to volunteer while her husband was stationed overseas in Afghanistan. She said that the military wives were encouraged to volunteer at any of the community institutions that need help. She chose the BRRH thrift shop and has worked there for 8 years. She said that it was important to help wherever you are needed. She finds working at the hospital very enjoyable. She finds a sense of family at the shop and “the work makes me feel like I am making a difference in our community.”

Many Boca Pointe residents work 4 or more hours each week at the Shoppe. They find working there is a way of making new friends while helping to improve the hospital’s services to the community. Some enjoy utilizing their pre-retirement experiences in the field of retailing and the contacts with Shoppe customers. The success of the Thrift Shoppe during its 62 years of its operations has been largely due to the dedication of its volunteers. Currently, 50 volunteers work there each week continuing a great tradition of help to our community.

Today, the D-RMSL volunteers remain a vital part of the hospital community with a mission to continue the vital work begun by Gloria Drummond. The thrift shop volunteers are part of the 350 D-RMSL people who serve as friendly ambassadors to patients, hospital employees and visitors. They continually lend a helping hand, uplift patients’ spirit and offer support throughout the hospital facility.

While there are many volunteers working in the shop, there is always need for more people to help. For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Thrift Shoppe or at the Hospital, call 561-955-4098. 

Debbie Rand Memorial Thrift Shoppe

Brooke Mateland – Thrift Shoppe Manager

Boca’s Hidden Gem Theater Shines With 300+ Shows For 11th Season

From Andrew Dice Clay To Rita Rudner, Boca Black Box Brings Star Power To South Florida’s Most Intimate Stage

By Hillary Reynolds

Boca Black Box Center for the Arts is raising the curtain on its 11th year with its most exciting season yet, unveiling a 2025–2026 season packed with more than 300 performances, from marquee comedians to beloved tribute concerts and immersive live experiences. With an upgraded 285-seat theater and an up-close atmosphere, audiences can expect big acts with an intimate feel.

“We’ve always believed that live entertainment should feel personal, immersive, and unforgettable,” said Randy Singer, Managing Partner, Boca Black Box. “This season is about elevating the experience, celebrating the magic of live performance, and welcoming even more big names to our stage.”

A Season of Highlights

• Comedy Headliners : Leading the comedy lineup this season are Andrew Dice Clay & Jon Lovitz (Feb. 6 and 7, 2026), joined by favorites Rita Rudner (Feb. 9, 2026), Elon Gold (Dec. 31, 2025 & Jan. 1, 2026), Pauly

Shore (Dec. 12 & 13, 2025), and Billy Gardell (Oct. 3 & 4, 2025).

• Tribute Bands & National Acts : Music lovers can look forward to US Bee Gees (Dec. 22, 2025), Always ABBA (Jan. 31, 2026), Vanilla Fudge (Feb. 5, 2026), Jersey Boys Tribute (Jan. 4 & 5, 2026), Sounds of Soul (Nov. 23, 2025), Atlantic City Boys (Dec. 4, 2025), and Charles Calello (Dec. 19, 2025).

• Immersive Experiences : Audiences can look forward to unique and interactive performances including Little Mania: Midget Wrestling All Stars (Jan. 14, 2026), Jeffrey Wands: Psychic Medium (Nov. 9, 2025), Comedy Hypnotist: Incredible Boris (Nov. 5, 2025), Anthony Mrocka: Psychic Medium (Oct. 22, 2025), and Haunted Tavern (Oct. 30 & Nov. 1, 2025).

• Community Spotlight: Open mic nights and local talent showcases spotlight South Florida’s next wave of performers.

A Venue Like No Other

As it enters its 11th year, Boca Black Box remains one of Boca Raton’s most intimate and dynamic live entertainment venues, offering audiences a New Yorkstyle comedy club atmosphere with:

• Full bar service

• Gourmet snacks

• A freshly upgraded 285-seat theater

• Close-up seating that brings audiences closer to the performers

Boca Raton Stamp & Coin Club asks you to start a

This unique setting creates an environment where laughter, music, and connection thrive in every seat. Tickets & Packages

Tickets are available per show, with season subscriptions and packages—including the popular “10-for-10” deal— available for frequent visitors. To view the full schedule and purchase tickets, visit www.bocablackbox.com/ticket/ calendar or call (561) 483-9036.

About Boca Black Box Center for the Arts

Now celebrating its 11th year with more than 300 shows on the calendar, Boca Black Box is a vibrant performing arts venue located at 8221 Glades Road #10, Boca Raton, FL. Offering everything from national comedy acts and tribute concerts to immersive theater and community showcases, the theater provides a bold mix of entertainment in an intimate setting. With its upgraded 285-seat theater, Boca Black Box continues to redefine live entertainment in South Florida. Learn more at www. bocablackbox.com. 

Rita Rudner

Boca Raton Public Library Presents The Art Exhibit,

“Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” By Paula Franklin

October 13, 2025 – November 21, 2025

Spanish River Library

The Boca Raton Public Library presents a new art exhibit consisting of both acrylic paintings and sculptural works, “Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” by Paula Franklin. A self-taught artist, Ms. Franklin has been painting for over fifty years. She has also studied with sculptor emeritus of the Boca Raton Art Museum School, William Reid, for over fifteen years. This will be Ms. Franklin’s first public exhibition after previous private exhibitions of her work.

Ms. Franklin cites her extensive experiences with world travel as a major source of her inspiration, alongside her “commitment to experimentation with different mediums and styles.” Ms. Franklin’s bold, colorful paintings, full of dynamic swirls and natural features, alongside the flowing, curving nature of her sculptural pieces are all key to her exhibit and represent this experimental philosophy.

“Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” a free exhibit, will run from October 13 to November 21, 2025, at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Boulevard, during regular library hours. 

YOU Can Become The HERO You Need

By Steve Handwerker

There are many ways to save our planet; our ecosystem(s). One simple way is to save one bee at a time. Bee populations are in sharp decline—threatened by overdevelopment, land clearing, and intense storms that have disrupted their natural cycles, reducing pollination, and general ecosystemic balance. The increased use of pesticides has only worsened the crisis targeting the very insects essential to pollination and biodiversity.

First, we each must be determined to create change. Each of us can support fully established beehives, and even developing ‘baby hives.’ Then to raise our own awareness and the awareness of others, about the importance of bees to our ecosystems as well. It is important to challenge misconceptions and advocate for their protection, especially against the unnecessary fear and killings fueled by the threat of stings. Did you know that there is a definite and significant difference between the bees and hornets, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects?!!! By nurturing

bee populations and educating others, we can each help restore balance to the ecosystem supporting our very lives. We can prove that we each can make a difference, one bee at a time.

Steven E. Handwerker Ph.D. D.div, RM Board Certified Licensed Psychologist 50 years’ experience www.peacewk.org. Books and Blogs 

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. 

Welcome To The Fantastic World Of Feng Shui!!

By Milagros Gutierrez de Herrera P.H.D.

Today we will deal with the topic of energy in our lives. To do this, we will start with the best place to learn and apply about revitalizing energy and nothing more and nothing less than our most familiar space, our territory THE HOME.

The energy levels that our home possesses will influence a lot or little in its affectation and circulation, which according to the ancient science of FENG SHUI, we can classify it as positive energy or “CHI” or negative energy or “SHA.” They will also affect the YIN and YAN, other very important elements for the evaluation of energy. The inclusion of positive elements that we have talked about in previous articles that together with the color properly used harmonize the spaces.

But the question arises as to how to know what type of energy circulates in our homes and even inside them in specific spaces, will it be positive energy or negative energy. We will explain how living beings capture energy as if we had an antenna for it.

Understanding that every living being and, when we refer to living beings, it is the human beings and animals that share our homes, spaces and even the most intimate areas, where we do not socialize, we are all sensitive to energy. To do this, we will do an exercise that you will surely do. He has unintentionally carried out:

You arrive at a place and you like the place and come back every time you have the opportunity either because you enjoy the comfort of the environment, social and emotional climate, among many other things and your visit to it is recurrent, otherwise visit a space spontaneously or by invitation, attend given the social commitment, work or of another nature, but once the appointment is over you decide not to return because your stay generated an “I don’t know what,” which sometimes we do not know how to explain, but that does not motivate you to return. Something similar must have happened to many without further explanation. What has been referred to so far is something “not tangible” from a physical point of view, however, we would dare to conclude that many of us have had these experiences in our lives, more or less frequently.

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 can 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. 

Another example that could complement what has been expressed in the previous paragraph, which in turn has been referred to in previous articles, is when properties are visited for purchase or rent. These visits generate different emotions which are the result of the energy of the place in question. Hence the decisions to choose to buy, rent or desist.

But we have some great allies, pets, which are great allies, especially dogs and cats, which are present in most homes and families, being receivers or collectors of energy, they choose the spaces where they sleep both day and night, as well as reject or accept people without further details. In some cases they give affection to a person without knowing them beforehand, in others there is an inexplicable distance that limits the approach. Just as they can bark for no reason, at least visible to the human eye.

Understanding that this is not an exact rule but that it always helps to reflect on these aspects. Remember that when there are bad weather situations, they are the first to detect these atmospheric changes and in many cases, they become nervous or restless. Just like fireworks and even fights or screams, or stressful situations in homes. They become a kind of thermometer of extraordinary or out-of-context events.

I have a personal experience that I would like to comment on at the entrance of my home. On one occasion I hear some scratches and meowing at the door and I open the door, and I see two cats, an adult cat and a young cat, which I guess was her son. I put food and water out for them and after two days visiting my door, she brought two small kittens, a total of four cats, which led me to buy specialized cat food, given that the number of diners increased. The attendance was daily, twice a day, until one day they did not come anymore. At first, I felt sad because I enjoyed the approach of these felines that did not let me approach them, but little by little I gained their trust. The happiness lasted only a few months.

I bring this personal experience because sometimes we attract those who need our help, which can also happen with a human being. God puts us on the path some situations to look at our hearts.

Until next time.

Milagros

Author Milagros Gutierrez de Herrera, Feng Shui Specialist, is a resident of the Plum. Email: herreramilagros1983@gmail.com. 

Road Warriors In Maine

By William A. Gralnick

We’re just back from Maine. I drove several hundred miles without seeing a single sign for an amusement park with a roller coaster. The reason, me thinks, is that the roads in Maine obviate the need for roller coasters. Here’s the deal.

As most of you know, depending on which way you are going, U.S. 1 either starts or ends in Maine. So too I-95, and it only goes just so far. But for an occasional circumferential around a larger city, Maine is a state made up of narrow, bad roads that leave one with a sigh of relief when you’ve arrived at your destination.

To start with, there’s the width. Almost all the roads we traveled were two-lane roads. They had stripes indicating if you could or should pass—sometimes there’s a big difference between the two. That difference has to do with the speed at which the person coming at you is going. Due to the road’s grading, which we’ll soon discuss, the lanes appear narrow. So narrow, in fact, that when passing an 18-wheeler, it seems you couldn’t fit an envelope between your car and the truck, or at least not if the envelope was too full. And then, of course, there is the feeling that the whoosh from the behemoth is going to blow you right off the road.

County roads in Maine are graded to the shoulder for runoff either from rainstorms or melting snow. Thus, the driver seems to feel a constant tug to the right, making it feel as if one isn’t gripping the steering wheel tightly, then the driver will end up in the passenger’s lap, sending you both out the passenger-side door. I call it the Maine Lean. So, while you are sucking in your breath to make the road a little less narrow and having a death grip on the steering wheel, you have to deal with the roller coaster ride produced by the roads. Maine byways and back roads have two characteristics. If one took a heavy rope and snapped it downwards, one would see a vertical serpentine pattern develop. If you did that sideways, then the pattern

would be horizontal. Put them together, and you have your driving experience. There just aren’t a lot of roads that are both flat and straight. That means one’s sightlines are short, being blocked by a curve to the right or left or a rise, often so steep that one can’t see what’s below until the peak is crested.

The result is that one must pay constant attention to the road, be ready to anticipate the unexpected, and not relax for a second. Driving Maine’s roads is like sitting in the front car of a roller coaster and having a steering wheel to make aiming it even more of a challenge. It isn’t only a car or truck the driver has his eyes peeled for. Much of Maine is dotted with triangular, yellow signs that either have a picture of a moose on them or warn you that you are in an area where there are high numbers of “meese” hit by cars. The average bull moose stands about 7 feet high and weighs between 800 and 1,600 pounds. The females (cows) are smaller, weighing between 800 and 1,300 pounds. You definitely don’t want to hit one. Actually, you don’t want anything to do with them at all, like get out of your car to take a family photo. They are extremely ill-tempered and won’t give a second thought about hoisting you up on what can be a prodigious set of antlers. We’re home a week, and my physical therapist still hasn’t been able to unknot my back.

In other places, some signs warn of deer crossings and fox crossings. Why other animals don’t rate their own signs, I don’t know. George Carlin, the iconic social commentator/comedian, was once asked why he didn’t support a disease-fighting organization. He said because all the good diseases were already taken … ba da boom. Maybe bears, wolves, skunks, porcupines, and raccoons—all found to be plentiful in Maine—aren’t good enough—or Maine has so many animals, warning signs for all would dent the budget. Signs or not, the state is a naturalist’s paradise.

So, I assume, you are assuming, I’m going to tell you to stay away from Maine. Wrong. I didn’t tell you that … Maine has a vast number of lakes, with the most famous, Moosehead Lake, the largest in the state. We stayed on Moosehead, a glacier-made lake, which is 74.5 acres in size, spanning 117 miles. Islands, both big and small,

populate the lake. At night, one can hear the mournful call of the Loon rising from the cool, clear water. Sweeping its span with one’s eyes makes you forget lots of things you don’t want to intrude on what you’re seeing. That’s called being on vacation, isn’t it?

While Maine is full of water, it is also full of trees. Maine is 90% covered by trees. It is one of the most heavily forested states in the union. In this season of forest fires, we saw a big sign that said, “God Made Maine Green. Protect it from burning so it doesn’t look like hell!”

Then there are the people. I wouldn’t call Mainers social, except in the few cities of the state, they tend to live closer to each other than in the rest of the state. Mainers come together at town functions and in churches. Yet they are friendly and helpful. You won’t get into much of a conversation with someone you don’t know, but if you need help, you’ll get it. And yes, they do say, “ay-up” for yes.

Finally, the weather. True, Maine has been hit with climate change and doesn’t nearly have the omnipresent air conditioning one finds in lower New England or the Middle Atlantic States, but when the weather is good, it’s very good. And we got very good. The temperature was in the mid-70’s during the day and the low 60’s at night. And the humidity? ‘seemed like there wasn’t any. For this Floridian, air that is crisp enough that it can go snap, crackle, and pop is one step removed from heaven. But then there’s winter. That’s entirely another story and one you’ll read about hopefully next month.

But if the bottom line question for three seasons to visit Maine, despite the roller coaster roads, the answer is—ay-up!

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. 

Attention Dog Owners

It is your responsibility to pick up after your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have been negligent in doing so.

Please keep our Boca Pointe community beautiful!

WELCOMES

Generously sponsored by the Florida-Israel Institute

HOUDINI - THE OTHER SIDE

University Theatre

Explores the life of legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini, through dynamic choreographic interpretation of his life and inner struggles

MEMENTO

University Theatre

Commemorates the heroic last acts of Jewish Polish Ballerina, Franceska Mann, who courageously resisted Nazi guards in the Auschwitz Extermination camps Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 pm*

*Premium Tickets ($144) includes pre-event reception at 5 pm and primary seating

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 pm

*Premium Tickets (Sat Reception, 10/25, 5 pm): $144; General Tickets: $54; FAU Faculty/Staff: $44; Students: $36

Group Rate: 9 or more $36/person

Please call 5 days in advance of event for disability accommodations

Saturday, Nov. 1, 7 pm

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 pm

Supported by: Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

Boca Raton Public Library Presents The Art Exhibit, “Floral Series,” By Mindy Wecker

October 6, 2025 – November 14, 2025,

Downtown Library

The Boca Raton Public Library presents a new art exhibit, “Floral Series,” by Mindy Wecker. Ms. Wecker is a Brooklyn-born artist, dancer, art collector, and educator. Educated at Brooklyn College, Ms. Wecker received her bachelor’s degree in history, fine art, and dance. Later, she attended Antioch University New England where she received both a master’s degree in education and a certification in Waldorf education.

Ms. Wecker’s most recent work reflects her long history of education and artistry, in addition to her desire to “express her art through movement and color.” In this latest series, Ms. Wecker abstracts a variety of florals, using vibrant acrylics to create warm, inviting still-lifes that, nonetheless, feel alive in their dynamic configurations. These works showcase her philosophy on art, which she notes is “inspired by the natural world,” alongside the bright colors and movement that the natural world often features.

“Floral Series,” a free exhibit, will run from October 6 to November 14, 2025, at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue, during regular library hours. 

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

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The advantage of using gateaccess.net or the app is the ability to:

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• 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. 

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We have had a few recent complaints from residents who have had uncomfortable encounters with dogs off leash around the property. We are reaching out to our residents to remind them of our rules concerning keeping dogs on leashes and cleaning pet litter. As a resident of Boca Pointe you must: Keep your dog on a leash. All dogs must be controlled on a leash by an able-bodied person, at all times, whenever the dog is on property. Also, you must clean up and properly dispose of pet waste when your pet relieves itself. Knowing and abiding by our community’s animal-related ordinances will help make our neighborhood a better place for everyone. Thank you! 

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PJ Our Way™ And From March To Miriam Host Intergenerational Dor L’Door Program At Federation Campus

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, more than 130 community members came together at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Zinman Hall for “Dor L’Door,” an inspiring art and mitzvah experience presented by PJ Our Way™ and From March to Miriam.

The program brought Holocaust survivors, PJ Our Way™ tweens ages 10–13, and participants from From March to Miriam together in an afternoon of learning, connection, and creativity. Together, participants explored the meaning of the mezuzah and its role in Jewish life. Each student created two mezuzot, one to take home and another to donate to local families in need, turning a personal art project into a powerful act of giving.

In addition to the mitzvah project, the program fostered meaningful intergenerational bonds. Survivors shared stories and wisdom with the students, who in turn offered their time, creativity, and compassion. This exchange embodied the essence of L’dor V’dor —from generation to generation.

“Seeing Holocaust survivors and our youngest community members sitting side by side, creating together, was profoundly moving,” said Stephanie Nichol, March of Living Director. “This program not only taught the significance of the mezuzah but also modeled how Jewish values of memory, resilience, and kindness are passed on.”

Elana Ostroff, Director of PJ Library® South Palm Beach County, added, “Watching our PJ Our Way tweens listen to survivors’ testimonies and then transform their own creativity into acts of giving was a reminder that our community is strongest when generations come together.”

The event also supported the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, with participants bringing non-perishable food donations to help local families facing food insecurity. This program was co-sponsored by MyZuzah, whose support helped make the afternoon possible.

For more information about PJ Our Way, contact PJ Library at pjlibrary@jewishboca.org or 561-852-6080. To learn more about From March to Miriam, email fmtm@ jewishboca.org or call 561-852-6035.

Deepest thanks to Boca Pointe Federation Campaign Chairs and Committee Members for their continued dedication and leadership.

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. 

If you or a neighbor are in need of help , please contact Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services at 561-852-3333. In addition, our main Federation telephone number, 561-852-3100 , is monitored regularly for voicemail messages.

Learn more about our Federation and how you can help at www.jewishboca.org – or contact Shirley Gross at shirleyg@ bocafed.org or 561.852.3182 (leave a voicemail). 

Aiden Romanoff, Eli Romanoff, Rosette Goldstein (Holocaust Survivor), Savannah Ferraro, Chelsea Bresnick, Grayson Ferraro, Harper Gordon, Madelyn Ferraro, Savannah Gustman, Wren Fults, Piper Fults

Jennifer Clement and Ellie Clement

Lauren Fischer, Isaac Fischer and Alex Metzger, Holocaust Survivor

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

You?

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**

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT

The Studio At Mizner Park

Announces Dynamic 2025–26 Season Lineup

Comedy, Broadway, Music & More Bring Star Power to Downtown Boca

The Studio at Mizner Park , 201 Plaza Real in Downtown Boca, is raising the curtain on its highly anticipated 2025–26 season , featuring an eclectic mix of comedy, Broadway-caliber performances, live music, and master classes designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

Building on its reputation as one of South Florida’s most intimate and versatile performance spaces, The Studio will welcome an extraordinary lineup of nationally acclaimed talent from October 2025 through April 2026.

“Each season, we strive to surprise and delight,” said David Eck, Programming Manager for The Studio at Mizner Park. “This year’s lineup brings powerhouse voices, world-class musicians, and some of the funniest names in comedy to Downtown Boca. Whether you’re looking for an evening of Broadway brilliance, sidesplitting laughter, or soulful live music, you’ll find it here.”

2025–26 Season Highlights

• Comedy Legends & Rising Stars: From viral sensation Andy Huggins (America’s Got Talent) to Latina powerhouse Monique Marvez, psychic comic Karen Rontowski, Boston Comedy Festival honoree Brian Kiley, and legendary storyteller Yakov Smirnoff, audiences can expect laugh-out-loud nights from start to finish.

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 

My name is Leah Goldberg, a full time resident of Villa Sonrisa for the last six years. I have been working with dogs of all sizes for over 15 years. Services I provide include daily walking, administering medications, veterinary and grooming runs, or just plain spending some time with dogs that are home alone during the day. I am bonded and insured through Pet Sitters International. I would love the opportunity to take care of your pet. P.S. I will also take care of cats for anyone who needs that service. I can be reached 7 days a week at 561-849-8191.

• Broadway & Cabaret Greats: Tony nominees and Broadway icons including Sam Harris, Hugh Panaro, and Liz Callaway bring unforgettable vocals and inspiring master classes to The Studio’s intimate stage.

• Live Music That Moves You: Highenergy performances by The Pixels (Retro ’80s Experience), Lemon City Trio , Clint Holmes , The Bronx Wanderers , and Kol Esperanza will keep audiences dancing in their seats.

• Special Engagements & Firsts: From the debut Jazz Brunch with JK Productions to a Valentine’s evening with pop icon Brian Hyland , the season offers something new at every turn—plus crowd favorites like Matt Stone as Elvis Presley and the return of The Symphonia

2025–26 Season Calendar at The Studio at Mizner Park

October 2025

• Oct. 18 – Andy Huggins (Comedy)

• Oct. 18 – Andy Huggins Masterclass

November 2025

• Nov. 7 – Sam Harris (Broadway Cabaret Master Class Series)

• Nov. 8 – Sam Harris Masterclass

• Nov. 21 – The Pixels – Retro ’80s Experience (Live Music)

• Nov. 29 – Monique Marvez featuring Jose Sarduy (Comedy)

December 2025

• Dec. 6 – Late Night Catechism (Live Theater, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.)

• Dec. 15 – Lemon City Trio (Live Music)

• Dec. 31 – Karen Rontowski: The Original Psychic Standup (Comedy, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)

January 2026

• Jan. 10 – Joe Matarese – It’s In The Wooder Tour (Comedy)

• Jan. 23–25 – The Symphonia (Live Music: Jan. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 25 at 3 p.m.)

• Jan. 30 – Peter Lemongello Jr. – Rock and Roll Like Never Before (Live Music)

February 2026

• Feb. 6 – RF Factor (Live Music)

• Feb. 7 – Girls Night: The Musical (Live Theater, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.)

• Feb. 13 – Brian Kiley (Stand-Up Comedy)

• Feb. 14 – Brian Hyland – Sealed With a Kiss (Live Music)

• Feb. 15 – Jazz Brunch with JK Productions (Live Music)

• Feb. 21 – Clint Holmes – Let’s Go! Up On The Roof (Live Music)

• Feb. 28 – Matt Stone as Elvis – Elvis: In Person (Live Music)

March 2026

• Mar. 6 – Ariel Elias – A Jewish Star (Comedy)

• Mar. 7 – Kol Esperanza – An Intimate Evening from Israel (Live Music)

• Mar. 13 – Hugh Panaro Masterclass (Broadway Cabaret Master Class Series)

• Mar. 14 – Hugh Panaro Show (Broadway Cabaret Master Class Series)

• Mar. 20 – The Bronx Wanderers (Live Music)

• Mar. 21 – The Bronx Wanderers (2 Shows – 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)

• Mar. 29 – Yakov Smirnoff – Laugh Your Yak-Off (Comedy, 6:30 p.m.)

April 2026

• Apr. 11–12 – The Symphonia (Live Music)

• Apr. 24 – Liz Callaway Masterclass (Broadway Cabaret Master Class Series)

• Apr. 25 – Liz Callaway (Live Music, 7:30 p.m.)

About The Studio At Mizner Park

The Studio at Mizner Park is Downtown Boca Raton’s premier destination for live entertainment, boasting a 3,750-square-foot flexible theater with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, a fully equipped catering kitchen, VIP Green Room, and two luxurious dressing rooms. The second-level Gallery features a full bar and terrace with stunning views of Mizner Park. Managed by the nonprofit Cultural Arts Association, The Studio brings world-class entertainment to South Florida while fostering community, culture, and connection.

For tickets and more information, visit www. TheStudioAtMiznerPark.com. 

Andy Huggins

Sam Harris

Liz Callaway

ARLYNE

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®.

OPENING IN LATE 2027 in Boynton Beach, The Winsberg at Green Cay will be more than a new address – it will be an entirely

This luxurious Life Plan Community is being built from the ground up for individuals who expect more: more connection, comfort, and peace of mind. Every amenity, program, and gathering space is being tailored to those seeking boutique service and elevated everyday living This is where belonging begins.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE YOUR FUTURE

Take control of what comes next. By joining the Founders Club, you’ll secure priority residence selection and exclusive benefits – including savings averaging $120,000.

October Fun At The Club

The excitement continues this October with festive events the whole family will love! After celebrating the Jewish New Year, Members can look forward to these can’t-miss happenings:

• Boo House and Trunk or Treat (Open to the Boca Pointe Community)

Saturday, October 18, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Get ready for spooky fun! Your ticket includes trunk-or-treating, the Boo House experience, and a photo opportunity. Tickets are just $15

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 & 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

Clowns On Call

By Harriet Rubin, aka Florabelle the Clown

Happy Halloween! The Community is invited to attend The Trunk Treat & Boo House at the Sports Club on Oct. 18th. This is an annual Fun Event and our clown troupe has been there every year. The kids and parents all had a great time showing off their fabulous costumes and it was so exciting to see parents dressed in all sorts of outfits! Halloween is no longer just for the kids to enjoy, so come out and have some fun with us!’

I’m hoping to do a “Red Nose Reader” event at the YMCA for their pre-school classes in October. Since there are always new 3–4-year-olds attending in the fall, we introduce them to clowns in a great way. What can we do to demonstrate that our clowns are not scary, especially since this year is anticipated to be the scariest Halloween ever. I read that more horror movies will be out this fall than ever before, and of course that means more publicity and advertising for terrifying events. Personally, I have never liked horror movies. In fact to this day I can’t watch “The Birds”! My biggest concern is for kids under 5 who are so easily frightened by strange faces and body images. Make-up is so readily available now and has grown more gruesome every year. I remember about 50 years ago I was part of an amateur theater group in Paramus, N.J. and we performed at the high school with musical show tunes. Well that year I volunteered to be the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz. My goal was to look ugly and I had a green nose made by a crafts person, which to me was very unattractive. Along with green face coloring and dots that looked like warts, I thought I was very scary. Comparing that face to present day scary faces it was really nothing. However, I would never appear in anything even like that today. We prefer to not use a lot of black or other dark colors in either our faces or our costumes. Traditional clown

per child—bring cash! Email Mallory at mbarash@ heritagegolfgroup.com to register.

• Ghostbusters Halloween Party

Thursday, October 23, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

The much-anticipated annual Halloween party is always memorable, with a costume contest, decadent food display, and music by the Euphoria Band.

• Scream on the Green

Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.

A Member favorite, golf carts emulate a drive-in movie theater held on the Golf Range with our featured movie, Ghostbusters.

• Health Fair (Open to the Boca Pointe Community)

Friday, October 31, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join us for a complimentary event featuring the latest in health and wellness. The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary boxed lunch!

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?

ü Conveniently located in your neighborhood ü Year-round lifestyle and recreational access ü New Padel courts debuting Fall 2025 ü Enjoy the Club with friends and family

We’re just around the corner—let us show you what ClubLife is all about.

Holiday Cheer is Just Around the Corner!

The holiday spirit is already in the air at The Club at Boca Pointe! This season brings a wonderful lineup of celebrations, from our beloved Thanksgiving Buffet and festive Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony and Dinner, to the enchanting Christmas Eve Buffet and our dazzling Midnight on the Red-Carpet New Year’s Eve Celebration. With so many exciting traditions and special events, there is no better place to celebrate the season than right here at The Club.

*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 & Regulations. Restrictions may apply.

Contact: Alexis Robertson, Membership Director 561 864-8537 arobertson@heritagegolfgroup.com

Follow this link to learn more. 

makeup is white, red with blue or black to outline parts of the eyes. You rarely see a female or male clown with heavy black eyebrows. Generally the eyebrows are covered with white grease paint and lines are drawn on the forehead to create eyebrows so when you raise your real eyebrows up the face becomes very animated. It’s all part of the fun in designing your own special facial features for becoming a clown!

Returning to the preschoolers – On our first visit to a class with new children, we enter with no make-up and almost normal clothing. We have a special Red Nose Reader shirt which we always wear and some kind of pants that are

colorful, but not really clowny. We introduce ourselves using our real first names and ask if anyone has ever seen a clown. We get a big show of hands and at least one child will call out “clowns are scary.” This gives us the opportunity to tell them that anyone can be a clown. We have a special “chant” that we repeat frequently during the session that goes like this. “Who can be a clown?” “Mommies and Daddies, Grandmas and Grandpas, Kids, Friends, and Teachers!” By the end of the 40-minute session, the kids are joining us in reciting

2024 Oct. YMCA

PBCFR Yellow Dot Program

Have you ever wondered, what would happen if you got into a car crash and you were unconscious? Have you thought to yourself…how would anyone know what my medical history is; or how would they know about the medications I am taking; or the medicines I’m allergic to; or better yet, how would they know what hospital that I want to go to…? Who would call my family and let them know I’ve been hurt? How would they even know how to get in touch with my family?

The good news is that you don’t have to wonder or worry about that anymore. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue supports a new Program called the Yellow Dot. The Yellow Dot gets important information into the hands of emergency responders quickly and it can save your life!

If you are involved in a car accident and can’t communicate, first responders can look in your glove compartment box for the “Yellow Dot” pamphlet where you have written essential medical information about yourself.

This information can help rescue crews decide the best approach to your emergency treatment. This is especially important after a car accident where you may be unconscious, in shock, or simply unable to communicate clearly.

When you can’t talk to Emergency Responders to provide them with vital medical information, the Yellow Dot is your tool to provide personalized information on your behalf!

This is how it works…just follow three steps.

1- Fill out the form on the Yellow Dot pamphlet.

2- Put the Yellow Dot pamphlet form in your glove compartment box.

3- Place the sticker on the back/ rear windshield in the lower left hand corner so emergency responders can see it quickly and easily when approaching from behind.

*Important Tips*

* Keep the Yellow Dot pamphlet updated as information changes.

** How many do you need??? (i.e. One Yellow Dot sticker per vehicle & One Yellow Dot pamphlet for each person.)

You can stop in to any Palm Beach County Fire Station to pick up Yellow Dot pamphlets and stickers for your household. For quantities more than that, please call our Community Education Office at 561-616-7033.

If your club or organization would like a presentation about the Yellow Dot, to learn more about additional resources available, and to have an opportunity to ask questions, please call 561-616-7051. Yellow Dot Sticker/Pamphlet sets will be brought to the presentation for audience attendees. Quantities can be discussed when presentations are booked.

Making Your Safety My Priority, Elyse Weintraub Brown, Community Education Specialist, South County, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue 561-616-7051 ewbrown@pbcgov.org 

Clowns On Call from page 21

this simple but meaningful slogan, and they understand it – because we show them how we become a clown, right there in full view. As we put on our faces we demonstrate how our look changes, especially when we put on our red noses. Then we pull out of our special red nose carryon bag which is filled with costume items we have brought. I usually have a colored vest, a tie or flower for my neck, a funny hat, (no wig), clown fingertip-less gloves, and I always bring my big clown shoes which the kids love. Then we introduce ourselves with our clown names, and the kids have seen for themselves how “anybody can be a clown.” The looks on their faces as we change into clowns is always priceless, and all we see is happiness and joy. After that we read a story, do some magic, sing some songs, and make balloon hats for all the kids and teachers. It’s a wonderful 40 minutes of great personal fulfillment!

I hope this description of how easy it is to become a clown will intrigue some of you enough to contact me and learn about joining us in our fabulous endeavor to bring more joy into the world.

That’s it for this month. Hope to see you on Oct. 18th! 

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. 

2024 Trunk or Treat event

Boca Pointe’s Lifesaving Legacy: MDA Ambulance Update & Exciting News

By Yishai Mizrahi and Leslie Viselman

Dear Friends,

This month, we’re proud to share an inspiring update on one of the Magen David Adom ambulances sponsored by the generous Boca Pointe community in 2017, under the incredible leadership of the late Burt Goodman (z”l)

That year, Boca Pointe came together for a communitywide Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) fundraising campaign. The vehicle was dedicated and sent to Israel shortly thereafter, where it began its lifesaving work.

Impact in Israel

Since entering service in August 2018, this MICU has been stationed in Elkana, in MDA’s Yarkon Region of Central Israel. Over the past six years, it has been dispatched to nearly 18,000 emergencies, helping keep Israelis safe and healthy through every kind of crisis.

A New Chapter: Conversion to MMCS

As Leslie and I shared earlier this year, this vehicle recently reached the end of its frontline service life. Rather than retiring it, Magen David Adom has identified it as a candidate for conversion into a Mobile Mass Casualty Station (MMCS) — extending its lifesaving impact for years to come. Well, good news, that conversion just took place!

What Is an MMCS?

An MMCS represents a major leap forward in MDA’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies. Each vehicle is equipped to treat up to 50 casualties at once, including 10 critically injured patients.

The upgraded Boca Pointe vehicle will feature:

• Advanced lighting, towing equipment, and generators

• Collapsible shelters for field operations

• Ambulance kits, stretchers, oxygen tanks, and protective gear

• Specialized cabinetry for organized storage of supplies

This innovative conversion allows MDA to respond faster and more effectively when disaster strikes, giving new purpose to a vehicle that has already saved thousands of lives. Please see the photos of this conversion, with the Boca Pointe’s inscription still proudly displayed.

Boca Pointe’s

Junior League Of Boca Raton Announces 40 Nominees

For 38th Annual Woman Volunteer Of The Year

Genevieve Brown Metzger, Jennifer Sullivan and Zoe Lanham of St. Andrews and Fernanda Marcedo of Broken Sound Club are four of the 40 outstanding women volunteers who have been announced by the Junior League of Boca Raton as having been nominated by non-profits around Palm Beach and Northern Broward counties for the prestigious award of its Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year.

The 38th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 21st at The Boca Raton, 501 East Camino Real, at 10 a.m. Carrie Rubin has been named honorary chair and Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo will serve as event co-chairs, as announced by Junior League of Boca Raton president Victoria Matthews.

Tickets for the Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon are available now. Visit wvoy25.givesmart.com or call (561) 6202553. Sponsorships are available. Platinum tables are $4,000, Gold Tables are $3,000, Silver Tables are $2,000 and Silver General Seating is $200 per ticket.

The full list of nominees and their affiliate organizations are:

AACY – American Association of Caregiving Youth: Judith Anne Wong

Achievement Centers for Children & Families: Noreen Payne

Alzheimer’s Association: Judy Simon

American Caribbean Maritime Foundation: Geneive Brown Metzger

Best Foot Forward: Marjorie Margolies

Boca Ballet Theatre: Arlene Herson

Boca Helping Hands: Tandy Robinson

Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum: LeAnn Berman

Boca School for Autism: Cathy Datwani

Boca West Children’s Foundation: Karen Ruben Brain Bowl Events, Inc.: Mary Stern

Community Servant Leaders: Lisa Talley

Dress for Success Palm Beaches: Catherine Kasten

Eda and Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation: Stephanie Newell

Find Your Voice Foundation: Christine Barclay

George Snow Scholarship Fund: Zoe Lanham

HabCenter Boca Raton: Ana Sasmiresan

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County: Clara Bennett

Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI): Martha Pinzon

HomeSafe: Abby Bernstein-Henderson

Impact 100 PBC: Helen Ballerano

inSIGHT Through Education: Kelly Warsaw

Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County: Regine Bataille

Make Our Schools Safe: Jodi Lippman

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Association, Inc.: Peg Anderson

National Society of Arts & Letters of Florida: Kirsten

Stephenson

Nonprofits First: Jennifer Sullivan

Old School Square Center for the Arts: Patty Jones

Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach: Keely Gideon Taylor

Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus: Jeannine Morris

Roots and Wings Inc.: Marcia Mithun

Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise: Susan Weinblatt

Scholar Career Coaching: Lisa Rabinsky

Spirit of Giving: Dawn Zook

Sweet Dream Makers: Michelle Hagerty

The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida: Rebecca Heatherman

The Junior League of Boca Raton: Samantha Vassallo

Women’s Executive Club: Mary Owens

YMCA of South Palm Beach County: Fernanda Macedo

YWCA of Palm Beach County: Daniela Levenson

“We are so pleased to honor these 40 outstanding women,” said Victoria Matthews, president of the Junior League of Boca Raton and member of St. Andrews country club. “Their volunteer work makes a tremendous difference in our community.”

The Presenting Sponsor of the Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon is the Junior League of Boca Raton’s 1971 Society. The Award Presentation Sponsor is The Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. The Boca Raton is the Fashion Sponsor. The Media Sponsor is Boca Magazine.

About the Junior League of Boca Raton. Throughout the year, JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s mission

of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. The Junior League currently focuses on two community issues, Child Welfare and Non-Profit Support. To learn more contact the League office at (561) 620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org. Connect on Facebook or Instagram. 

Boca Pointe’s Lifesaving Legacy from page 24

Join Us for a Special Evening

We invite you to celebrate with us on Tuesday, December 9, for a special program featuring Jonathan Conricus , former IDF Spokesperson. Jonathan will share updates on the situation in Israel and his special connection to Magen David Adom. Please save the date — invitations will follow later this year!

Guest Speakers

Jonathan Conricus Former IDF Spokesperson and Senior Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies

For more information or to get involved, contact: 561.288.5658

BocaEvents@afmda.org

Your dedication means the world to us. Thank you for continuing to keep Israelis safe.

Am Yisrael Chai, Leslie Viselman and Yishai Mizrahi, Co-Area Directors, AFMDA Boca-Delray 

Pointe Market Snapshot

The Power Of Admitting A Mistake

By Ilene Brookler

Human beings have an odd relationship with truth. We like to think we value honesty, justice, and integrity. We teach our children to “do the right thing.” Yet when the truth is that we acted wrongly— especially if our mistake hurt someone we love—the instinct is almost always to cover it up, minimize it, or pretend it did not happen. Admitting we made a mistake exposes us, humbles us, and forces us to face the harm we have caused.

And yet, paradoxically, that act of admission is exactly what allows relationships to heal and even grow stronger!

Over the recent High Holidays, my husband came across an article on forgiveness. The message was simple: if you want to seek forgiveness, acknowledge your mistake truthfully. No spin. No excuses. No “if I hurt you.” Just a plain, courageous statement of truth.

On paper, it does not sound so difficult. But in practice? Most of us would rather hide behind silence or hope time will erase what we have done. Sometimes, when the mistake feels especially heavy, we even turn our frustration outward and get angry at the people we have wronged—for not letting us off the hook quickly enough.

But here is the problem: when we bury the truth instead of facing it, the mistake does not stay buried. It festers. It leaks into other parts of our lives. It repeats itself. And in time, it causes collateral damage to more relationships, often with people we never intended to hurt.

This year, during Rosh Hashanah, my family had the chance to test this lesson firsthand. My husband’s son from his first marriage, Akiva, came to spend the holiday with us. That might not sound remarkable at first glance—but my children and I had not seen him in more than eight years. The last time we did was under painful circumstances, when we were excluded from his bar mitzvah and other events that fractured what had once been a very close relationship. There was plenty of hurt to go around—some of it orchestrated by others, some worsened by my husband’s own inability at the time to respond well. Years of silence followed.

So, when the idea arose to spend the holiday together, we all felt the weight of our anxieties. Could we bridge the gap? Could we forgive? Could we face the truth of what had happened?

To our surprise, we could. And it began with something very simple—naming mistakes out loud. I encouraged my husband to tell Akiva plainly: “I made a mistake. I did not listen to you when we moved abroad. I put you in the middle of your parents, and that was wrong. I will not do that again.” That acknowledgment, without qualification, opened a door.

Akiva, in turn, admitted his own regrets. He told my children that he had made the mistake of ignoring them when his relationship with their father soured. He realized that by cutting ties with them, he was the one who lost out the most. Eight years of birthdays, milestones, and sibling moments were gone, never to be recovered. But he wanted to go forward differently. He wanted to know them now, as young adults, and to be part of our lives in whatever blended way made sense.

The truth was spoken on both sides. And with that, the ground shifted. What had once felt impossible— reconciliation—suddenly felt natural.

We often imagine that admitting mistakes will make us weak, or leave us vulnerable. But in reality, it does the opposite. It builds strength, because it lays a foundation of trust. Once the words are spoken—“I made a mistake, and I will not repeat it”—the burden lifts, and everyone can step forward without the weight of denial.

The lesson here is not limited to family relationships. It is a human lesson, one that applies in marriages, friendships, workplaces, and yes—even in neighborhoods and communities like ours. Mistakes happen. Misunderstandings happen. Sometimes we say something careless in a meeting, or handle a situation in a way we later regret. The question is not whether we will stumble, but whether we will admit it when we do.

If we can learn to embrace the truth—even when it stings—we can break cycles of hurt and replace them

with cycles of repair. As neighbors, as families, as human beings, we owe it to one another to choose that harder path. Because the reward is real: stronger bonds, deeper trust, and the possibility of starting anew.

This year, my family was reminded that admitting a mistake is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a better one.

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. 

What To Do When Your Spouse Or Partner Dies

By Martin Zevin, Attorney

Losing your spouse, partner or significant other is a very traumatic event. It is most important for your physical and emotional health to give yourself time for the grieving process.

Once you feel mentally and emotionally able to do so, you should schedule an appointment with an attorney to review all legal documents.

You should bring your Will and/or Revocable Living Trust, Deed to your home and any other real estate, certified copy of the death certificate and, if married, date of your marriage. If you have advanced care directives such as a Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Designation of Health Care Surrogate, you should bring those as well.

If your spouse or partner owned something in their name alone with no designated beneficiary, probate may be necessary. Bring details of such assets to the appointment.

If everything you owned was in both names, it is not necessary to probate the Will. However, regarding your home, and any other real estate, it is important to “Clear the Title.” The lawyer will prepare and have you sign a “Continuous Marriage Affidavit,” which is why you need the date of your marriage. The Affidavit will state that you were married on a certain date and remained continuously married without divorce until the date of death. It will provide the legal description of your home and other real estate and indicate your intention to clear title. This document will be recorded, along with an Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due and the Death Certificate without the cause of death. Recording these documents will clear title and allow you the option to do a new Deed to avoid probate when you die. If you were not married but owned your home (or any other property) jointly, it is still important to clear title. Of course, a Continuous Marriage Affidavit will not be necessary.

If you do not have a Revocable Living Trust, this appointment will be a good opportunity to discuss the creation of a Trust and preparation of a Deed in order to avoid probate on your home and other real estate. You can also discuss the option of a Life Estate Deed to avoid probate.

If you do have a Trust, this may be an appropriate time to consider doing an Amendment to the Trust based on new circumstances. Your home and other real estate (in Florida and out-of-state) should be owned by you as Trustee of the Trust. You may wish to name one of your children as Co-Trustee to make it easier to manage the assets in your Trust if you become incapacitated. You may also wish to make changes in your Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Designation of Health Care Surrogate or create those documents if you do not have them.

In most cases, there is no urgency to contact an attorney. It is much better to have peace of mind and clarity. Some lawyers, including myself, will offer a free consultation. This consultation should include your options and give you the opportunity to sleep on it before finalizing any new legal documents.

In addition, when you are ready, there are actions you should take for which you do not need an attorney. This includes rolling over your spouse’s IRA to yours, claiming life insurance benefits and naming beneficiaries on any joint accounts. If you have individual accounts or life insurance and your spouse is beneficiary, be sure to change it. However, your lawyer can advise you on these matters. If you are going through the loss of a loved one, my prayers are with you.

Please feel free to call me for a free personal or phone consultation regarding any issues pertaining to Wills, Trusts, 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 website is www.martinzevinpa.com and my e-mail address is martinzevin@netzero.com.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

I recently had the honor of accepting a Certificate of Merit from the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, as Palm Beach County was recognized for achieving a perfect audit for last year’s fiscal year. This honor would not be possible without the diligence and hard work of our Finance and Budget team, led by my Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson (pictured here). Carmen and her team continue to provide exceptional financial support for my office and the residents of Palm Beach County as they single-handedly manage the collection and disbursement of more than 5 billion dollars plus the dayto-day operational expenses that keep our office running.

A huge thank you to Carmen and her outstanding team: Alahia Staniszewski, Lisa Materdomini, Terri-Ann Fabinger, Danie Bouvier, Victoria Wilson, Andres Martin, Karen Wagner, Ann Rothermel, Tina Davis, Angela Goyco and Adriana Garcia.

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

Charity Partner – Living Hungry

Imagine if you were a child going to school – classes, backpacks, homework, uniforms, – all while enduring the experience of homelessness. For more than 4,500 students

in Palm Beach County schools, this is their reality. School attendance suffers, academics suffer and health suffers. Helping students overcome these obstacles is where the Delray based charity, Living Hungry, steps in, providing children with what they need to succeed. From hygiene kits to food packs, these important items make sure students experiencing homelessness can thrive.

Our employees are honored to support Living Hungry as a Community Involvement Partner since 2019. Our employees raise funds by participating in our Dress Down for Charity Program and we also conduct fundraising activities throughout the year. “A little light, a bit of joy, and knowing someone out there cares about you – through colorful socks, brand new shower essentials, a card game kit, a note of encouragement – all these gifts shift how you feel about life, yourself and others,” says Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante. “That is the difference the Palm Beach County Tax Collector employees make.” To learn more about Living Hungry, visit www.livinghungry.org.

And Three Makes 13!

We are pleased to announce the addition of three new MV Express kiosks! Located at Promenade Shopping Plaza (9900 Alternate A1A, Palm Beach Gardens), Woods Walk Plaza (9855 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth) and Sunshine Square (501 SE 18th Ave., Boynton Beach), these self-service kiosks offer a quick and convenient way to renew your vehicle registration.

The kiosks, found inside select Publix supermarkets, are designed to save you time. They allow you to print a new vehicle registration and decal on the spot! It is easy to use the kiosk, all you need is your renewal notice PIN or your license plate number and the date of birth of the vehicle owner. Payment can be made with a credit or debit card*, and ta-da, you just renewed your vehicle registration and got your new decal!

This expansion is part of our ongoing effort to provide convenient access to motor vehicle registration renewal services. For more information about the MV Express Kiosks, such as locations, visit www.pbctax.gov/kiosks/.

*Convenience fee applies

New DL/ID Numbers And Your Voter Registration Record

On July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing new driver’s license (DL) and ID numbers to anyone getting a new driver’s license or Florida ID as well as replacement and renewed driver’s licenses/IDs. So, if you renewed or replaced your DL or ID since then, you may need to update your voter record. FLHSMV is not replacing all driver’s licenses/ID numbers, it is updated only when your license is due for renewal or if it needs to be replaced.

If you are a registered voter in Palm Beach County, it is important that your voter record is updated with your new driver’s license/ID number so that it can be used to verify a vote-by-mail ballot request or a petition signature. Voting in-person is not affected by this change.

Here is what you need to do if you are registered to vote:

• If you replaced or renewed your Florida driver’s license or ID since July 31, 2024, and did not request to update your voter registration at that time, you need to visit www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to update your new driver’s license/ID number to sync it up with the elections office.

• If you plan to replace or renew your Florida driver’s license or ID in the future, you must choose to update your voter registration at the time of your in-person transaction at the tax collector’s office. Our staff has been advised to remind individuals to do so at the time of their transaction. 

Book Review

Starting Small And Making It Big: A Lifetime Of Lessons In Entrepreneurship

And Philanthropy

By Nils A. Shapiro

Of the more than 200 books I have reviewed in this column over the past 19-plus years, this is the first that I can recall wanting to bring to your attention a second time. There are several reasons for this.

The first, of course, is that I am confident you will find it exceptionally interesting. Secondly, if anyone you know or really care about is starting out in a career or planning to open a business, these pages are filled with so many invaluable tips for success that you will want to pass a copy along. Among the quoted excerpts on the back of this paperback, from such sources as Ralph Nader, Richard C. Ockerbloom (the retired president of the Boston Globe ) and Adele Fleet Bacow (First Lady of Harvard University) are: “No business majors should conclude their studies without reading this memorable book. Nor should any humanitarian, committed to charity and structural justice … There are so many lessons in this book. I thank Bill for taking the time to document and summarize the many life and business lessons he has to share.”

Perhaps most importantly, at a time when our nation is divided on so many issues—including those between the “haves” and the “have-nots”—this feel-good, inspiring, completely non-political autobiography will remind you of what has always made America so wonderful a land of opportunity.

When I first reviewed this book, I had never heard of the author, Bill Cummings, a native of Massachusetts who, with his wife Joyce, spends a part of each winter at their Palm Beach County home. A mutual friend gave me a copy with no review commitment on my part. I began to skim through the first few pages and immediately enjoyed the writer’s warm and inviting style. By the time I had turned the last page I admired and respected the man enormously, and through his remarkable story felt better about the state of our nation: about the opportunities, entrepreneurship and charity that have always, to me, made America the greatest nation on Earth. My rave review reflected my feelings about the book, which has since gone through many printings as evidence of its wide appeal.

Cummings was born during the Great Depression. He grew up in Medford, Mass., in a modest but loving family, in a one-bedroom apartment above a liquor store, a coin laundry and a taxi stand. His sister, Marion, and he slept in the bedroom, his parents in the living room. Bill’s father,

Frank, was an honest, hardworking house painter who instilled in his son the lessons of thrift and value that would guide Bill’s lifelong business success.

When young Bill received his weekly 25-cent allowance he deposited every penny in the bank. At the age of 7, when a construction crew showed up for street repairs in his neighborhood he loaded up his wagon every day with soda pop and orangeade from a grocery store at a nickel a bottle and sold it to the crew at a dime each, then deposited all of those profits in the bank, as well.

At Tufts University in Boston, he helped pay his way through school by renting a patch of outdoor space and selling Christmas trees.

In early 201l, Bill Cummings and his wife, Joyce—whom he married in 1966, and who has been his true life partner in every possible way—were invited by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet to join their newly formed Giving Pledge, a small and exclusive group of billionaires who pledge to donate at least half their wealth to philanthropic causes.

out to enjoy their own successful careers—one a pediatrician and none of them taking the easy path of joining the company business— the Cummingses had sold their now “empty nester” large house in favor of a smaller one.

Upon graduating from college, Bill’s first steps took him along the more traditional path of working as a salesman for two major companies. When the opportunity arose for a promotion he knew he deserved, even though it was finally offered to him Bill felt under-appreciated and made the life-changing decision that it was time for him to start a company of his own.

So typical of Bill and Joyce is the fact that when the Boston Globe announced their invitation to the Giving Pledge the news came as a shock to Bill and Joyce’s group of close friends with whom they met regularly to play Bridge card games, none of whom had the slightest idea that the Cummings couple were particularly wealthy. Indeed, when Bill’s and Joyce’s three grown children moved

From that moment on it has been a business story no movie studio would ever accept as a script: “too good to be true; nobody would believe it.” But it is true. And it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving man. It all began in 1966 when he learned that the owner of a local company that made and distributed a fruit juice drink from a special recipe was looking to sell; he was asking $40,000. Bill offered $4,000, stuck to his price and signed the contract. The business grew dramatically when Bill came up with creative ways to increase distribution. Still in his twenties he needed a small bank loan and the bank insisted that his mother co-sign. It was the last time Bill would ever need a bank loan on his way to becoming a billionaire. When he sold the juice firm four years later—

Book Review on page 29

including the small office building it came with, which made it his first real estate deal—he received one million dollars from his $4,000 investment!

Half the pages in this 260-page paperback, which contains many wonderful photos, are devoted to the business side of Bill’s career: the sure, steady growth of Cummings Properties into a major developer of more than 100 high-rise projects focused around the suburbs of Boston with millions of square feet of office, research, retail, hospital and medical, restaurant, health club, school, courtroom space—you name it, including in some cases condominiums that serve the concept of a convenient “live here and work here” environment.

At a time in our nation when income inequality, wage stagnation and corporate-employee relations are major issues—none of which are discussed in this non-political book—Cummings Properties offers an example of what enlightened management can achieve. Bill promotes from within, naming managers and even his own successor from among those who have served his company loyally and well.

Every Thanksgiving since 2012 each of the more than 400 full-time colleagues at Cummings Properties and New Horizons (the not-for-profit, non-sectarian assisted living facilities built by the company as a way to help senior citizens), in addition to receiving a fresh or frozen turkey, also receives $1,000 from the company to donate to a local charity of his or her choice. (That’s more than $400,000 a year.) Recipients have included schools, libraries, parentteacher organizations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, animal shelters, and more.

The other half of the book is devoted to the charities which have touched the hearts of Bill and Joyce Cummings, and to which they now devote most of their lives. The philanthropic Cummings Foundation they formed has to date issued grants totaling more than $600 million to young and deserving charitable causes, many of which have not yet drawn the attention of the giant philanthropic agencies … and Bill Cummings has even placed his real estate company and its profits into the foundation to ensure its ongoing philanthropy.

Over and above all of these are Bill and Joyce’s own personal donations. Here are just several of many examples of what that means.

When Massachusetts decreased funding for his alma mater, Tufts University’s, renowned College of Veterinary Medicine, Bill personally purchased the veterinary college for $50 million and contracted with Tufts to permanently operate the school, thereby never again having to worry about funding. It is now officially named the Cummings College of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

In 2009, after Bill and Joyce were emotionally affected by a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Bill set up an interfaith Cummings/Hillel Program for Holocaust and Genocide Education and established long-term programs in this subject at two Boston colleges, each with a $1 million commitment.

In 1994, when Bill and Joyce visited Rwanda 10 years after a genocide had swept across that African nation and resulted in the slaughter of more than 800,000 men, women and children, he committed a $15 million matching grant to establish The University of Global Health Equity, a unique three-part health sciences institution consisting of a treatment hospital, a research laboratory and a medical college, all drawing upon the best minds from Africa. (When that remarkable institution opened, I received an email from Bill with a photo of him smiling happily and a street sign, “Cummings Way,” over his shoulder. He was there to deliver the opening address, and the main street had been named after him.)

If such a book will make you feel really wonderful— and would be a helpful and inspiring guide filled with success tips for someone you care about—and you still need one more reason to order a copy, just know that all proceeds from this book go to the Cummings Foundation fund. Copies are available from either Cummings.com/ book or from Amazon.com. 

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office

Dear Taxpayer, Hello, October! As the weather begins to cool and we head into the final months of the year, our office is preparing to certify the 2025 ad valorem tax roll to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. As always, the tax collector will mail the 2025 property tax bills on November 1.

It is also petition season. Property owners who disagree with their property assessment or were denied an exemption and filed a petition will soon have hearings scheduled by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), led by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Each year, petitions typically account for less than 1% of the total parcels in Palm Beach County, but we encourage you to learn more about the process if you filed one. Information is available on the VAB website (Value Adjustment Board (VAB) / Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County).

In this month’s newsletter, a brief overview of “Maximizing Your Property Tax Savings,” and an explanation of the Recapture Provision. I hope you find this information helpful. Stay Connected

For questions, visit www.pbcgov.org/PAPA, call us at (561) 355-3230, or email PAO@pbcgov.org.

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

Maximize Your Property Tax Savings

As we enter the final months of the year, this is the perfect time to review your homestead exemption status and see whether you qualify for additional property tax savings.

• Limited Income Senior Exemption – For property owners 65 or older with an adjusted gross income below the 2025 income limit (to be announced by the Florida Department of Revenue early next year. This year’s limit was $37,694). Several municipalities also offer additional exemptions.

• Widow/Widower Exemption – Provides tax relief to surviving spouses who have not remarried.

• Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents Exemption (“Granny Flat”) – Reduces the assessed value for new living quarters added to a homesteaded property for a parent or grandparent.

• Disability Exemptions – Available for individuals with qualifying disabilities, with full or partial relief depending on circumstances.

A full list of exemptions, income limits, and qualifying municipalities is available on our Do You Qualify page (www.pbcpao.gov/do-you-qualify.htm).

2025 Updates And Highlights: Understanding “Recapture”

This year, many property owners are noticing something unusual: Even though market values for some properties have flattened or even declined, their assessed value still increased.

The reason is a state law known as the Recapture Provision, which is part of Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) Amendment and related constitutional caps.

• For homesteaded properties, the SOH amendment limits annual increases in assessed value to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

• For non-homesteaded residential and commercial properties, a constitutional amendment approved in 2008 limits annual increases to 10%.

These caps protect property owners from big jumps when market values rise sharply. But when values level off or decline, the recapture provision requires assessed values to keep increasing each year by up to the cap amount (3% or 10%) until they catch up with market values. As a result, more than 20% of Palm Beach County properties were affected this year, including homes, condos, and commercial properties.

For a clear explanation, watch our short video on recapture here: Rising Tax Bills in a Flattening Market –YouTube.

Holiday Schedule

Our office will remain open on Columbus Day, Oct. 13, this year. We look forward to serving you during our regular business hours. 

Move Over LAW (FS 316.126)

By Elyse Weintraub Brown, Community Education Specialist,

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (561) 616-7051 or ewbrown@pbcgov.org

This message is brought to you by your friendly Firefighters from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue….

Every day firefighters and other emergency responders drive to emergencies. What’s more, oftentimes the emergency they are driving to is actually in the roadway. Although they are helping others and rendering aid, they are also at risk of being injured and killed on our roadways by motorists. Help protect them…because if they can’t help you in your time of need…who will?

Learn the Move Over LAW (FS 316.126)

Are you unsure about what you are supposed to do when you are driving on a local roadway, and you see DRIVING BEHIND YOU a fire truck or other emergency vehicle with lights flashing and sirens wailing on the way to an emergency? The Answer is …you must yield the right of way. When it is safe to do so, move over as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and then stop. When this happens on highways and interstates,

rather than stop, slow down and then safely move over so that the emergency vehicle can pass.

Are you unsure about what you are supposed to do when you are driving on a roadway with multiple lanes, and you see a fire truck or rescue truck working an emergency ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD? The Answer is….When it is safe to do, merge away from a vehicle working on the side of the roadway to provide an empty travel lane for the emergency worker. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer. On a two-lane roadway…Where there is NO lane of travel in the same direction to merge over to, you are REQUIRED to slow down to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.

In the State of Florida, drivers must also move over for sanitation vehicles and utility service vehicles performing tasks related to their services, and wreckers displaying amber rotating or flashing lights performing a recovery or loading on the roadside.

Violating the Move Over Law can result in a fine and points on your license; and worse, because it puts rescuers, civilians, and other motorists at risk of serious injury and even death. For everyone’s safety, share the Move Over Law with others. Help us… help You! 

Raising Awareness About AFib And Heart Rhythm Disorders With Dr. David Kleinman

A healthy heart beats in a steady rhythm, but for millions of Americans, that rhythm can become irregular, rapid, or chaotic. These conditions, known as heart arrhythmias, can pose serious health risks if left untreated. Among the most common and potentially dangerous is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

of the heart (atria) beat irregularly, disrupting blood flow and raising the risk of clot formation. While some patients may feel palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue, others may not experience symptoms at all, making routine checkups and screenings vital.

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Dr. David S. Kleinman, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist with more than 30 years of experience, has dedicated his career to diagnosing and treating arrhythmias.

Part of the Cardiovascular Care team of Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group, Dr. Kleinman sees patients at the South Florida Heart Institute and Delray Medical Center Tower in Delray Beach, as well as at Cardiology Associates of Boca Raton. He is also on staff at Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center.

AFib is estimated to affect more than 12 million people in the United States by 2030. It occurs when the upper chambers

Dr. Kleinman specializes in a wide range of treatments for arrhythmias, tailoring care to each patient’s unique needs. His expertise includes implanting pacemakers and defibrillators for patients with slow or irregular heartbeats, performing the Watchman™ left atrial appendage closure implant to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients who cannot take long-term blood thinners, and using catheter ablation to target and eliminate abnormal electrical signals in the heart. He treats not only AFib but also supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and other rhythm disorders.

Raising awareness of AFib and other arrhythmias is critical, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent lifethreatening complications. Dr. Kleinman encourages patients to pay attention to symptoms such as fluttering in the chest, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue, and to seek medical evaluation promptly.

“Heart rhythm disorders are common, but they are also treatable,” says Dr. Kleinman. “The key is to identify the condition early and create a personalized plan of care that helps patients live longer, healthier lives.”