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40th ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Presented By Tampa General Hospital

February 15 To 16, 2025

10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Daily

Celebrating four decades of art and fun, the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival is a two-day outdoor fine-art festival at The

1000 NORTH Hosts Sold-Out

Charity Luncheon And Fashion Show

Couture For Change

Fall into fashion! On Thursday, November 14, 1000 NORTH hosted a sold-out luncheon and fashion show by Sherrye Sammons Fenton, supporting The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation. LifeWave Florida sponsored the event with its CEO and founder Thomas Burke. Guests enjoyed lunch on The Terrace while watching an elegant runway show, featuring Anne Fontaine’s Parisian-

inspired collection of fashion essentials. The fashion show was accompanied by a captivating saxophone performance from renowned musical artist Eirinn Abu.

A trunk show was also on display, showcasing stunning pieces from Kendra Scott.

A portion of the proceeds from all clothing and jewelry purchases benefited The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation. The foundation

1000 NORTH on page 4

Van

Twenty-Second Annual Archival Evening Honoree

Reception Celebrating Jane Holzer Supports Historical Society Of Palm Beach County

Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth graciously hosted the Archival Evening Honoree Cocktail Reception at their Palm Beach home on Tuesday, December 3, for the

chairs, sponsors, and members of the Legacy Circle and Host Committee for the Twenty-second Annual Archival Evening of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC).This year, the HSPBC honored Jane Holzer at its signature invitationonly event at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, on Monday, December 9. The Honoree Reception is by invitation only.

This year’s Archival Evening Volunteer Leadership includes Twenty-Second Annual on page 5

40th ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival on page 2

Christina

Vilet Rynasko, Nina Pucillo, Jeanie Porter, Sandy Donavan, Crissy Poorman, Sherrye Sammons-Fenton, Allison Weistzman, Edwige Gilbert, Catherine McGlennon

John Archer and Bill Bone

Thomas Burke

Gardens North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The show brings together a unique juried exhibition of more than 275 fine artists from all over the country and features children’s activities, live music, and demonstrations that provide an arts experience like no other in South Florida. Patrons are sure to find the perfect piece of art for their home at ArtiGras. For more information visit artigras.org. Tickets in advance are $15; $20 at the gate.

Medicare Corner

With Kathy O

Medicare season is over … or is it? Jan. 1 to March 31 is Open Enrollment Period.

During this time, people on a Medicare Advantage plan may make plan changes. If you meant to change and didn’t, there is still time. If you chose the wrong plan, you can change back to your original plan. Contact me to see if I can get you more benefits or lower costs than your current plan. What about drug plans and supplement plans? If you are turning 65 or just activating your part B coverage now you can enroll in any plan. There are other circumstances that may give you a Special Enrollment Period.

People with Medicare and Medicaid have more options. Full Medicaid beneficiaries can change any quarter. Medicaid beneficiaries are eligible for plans that offer groceries. You may apply for Medicaid at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, this program is for very low-income people.

Choosing your Medicare and drug plan is very important, but not necessarily permanent. This is why the assistance of a no-cost local agent like me is invaluable. Medicare New Year’s Advice

Review plan information so you understand benefits. Download apps that your carrier offers to manage claims and benefits.

Review medications with doctor at your annual exam. Earn rewards or use any extra benefits your Advantage Plan offers each month.

If you still need to review or change your Medicare plan, Open Enrollment is Jan. 1 to March 30 and you may qualify for a Special Enrollment. Call me! If you have Medicare Topic suggestions, email me at czak82@aol.com. I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan and Advantage Plan.

For your free Medicare plan review please call me. Kathy Olejniczak, Agent, at (561) 835-5413 or cell/text (561) 212-7640.

was established to nurture and educate underprivileged and vulnerable children near Johannesburg, South Africa, driven by the Players’ commitment to support and uplift young lives. For more information or reservations, visit 1000NORTH.com or call (561) 570-1000.

Photos courtesy of Tyler Benson Photography

Nan O’Leary, Barbara Nicklaus

Barbara Nicklaus, Sherrye SammonsFenton

Gale Brophy, Mike McGann Jeanie Porter

Amanda Leigh-Hall, Sherrye SammonsFenton Tamra FitzGerald, Beth Neuhoff, Andrew Kato

Debra Feinsinger, Sherrye Sammons-Fenton, Andrew Kato, Dana Smith, Marci Kipper

Eirinn Abu

Anne Fontaine Collection

Theresa Player, Amanda-Leigh Hall, Nan O’Leary, Barbara Nicklaus, Susan Waterfall Sherrye Sammons-Fenton, Gloria Hollis, Gale Brophy

Christina Van Vilet Rynasko

Eirinn Abu

Honorary Chair Bruce Helander; Chairs Ann-Britt and Christian Angle, Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, and Christina and Harvey E. Oyer III; and Cochairs Beth Rudin DeWoody, Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth. Legacy Circle and Host Committee members at the reception included Bill Bone, and Sonja and Mark Stevens. Other notable guests included Collin Santini Adams, Charlene and Richard Johnson, Rusty and Ashley Holzer, and Scott Snyder.

This year’s major sponsors, who ensure the success of Archival Evening, are Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, Grand Benefactor; the Richard and Pat Johnson Family, Evening

Dinner Sponsor; The Boca Raton, Evening Champagne Sponsor; Batten Construction, Evening Dessert Sponsor; Susan and Dominick Telesco, Evening Photography Sponsor; Dailey Janssen Architects, Evening Invitation Sponsor; Pioneer Linens, Evening Gift Sponsor; Kirchhoff and Associates, Evening Music Sponsor; Oumere, Evening Valet Sponsor; Palmer, Exclusive Media Sponsor; and Top of Mind Palm Beach, Community Partner Sponsor.

Funds raised from Archival Evening directly support civics and history education resources for over 40,000 Palm Beach County school children each year, as well as preservation of the Historical Society’s collection, a portion of which is showcased in the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.

Meg Braff and Scott Snyder Rick Rose

Maribel Alvarez and Grant Sory

Mark and Sonja Stevens

Jennifer Charlston and Brooks Adams

Joe and Michelle Jacobs

Sunni and Jeremy Johnson Susan and Chris Cowie

Karen and Roger Janssen Lisa and Tyler Tannenbaum

Robert and Julie Desnick Ryan Hollihan and Kyle Lucks

Alan and Penny Murphy Charlene and Richard Johnson

Photo Credit: Capehart Photography

Camila Helander Sargent and Bruce Helander Christian Angle and Christine Schott

Save The Date!

The Fourth Annual Jensen Beach Garden Expo – Bigger And Better Than Ever!

Mark Your Calendar For Saturday, March 1

From 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. It’s Free!

Join us for Jensen Beach’s favorite springtime tradition!

The Jensen Beach Garden Expo returns on March 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the beautiful Indian Riverside Park, in front

Super Junior: Getting A Jump Start On College Planning

By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed

Junior year is a critical time for college planning. It’s when high schoolers start to focus on their future and make decisions that really count. And with most students just 10 months away from applying to college, it’s clear that the 11th grade is crunch time.

Class 101’s Super Junior program helps students get ahead of the curve before application season even begins. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a Super Junior, and why it’s one of the best ways to bring your student up to speed.

A Super Junior is an 11th grader who wants to get a head start on college planning. By completing our fasttrack Super Junior program, students start the planning process when it matters the most: during the application preseason. That way, when application season rolls around on August 1 of their senior year, they are well ahead of their peers.

Junior year is the most crucial time for students to take ownership of their grades, sharpen important skills, and begin the college admissions process. All of this is time-consuming and overwhelming, from prepping for standardized tests to finalizing resumes. The Super Junior program alleviates the stress of college planning by helping students achieve their goals before senior year.

All Super Juniors will complete a “Super Junior Checklist” specifically designed to help them put their best foot forward. Here’s a look at the seven things they will accomplish in 90 days:

1. Create a top 10 list of colleges and universities

2. Complete three college visits (either virtual or inperson)

3. Take DISC assessment & review report

4. Establish baseline SAT score

5. Document top 10 trends from baseline score

6. Create a resume with all activities listed

7. Have a parent meeting to review all items on your checklist

All students who complete the program will earn a Super Junior certificate and will be entered for a chance to win a new laptop! The Class 101 Super Junior is underway.

Call (561) 418-7897, email pforgan@class101.com or visit class101.com/palmbeachfl if you are ready for your student to become a Class 101 Super Junior.

of the Dockside Pavilion. With more parking, extra food trucks, and fabulous door prizes, this year’s Expo promises a garden celebration like no other.

What’s In Store?

This specialty garden show showcases the best local vendors offering lush tropical plants, native species, vibrant orchids, and unique finds like succulents, herbs, and outdoor art. Stock up on gardening supplies, learn from live presentations, enjoy hands-on demos, and win free door prizes donated by our vendors throughout the day. It’s a fun and educational day for all plant lovers, from beginners to seasoned pros! Presenters include sessions on dragon fruit, edible plants, bonsais and pests in the landscape.

Growing Our Community

More than just a garden show, the expo helps our community flourish. Proceeds support college scholarships for local students pursuing studies in horticulture, environmental sciences, and related fields. We’re also proud to fund camp scholarships for kids at the Florida Oceanographic Society and the Environmental Studies Center, as well as programs for Junior Master Gardeners and the Community Gardens of the House of Hope.

Thank you to our sponsors! Special thanks to Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and to our many generous sponsors who make this event possible.

Don’t miss this incredible day of plants, community, and fun—see you at the expo!

Financial Focus ®

When Is A Good Time For Roth Conversion?

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

In life, you often get second chances—and the same is true with investing. To illustrate: You might not have been able to contribute to a Roth IRA during your working years due to your income level, but you may get that opportunity as you near retirement or even when you are retired—through a Roth conversion.

And you can do so by converting your traditional IRA to a Roth. While this sounds simple, there’s a major caveat: taxes. You’ll be taxed on the amount in pre-tax dollars you contributed to a traditional IRA and then converted to a Roth IRA. (If you have both pre- and aftertax dollars in your traditional IRA, the taxable amount is based on the percentage of pre-tax dollars.)

Why is a Roth IRA desirable for some people? Here are the key benefits:

If you have large amounts in a traditional IRA, the tax bill on conversion can be significant. The key to potentially lowering this tax bill is timing. Generally speaking, the lower your income in a given year, the more favorable it is for you to convert to a Roth IRA. So, for example, if you have already retired, but have not started collecting RMDs, your income may be down.

• Tax-free withdrawals —you put in after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA, so you can withdraw your contributions at any time, free of taxes and penalties. And if you’ve had your account for at least five years and you’re at least 591⁄2, you can also withdraw your earnings free of taxes.

• No RMDs—With a traditional IRA, you’ll have to start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — when you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later. But there’s no RMD requirement with a Roth IRA — you can essentially leave the money intact as long as you like.

Timing also comes into play with the financial markets. When the market is going through a decline, and the value of your traditional IRA drops, you could convert the same number of shares of the underlying investments and receive a lower tax bill or convert more shares of these investments for what would have been the same tax bill.

• Tax-free legacy for your heirs —When your heirs inherit your Roth IRA, they can withdraw the contributions without paying taxes or penalties, and if the account has been open for at least five years, they can also withdraw earnings tax-free.

Finally, you could lower your tax bill in any given year by stretching out your Roth IRA conversions over several years, rather than doing it all at once.

But even if you were aware of these advantages, you might not have been able to invest in a Roth IRA for much of your life. For one thing, you might have earned too much money— a Roth IRA, unlike a traditional IRA, has income limits. Also, a Roth IRA has only been around since 1998, so, in the previous years, you were limited to a traditional IRA.

You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before embarking on this conversion—but if it’s appropriate for your situation, you could find that owning a Roth IRA can benefit you and your family for years to come.

As you approach retirement, though, you might start thinking of just how much you’d like to benefit from a Roth IRA.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Helping Disorganized, Forgetful, And Scattered Adolescents

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

A parent described her eighth-grade son to me, “He has struggles following multiple oral instructions at the same time. His information retention in the short term is challenging especially for unpreferred topics. He has completed homework and forgot to turn it in. He waits until the last minute to start projects or studying for exams. What a hot mess!”

This mom was describing her son’s executive functioning weaknesses. The term executive functioning encompasses our brain’s ability to manage different systems such as planning, organizing, maintaining effort, remembering, self-regulating, attending, and completing tasks. School success depends, in part, on having strong executive functioning skills. Executive functioning weaknesses can cause smart kids to become scattered, disorganized, and forgetful. These weaknesses might be accompanied with ADHD or learning disabilities but can also be stand-alone difficulties. Our executive functions improve with age and fully mature in our late teen years to early 20s. Thus, there’s hope for your student’s growth.

Executive functioning skills can be learned, practiced and improved. This month I am offering an in-person executive functioning course for students in grades 6 through 9. Your student can join us for three, 90-minute sessions of fun, interactive activities to learn executive functioning skills related to organization, planning, time management, memory, and attention. The group size is limited to 10 students.

We will use games, scenarios, and videos to illustrate points and practice skills. Students receive written handouts to keep which summarize the new skills. We are approaching this mastermind course for teens using a cognitive behavioral framework. That means that if you can change your thinking and learn new skills, you can change your behavior. Your student can learn skills for success this year and beyond. Are you tired of being your child’s only executive assistant and ready for your adolescent to hear about success skills from someone other than yourself?

Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to sign up or if you need school neuropsychological testing to give you understanding and answers. Learn more at JimForgan. com/executive.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

Each day, at approximately 11 a.m., my team and I receive an email report from our client satisfaction survey vendor highlighting the surveys we received from clients the previous day. I enjoy reading the surveys, especially the comments where clients tell us what we are doing right and what needs improvement. We strive for exceptional service on each and every interaction with our clients, both in-person and on the phone, and most of the time we get it right, but there are times that we miss the mark. In either case, it is important that we hear from our clients so we can address issues and make corrections where needed, but at the same time, it is so rewarding to hear from clients who rave about the service they have received from a member of my staff. That commitment to exceptional from every member of our team is the driving force behind our industry-leading client satisfaction results, where 87 percent of our clients say that their experience with our office was exceptional or very good!

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

Get Yours Now! The 2025 Tax Planner & Services Guide

As we worked on this latest edition, one of our priorities was to align with the information on our new website, www. pbctax.gov, so the two complement one another. We made the guide easy to use with color coding guides to services and QR codes that will take you right to our website for more information on a specific topic.

Visit www.pbctax.gov/tpsg to request a copy of the 2025 edition. When you receive the guide, we will invite you to respond to a brief survey to provide us with your feedback so we can keep enhancing this signature publication. I hope you enjoy this publication as much as we enjoy providing it to you!

Faces Of The TCO: AJ Starks

Title: Director of Contact Center Operations

Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

Favorite Activity: Manning the grill or the smoker Favorite Food: My smoked brisket

This month, in our “Faces of the TCO” series, I am pleased to shine the spotlight on the director of our Client Care and Research Center (CCRC).

of such a great team of professionals, all moving in the same direction to deliver exceptional customer service.”

A Better Journey

We are excited to announce that our 2025 Tax Planner & Services Guide will be available beginning in January. This comprehensive guide is designed to keep you informed, connected, and empowered as you navigate our organization’s services, values, and resources. Inside, you’ll find everything from taxes to motor vehicles services and driver’s license/ID card services. There is also a monthly calendar to help you keep track of your payment deadlines.

Ajani “AJ” Starks joined my Senior Leadership Team in 2022, and he oversees 40 employees whose main responsibility is to answer client questions and concerns via phone and emails. Handling an average of 1,700 calls a day is not an easy task, and to do so effectively, AJ and his team have developed strategies to ensure all clients receive exceptional service. AJ says, “Client feedback is important to us, and we monitor calls and utilize call monitor forms to provide our client care representatives with feedback. With this comes challenges servicing clients who are unsatisfied with some aspect of our services. I remind the team that it is not personal and to show empathy towards the client, and we specifically train staff for these calls.” Employee recognition is important, and AJ says, “We celebrate wins and best calls, and in fact, we just held our first annual CCRC Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements, such as ‘Most Calls’ and ‘Client Service Excellence.’ I feel lucky to be a member

Our new website, www.pbctax.gov has been online for over a month now and I hope you have enjoyed exploring all the new features. One feature that I want to highlight is the enhancements made to our reservation system. We created a new more intuitive interface, featuring pop-up icons to provide information about topics related to our services. During your “journey” to make a reservation online, we first present you with a list of documents that you will need for your transaction. Next, upon indicating which documents you have by checking “Yes” or “No” and before you officially schedule your reservation, we present you a summary checklist of the document(s) you need to bring with you to your reservation. You can then print the list or email it to yourself to view or print later. Keep in mind that this document is not confirmation of a reservation, as you still have to select a date, time and location. This checklist is designed to help you easily keep track of the documents you need to gather. Once you have the opportunity to use our enhanced reservation-making system, tell us your feedback by visiting www. pbctax.gov/website-feedback/.

The Robson Heart & Vascular Institute at Jupiter Medical Center is transforming cardiovascular care. At the forefront of innovative heart and vascular treatments we take a multidisciplinary approach combining expertise with leading-edge technology to provide personalized care. Our compassionate team includes cardiologists, interventional and structural cardiologists, cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, and an experienced support team. Modern technology and minimally invasive techniques offer patients the latest treatment options including:

• AFib Center of Excellence

• Barostim™ for Heart Failure

• Structural Heart Program • Minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve procedures

• Cardiac robotic surgery • Advanced cardiac surgery including off-pump bypass surgery

Susan G. Komen® Announces 2025 FORD Warriors In Pink

Warriors represent North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Palm City, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is excited to announce the 2025 FORD Warriors in Pink. These nine women from across South Florida will be honored at the MORE THAN PINK Walk in West Palm Beach on Saturday, January 25, in addition to being featured in a variety of promotional materials and activities.

“Susan G. Komen Warriors in Pink represent the strength, resilience and determination of everyone impacted by breast cancer,” said Jamie Bellamy, Development Director at Susan G. Komen. “These women are beacons of hope and courage, inspiring us to continue our work to achieve a world without breast cancer. We are honored to celebrate them as breast cancer Warriors and join them in standing strong for every life touched by this disease.”

The Susan G. Komen 2025 Warriors In Pink Are: Kristen A. Dugan of North Palm Beach is a single mom of three girls. She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in January 2024. Since then, she has undergone a double mastectomy, five months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. On August 22, she rang the bell to conclude her final chemotherapy treatment! While her experience has not been easy, she has dedicated herself to being a role model who embraces hope, inspiration and bravery.

Erin M. Correa of Riviera Beach is a registered nurse, wife and mother of two young sons. In 2022, Erin was diagnosed with gastroparesis followed by Stage 2 Mesenteric Follicular Lymphoma and in July 2023 she was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Erin advocated for herself and met with multiple doctors before choosing her oncology team. By April 2024, she had completed her bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, began physical therapy, and resumed her infusion therapy.

Allison Jones of Palm City has faced a series of health setbacks over the years. In 2023, plans for a dual hip replacement were put on hold when she received a diagnosis

Northern Notes

Nightjars, Nighthawks And Chuck Will’s Widows

By Katie Roundtree, Director

of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows are common birds in South Florida, but most people have never seen one. They are members of the Nightjar family and are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) birds in the family Caprimulgidae . Nightjars are found worldwide, except Antarctica and certain island groups such as the Seychelles. Nightjars are primarily found in Europe, while Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows are found more in the New World. Nightjars, Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows belong to a family of birds with the folk name “goatsuckers.” The family

of HER2-positive breast cancer. Overwhelmed by the unexpected diagnosis, Allison was advised to focus on her breast cancer treatments as the top priority. Within two weeks, her treatment began. This year marks her first MORE THAN PINK Walk, where she hopes to reclaim her strength and connect with other women, finding inspiration and renewed determination through their shared experiences.

Lucille Ciaccia of Boca Raton went in for her first mammogram shortly after turning 40. However, what began as a routine screening quickly escalated, and her cancer progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3 in a short time period. Since July 2023, Lucille has undergone a double mastectomy, ACThermotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Lucille passionately encourages women to advocate for their health. She advises, “If you’re told a mammogram before 40 isn’t necessary, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be afraid to fight for yourself!”

Nicholle Chadwick of Boca Raton is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) and mom of two. In 2022, Nicholle’s world shifted dramatically when she discovered a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Further testing revealed she was positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. Nicholle has since undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and IVF treatments. Through it all, her children became her driving force—her “why.” Nicholle encourages others to find their own reason to fight, saying, “Why are we fighting? The answer can simply be yourself and the will to survive.”

Stephanie R. Baker, RN, MSN, of Boynton Beach is a Registered Nurse who teaches at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology. During a routine mammogram 17 years ago, Stephanie’s life was turned upside down with a breast cancer diagnosis. She met brave women who offered her tools to cope, make plans, dream and continue with her treatments ahead. With the support of her husband, kids, siblings, family and friends, she survived and later earned her BSN and MSN in nursing. She has since retired to Florida and gives back to the nursing profession as a nursing professor at a local college.

name, Caprimulgidae , literally means “milker of goats” and is based on an ancient belief that the birds milked goats with their enormous mouths each night. In reality, the birds’ attraction to livestock was likely due to the presence of insects.

Shae Henderson of Broward was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23. Shae’s journey with breast cancer was marked by delays and dismissals. Despite being told she was too young to have breast cancer and being denied mammograms and referrals, she refused to give up. Eventually, she found her team at Holy Cross, where a doctor finally listened to and validated her concerns. For Shae, that compassionate care made all the difference— both physically and mentally. Her advice to others: “Play an active role in the fight against cancer and draw strength from those around you.”

Elizabeth Hamma of Jupiter is the market president at Hubbard Radio, a wife, mother of two adult children, and grandma to three grandchildren. Elizabeth never expected her journey with cancer to extend beyond supporting family members, friends and her involvement with Komen. However, life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Thrust into the fight herself, she made the decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Now, Elizabeth embraces her role as a breast cancer “thriver” and looks forward to continuing her advocacy with a renewed perspective.

Julie Culpepper of Fort Lauderdale began her journey in 2017 when her oncologist identified an atypical (precancerous) lump during a routine screening. Given her family history—both her mother and sister are cancer survivors—and a decade-long pattern of benign biopsies, she initially underwent a lumpectomy but later opted for a mastectomy for peace of mind. The path, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Over two years, Julie faced difficulties with implant reconstructions before successfully undergoing a DIEP flap procedure. Now, a year and a half later, she is thriving and grateful for the choices that have supported her health and well-being.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk is open to the public and free. Please register in advance at www.komen.org/wpbwalk. Participants are encouraged to fundraise. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

or in groups in a looping pattern. This dusky hunter jerks and weaves through the air on long, pointed wings, flashing distinctive white wing patches.

They are unique birds with a distinctive look characterized by long wings, small feet, short legs, and very short bills. They have short bills but have enormous mouths when opened to allow them to catch insects at night. They have bristles around their beaks called rictal bristles, which are stiff hairlike feathers that arise around the base of the beak. The function of rictal bristles is uncertain, although several possibilities have been proposed. They may function as a “net,” helping to capture flying prey. Some evidence suggests that they may prevent particles from striking the eyes. There is also evidence that the rictal bristles of some species may function tactilely, like that of mammalian whiskers, to help detect prey.

Chuck Will’s Widows are the largest of the Nightjars and are primarily nocturnal. They have enormous mouths that, when open, can catch flying insects like beetles and moths but can even catch small birds or bats on occasion. Their name is an onomatopoeia from its song. As is often the case with Nightjars, the Chuck-Will’s-widow was named due to its song, which to many sounds like a phrase composed of the words “chuck,” “will’s,” and “widow”: “Chuck Will’s Widow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow. Chuckwill’s-WID-ow.” The first syllable of the call is often hard for humans to hear. You can hear their distinctive call in the evening or pre-dawn hours.

As is the case with many Nightjars worldwide, Nighthawk and Chuck Will’s Widow numbers are declining. The factors driving these declines are elusive, but habitat destruction, declining insect populations, and pesticide contamination have all been suggested as potential culprits.

These fantastic but rarely seen birds are an integral part of the Florida ecosystem. Now that the evenings are cool, enjoy a walk by a preserve area in or around your neighborhood. Listen for the call of the “widow” or watch the looping Nighthawks as they search for dinner.

Widows can be found in various habitats, most commonly in open areas with some vegetation. Locally, they live in and around upland preserves. Nighthawks usually spend their days hidden, sometimes in plain view, thanks to their cryptic gray, brown, and blackish plumage and the birds’ squat, “neckless” shape. They often prove challenging to spot even while roosting quietly on a tree branch or fence post.

They usually lay their eggs directly on the ground rather than in a nest. They are incredibly good at camouflage, and their coloring allows them to blend in remarkably well with the leaves and trees around them. Their soft plumage is colored to resemble bark or leaves, protecting them from their primary predators: foxes and raccoons. As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike. Some species perch face lengthwise along a branch rather than across it as birds usually do to hide during the day, blending seamlessly with tree bark.

The Common Nighthawk’s erratic, acrobatic flight style gives the bird its folk name “bullbat.” They fly alone

As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike.

The Pet Cottage Post

The Pet Cottage: Where Pets And People Belong

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we’d like to share the story of The Pet Cottage, a unique organization where pets and people belong, where hearts grow bigger, and where those who are often overlooked— senior pets and people—are treated with the dignity, patience, compassion, and love they deserve.

When pets lose their humans due to death, disability, deployment, or challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or cancer, their world is turned upside down. Often these pets are older, facing health issues themselves, and feeling scared and uncertain about their future. That’s where The Pet Cottage steps in, transforming a heartbreaking situation into one filled with hope and care.

The Pet Cottage doesn’t just rescue pets; it provides a Forever Promise. Unlike shelters, which focus on adoption, The Pet Cottage offers Lifelong Guardianship. This means every pet that enters their program is cared for, loved, and supported for life. From medical care and surgeries to behavioral support and a stable home environment, The Pet Cottage ensures that no pet feels abandoned again.

A Story Of Healing: Meet Mister And Beary

Recently, two new members joined The Pet Cottage’s Lifelong Guardianship Program: Mister and Beary, a bonded senior pair who lost their mom to cancer. When they arrived, it was clear they needed immediate attention. On December 17, Beary underwent emergency surgery for painful bladder stones. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and Beary is now recovering comfortably under our care. Mister, however, will require a more complicated surgery this month to address his condition. These procedures, coupled with prescription diets and ongoing care, are part of our commitment to ensuring that these two sweet dogs live happy, healthy lives.

Sadly, this isn’t uncommon. Many pets entering The Pet Cottage’s program come with untreated medical conditions or signs of neglect— not out of malice, but because their humans were struggling with their own health challenges. Yet, thanks to generous donor support and grants from foundations like the Haseley Family Foundation, the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation, the Peter H. Kamin Family Foundation, and the Knopf Family Foundation, The Pet Cottage provides the veterinary care and nurturing needed to restore these pets’ health, support their wellbeing, and ensure they thrive for the rest of their lives.

How You Can Help

The Pet Cottage is always in need of compassionate Forever Guardians. There is a special need for guardians who can welcome bonded pairs, large senior dogs, and cats. Guardians provide a loving home environment, while The Pet Cottage takes responsibility for the pet’s medical needs. It’s a partnership of love and care that makes a life-changing difference for pets in need and the seniors who love them.

As we look ahead to 2025, The Pet Cottage remains committed to its mission: ensuring that every pet who loses their human will always have a home, care, and love. If you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a Forever Guardian, visit https://www.thepetcottage.org/. Together, we can create a world where pets and people truly belong.

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