By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm
Beach County Improvement District
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will stay in touch with one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations. Consider the following questions when making a plan.
• How will my family or household receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• How will my family or household get to safe locations in the event of relevant emergencies?
• How will my family or household get in touch if cell phone, Internet, or landline service doesn’t work?
• How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
• How will my family or household get to a meeting place after the emergency?
Hurricane Season In Palm Beach County: Prepare Now To Stay Safe
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
Palm Beach County has a long history of severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Fay, Matthew, Irma, and more recently, Helene and Milton , have all left their mark on our community.
These events underscore the importance of being ready and resilient.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. While we all hope South Florida will be spared, it’s essential that every resident takes time to prepare—by reviewing evacuation plans, securing their homes, and gathering necessary supplies. Familiarity with
Complete a contact card for each adult family member and print them out. Have them keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, or other convenient location— additionally, complete contact cards for each child in your family. Put the cards in their backpacks or book bags. Information should include contact details for family, friends, and neighbors, as well as doctors and school information. You can find an example of an emergency contact card on redcross.org. Identify a contact, such as a friend or relative, who lives out of state for household members to notify if they are safe. An out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies. Still, it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven’t kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech-ready. Be Informed
• Download the FEMA app. Get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Commissioner’s Update
severe weather is part of life in Palm Beach County, but preparation can reduce disruptions and speed up recovery.
The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides a range of resources to help you get ready. One of the best tools is the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide, available at https:// discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office.
Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, first aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too.
If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout
By Bill Thompson
A Date To Remember
Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969.
This year’s hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. It’s here. Time to get prepared. Oaks need to be trimmed to allow high wind to pass through with less damage. Use a firm with an arborist on the team. The specialist will not butcher your trees and do harm to healthy trees. The Town of Jupiter website can provide a varied list of links to address all your questions.
Alligator Season For Us
A general rule for the season is April through early September, which comprises courting, breeding, eggs laid in nests and the birth of 32 to 40 eggs per nest. Alligators are highly aggressive during this span of time. They are most active when temperatures are between 82 and 92 degrees. It is critical to know gators can move out of water and onto land at a surprising speed. They can also run faster than people. Due to the surprising sneak attacks, older less agile walkers, children, and pets are in dire danger of being attacked. None of the potential victims are trained to wrestle alligators. Children, even adults not paying attention, can be in the gator’s jaws in an instant. For those of us who have lived in South Florida a long time should know all this. It is up to we “veterans” to educate newcomers, especially our Shores friends and neighbors.
Where Did Everyone Go?
The summer seems to be a psychic signal to travel to other parts. I understand the urge to ramble, but the
Deadline for the August Issue is July 15
Mail or email to:
Bill Thompson, 18583 Lake Bend Drive billthompsonsoj@gmail.com
The Shores of Jupiter website:
www.theshoresofjupiter.org
Disclaimer
Copy appearing herewith may not be the viewpoint of The Shores Board of Directors or its newsletter editor. Nor should responsibility be assigned for accuracy or validity or articles contributed by residents or other articles chosen by the publisher or the editor.
Communications and Newsletter Editor: Bill Thompson, Chair
Events & Social Media Committee: Barry Parker, Co-Chair
Kristi Parker, Co-Chair
Francesca Brown
Tracey Lavoll
Anais Maristany-Diaz
Dena Martin
Webmaster
Kristi Parker
• Sign up for FEMA text messages to get updates from FEMA (standard message and data rates apply).
• You can download either or both from here: https://www. fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
Here are basic commands to get started:
• To sign up to get preparedness tips, text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA).
• To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors), text SHELTER and a ZIP code to 43362.
• To get a list of all keywords you can subscribe to, text LIST to 43362.
• To unsubscribe (at any time), text STOP to 43362.
• Before a disaster, follow local governments on social media to stay up-to-date with official information before, during and after a disaster. Sign up for Twitter alerts from trusted government agencies to get notified when critical information goes out.
Make A Plan
• Use text messages, social media, and email to stay connected with friends and family during emergencies.
• Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it hard to make and get phone calls. Text messages require less bandwidth, which means they can be transmitted more reliably during situations when many people are trying to use their mobile phones at the same time.
• Social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter can also be an effective way to update family and friends during emergencies. Facebook’s Safety Check feature enables users to quickly post a status update confirming their safety during a disaster.
• Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other mobile devices. Smartphones have become a vital tool to get emergency alerts and warnings, so it’s essential to make sure you can keep them powered up in an emergency.
• At home: Before severe weather, fully charge all of your electronic devices. If the power goes out, save battery power by minimizing device use. Keep a backup power source on hand.
the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t guaranteed. Yard waste pickup is limited to one pile of up to 6 cubic yards weekly. If you’re disposing of expired storm supplies like fuel, propane tanks, or batteries, use the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. A convenient site is the North County Transfer Station at 14185 North Military Trail in Jupiter. Visit swa.org or call (561) 697-2700 or (866) SWA-INFO for more details. Stay informed by signing up for AlertPBC, the county’s emergency notification system, at https://discover.
• In your car: Keep a portable phone charger in your vehicle at all times and consider purchasing a backup power supply to keep in your car as well.
• Change the settings on your phone to low power mode or enable airplane mode to conserve energy.
• Store important documents on a secure, passwordprotected jump drive or in the cloud.
• Several mobile device apps allow you to use your phone’s camera as a scanning device. The apps enable you to capture electronic versions of important documents, such as insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records. Don’t forget to include your pet’s information.
• Back up your computer to protect photos and other critical electronic documents.
• Scan old photos to protect them from loss.
• Keep your contacts updated and synced across all of your channels, including phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach the right people quickly to obtain information and provide updates. Consider creating a group listserv of your top contacts.
• Create a group chat via a texting app or a thread for family, friends, or coworkers to communicate quickly during a disaster.
• Sign up for direct deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your paycheck and make electronic payments wherever you are.
Through the use of everyday technology, individuals, families, responders, and organizations can successfully prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies and disasters. With adequate planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs.
Information courtesy Ready.gov.
NPDES tip: Before a storm, make sure all of your grass clippings and tree trimmings have been properly stored – do not leave them outside to become potential projectiles, and clog the storm drains and canals.
pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx. You’ll receive alerts by phone, text, or email about local hazards and emergencies. Your information is protected and used only for public safety. You can also download the Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app to check evacuation zones, shelter openings, and storm updates on your phone. More information can be found at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/ dart.aspx.
Check in with your neighbors—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may be new to the area. Remember, we are a community first. A small gesture can make a big difference during an emergency. Stay safe and take action now. Preparedness truly makes all the difference. If I can assist you, contact me at (561) 355-2201 or email mmarino@pbc.gov.
Five Types Of Singles (The Sequel--Back By Popular Demand!)
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
Summer loving had me a blast Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be.
~~ The Movie GREASE
Since January 2025, we have observed a happier clientele entering and pairing off in our club. Happy people are more magnetic, and therefore, they are coupling quickly. Many of our couples have been a “one and done” meaning their first date was the ONE. Summer is heating up for our clients and couples. We enjoy hearing about their lavish vacations planned this summer--which they would not have done as a single. As Matchmakers, this is the most incredible phenomenon to witness. You can’t measure the amount of joy we feel when we receive good news that the match was a hit. We are matchmakers because of all of you. You inspire us, and fortunately, we attract exceptional individuals who are far above settling for online dating. The cream rises to the top and we are blessed to be surrounded by so many leaders, doers, movers, and shakers here in our club.
The movie Grease said it best: “Summer loving can happen so fast.” It sure can but you need to be in the right place at the right time to meet the right person. Alignment and alliance are key. One of our female clients recently said: “Kelly and Miranda, I can’t believe how much my life has changed in just 30 days. I never expected this to happen so fast.” She and her beau just booked their first vacation together. They will be spending two weeks in the Hamptons.
Matchmaking success is contingent on what type of person we represent. Self-awareness is a sign of a good client. We challenge you to diagnose yourself today. Discover “What type
of single are you?” and/or “What type of person you are dating or have dated?” If motivated, you can change the trajectory of your summer in the very first meeting in our office. Thank you for sharing your time with us today. Be sure to share this message of love and hope with your single family and friends. Someone you know needs this message. Pass it on!
The Curmudgeon Single: This person can rise from the ashes. Key traits: cranky, pessimistic, over-critical, bitter, and judgmental. There is a chronic dilemma with a desire to date out of their “league.” This individual may have been cheated on or suffered a significant financial loss in life and never recovered. This person could benefit from therapy and a change in attitude. However, they become less likely to have an awakening as they age. Address this issue promptly. SIDE EFFECT: We occasionally meet this type in our office, and they scoff at the thought of paying to meet people. They are too blind to realize that they have been paying their whole life in one way or another in the form of wasted time, dating the wrong ones, divorce settlements, and heartache. These clients are tough to manage, and we often opt-out depending on the level of curmudgeon. We don’t want them around you or us.
The HopeFULL Romantic: In our opinion, this is the only way to fly! Luckily, “most” of the people we meet in our office are this type ... which is WHY they came to see us. This person has felt love. They have felt heartache and possibly betrayal, but they continue to love again, and they always do. WHY? Because they believe in love AND they know they are lovable. This person has a high success rate, and the odds are in their favor (especially if they have a community of like-minded single candidates). Their life is good financially, physically, and emotionally, but their ultimate desire is to find a special person. They want a partner. They don’t need a partner. SIDE EFFECT: This is our typical client...thank heavens!
The Lucy Goosey: Typically female. She is desperate and can’t stand to be alone. Often found in bars or online dating sites, this woman tends to jump from one man to another. She confuses physical intimacy with love and is often left with feelings of rejection, insecurity, and jealousy because she is rarely the “chosen one.” She lacks discretion when she dates and will date “anyone” who pays attention to her. She has low standards. This woman’s motive can be financial gain.
SIDE EFFECT: This type rarely comes into our office because she will settle for almost any man on a barstool or a dating site. She likely sees herself as unworthy of our caliber of gentlemen.
The Even Steven: Commonly divorced or never married. The male counterpart of Lucy Goosey. He wants love and intimacy but can’t seem to shake off his past failures in life and love. He self-sabotages and is self-destructive. This man blames women for all his failings and suffers from great insecurity in and out of the bedroom. He also over-compensates for his weakness by seeking multiple notches on his headboard to get EVEN with the opposite sex. SIDE EFFECT: We meet very few of these men in our office because most men like this prey in bars and online. Typically, they don’t meet Revolution Dating requirements.
The Past Life Blessed: Here is where our heartstrings go. This is the most rewarding demographic to represent. Widow or widower of any age, although typically age 60 to 80 plus. This male or female has had a special marriage. They have grieved appropriately and are now ready to find a new companion. We have seen many widows and widowers find love again in our club. Like HOPEFULL ROMANTICS, there can be a chapter after the loss of a spouse. The generation of seniors today is different from that of our grandparents. They date without guilt. Our senior clients are having a ball (see photos on the next page). SIDE EFFECT: We see it all the time in the club. Seventy is the new fifty. This is our favorite demographic because they know how to get along with others, which includes their matchmakers.
Whatever you are (or are not), seek out the best in others, and they will find the best in you! No one is perfect. Let’s all enjoy the Summer of Love 2025. Come together in person and offline. It’s the perfect time to join our movement. We have six months until 2026. Some call this month “Christmas in July.” Where do you want to be in two months or how do you want to spend the holidays? Find your person Pre-Fall Season by reserving your first appointment today. You are the CEO of your life and it is in your power to choose happiness. You deserve it, right?
Wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July…. I hope the passion of July stays with you forever. For priority scheduling,
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
A third-grade teacher wrote me her observations, “Sara is a hard worker who seems to compensate. She needs repeated practice and overlearning for the material to be remembered and mastered. Sara’s parents work with her at home which has helped her, but she still struggles. Sara needs time to process and complete her own work. When she is confused about a question, she shuts down easily and it’s hard to get her moving forward to complete the task at hand.”
Sara’s mom brought her in for school neuropsychological testing to help her understand why Sara struggled.
In our pre-evaluation phone conversation mom revealed that when Sara was in kindergarten, she had a public-school individualized education plan (IEP) for a speech language impairment. However, Sara’s support from the speech therapist ended in second grade. At home Sara still had difficulty understanding and following mom’s verbal directions and she explained when she asked a question, Sara would often shrug her shoulders and stand without saying anything. Mom explained it was like Sara could not find the words to speak. Sara could read fluently and accurately but she had difficulty with reading comprehension.
My one-to-one testing revealed that Sara’s reading comprehension was so low she met the criteria for a learning disability. The testing also showed that Sara’s language impairment was still a primary cause of her school struggles. She could read words, but she could not understand or tell me the meaning of age-appropriate words. Thus, it was very surprising that Sara had been discontinued from school-based support. With these new results, Mom quickly arranged a private speech language therapist to begin working with Sara. At home they also began playing games like Simon Says which require listening and following directions. Each night they spent time reading and discussing the meaning of words and passages. Mom has submitted the testing report to Sara’s school and requested a new IEP.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
unannounced disappearance of whole families leaves us old hermits adrift. One wonders whether aliens came to take them back to never-never land for study. Or maybe it is just a nice good-time trip to give hard studying students a deserved fun time. New places, a widening view of other beautiful country and the education it provides. Parents are good for family experiences shared.
Finally
An idea that many may find fun and useful. Imagine a Shores Book Fair. Arrange a place, perhaps as a room at the Jupiter activity building with tables to show books you will never read again. It can be a useful way to share and to help with what may now be clutter even in overfilled bookcases. It could be operated by displaying your books. Attendees could take one or more books as gifts and leave one or more for the displayers. It would be like a Shores get-together and everyone benefits. No money spent. It is not a yard sale.
What do you think? We have an events committee that works with the HOA. Maybe those powers would find this workable and see how it works out. Our mayor Jim Kuretski has sufficient authority to make Town space available. Adios neighbors.
Enjoy these Behind The Scenes photographs from the Corporate Headquarters of Love on PGA Boulevard where this landmark business has been for eleven successful years. Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are attracted to the “love offline” approach to dating and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. Romance and opportunities are heating up at this matchmaking firm which is loved up and down the coast of the United States. Revolution Dating
specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. A picture is worth one thousand words, so jump on in and make some fireworks for yourself. Isn’t it time you did something for you? If so, secure your first interview today or you could miss out on the power of “summer loving” that truly “happens so fast” in our office. Every day clients are pairing off two at a time and every day new people are starting the process. Happy 4th of July from our family to yours! do #TellYourFriends #SummerLove2025
Bill’s Box from page 1
Groomsmen, Groom, and Wedding Oh My! #TieTheKnot
New Hunk Dave with The Team! #SeniorDatingPros
Kelly and Miranda Celebrate Our Country! #Happy4thOfJuly
It’s Wedding Season! #YoungProfessionals
Kelly Shoots Her Arrow! #FairytalesExist
Never Too Young or Old for This Club! #Ages20s-80s
Jupiter Senior Softball
By Mike Richmond
Jupiter Senior softball players paid tribute in a May 26 Memorial Day ceremony to all members of the Armed Forces who died in service to our nation and the many freedoms we enjoy.
A crowd of about 50 gathered before the flag at Maplewood Park to hear remarks by John Cariero, executive director of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association, who explained the origin of Memorial Day. Noting that the observance differs from Veterans Day.
“Today is reserved specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifices while defending the ideals that make us the greatest country on earth,” Cariero said. During the ceremony, he asked if anyone wanted to remember a person who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and several in the crowd called out the names of a friend or loved one who died in combat.
The ceremony concluded with players removing their caps and silently reflecting as they listened to the solemn sounds of Taps. The ceremony was in accord with the softball association’s tradition of observing Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July tributes with patriotic ceremonies.
The year-round slow-pitch senior softball program is open to persons 55 and over and there is no upper age limit. New players are always welcome. Those who register will help fill rosters of pick up games that are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Jupiter Community Park.
Also, the league’s three-division format accommodates persons of all skill levels, from recreational play to very competitive. Registration can be made online at www. leaguelineup.com/jssa. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
My Child Just Started High School —I Don’t Need To Worry About College Planning
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
It’s a common belief among parents: “My child just started high school; college is still years away.” While it may seem early, the truth is that the high school years fly by—and the choices your student makes now can significantly impact their college opportunities later.
Freshman and sophomore years set the academic and extracurricular foundation colleges look for. Grades
earned early in high school contribute to GPA, and course selection determines eligibility for more advanced classes. Involvement in clubs, sports, volunteering, or other passions during these years helps students build a resume that reflects genuine interests and leadership.
College planning isn’t just about choosing schools and filling out applications—it’s about helping students discover who they are, what they’re passionate about,
and how to align those interests with potential career paths. Exploring majors, building strong study habits, developing time management skills, and seeking academic support early on all pay off in the long run.
Starting the conversation early also reduces stress.
Rather than rushing through decisions in junior or senior year, families who begin planning during freshman or sophomore year can approach the college process with clarity and confidence. This proactive approach often leads to better financial planning, increased scholarship opportunities, and a wellbalanced college list.
At Class 101, we help families navigate every step of the journey, starting as early as ninth grade. From academic planning and test prep to career exploration and building strong student resumes, we’re here to support your student’s growth every step of the way.
So, while college might feel far off now, taking small, intentional steps today can make a big difference tomorrow. Don’t wait until it feels urgent—start early, and give your child the gift of preparation, confidence, and choice.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation, contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com. Website at Class101.com/northpalmbeachfl.
Senior softball players reflect as they listen to the solemn sounds of Taps.
John Cariero, right, leads the Memorial Day tribute at Maplewood Park.
Financial Focus®
Should You Pay Off Debts Or Invest?
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Some financial decisions can be challenging — like whether to use your money to reduce your debt or to invest. If you already have a significant amount of debt and not a lot in savings or investments, it can be hard to figure out which issue should be a priority.
There’s no simple answer, and everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few suggestions for helping you make a good choice:
• Evaluate your cash flow. If you already have enough after-tax income to meet your monthly living expenses, you might lean toward investing any leftover cash, but if you are just getting by, possibly due to heavy debt payments, then you might be better off using your funds to reduce your debt load.
• Build an emergency fund. Paying off your debt as fast as possible may seem like the responsible thing to do, but not having an adequate emergency fund or saving for your future
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
As I have mentioned before in previous issues of Tax Talk, I really enjoy gardening. My yard is full of native Florida plants and it is so enjoyable for me to spend time outside. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit England and I visited numerous gardens, such as the Ham House and Garden, Hever
Castle and Gardens and the Physic Garden in Chelsea. It was a wonderful experience enjoying these majestic gardens, from shrubbery trimmed like chess pieces and plants used to treat diseases such as heart disease. Many of these gardens have been in existence since the 1700s! It was truly an amazing experience for an avid gardener like myself to take time during my trip to enjoy gardening on such a grand scale!
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
You Called … We Answered!
It was a milestone celebration for our Client Care and Research Center (CCRC) call center. The team recently celebrated the monumental accomplishment of answering 71,000 more client calls last year from the previous year – that’s an average of 287 more calls a day!
This well-deserved celebration consisted of a catered luncheon that was served to the team by their managers in two shifts to maintain phone coverage for answering clients’ calls. This is a testament to the dedication of client care representatives to be able to answer an additional 71,000 calls last year while also reducing wait time by eight minutes. I am proud of their hard work and their passion for meeting the needs of our clients. In an effort to deliver efficient, exceptional service, the CCRC was focused on increasing call answering volume and last year the team answered a total of 309,094 calls!
Congratulations to the CCRC team on this exceptional achievement!
could leave your finances at a permanent disadvantage. It’s a good move to have an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Once you have such a fund, you could use it, instead of going into debt — or adding to your debt — to pay for unexpected costs, such as a new furnace or a major car repair.
• Evaluate your debts. Some of your debts are actually more “expensive” to you than others. This expense level doesn’t necessarily refer to the size of the debt, however. You might have a large mortgage, for instance, but because your interest payments are typically tax deductible, your “after-tax” interest rate may be relatively modest. Therefore, you might consider investing rather than paying down your mortgage. But if you have consumer loans or credit cards that carry a high interest rate and whose interest payments are not deductible, you might be better off paying down or refinancing this debt.
• Take advantage of any employer match. If your employer sponsors a retirement plan and offers a match, you will want to prioritize contributing at least what is required to receive the match. It’s essentially free money. So, if your employer matches up to 3 percent of your contributions, for example, you should contribute at least 3 percent of your income to this retirement account. Additionally, some employers will match a portion of your contributions to a Health Savings Account. Eventually, you’ll likely want to
Tax Collector’s Office Delivers For The Children
I am proud of our employees’ ongoing support for the community and our charity partner, Living Hungry. This spring, our office took part in a collection of items to help fill “Good Time Packs” for local homeless children. We presented more than 15 boxes of approximately 2,500 items to Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante.
“If you are a teen or child without a roof over your head, summertime in Florida can be long, lonely and hot without life’s basic necessities,” says Plante. “Thanks to the kindness of Anne Gannon’s caring team, local families living in cars, motels and shelters this summer will have something to look forward to with ‘Good Time Packs’ of books, journals, games – thank you, staff!”
Living Hungry is a Delray Beach charity, dedicated to eliminating food insecurity experienced by homeless students in Palm Beach County. In addition to food items, the Good Time Packs include stickers, crayons and small toys for the children Living Hungry serves. For more information about the great work that Living Hungry does for the community, visit https:// livinghungry.org/.
Who Is Carmen C. Richardson, CPA?
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Favorite Dessert: Sweet potato pie
Favorite Trip: Alaskan Cruise
Favorite Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
get to a point of saving more than just the match, but you’ll have to weigh the benefit of additional contributions against the cost of any debt you’re carrying.
• Make it easier on yourself. To make achieving these goals easier, automate as much as you can. For example, you can divert part of your paycheck into an emergency savings account or a retirement account through automatic payments for any debt reduction or savings needs.
While it may seem like a huge endeavor to pay off your debt while still saving for the future, it doesn’t have to be. Taking small, incremental steps is key to helping you get to where you want to go.
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.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
In this edition of “Faces of the TCO,” I want to introduce you to our Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson. If you have ever wondered who oversees the disbursements of $5.8 billion in taxes, licenses and fees to the Palm Beach County taxing authorities, it is Carmen and her fantastic finance and budget team. With over 30 years of experience in accounting, Carmen is truly a seasoned pro. Her responsibilities extend beyond disbursing the monies that fund Palm Beach County; she and her team also oversee accounting, procurement, budgeting, payroll, and everything in-between. “It is the diversity that keeps my work challenging and fulfilling,” says Richardson. Carmen lives by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” This philosophy extends to how she leads her team, emphasizing “integrity and accuracy” and always fostering “learning and growth.” Of course, she’s quick to add that it helps immensely that she has “a great team.”
Carmen and her team face several challenges including keeping up with changing laws, and regulations and, safeguarding sensitive financial data from cyber threats. A big “thank you” to Carmen for sharing a glimpse into her world. It is reassuring knowing that the disbursements of our tax dollars are in such capable hands!
The Pet Cottage Post
Freedom Found: A Golden Journey Of Love And Belonging
By Wendy Derhak, Founder of The Pet Cottage Freedom.
It’s something we celebrate each July, often with flags, fireworks, and fanfare. But at The Pet Cottage, we witness a quieter, deeper kind of freedom—one found in safety, in companionship, and in the sacred promise that no pet will be left behind.
Recently, we were honored to help a trio of beautiful golden retrievers—Marlee (10), Miles (8), and Maks (4)— find their way to freedom after heartbreak.
Their story began with unimaginable loss. A local family of six was devastated when their mom passed away unexpectedly from a rare illness. Just months later, their dad died from a sudden heart attack. Four teenagers were left grieving, and so were their beloved dogs.
Family from Georgia came quickly to help pick up the pieces. The decision was made for the youngest sibling to relocate to live with her grandmother and uncle, while the older siblings stayed in Florida. But there was one heartbreaking hurdle: The dogs couldn’t make the move.
That’s when The Pet Cottage was called.
While we hoped to keep all three together, we also knew that each dog’s needs would guide us. Marlee, the
oldest at 10, was slower and calmer. She found her perfect Forever Guardians in Nancy and John—longtime golden lovers in their 70s who wanted to give one more golden girl a safe, loving home. Marlee now spends her days gently loved on, with all the comfort and dignity she deserves.
The boys, Miles and Maks, were more energetic and deeply bonded. We worked with our trusted trainer to evaluate their behavior and ensure we could find the right family. That’s when the Myers family came into the picture. A vibrant family of six with two gentle dogs, chickens, and open hearts—they were ready to grow their pack.
With careful introductions at the sanctuary and their home, and guidance from our team, the boys officially made the leap. Now, they’re thriving—running, playing, swimming, and soaking up the joy of being truly part of a family again.
This is what freedom means to us: Freedom to grow old gracefully. Freedom to be safe, content, and cared for. Freedom to run, to belong, and to be loved.
Each pet we place carries a story—of loss, of transition, and of renewal. And each guardian who steps forward helps write a new chapter.
This July, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also celebrate the quiet victories. The kind that wag their tails and rest their heads on your lap. The kind that remind us that love—especially after loss—is a freedom worth fighting for. If you believe, like we do, that every pet deserves to live out their life with dignity and love, we invite you to join us.
The Pet Cottage, www.thepetcottage.org, wendy@thepetcottage.org, (561) 818-5025, FL EIN: 47-4011633
Leave A Legacy Of Love
Our Legacy Circle honors those who include The Pet Cottage in their estate plans, ensuring their love for animals continues to make a difference for generations to come. It’s not just about caring for pets—it’s about celebrating the people whose love makes it all possible.
