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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

1000 NORTH Hosts Sold-Out Charity Luncheon And Fashion Show

Couture For Change

Thomas Burke

Fall into fashion! On Thursday, November 14, 1000 NORTH hosted a soldout 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 was established to nurture and educate underprivileged and

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 invitation-only event at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, on Monday, December 9. The Honoree Reception is by invitation only. This year’s Archival Evening Volunteer

40th ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival on page 2

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

Eirinn Abu

1000 NORTH Hosts on page 4

John Archer and Bill Bone

1000 NORTH Hosts from page 1

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

Eirinn Abu

Anne Fontaine Collection

Sherrye Sammons-Fenton, Gloria Hollis, Gale Brophy

Christina Van Vilet Rynasko

Christina Van Vilet Rynasko, Nina Pucillo, Jeanie Porter, Sandy Donavan, Crissy Poorman, Sherrye Sammons-Fenton,

Allison Weistzman, Edwige Gilbert, Catherine McGlennon

Theresa Player, Amanda-Leigh Hall, Nan O’Leary, Barbara Nicklaus, Susan Waterfall

Archival Evening from page 1

Leadership includes 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.

To donate, become a member, or learn more about the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, call (561) 832-4164, Ext. 100 or visit www.pbchistory.org.

and Christine

Robert and Julie Desnick Ryan Hollihan and Kyle Lucks

Sunni and Jeremy Johnson Susan and Chris Cowie

Camila Helander Sargent and Bruce Helander

Christian Angle

Schott

Photo Credit: Capehart Photography

Meg Braff and Scott Snyder Rick Rose

Alan and Penny Murphy Charlene and Richard Johnson

Karen and Roger Janssen Lisa and Tyler Tannenbaum

Maribel Alvarez and Grant Sory

Mark and Sonja Stevens

Collin Santini Adams and Taylor Materio

Jane Holzer and Kelly Williams

Jennifer Charlston and Brooks Adams

Joe and Michelle Jacobs

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 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!

Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce

Hosts Annual Holiday Mixer, Raising Funds For Literacy Efforts In Our Public Schools

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce celebrated the season in style last week at The Gardens Mall during its Annual Holiday Mixer. The event brought together prominent business executives, including Michael Mitrione and many others, for an evening of connection, celebration, and community impact.

This year’s Holiday Mixer was not only a festive occasion but also a meaningful one. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the chamber raised $1,350 for the Palm Beach North Education Foundation. These funds will provide essential literacy materials for an entire classroom, supporting local students in their educational journey and ensuring brighter futures within our community.

“The Annual Holiday Mixer is always a highlight of our year, and this year was no exception,” said Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this incredible cause. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of our local students.”

The evening was filled with festive cheer, offering attendees the opportunity to strengthen relationships, forge new connections, and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. As 2025 approaches, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering a high quality of life in Palm Beach North while building a prosperous economy, developing regional leadership, and becoming a resilient and connected region.

For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.

Rob Taylor, Alex Martinez Slaton, Katie Thompson, Kathleen Joy, Carrie Combes, Noel Martinez

Jimmy Glenis, Bruny Rosa, and Eddie Tybuszynski

Angel Adams, Alex Slaton, Traci Rollins, and Betsy Cohen

Mike Bauer, Stacey Bauer, Mark Holbert, and Corey Saban

Alex Martinez Slaton, Ashley Verturo, and Narupa Baldeosingh

Michael Mitrione, Susan Kaplan and Chip Armstrong

Sarah Kudisch

Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County: Driving

Innovation, Safety, And Growth For A Brighter Future

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

It’s truly an honor to become the mayor of a county that is a driving force for economic growth, innovation and quality of life. Palm Beach County stands as a beacon of progress, built not by chance, but through thoughtful planning, consistent effort, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Palm Beach County thrives on strategic investments that yield transformative results. For every dollar invested in economic development, we see exponential returns— more businesses, more jobs, and a stronger tax base. We’ve proven that we act local while thinking global.

Public Safety is the foundation of any thriving community. From emergency management during storms to initiatives by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), we are committed to ensuring residents feel secure. A shining example is our whole blood program, one of only 121 in the nation, which enables medically trained first responders to perform lifesaving blood transfusions in the field. Through its safety education, the Drowning Prevention Coalition reached nearly 24,000 people, and 2,200 kids ages 2 to 12 took free or reduced-cost swim lessons.

Helping

Investments in public safety provide tangible returns: stronger communities, lower insurance premiums, and enhanced quality of life. When people feel safe, businesses thrive, families grow, and communities flourish. That’s the kind of return on investment we can all celebrate.

What makes Palm Beach County such a desirable destination for businesses and families? It’s the outstanding quality of life, with 110 parks, beaches, and recreational areas that turn living here into a dream. These spaces are more than just amenities; they are vital investments in our shared well-being. Programs like Park Rx, also known as Park Prescriptions, is part of a national initiative that encourages healthcare professionals to prescribe time spent in nature to improve patients’ health and well-being.

This past year, we completed two major restoration projects in our estuaries: Sawfish Island and Tarpon Cove. These initiatives created critical seagrass, oyster reef, and mangrove habitats, supporting wildlife, improving water quality, and enhancing coastal resilience. Coastal resilience is important for maintaining our pristine beaches and natural habitat. The county spent nearly $6M this past year on dune projects and beach renourishment and over 1.4 million cubic yards of sand was placed on county beaches. That volume would fill 150 Jupiter Lighthouses!

Education in Palm Beach County is more than Vanderbilt. In addition to our higher education options, we have three technical high schools in our county. College may not be for everyone, but education is.

Palm Beach County is buzzing with transformational projects designed to meet the needs of yesterday and today while anticipating tomorrow. Recent accomplishments include the completion of the PBSO District 1 Marine

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

Unit Facility, the Supervisor of Elections Production Facility, and the Canyon Branch Library. Upcoming renovations at Roger Dean Stadium and expansions to the Animal Care and Control Building will further enhance our infrastructure. Solid Waste Authority has the No. 1 renewable energy facility in America.

Transportation is another cornerstone of our growth strategy. By collaborating with all 39 municipalities, we are developing a Countywide Transportation Master Plan that ensures safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility for everyone.

With more than 550 interlocal agreements spanning public safety, coastal protection, facilities, and broadband, we’re fostering a spirit of collaboration that benefits every corner of our county. Our ISS department, using $50M in federal funds, has installed broadband poles and more than 500 miles of fiber optic cabling. Free Internet broadband is available in 17 branches of our libraries and 47 county parks. And by partnering with agencies like the Boys and Girls Clubs and 86 schools, we are bringing Wi-Fi to homes that would otherwise be unable to have this necessary tool for kids to do their homework. Pair that with many interlocal agreements with our municipalities, we are delivering broadband at a discounted price which is passing a huge savings on to all our residents.

Palm Beach County is an award-winning county, locally, statewide and nationally. We are rewriting the rules of what’s possible. Through precision, patience, and strategy, we’re driving excellence and ensuring every resident and every business sees the benefits of living, working, and thriving here. Together, we’re creating a future where innovation meets sustainability, and prosperity is shared by all.

For more information on the latest news and initiatives in Palm Beach County, please visit: www.pbc.gov.

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.

Lighthouse ArtCenter Presents Tyler K. Smith: Brainz ’N Boltz

A Futuristic Journey Into The Fusion Of Art And Technology

Lighthouse ArtCenter is proud to present “Tyler K. Smith: Brainz ’N Boltz,” a solo exhibition of painting, drawing, and sculpture from January 16 through February 22. For the exhibition, Tyler K. Smith has created a cast of fantastical characters and futuristic machines that revel in technology and race through a smog-choked world.

Inspired by his upbringing on a farm where he was constantly repairing machinery by day and absorbing the popular culture of the 1960s on TV at night, Smith brings an imaginative vision and technical mastery to his “BOMBOTZ” universe. Drawing on his diverse career spanning art, theatre,

television, and film, Smith depicts the visceral and the mechanical in harmony to create dynamic and powerful gestural statements that celebrate dramatic action and embody extreme speed.

“Brainz ’N Boltz is a must-see for art enthusiasts, sci-fi and comic book fans, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of highbrow and lowbrow culture,” said Anthony Record, curator at Lighthouse ArtCenter.

The exhibition includes 10-foot-tall robots made from painted cardboard, graphite drawings on 8-foot-long panels, painted ceramics, as well as a display of sketchbooks, 3-D models, and archival photos that illustrate Smith’s creative process and the development of his “BOMBOTZ” universe.

The exhibition opens with a reception on January 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.. at Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Tyler K. Smith and a real-life BOMBOT (his son in costume). Members receive free admission; a $5 suggested donation is available for non-members.

Brainz ’N Boltz will feature two exclusive concerts by Jason Newsted and Friends in a special celebration of Smith’s work in the gallery. Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jason Newsted will perform live, surrounded by Smith’s artwork, creating a oneof-a-kind immersive experience where music and visual art unite. Concert details and ticket information can be found at lighthousearts.org.

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.

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 in-person)

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.

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 well-being, 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.

#ThePetCottage #ForeverPromise #LifelongGuardianship #SeniorPets #CompassionInAction

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 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.

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 hair-like 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.

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 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.

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. Chuckwill’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 predawn 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.

NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly—do not put them into storm drains or lakes!

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.

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

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.

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

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/.