30 Years Of Holiday Magic: Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade Returns To Dazzle With Lights And
Boat registration is now open to join Palm Beach County’s cherished holiday tradition.
The parade will be featured in an upcoming Christmas movie in December.
Rejoice in 30 years of holiday cheer at the 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive! The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) is thrilled to celebrate its 30th anniversary milestone with an appearance in an upcoming Christmas movie, Christmas Overtime, and its largest fireworks display to date. Presented by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, the parade will benefit Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.
On Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m., a stunning, on-thewater Zambelli fireworks display will kick off the boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway, starting in North Palm Beach and making its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The free,
Spirit
Live Like Jake Raises Over $300,000 To Save Lives During Seventh Annual Be
On October 4 At Pelican Club, Jupiter
Live Like Jake, the local foundation created in the memory of Jake Roarke Morrison welcomed over 300 guests during its seventh Annual Be The Light Gala on October 4. The “Buoys & Bourbon” themed event raised over $300,000 to provide life-saving infant self rescue (ISR) scholarships and funding for families affected by a drowning.
“We are beyond grateful and humbled by the support we have continued to receive throughout the years,” said Live Like Jake founder, Keri Morrison. “Thanks to this support over the past 10 years, we have provided nearly 4,000 scholarships for babies and children to learn how to self-rescue, given twelve grants for ISR self-rescue
The Light Gala Fundraiser
instructor certification and granted tens-of-thousands of dollars to support families with critical care needs and other expenses following a drowning. With your ongoing support, we will continue in our mission to end childhood drowning.”
Taking place at the elegant, waterfront Pelican Club under the glow of the Jupiter Lighthouse, the evening began with a specialty, bourbon-tasting cocktail hour and silent auction
Sold-Out Mayor’s Breakfast Showcases Future Growth In Palm Beach North
Recently, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated Business Before Hours: Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, a sold-out event showcasing the Chamber’s commitment to regional leadership. The event brought together business professionals, community leaders, and elected officials to hear important updates, future
development projects, and economic advancements directly from local government leaders.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Mayor Peggy Wheeler (Town of Juno Beach), Mayor Jim Kuretski (Town of Jupiter), Commissioner Marie Rosner (Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony), Mayor Roger Michaud (Town of Lake Park), Mayor Ken Metclaf (Town of Mangonia Park), Vice Mayor Debbie Searcy (Village of North Palm Beach), Mayor Chelsea Reed (City of Palm Beach Gardens), Mayor Alan Fiers (Town of Palm Beach Shores),
Boat Parade on page 2
Boat #19 Nauti Kitty – Sean Paul Photo
Live Like Jake on page 4
Heather Atkins, Amber Uhler, Jenni Parido, Natasha Nascimento
Mayor’s Breakfast on page 5
Erik Cazares, Timothy Burke, George Gentile, Emily O’Mahoney
Mo and Sally – Tom Serio Photography
Drs. Jeanmarie and Mike Connor
family-friendly parade will showcase up to 80 boats of all sizes decked out with fun decorations and thousands of holiday lights. Radio personalities Mo and Sally from KOOL 105.5 will return as Grand Marshals of the boat parade, with a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.
“After 30 years, the Holiday Boat Parade still captivates, bringing together old friends and new,” said MIAPBC Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. “Traditions only shine brighter with time, creating countless memories and smiles by giving back to the community.”
MIAPBC will collect toys by land and by sea for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the first week of November, donation boxes will be placed throughout the county for toy drop-offs. A “toy fleet” of boats traveling along the parade route will offer easy dockside pickups for your donations. Simply wave a flashlight when you see a boat with toy drive signage, and uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect your donations. Last year, MIAPBC collected more than 15,000 toys.
“We’re thrilled to sponsor this year’s Holiday Boat Parade and help bring the magic of the season to life on the water,”
said Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group. “It’s an honor to be part of a cherished tradition that brings joy to so many!”
This year, the boat parade and Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street will be featured in an upcoming holiday movie, Christmas Overtime, which will be released digitally in December and land on the streaming service NBC Peacock in the early spring.
The MIAPBC invites local businesses to join us as sponsors of the parade, with packages starting at $500. Package benefits vary and include business exposure through television, radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A sponsorship guarantees access to the MIAPBC’s exclusive VIP Viewing Party, with premium views of the boat parade, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This year, the parade’s top sponsors include Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Amazon, 1000 NORTH, The Clubhouse, The Twisted Tuna, Town of Jupiter, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, Harbourside Place, Florida Blue, Freedom Boat Club, and All My Sons Moving and Storage.
Register your boat today to join this festive tradition! A panel of judges will assess each entry based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed décor! Participating vessels are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in cash and prizes.
Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney
All vessels must be registered by Tuesday, December 3. Boat registrants are also required to attend the 6 p.m. Captains’ Meeting on December 3 at The Twisted Tuna in Jupiter, Fla. Entry is free with a $50 refundable deposit. For more information, visit palmbeachboatparade.com or call (561) 863-0012.
Follow the boat parade virtually using the free GPS app KnowWake! KnowWake maps coastal waterways for both Android and iPhone users. Simply download the app, create an account, and track the parade as it makes its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Light up the holidays this year with MIAPBC!
For more information about the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, please visit marinepbc.org.
First Place Boat #3 Busted Barnacles (Barnacle Busters) – Tom Serio Photography
Boat #19 Nauti Kitty – photography by Susan Speaks McGirt
First Place Boat #40 Time Out – Tom Serio Photography
First Place Boat #30 Nailed it – Tom Serio Photography
Marines – Tom Serio Photography
U.S. Marines – Tom Serio Photography
Blue Heron – Lighthouse – photography by Susan Speaks McGirt
First Place Boat #41 Suits Us Too – Tom Serio Photography
Boat
Photos courtesy of Tom Serio Photography and Susan Speaks McGirt Photography
bidding. Guests moved into the nautically themed dining hall where gala “cocaptains” Dr. Jeanmarie Connor and Heather Atkins welcomed everyone and announced their creation of The Cardinal Award, which was given to Keri Morrison. While enjoying a sumptuous dinner, emcee for the evening, Erin Elmore introduced Life Saver Pool Fence CEO Eric Lupton to present the LifeSaver Award which was given to Mary Ann Downing. Next, Infant Swimming Resource Executive Director Ashleigh Bullivant presented the WAVE Award to Christina Canavan. Special guest Mrs. Florida’s Amber Uhler spoke movingly about her reasons for focusing on drowning prevention as her platform before auctioneer Jay Zeager began the live auction and a “glowing” Call to Heart.
The evening concluded with guests invited to the dance floor and treated to the heel-raising sounds of country music singer, Ricky Young.
All monies raised from the fun-filled event go to support Live Like Jake’s mission of raising awareness for drowning prevention through selfrescue swim scholarships, outreach programs and financial assistance to families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs following a non-fatal drowning.
Sponsors for the night included The Atkins Family, Life Saver Pool Fence, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), The Weinberger Family, Counter Forced Labor Technologies, Hobgood Estate Services, Ritter & Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Window Doctor, Trelles Injury Law, 16 Handles, The Forgatch Group - Compass, Atlantis Car Wash, Allyson Sullivan & Lang Realty, Nanny, Pandora, Illustrated Properties and Love, Tito’s.
Table sponsors included A&S Electric; Premier Pediatrics; Dr. Michael Connor, M.D.; Guardian Angel Inspections, Inc.; Lee Petereit; The Gilbert Family; The Barone Family; The Broadhead Family; and The McCarty Family.
For information about future events, scholarships, or the foundation, please visit www.livelikejake.org or call (561) 441-7611.
About The Live Like Jake Foundation
Committed to honoring the life and joy of Jake Roarke Morrison, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for drowning prevention. Following the 2013 tragic drowning of their 2-year-old son, Keri Morrison and her husband Roarke created the Live Like Jake Foundation to raise awareness for childhood drowning prevention. Partnering with other drowning prevention agencies and instructors, supporting other families who have experienced the same loss; providing an indoor, heated pool dedicated to ISR instruction; and connecting with their community, the foundation has been able to provide thousands of self-rescue swim scholarships and critical care funds around the nation.
Visit livelikejake.org and facebook.com/livelikejake and @livelikejake3939 on Instagram.
Call S.E.T.
* DSL, Broadband,Wireless Install
* Networking, Troubleshooting
* Instruction
* Hardware/Software Installation
* Virus/Spyware/Adware Fix
* Cleanup/Maintenance/Backup
* Business Consult/Startup/Move
* Website Design/Maintenance
Jamie and Wade Gilbert Lee Petereit and Dina DiBona
Kelly and Jay Cashmere
Golda Jeffries and Amanda De Lucia Kelli Roop and Stacy Van Santen
Tara Perrin, Danielle Krupa, Erin Elmore, Jamie Sullivan and Ashley Elmore
Julia, Roarke, Keri and Josie Morrison
Ricky Young
Melissa, Maddie and John Waggenhoffer
Laura and Dan Allen with Biani Xavier
Understanding Moody Teenagers
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
“My teen son has a hard time showing emotions, has a hard time to make friendships, has a hard time to feel happy and contented, has a hard time to do activities that he considers useless or are mentally or physically demanding. Help me figure out what is wrong with him!” It’s not uncommon for teenagers to be moody since they are a ball of changing hormones, have variable sleep
Councilmember Douglas Lawson (City of Riviera Beach), and Mayor Molly Young (Village of Tequesta). Each leader provided valuable insights into their community’s current
patterns, and are vying for independence. All this occurs while your teen is dealing with the pressures of school, social media, and exposure to drugs and porn. As the mom wrote, her teen was withdrawn and his behavior had changed within the past few months. Prior to this he was a happier person and a decent student.
Our testing revealed this teen was depressed. Mom had wondered if he was depressed but thought looking down at him from the 30,000-foot view he had a good life. He had an intact family, a cell phone, nice place to live, and he was doing well in school. She thought, “What is there to be depressed about?” Testing revealed he had very strong feelings of inadequacy and was struggling with his identity. He believed he was not in control of his outcomes so, “Why should he try?”
projects and upcoming initiatives that will contribute to economic growth and development in Palm Beach North.
“This event continues to be one of our most popular annual gatherings, as it provides invaluable insight into the future of our region,” said Tim Burke, Chairman of the Board for the
It took mom a while to get dad to recognize the struggle but after our results review meeting he understood additional support was needed. Dad actually initiated the conversation with his teen by saying, “I feel that our relationship is strained. It may not bother you but it bothers me and if you would, I’d like you to meet with a counselor. I will as well because I need some help knowing how to help you and our family.” The teen agreed to dad’s request. School neuropsychological testing was the process which provided answers. Call (561) 625-4125 if you are concerned about your child and would like understanding. Testing is completed in one day and we test children through young adults for autism, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Our website is JimForgan.com.
Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to our mayors and community leaders for their continued dedication to advancing our local economy and ensuring a bright future for Palm Beach North.”
For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.
Mayor’s Breakfast from page 1
Peggy Wheeler, Alan Fiers, Debbie Searcy, Jim Kuretski, Molly Young, Sarita C. Johnson, Chelsea Reed, Marie Rosner, Roger Michaud, Douglas Lawson
Medicare Corner
With Kathy O
It’s Time For Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 To Dec. 7
You Have Time To Change Plans – Call Me!
Is it time for hearing aids?
Need new glasses?
Traveling outside the U.S.?
Need dental cleanings or more?
Original Medicare does not include coverage for these potentially high-cost health care expenses.
Medicare Advantage Plans may fill in the gaps for items Original Medicare does not cover.
Think about your healthcare needs when you read this surprising list of other common services that are not included in Original Medicare.
What Medicare Does Not Cover:
Health care costs that are not covered include, but are not limited to:
• acupuncture
• ambulance services (except in emergencies or when the individual’s health would be in danger if other transportation was used)
• chiropractic services, except for some limitations
• dental care and dentures (with only a few exceptions)
• cosmetic surgery
• custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and eating) at home or in a nursing home
• health care while traveling outside of the United States (except in limited cases)
• eye care—routine exams, eye refractions, and most eyeglasses
• hearing aids, hearing exams, and hearing tests that haven’t been ordered by a doctor
• long-term care, such as that delivered in most nursing homes (custodial care)
• orthopedic shoes (with only a few exceptions)
• outpatient prescription drugs (with only a few exceptions)
• routine foot care (with only a few exceptions)
• routine physical exams (beyond the annual wellness visits)
• screening tests (with some exceptions)
• shots (vaccinations—except those approved)
• some diabetic supplies (like syringes or insulin unless it is used with an external insulin pump)
• first three pints of blood
• additional charges for a private hospital room
• private nursing care
• skilled nursing care costs beyond 100 days a year
• meals delivered to the home
• medical charges billed by relatives
• personal comfort items
• intermediate care
• custodial care
Medicare Advantage Plans or Supplements can fill in the gaps that Medicare does not cover in most instances. Call today for your free, no hassle consultation. I can meet with you one on one or virtually. I am here to help find the best plan for your needs today!
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.
Town Of Jupiter News
By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter Jupiter Fire Rescue Services
Circuit Court Judge Scott issued an Oct. 9, order declaring that Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) Union, Local 2928, PAC’s proposed charter amendment and associated ballot language is legally “invalid” and “unconstitutional in its entirety” and cannot be put to a vote, and cannot be adopted by the Town of Jupiter.
The court ruling stated: “It is undisputed that the Town Council’s decision to terminate its agreement with the county was based on a thorough financial analysis. It is also undisputed that the town ultimately concluded that allocating money toward a new town fire department would save town residents and businesses” a very significant amount of money in taxes.
It was almost three years ago that a PBCFR Union member asserted that PBC planned to effectively double its ad valorem tax assessments on all Jupiter residents and
business property owners for its contracted fire rescue services to Jupiter. The intended use of this huge tax hike was to subsidize the cost of fire rescue services to rural unincorporated areas that are inherently more costly to serve than more compact and populated municipal government service areas.
A Town Council majority took actions in August/ September 2023 to create the new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) to avert the planned tax hike in PBCFR tax assessments. I don’t understand how any elected official representing Town of Jupiter resident and business taxpayers could act or be expected to act otherwise.
Fire trucks and ambulances have been ordered. Construction of new JFRD stations is underway. The JFRD leadership team has been hired and is diligently working to be prepared to begin full fire/rescue service operation throughout the town on October 1, 2026. There is a growing list of firefighters now totaling in excess of 100 candidates who that expressed interest in working for JFRD when it begins hiring to assemble the full JFRD staffing level.
We are hopeful that the PBCFR Union, Local 2928, PAC will take the circuit court judge’s ruling into account and cease undermining the efforts of fellow first responders working hard to establish Jupiter’s new Fire/Rescue Department.
Stay tuned.
Lighthouse ArtCenter Opens ‘LUSH 3’
A Contemporary Ceramics Biennial Exhibition Featuring The Underwater Photography Of Chris Leidy
Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) in Tequesta welcomed over one hundred guests to its gallery for the opening of “LUSH 3.” The third edition of a biennial open-call ceramics exhibition showcases contemporary ceramics and the largescale work of underwater photographer Chris Leidy through November 16. The opening reception occurred on September 12 and featured LAC’s signature light bites and refreshments.
“Throughout the exhibition, viewers will notice relationships between the sculptures and photographs,” said Anthony Record, curator of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “The shapes of traditional ceramic vessels appear in the photographs, the surfaces and structures of coral emerge in the contemporary ceramics, and in ways unique to undersea life and ceramic glazes, the luminous layering of colors can be found everywhere.”
This juried exhibition received nearly 500 submissions from emerging and established ceramic artists nationwide. A panel of nationally recognized ceramic artists selected artworks by forty-four artists from thirty-eight cities, and their functional, sculptural, and experimental pieces were all created within the past two years. Jamie Bates, a renowned ceramicist and LAC 3-Wings Fellowship Visiting Artist, served as a judge and was awarded over $4,000 in prizes.
Each edition of LUSH also features a contemporary artist primarily working in 2-D media. This year, LUSH 3 includes the work of West Palm Beach artist Chris Leidy, known for his global expeditions that capture striking photographic images from beneath the ocean’s surface. LUSH 3 focuses on Leidy’s photography of coral, whose textures, colors, and complexity of forms are shared with the contemporary ceramics on view.
Lighthouse ArtCenter has been a cornerstone of the visual arts in northern Palm Beach and Martin counties since 1964. With a mission to inspire and connect through vibrant exhibitions and educational programs, LAC serves over 20,000 visitors annually and supports a diverse community outreach initiative. For more information about Lighthouse ArtCenter, visit lighthousearts.org.
Jeni Licata, Anthony Record and Maggie Kramer
Work by Jamie Bates
Cayla Leidy, Zephyr Leidy, Chris Leidy and Hilary Pulitzer
Patricia Reagan and Chad Steve
Cardinal Newman High School Kicks Off Newman Night 2025 Gala
Cardinal Newman High School recently kicked off the Newman Night 2025 Gala with a special trolley shopping event on October 1. Embracing the gala theme of “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” the day offered a funfilled shopping experience titled “Shop it like it’s Hot,” with a portion of proceeds benefiting the school.
The festivities began at 8 a.m. as participants boarded two Molly’s Trolleys for a unique adventure. Starting with a stop at C. Orrico in Palm Beach, where Mayor Danielle H. Moore made a special appearance, the day’s itinerary then featured visits to various shops in Delray Beach, followed by a Polynesian lunch at Hawkers and concluded with coffee back at Cardinal Newman High School.
President Chuck Stembler expressed his appreciation for the Cardinal Newman community, stating, “Events like this truly highlight what makes Cardinal Newman
a special place. It’s wonderful to see parents and friends come together for a day of bonding and shopping to support the school. This strong family atmosphere is what sets Cardinal Newman apart.”
“C. Orrico was proud to host the Shop and Share Breakfast with Cardinal Newman High School,” said Colleen Orrico, co-owner of C. Orrico. “As my son’s alma mater, this school holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to supporting our local schools and community. We love our entire extended Crusader family!”
Newman Night 2025, themed “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” is Cardinal Newman’s largest annual fundraiser. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable night in paradise with dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. This exciting event scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Raymond
F. Kravis Center is chaired by Tiffany Eitel, Michelle Gonzalez, and Wendy Tuma, with honorary chairpersons Mary Jo Higgins and Virginia O’Hara.
For more information about Newman Night 2025 and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or (561) 619-7280.
Cathy Orrico, Tiffany Eitel
Colleen Orrico, Jennifer Michael Molina
Erin Shea, Wendy Tuma Diane Buhler, Casey Orrico
Mary Martens, Danielle H. Moore, provided by Cardinal Newman High School
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Becomes First Sea Turtle Hospital In South Florida To Install An On-Site CT Machine
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) has become the first sea turtle hospital in South Florida to install an on-site, cutting-edge computer tomography (CT) machine. Generously donated by The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the new machine will significantly increase LMC’s ability to treat more sick and injured sea turtles in an efficient and less intrusive manner.
CT imaging is quickly becoming the standard of care for ill or injured sea turtles, offering a level of detail that cannot be seen using other methods. CT scans often produce 3-D renderings that can reveal lesions or tumors missed by radiographs or ultrasounds. This information can be vital to creating an effective treatment plan for sick and injured sea turtles.
LMC’s Animal Care Center has a surgical suite, an upgraded X-ray room, a lab for blood work, an endoscope, and an ultrasound. Each year, hundreds of sea turtles are examined and treated at the center. With the addition of the new CT machine, Dr. Heather Barron, LMC’s chief science officer, will be able to successfully treat and release more sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis (FP). This highly contagious virus causes the growth of benign, but obstructive tumors within and outside the sea turtle’s body, leading to death if not removed. LMC is now one of only nine hospitals in the state of Florida capable of treating FP patients.
“We are so grateful to the Bailey Foundation for their generous support,” said Dr. Heather Barron, chief
science officer at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “The CT machine allows us to make faster and more accurate diagnoses, leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes for our patients.”
For more information on Loggerhead Marinelife Center and their rehabilitation efforts, visit marinelife. org/rehabilitation.
Photos courtesy of Michael Albanese
Planning from page 10
Second, I offer comprehensive support and start working with your child as early as eighth grade. Although most begin in tenth or eleventh grade, starting early gives your child more time to complete my speed-reading course, take two SAT test prep classes, resume writing, college lists, tours, and stepby-step assistance in the application process. My test prep course pinpoints where your child should concentrate their efforts to increase their test scores. Additionally, I guide your child in identifying and applying for scholarship opportunities, maximizing their chances of reducing college costs.
Third, when students begin working with me in eighth or ninth grade, they learn to develop essential skills such as time management, goal setting, effective communication, and self-advocating. One-to-one college planning positions your child for a future full of opportunity.
I am the owner of Class 101 College Planning North Palm Beach and offer a free consultation to discuss your child’s college planning process. I can be reached at (561) 418-7897 or www.Class101.com/ northpalmbeachfl.
