Lifestyles OCT 2024

2024 Stuart Air Show

To Feature Local Food Trucks, STEM Scavenger Hunt, Drone Show, And A-10 Demo Team’s Final Performance

The 2024 Stuart Air Show, set for November 8 to 10 at Martin County Airport/ Witham Field, is gearing up to be an action-packed weekend for families and aviation lovers. With new attractions like local food trucks, a kid-friendly STEM Scavenger Hunt, a dazzling drone show, and the final performance of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team, this year’s event promises to be the biggest yet.

Tequesta Chili Cook-Off To Spice Up Veteran Support With Unforgettable Celebration

Details – 2 to 6 p.m., on November 9, at One Main Street in Tequesta Get ready for a sizzling day of fun, flavors, and heartfelt tributes at the 13th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off!

The Tequesta Chili CookOff is an annual fundraising event dedicated to celebrating local flavor and community spirit while supporting veterans’ charities. With a blend of culinary competition, live entertainment, and charitable giving, the cook-off has become a cherished tradition in Tequesta, bringing together people to honor and support our nation’s heroes. This year’s cook-off is not just about great food and fun; it’s a powerful fundraising event with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting five veterans’ charities: Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, Operation 300, Warriors Renewal Coalition and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, Inc. These organizations work tirelessly to support and uplift

This year introduces a community favorite: local food trucks! Attendees can enjoy a variety of mouthwatering options, from savory barbecue to fresh seafood, gourmet street food, and desserts. As you watch the aerial performances and explore static displays, the food trucks will provide the perfect fuel for an exciting day.

Athletes Race For Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon

More than 400 athletes from across the country gathered in Jupiter, Fla., for the Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon on Saturday, August 24. Hundreds of spectators attended to support the athletes as they made their way through the challenging race.

First held in 1985, the event has become a must on the Southeast race circuit. The triathlon course included a 3/8-mile swim in the Atlantic Ocean off Carlin Park, a 13-mile bike ride down A1A into Juno Beach, Fla., a 3.1-mile (5K) run to the Jupiter Inlet,

2024 Stuart Air Show on page 7

Chili. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography Joe Namath Foundation.

Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Chili Cook-Off on page 2

AnnMarie Foss, Edward Foss, Yolanda Debalo

Bill Picciano, Claudia Garrell, Matt Young

Mona Anderson, Nano Swetman, Bob Hohnodel, Mercedes Loftos, Meredith Anderson

Lara Trump

Athletes Race on page 5

Cook-Off from page 1

our veterans and their families, and your participation directly contributes to their vital work.

“The Joe Namath Charitable Foundation (JNCF) is proud to return and support the 13th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off benefitting our veterans.” – The JNCF Event Highlights

• Live Music: Dance to energetic performances by No Big Deal Band.

• Pipes and Drums: Experience the stirring sounds of traditional military music.

• Military Flyovers

• Celebrity Guests and Judges: Meet notable personalities and culinary experts who will help judge the chili competition.

• Craft Beer: Sip on a diverse selection of craft beers from Tequesta Brewing Company.

• Award Ceremony: Celebrate our veterans and Gold Star families during a special awards presentation.

• Chili Competition: Taste and vote for your favorite chili among 32 competing teams from public safety, the military and the private sector.

• Silent and Live Auction

Tickets: 21 and older, clear bag, no pets event. Tickets available at https://tequestachilicookoff.com/ticket-sales.

• General Admission: $30 (includes entry and access to chili tastings). Tickets online and in person at Tequesta Brewing Company, McCarthy’s Irish Pub and Tequesta Fire Rescue. Ticket prices go up to $35 on the day of the event.

• Mug/T-Shirt

Ticket: $60 (includes general admission items plus a 16-ounce glass beer mug and event T-shirt. Tickets online only.

• VIP Experience: $100 (includes Mug/T items plus entry to the VIP tent with upgraded food, drinks, and exclusive event swag.

Contact

• Website: https://tequestachilicookoff.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tequestachili_ cookoff/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ tequestachillicookoff

• Contact: Captain David McGovern, (561) 262-7087, dmcgovern@tequesta.org or Cyndi McDonald, (561) 3712819, info@tequestachilicookoff.com.

Burns Wealth Management Group

Robert Burns

CPWA ® Managing Director Wealth Partner, Portfolio Manager 3825 PGA Blvd, Floor 9, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 561.694.5666 robert.m.burns@jpmorgan.com jpmorgan.com/burnswm

Veterans. Photo by Vanessa Allison

Pipes and Drums. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Judges 2023. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Firefighters to the rescue. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

City of WPB FR. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Awards Ceremony. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Chili

Chili attendees. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography

Live Like Jake Announces Sell-Out Of Seventh Annual Be The Light Gala Fundraiser On October 4 At Pelican Club, Jupiter

Live Like Jake, the local foundation created in the memory of Jake Roarke Morrison announces that tickets to its upcoming “Buoys & Bourbon”-themed gala are sold out.

The Seventh Annual Be the Light gala fundraiser took place

October 4 at the elegant, waterfront Pelican Club, Jupiter. Along with special libations celebrating this year’s theme, the evening includes a live and silent auction, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous dinner and dessert, dancing, awards ceremony, and a live musical performance by country music artist, Ricky Young.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and excitement for this year’s gala,” says Live Like Jake Founder, Keri Morrison. “Having our Be the Light Gala underneath the actual beams of the lighthouse could not be

more perfect, and we are so grateful to the Live Like Jake community for the opportunity. Based on the response, I know we are not alone in our enthusiasm, which bodes well for support of our mission to end childhood drowning,” says Morrison. “We have fun surprises in store, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone on October 4 at the Pelican Club.”

All monies raised from the fun-filled event go to support Live Like Jake’s mission of raising awareness for drowning prevention through self-rescue swim scholarships, outreach programs and financial assistance to families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs.

Sponsors for the night include: 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: A&S Electric; Premier Pediatrics; Dr. Michael Connor, MD; 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 infant swimming resource (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.

and back to the finish line at Carlin Park. The event also featured a duathlon for those who opted to skip the swim, and the option to participate in a relay.

Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography

Conquering Joint Pain with Robotic Precision and Surgical Excellence

Robotic-assisted Joint Replacement Surgery

With hip or knee pain, everyday activities may be difficult and painful to perform. At the Center for Joint & Spine Care at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center we offer innovative solutions to relieve joint pain including many minimally invasive robotic-assisted joint replacement options.

With a fleet of surgical robots to choose from, including the ROSA® Knee System, Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI™ Surgical System, and NAVIO™ Surgical System, your surgeon will create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan designed for greater precision and fewer incisions, along with less pain and a quicker recovery.

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Rob Lucarelli, Mariana Lamb, Adrienne Capps, Tamra FitzGerald, Jay Lessing, Michael Albanese

Brian Elkins, Caitlyn Bergman, Katie Velotta, Brittany Cartwright, Sean Reed

Becky Mitchell, Julie Brown, Dr. Ahmed Elhaddad, Debbie Pingue

Dr. Ahmed Elhaddad, Tim Burke Shepard Reback, Kemper Reback

Jenn Shapiro, Tracy Baynham

Bernardo Neto, Lauren Neto, Jon Colclasure, Charlotte Emilia

Linda Robb, Barbara Shafer

Julie Brown, Debbie Pingue, Becky Mitchell

Dr. Jose Lopez, Ray Curbelo, JZ Merheb

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Dear Taxpayer, Welcome fall!

The end of the 2024 tax year is fast approaching! This month, my office will certify the ad valorem tax roll to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. The Tax Collector will mail the 2024 tax bills on Nov. 1.

It is also petition season. Hearings are beginning for property owners who filed a petition because they disagree with their property assessment or denied exemption. They are led by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB). On average, the number of petitions filed in Palm Beach County is low, typically less than 1 percent of the total parcels in the county.

As we move into the final months of the year, I’d like to remind all property owners to review their homestead exemption status to determine whether they might qualify for additional property tax saving benefits. There are several other exemptions such as those for seniors, the disabled, and members of the armed forces. You can research them all at pbcpao.gov.

Also in this month’s newsletter, a note on sales verification, an important process that helps inform our valuations.

I hope you find this information useful and your autumn enjoyable.

Respectfully,

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

Additional Exemptions

Property owners may be eligible for additional exemptions. In order to qualify for the following additional exemptions, you must have a homestead exemption on your property.

Limited Income Senior Exemption

A $25,000 exemption is available to those 65 or older with an adjusted gross income below $36,614, not including tax-exempt bond interest or non-taxable social security income. You will be asked to provide a copy of your Federal 1040 Tax Form or your Social Security 1099 Form. The county’s senior exemption does not apply to other taxing authorities, such as the school district and other municipalities.

In addition to the countywide exemption, some municipalities offer additional tax savings.

Boynton Beach – $25,000

Delray Beach – $25,000

Greenacres – $5,000

Haverhill – $50,000

Juno Beach – $50,000

Jupiter – $50,000

Jupiter Inlet Colony – $50,000

Lake Park – $10,000

Lake Worth Beach – $25,000

Lantana – $25,000

Loxahatchee Groves –

$50,000

North Palm Beach – $25,000

Palm Beach Gardens –

$25,000

Palm Springs – $25,000

Royal Palm Beach – $5,000

South Palm Beach – $25,000

Tequesta – $25,000

Wellington – $50,000

West Palm Beach – $25,000

The city of Boynton Beach also offers a Super Senior exemption for those who meet the qualifications of the limited income senior citizen exemption and who have:

• Maintained the ownership and have been a permanent residence of the property for at least 25 years.

• A property with a market value of less than $250,000 at the time of application.

Widow/Widower Exemption

Florida grants a $5,000 exemption to widows and widowers. You will be asked to submit a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate. If the surviving spouse remarries, they are no longer eligible to receive the additional exemption.

Living Quarters Of Parents Or Grandparents Exemption (Also Known At The Granny Flat Exemption)

Homesteaded property owners who add living quarters for a parent or grandparent can apply to have all or part of the value of this new construction deducted from the assessment.

Civilian Disability Exemptions

Full or partial exemptions are available for individuals with the following disabilities:

• Quadriplegic

• Paraplegic

• Hemiplegic

• Legally blind

• Total and permanent disability, requires wheelchair for mobility

• Total and permanent disability, does not require wheelchair for mobility

Some of these exemptions have income limitations. Visit our website at pbcpao.gov for more information on these exemptions or to download and print forms. You can always call us at (561) 355-2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcpao.gov.

Did You Know? We Call To Verify Sales Data

Our work entails setting the market value for each property, and so property sales data is an important tool to show where the market is in Palm Beach County. Before we use sales data, we first make sure that the details of each sale reflect the market. Only sales that meet the definition of market value are used in developing estimates of market value for similar properties.

To verify sales information, our appraisers regularly contact the market participants (sellers, buyers, brokers, attorneys, etc.) involved with real estate sales. We try to obtain details regarding property sales from someone directly involved with each transaction. We then use this data to determine which sales represent market value and will be used in the development of property appraisals.

Answering our questions about property sales gives our office reliable data from which we can then create appraisals that are fair, equitable, and reflect the market.

Offices Open On Columbus Day

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be open on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14.

Members of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office at the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Annual Conference; Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS is on the far right and IAAO President Rebecca Malmquist, CAE is in the center.

TGH Urology Group

One Of Few In Region Offering Novel Prostate Treatment

For the first time in 10 years, Jim Grogan slept through the night. For this relief, he is grateful to Dr. Emanuel Gottenger, a urologist with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Urology Group of Florida. Dr. Gottenger used a newer urologic procedure called aquablation to treat Grogan’s benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.

The 66-year-old Boca Raton resident was diagnosed with BPH more than 10 years ago. Over that period, Grogan became more and more sleep deprived, struggling through his workdays.

“I was up every two hours to use the bathroom,” he said. “I could barely function during the day.” Grogan manages multimillion-dollar real estate transactions for a title insurance company. “I need to be sharp and on my game.” When he’d book flights to visit family in Boston, he’d select a seat closest to the restroom. Driving long distances was challenging because he’d need frequent stops to relieve himself.

According to the Yale School of Medicine, about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH. The number jumps to 70 percent among men aged 60 to 69 and to around 80 percent of men over the age of 70.

If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence. In addition, BPH can have negative effects on men’s everyday lives, impacting quality of sleep, limiting social activities and causing relationship challenges.

Encouraged to research alternative treatments, Grogan discovered aquablation and learned that Dr. Gottenger is one of the few urologists in South Florida offering the procedure. Aquablation uses real-time ultrasound imaging, a robotic arm for precision and the Aquabeam (water jet) to precisely remove prostate tissue. Following meetings and consultations with Dr. Gottenger, Grogan decided to move forward with the procedure. Although minimally invasive, aquablation surgery does require an overnight hospital stay, and patients go home with a catheter to aid urination while their urethra heals.

Commissioner’s Update

Advocacy And Civic Engagement In Government

By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino

Advocacy and civic engagement are fundamental to a healthy democracy. These practices allow citizens to influence government policies, hold officials accountable, and actively shape the decisions that impact their communities. When citizens and organizations engage, they can drive government responsiveness, transparency, and effectiveness.

Advocacy refers to the efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations to influence public policy and government decisions. These efforts can take various forms, such as lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization. It often involves educating decision-makers and the public on specific issues, persuading them to adopt certain policies or actions.

Civic engagement is a broader concept that encompasses any activity that allows citizens to be involved in public life. This

Grogan’s regular urologist could offer only transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as a possible option for relief. Although TURP is considered the gold standard for treating enlarged prostates, it can come with severe side effects, including erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation and painful urination.

James Grogan, Tampa General patient

ranges from voting and participating in town halls to volunteering and joining community boards. Civic engagement emphasizes collective action to address societal issues and fosters a shared responsibility between citizens and their government.

A recent example of effective advocacy and civic engagement occurred in Palm Beach County when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) unveiled its 2024/25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative is aimed to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida state parks. However, the proposal to amend the Unit Management Plan of Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) to develop environmentally sensitive lands into a golf course sparked wide concern.

Local residents, outraged by the potential environmental damage, quickly mobilized. They reached out to elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels, voiced their concerns, and organized protests. In a matter of days, thousands of residents had signed petitions and coordinated protests. As a result, the outcry attracted attention from officials across the state, including Florida Cabinet members, U.S. Congress representatives, and state senators. These leaders called for increased transparency and urged FDEP to withdraw the proposal.

As Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County and a member of the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, I was acutely aware of the proposed plan’s potential impact on the Loxahatchee River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. Protection of water quality and lands has been

Grogan is thrilled with the results. “I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. and woke up at 6 a.m. It was the first time I slept through the night in 10 years!”

TGH Urology Group of Florida recently joined Tampa General as part of the academic health system’s initiative to serve more patients across the state. Since 2020, Tampa General has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties.

For more information about TGH Urology Group of Florida, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).

a hallmark of our success as a county, much of which is a direct result of various partnerships between the county and FDEP. However, the plan amendment was directly detrimental to environmentally sensitive lands and water quality to the Loxahatchee River. Along with my colleagues, I penned a letter to the secretary of the FDEP, expressing our opposition to the proposal and requesting its withdrawal.

Advocacy empowers individuals to take action on issues they care about, fostering a sense of ownership over the direction of government policy. As an elected official, I often have the opportunity to hear from constituents daily through letter writing, phone calls, public comment on agenda items, and additionally once a month during Matters by the Public. When individuals realize that their voices can have an impact, they become more involved in the political process. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial to the health of a democracy.

As demonstrated in Palm Beach County, when citizens come together to advocate for change, they can profoundly impact their government and community for the better. Thank you for staying engaged and making your voices heard. If you’re interested in learning more about the Palm Beach County boards and committees that citizens may participate in, please visit https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/ ABC/Pub_ABCReports.aspx. As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance at (561) 355-2201 or by email at MMarino@pbc.gov.

Statewide Leaders To Convene With Dr. Nadine

Burke Harris To Support The Well-Being Of Babies

Pioneer of ACEs/former Attorney General of California to lead discussion to better shape the future of Florida’s youngest generation.

What Center for Child Counseling in partnership with Florida Association of Infant Mental Health are hosting “Celebrate Babies with Nadine Burke Harris, M.D.” on Tuesday, October 22, to help better shape the future of Florida’s youngest generation. With Kathy Leone as the honorary chair and WPTV Channel 5’s Ashley Glass as the emcee, the hybrid event will take place at The Breakers by special invitation only and online for the public from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Burke Harris is the former attorney general of California and an internationally renowned pediatrician, public health advocate, and author. She is best known for her pioneering work in the field of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Joining the event virtually, Dr. Burke Harris will lead statewide business and

system leaders in an interactive conversation that explores the profound impact of early adversity and trauma on childhood development. The event is taking place during Celebrate Babies Week—a week dedicated to celebrating infants, toddlers, young children, their families, and early childhood professionals across the globe.

Kathy Leone will host 175 by-special-invitation-only attendees at The Breakers. Registration to attend virtually is $25 and open to the public. For more information, visit centerforchildcounseling.org/celebratebabies.

Why

Science clearly confirms what our experience already knows—what happens early in life impacts everything. For better or worse, we carry our early events with us for the rest of our lives, and into our future families and communities.

Society is grappling with big, complex issues: a youth mental health crisis, crime and overflowing jails, uncontrollable addiction, and generational cycles of abuse and trauma left on repeat. These dilemmas are often the result of unbuffered, untreated trauma experienced early in life.

But there are solutions we’ve been building for more than 20 years, so we have reason to celebrate! Our babies can be better from birth—for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Burke Harris is the woman who thrust the subject of adverse childhood experiences into our national consciousness and dialogue. Our understanding of ACEs today is due to her insights and work in revealing how early adverse events affect lifelong health and well-being—for individuals, families, and communities.

When Tuesday, October 22, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (in-person registration begins at 12 p.m.)

Where

The Breakers Palm Beach (by special invitation only) 1 South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Online registration is $25 and open to the public: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mcg5krt/lp/26e637200d0f-43f2-a9cf-cd1c2baa7d71

About Nadine Burke Harris, M.D.

Nadine Burke Harris, M.D., MH, FAAP, is an internationally renowned pediatrician, public health advocate, and author— best known for her pioneering work in the field of ACEs and toxic stress.

Dr. Burke Harris is the founder and former CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, an organization dedicated to improving the health of children exposed to ACEs. Dr. Burke Harris served as California’s first Surgeon General, where she focused on addressing the root causes of health disparities and promoting early interventions for childhood trauma. Her influential book, The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity has brought widespread attention to the impact of early adversity on longterm health and well-being.

Celebrate Babies’ Donors And Corporate Partners

Donors and corporate sponsors who are making this important conversation possible include: Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, The Children’s Movement of Florida, The Breakers Palm Beach, Stephens & Stevens Marital & Family Law, Valley Bank, Sunshine Health, and Jane Robinson.

CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build trauma-informed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.

Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Palm Beach County Announces Veterans Build 2024, Presented By Vertical Bridge

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (HFHGPBC) has announced its annual Veterans Build event, presented by Vertical Bridge, will be held on November 1, with multiple job sites across Palm Beach County. This annual fundraiser and community build/repair effort supports veterans and active service members in our community.

With nearly 76,000 veterans living in Palm Beach County, Habitat is committed to honoring those who have served our nation through initiatives like Veterans Build. This program ensures that veterans can achieve or maintain the American dream of homeownership, providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home. The community can support Veterans Build in three impactful ways: by becoming a sponsor, fundraising and building, or by donating to the American Dream Fund – a dedicated fund for Veterans Build 2024. Immediately after the build, participants will gather for the American Dream

Barbecue, a reception at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center where guests will celebrate the impact of Veterans Build and honor the veterans and active service members in attendance.

This year’s event is once again presented by Vertical Bridge, a dedicated annual partner and champion for veterans in Palm Beach County. “Vertical Bridge is proud to sponsor the Veterans Build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, marking our seventh consecutive year of support,” said Ron Bizick, CEO of Vertical Bridge. “Giving back and making a difference in our communities is deeply important to us. Seeing the stability this housing provides to those who have devoted themselves to defending our nation’s freedom is especially fulfilling.”

Veterans Build 2024 cochairs are Clint Lowe, director of Engineering Transformation and Footprint Strategy at Carrier and U.S. Army Veteran; and Michael Maglio, vice president

The Singles Scene Column© October 2024

Find Your Perfect Fit

“’Cause every girl crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man”- ZZ Top As October begins, witness wardrobe changes and cooler weather, signaling the best time of the year has arrived (and so have you). Sweaters, boots, and extra cuddles resurface as requirements of Fall, while summer trends and flings fade away. In fashion, as in love, certain things never go out of style—they evolve, adapt, or return new and improved. Today, we will draw a relatable comparison between the pursuit of romantic happiness and the ideal wardrobe that will create your best date night look. You want a good “fit”--right?

The Rules.

As always, if you are TAKEN, do share these words of hope with your single, divorced, and widowed family and friends. We are sure you would be thrilled to see your favorite single people smile brighter this holiday season. No one wants to be the fifth or seventh wheel at the dinner party this season. The last quarter of the year can and will be epic. Believe it and own your role in it. This is not a one-man job. Acquire a connector in the know.

Just The Facts.

With the holidays being the biggest trigger for singles, you may catch yourself reminiscing about past loves and daydreaming about what it was like to be a “dynamic duo” during the most wonderful time of the year. You are likely to be yearning for traditional courtship of days gone by. This does still exist--and we enjoy reminding people of this long forgotten dating norm. We believe in it. Some singles may feel uncomfortable in our modern tech era (like a fish out of water). This means It’s time to ask for help...privately...and not online. It’s time to get set up by a trusted friend (i.e. your matchmakers). If you are already working with a matchmaker, it’s time to ask and accept their advice. Be open to change and adventure or you will go nowhere. Everything will stay the same and you will feel the same way on December 31st. Open your heart.

The Hunt.

The pursuit of love is much like the hunt for the perfect date night wardrobe. This can take time, experimentation, and timing. You are in luck because we, as matchmakers, are much like the stylists at a fabulous custom boutique, ready to take on the challenge with and for you. Dating is similar to browsing the fashion racks, and both require patience, a little adventure, and the confidence to know when something fits just right. You may be struggling to find your Plus One but that is normal when you know you are in the right place. Bar none; matchmaking is a solid ticket to a happy ending in 2024. The pond is continually restocked, just like any popular boutique.

Try It On. Have you ever walked into a store and tried on an outfit, but nothing seemed to feel right? Or maybe you’ve found yourself in a fitting room with something that looked perfect on the hanger, but once you put it on, you realize it’s not for you. Dating can feel the same. You may meet someone who checks all the right boxes on paper, but doesn’t feel quite right when you’re together. Next, please.

Don’t get stuck on one look. Every date won’t lead to the perfect match--but you must elevate the odds and let someone else do the vetting and setting up for you. You can adjust your expectations on your search and learn more about yourself. Also, don’t forget to work on yourself--this is a bonus for you and your future partner. If you find yourself striking out again and again--ask for help. Don’t be closed minded and blame the date or anyone else. It takes two and consider each encounter as a learning experience to help you become the best version of yourself. Regardless of your age, we should all be able to grow and learn and adapt. That is attractive.

The Perfect Fit.

Patience is a virtue. We recently had a success story of two CEOs in the club. It took the gentleman four months to find his “perfect” fit, and the woman was one and done in her first month! Finding someone you connect with will not always happen overnight. However, the wait will be worth it. Love can appear unexpectedly (love at first sight). Just don’t settle for a relationship that doesn’t fit your needs and values long-term. A perfect fit is more than just superficial--it also requires the possibility of longevity. Will it stand the test of time? Look for someone emotionally, financially, and physically aligned with you and your dreams for your future

Trust Your Stylist (aka Matchmaker).

You may feel like you can do it alone but you can’t. You have a job and you are not The Pro. You would not do your own doctoring or lawyering, right? Bonding with your matchmaker, being honest, and trusting the

mindset (looking for a true match).

On that note, thank you to our new applicants who have PRE-BOOKED their First Interview in advance. Clients who get started in October have a higher chance of meeting an ideal dating partner before the holidays and the turn of the New Year 2025 for the most important kiss of the year. Make the last three months of this year count. Your future self will thank you later.

We can’t wait to meet you in our gorgeous office on PGA Boulevard-where we have been for ten successful years and counting! Make the last quarter of the year the best part of the year and end with a powerful and life changing win!

Xoxo, Kelly & Miranda

#FALLinLove #End2024Strong #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends

Kelly Leary© has 33 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been profiled by Modern Luxury Magazine in the Fall 2023 and 2024 Issues as a Dynamic Business Woman. Look for it on shelves now. She has won three awards for BEST MATCHMAKER and BEST DATING Coach so far in 2024. She has also been written about in The Palm Beach Post, PalmBeacher Magazine, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating members are prescreened in-person including mandatory and verified ID. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and her team also provide feedback from dates when appropriate and welcome. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to basic memberships. Kelly and her team have been representing clients and couples up-and-down the East Coast of the USA for decades and will see people in their home state or by Zoom--by appointment--if qualified. *All inquiries are confidential.

Connection is Key: Behind the Scenes at Revolution Dating!

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele from all over the U.S.A. are ready to live and love off-line and the demand for authentic matchmakers is soaring--especially in our local area. To add to this huge need, this month marks the inception of Coupling Season---so do tell your single friends and family to make some moves in the last quarter of 2024. Revolution Dating specializes in representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Take a look at these special September moments. This could be you too! Now is the time to get moving and grooving with The REV and celebrate the life we have been given from the land of the free and the home of the brave. Get ready for a Revolutionary October. Now is the perfect time to REV-up your love life. You only live once and to this we say: “What are you waiting for?”

#TellYourFriends #FallinLove #FlipTheScript #StandTogether

of Industrial Sales at NuStar Building Materials and U.S. Marine Veteran. Both chairs are honored to lead this year’s event, dedicated to ensuring that veterans in our community feel supported and connected as they transition from military to civilian life. By helping provide a stable foundation of affordable homeownership, they are committed to giving veterans a sense of security and belonging.

Anyone wishing to learn more and get involved is invited to attend the kick-off party on Thursday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by the Maglio family at a private residence in Jupiter Farms. Guests will enjoy an award-winning pig roast, tableside paella, red, white, and brews, live music by the Steel Pony Band, and a silent auction while learning how they can support Veterans Build 2024. R.S.V.P. is required, visit https://app.giveffect.com/ campaigns/33470-veterans-build-kick-off-party.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County welcomes corporate partners, volunteers, and service members to help build and improve homes for veterans in our community. Committed sponsors include Vertical Bridge (Presenting Sponsor); Carrier (Challenge Coin Sponsor); MISSION UNITED (Grant Funder); Hubbard Radio/WFTL 50 (Exclusive Radio Sponsor); Art Roffey & Gail Danto, and BallenIsles Country Club and Seacoast Bank (Community Builder Sponsors); Clear Touch, Document Storage Systems, Inc; Grimes Events and Party Tents; Gunster; Humana; FPL; Pratt & Whitney; and Grimes; Mariza Brussolo, Boynton Beach Arts and Cultural Center; and Restore Construction Group, Inc (Hope Builder Sponsors); Magen Protective Services (Security Sponsor); and Starbucks (Coffee Sponsor); and Baptist Health (Hospitality Tent).

Committee members include Cochairs Clint Lowe and Michael Maglio; Honorary Cochairs Anne DesormierCartwright and Ryan Paton; Committee reserves: Julia Dattolo and Charles (Chuck) Millar; Committee members: Brandon Albers, Nicholas Cannon, Carey Clarke, Andrew Filauro, Amy Kemp, Donna Kerner, Debbie Meyers, Anthony Nastase, Jonathan Oakley, Anta Plowden, Jon Raybuck, Art Roffey, Ivan Rosa, and Melissa Royal.

To learn more about Veterans Build 2024 sponsorship and/ or volunteer opportunities, visit https://habitatgreaterpbc.org/ veterans-build/.

To discover more, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org and follow us online at @HabitatGPBC.

For any inquiries, contact Kristen Bardin, director of Advancement, at kristen.bardin@habitatgreaterpbc.org.

Cochairs of Veterans Build 2024: Michael Maglio and Clint Lowe. Photo by MasterWing Creative Agency

Special Edition Hot Tips By: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

Our fearless leader, Kelly, takes on Montana. Business, pleasure,

Community Rallies At 2024 Fire Truck Pull, Raising

The 2024 Fire Truck Pull, held Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens, brought together teams of first responders, business leaders, college athletes and more for a day of competition and philanthropy. This year’s event raised an impressive $26,500 to benefit students and adults with autism who attend Connections Education Center, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach.

In a thrilling display of power and teamwork, teams competed to see which could pull a real fire truck 30 feet fastest. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department emerged as the champions in the Fastest Pull category, completing the 30-foot fire truck pull in just 10.03 seconds. The Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue team claimed victory in the Lowest Combined Weight Pull category, pulling the fire truck 30 feet within the three minute time limit with a combined team weight of only 658 pounds.

With 15 participating teams, the event was not only a showcase of physical strength but also a testament to the community’s generosity. The ZAZ Squad stood out in the fundraising efforts, earning the title of Highest Fundraising Team by raising $11,465. Zach, one of the school’s adult clients and a member of the ZAZ Squad, led the individual fundraising efforts, bringing in $7,220 and securing the title of Highest Fundraising Individual.

$26,500

For Autism Support

“We are encouraged by the community’s enthusiastic support for individuals with autism,” said Debra Johnson, executive director and principal of Connections Education Center. “The funds raised will directly enhance the educational and developmental opportunities for our students and adults with autism. Every participant, donor, sponsor and spectator played a role in making this event a success. And we couldn’t have done it without the contributions of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue and Station 61.”

Connections serves 140 individuals, many of whom might not have access to high quality services without the school. More than 80 percent of the school’s students live below the poverty line, 94 percent come from minority families and over 50 percent live in single parent homes or with grandparents.

Fire Truck Pull on page 11

BluEdge Team pulling

PBG Police pulling

PBSO

Team Noah pulling

This year’s Fire Truck Pull also featured a Special Needs Registry enrollment drive by the Palm Beach Gardens Police, allowing families with children who have autism or other special needs to register their children, ensuring that police are better informed in case of an emergency.

For event highlights and more information, visit connectedpb.com/fire truck pull. Learn more at connectedpb.com.

Stronger To gether. For You.

Bariatric and General Surgery

At the Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute, Dr. Eduardo Parra-Davila, Dr. Abraham Betancourt and their medical team are highly trained and experienced in robotic-assisted bariatric (weight loss) surgery, as well as the diagnosis and surgical management of a broad spectrum of conditions including abdominal wall hernias, gallbladder disease, endocrine surgery, benign and malignant conditions.

Treatments Include:

• Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Lap-Band® Management and Removal

• Revision Bariatric Surgery

• Hernia / Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

• Colorectal Cancer / Diverticulitis / Rectal Prolapse

• Endometriosis / Incontinence

• Hemorrhoids

• Gallbladder Disease

• Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Fit and Psyched awarded second place

Fit and Psyched pulling

Fire Truck Pull trial run

PBG Fire, first place, Light Weight

PBG Police, first place, Fastest Pull

PBG Fire Rescue Explorers pulling

Spectators

ZAZ Squad, Highest Fundraisers Award

Abraham Betancourt, MD Bariatric & General Surgeon

Eduardo Parra-Davila, MD, FACS, FASCRS Bariatric, Colorectal & General Surgeon

Flavor South Florida Kicks Off Restaurant Month With Downtown, VIP Celebration

Foodies, restaurateurs, local celebrities, and media personalities celebrated Flavor South Florida at a VIP kickoff party on Sunday, August 25 at The Ben, Autograph Collection in Downtown West Palm Beach.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, light bites, and music at The Ben’s downstairs restaurant, Proper Grit, before heading to the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Spruzzo. Flavor South Florida’s CEO, Kerri Paizzi, wore a showstopping dress by Garbage Gone Glam, made from all the participating restaurants’ prix fixe menus. Partygoers ended the night with libations, desserts, and panoramic views of the West Palm Beach waterfront.

THERE’S A NEW DERMATOLOGIST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Samantha Fisher, M.D., F.A.A.D., sees patients of all ages at the Dermatology Associates in the Palm Beach Gardens office after more than 13 years of experience practicing medical, cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment.

Dr. Fisher received her Medical and Bachelor of Science degrees with honors from the University of Florida, where she completed her postgraduate training, including serving as Chief Resident in Dermatology.

Her professional experience includes providing Dermatology services to patients in Stuart , FL from 2013-2024, Naples, FL from 2012-2013, and as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Department of Dermatology in Gainesville, FL from 2011-2012.

Dr. Fisher looks forward to providing you with excellent dermatology care.

Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches is a group practice of board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons providing general dermatology, surgical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology services. These physicians trained at some of America’s great medical institutions and conduct research into the most advanced treatments. Our physicians are also recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Flavor South Florida on page 13

Photos by Tracey Benson Photography and Sampson Photography

Jaime Cittabino, Brie Mazin, Katie Costa, Sarah Sarpolis

Mia Ravaschieri, Morgan Toledo, Cody Moral

Jordanna Hermann, Sandra Krut, Michelle Palischak

Virginia Sinicki, Michelle Ribeiro, Taylor Morgan

Carmine Gialanella, Tyla Martin Beril Gutierrez, Jorge Gutierrez

Jared Freeland, Kerri Paizzi, Michelle Ribeiro Kerri Paizzi, Amber Schlick

Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Gopher tortoises are one of five North American tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River. It is a state-designated threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive burrows for homes.

As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost 80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about 15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida, they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.

Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well-drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat with welldrained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants. They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied from the plants they eat.

Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for years to come.

Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.

It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC

grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession.

If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 5753399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org.

Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your local city or county commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how they get around!

NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.

Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID

Impact The Palm Beaches Announces

Start Of $100,000 Grant Process For Local Nonprofits

Impact the Palm Beaches is seeking applications from local nonprofit organizations interested in receiving a $100,000 grant to create effective change in Palm Beach County. The 2024/25 grant process opens on September 29 and initial proposals must be submitted by October 25.

Eligible Central and Northern Palm Beach County nonprofits may apply for grant funding that supports their mission, programs, or services.

“As we kick off our 10th year, Impact the Palm Beaches remains committed to partnering with local organizations to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact on the communities they serve,” shared Lisa Johnson, 2024/25 copresident of Impact the Palm Beaches. Impact has set a goal of 500 members this year. “As our membership continues to grow, we are able to support an increasing number of organizations and initiatives, expanding our efforts to uplift communities.”

For eligibility requirements and more information, please visit www.impactpalmbeaches.org.

Impact the Palm Beaches seeks to fund programs and projects that reach underserved populations and address or satisfy unmet needs, solve a problem, or create an opportunity for strategic change, can demonstrate specific measurable outcomes, and are sustainable well into the future.

Nonprofits can submit applications that align with any of the five Impact focus areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, Family, and Health and Wellness. Grant requests can include new or expansion of existing programs and initiatives. Impact also considers requests for capital projects.

“Impact has awarded grants that address a variety of needs in our community, including mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, food insecurity, job training, arts funding, hygiene, high school graduation, marine preservation, foster care, and so much more,” said Missy Agnello, Grant Committee Cochair. “We are excited to continue working with our area nonprofits to ignite change in our community.”

Impact grants will be awarded at an Annual Awards Celebration on April 30, 2025, at the Kravis Center.

Since its establishment in 2015, Impact the Palm Beaches has granted almost $2 million to local nonprofit organizations that are making transformational changes in our community.

*The three $100,000 Impact Grants winners for 2024 were the American Association of Caregiving Youth (Caregiving Youth Project), Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (Basics4Babies Emergency Pantry), and The Lord’s Place (Project Divert: A Homeless Shelter Diversion Pilot Initiative). Additionally, two $48,000 Merit Grants were awarded to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (for the rehabilitation flight cages for large birds) and Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County (for the program expansion in Central and Northern Palm Beach County).

To learn more about the Impact the Palm Beaches grant recipients, visit ImpactPalmBeaches.org.

Impact members contribute $1,100 annually, which includes a $100 administrative fee, and each member’s $1,000 donation is pooled together to fund multiple $100,000 grants. The full amount of membership is tax-deductible. Impact grants fund the following service areas: Arts and

Culture, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness, and Family.

Impact 100 is a worldwide organization with more than 60 chapters and steadily growing. Their motto is “One Woman, One Meeting, One Vote.” It is designed for women who want to find an efficient and collaborative means of creating transformational change in their community. Women can become as involved as they wish in the process.

The Town of Palm Beach United Way is the fiscal agent of Impact the Palm Beaches.

Photo by Capehart

2024 Impact the Palm Beaches Impact Grant winners

Hundreds gathered for a “FashionAble” Vincent van Gogh-inspired runway show on Friday, August 23 at The Arc of Palm Beach County’s Achievement Center – North Campus in Riviera Beach.

Guests brought excitement, energy, and fun as they viewed artistic fashions created by The Arc clients. The event was supported by aZul –Fashion, Art & Design, Inc. and Goody Two Shoes, with a shared mission to make fashion accessible to all.

Wil Romelus

Mariaca

Tamra FitzGerald, Linda Murphy, Steve Murphy, Steve FitzGerald

Raquel Williams, Charlotte Gill, Molly Lombard, Pamela Payne

Rita Barretto, Anne Messer, Teressa Holbrook

Sandra Raffaelli, Barry Schnittman, Pamela Payne

Cutting Colon Cancer Out Of The Family Tree

About five of every 100 people with colon or rectal cancer have the disease because of a gene passed down through their family. Researchers at Cleveland Clinic in Florida are investing in specialists and resources to identify these families at risk, with the goal of preventing inherited colorectal cancer from ever developing at all.

The focus is on familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). “Familial” means inherited, or passed down through families. Adenomas are specific types of polyps that can become cancer. People with FAP have a 100 percent chance to get colorectal cancer, and parents with FAP have a 50/50 chance of passing it down to their children.

“We want to get the word out about our program, so we can let as many people as possible know if they’re at risk, educate others in their family and offer each one the latest

medical care, education and support,” says Giovanna da Silva, M.D., a Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon and researcher in Florida.

The centerpiece of the program is the Jagelman Registry, a database of patient information of families with FAP. Using this data, physicians at Cleveland Clinic in Florida work with teams elsewhere to research the condition and share the latest medicines and other treatments. Besides colon polyps,

FAP can also cause growths or cancer in the stomach, pancreas, bone and other areas. The earliest preventive care ranges from medicines that stop the growth of polyps to simple colonoscopies to remove those that have not yet become cancer.

“Using the registry, we’re able to let patients know what screenings they should have and how often,” says Dr. da Silva. “That can save their lives and those of their family members. We’re definitely very proud of our program, and we’re looking forward to helping more and more patients through it.”

To make an appointment with Dr. da Silva or another Cleveland Clinic specialist in Florida, call (877) 463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access today.

Giovanna da Silva, M.D.

Linda Murphy, Steve Murphy

Julie Menitoff, Aaron Menitoff

The colorful and stylish show kicked off the season for The Arc’s Wild Pants 2024 event, where passionate supporters will raise funds for children and adults with disabilities. Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography

Edwin Caban and friend

Bridget Ramsey, Mercer Gill, Molly Lombard

Starry Nights from page 16

Book Review

American Sanctuary: Mutiny, Martyrdom, And National Identity In The Age Of Revolution

By Nils A. Shapiro

I cannot recall ever enjoying a scholarly work of early American history so interestingly and vividly told, so extraordinarily researched and impressively detailed, exciting as any novel, and as timely in subject as next month’s presidential election!

The date was September 21, 1797. The event was a vicious mutiny by the crew of a British naval vessel, HMS Hermione , in the Caribbean off the coast of Puerto Rico. Little remembered today, its aftershock was to lead directly to the election of Thomas Jefferson over the incumbent John Adams as president of the United States … and the resulting lasting image of America as a sanctuary of freedom for those fleeing from persecution in other lands—an issue that dominates today’s political campaigns just as it did the one in 1800.

I must admit that, although it was published in 2017, I had never heard of American Sanctuary and was fortunate to come across it by accident on a table stacked with books while shopping in a market. Its author, A. Roger Ekirch, is a professor of history at Virginia Tech, has written four earlier books, received a Guggenheim Fellowship and is widely recognized as one of our finest historians.

The details that enrich this narrative, garnered from the author’s extraordinary research, add enormously to the overall experience, as do the many contemporary portraits and illustrations from that period.

Revolutionary and early American history being one of my preferred reading tastes I was surprised never to have heard of the very significant event that is the pivotal subject of this book: the mutiny aboard HMS Hermione Nor, shockingly, was it ever mentioned in any class, even through college.

At the time the mutiny took place—after the United States had already won the Revolutionary War several years earlier and declared itself an independent nation— one of the most objectionable policies of the British crown and its navy was the practice of “impressment”: the stopping and boarding of other nations’ vessels, capturing members of their crews and forcing them to sail and work as seamen on British ships, most likely never to see their families again.

Such was the case of many on the Hermione’s crew as it sailed near the island of Puerto Rico on that September day in 1797. Adding to what was already a tinder box of a situation was the fact that this ship’s captain, Admiral Hugh Pigot, was a disciplinarian so stern that whipping and other punishments for minor crew offenses became unbearable and sparked the bloody insurrection that ended in the death of the captain and other officers.

“had the right to regain his freedom after having been the victim of such impressment” and return home.

Adams’s decision to turn Robbins over to Britain— where he was executed by hanging without a trial— Adams’s Federalist Party’s defense of his decision, and the consequences of Jefferson’s Republican Party’s national

Upscale Resale Experience The Difference

electoral campaign focused on driving the public’s anger, form the major part of this compelling story.

Eventually—and critical in light of today’s political climate and immigration crisis—the American people Book Review on page 19

One of the main leaders of the mutiny was a man whose name throughout this book varies between Thomas Nash (if he was actually Irish) and Jonathan Robbins, depending upon whether his claim to have been an American from Connecticut was true or not.

Eventually, after the mutiny Robbins made his way to the U.S. and was tracked down by the British government, which demanded that President John Adams turn over the “mutineer and murderer” to Britain for punishment. It was awkward timing, for Adams was then in the process of ratifying an economic trade treaty with Britain that had just been negotiated.

Adams had to weigh the success of the treaty against the American public’s anger about the British policy and actions of impressment on the high seas and the idea of turning over to Britain a claimed American citizen who

Nanci Smith, CEO

Cardinal Newman’s Dillon Schneider Achieves National Merit® Scholarship Semifinalist

Cardinal Newman High School proudly announces that senior Dillon Schneider has been recognized as a semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit ® Scholarship Program. Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

“On behalf of the entire Cardinal Newman community, I am proud to announce that Dillon Schneider is counted among this extremely select group of scholars,” said Cardinal Newman High School principal Ed Curtin. “Being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is truly an amazing honor, and we are very proud of Dillon’s accomplishment.”

Schneider now has the opportunity to compete for one of approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships and the prestigious title of Merit Scholar ®. To advance to the finalist stage of the competition, Schneider must fulfill several requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application highlighting his academic record, leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular achievements. Additionally, Schneider will need to write

an essay and earn SAT ® or ACT ® scores that confirm his PSAT performance.

Cardinal Newman High School is a premier college preparatory Catholic high school in West Palm Beach. Their vision is to build life’s champions through faith, academics, servant leadership, and a strong family atmosphere. For more information about Cardinal Newman High School, visit cardinalnewman.com.

Book Review from page 18

eventually decided that, whether or not Jonathan Robbins (or Thomas Nash, if that was his real name) was in fact an American citizen, anyone fleeing from oppression should be able to find sanctuary in the United States and not have to fear being turned away. It is to this day at the heart of our nation’s self-image, symbolized by the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and the inscription on her base addressed to “the huddled masses yearning to be free.”

This is the story of how and when that all started. I loved every word of it.

Ed Curtin, Dillon Schneider, Danielle Benvenuto, Irene Heidelbauer

American Academy Of Pediatrics Guidelines Call For Childhood Obesity Treatment For Disease Prevention

Children diagnosed with obesity should be treated early and aggressively with nutritional support, therapy, medication, and in some extreme cases, weight-loss surgery for teens 13 and up, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is the first time in 15 years the academy has updated its guidance.

More than 14 million kids live with this common, chronic disease, the academy says, adding that if obesity is untreated, it can lead to short-term and long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease is the number one killer among men and women, which helps explain why the academy updated its

Lead The Fight from page 20

two of a three-part series, The Trauma-Informed Pediatric Practice: The Superheroes Have Arrived, on August 28, at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

Led by Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine, president of the Palm Beach Pediatric Society and medical director of Center for Child Counseling, this part of the series focused on how Palm Beach County Schools are helping students with mental health and behavioral concerns – and how pediatricians can tap into available supports to help their patients. The goal of the event was to help pediatricians connect their patients to school-based mental health services – from prevention to crisis support.

Featured guest speakers included Dr. Seth Bernstein, executive vice president at United Way of Palm Beach County, and Dr. Mary Claire Mucenic, director of behavior and mental health for the School District of Palm Beach County.

Overarching themes of the evening included the superpower in being an advocate for children’s mental health and the necessity of not waiting for a child to fall apart before helping.

Dr. Bernstein provided the history of mental health supports in schools over the last few decades and the research that supports early intervention and reaching children before diagnosis.

“All children should get the supports that they need and not have to rely on a diagnosis to bill Medicaid or insurance,” Bernstein stated.

advice. In addition to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems are all associated with cardiovascular disease.

While it may seem extreme to some to encourage weightloss surgery on a child as young as 13, the old method of “watchful-waiting,” taking a “wait-and-see” approach, was not working. Early intervention helps lead to a healthier heart throughout that child’s life.

Good Samaritan Medical Center robotic and bariatric surgeon Dr. Abraham Betancourt stated that the updated guidance is long overdue. However, before deciding on surgery, he said patients and their parents need to fully understand the procedure.

“You have to be very cautious,” said Dr. Betancourt. “It is not about chronological age. It is about, I would say, ‘How mature is the patient?’ because if you are going to undergo and put a patient through surgery, and you want to have the best outcome of the surgery, you have to be sure that the patient understands what the challenges are ahead.”

Dr. Abraham Betancourt is a gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in practicing

Bernstein also shared his personal story of undergoing his parents’ divorce and his introduction to school mental health as a recipient of services. When in high school, the school social worker, Mr. C, invited him to join a “divorce group.” This group helped Bernstein gain the support of his peers, learn coping skills, and build resiliency. He then took a peer support class and by senior year was leading a class for the younger classmen and giving back.

“He [Mr. C] really set me on this path of who I am today … it really made me into an advocate to really eliminate barriers to access school mental health services for youth and their families … I’m totally committed to supporting the mental health of our children and the support of our families and hope that you will be superheroes also in this fight,” advocated Bernstein.

Dr. Mucenic re-stressed the importance of students and families being able to access mental health supports in schools and gave a detailed overview of the services that are provided in the 179 schools that make up the Palm Beach County School District.

As part of the school district’s strategic plan, they are measuring and following objectives to support mental health and well-being, including enhancing a sense of belonging, safety, and acceptance for all students; and trauma-informed care and practices.

The schools recognize the importance of destigmatizing mental health services and share the message throughout their campuses that, “It’s okay to be okay. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help.”

Mucenic emphasized, “We have people on every school campus to support mental health. It’s really important.”

patient-centered medicine. His practice has focused on people who sometimes feel most vulnerable in the healthcare world, including patients facing chronic morbid obesity. Dr. Abraham Betancourt is a bariatric and general surgeon with the Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute, a general surgery and robotic surgery practice focused on providing minimally invasive treatment options and care for patients suffering from colorectal disease, endometriosis, hernia, and life-threatening obesity. Dr. Betancourt is on staff at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

In addition, Dr. Betancourt is fluent in Spanish, his native language, and English.

Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute is located in the Victor Farris Building adjacent to Good Samaritan Medical Center at 1411 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 8900, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. For more information visit palmbeachdigitalsurgeryinstitute.com or call (561) 2279238. Find information on bariatric surgery at Good Samaritan Medical Center by visiting goodsamaritanmc. com/services/bariatric-surgery or call (866)-306-2225.

Each school’s mental health team includes: school counselor(s), ESOL school coordinator, school psychologist(s), school behavioral health professional, co-located mental health professional (at 115 of the schools), and SBT/CST leader. There are also supports provided at the district level, such as the CAPE Team, Mobile Response Team, and community-based agencies with whom the district partners.

Center for Child Counseling CEO Renée Layman gave a brief overview of the agency’s public health framework and their data-to-action approach of prevention, early intervention, and treatment. The center realizes that children don’t necessarily need treatment only, the caregivers need ways to help their own kids.

“We have focused largely on building the capacity of people who work and live with kids to promote their wellbeing and resilience,” said Layman.

Dominika Nolan, director of education and prevention services for CFCC gave an overview of all of the services offered to children, families, schools, and communities in order to build the capacity and promote positive mental health for all.

In the closing remarks for the evening, Dr. Fox-Levine encouraged all attendees to think about, “How can you take action now and step out of this room tonight and into your day tomorrow and be a superhero, even more than what you have been in the past, with the information and energy from tonight about the exciting things that are happening with our schools and being able to partner with schools?”

In 2015, Center for Child Counseling launched Fighting ACEs to build awareness and action to mitigate the impact of ACEs and build well-being through positive childhood experiences (PCEs). In conjunction with Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2017, the center developed “Lead the Fight” in 2016 to bring awareness to system leaders around fighting childhood adversity with advocacy and action. Since that time, the agency has educated tens of thousands of parents, professionals, and systems leaders.

Partnership sponsors who are leading the fight in making these important and necessary conversations possible include: BeWellPBC; Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County; Florida Association for Infant Mental Health; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Hanley Foundation; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County; Mead Johnson Nutrition; Palm Beach Pediatrics; Palm Beach Pediatric Society; and Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley.

CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build traumainformed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.

CFCC’s pediatric integration program is made possible thanks to the support of Quantum Foundation, The Frederick DeLuca Foundation, and Palm Beach County Community Services Department.

Part 3 of the Lead the Fight 2024 series, Positivity Will Give HOPE for Our Future, will take place on December 4. The event focus will be on understanding the effect of positive childhood experiences on countering the long-term possible effect of adverse childhood experiences.

For more information about Center for Child Counseling visit www.centerforchildcounseling.org, Twitter: @ ChildCounselPBC, Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling, Instagram: @childcounselpbc.

Photos by Tracey Benson Photography

Dr. Abraham Betancourt

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

Our office was recently advised by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) that they are warning drivers who have illegal Florida license plates, which have been altered or customized, such as with air brushing or vinyl wrapping.

“Customer service directly impacts public trust and satisfaction. When residents interact with us, they often do so during critical moments in their lives, original identification issuance, driver license testing, vehicle ownership, or establishing a new business. Our focus on exceptional customer service ensures that these interactions are efficient and respectful, which can significantly enhance the public’s perception of the government.” – Matthew Johnson, Westlake Service Center Manager

managers jokingly ask one another, WWJD: What Would Jim Do? And the answer is: serve the client.”

He adds that an important component to success – both for his team and for the customer experience – is recognition. “When clients leave a positive review for an employee, that feedback is passed along.”

“As a leader, I think it is my responsibility to recognize my team for the good that they do, knowing that leads to better customer service,” says Jim.

And what about when things are not going perfectly?

In fact, since 2020 citations for unlawful altered Florida license plates have increased nearly 100 percent. FHP is being proactive in raising awareness of this and if you are caught with one of these customized or altered plates, you can receive a moving violation citation, which includes a fine of $60 (plus fees) and three points on your license! If you have one of these altered Florida license plates and it cannot be returned to its original condition, I strongly encourage you to make a reservation to visit one of our service centers to get a replacement license plate by visiting www.pbctax.com/reservations.

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

Customer Service Appreciation Week – Going Above And Beyond!

At our office, we make customer service our No. 1 priority!

In honor of Customer Service Appreciation Week, October 7 to 11, I asked a few of our service center managers to share their thoughts on exceptional customer service and here is what they had to say:

“Exceptional client service enhances our agency’s reputation. Quality customer service is the distinguishing factor that sets us apart from other agencies. We prioritize the client’s needs by being effective and empathetic.” – Brian Applebaum, South County Service Center Manager

“The goal of our customer service is to build trust with our clients through communication and knowledge of our services. We strive every day to do this by incorporating the LEAP principles (listening, empathizing, apologizing, problem solving) with all our interactions allowing us to provide exceptional service.” – Michelle Arias, Central Service Center Manager

Faces Of The Tax Collector’s Office – James McConnell

Title: Chief Operations Officer

Hometown: Wildwood, NJ

Favorite Activity: Attending various cultural events in Palm Beach County and beyond Favorite Food: Veal chop

There are more than 330 tax collector’s office (TCO) employees, and I thought you might be interested in getting to know some of them. We will start with someone who is behind the scenes, but very much a part of your experience as a client.

Jim McConnell, our chief operations officer, is a member of our senior leadership team, and he oversees the operation of our six service centers throughout the county. Jim is responsible for approximately 200 employees who provide service to our clients, so I asked Jim how he helps ensure that our clients receive exceptional customer service during each visit.

Jim says, “I’ve given my managers the ability to make decisions on their own. We talk about customer service in most of our meetings. The

Jim notes that, “We have a great team environment for discussing challenges.”

A common concern voiced by clients is the long lead time for making a reservation at one of our service centers.

“We’re researching a whole new reservation system,” Jim says. “The goal is to enable us to take more clients by decreasing the lead time.”

Stay tuned to future editions of Tax Talk to read about improvements we are making in our service centers and across the agency. And keep an eye out for opportunities to learn more about our team and how we are serving you in upcoming “Faces of the TCO” profiles!

Jim with his shih-tzu, Charlie

The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Special Needs Dogs Fiona And Shamus Join Our Pack

The loss of a beloved owner can be utterly devastating for a senior dog or cat. These elderly pets often form intensely close, codependent bonds with their human families, and when that support system is suddenly taken away, the grief they experience can be profound.

It’s not uncommon for grieving pets to withdraw, lose interest in eating and playing, vocalize incessantly, or even act out in destructive ways as they struggle to cope with the absence of their person. The sadness and sense of loss is palpable in their eyes, as they search in vain for the familiar sights, sounds, and affection they’ve grown accustomed to.

Thankfully, there are organizations like The Pet Cottage that specialize in caring for pets who have lost their humans, due to death, disability, or deployment. This local animal nonprofit has become a haven for senior dogs like Fiona, a 14-year-old Shih Tzu, and Shamus, an 11-year-old terrier mix, who were left grieving after the recent passing of their devoted owner, Margaret.

With their advanced age and special needs, rehoming these pups proved extremely challenging for Margaret’s mourning family, who even considered the heart-wrenching option of euthanasia.

But the Pet Cottage exists to give these vulnerable, elderly animals the love and support they so desperately require, and they’ve found the perfect new guardians in Melanie, Les, and their senior mother Nonnie, who have been seeking to open their home to a furry companion after the recent loss of their own three senior dogs – Coconut, Pippi and Jazmine.

By matching rescued pets with caring Forever Guardians and covering all their medical expenses, the Pet Cottage ensures that no matter what, these cherished animals will live out their golden years in the comfort and security of a loving forever home.

It’s a vital service that comes at great cost, as the organization currently oversees the care of 53 pets, 47 of whom are seniors, your generous donation can make all the difference in the lives of Fiona, Shamus, and countless other deserving animals in need.

To become an active part of our work for all pets please consider donating today!

Your heart will grow a whole size bigger, and our tails will wag even more.

The Pet Cottage

Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478

https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561)

View

8185025 for more information.

Peanut, Sugar, Angel and Tuffy

Fiona Shamus

Palm Beach County Votes 2024

GENERAL ELECTION

3 EASY WAYS TO VOTE

VOTE-BY-MAIL

REQUEST IT

Visit VotePalmBeach.gov, call (561) 656-6208, or email votebymail@votepalmbeach.gov

See ballot drop off locations at VotePalmBeach.GOV

RETURN IT

Deadline to request aVote-by-Mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Vote-by-Mail ballot pickup is not available at our offices from October 26th through November 5th unless, due to an emergency, the voter is unable to go to a designated early voting site or to his or her assigned polling place on Election Day (See F.S. §101.62(3)(d)(5)).

Please have your Florida Driver License, Florida ID card, or the last 4 digits ofyour Social Security number available when making your request.

Mail your Vote-by-Mail ballot using pre-paid postage, or drop it off inside any of our four offices during business hours. You may also drop it off at designated drop off locations across the county starting October 21, 2024.

TRACK IT

Voters can sign up for BallotTrax at VotePalmBeach.gov or by scanning this QR code to get alerts via email, text (SMS), and/or voice message with updates about the status of their ballot or if there is an issue so that it can be corrected right away.

EARLY VOTING

See Early Voting locations at VotePalmBeach.gov

Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, through Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Registered voters in Palm Beach County can vote at any of the 26 Early Voting locations conveniently located county wide. Visit VotePalmBeach.gov for Early Voting locations, directions, wait times, or to make an appointment. You can also check our website to see when pet adoptions will be available at Early Voting locations!

ELECTION DAY

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On Election Day, you must vote at the polling place that is assigned to your precinct. Polling places may change! Visit VotePalmBeach.gov to confirm your polling place before you go vote.