PGA AUG 2026

PGA’s Community News Community Awareness Network

VOL. 36 NO. 8

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AUGUST 2026

PGA POA Communications Corner Submitted by Marie Hoenings, PGA POA Communication Committee, Chair We hope that everyone had a pleasant July 4th and enjoyed the festivities.

As we have advised these last several months, and which cannot be stated enough, as residents of South Florida, we must always be prepared and ready for hurricane season and ensure that our property is “storm ready.” To the extent you have not done so, please get your trees trimmed, particularly coconut palms. Also, check your property to ensure that there are no objects that could become projectiles in a storm, such as planters and/or other lighter items that you would normally keep outdoors. Those items should be secured or brought inside so that they don’t cause damage to persons and surrounding properties during a storm.

Now that Gate Access is accessible by calling in to authorize guests to enter the community, it would be a great time to review your authorized guest list to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Please be reminded that for the

safety and security of the community, if a guest is not on the property owner’s authorized guest list, and the property owner cannot be reached by phone, that guest will not be granted access. Importantly, this includes delivery and ride share drivers. To avoid this, please make sure your contact information and guest lists are current.

All owners have received their annual assessment and a copy of the 2026/2027 operating budget. Footnotes to the budget are available and can be found under “POA Financials” on the PGA POA web site (pga-poa.com) or by request at the PGA POA office on Fairway Drive.

We wish to remind all members that fishing within PGA National waterbodies is by permit only (as required by the POA Rules – some exceptions apply). A valid fishing license is also required for those who are legally required to maintain one. The permit is issued by the PGA POA. Residents should contact the POA office to obtain details on obtaining the permit, the cost, and the rules and restrictions applicable to fishing within our community.

Beginning in September, the Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) will have a new procedure and deadline for submissions of applications. Applications will be due no later than the first of the month for the application to be placed on that month’s agenda. The ARC meetings, commencing in September will now be held on last Wednesday of each month and start at 9 a.m.

The PGA-POA website descriptions of communities were recently updated with input from the various communities.

Related to the PGA-POA website, all residents are reminded that the schedule of meetings for the PGA POA Board and Committees is posted on the PGA-POA website, Vantaca Portal, and the PGA POA Office window. All meetings are held at the PGA POA office on Fairway Drive.

August is “back to school month” which is just another reason for residents to be vigilant while driving and adhere to the posted speed limits. Be reminded that Florida law requires that all vehicles stop for a stopped school bus.

The Board hopes you continue to enjoy your summer.

Commissioner’s Update A Day Out, A Second Chance: The Impact Of Doggie Daycation

By Commissioner Maria G. Marino One of the most exciting initiatives to arrive in Palm Beach County this summer is the Doggie Daycation Program, a creative and compassionate effort that connects residents with shelter dogs while helping more pets find loving forever homes.

The Doggy Day Out: Ambassador Program was launched to showcase adoptable dogs at Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meetings, giving residents the opportunity to meet them and learn about their personalities in a public setting. The program quickly proved successful, with dogs such as Coby, Tito, Strudel, Edison, and Trixi finding homes after participating. As additional County Commissioners’ offices and county departments joined the initiative, it expanded throughout Palm Beach County and gained state and national recognition. The program was also featured at the 2026 Florida Association of Counties Conference, highlighting Palm Beach County as a leader in developing innovative approaches that improve outcomes for shelter animals while strengthening community engagement.

The overwhelming community response to the Ambassador Program inspired the creation of the Doggie

Coby and Mayor Marino Daycation Program. After meeting adoptable dogs at BCC meetings, many residents asked how they could spend more time with shelter pets and host a dog for the day. In response, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control launched Doggie Daycation, giving approved residents ages 18 and older the opportunity to take a shelter dog out for a day of fun and companionship. Participants can enjoy activities such as walks, visits to parks, relaxing at home, or other dog-friendly outings. These experiences provide valuable enrichment, exercise, and socialization for shelter dogs while allowing residents to build meaningful connections with the animals and help showcase their personalities to potential adopters. By increasing community involvement and visibility for adoptable pets, the program helps create more opportunities for dogs to find their forever homes.

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control provides all necessary supplies, including a leash, collar, treats, waste bags, the dog’s profile information, and recommendations for dog-friendly destinations throughout the county. The program offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families who may be unable to own pets due to housing restrictions or other circumstances to enjoy the companionship of a dog while making a meaningful difference in a shelter animal’s life.

The program serves as an important reminder to residents considering adding a pet to their family before adopting a dog, by visiting Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is home to many loving, loyal, and deserving animals waiting for a second chance.

By choosing adoption, families not only gain a new companion but also help reduce shelter overcrowding and improve the lives of countless animals.

The Doggie Daycation Program is more than just a day out for shelter dogs, it is a pathway to hope, connection, and new beginnings. Through innovation, community engagement, and compassion, Palm Beach County is helping transform the lives of shelter animals one daycation at a time.

If you would like to take a shelter dog out for the day and experience the joy of making a difference in an animal’s life, please visit https://discover. pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Lists/Newsroom/ NewsDispForm.aspx for more information about the Doggie Daycation Program and how to participate.

Page 2, PGA C.A.N.!

August 2026

Northern Notes Midges – Those Pesky Insects!

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Blind mosquitoes, phantom midges, aquatic midges, no-see-ums—call them what you will; when they hatch, you’ll know it!

If you live on or near a retention pond or similar body of water in Florida, chances are you are familiar with large swarms of flying insects that inundate your house, yard and screen room periodically throughout the year. Midges are small, dainty aquatic flies with one pair of long, narrow wings and long, skinny legs. While often thought of as the mosquito’s “cousin,” midges don’t bite, sting, suck blood or transmit disease.

Midges and mosquitoes are often mistaken for each other, which makes sense given that both belong to the order Diptera. The main difference is that mosquitoes have a proboscis, a mouthpart used to bite and suck blood, while midges do not bite humans. Otherwise, most visible differences are in the fine details.

Midges have the following characteristics: • When landed, fold their first leg pair in a “prayer” position (which can be mistaken for antennae).

• Have long tarsi on the foot portions of the forelegs.

• Lack scales on their wings, making them smooth.

Mosquitoes have the following characteristics: • Have scaly wings with a light fringe on their tips.

• Typically, don’t form swarms.

Aquatic midges breed in habitats such as ponds, lakes, wastewater treatment plants, and other nutrient-rich water bodies. Midge flies are a food source for other aquatic insects, such as dragonfly nymphs and several varieties of fish, so the goal is not to completely eliminate them, but to keep them in proper balance within the ecosystem.

Areas that receive excess lawn fertilizer runoff and very deep, organic lakes tend to be densely populated with midges, particularly phantom midges. The juvenile stages of development occur in the water and upon hatching, large swarms of adults congregate on the surfaces of buildings, screens, shrubs and other surfaces. These hatches create severe nuisance problems as they are attracted to light.

Spiders build webs in eaves and around homes to catch midges, leading to excessive cleaning and expense.

Midges have become a prevalent pest over the last few years due to several key factors: 1. The number of developments that require stormwater systems to prevent flooding has increased.

2. High nutrient loads in deep stormwater systems are ideal for midge breeding.

3. Low dissolved oxygen levels are factors found in deep lakes.

So, what do we do about them? Chemical treatments by a licensed contractor, where applicable, for both larval and adult stages can provide temporary and expensive relief. To get to the root of the problem, the amount of nutrients going into water bodies must be reduced. This can be achieved by using best management practices for fertilizer application and stormwater inflow management. Adding oxygen to stormwater systems using diffusers and aerators will improve the health of lakes and ponds by increasing dissolved oxygen

levels. By addressing these contributing factors, hatch offs can be greatly reduced. You may want to try lowering your light output at night to make your area less attractive to midges. Home barrier chemical sprays may also offer some temporary relief.

N P D E S t i p : Yo u r neighborhood drainage system is not a garbage disposal—don’t treat it like one. Encourage residents to take responsibility and to not dump chemicals, fertilizer, paint, oil, etc., in inlets or pipes. Discourage sweeping of lawn clippings and dirt into street drains and disposing of lawn clippings and other debris (wood, concrete blocks, Christmas trees, etc.) directly into retention lakes. Keep drainage facilities clear of vegetation, trash, improperly and illegally discarded appliances, shopping carts, tires, cars, garbage bags, etc.

Picture courtesy of SOLitude Lake Management

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August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 3

From The Editor… Creating An Enduring Legacy Connie Francis had a significant influence on my life, introducing me to my beloved bride, Ann. It was at Connie’s parties that I met Ann and other talents like Yaacov Heller and Sue Rogoff Heller, both gifted artists. Sue was also an art teacher. Yaacov is a globally recognized sculptor, artist and jewelry designer. Yaacov and Sue live in Boca Raton and have a studio and gallery in Deerfield Beach, Studio 22. Inside his studio are portraits he painted of cultural icons including Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, Steve Jobs, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, Sylvester Stallone, Elvis Presley and many more.

Yaacov’s artistic inclination began at the age of five when he sculpted and painted an elephant statue and was carefully matured. His father owned a hardware store in Cleveland where Yaacov first learned to work with tools – skills that would later shape his life and artistic practice. As a young man, he also cared of his grandmother who was an amputee with diabetes, an experience that helped shape his compassionate outlook. Now he is rated as one of the TOP sculptors and silversmiths. His designs are known for their rare intricacy, attention to detail, unique interpretation of human form and spirit as well as for his personal, unswerving commitment to artistic quality. Much of Yaacov’s inspiration comes from The Bible’s most dramatic events. He faithfully produces them in a variety of mediums including silver, pewter, bronze and gold.

When you are in Boca Raton a visit to the “Garden of Humanity” in Royal Palm Place is a must. This masterpiece serves the community with 14 engraved benches, a 13foot sculpture and multiple bronze bas relief sculptures.

The benches contain quotes from influential figures such as Ben Ferencz, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Harry Truman, Anne Frank, Jimmy Carter, Elie Wiesel and Albert Einstein.

Yaacov developed a close friendship with Ben Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials after World War II. The two collaborated on the film, “Two Heads Are Better” directed by Eric Kline, which explores their conversations on justice, peace, and tolerance. Inspired

by Ferencz’s legacy, Yaacov created a bronze bust of him when he was 100 years old, which resides permanently in the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Yaacov has been commissioned to create significant works that can be found in presidential libraries and museums worldwide. His clients include President Ronald Reagan, President Gerald Ford, President Bill Clinton and President George Bush. Yaacov served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1961. In 1972 Yaacov moved to Israel where he served in the Israeli Defense Forces.

Yaacov spent 18 years in Israel with his own gallery. He developed the reputation as the “Silver Ambassador” and his studio was a destination place for visitors from around the world.

Yaacov’s career was jump started in 1974 when Israel’s Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin commissioned a sculpture of David and Goliath. The gift from the State of Israel to President Gerald Ford is found in the Gerald Ford Library Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Notice

PGA Community News is looking for writers to contribute community related content. If you would be interested in submitting an article please email potential articles to: James@jcclaw.com for consideration.

In 1989, Yaacov returned to the United States. He was commissioned to create 40 bronze busts of the late Rabbi Irving Lehrman for the “mortgage burning” at Temple Emanuel in Miami Beach. This financial success led to another commission, the 12-foot bronze sculpture, “Fiddler On The Roof” at Douglass Gardens, Miami. In a testament to the sculptor’s durability and quality, the sculpture can still be found there today.

Yaacov has been, on numerous occasions, commissioned to create historically significant works for kings, heads of state and other dignitaries such as Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, Husni Mubarak, Benjamin Netanyahu, Shimon Peres, Jaque Chirak, the late Yitzhak Rabin and the late Anwar Sadat, whose pieces bear the Yaacov Heller signature.

Most recently Yaacov has spent hours, days and weeks creating a bronze sculpture of Connie Francis that will be approximately 10 feet high on a vinyl record shaped base which we hope will be installed close to her Walk of Fame star in Fort Lauderdale. The City established the Walk of Fame in 2010 to mark the 50th anniversary of Connie’s starring role in the movie, “Where The Boys Are,” which turned Fort Lauderdale into an iconic spring break and tourist destination. Yaacov and Connie were great friends and she loved his work. Yaacov has established a GoFundme page to receive contributions for the raw materials required for this venture which are quite expensive.

In 2024 Connie Francis paid tribute to Yaacov when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Arts and Letters. I had the privilege of attending the ceremonies at the gala. She praised Yaacov as a true humanitarian who selflessly gives of his time and energy promoting good causes. Connie has been the recipient of Yaacov’s jewelry, and wonderful paintings but she said, “the most precious of all is the friendship of this warm, kind, generous man and his beautiful wife, Sue.” She congratulated him on the “richly deserved award.”

Yaacov is using his gifted talents for Connie Francis, her friends and fans creating an enduring legacy.

Until next month, James A. Cioffi, Esq. Editor james@jcclaw.com

August 2026

Page 4, PGA C.A.N.!

Editorial Board Editor: James A. Cioffi james@jcclaw.com Feature Writers: Lea Ann Robinson, POA

Marie Hoenings, POA Commissioner Maria Marino Katie Roundtree

Your editors strongly believe that the number of people who do become involved with any news medium directly reflects on that medium’s excellence, versatility and broad viewpoint. Therefore, we invite PGA residents to contribute articles or current, timely news items and/or “Letters to the Editors.”

Articles/letters are subject to editing and editors’ right to publish. Submission must include writer’s name, address and telephone number. Unsigned articles /letters will not be published. Opposing views to article viewpoints contained in this paper are welcome. Articles do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the C.A.N.! organization.

Submissions should be emailed for consideration by the tenth of each month for the following month’s publication (example: by January 10 for February publication) to:

James@jcclaw.com

Wanted People are vandalizing golf courses after play hours.

Sand traps, greens and fairways are being damaged.

If you see anyone on courses after hours, please call POA Security at 627-1600 or Resort Security, 627-2000.

Thank you.

HANDY-MAN HOME SERVICES

The Golf Learning Center Practice These Shots For Better Impact

By Tom F. Stickney, Director of Operations One of the biggest problems in golf is not being able to control your impact quality and when this occurs you will hit the ball unsolid, off-line, and shorter than you would like.

Impact quality control can be measured by many different facets but most commonly the ones most people struggle with are Low Point, Arc Depth, and Dynamic Loft.

Your Low Point deals with where the club bottoms out during your downswing – it can be before, at, or after the golf ball and this low point will influence many factors regarding impact but most importantly it controls how solidly you hit the ball.

The Depth of your Arc explains where the Low Point should be located – it can be above the ball, at the ball, or below the ball. This Arc Depth also influences how solidly you hit the ball.

Dynamic Loft deals with the amount of loft you deliver to the ball with your club and it is one of the main factors that determines distance output with everything else being equal.

Low Point – in order to work on your low point you should draw a line in the grass and practice making divots that start on and work in front of the line. One of the biggest problems with amateur golfers is that they have faulty pivots (how you twist and turn and displace weight) and this causes the club to bottom out in the wrong area. Whenever you make a divot behind the line you are not getting forward early enough and if you make the divot way out in front of the line you are tending to slide and get forward too early. The proper blend of shift and rotation will cause the club to bottom out where it should – on the line and forward.

Arc Depth – as stated Arc Depth refers to where the low point occurs on a vertical axis. You can bottom out above the ball and miss it or top it, at the ball and hit it solid, or below the ball and hit it fat. The best way to control your arc depth is not changing your forward bending in the downswing … if you get taller the low point will bottom out too high on the ball and you will hit it thin. If you get shorter than the low point bottoms out below the ball and you will hit the ball fat.

The best way to control your arc depth is to pitch tees off of a tight lie trying to maintain your posture height. If you can clip the tees off the ground consistently then you will have no problem hitting a golf ball because it’s a much bigger target.

Dynamic Loft – the amount of loft you deliver to the ball can simply be influenced by “backing the shaft up” or “leaning the shaft forward at impact” which will cause the loft of the club to change at impact.

Whenever you deloft the club at impact by leaning the shaft forward you will find that you have more compression and you will hit stronger shots.

Whenever you back the shaft up you will deliver too much loft to the ball and it will come out high and spinny and thus it will not feel as solid nor will it go as far as you would like.

The key to working on controlling your dynamic loft is to hit punch shots as low as possible with partial swings; this will help you to feel that you are reducing your dynamic loft at impact. This reduction in loft will have you hitting the ball longer and more effectively than before.

Drainage Information From Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Why do some yards flood after large quantities of rain? The simple answer is according to most approved drainage designs, some water is meant to be temporarily stored in public recreational areas, yard swale and streets. The excess surface water slowly drains to community lakes or on-site ponds via street and yard drainage grates and/or via swales, ditches and canals. The more complex answer is that each yard is different. Some yards have drainage swale areas. These are areas that are sloped to catch water and filter out pollutants as water is absorbed into the ground. Some yards direct water to the community drainage system as run-off with very little water retained in the yard. Familiarize yourself with how your yard was built to determine how water drains from your home.

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August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 5

Tax Talk A Note From Anne Dear Friends: August has arrived, and with it brings the official start of the 2026 election cycle here in Florida. This is an incredibly important time for our community, as the decisions made at the ballot box shape the future of Palm Beach County and our state.

Mark your calendars for two critical dates: the Florida Primary Election on Tuesday, August 18, followed by the General Election on Tuesday, November 3.

Your voice matters, and we want to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to make it heard safely and conveniently. If you prefer to vote from the comfort of your home, I highly encourage you to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot today. As a reminder, Florida law requires voters to submit a new request for every two-year election cycle, so even if you voted by mail in 2024, you must renew your request for 2026.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the Primary is Thursday, August 6 at 5 p.m. You can easily submit your request online or check your status by visiting the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website at VotePalmBeach.gov.

Thank you for being an active, engaged member of our community. Let’s make our voices count this election season!

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

250 Years In The Making…

If you have made a visit to our administrative offices on the third floor of the Palm Beach County Governmental Center in Downtown West Palm Beach, you may have noticed a striking new addition. As part of our ongoing commitment to Art in Public Spaces and to celebrate America’s 250th, “Libertad,” which is Liberty in Spanish, is a collaborative art piece from artists Rolando Chang

We invite you to take another look at these pieces on your next visit. https://www.pbctax.gov/resources/ hurricane-guide-request/

Working At The Polls

Libertad artwork in the Governmental Center lobby Barrio and Gary Kroman. This captivating, multimedia piece brings a wave of energy, color, and thoughtprovoking imagery to our lobby. Libertad features a powerful blend of mixed-media elements layered over a stylized backdrop of the American flag.

Our organization is committed to bringing art to public spaces in our service centers. While visiting our service centers, you may see: • Piece by Piece mural on the south side and in the lobby of our North County Service Center.

• Adam and Eve sculpture outside our Westlake Service Center.

• Volcanic basalt fountains in the lobbies of our Central, North County and Westlake Service Centers.

• Art Stands featuring artwork from Gulfstream Goodwill Adult Day Training participants in our service centers.

Bringing these pieces into our service centers is about more than just filling space. Art in Public Spaces: • Fosters Connections: Art acts as a natural conversation starter.

• Enhances Well-Being: Visual art has been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and make everyday settings feel warm, welcoming, and alive.

• Celebrates Diverse Voices: When displaying art that incorporates multicultural symbols and history, we reflect the rich, diverse fabric of our own community.

If you are looking for a good way to give back to our community, have you considered becoming a paid poll worker?

Each countywide election in Palm Beach County requires more than 5,000 dedicated poll workers.

The Supervisor of Elections office is now accepting applications for this critical role.

Poll workers help ensure that our elections are administered accurately and in accordance with the law, and they also help voters have a smooth voting experience.

To sign up: • Visit the Supervisor of Elections Election Worker Portal to apply • Complete training • Work the Aug. 18 Primary Election and/or the Nov. 3 General Election To learn more, view the requirements for becoming a paid poll worker.

Tax Talk on page 6

August 2026

Page 6, PGA C.A.N.!

Jupiter Senior Softball News The Jupiter Senior Softball Association is seeking additional players for pickup games that are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Jupiter Community Park.

Persons 55 and over are eligible and there is no upper age limit. The three-division format accommodates players of all skill levels from recreational play to competitive “and everything in between.” Current players include many in their 60s, 70s and 80s, plus several who are 90 or over.

“It keeps you young and gives you a reason to come out and do something you like,” said Harold Fravel, 76, who has been playing 15 years. Those who register now

Senior softball player Harold Fravel, 76, makes contact

can play in pickup games through the remainder of the year as well as through 2027, including the January to March Winter League.

The senior softball program is sponsored by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association

in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation Department. Registration can be made online at www. jupiterseniorsoftball.com. Or for more information contact Rick Tuyn at (248) 302-1682.

Tax Talk from page 5

Working For The TCO

Tax Free Holidays

One of the most important ways our organization fulfills its commitment to exceptional service is through our team – the employees who assist you in our service centers, who speak with you over the phone, and who work behind the scenes to keep us running efficiently.

If you are interested in becoming a part of our awardwinning team, visit the Culture and Careers page on our website, www.pbctax.gov/resources/culture-and-careers/.

We offer: • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule • On-the-job training • Recognition for a job well-done • Opportunity for advancement • A career that makes a difference in the community we serve.

We offer a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and disability insurance as well as participation in the state’s retirement system.

If you are ready to do the work you love alongside a team that delivers exceptional service, check out our current openings and find your perfect fit.

Mark your calendars, Florida families! Two major sales tax holidays are just around the corner. Whether you are prepping the kids for the classroom or gearing up for the great outdoors, you will want to take advantage of the upcoming back-to-school and hunting, fishing, and camping tax-free windows.

The back-to-school sales tax holiday is back with a brand-new timeline to better align with school start dates. The month-long event has shifted earlier, running from July 20 through August 20. This gives families plenty of time to shop before school is back in session.

You can stock up on essential clothing, footwear, and backpacks ($100 or less per item), school supplies ($50 or less), and learning aids ($30 or less). Personal computers and tablets up to $1,500 also qualify.

The savings are just getting started. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, a massive four-month hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday kicks off this fall, running from September 1 through December 31. It covers outdoor essentials, including tents, sleeping bags, and fishing gear.

Lastly, there is a permanent sales tax exemption now in place for propane tanks (20 lbs. or less) along with a three-year tax freeze on hurricane-resistant windows and doors. For more information visit Florida Dept of Revenue, at www.floridarevenue.com/Pages/ SalesTaxHolidays.aspx.

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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 past 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.

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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.

Make an appointment to see Dr. Fisher in Palm Beach Gardens at 10335 N. Military Trail, Suite A, by calling (561) 622-6976. www.greatderms.com 10/15/24 7:38 PM

August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 7

211 Palm Beach And Treasure Coast Encourages Residents To Prepare For Hurricane Season And Stay Connected Before, During, And After A Storm 24-Hour Helpline Provides Information, Crisis Support, And Disaster Resources Throughout Hurricane Season Although forecasters have lowered their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is urging residents across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties to remain prepared and informed before, during, and after a storm.

With thousands of new residents moving to Florida in recent years, many may be experiencing their first hurricane season. Whether you are new to South Florida or a longtime resident, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast encourages everyone to take steps now to prepare their families, homes, and businesses for potential storms.

“Hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm appears on the radar,” said Ty Barnes, president and CEO of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. “Having a plan, knowing your evacuation zone, assembling emergency supplies, and staying informed can make a tremendous difference when severe weather threatens our area.”

The 211 helpline serves as a trusted source of information and support year-round. During hurricane season and disaster events, the organization works closely with local emergency management agencies, government partners, and community organizations to provide timely, accurate information about: • Shelters and evacuation information • Food and water distribution sites • Utility and service updates • Special needs resources

Reminder From The POA/ARC POA documents require that all residents apply for POA and HOA approval prior to making any changes to the exterior of your home, including but not limited to tree removal or planting, new landscaping, painting, roofing, additions or construction, fencing, hurricane shutters, impact glass, play equipment, garage door replacement or any other change, you must contact the PGA POA Architectural Review Committee for approval. Information and forms are available at www.pga-poa.com under the “Documents & Forms” heading or call 627-2800.

Thank you, Jack Hughes, Chairman, POA ARC

• Transportation assistance • Disaster recovery services • Mental health and emotional support resources • Volunteer and donation opportunities Residents are encouraged to create a hurricane preparedness kit that includes at least seven days of food and water for each person in the household, along with medications, important documents, batteries, flashlights, pet supplies, and other necessities.

A Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available through Palm Beach County Emergency Management and can be downloaded at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/ PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf.

When a named storm threatens the region, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast regularly updates its disaster information resources to help ensure residents have access to the latest local information.

Before, during, and after a storm, residents can dial 2-1-1, or visit 211palmbeach.org to find the information, support, and resources they need. Services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

To l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t 2 11 p a l m b e a c h . o r g o r 211treasurecoast.org.

World-class health care lives here.

The region’s only Newsweek 2026 World’s Best Hospital, proudly committed to our community.

Jupiter Medical Center fosters a culture of innovation dedicated to advancing world-class care for our community. This prestigious global distinction joins repeated accolades from top watchdog organizations and national publications that recognize our enduring commitment to quality and patient safety. Empowered by our investments in leading-edge technologies and state-of-the-art facilities, our medical staff remain at the forefront of complex medical care.

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August 2026

Page 8, PGA C.A.N.!

When the Sky Speaks

By Carla Alexander Have you ever noticed that the sky never tells the same story twice? Some mornings it greets us with soft pastels that seem to whisper the day awake, while other evenings it erupts into brilliant oranges, deep violets, and fiery reds before surrendering to a canopy of stars. I’ve loved the sky for as long as I can remember. As a child growing up in Florida, I could spend hours simply watching the clouds drift overhead. I loved the ocean just as much, and the place where the sea meets the sky felt almost sacred to me, a horizon that seemed to promise there was always something more to discover.

Years later, as I began traveling to different parts of the world, something surprised me. The sky changes, not just the weather, but the quality of the light itself. In the Arctic, the air seems almost transparent, as though the veil between Earth and the heavens has become thinner. During the long northern evenings, colors linger for hours, blending into shades I struggle to describe. Near the equator, the horizon often glows with rich turquoise, teal, and violet blues where the sea and sky become almost indistinguishable.

The same planet. The same sun. Yet an entirely different experience. Recently, I was reminded just how quickly the sky can shift and how little control we truly have over it.

On the Fourth of July, I launched from Sawfish Park in Jupiter with my paddleboard and my fourteen-year-old dog.

It was one of those beautiful Florida mornings that feels full of possibility. But no sooner had we begun paddling than the wind picked up and ominous thunderclouds began to build with startling speed. My phone alerted me that lightning was in the area and to take cover. Moments later, the rain began.

There was nowhere to go but a small, deserted sawfish island. It offered little protection, just a tiny roof over a weathered history sign. That became our shelter.

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So we sat there, my dog and I, in the pouring rain for more than forty minutes as lightning flashed and thunder cracked all around us. There was nowhere else to go. No escape. Just the storm.

And yet, something unexpected happened, we surrendered. My poor dog, Miss Bridget, stayed close, and somehow, in the middle of chaos, there was a strange kind of peace. I found myself laughing. It was the Fourth of July, after all. I thought, “this is freedom.”

Eventually the rain softened. The lightning moved farther away, although flood warnings remained in effect throughout much of South Florida. The storm hadn’t really ended. It had simply changed enough for us to continue.

I realized that’s true of much of life. We often wait for perfect conditions before moving forward.

Nature rarely offers perfect conditions. Instead, she quietly reminds us to pay attention, adapt, and begin again when it’s safe to do so.

Lately, it feels as though those changes in the sky and in our environment are becoming more pronounced.

Across the world we are witnessing wildfires that paint entire skies in amber haze, earthquakes that take cities and lives, heat waves that reshape familiar seasons, and oceans, rivers, and coastlines continually adapting. The Earth itself reminds us that it is alive, always adjusting, always moving.

Perhaps you’ve noticed something similar on a more personal scale. Maybe you’ve stood on a beach after a summer storm and felt the world become unexpectedly still. Or watched birds alter their flight just before the rain arrived. Maybe you’ve sensed that some mornings your body feels energized while others seem to require a little more grace, even though nothing obvious has changed.

Most of us dismiss these moments. We assume they’re random. I don’t anymore. Several years ago, I began keeping notes, not scientific papers or research data, but simple observations. Better sleep. Restless nights. Clear thinking. Unexpected fatigue. Days when creativity seemed effortless, and days when the ocean restored me before I ever stepped into the water.

Eventually, I stopped asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and began asking, “What else is happening?”

That simple question changed the way I look at both health and the natural world. Rather than seeing ourselves as separate from nature, I began wondering whether we are participants within it; continually responding to rhythms we rarely pause long enough to notice.

For thousands of years, our ancestors organized life around sunrise, tides, seasons, weather, migration, and the changing light of the sky. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped paying attention.

Nature didn’t stop speaking. We simply became distracted. Perhaps one of the greatest skills we can rediscover isn’t prediction. It’s observation.

So this month, I invite you to choose one small practice. Spend a few quiet moments each day observing something in the natural world that brings you peace; a sunrise, the movement of the clouds, the ocean, a favorite tree, the birds that visit your yard, or simply the changing light at the end of the day.

Then, gently and without judgment, ask yourself: How do I feel today?

No conclusions. No expectations. Just curiosity.

Nature doesn’t ask us to control her. She simply asks us to know her. To notice the beauty that still surrounds us. To recognize the resilience within us and perhaps, as we learn to listen more closely to the world around us, we begin hearing ourselves more clearly as well.

Perhaps that is where harmony begins.

With you in the field, Carla Alexander Founder, Healing Life Media™ & Healing Life Technologies™ Writer · Speaker · Harmonic Systems Innovator CAlexander@HealingLifeTech.com “When the heart remembers, the field aligns.”

Summer Is Here!

Summer is here! Along with summer comes the increased temptation to utilize the golf courses as a park/playground, but we must ask you to refrain from any non-golf related access.

Summer is a time when tremendous maintenance is performed on all the courses, so there is a great deal of equipment and work being done. In addition it is a time when golfers play early to beat the heat and also play late to do the same.

For your safety, please do not access the courses unless you are registered to play golf.

Thank you

John Deloach Experienced Driver

For your errands and airport transportation Ride in my Lincoln Continental References available upon request Please call

(561) 310-1063

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August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 9

August 2026

Page 10, PGA C.A.N.!

Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes New Leadership At 2026 Board Installation And Cocktail Reception In a celebration of leadership, service, and regional collaboration, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce officially installed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors and welcomed Kathryn Rossmell as the new Chair of the Board.

The evening also recognized outgoing Chair Traci Rollins for her leadership and dedication during a transformational year for the Chamber.

Hosted at the Pelican Club, the Board Installation and Cocktail Reception brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community partners from across Palm Beach North. During the Noel Martinez, Kathryn Rossmell

Four Benefits Of Homeschooling A Neurodivergent Child

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist For many families, homeschooling provides an opportunity to create a learning environment where a neurodivergent child can truly thrive.

Children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and other learning differences often have unique strengths that may not always be recognized in a traditional classroom. Homeschooling allows you to build an educational experience around those strengths rather than around standardized expectations.

One of the greatest benefits is individualized instruction.

Lessons can be paced according to your child’s learning style, allowing extra time when concepts are challenging and moving quickly through material they already understand. This flexibility often reduces frustration and increases confidence. You select a curriculum that matches your values and your child’s needs rather than having your child fit into a globalist set of academic standards.

Second, homeschooling also offers opportunities to minimize distractions and sensory overload. A quieter environment, flexible seating, movement breaks, and personalized schedules can help your child maintain attention, regulate emotions, and engage more effectively in learning. Neurodiverse children benefit from hands-on kinesthetic learning.

Third, is the ability to incorporate your child’s interests into instruction. Whether your child loves animals, engineering, art, or technology, these passions can become powerful teaching tools that increase motivation and deepen understanding across multiple subjects.

A fourth benefit is homeschooling can strengthen your child’s self-esteem. Daily routines can be adjusted to accommodate your child’s periods of peak focus and energy rather than forcing learning into a rigid timetable. Instead of constantly comparing themselves to classmates, neurodivergent learners experience success at their own pace.

Homeschooling is not the right choice for every family, and it requires commitment, planning, and access to curriculum resources. However, for many neurodivergent children, it provides an environment where curiosity, creativity, and confidence can flourish.

We work with homeschool families and provide school neuropsychological evaluations to help guide you to specialized curriculum, therapies, local co-ops, and more.

To learn more about homeschooling consider joining the Florida Parent Educators Association at Fpea.com.

Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child. We test for ADHD, dyslexia, autism and more, www.JimForgan.com.

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ceremony, Rossmell was officially inducted as chair alongside the Chamber’s 2026 to 2027 Executive Committee. The Chamber also welcomed new members to its Board of Directors, including Erik Cazares, Ricardo Gonzalez III, Lisa Lickstein, John Muller, and Cara Perry, while also recognizing the Chairman’s Circle members for their continued commitment to the organization.

“Our volunteer leaders are the driving force behind everything this Chamber accomplishes,” said Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We’re grateful to Traci Noel Martinez, Mike Mitrione, Nat Nason, Traci Rollins, Mike Bauer, Stephanie Rollins for her outstanding leadership Mitrione, Dave Markarian, Philippe Jeck and look forward to working alongside Kathryn Rossmell and our new Board as we continue building County Commissioner Maria Marino, former State Board a stronger Palm Beach North.” of Education Member MaryLynn Magar, and numerous The event was attended by many of the region’s most community partners such as David Stiles Nicholson. influential business and civic leaders, including Palm Beach For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.

Reminder From Palm Beach Gardens Police Department Adopt These Habits To Prevent Vehicle Burglaries • Please lock your vehicle doors every time – even for a quick stop or at home.

• Never leave items of any kind inside your vehicle. Hiding items doesn’t work!

• At a minimum, if you must leave items, place them in your trunk.

• Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS holders and other key sets act as neon signs.

• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert and call in any suspicious activities to the police department nonemergency number: 799-4445.

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August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 11

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Page 12, PGA C.A.N.!

August 2026

Film Review: A Dog’s Purpose And A Dog’s Journey

By Nils A. Shapiro If ever there was an opportunity to make time for a wonderful double-feature film experience this is it, assuming you are a subscriber to Netflix. Here are the prerequisites: You have to love dogs—any breed. You will need to have a box of facial tissues on hand so that the tears don’t prevent you from viewing the screen clearly. Be sure that any young children are not in the room; instead, preferably sound asleep because this is not for them. And you must see the films in the proper sequence: first “A Dog’s Purpose,” followed by “A Dog’s Journey,” which is a sequel that continues the other’s story.

Both films, which were originally released in 2017 and 2019 respectively, are based on bestselling novels by W. Bruce Cameron that were published in 2010 and 2012, Deeply emotional dog lover that I am, as is my wife, Linda, I had read and loved both books and already enjoyed both films when they were first released…but could not resist the opportunity to view them again on Netflix.

“A Dog’s Purpose” is directed by Lasse Halstrom. The book’s author, W. Bruce Cameron, wrote the screenplay.

Dennis Quaid is brilliant as Ethan, and we are made aware of all the dogs’ thoughts through the perfect voice of actor Josh Gard.

Simply stated, the first of these films is the story of a dog who, from the moment he is first born as a feral puppy is then reborn through four more different lives: as a male Red Retriever raised by a wonderful family and named Bailey…a female German Shepherd…a male Corgi…and finally as a male St. Bernard/Australian Shepherd mix—in every reincarnation fully remembering its previous lives and wondering about his/her purpose in life—finally discovering the answer when at last reuniting with the human, Ethan, the young man who first raised him as Bailey—sometimes affectionately calling him “Boss Dog,” through a life filled with love, trust and friendship.

Sharing his life with Ethan and taking care of his human, he now realizes, has been his purpose in life.

Community In Focus Your Photos, Your Stories, Your World Welcome to the very first edition of Community in Focus – our new monthly photography column dedicated to celebrating the beauty, moments, and stories that make life special!

This space is for every resident who loves taking pictures. Whether you’re capturing scenes right here in PGA or photos you’re especially proud of from anywhere – family trips, vacation memories, garden close-ups, silly pets – we want to see them and share them with the community.

Here’s what we’re inviting you to do: • Share any photo you’re proud of – neighborhood views, travel adventures, nature shots – anything that made you smile. Add a short caption, where it was taken, or why it means something to you.

• Ask questions – ask for photography tips, share your favorite apps, give or ask for editing advice or recommendations for gear and locations.

• Maybe you’ve written an article – we’d love to share it but keep in mind this is voluntary so there won’t be any monetary compensation.

• We welcome professional photographers, but please no advertising or selling!

• Let’s connect with each other – suggest group photo outings, fun photo challenges, or meetups for fellow enthusiasts.

Every month we’ll feature a reader submitted photo and/or questions or suggestions and keep the conversation lively. Your contribution could brighten someone’s day, spark inspiration, or create new connections among neighbors.

How to participate: Email your question, suggestion or hopefully photo, along with a short description and your name to: pmm1243@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to discover the wonderful variety of images our community creates and enjoys. Let’s fill this column with pride, creativity, and shared moments – one beautiful photo at a time!

Peter Marcus and Susan O’Malley Community in Focus Editors

Dennis Quaid as Ethan—now an older adult with this dog of a breed so very d i ff e r e n t f r o m t h e one he had loved many years earlier— suddenly reacts with a shock of recognition to something unique this new dog does that Ethan had taught his old friend. Hardly believing what he has just seen, Ethan stares into this new dog’s eyes, accepts what would at any other time have seemed impossible…and speaks his old dog’s names, Boss Dog and Bailey.

When that happens, I dare you to keep your emotions in check. ***** “A Dog’s Journey” is a different trip altogether.

Much has happened in Ethan’s household between Bailey’s two lifetimes there. Ethan is a much older man now with a wife, Hannah, and baby granddaughter, Clarity June (C.J.). Their son had passed away and his widow, the child’s mother, is a difficult, self-centered woman—an alcoholic who is threatening to move away and take the child with her.

Ethan and Hannah are distraught, knowing that such a move would result in a threat to the baby’s safety and the likelihood that they might never see their granddaughter again. Now that Bailey—as he has once again been named in his new life with Ethan—is aware of his purpose in life. He understands how important it is to him that Ethan be happy and that helping to keep C.J. safe is now his responsibility.

Bailey dies and is reborn as a female Beagle. Unaware of the puppy’s past, a teen-age C.J. brings the sweet little dog home, names her Molly and hides her from the still alcoholic and irresponsible mother she knows will never let her own a dog.

Through this and two more lives—one as a male English Mastiff named Big Dog, and finally as a small, wire-haired male Terrier, Max—the dog once called Bailey weaves in and out of C.J.’s life doing everything possible to protect her as has been so important to Ethan.

Until, finally, the now adult C.J.—who knows nothing at all about these dogs’ long-ago relationship with her now aged grandfather—decides to visit him and her grandmother, Hannah, for the first time in many years.

Of course, the moment C.J. drives up to the family farm with Max you can imagine that scene as the little dog recognizes the old familiar smells and then the faces of his beloved Ethan and Hannah. And finally, when Ethan’s own time on this Earth is over, you will have another reason to reach for a tissue.

Some friendships are meant to last for eternity.

Attention:

PGA Residents Of Mellowing Years A single phone number may help you to live confidently and gracefully in your own home.

Now there is a volunteer senior ambassador within PGA community who is well-schooled in resources available to help with problems of elders. The Alpert family and Children’s Services has been helping seniors do just that for many years.

• You have questions? We may have answers.

• You don’t know where to go? We can guide you.

• You don’t know what you need? We’re well-versed in that problem.

• Do you know a neighbor who needs help?

Don’t wait. Call now. Dorothy Weiss, 624-4035. Let’s keep connected with each other as a community. All you need is the desire to live comfortably in your own home.

August 2026

PGA C.A.N.!, Page 13

The Pet Cottage Post Until The Very End A monthly column by Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage, Jupiter Farms, thepetcottage. org Every time I welcome a new pet into The Pet Cottage pack, there is something I say directly to them. I place my hand on them, look into their eyes, and say, “You are part of The Pet Cottage now. We will always have your back until the very end.”

I’ve spoken those words more than a hundred times. And every single time I know they feel the truth in my words. They know.

T h e y d o n ’t k n o w where we’re going.

They don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Ace But they know they are safe. They know they belong. They know they are no longer alone. At that moment, the promise begins.

The beautiful thing about a promise is that you never know how long you’ll be asked to keep it. Sometimes it is measured in months; sometimes in years.

Recently, two of those promises came full circle.

Last week, we shared the sweet goodbye with little Ace. For eight years, he was part of The Pet Cottage pack. Through every season of his life, the promise never changed. He was safe, loved, and surrounded by the people who cherished him until the very end.

Just days later, we said goodbye to Mae-Ling. She came to us at fifteen years old after life had unexpectedly changed. We didn’t know whether our promise would last two weeks, two months, or two years. We only knew that from the moment she became part of our pack, she would never again have to wonder if she was alone.

Mae-Ling and her cat One promise lasted eight years. One lasted two. The promise never changed, only the number of days we were blessed to keep it.

A promise isn’t kept in a single heroic moment. It’s kept in the ordinary moments that quietly become a life. A 4 a.m. wakeup. Eye drops with protest. Fresh blankets. Mae-Ling in her sweater A favorite treat wrapped around a pill. A slow walk on aging legs. One more snuggle. One more ride to the veterinarian. One more sunrise together.

Day after day, love quietly shows up until one day you realize those ordinary moments have become an extraordinary life. A promise is simply love made visible through action.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that every promise changes two lives—the life of the one who receives it and the life of the one who keeps it.

Every promise asks something of us. It asks us to stretch beyond what feels comfortable. To show up when life is inconvenient. To keep loving when our hearts are breaking.

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Little by little, we discover we are capable of more than we imagined. We become more patient. More compassionate. More courageous.

Pets have a remarkable way of awakening the very best in us. Not because they ask us to. Simply because they exist. They invite us to love without keeping score.

To protect what is vulnerable. To become champions for lives entrusted to our care.

They remind us that love is more than a feeling. It is a choice. A promise. And eventually ... a sweet goodbye.

The sweet goodbye isn’t the price we pay for love. It is the privilege that comes from choosing to love so completely.

Knowing everything I know today ... I would make that choice every single time. Thank you for making that choice with me.

How You Can Be Part Of This If this story moved you, you already understand what The Pet Cottage promise means.

Every pet in our care— like Ace, like Mae-Ling, like the more than 60 pets we serve throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties—depends on that promise being kept, day after ordinary day.

Your support keeps Wendy and Brody it possible. A gift to The Pet Cottage covers veterinary care, medication, and the quiet daily love that becomes an extraordinary life.

Join us in keeping the promise. Visit thepetcottage.org to give, or reach out directly at wendy@thepetcottage.org.

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August 2026

Page 14, PGA C.A.N.!

Book Review: Senior Dating (And Three More Books

By George Karp)

By Nils A. Shapiro The wonderful country clubs in Palm Beach County are world-famous for the extraordinary luxurious lifestyle activities they offer to members, which include championship golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, spa and health club services, a wide selection of superb dining, musical concerts, informative lecture events, off-site art tours, special programs for children of all ages…and so much more.

But one country club activity that goes relatively unnoticed by most members is the subject of the newest of author George Karp’s four published non-fiction books—by far the one that will have many of this column’s readers of a certain age constantly laughing as you nod your head relating to the experience!

George Karp is himself of that “certain age.” He also happens to have led a very successful life, in business and with a wonderful long marriage and raising a loving family that includes three daughters and five grandchildren. Sadly, his wife of many years, Rita, passed away in 2013 and, after a long period of mourning her loss, his daughters and many friends, convinced him that Rita would have wanted him to find the right someone with whom he could share the rest of his life with the love he deserves.

“Senior Dating” is the date-by-date diary of his hunt for that “right someone” here among the country clubs of Boca Raton. And a fascinating tale it is, with the first years of these “connections” taking place while he was a member of Woodfield Country Club and discovering that no matter how far out of the way he tried to arrange the meeting places of his dinner dates—often a town or two away to avoid running into nosey neighbors—he was often spotted and found himself the subject of local gossip.

But the real highlights come from the stories of the individual dates, which range from boring to weird to hilarious, and anyone—male or female—considering playing this Senior Dating Game would do well to refer to this book as a valuable instruction guide. Although this book, like the author’s three earlier publications, is basically non-fiction he refers to it in his Introduction as a kind of “fiction” because he has changed the names of the people involved for the sake of their privacy and “to protect the innocent (or guilty.”) He has even played along by referring to himself throughout the book by such names as Greg Kaufman, the Gman and Quality Man.

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“Funny Things Happened: From Brighton to Boca.” George Karp’s first book, published in 2018, is a wonderfully heartwarming and entertaining introduction to a man who must be really fun to know in person. A memoir of the author’s growing up years as part of a loving family in a Brooklyn neighborhood, through his first marriage and successful business career, and all the way to his move to Boca Raton, it is presented in a series of brief entertaining memories that reflect his winning sense of humor that will appeal to those who appreciate Neil Simon’s work.

“Threats: A Humorous Commentary on the Dangers that Faced 20th Century America.” Despite the title, George Karp takes the subject of this book very seriously. It was published in 2021 and I will make this review very brief: I have more than 1,000 books in my home library, the majority of which are non-fiction because of my personal reading taste, and many are reference works. Setting aside any touches of humor that may appear in these pages, I cannot think of a single other volume I have ever come across that compares to this one in its coverage of the number and diversity of historical facts—as the author states, “both important and unimportant” —that have taken place in America, decade by decade and year by year since 1900. In doing so he includes the dangers of every kind, natural and political, foreign and domestic, that have faced the United States and our people since the year 1900. The amount of research that was required to create this book reflects a deep commitment and love of country, resulting in a book that belongs on every reference shelf.

“Baseball: A Humorous Commentary on the National Pastime.” Long-time baseball fans will have a field day with this one—a very different approach to a history of more than 100 years of the major leagues, from 1900 to the 2023 season, with each chapter reminding readers of the most memorable events of its decade’s playing seasons. Added to that are the author’s special sections covering stats and facts related to Awards, the Hall of Fame. changes in the game’s rules, and much more than just humor.

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After several opening chapters that introduce us to the author’s situation as a senior single man in Boca, the rest of the book’s 69 chapters each briefly describes one of his dating experiences. As busy as my own schedule is, I found myself often deciding to read “just one more chapter” before having to put the book aside to attend to other business, that’s how much fun it is.

Here is just a hint of the many dating examples discussed in this book, most in two to three pages each: • The woman who claimed to be Jewish but pronounced the traditional Jewish Challah bread as Shallah.

• The woman who confessed, after acting seductively all during dinner, that she was really still married.

• The fancy lady in West Palm Beach who made all their dinner reservations at the most expensive restaurants but never once offered to pick up the check. She once had friends of hers invite them to dinner at Mar A Lago where President Trump sat at an adjoining table and shook hands with everyone in their group. But “fancy lady” broke off their relationship because she didn’t feel that the birthday present Gman bought for her maid was nice enough!

• The promising attractive woman who agreed to a date but asked that they first meet for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. While there, Karp felt uncomfortable by what seemed to be a young man photographing him. It turned out to be the woman’s son taking a video of him to make sure he wasn’t some kind of weirdo or danger, as a way of protecting his mother. A family of spies was not his cup of tea…er, coffee!

You get the idea. But for those of you contemplating the prospect of trying out for the Dating Game (and for others who just want the fun of a really entertaining book) you will be pleased to know that—despite the bumps along the way—there is a Happy Ending to this story!

In the final chapters we meet Zeena (in real life, Zoe), for whom George Karp left Woodfield Country Club and now—for the past six blissful years—has been together with Zoe as members of Boca Grove.

“Senior Dating,” as with all of George Karp’s books, is available from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and many bookstores throughout the U.S. One more point I should mention: In considering that the audience for “Senior Dating,” unlike the other books, may skew smore toward an older audience whose eyesight is often not as sharp as it used to be, the author had this book’s text printed in a larger, 16-point typeface instead of the more typical 12-point typeface as in his and most other books. Many seniors will appreciate this; the rest of you will become accustomed to it within the first few pages. *****

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