Commissioner’s Update
Hurricane Season In Palm Beach County: Prepare Now To Stay Safe
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
Palm Beach County has a long history of severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Fay, Matthew, Irma, and more recently, Helene and Milton , have all left their mark on our community. These events underscore the importance of being ready and resilient.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. While we all hope South Florida will be spared, it’s essential that every resident takes time to prepare—by reviewing evacuation plans, securing their homes, and gathering necessary supplies. Familiarity with severe weather is part of life in Palm Beach County, but preparation can reduce disruptions and speed up recovery.
Northern Notes
Family Communication During And After Disasters
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will stay in touch with one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations. Consider the following questions when making a plan.
• How will my family or household receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• How will my family or household get to safe locations in the event of relevant emergencies?
The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides a range of resources to help you get ready. One of the best tools is the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide, available at https:// discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office.
Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, first aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too.
If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t
• How will my family or household get in touch if cell phone, Internet, or landline service doesn’t work?
• How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
• How will my family or household get to a meeting place after the emergency?
Complete a contact card for each adult family member and print them out. Have them keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, or other convenient location— additionally, complete contact cards for each child in your family. Put the cards in their backpacks or book bags. Information should include contact details for family, friends, and neighbors, as well as doctors and school information. You can find an example of an emergency contact card on redcross.org. Identify a contact, such as a friend or relative, who lives out of state for household members to notify if they are safe. An out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies. Still, it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven’t kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech-ready. Be Informed
• Download the FEMA app. Get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
• Sign up for FEMA text messages to get updates from FEMA (standard message and data rates apply).
• You can download either or both from here: https:// www.fema.gov/about/ news-multimedia/mobileproducts
guaranteed. Yard waste pickup is limited to one pile of up to 6 cubic yards weekly. If you’re disposing of expired storm supplies like fuel, propane tanks, or batteries, use the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. A convenient site is the North County Transfer Station at 14185 North Military Trail in Jupiter. Visit swa.org or call (561) 697-2700 or (866) SWA-INFO for more details.
Stay informed by signing up for AlertPBC, the county’s emergency notification system, at https://discover. pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx. You’ll receive alerts by phone, text, or email about local hazards and emergencies. Your information is protected and used only for public safety. You can also download the Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app to check evacuation zones, shelter openings, and storm updates on your phone. More information can be found at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/ dart.aspx.
Check in with your neighbors—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may be new to the area. Remember, we are a community first. A small gesture can make a big difference during an emergency. Stay safe and take action now. Preparedness truly makes all the difference. If I can assist you, contact me at (561) 355-2201 or email mmarino@pbc.gov.
Here are basic commands to get started:
• To sign up to get preparedness tips, text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA).
• To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors), text SHELTER and a ZIP code to 43362.
• To get a list of all keywords you can subscribe to, text LIST to 43362.
• To unsubscribe (at any time), text STOP to 43362.
In Memoriam
Virginia (Ginny) Luongo
It is with sad hearts we announce the recent passing another member of the POA Board of Governors, Ginny Luongo. Since moving to PGA in 1996, Ginny was very active in our community. Ginny was a member of the POA Board for eight years. During that time, she served as a director and secretary for the Board, and as vice-chair of the ARC committee and was active on several other POA committees as well. Ginny also served for many years on the Board of Directors for Club Cottages HOA and was an active member of the Women’s Golf Association at PGA National. We will deeply miss Ginny’s dedication to the community, her tremendous strength, and beautiful smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ginny’s family and thank them for allowing the PGA family to work with her over the years.
• Before a disaster, follow local governments on social media to stay up-to-date with official information before, during and after a disaster. Sign up for Twitter alerts from trusted government agencies to get notified when critical information goes out.
Make A Plan
• Use text messages, social media, and email to stay connected with friends and family during emergencies.
• Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it hard to make and get phone calls. Text messages require less bandwidth, which means they can be transmitted more reliably during situations when many people are trying to use their mobile phones at the same time.
• Social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter can also be an effective way to update family and friends during emergencies. Facebook’s Safety Check feature enables users to quickly post a status update confirming their safety during a disaster.
• Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other mobile devices. Smartphones have become a vital tool to get emergency alerts and warnings, so it’s essential to make sure you can keep them powered up in an emergency.
• At home: Before severe weather, fully charge all of your electronic devices. If the power goes out, save battery power by minimizing device use. Keep a backup power source on hand.
Editorial Board
Editor: James A. Cioffi james@jcclaw.com
Feature Writers: Dawn Levinstein, POA Gail Coppage , 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 or Katie@seabreezecommunications.com
• In your car: Keep a portable phone charger in your vehicle at all times and consider purchasing a backup power supply to keep in your car as well.
• Change the settings on your phone to low power mode or enable airplane mode to conserve energy.
• Store important documents on a secure, passwordprotected jump drive or in the cloud.
• Several mobile device apps allow you to use your phone’s camera as a scanning device. The apps enable you to capture electronic versions of important documents, such as insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records. Don’t forget to include your pet’s information.
• Back up your computer to protect photos and other critical electronic documents.
• Scan old photos to protect them from loss.
• Keep your contacts updated and synced across all of your channels, including phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach the right people quickly to obtain information and provide updates. Consider creating a group listserv of your top contacts.
• Create a group chat via a texting app or a thread for family, friends, or coworkers to communicate quickly during a disaster.
• Sign up for direct deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your paycheck and make electronic payments wherever you are.
Through the use of everyday technology, individuals, families, responders, and organizations can successfully prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies and disasters. With adequate planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs.
Information courtesy Ready.gov.
NPDES tip: Before a storm, make sure all of your grass clippings and tree trimmings have been properly stored – do not leave them outside to become potential projectiles, and clog the storm drains and canals.
From The Editor: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness …
Tears filled Dagmar’s eyes as she held the diamond earrings given to her by her deceased husband more than 30 years earlier. I had been holding them in my safe pursuant to her request and she asked me to bring them to her. She spoke to her husband, Ferdinand, as she gazed at and touched the earrings. It was as if he were with her again for a brief moment in time.
Dagmar grew up in Czechoslovakia after its founding in 1918 – post World War I. When Dagmar was 13, the Nazis began to annex portions of the country and democracy was replaced with occupation by neighboring forces and the German goal to eliminate the Czech nationality. After World War II pre-war Czechoslovakia was re-established including the expulsion of more than 2 million Germans. Unfortunately, the Germans were replaced by Russian troops and the communist party seized power in 1948. Ferdinand was an accomplished architect and contractor after serving in the armed forces. Dagmar and Ferdinand
met in Bratislava at a shipping center while Ferdinand was in the military. They married shortly thereafter. A brief time after the communists seized control, Ferdinand and Dagmar were advised that their home belonged to the government and then his architecture and construction businesses were confiscated. They realized they could not live any longer under communist domination, so they developed a plan to leave their homeland and all their possessions. Ferdinand paid an extraordinary sum to be smuggled out of the country and paid for Dagmar to leave by a different route. They traveled dangerous journeys to Austria and were reunited there. They could not contact their families they left behind.
Most of us have lived our entire lives in the freedom of the United States. We have been able to decide what course our life would take. Each July we celebrate our country’s independence from the British monarchy and the unanimous Declaration of Independence of the 13 United States of America. The document begins with the words, “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them…”
Most of us are familiar with the next paragraph which begins, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Thomas Jefferson of Virginia wrote the original draft of the Declaration which was edited by John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Roger Sherman of Connecticut, all members of the committee charged with composing the document.
I recommend viewing the play or movie, “1776,” which recounts the political struggle within the Continental Congress to ratify the Declaration of Independence. The historical figures come alive and propound their visions for the country. Large portions of the dialogue and songs are taken from the letters and memoirs of the representatives who attended the Congress. It is a great way to celebrate the month of our independence which has endured for 242 years.
The first and most prominent signature on the document was by John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. It is believed that the original document produced on July 4, 1776 was unsigned and that a printed copy was signed later. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration. An original engrossed parchment version is on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Pause for a moment this July and think about Dagmar and Ferdinand’s quest for freedom from the tyranny of communist rule. They traveled from Austria to live in Canada and then finally moved to the United States. I had the pleasure to meet Dagmar last year and was fascinated as she described her life’s journey and unalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Until next month…
Maternal Fetal Care
James A. Cioffi, Esq., Editor james@jcclaw.com
P.S. If you would like to share a story about the pursuit of freedom, please forward it to me.
At Maternal Fetal Care (MFC) of the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group, we focus on the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. We specialize in the treatment of high-risk pregnancies with quality care provided by our OB and Perinatologists who have advanced maternal-fetal medicine training needed for the management of high-risk pregnancies and complications.
Maternal Fetal Care provides the following services:
• High-risk Pregnancy Management
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Genetic Counseling
• Fetal Monitoring
• Specialized Ultrasound Procedures
• OB/GYN services
• Comprehensive Evaluation
To
Freddy J. Montero, MD, MBA, FACOG
How About You?
The Joy Of Reading
By Marie Pinschmidt
The four basic themes of literature: Man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, and man versus himself.
Theme shapes the big picture in literature, as does atmosphere and tone, the natural outgrowth of descriptions of character, settings and events.
Atmosphere (something in the air) that contributes to the big picture, or something afoot as hidden patterns lying
beneath the story’s surface – a design we may not see until we turn the story over. Description forms a pattern over and over, character, places, objects, sounds and events. Yes, they exist even in a fictional world.
Imagine the sound of a saw used in building a coffin. The sound alone contains an entire story. Imagine what appears and disappears in a story or poem – like a colored thread in the weaving of a tapestry, an element forming a larger design.
Voltaire said, “Let us read and let us dance, two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.”
Writer Edna Thurber said, “Writing is not an amusing occupation. It’s a combination of ditch-digging, mountain climbing, treadmill and childbirth.”
Now that you are aware of an author’s struggles, what do you like and enjoy in a story, and why do you choose certain books? Is it a desire to escape or for intelligent stimulation, challenge, predictability, surprise, suspense, happy endings, or philosophical insight? Do the characters need to change in some significant way?
An author needs to consider all the above as well as a lot of “dos and don’ts.” An important one is “don’t confuse the reader.” We must consider who, where, what and why and convey those things to the reader. The plot must be plausible and credible. The resolution must make your story real. The tone or purpose of the book must be uplifting, depressing, informative, entertaining,
comedic, dramatic or documentary. As an author, you want your readers to feel inspired, outraged, empowered and informed. Your reader doesn’t want mixed messages. Consider how you want them to feel.
An author must not worry about publication, sales, awards, etc. Time for that after the manuscript is publication-ready, i.e. serious editing and correcting. A writer must write; a painter must paint. Writing “the end” to a manuscript or signing your name on a finished painting is worth all the months or years of struggle. The need to read varies with every one of us. Only the individual can decide whether the material deserves a five-star review. I believe the timing has a lot to do with the appeal of certain literature. A scattered mind can dictate success or failure of any work of art.
Now, for a bit of humor. Twenty-seven-year-old Oscar Wilde came to New York in 1882. He settled in Pennsylvania where he drank elderberry wine with Walt Whitman. Later, he lectured to coal miners in Leadville, Colo., where he saw a sign in a saloon that said, “ Please do not shoot the pianist, he is doing his best.” Wilde called it the only rational method of art criticism he had ever come across and I tend to agree. Wilde’s most important work, you may recall, is his book The Importance Of Being Earnest , published in 1895.
Marie Pinschmidt, (561) 510-5006, www.mariepinschmidt.net
Tuning In: Remembering What We Already Know
By Carla Alexander, BCPA, Palm Beach Native Healthcare Journalist
And Harmonic
Researcher
Sometimes, we don’t need something new – we need to remember something ancient.
Have you ever felt like the room “changed” just because someone walked in?
Or felt inexplicably calmer while standing near the ocean, sitting beside a purring cat, or listening to wind chimes? Those small moments aren’t just coincidences. They’re subtle evidence of something that affects us all – something I call harmonic awareness.
It’s not a trend or a belief system. It’s biology, it’s physics, and it’s deeply human.
My name is Carla Alexander. I was born here in Palm Beach and have spent decades working across a range of industries – from business and real estate to journalism and complex care navigation. I’m a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), a caregiver, a lifelong writer, and now, the founder of Healing Life Technologies – a Florida-based initiative exploring how sound, light, and intention interact with the human body. But more than anything, I’m a listener.
I’ve listened to elders with dementia searching for words, and newborns communicating without any. I’ve held space for caregivers in crisis and heard the silent cries of people who didn’t know how to ask for help. And I’ve learned that underneath every diagnosis, every situation, every age group – there is one constant: frequency.
Yes, frequency. Like radio waves or music notes. Except it’s not just in your speakers – it’s in your body.
What Is Harmonic Awareness?
Harmonic Awareness is the simple but powerful realization that we are affected by the frequencies around us – and the ones we emit ourselves.
Your heart has a rhythm. Your brain has waves. Your voice carries a signature tone that changes with your emotions. The spaces you live in – from a baby’s nursery to a memory care facility – are full of frequencies that either support or stress the nervous system.
What if we became more aware of this – and used it to support ourselves, our loved ones, and even our homes? Two Stories, One Truth
Recently, I was speaking with a neighbor whose husband passed away after a five-year journey with dementia. As we shared stories, we realized something striking: even after moving our loved ones into memory care settings, the emotional and physical demands didn’t stop. In fact, the environment itself – often loud, sterile, and dissonant –sometimes made things harder.
This is an area I care deeply about. It’s part of what led me into researching how environment, sound, and subtle energies affect not only those living with cognitive decline – but also the caregivers standing beside them.
Shortly after that conversation, I watched a toddler settle into sleep just by hearing a low, steady hum – something instinctual, like a lullaby without lyrics. And I recalled a moment when a woman in a memory care facility recognized her daughter’s face not through words, but because a familiar song began to play.
Different ages. Different stories. Same truth: We are tuning forks – each of us. And our bodies respond not just to words, but to the vibrations behind them. Why It Matters (Especially Now)
As Florida communities continue to grow, so does the need for meaningful connection, for care that extends beyond the clinical, and for environments that feel nourishing, not just neutral.
Harmonic Awareness gives us a new tool – or rather, reactivates an old one. It helps us support:
- Children with emotional regulation and sleep - Elders experiencing memory loss or anxiety
- Caregivers navigating burnout or compassion fatigue
- Ourselves, when stress or stagnancy builds
And the best part? It’s not expensive. It doesn’t require a prescription. And you don’t need to “believe in” anything.
You can start by speaking gently to your water before you drink it. By noticing how certain sounds make you feel. By surrounding yourself with music, colors, textures, and people that create resonance, not dissonance.
This is the work of The Harmonic Path – a growing movement of everyday people returning to simplicity, intention, and beauty. It’s also the foundation for upcoming
Conquering Joint Pain with Robotic Precision and Surgical Excellence
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.
Now offering same-day discharge for some hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgical procedures.
offerings like Field Safe, The Sacred Transition Project, and The Crisis Caregiver Handbook – all designed to support Florida families with grace, not overwhelm.
An Invitation
In this monthly column, I’ll be sharing small ways to bring harmonic living into your everyday life – with tips for caregivers, insights for families, and reflections for anyone seeking calm in a noisy world. I’ll include stories, tools, and sound-based practices that have helped people of all ages –and I invite your questions.
We are not separate from the environments we live in, nor from the sounds we hear.
By tuning in – even just a little – we open the door to relief, remembrance, and joy.
Until next time, may your home feel like a haven, and may your body find the rhythm it has always known.
With you in the field, Carla Alexander, Palm Beach Native, BCPA, HealingLifeTech.com, Journalist, Researcher, Caregiver, Listener, 2025 Healing Life Media. All rights reserved.
Philanthropist Lois Pope Gives $10 Million To The University Of Miami
Focus On Research Into Alzheimer’s And Other Neurological Diseases And Disorders
To Name The Lois Pope Laboratory Wing In Memory Of Lorraine Pope In The Lois Pope LIFE Center Lois Pope watched with dismay as her daughter Lorraine suffered from Alzheimer’s disease before her death earlier this year.
Wanting to honor Lorraine’s memory and do more to help others afflicted with the disease that progressively strips its victims of their memory, cognitive skills, and the ability to perform simple everyday tasks, Pope, who is one of the country’s foremost female philanthropists, announced today that she is making a $10 million gift to name the Lois Pope Laboratory Wing in memory of Lorraine Pope, located at the University
Community Safety
By Keith Echols,
Director of Security, St. Moritz Security
I’m sure by now, like myself, many of you have received the scam text message about having an outstanding toll fee. In our rapidly digitizing world, the convenience of online transactions and digital communications comes with its own set of challenges. Among these challenges, electronic scams have emerged as a significant threat to consumers and businesses alike. From fraudulent emails to deceptive QR codes, understanding how these scams operate is crucial for safeguarding your personal and financial information.
Electronic scams encompass a wide variety of deceptive tactics that aim to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or making unauthorized financial transactions. With the increased adoption of QR codes, scammers found a new avenue to target unsuspecting victims. Scammers can create fraudulent codes that redirect you to malicious websites. Once clicked, these links can lead to websites that steal your passwords and allow access to your financial information or install malware on your device.
While electronic scams can be sophisticated, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself. Stay informed and trust your Instincts. It’s better to err on the side of caution. As our reliance on technology grows, so does the prevalence of electronic scams. By staying informed, recognizing the signs of fraudulent activity, and practicing vigilance in your online interactions by taking the time to verify can save you from significant trouble later on.
As always, security is ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at (561) 627-1600; if you see something, say something!
of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the Lois Pope LIFE Center. The donation will establish the Lois Pope Neuroscience Research Fund to support the advancement of research in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders.
The new donation is the third eight-figure contribution Lois Pope has made to the University of Miami. In 2000, her $10 million gift to The Miami Project led to the building of the Lois Pope LIFE Center, which is the permanent home to The Miami Project, the nation’s foremost center for research and treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries and other neurological diseases and disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The center will now also be home to the newly named laboratory wing in honor of her generosity.
In 2020, Pope made a $12 million donation in honor of her mother, who was afflicted with macular degeneration, to establish the Lois Pope Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration Research at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and two years ago, Pope made another $1 million contribution to Bascom Palmer to advance its initiative to develop the world’s first whole eye transplant, and to create Lois’ Vision4Kids.
“Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease,” Pope said. “Knowing how it robbed my daughter of any recognition of who I and other family members were, and who she herself was, couldn’t have been more heartbreaking. So, I knew I had to do something to try and help to eradicate it or at least mitigate its symptoms. While there has been progress over the past few years in therapies to slow the disease, early detection methods, and even how the disease develops in the brain, I wanted to give this work a real jolt. Plus, I wanted to do it at a place that is not only in my home
state but is also recognized for doing cutting-edge research in Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases and disorders in the Lois Pope LIFE Center.”
“Lois Pope’s generosity has touched so many lives all over the world. We could not be more grateful for her continued belief in, and support of, the basic and translational research we conduct in the Lois Pope LIFE Center. Our approach to some of the most challenging neurological conditions, acute injuries and more progressive neurodegenerative disorders known to man uniquely positions us to advance new research findings and translate them with the goal of transforming people’s lives,” said W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director of The Miami Project, the Kinetic Concepts Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery, senior associate dean for Team Science, codirector of the Institute for Neural Engineering, and professor of neurological surgery.
More than one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of neurological injury, disease and disorder. Brain injury is a significant risk factor leading to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pope’s generous gift will help advance neuroscience programs to develop new diagnostic approaches and the development of novel therapeutic interventions to target disease mechanisms to ultimately improve the quality of life for patients.
Lois Pope, photo by Capehart
Lois Pope LIFE Center
Golden Cub Ambassadors Club Cheers To Spring Success At The Beacon
The Golden Cub Ambassadors Club members gathered for a celebratory Spring Happy Hour on Tuesday, May 20, at The Beacon, the newly renovated restaurant at Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street. The evening recognized the club’s growing impact, with nearly $690,000 raised and granted to children’s health initiatives since its founding in 2022.
The event not only celebrated past accomplishments but also welcomed the club’s ongoing expansion. Spearheaded by Christie Strunk, granddaughter of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, and her husband Todger, the Golden Cub Ambassadors Club carries forward the legacy of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. The club brings together
Golden Cub Ambassadors Club Cheers on page 8
Barbara Nicklaus, Nan O’Leary, Chris O’Leary, MacKenzie O’Leary
James Molinari, Laura Molinari, Lindsay Saylor, Michael Saylor
Phil Doumar, Jaimee Reichert, Max Spanier
Cochairs Christie Strunk, Todger Strunk
Barrett Kernon, Kristi Kernon, Bo Jahna
Alex Wittmann, Jen Wittmann, Bella Craft
young professionals and philanthropic leaders who are passionate about supporting pediatric care across the region.
Individuals from age 21 to 45 are encouraged to join the Golden Cub Ambassadors Club. Pediatric health care programs or projects are voted on annually by members to receive the club’s collective proceeds. To become a member or to learn more, visit nchcf.org/ goldencub.
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography
The Pet Cottage Post Freedom Found: A
Golden Journey Of Love And Belonging
By Wendy Derhak, Founder of The Pet Cottage Freedom.
It’s something we celebrate each July, often with flags, fireworks, and fanfare. But at The Pet Cottage, we witness a quieter, deeper kind of freedom—one found in safety, in companionship, and in the sacred promise that no pet will be left behind.
Recently, we were honored to help a trio of beautiful golden retrievers—Marlee (10), Miles (8), and Maks (4)—find their way to freedom after heartbreak.
Their story began with unimaginable loss. A local family of six was devastated when their mom passed away unexpectedly from a rare illness. Just months later, their dad died from a sudden heart attack. Four teenagers were left grieving, and so were their beloved dogs.
Family from Georgia came quickly to help pick up the pieces. The decision was made for the youngest sibling to relocate to live with her grandmother and uncle, while the older siblings stayed in Florida. But there was one heartbreaking hurdle: The dogs couldn’t make the move.
That’s when The Pet Cottage was called.
Miles
While we hoped to keep all three together, we also knew that each dog’s needs would guide us. Marlee, the oldest at 10, was slower and calmer. She found her perfect Forever Guardians in Nancy and John—longtime golden lovers in their 70s who wanted to give one more golden girl a safe, loving home. Marlee now spends her days gently loved on, with all the comfort and dignity she deserves.
The boys, Miles and Maks, were more energetic and deeply bonded. We worked with our trusted trainer to evaluate their behavior and ensure we could find the right family. That’s when the Myers family came into the picture. A vibrant family of six with two gentle dogs, chickens, and open hearts—they were ready to grow their pack.
The Pet Cottage Post on page 9
Marlee
Ashley Wolf, Colby Kempe
Cliff Budnick, Dara Budnick Joe Floyd, Nikki Floyd
Aaron Abbadie, Jackson Sewell Jorden Davis, Katy Fisher
With careful introductions at the sanctuary and their home, and guidance from our team, the boys officially made the leap. Now, they’re thriving—running, playing, swimming, and soaking up the joy of being truly part of a family again.
This is what freedom means to us: Freedom to grow old gracefully. Freedom to be safe, content, and cared for. Freedom to run, to belong, and to be loved.
Each pet we place carries a story—of loss, of transition, and of renewal. And each guardian who steps forward helps write a new chapter.
This July, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also celebrate the quiet victories. The kind that wag their tails and rest their heads on your lap. The kind that remind us that love—especially after loss—is a freedom worth fighting for.
If you believe, like we do, that every pet deserves to
live out their life with dignity and love, we invite you to join us.
The Pet Cottage, www.thepetcottage.org, wendy@thepetcottage.org, (561) 818-5025, FL EIN: 47-4011633
Leave A Legacy Of Love
Our Legacy Circle honors those who include The Pet Cottage in their estate plans, ensuring their love for animals continues to make a difference for generations to come. It’s not just about caring for pets—it’s about celebrating the people whose love makes it all possible.
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 onsite 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.
Myers Family with Miles and Maks
John, Nancy and Marlee
Miles and Maks
Miles and Maks
Jupiter Senior Softball News
Jupiter Senior softball players paid tribute in a May 26 Memorial Day ceremony to all members of the Armed Forces who died in service to our nation and the many freedoms we enjoy.
A crowd of about 50 attended the event at Maplewood Park led by John Cariero, executive director of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association. Cariero noted that Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day: “Today is reserved specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifices while defending the ideals that make us the greatest country on earth,” Cariero said. When asked if anyone wanted to remember a person who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, several in the crowd called out the names of a friend or loved one who died in combat.
The ceremony concluded with players removing their caps and silently reflecting as they listened to the solemn sounds of Taps. The ceremony was in accord with the softball association’s tradition of observing Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July observances with patriotic ceremonies prior to games.
The year-round slow-pitch senior softball program is open to persons 55 and over and there is no upper age limit. New players are always welcome and those who register will help fill rosters of pickup games that are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Jupiter Community Park.
Also, the league’s three-division format accommodates persons of all skill levels, from recreational play to very competitive. Registration can be made online at www. leaguelineup.com/jssa. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
My Child Just Started High School— I Don’t Need To Worry About College Planning
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
It’s a common belief among parents: “My child just started high school; college is still years away.” While it may seem early, the truth is that the high school years fly by—and the choices your student makes now can significantly impact their college opportunities later.
Freshman and sophomore years set the academic and extracurricular foundation colleges look for. Grades earned early in high school contribute to GPA, and course selection
determines eligibility for more advanced classes. Involvement in clubs, sports, volunteering, or other passions during these years helps students build a resume that reflects genuine interests and leadership.
College planning isn’t just about choosing schools and filling out applications—it’s about helping students discover who they are, what they’re passionate about, and how to align those interests with potential career paths. Exploring majors, building strong study habits, developing time management skills, and seeking academic support early on all pay off in the long run.
Starting the conversation early also reduces stress. Rather than rushing through decisions in junior or senior year, families who begin planning during freshman or sophomore year can approach the college process with clarity and confidence. This proactive approach often leads to better financial planning,
increased scholarship opportunities, and a well-balanced college list.
At Class 101, we help families navigate every step of the journey, starting as early as ninth grade. From academic planning and test prep to career exploration and building strong student resumes, we’re here to support your student’s growth every step of the way.
So, while college might feel far off now, taking small, intentional steps today can make a big difference tomorrow. Don’t wait until it feels urgent—start early, and give your child the gift of preparation, confidence, and choice.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation, contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com. Website at Class101.com/northpalmbeachfl.
Senior softball players reflect silently as Taps is played at the Memorial Day ceremony.
John Cariero, right, leads a Memorial Day ceremony, May 26.
Extraordinary Charities’ ‘Talk Derby To Me’ Event Gallops To Success At The National Croquet Center
Extraordinary Charities’ signature spring fundraiser, Talk Derby To Me, raced ahead to a spectacular finish on Friday, May 3, at the National Croquet Center. More than 150 guests donned their Derby best—fabulous fascinators, bow ties, and bold florals—for an unforgettable evening of elegance, excitement, and philanthropy.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the dedicated leadership of Event Chair Beth Fishel, whose creativity and commitment helped elevate every detail. Extraordinary Charities was also honored to have Eddie Schmidt and Ozzie Medeiros, beloved co-owners of Table 26, serve as honorary chairs. Their enthusiastic support and community spirit helped drive both attendance and awareness for the cause.
Guests enjoyed Southern-inspired cuisine, signature mint juleps, and a lively viewing of the Kentucky Derby, followed by music, dancing, and spirited competition in the Best Hat and Best Dressed contests. The evening also featured entertainment by Digital Vibez, bourbon tasting from the Palm Beach Bourbon Society, live cigar rolling from Leyenda Cubana, an exciting live auction and festive atmosphere that brought the community together in true Derby Day style.
Proceeds from Talk Derby To Me benefit Extraordinary Charities’ mission to strengthen small but impactful nonprofits in Palm Beach County. Funds raised will directly support the organization’s Nonprofit Center—a collaborative hub for emerging charitable organizations, programming for its nonprofits network, and Extraordinary Charities’ Recipes for Success culinary training program, which provides life-changing workforce opportunities to individuals facing barriers to employment.
“We are so grateful to Beth, Eddie, Ozzie, and all of our supporters for making this night such a success,” said Christine Raymond, executive director of Extraordinary Charities. “Their leadership and generosity embody the spirit of community that fuels our mission every day.”
Extraordinary Charities extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, volunteers, and guests for their generous support.
For more information on Extraordinary Charities and how to get involved or to donate, please call (561) 3667032 or visit www.ecpbc.org.
Photos by Capehart
Ozzie Medeiros, Taylor Materio, Eddie Schmidt
Committee Chair Beth Fishel, Executive Director Christine Raymond John and Beverlee Raymond Alisha Winn
Lisa Beek, Collin Adams
Maternal Fetal Care Of Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group: Specialized Pregnancy Care Located On The St. Mary’s Medical Center Campus
Pregnancy is a unique journey, and for some, it requires expert guidance and advanced care to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. That’s where Maternal Fetal Care (MFC) of the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group steps in, offering highly specialized care for high-risk pregnancies on the campus of St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Freddy J. Montero, M.D.
MFC is dedicated to managing complex pregnancies with a multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. Freddy J. Montero, a board-certified provider, specializing in maternal fetal medicine. Our team has advanced, specialized training and is equipped to provide personalized care for expecting mothers facing increased medical risks or complications during pregnancy.
“From your first evaluation all the way through giving birth and beyond, we take care of both mother and baby with expert care,” Dr. Montero said. “We know the stresses of any pregnancy, let alone a high-risk one, and we are here to help through the entire journey.”
At Maternal Fetal Care, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, testing, and treatment plan designed specifically for their individual needs and those of their developing baby. The goal is to offer
close monitoring and timely interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes. We work closely with the OB hospitalist team, neonatologists, and pediatric specialists at St. Mary’s Medical Center to ensure highquality care for all babies born at our high-acuity center.
St. Mary’s Medical Center offers a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which is the highest and most comprehensive level of neonatal care available. This means the unit is equipped and staffed to provide care for a wide range of critically ill newborns, including those born early or with medical complications.
The MFC team is also committed to patient education, ensuring that expectant mothers understand the value of maternal-fetal medical care and the importance of specialized monitoring for both maternal and fetal health.
Services provided at Maternal Fetal Care include:
• High-risk pregnancy management
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Genetic counseling
• Fetal monitoring
• Specialized ultrasound procedures
• OB/GYN services
Maternal Fetal Care accepts most insurance plans; however, a referral may be required depending on your coverage.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (561) 209-6990.
Let Maternal Fetal Care at St. Mary’s Medical Center be your trusted partner in navigating a high-risk pregnancy with confidence and expert care.
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.pgapoa.com under the “Documents & Forms” heading or call 627-2800.
Thank you, Jack Hughes, Chairman, POA ARC
Attention Dog Owners
It is your responsibility to pick up after your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have been negligent in doing so.
Please keep our community beautiful!
The Golf Learning Center
By Tom F. Stickney, II, Lead Teaching Professional, Old Trail
Did you know you can make a “perfect swing” – one that has the correct path and face angle at impact that should produce a straight shot but look up to see the ball curving off-line into the junk? This baffling aspect of the game is caused by missing the center of the face of the club either horizontally and/or vertically. This is one of the most important things people overlook when practicing their swing at the range and can be the root of all kinds of misapplications of time. When you hit the ball off-center it can lead to inconsistent curvature as well as a loss in distance due to the launch and spin conditions imparted to the ball when you miss the center of the face. So, the next time you are practicing, and you feel like you are making better swings, but the ball isn’t behaving the way it should then it’s time to break out the secret weapon. The best way to “see” where you hit the ball is to spray the face of the club with Dr. Scholl’s Foot Powder. This powder will adhere to the club and leave a mark when you hit the ball, and this will help you to audit the centeredness of your contact. Don’t worry, it will come off easily with a towel so you can reapply and test your swing again.
Once you spray the face and hit a ball or two, this is what you will see. The marks on the face will help you to understand where you are impacting the ball and how you need to adjust in order to find the center of the face again. The best result is to try and hit the driver in the high center of the face just above the equator of the driver for the best results. This will cause you to launch the ball higher with less spin so the ball has the proper apex and landing angle into the fairway so you will also have some roll-out. Missing the face by even a little bit can cause major contraindications within your ball’s flight.
Impacting the ball on the toe of the club will exaggerate draws and negate the effects of a fade. While impacting the ball on the heel of the club will exacerbate fades and reduce hooks. Hitting the ball higher on the face will give you higher launch conditions and less spin and hitting the ball low on the face will cause lower launch and higher
spin. The key is to manage the impact condition both horizontally and vertically so you can better predict the curvature of the golf ball, as well as understand why the ball is launching the way it is at that time.
If you are missing the center of the face horizontally then you need to focus on these keys:
If you hit the ball on the toe of the club, it usually means you are moving around too much when you swing, or your swing path is out to in. The fix here is to focus on staying stable back and through so you can find the face of the club and/or monitor your swing path. Whenever it is out to into the extreme you can hit the ball out on the toe much easier.
When you hit the ball on the heel it is usually caused by a swing path that is too in to out or you are falling forward into your toes on the downswing. Once again balance is key if you want to stop hitting the heel of the club as well as focusing on your swing’s path.
If vertical impact is the issue, then try adjusting the tee height either higher or lower at address and you might find that you can better control the height of your vertical impact.
Take your time and have some fun with the foot spray drill. You will be amazed at how easy it is to miss the center of the face when you have no impact focus, but how easy it is to find the center of the face when you have the awareness of what you are trying to do.
Happy Golfing!
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.
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.
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
As I have mentioned before in previous issues of Tax Talk , I really enjoy gardening. My yard is full of native Florida plants and it is so enjoyable for me to spend time outside.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit England and I visited numerous gardens, such as the Ham House and Garden, Hever Castle and Gardens and the Physic Garden in Chelsea. It was a wonderful experience
enjoying these majestic gardens, from shrubbery trimmed like chess pieces and plants used to treat diseases such as heart disease. Many of these gardens have been in existence since the 1700s! It was truly an amazing experience for an avid gardener like myself to take time during my trip to enjoy gardening on such a grand scale!
Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
You Called … We Answered!
It was a milestone celebration for our Client Care and Research Center (CCRC) call center. The team recently celebrated the monumental accomplishment of answering 71,000 more client calls last year from the previous year – that’s an average of 287 more calls a day!
This well-deserved celebration consisted of a catered luncheon that was served to the team by their managers in two shifts to maintain phone coverage for answering clients’ calls. This is a testament to the dedication of client care representatives to be able to answer an additional 71,000 calls last year while also reducing wait time by eight minutes. I am proud of their hard work and their passion for meeting the needs of our clients.
In an effort to deliver efficient, exceptional service, the CCRC was focused on increasing call answering volume and last year the team answered a total of 309,094 calls!
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.
Congratulations to the CCRC team on this exceptional achievement!
Tax Collector’s Office Delivers For The Children
I am proud of our employees’ ongoing support for the community and our charity partner, Living Hungry. This spring, our office took part in a collection of items to help fill “Good Time Packs” for local homeless children. We presented more than 15 boxes of approximately 2,500 items to Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante.
“If you are a teen or child without a roof over your head, summertime in Florida can be long, lonely and hot without life’s basic necessities,” says Plante. “Thanks to the kindness of Anne Gannon’s caring team, local families living in cars, motels and shelters this summer will have something to look forward to with ‘Good Time Packs’ of books, journals, games – thank you, staff!”
Living Hungry is a Delray Beach charity, dedicated to eliminating food insecurity experienced by homeless students in Palm Beach County. In addition to food items,
the Good Time Packs include stickers, crayons and small toys for the children Living Hungry serves. For more information about the great work that Living Hungry does for the community, visit https://livinghungry.org/.
Who Is Carmen C. Richardson, CPA?
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Favorite Dessert: Sweet potato pie
Favorite Trip: Alaskan Cruise
Favorite Book: Where the Crawdads Sing In this edition of “Faces of the TCO,” I want to introduce you to our Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson. If you have ever wondered who oversees the disbursements of $5.8 billion in taxes, licenses and fees to the Palm Beach County taxing authorities, it is Carmen and her fantastic finance and budget team. With over 30 years of experience in accounting, Carmen is truly a seasoned pro. Her responsibilities extend beyond disbursing the monies that fund Palm Beach County; she and her team also oversee accounting, procurement, budgeting, payroll, and everything in-between. “It is the diversity that keeps my work challenging and fulfilling,” says Richardson. Carmen lives by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” This philosophy extends to how she leads her team, emphasizing “integrity and accuracy” and always fostering “learning and growth.” Of course, she’s quick to add that it helps immensely that she has “a great team.” Carmen and her team face several challenges including keeping up with changing laws, and regulations and, safeguarding sensitive financial data from cyber threats. A big “thank you” to Carmen for sharing a glimpse into her world. It is reassuring knowing that the disbursements of our tax dollars are in such capable hands!
Financial Focus®
Should You Pay Off Debts Or Invest?
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Some financial decisions can be challenging — like whether to use your money to reduce your debt or to invest. If you already have a significant amount of debt and not a lot in savings or investments, it can be hard to figure out which issue should be a priority.
There’s no simple answer, and everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few suggestions for helping you make a good choice:
• Evaluate your cash flow. If you already have enough after-tax income to meet your monthly living expenses, you might lean toward investing any leftover cash, but if you are just getting by, possibly due to heavy debt payments, then you might be better off using your funds to reduce your debt load.
• Build an emergency fund. Paying off your debt as fast as possible may seem like the responsible thing to do, but not having an adequate emergency fund or saving for your future could leave your finances at a permanent disadvantage. It’s a good move to have an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Once you have such a fund, you could use it, instead of going into debt — or adding to your debt — to pay for unexpected costs, such as a new furnace or a major car repair.
• Evaluate your debts. Some of your debts are actually more “expensive” to you than others. This expense level doesn’t necessarily refer to the size of the debt, however. You might have a large mortgage, for instance, but because your interest payments are typically tax deductible, your “after-tax” interest rate may be relatively modest. Therefore, you might consider
investing rather than paying down your mortgage. But if you have consumer loans or credit cards that carry a high interest rate and whose interest payments are not deductible, you might be better off paying down or refinancing this debt.
• Take advantage of any employer match. If your employer sponsors a retirement plan and offers a match, you will want to prioritize contributing at least what is required to receive the match. It’s essentially free money. So, if your employer matches up to 3 percent of your contributions, for example, you should contribute at least 3 percent of your income to this retirement account. Additionally, some employers will match a portion of your contributions to a Health Savings Account. Eventually, you’ll likely want to get to a point of saving more than just the match, but you’ll have to weigh the benefit of additional contributions against the cost of any debt you’re carrying.
• Make it easier on yourself. To make achieving these goals easier, automate as much as you can. For example, you can divert part of your paycheck into an emergency savings account or a retirement account through automatic payments for any debt reduction or savings needs.
While it may seem like a huge endeavor to pay off your debt while still saving for the future, it doesn’t have to be. Taking small, incremental steps is key to helping you get to where you want to go.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
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 wellversed 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.
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
Your Child Might Have A Language Impairment
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
A third-grade teacher wrote me her observations, “Sara is a hard worker who seems to compensate. She needs repeated practice and overlearning for the material to be remembered and mastered. Sara’s parents work with her at home which has helped her, but she still struggles. Sara needs time to process and complete her own work. When she is confused about a question, she shuts down easily and it’s hard to get her moving forward to complete the task at hand.”
Sara’s mom brought her in for school neuropsychological testing to help her understand why Sara struggled.
In our pre-evaluation phone conversation mom revealed that when Sara was in kindergarten, she had a public-school individualized education plan (IEP) for a speech language impairment. However, Sara’s support from the speech therapist ended in second grade. At home Sara still had difficulty understanding and following mom’s verbal directions and she explained when she asked a question, Sara would often shrug her shoulders and stand without saying anything. Mom explained it was like Sara could not find the words to speak. Sara could read fluently and accurately but she had difficulty with reading comprehension.
My one-to-one testing revealed that Sara’s reading comprehension was so low she met the criteria for a learning disability. The testing also showed that Sara’s language impairment was still a primary cause of her school struggles. She could read words, but she could not understand or tell me the meaning of age-appropriate words. Thus, it was very surprising that Sara had been discontinued from school-based support. With these new results, Mom quickly arranged a private speech language therapist to begin working with Sara. At home they also began playing games like Simon Says which require listening and following directions. Each night they spent time reading and discussing the meaning of words and passages. Mom has submitted the testing report to Sara’s school and requested a new IEP. Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
Wanted
If you see anyone on courses after hours, please call POA
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Dear Taxpayer,
Recently, my office announced the award of six college scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Palm Beach County. Each was awarded $1,500 and an opportunity to participate in a paid internship in my office.
• Muhammad Athar; graduating from John I.
Leonard High School; attending University of Florida
• Lorendie Exavier; graduating from Atlantic Community High School; attending Florida Atlantic University
• Amy Maloon; graduating from Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts; attending American University
• Nikolas McNutt-Williams; graduating from Boynton Beach Community High School; attending Tuskegee University
• Elizabeth Robles; graduating from Pahokee High School; attending University of Florida
• Alex Rodriguez; graduating from Palm Beach Central High School; attending University of Florida
Since 1994, the property appraiser’s office has awarded $188,000 in college scholarships; completely funded by employee donations. It’s really a joy to reward these incredible students who have demonstrated excellence in academic ability, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Congratulations to each of them and congratulations to the entire Class of 2025.
In this month’s newsletter, an update on the 2025 tax roll process and the status of applications for exemptions and classification.
Have a happy and safe Independence Day.
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
2025 Tax Roll Update
July is an important month as my office submits the 2025 preliminary tax roll to Florida’s Department of Revenue (DOR) and local taxing authorities. Values are based on the status of market as of January 1.
According to my office’s estimates delivered at the end of May, Palm Beach countywide taxable property values have increased 7.7 percent from 2024 to 2025.
While overall taxable value continues to increase, the rate of increase has slowed compared to last year. Market values for some building types have continued to flatten in Palm Beach County, while countywide taxable values are growing in part due to the recapture of tax caps savings.
Florida law requires that the assessed value of a property continue to increase by the maximum cap amount each year until the assessed value equals the market value. Even if the market value of a property does not increase, its assessed value may increase.
Other highlights of the estimates include:
• Market Value – $525,364,285,094
• Taxable Value – $341,427,567,940
• Net New Construction – $5,398,116,382
• Percent Increase (taxable value) – 7.7 percent
• Real Property Parcels – 659,122
• Total Tangible Personal Property Accounts – 57,556
The above values are only estimates and subject to change. Once the tax roll receives approval from Florida’s DOR, my office will notify all property owners of both their home value and proposed tax rate in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed mid-August. While state law requires my office to value property based on the status of the market, your tax rate is set by taxing authorities who answer to you. Their public meetings are listed in your notice.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Elevates Orthopedic Care
With Advanced Robotics And Innovative 1788 Platform
Leading-Edge Technology Supports Same-Day Discharge And Faster Recovery Times
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is taking orthopedic excellence to the next level with an expanded suite of robotic-assisted surgical technologies and the introduction of the cutting-edge 1788 Platform by Stryker, designed to enhance surgical precision and support a faster, smoother recovery process for patients.
Already home to three state-of-the-art orthopedic surgical robots, Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI™, and ROSA®, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is setting the standard in Palm Beach County for minimally invasive joint replacement. These technologies are empowering surgeons to perform more personalized and precise procedures for knee and hip replacements, with many patients returning home the same day as their surgery.
“Same-day discharge after robotic-assisted joint replacement is a game changer for our patients,” said Dr. Robert J. Avino, orthopedic surgeon and governing board
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser from page 18
Application Status For Exemptions, Portability, Agricultural Classifications
Have you submitted an application for an exemption, portability or agricultural classification? My office is processing these applications and will begin status notifications. If approved, the exemption/portability/ classification will be noted on your TRIM Notice of Proposed Taxes.
If denied, you have the right to file a petition for
member at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “With advanced technology like Mako SmartRobotics™, ROSA®, and CORI™, we’re able to perform highly precise procedures that minimize trauma, reduce pain, and get patients home and on the road to recovery faster than ever before.”
“Incorporating Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI, and ROSA® into our orthopedic program reinforces our commitment to offering patients the latest in surgical innovation,” said Judy Dellosa, Orthopedic Service Line director. “These robotic-assisted procedures allow for greater precision, less invasive surgery, and the potential for sameday discharge, helping patients get back on their feet faster.”
Introducing The 1788 Platform
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is now utilizing the Stryker 1788 Platform, an advanced arthroscopy ecosystem that elevates surgical visualization and intra-operative control. The 1788 Platform allows surgeons to customize and control Stryker surgical devices directly from the sterile field, using either configurable camera head buttons or voice control with simple commands like “Okay, Stryker.”
The platform features real-time critical device status overlays and intelligent image enhancement via its VIP (video image processing) software, which uses a dehazing
algorithm to improve visibility in fluid-filled environments. Surgeons can also wirelessly transfer surgical media to mobile devices in real time by scanning a QR code on the capture device, supporting more efficient communication and a more personalized post-operative experience for patients.
“By adding the 1788 Platform to our surgical suite, we are streamlining the operating room experience for our orthopedic surgeons and enhancing patient care through better visualization, increased efficiency, and innovative communication tools,” Dellosa added.
Innovation That Moves You
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Palm Beach County with two Mako SmartRobotics™ systems, demonstrating an ongoing investment in orthopedic innovation. Mako procedures are known for smaller incisions, preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue, and faster return to activity, often within weeks of surgery.
To learn more about same-day robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery, contact the Orthopedic Service Line at 1 (855) 769-2969 or visit: https://www. palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/orthopedic-care.
adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) through the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. They can be reached at (561) 355-6289.
Property Tax Exemptions and Portability – If you submitted an application on or before March 3, 2025 and your application was denied, a Notice of Denial will be mailed on July 1, 2025. The deadline to file a petition with the VAB for an exemption is 5 p.m. on July 31, 2025. The deadline to file a petition for the denial of a portability benefit is 5 p.m. on September 15, 2025. For questions
about exemptions or portability, contact Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866 or MyExemption@pbcpao. gov.
Agricultural Classification – Notifications of the status of your application will be mailed out on July 1, 2025. If your agricultural classification application is denied, the deadline to file a petition with the VAB is 5 p.m. on July 31, 2025. For agricultural classification questions, contact the Agriculture Department at (561) 355-4577 or MyFarm@pbcpao.gov.
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