PGA NOV 2024

PGA POA Communication Corner

Submitted by Gail Coppage, PGA POA Communications Committee

Happy November!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome back to all our seasonal residents, guests and friends!

Traffic Patterns

Our beautiful South Florida weather is here waiting for you! November begins the time of year that is beautiful at PGA National and in Palm Beach Gardens. The days are cooler, the nights are balmy and breezy, and more people are out and about in our area. There are more drivers, hence more traffic, longer times in traffic and longer travel times to get to appointments, etc. Please plan accordingly because this traffic is going to be with us until May. Many drivers are new to our area and may not know the best lanes, right direction or even use signals to get them where they need to be. Patience is a virtue in this circumstance. Understanding our roadways is a reality in an environment where we have many seasonal friends and residents, many tourists, guests and visitors for the first time. Knowing where you are going before you leave your home, determining the best travel path, using your signals for turns and paying attention to other drivers (no

phones or texting) will go a long way to remaining safe while you are driving throughout Palm Beach County and beyond the county.

Goodbye To The Wet Season

South Florida has seen a significant amount of rain during our rainy season. You may still see very saturated grounds in your immediate area and throughout PGA National and Palm Beach Gardens. If you are back to your home or condo this month, now is a good time to check the outside area surrounding your home, condo, patio, etc. checking for blocked drains, standing water or any significant erosion. Hopefully with the wetter season behind us, residents can continue landscaping and making improvements as needed. Don’t forget POA ARC approval is needed before making changes.

POA Board Nominations and Election

Requests for consideration for a seat on the POA Board of Governors just passed the submittal deadline date of October 31st, 2024. Residents who submitted nomination forms will be vetted through a nomination committee in November. All PGA National residents eligible to vote will receive more detail and biographies of each candidate for their review, together with a ballot and instructions to submit their vote. The election results will be announced at the annual PGA POA meeting on February 6, 2025. We value your participation and look forward to the results of the election

Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County Senior Centers: A Hub Of Resources And Community For Older Residents

By Vice Mayor

Maria G. Marino

Palm Beach County’s senior centers are a community focal point where active older persons socialize and participate in programs and activities which enhance their quality of life, support their independence and encourage their involvement. With a simple enrollment process and numerous activities to choose from, Palm Beach County senior centers are a valuable resource providing essential

support services for residents over 60 years old looking to enrich their lives while staying connected to the community they help build.

Palm Beach County operates three senior centers that serve as hubs for older adults and veterans.

• North County Senior Center, 5217 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, (561) 694-5435

• Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461, (561) 357-7100

• West County Senior Center, 2916 State Road #15, Belle Glade, FL 33430, (561) 996-4808

Palm Beach County offers an impressive selection of

to the Board of Governors. Thank you in advance for your time, interest and attention. Thank you to those residents interested in serving in this volunteer capacity!

POA

Committees

Did you know that the POA Board also encompasses several standing committees? Board members serve on the following committees: Architectural Review, Communications, Finance, Lakes, Long Range Planning, Maintenance, Nominating, Rental Advisory, Rules and Regulations and Security. We have previously made you aware of the POA Lakes Committee which is chaired by Jim Kraus and includes Keith Ahronheim, Gail Coppage, and Connie Goldberger as members. Representatives from PGA National Resort are also involved in the committee’s initiatives. The committee’s charter is to work with and motivate Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (the “District”) to improve the condition of our waterbodies. The District owns most of PGA’s waterbodies and has overall responsibility for their management and maintenance. As a result of the committee’s efforts, the District recently added an additional work crew to better maintain the water bodies. The Lakes Committee will be monitoring the impact of the additional crew.

Enjoy a great November and a great Thanksgiving holiday with family, friends and neighbors! We are thankful for our residents and each of the amazing 44 PGA National communities!

programs designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of older adults. Whether you want to stay physically active, socialize with peers, or learn something new, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the resources available at various locations: daily meal programs, health education classes and resources, recreation programs, exercise programs, community outings, community partners meetings and lectures, and social programs including group games, billiards and special events.

Commissioner’s Update on page 2

Editorial Board

Editor: James A. Cioffi james@jcclaw.com

Feature Writers: Dawn Levinstein, POA

Gail Coppage , POA

Commissioner Maria Marino

Katie Roundtree

Contributing

Reporter: Don Kiselewski

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 mailed or delivered by the tenth of each month for the following month’s publication (example: by January 10 for February publication) to: C.A.N.! Editors or Contact the publisher for additional information regarding submissions, fax (561) 627-9088 or e-mail canpga@yahoo.com.

Let’s hear from you.

Experienced Driver

Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of Seabreeze Publications of Central Florida. Most editorial copy is created by the homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor.

Publications

Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick

Production Manager Lee Nostrant

Production Department

Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek

Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney

Community Safety

By Keith Echols Director of Security

St. Moritz Security

The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration. However, it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. With the hustle and bustle of shopping, planning, and festivities, it’s easy to let your guard down. This article aims to shed light on the common scams that flourish during this time and how you can protect yourself.

Around the holidays, retailers advertise massive discounts and “once-in-a-lifetime” sales. While many deals are genuine, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often create fake online stores with incredible prices to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. Always verify the legitimacy of a website before making a purchase. Look for reviews, check the site’s security, and be wary of sites that lack contact information or customer service options.

Another prevalent scam during the holiday season is phishing. Scammers may send emails or text messages disguised as reputable companies, often claiming to offer exclusive holiday deals or updates on your orders. These messages can look convincingly real, featuring logos and branding; however, clicking on the links can lead to harmful websites designed to steal personal information. Always scrutinize the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

As you shop online for gifts, it’s crucial to safeguard your personal and financial information. Only use secure payment methods and consider options like virtual credit cards that add an extra layer of security.

Remember to always trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is. By staying informed about common tactics used by scammers, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones. As always, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at (561) 6271600, if you see something, say something!

www.seabreezepublications.com

Commissioner’s Update from page 1

Getting started at one of Palm Beach County’s senior centers is a smooth and personalized experience. Simply visit the senior center you are interested in to begin the enrollment process. Whether you’re seeking meals, social opportunities, or educational programs, visiting in person allows you to see firsthand what’s available. When you arrive, you’ll meet with a staff member who will answer any questions you may have. They will provide a quick tour of the facility and explain the programs and events offered at the center.

To complete your registration, you will be asked to provide a photo I.D. and fill out a registration form. This form includes the senior center’s rules and a waiver that outlines the participation guidelines. Once the registration process is complete, you will receive a program schedule,

flyers for upcoming events, and the latest newsletter. A name tag will also be provided, which helps foster a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere among attendees.

Palm Beach County’s senior centers are more than just activity centers—they are a vital resource that offer support, companionship, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s health education, exercise, social events, or simply a welcoming place to meet new friends, these centers enrich the lives of local seniors. If you’re interested in learning more about the programs and opportunities available, please visit your nearest senior center or call (561) 355-4746. Additional information can also be found here: https://discover.pbcgov.org/ communityservices.

Seabreeze

From The Editor: In Thanksgiving… For Our Freedom

“Be careful what you say, Grazyna” her parents continually warned her. It was Communist dominated Poland in the 1950’s and 1960’s and any free expression could result in a visit from the security forces or worse, detention in prison. Imagine having to engage in self-censorship of your words because of fear.

Grazyna was not a typical Polish child in the cold war years. She dreamed of the United States and was determined to travel there – sometime in the future no matter how long it would take to do so. Freedom was the only choice for her.

Grazyna loved the sciences and she was encouraged by her parents in school. They were both attorneys so Grazyna was exposed to intellectual endeavors – but not the freedom to express her thoughts. She always felt a disconnect – not being able to say what she felt. But her thoughts and desires could not be suppressed.

While in college Grazyna applied for a passport. It was denied. She submitted a request again. It was denied. This process continued for some time with the same result. Finally after she received her master’s degree, Grazyna went to the passport office. She told the receptionist she was a friend of the Director. Grazyna had actually never met him but it allowed her to gain entry to speak with him. The Director indirectly advised her she would never receive a passport. The government wanted to minimize the ability of its citizens to defect to the West. Grazyna left the office with a heavy heart but with the renewed determination to find a way to the United States.

Unexpectedly one day in 1975, Grazyna received a visa to Finland. Finally she had her first opportunity to leave Poland and its constraints – even though it was for a limited

period of time. Polish citizens could not leave with money so Grazyna traveled with a bicycle and minimal cash. Grazyna would not allow her meager circumstances limit her experience in Finland. She applied for a job at the University Student Union and received a job offer to clear the tables. In addition she applied for a job at an engineering firm and was offered a job. She worked at the engineering company from 8 am to 4 pm and bussing tables at the Student Union from 5 pm to 9 pm. After 4 months Grazyna saved the equivalent of $10,000.00.

She could not return to Poland to visit her family because she would not be able to leave Poland again. Her parents wanted to see her. They decided to meet in Berlin. Grazyna had to fly to Moscow and then to Berlin. She flew with a friend. When they arrived in Moscow, they went to a public area on the streets and crowds appeared to buy their clothes. Ever the entrepreneur, Grazyna opened her suitcase and sold them receiving quite a bit of money. Then KGB appeared and she said the crowd took her clothes. They interrogated her but let her go. She had enough money to buy a roundtrip ticket to Berlin. She gave the extra money to a cashier since she could not take the money out of the country. The cashier stood in disbelief at her good fortune.

When she arrived in Berlin, Grazyna saw her parents but she had a high fever. She had to return to Finland immediately. When she got to Moscow, the woman said it would take 1 month to get a ticket for Finland. She pleaded explaining that she needed medical attention and the woman finally got her a ticket. In Finland, Grazyna was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to be hospitalized.

In order to stay in Finland, Grazyna applied to Helsinki University for the PHD program in electrical engineering. She was accepted and was able to remain in Finland. She excelled and even gave lectures in her specialty - which was unusual since she was still a student. She wound up staying for 10 years and met her future husband. Eventually they moved to the United States.

At the end of the nineteenth century, Irving Berlin’s parents escaped with their children the pogroms of Russia to the freedom of America. They saw their Russian home burned to the ground and took a danger filled route out of Russia. In 1918 he wrote the song, “God Bless America.” It was not released until 1938, the 20th anniversary of Armistice Day (recognizing the end of World War 1). The song was a personal expression of Mr. Berlin’s gratitude to the country that transformed him from a life of poverty and oppression in Russia to become one of the most popular songwriters in the world. He donated the royalties from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts earning millions of dollars for these organizations. At this time of Thanksgiving let us remember Grazyna, Irving Berlin and the countless millions of people born under the domination of oppressive societies and give thanks for our freedom. Until next month…

James A. Cioffi, Editor james@jcclaw.com

P.S. If you know of any other stories of the pursuit of freedom, please contact me.

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!

Investing in Your Healthcare Future

• Updated Patient Rooms

• Redesigned Lobby and Waiting Area

• Fully Renovated Operating Rooms

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac and Vascular Care

• Same Day Knee, Hip and Shoulder Surgery

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• Fast Track Emergency Department

• Clinical Navigators for Signature Service Lines

• Extensive Years of Experience of Staff and Clinicians

On fourteen acres of the most pristine stretch of Intracoastal waterfront, e Ritz-Carlton Residences, Palm Beach Gardens blossom with a once-in-a-lifetime collection of expansive estates, born to frame the breathtaking views of the waterway with a private marina and blooming grounds. e singular maritime lifestyle is augmented by over 20,000 square feet of masterfully-crafted resort amenities—imbued with legendary hospitality by e Ritz-Carlton.

Northern Notes

Living With Sandhill Cranes

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

Sandhill cranes, with their long legs, necks, and distinctive gray plumage, are a sight to behold. Their striking appearance, including the patch of red skin on their head, sets them apart as they stand almost 4 feet tall. You may spot them near preserves and wetlands, in parking lots, or even walking across roads, seemingly oblivious to danger. They often travel in small groups or pairs, sometimes with their young ones in tow, adding to their unique charm.

Two subspecies of sandhill crane live in Florida at certain times of the year. The Florida sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis pratensis), numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a nonmigratory year-round breeding resident. They are joined every winter by 25,000 migratory greater sandhill cranes

(Grus Canadensis tabida ), the larger of the two subspecies, that winter in Florida but nest in the Great Lakes region.

Sandhill cranes mate for life and attract mates using an elaborate dance. These cranes nest during late winter

and early spring on mats of vegetation found in shallow water such as preserves or marshes. Sandhill chicks can leave the nest as early as eight hours after hatching and can swim if necessary. In the wild, crane chicks follow their parents and peck food from their beaks. By the time they are two to three months old, they are independent and can find food on their own. They are doting and protective parents. One bird will watch out for the others while feeding.

Juveniles stay with their parent from 9 to 10 months after hatching. Before juveniles are old enough to breed, they may travel and feed in flocks called “bachelor flocks.”

Northern Notes from page 6

They have been around for a very long time. The first known sandhill crane fossil was found in the Macasphalt shell pit in Florida. It was estimated to be about 2.5 million years old. They are not endangered, but due to habitat loss, their populations can be of concern in certain areas. They are attracted to open areas in urban settings such as golf courses, parks in subdivisions and undeveloped land in commercial areas.

As omnivores, sandhill cranes play a crucial role in Florida’s ecosystem. Their diet, which includes plants and small animals like snails, frogs, worms, and grubs, provides natural biological control for their grazing areas. This unique pest control service they offer is one of the many reasons we appreciate their presence in our environment. Sandhill cranes spend most of the daylight hours in areas where food is most abundant, generally walking several miles a day through dry pastures, fields, wet meadows, or marshes in search for food, eating as they go.

People inadvertently put them in harm’s way when feeding them, thinking they are being kind. It is never a good idea to feed wildlife. In fact, in 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made it illegal to feed sandhill cranes (Florida Fish and Wildlife Code 68A4.00(3)). Why was this done? Cranes can become aggressive when fed by people. When they are used to a free meal, they will continue to return and demand it when it is not offered. Cranes returning to a yard where they have been fed are prone to injury by cars as they cross the street to get to the yard. They are also more vulnerable to predation by dogs or cats, especially young cranes. Occasionally, birds cause damage to property as a territorial defense behavior upon seeing their reflection in cars or window screens.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

When back pain persists, it may be a sign of a more severe problem. At Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, we offer personalized treatment options that utilize minimally invasive techniques to manage and resolve acute and degenerative conditions affecting the spine.

• Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeons

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Pesticides in yards and urban areas can also be of concern as they forage for food in the ground. Feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behavior, making them more susceptible to these dangers.

Look around and enjoy these beautiful birds interacting with our Florida environment. Give them space if you encounter them and be mindful of them crossing or walking in our roadways. Finally, please do not feed them for the good of the cranes and Florida’s delicate ecosystem. For more information, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at www.myfwc.com.

NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticides. If all of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your solid waste management authority to find out when and where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.

Veteran’s Day November 11

Benzaiten Center For Creative Arts

An Exciting Season Lineup For

Our 10th Anniversary

Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

For more information call (561) 508-7315 www.benzaitencenter.org

This 10th anniversary season should be the best season ever at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts!

We begin the season with a super exciting lineup of funfilled workshops in time for Halloween and the holidays. For example, as pictured here in this article, we have our adorable Fused Glass Spooky House and Gingerbread House workshops plus the Day of the Dead Sugar Skull workshop. We also have our usual workshops in Fused X-Mas Ornaments, Glassblown X-Mas Ornaments,

The Singles Scene Column©

Edition

5 Game Changing Dating Tips for November

“Love and gratitude can part seas...It can move mountains and it can create miracles. The power of love and gratitude will dissolve all negativity in our lives no matter what the form has taken.”

~~Rhonda Byrne

Hey Insiders! First and foremost, our heartfelt thanks to you for sharing your precious time with us again today. This is an excellent read to share with your single friends and family too. We are entering the most vital time of year--and extra love is on the menu. Our commitment is to love and support all individuals in their goals to connect, especially in November, the most popular month to join our club. This month, our gratitude knows no bounds for our community, couples, clients, and all of our American Heroes (First Responders). Our team appreciates all of you.

Thanks to our Matchmaking Dream Team, countless couples will be celebrating the 2024 Holiday Season together. There is still time for you to find love too. Last year, between November and December, we connected more new couples than ever before. People are more willing to let their guard down in November. It is time to spread your wings. There is also less judgment in November--and people are typically kinder and more gentle this time of year. Sounds like a good time to date? In a nutshell, YES! ’Tis the season! Please enjoy and study our coveted tips...

1. Cast your love line in well-stocked crystal clear waters, not in bargain Black Friday basements or risky online shopping sites. You are only as good as the crowd in front of you. Just as you may visit Bloomingdales, Macy’s, or Saks for that special outfit, your approach to dating should be equally selective. If you are seeking love in bars or on online dating sites, you may be putting yourself at financial, emotional, and physical risk. Half the dating challenge can be overcome by looking in the right places—where quality, honest, and successful singles gather. It's that simple.

2. Once you've found a promising person to date, be your best self and get to know them. Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Early on, determine if your communication styles align. Refrain from judging a book by its cover; delve into the pages and read the story. If you need assistance with this, don’t hesitate to reach out. This Team is here to help--it’s in our DNA. We provide services far beyond matchmaking. Connection and compassion are the language we speak, offering coaching and networking throughout our community of members and concierge services.

3. Be fun and light! Who wants to be around a perpetual grouch? Is whining attractive? Is constant drama and complaining appealing? We think not. If this describes you, it might not be the right time to join the revolution yet. Take some time for introspection—try yoga, read a book, create a gratitude journal, or go for a nature walk. We attract physically and emotionally available people who are ready to take the next step. Always remember, an attitude of gratitude will get you farther than being critical and judgemental.

4. Be extra! If you can’t be your fullest and best version of yourself now, at the end of the year, and during the holiday

season, when can you? Get out there and laugh. Dress like you are going to fall in love with someone during the day-even if it is your barber or your dry cleaner. You don’t have to literally romantically fall in love. Just understand that the more we love and appreciate others, the more others will love and respect us. I.E. Let’s see how many heads and hearts we can touch in these last two months of the year. Got it?

5. Spoil yourself this holiday. You’re single, so go wild treating yourself. You will feel great. You deserve it too, right? Buy the date night outfit (even if you don’t have the date yet). Buy the shirt. Book your hair appointment. Hire the Matchmakers. Understand, every one of us (single or taken) has a “Relationship Investment Spend” whether you are aware of it or not. Any and all things that enhance your relationships with others—new and old—will increase the quality of your life. Ask yourself: “What have I spent this year to enhance my relationships with others?” If it’s nominal—you know what to do next. It’s buying season. Celebrate YOU! Thank us later for this stellar holiday survival tip.

In closing, there is no better time than November to ramp up and show gratitude for how far you have come this year. Let your wild streak shine and squash that inner self-critic. It’s time to reward yourself--with the gift of love.

Warm wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. Seize the opportunity to transform your love life before the “big” holy holidays come in December. Once again, thank you for following THE Award-Winning Matchmakers!

We can’t wait to meet you in our corporate headquarters of love on PGA Boulevard soon (where we have gratefully been rooted since 2014 and counting). Reserve your appointment today so that you can avoid the up-andcoming waitlist! The early bird gets the worm--and the guy--or the girl.

& Miranda

P.S. Want some bonus points with us? Mention this article and how long you have been reading it when you schedule your first appointment. Some of you have been following this column for more than 17 years. We thank you for that too. Keep spreading the love!

#LoveOffline #CuffingSeason #Gratitude #MatchmakingRoyalty #AlmostPerfect #TellYourFriends #HolidayRomance #Privacy

Kelly Leary© has 33 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has also been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, PalmBeacher Magazine, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating members are pre-screened in person including background checks. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and her Team also provide feedback from your dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an addon to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the North East.

and Flameworked X-Mas Ornaments, as well as our Fused Glass Menorah workshop. Besides all these seasonal workshops we conduct our normal classes in glassblowing, flameworking, fusing and welding. Where else in Palm Beach County can one sign up for a twoday workshop to play with sparks?

New this year is our plan to start holding Sunday classes to make it easier for working people and families to attend. If this article does not reach you in time and you have missed some of these special workshops, we strongly urge you to sign up to be on our mailing list. This way you will not miss these opportunities in the future.

By being on our mailing list you will always be up to date about our class offerings as well as our muchanticipated visiting artist events. We have a stellar lineup of glassblowing artists this year, so we don’t want you to miss out. If you have never been to one of our “artist blow-outs,” you are really missing a great opportunity to see some of the best glassblowers from around the world perform in real time. Besides a three-hour fiery, muscular glassblowing demonstration by our visiting artists, we pump up the action by providing live music from some of our most talented, local musicians. We also provide tasty nibbles and two drink tickets (you can purchase more). All these events were sold out last year. So, this year, we have been forced to raise the reservation price to $25 per person and extra to reserve front row seating.

Check out their website for all the fun classes, workshops, visiting artist’s events and fundraisers planned for this up-coming season. Do not miss out on the fun! www.benzaitencenter.org, 561-508-7315

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find Us: 1105 Second Avenue South, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

GPS doesn’t always get you here: Exit I-95 at Sixth Avenue and go East. Take a Left at the blue Kwik Stop Store and then a Right on Third Ave. S. Park in our parking lot or anywhere on the street.

XOXO from Your Favorite Cupids, Kelly

Special Holiday

by: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli, The Real Matchmakers

Spooky House and Day of the Dead Sugar Skull workshop conducted by Jennifer Rubenstein and Camille Perrin

Gingerbread House workshop conducted by Jennifer Rubenstein and Camille Perrin

Steve Bush, master welder, teaches our two-day workshops

Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2024/25 Season

On November 1, just a few short weeks from now, Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) will open its doors for its 25th anniversary season. When patrons step inside, they’ll be entering a brand new eye-catching and immersive lobby that is both efficient and welcoming, the perfect place to start the evening’s theatre experience. As always, PBD is offering a season of eclectic and invigorating plays –classic, contemporary, and a world premiere – the kind of thought-provoking material that audiences have come to expect.

“It’s been a long and sometimes winding road to get to 25 years, and we are so grateful to have reached this milestone,” said Producing Artistic Direct William Hayes and Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl. “When we think back on how we started – no money, a vague idea about what we wanted PBD to be, and performing in an old theatre that would be torn down not too long after we left – it’s so joyous to reflect on how far we’ve come. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we were ably abetted by a wonderful board, staff, and donors, and encouraged every step of the way by subscribers and patrons.” In June, the Chamber of Commerce named PBD 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.

2024/25 Season

Lost In Yonkers

By Neil Simon

Directed by Julianne Boyd

November 1 to 17

When their widowed father heads south to try and earn a living, two teenage boys, Jay and Arty, are left in the care of their autocratic Grandma Kurnitz, whose four adult children have been damaged by her cruelty. Set during World War II, this funny and touching Pulitzer Prize-winning memory play is both an exploration of the wounds inflicted by family, and a testament to the power of familial love and resiliency.

The Dresser

By Ronald Harwood

Directed by J. Barry Lewis

December 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025

It’s 1942, bombs are dropping over England, and a renowned but fading actor is bringing Shakespeare to the provinces with a ragtag troupe. Sir, scheduled to give his 227th performance of King Lear, is in no condition to go on, but his devoted, self-sacrificing dresser, Norman, is determined to get him onstage. Sir and Norman’s co-dependent – if unequal –relationship is the heartbeat of this warts-and-all, tragicomic valentine to the transcendent magic of theatre.

The Humans

By Stephen Karam

Directed by J. Barry Lewis

February 14 to March 2, 2025

There’s a sense of disquiet in the air when the loving, if dysfunctional, Blake clan gathers for Thanksgiving dinner in daughter Brigid’s dingy Chinatown apartment. “A family play that is sort of infected by my love of the thriller genre,” is how the playwright once described this Tony Award-winning comedy drama, in which the foibles, fears, and fragilities of an American family play out with great insight, humor, and compassion.

Camping With Henry And Tom

By Mark St. Germain

Directed by William Hayes

April 11 to 27, 2025

Warren G. Harding, eager to get away from the press, prying eyes, and the presidency, accepts an invitation to join Henry Ford and Thomas Edison on their annual camping trip. Stranded in the woods, they converse about politics, ambition, family, and fame, revealing three starkly different personalities and world views. A work of fiction inspired by an actual 1921

excursion, the play deals with issues and ideas that remain as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.

Dangerous Instruments

By Gina Montet

Directed by Margaret Ledford

May 23 to June 8, 2025

Laura, a determined single mother, faces the ultimate test of love for her exceptionally bright son, Daniel. When Daniel’s brilliance spirals into darkness, Laura finds herself thrust into a gripping battle against a broken system. In a race against time, she must confront a parent’s deepest fears and sacrifice everything to rescue her son from the brink of becoming America’s next tragic headline.

Tickets for all performances are $92, except for opening night ($107) and previews ($72). Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Post-performance discussions follow Wednesday and Thursday matinees.

All performances, prices, and dates subject to change.

Dramawise

A program that takes audiences deeper into each production, divided into two “acts” and an intermission (also known as lunch). Act I is an in-depth discussion of the play, while Act II features the cast and artistic team in conversation about the production and the creative process and includes a talkback. Each program takes place on the Thursday prior to opening night. Act I runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m, intermission (lunch) from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Act II from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Schedule Lost in Yonkers, October 31

The Dresser, December 19

The Humans, February 13, 2025

Camping with Henry and Tom, April 10, 2025

Dangerous Instruments, May 22, 2025

Dramawise Tickets:

Act I, Intermission (lunch included), and Act II: $75

Act I only: $35

Act II only: $25

OUTSTAGE@PBD

Special evenings of each production for the LGBTQ

community that include a pre-show reception, the production, and a post-show reception. Each program takes place on a Friday evening, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Schedule Lost in Yonkers, November 8

The Dresser, December 27

The Humans, February 21, 2025

Camping with Henry and Tom, April 18, 2025

Dangerous Instruments, May 30, 2025

Tickets are $112 ($92 ticket/$20 reception).

Perlberg Festival Of New Plays

January 17 to 19, 2025

This esteemed annual event features professional readings of five developing plays. Each reading is followed by a postperformance discussion in which patrons share their feedback with the playwrights.

Schedule Of Play Readings (Times TBD)

Friday, January 17, afternoon and evening

Saturday, January 18, afternoon and evening

Sunday, January 19 afternoon

Ticket Prices

Subscription to all five plays: $100

Individual tickets: $30 per reading

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach.

Each season, the award-winning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theatre and in schools. Committed to fostering the future of theatre, PBD has become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the country to nurture their work through the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. PBD is a member of Theatre Communications Group, Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and NNPN. www. palmbeachdramaworks.org

The Don & Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 201 Clematis Street. For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, or visit tickets.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Maltese Mix Needs

Rehabilitation

At The Pet Cottage, we often welcome pets in need of rehabilitation due to their owners’ declining health, both physical and mental. As a person’s health deteriorates –whether from aging or illness – the care they provide to their beloved pets often suffers. We frequently encounter animals that have not been groomed for a long time, arriving matted and dirty. Others come to us underweight because their owners have forgotten to feed them, while some are significantly overweight due to overfeeding during periods of neglect. Fleas and other parasites are not uncommon as well.

In our society, it’s common for families to live far apart, especially in South Florida, where many seniors retire and leave their extended families behind. Family members often visit during the holidays, only to be heartbroken by the changes in their parents or grandparents. Difficult decisions are sometimes made during these visits, including moving loved ones into assisted living or memory care facilities. Unfortunately, this often means they can no longer care for their pets. Similarly, when a relative passes away, pets may be left in the care of family members who are now faced with making urgent decisions.

Recently, The Pet Cottage welcomed Sophie, a 10-year-old Maltipoo, in terrible shape. Her owner had suffered a stroke, was hospitalized, and never returned home. Family members, overwhelmed with grief,

struggled to manage her affairs. For three months, Sophie was left alone in the home, receiving only brief visits for feeding and walking. When a niece flew in to check on things, she was shocked to discover Sophie still living there. The little dog was terrified of people, severely matted, in clear pain, and had become aggressive. Her owner had been unable to care for her for some time before being hospitalized, leaving Sophie in a dire situation.

The Pet Cottage is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers like Michelle and Matt, who possess a special talent for caring for these hurting souls. They open their hearts and home to pups like Sophie, providing the extra TLC and time needed before these animals can be placed with a Forever Guardian. It takes patience, perseverance, and an abundance of love to build trust with a senior pet that has experienced neglect.

Now, with the support of our Lifelong Guardianship Program, we are committed to helping Sophie heal and recover, ensuring she receives the love and care she deserves.

By matching pets with caring Forever Guardians and covering all their medical expenses, The Pet Cottage ensures these cherished animals can enjoy their golden years in loving homes. This essential service comes at a great cost, as we currently care for 56 pets, 47 of

whom are seniors. Your generous donation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of

and many other deserving animals.

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

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

The Pet Cottage

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

Please visit https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561) 818-5025 for more information.

Visitors are welcome by appointment.

Michelle Perunko and Sophie

Sophie Sophie in the car

Sophie

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Dear Taxpayer,

My office has certified the 2024 Real Property and Tangible Personal Property Assessment Rolls for Palm Beach County to the tax collector.

Property tax bills should arrive in mailboxes soon. The Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for printing and mailing them on or before November 1.

As for my office, we’re already hard at work preparing for next year’s valuations.

This is a great time of year to consider securing your property against fraud. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller offers a free property fraud alert service. More about that is in this month’s newsletter.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, I also wanted to highlight exemptions available to veterans and activeduty military. We honor the service and sacrifice of those in our armed forces and their commitment to protecting our country.

I hope this Thanksgiving finds you with much to be thankful for. As always, I am thankful to be your property appraiser.

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

Military Exemptions And Discounts

These are available to those who qualify for a homestead exemption and who have been honorably discharged. Veterans 65 Or Older Combat Related Disability Discount

Disabled veterans, age 65 or older, who are partially or totally and permanently disabled, have a disability that was combat-related, and have been honorably discharged upon separation from military service may be eligible for a discount to ad valorem taxes to the percent of their disability.

Veterans Disability Exemption

Veterans with a total and permanent disability that was service connected may be eligible for an exemption from ad valorem taxes. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more may be eligible for an additional $5,000 exemption. Veterans with a non-serviceconnected disability may be eligible for an additional $5,000 exemption.

Surviving Spouse of a Military Veteran Exemption

The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who qualified for a total and permanent disabled veteran exemption is exempt from ad valorem taxes. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who died in the line of duty is exempt from ad valorem taxes. The surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from ad valorem taxes.

Active-Duty Military Exemption

An exemption is available for service members of any branch of the U.S. Military, U.S. Coast Guard and Florida National Guard who were deployed during the preceding calendar year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of various military operations listed in the Florida Statute 193.173 (2).

The amount of the exemption is equal to the taxable value of the homestead of the service member on January 1 of the year the exemption is sought, multiplied by the number of days that the service member was on a qualified deployment in the preceding calendar year and divided by the number of days in that year. We will do the math for you.

More information is available at pbcpao.gov. You can always call us at (561) 355-2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcpao.gov with questions.

Protect Your Property With Fraud Alert

Scammers commit property fraud by filing fake deeds, making it appear as if they own homes that are not actually theirs. Then, they trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.

The property fraud alert from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is a free service to help you protect your property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the official records of the clerk’s office.

Holiday Food Drive

This month kicks off the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office’s annual Holiday Food Drive. The special food-raising campaign is in its 25th year.

Last year, 4,609 pounds of food were collected from

Our office’s 2023 donation; from left to right, Chief Appraiser Cecil Jackson, RES, AAS; staff from Extended Hands; Public Services Manager Virginia Leonard, CFE; Public Services Department Specialist Clarice BethelLaing; Public Services Department Customer Service Representative II Robert Castillo (kneeling); Public Services Department Customer Service Representative II Sade Neuforth; Extended Hands Community Outreach Executive Director Coeliah Bryson; Director of Information Technology Richard Hernandez, CGCIO, AAS, ITIL, CFE

Register to receive free email alerts when a document such as a deed or mortgage is recorded using your name, your business’s name, or your address. This early notification can save time when stopping scams. Sign up at mypalmbeachclerk.com.

Holiday Office Closures

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be closed:

Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day

Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day Friday, Nov. 29, Floating Holiday

staff and donated to Extended Hands Community Outreach and The Glades Initiative.

The Property Appraiser’s Office encourages and supports employee community service throughout Palm Beach County. Our employees are dedicated to giving back to the community that we serve.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

’Tis the season! No, I am not referring to the upcoming holidays or the arrival of our friends from the north for the winter. I am talking about tax season! Yes, tax season is upon us and my office is in full swing. Once the tax bills are mailed at the beginning of November, we see a jump in online payment activity, which is your easiest and quickest way to pay your taxes. Our mailroom is about to become overrun with mail trays for those who prefer to send in their tax payment through the mail. Whichever way you choose to pay, remember that paying your taxes in November provides you with the largest money saving discount of 4% so getting your tax payment to us by November 30 will save you money.

For complete information about paying your property and tangible personal property, visit our website at www. pbctax.gov/taxes/.

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

First Look! Introducing Our New Website

I am pleased to announce the new Tax Collector website is ready for its debut with a new look and name – say goodbye to pbctax.com and hello to pbctax.gov. With the new “.gov” domain, we get enhanced levels of security and reliability.

Our new website was developed using years of feedback from visitors to our website. Our goal is to ensure that we provide exceptional service in everything we do and that includes our website. Our goal with a new website was to not only give it a cosmetic refresh, but a total renovation from the ground up featuring a new look, enhanced functionality, and updated content.

When you visit the site, you will notice our use of color and imagery to help our visitors navigate our website, allowing them to locate needed information easily. In addition to the color and imagery we made significant upgrades to the functionality including a new accessibility widget that assists individuals with disabilities to customize the site allowing them to navigate the website more effectively. We also worked on editing the content of our website – simplifying the language and the display of information.

I invite you to experience the new website for yourself, by visiting https://www.pbctax.gov/. We invite you to take a moment to share your experience with our website by visiting https://www.pbctax.gov/.

Honoring Palm Beach County’s Vietnam Veterans

Our organization has the honor to participate in the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration program. Over the past several years, we have honored hundreds of Palm Beach County Vietnam Veterans and their families with a special commemorative lapel pin as my way of saying “thank you” for their service

and sacrifice. This is the fifth year we have participated in this special partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

This is the official pin of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, authorized by Congress to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each pin is embossed with the heartfelt message, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”

Requests can be made by completing a request form online at www.pbctax.gov. Your pin, along with my personal letter of appreciation will be mailed directly to you. These commemorative pins are available to Vietnam Veterans now through November 30. Veterans are only eligible to receive one pin; therefore, if you previously received your commemorative pin, no need to request again. You must be a Palm Beach County resident to participate. We thank you for your service and we are most honored to recognize you with this special commemorative lapel pin.

Congratulations, TCO!

Our organization has recently been the recipient of five awards – one for the Finance & Budget team and four for the Communications and New Media team!

The F&B team were once again awarded the Certificate of Merit for Audit by the Florida Tax Collectors Association. This award recognizes our office’s achievement for a perfect 2023/24 audit! Congratulations to Carmen C. Richardson, Chief Financial Officer, and her hardworking team for all they do to ensure we are fiscally responsible and delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Tax Talk on page 14

MEETS CONCIERGE SERVICE WORLD-CLASS CARE

TGH Concierge Health, personalized primary care backed by the power of academic medicine.

Residents of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast now have another way to connect with award-winning care: Tampa General Hospital Concierge Health, a service of Tampa General Hospital Primary Care. As part of Florida’s leading academic health system, TGH Concierge Health delivers the highest level of primary care with white-glove service and personalized care plans. Laurie P. Rothman, MD, a board-certified physician in family medicine with over two decades of experience in Palm Beach County, offers preventative care, wellness and metabolic health for adults and adolescents ages 12 and up. For the very best care — with service to match — call (561) 559-0955.

Jupiter Senior Softball

The Jupiter Senior Softball program, which has had record membership increases in recent years, has opened registration for the 2025 season and persons of all abilities are welcome.

The slow-pitch league is open to persons 55 and over and persons who register can play in pickup games through the remainder of this year as well as through 2025. “We had 243 members this year which is a 20 percent increase over 2023,” said Commissioner Paul Storch.

The league’s three-division format accommodates persons of all skill levels, from recreational play, to very competitive and everything in between. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at Jupiter Community Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

This year’s January–March Winter League that featured five teams in three divisions also was a record. Players are coming from as far away as Port St. Lucie in

the north as well as from the Jupiter-Tequesta area and other North County communities.

Players most often cite the camaraderie of playing a game they love with others as among the reasons they signed up. They include retired Jersey City, N.J., fire captain John Cariero, who said, “It’s like being in the fire service again. I have a whole new brotherhood of friends.”

A Jupiter Farms resident, Cariero joined the softball program in 2017, upon retiring from his 25-year career in the fire service and relocating with his family to Jupiter. His stellar play in center field has earned him the nickname “Johnny Big Glove.” He’s also undergone two knee replacements and serves as Executive Director of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association.

Also enthusiastic about playing senior softball is Barry Skolnik, who turns 78 October 31. “I can’t tell you how many friendships I’ve made and I think it keeps me healthy,” he said. 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.leaguelineup. com/jssa. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.

Retired fire captain John Cariero, 61, about to make contact

Pitcher Barry Skolnik, 78, is grateful for the friendships he’s made.

Cardinal Newman High School Kicks Off Newman Night 2025 Gala

Cardinal Newman High School recently kicked off the Newman Night 2025 Gala with a special trolley shopping event on October 1. Embracing the gala theme of “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” the day offered a fun-filled shopping experience titled “Shop it like it’s Hot,” with a portion of proceeds benefiting the school.

The festivities began at 8 a.m. as participants boarded two Molly’s Trolleys for a unique adventure. Starting with a stop at C. Orrico in Palm Beach, where Mayor Danielle H. Moore made a special appearance, the day’s itinerary then featured visits to various shops in Delray Beach, followed by a Polynesian lunch at Hawkers and concluded with coffee back at Cardinal Newman High School.

President Chuck Stembler expressed his appreciation for the Cardinal Newman community, stating, “Events like this truly highlight what makes Cardinal Newman a special place. It’s wonderful to see parents and friends come together for a day of bonding and shopping to support the school. This strong family atmosphere is what sets Cardinal Newman apart.”

“C. Orrico was proud to host the Shop and Share Breakfast with Cardinal Newman High School,” said Colleen Orrico, co-owner of C. Orrico. “As my son’s alma mater, this school holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to supporting our local schools and community. We love our entire extended Crusader family!”

Newman Night 2025, themed “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” is Cardinal Newman’s largest annual fundraiser. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable night in paradise with dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. This exciting event scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Raymond F. Kravis Center is chaired by Tiffany Eitel, Michelle Gonzalez, and Wendy Tuma, with honorary chairpersons Mary Jo Higgins and Virginia O’Hara.

For more information about Newman Night 2025 and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com

St. Mary’s Medical Center Expands Emergency Services With New Renovations And Enhanced Care

St. Mary’s Medical Center has unveiled the first phase of its emergency department (ED) expansion, showcasing six new emergency bays in the adult care area. This renovation is part of a two-phase project that will modernize the ED, including updates to the waiting area, and introduce vertical care and fast-track areas designed to treat patients with less acute conditions more efficiently.

The newly added vertical care section aims to streamline care for individuals who may not need a bed but still require timely medical attention. This model enhances the hospital’s ability to offer fast, effective care while reducing wait times for patients with less severe conditions.

The ED is conveniently located next to St. Mary’s Level 1 trauma center, one of only two trauma centers in Palm Beach County. This facility provides the highest level of trauma care in Florida, ensuring patients facing life-threatening injuries receive expert, rapid treatment.

In addition to its trauma services, St. Mary’s Medical Center features specialized care in several critical areas.

The hospital houses a comprehensive stroke center, recognized for its ability to provide advanced stroke care.

For the youngest patients, St. Mary’s is home to Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the only pediatric hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando, and its dedicated

pediatric emergency room ensures children receive specialized emergency care tailored to their needs.

Furthermore, St. Mary’s includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), offering critical support for newborns who require the most advanced treatment.

These upgrades to St. Mary’s emergency services reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier, specialized care to the Palm Beach County community, ensuring that patients of all ages can access the care they need when time matters most.

To learn more, visit palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.

Paid Advertisement

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.

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 10355 N. Military Trail, Suite A, by calling (561) 622-6976. www.greatderms.com

Cathy Orrico, Tiffany Eitel

Colleen Orrico, Jennifer Michael Molina

Erin Shea, Wendy Tuma

Diane Buhler, Casey Orrico

Mary Martens, Danielle H. Moore, provided by Cardinal Newman High School

U.S. Air Force Band’s Premier Jazz Ensemble Performs Across Florida

The United States Air Force Band’s premier jazz ensemble, “The Airmen of Note,” from Washington, D.C., is heading out on a 9-day community relations tour through Florida. The tour honors the service of airmen both past and present and highlights the excellence of military members working across the globe. All concerts are free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Ticket information for these concerts is available at: https://www.music.af.mil/ Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/.

Don’t miss this chance to see one of the world’s greatest jazz bands live in concert! The Airmen of Note will be performing an eclectic program, ranging from big band hits of the 1930s and ’40s to brand-new compositions encompassing many genres!

Monday, November 11 at 7 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa, FL 33602

Tuesday, November 12 at 7 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Brandenton, FL 34207

Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m., Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m., Miami Senior High School, 2450 S.W. First St., Miami, FL 33135

Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m., FAU Carole and Barry Kay Performing Arts Aud., 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., Bailey Hall 3501 Davie Rd., Davie, FL 33314

Sunday, November 17 at 3 p.m., The Benjamin School, 11000 Ellison Wilson Rd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Monday, November 18 at 7 p.m., Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960

Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m., Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Wednesday, November 20 at 7 p.m., Apopka High School, 555 Martin St., Apopka, FL 32712

The Airmen of Note is one of the six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the premier musical organization of the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., The United States Air Force Band honors those who

have served, inspires American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connects with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.

Community News

Section B

Live Like Jake Raises Over $300,000 To Save Lives During Seventh Annual Be

The Light Gala Fundraiser

On October 4 At Pelican Club, Jupiter

Live Like Jake, the local foundation created in the memory of Jake Roarke Morrison welcomed over 300 guests during its seventh Annual Be The Light Gala on October 4. The “Buoys & Bourbon” themed event raised over $300,000 to provide life-saving infant self rescue (ISR) scholarships and funding for families affected by a drowning.

“We are beyond grateful and humbled by the support we have continued to receive throughout the years,” said Live Like Jake founder, Keri Morrison. “Thanks to this support over the past 10 years, we have provided nearly 4,000 scholarships for babies and children to learn how to selfrescue, given twelve grants for ISR self-rescue instructor certification and granted tens-of-thousands of dollars to support families with critical care needs and other expenses following a drowning. With your ongoing support, we will continue in our mission to end childhood drowning.”

Taking place at the elegant, waterfront Pelican Club under the glow of the Jupiter Lighthouse, the evening began with a specialty, bourbon-tasting cocktail hour and silent auction bidding. Guests moved into the nautically themed dining hall where gala “cocaptains” Dr. Jeanmarie Connor and Heather Atkins welcomed everyone and announced their creation of The Cardinal Award, which was given to Keri Morrison. While enjoying a sumptuous dinner, emcee for the evening, Erin Elmore introduced Life Saver Pool Fence CEO Eric Lupton to present the LifeSaver Award which was given to Mary Ann Downing. Next, Infant Swimming Resource Executive Director Ashleigh Bullivant presented the WAVE Award to Christina Canavan. Special guest Mrs. Florida’s Amber Uhler spoke movingly about her reasons for focusing on drowning prevention as her platform before auctioneer Jay Zeager began the live auction and a “glowing” Call to Heart.

The evening concluded with guests invited to the dance floor and treated to the heel-raising sounds of country music singer, Ricky Young.

All monies raised from the fun-filled event go to support Live Like Jake’s mission of raising awareness for drowning prevention through self-rescue swim scholarships, outreach programs and financial assistance

to families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs following a non-fatal drowning.

Sponsors for the night included The Atkins Family, Life Saver Pool Fence, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), The Weinberger Family, Counter Forced Labor Technologies, Hobgood Estate Services, Ritter & Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Window Doctor, Trelles Injury Law, 16 Handles, The Forgatch Group - Compass, Atlantis Car Wash, Allyson Sullivan & Lang Realty, Nanny, Pandora, Illustrated Properties and Love, Tito’s.

30 Years Of Holiday Magic: Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade Returns To Dazzle With Lights And Spirit

Boat registration is now open to join Palm Beach County’s cherished holiday tradition.

The parade will be featured in an upcoming Christmas movie in December.

Rejoice in 30 years of holiday cheer at the 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive! The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) is thrilled to celebrate its 30th anniversary milestone with an appearance in an upcoming Christmas movie, Christmas Overtime , and its largest fireworks

display to date. Presented by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, the parade will benefit Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.

On Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m., a stunning, onthe-water Zambelli fireworks display will kick off the boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway, starting in North Palm Beach and making its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The free, family-friendly parade will showcase up to 80 boats of all sizes decked out with fun decorations and thousands of holiday lights. Radio personalities Mo and Sally from KOOL 105.5 will return

as Grand Marshals of the boat parade, with a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.

“After 30 years, the Holiday Boat Parade still captivates, bringing together old friends and new,” said MIAPBC Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. “Traditions only shine brighter with time, creating countless memories and smiles by giving back to the community.”

Live Like Jake on page 22

Julia, Roarke, Keri and Josie Morrison

Tara Perrin, Danielle Krupa, Erin Elmore, Jamie Sullivan and Ashley Elmore

Jamie and Wade Gilbert

Lee Petereit and Dina DiBona

Heather Atkins, Amber Uhler, Jenni Parido, Natasha Nascimento

30 Years Of Holiday Magic on page 24

First Place Boat #3 Busted Barnacles (Barnacle Busters) – Tom Serio Photography

Boat #19 Nauti Kitty – Sean Paul Photo

Live Like Jake from page 21

Table sponsors included A&S Electric; Premier Pediatrics; Dr. Michael Connor, M.D.; Guardian Angel Inspections, Inc.; Lee Petereit; The Gilbert Family; The Barone Family; The Broadhead Family; and The McCarty Family.

For information about future events, scholarships, or the foundation, please visit www.livelikejake.org or call (561) 441-7611.

About The Live Like Jake Foundation

Committed to honoring the life and joy of Jake Roarke Morrison, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness

for drowning prevention. Following the 2013 tragic drowning of their 2-year-old son, Keri Morrison and her husband Roarke created the Live Like Jake Foundation to raise awareness for childhood drowning prevention. Partnering with other drowning prevention agencies and instructors, supporting other families who have experienced the same loss; providing an indoor, heated

pool dedicated to ISR instruction; and connecting with their community, the foundation has been able to provide thousands of self-rescue swim scholarships and critical care funds around the nation.

Visit livelikejake.org and facebook.com/livelikejake and @livelikejake3939 on Instagram.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Unveils Investments As Palm Beach County Population Rapidly Grows

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center has cared for the Palm Beach Gardens community longer than any other healthcare system and is making significant investments to enhance facilities and expand services. As Palm Beach County continues to see a population boom that’s impacting the local healthcare sector, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is dedicated to supporting that growth by providing award-winning health care to the region’s residents.

“It’s our mission and responsibility to provide the highest quality healthcare to the communities we serve. As the area’s population is rapidly growing, we’re continually optimizing our facilities, technology, and clinical programs to support that growth,” says Erik Cazares, CEO of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “With our highly trained team, we are focused on enhancing services and patient-centric care in meaningful ways that will allow our community to seek specialized care close to home.”

Here is a snapshot of the recent notable technology enhancements and accolades.

Hospital Upgrades And Enhancements

• New modernized building façade

• Updated lobby and waiting areas coming soon

• New and improved Emergency Room that features some of the lowest wait times in the area and a vertical care area for less acute patients coming soon

• Operating Room expansion to allow for new technology and additional capacity

• Patient rooms are being modernized with comfort in mind

• On-site medical offices have been renovated Best In Class Care

• Orthopedic Center of Excellence, including same day knee replacement surgery and robotics

• Comprehensive cardiac care, including minimally invasive cardiac and vascular care and Afib treatment

• Advanced neuroscience and spine care

• Cutting-edge robotic surgical capabilities

Related Awards And Accolades

• Healthgrades 2024 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ and 2023 Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award ™ placing PBGMC in the Top 10 percent in the nation for these services

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue Distinction ® Center+ for Quality and Cost-Efficiency in Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries

• American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines®

– Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus consecutively since 2015.

• Aetna Institute of Quality Spine and Total Joint Replacement designations.

• The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hip and Knee Replacement Certification was earned by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. Palm Beach Garden’s Medical Center is part of the Palm Beach Health Network, the largest, most comprehensive healthcare provider in Palm Beach County. For more information on Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, visit www.PalmBeachHealthNetwork.com.

About Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center (PBGMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, the largest health care network in Palm Beach County, is a 199-bed acute care hospital. It has served the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities for over 50 years. The hospital was the first in Palm Beach County to perform open-heart surgery and has remained on the forefront as one of the area’s leaders in cardiac care. PBGMC also offers award winning stroke care, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, robot assisted and minimally invasive surgical techniques, bloodless medicine and a 24-hour emergency room. For more information, visit: www.pbgmc.com.

Drs. Jeanmarie and Mike Connor Kelly and Jay Cashmere

Golda Jeffries and Amanda De Lucia Kelli Roop and Stacy Van Santen

Melissa, Maddie and John Waggenhoffer

Laura and Dan Allen with Biani Xavier

Ricky Young

30 Years Of Holiday Magic from page 21

MIAPBC will collect toys by land and by sea for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the first week of November, donation boxes will be placed throughout the county for toy drop-offs. A “toy fleet” of boats traveling along the parade route will offer easy dockside pickups for your donations. Simply wave a flashlight when you see a boat with toy drive signage, and uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect your donations. Last year, MIAPBC collected more than 15,000 toys.

“We’re thrilled to sponsor this year’s Holiday Boat Parade and help bring the magic of the season to life on the water,” said Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group. “It’s an honor to be part of a cherished tradition that brings joy to so many!”

This year, the boat parade and Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street will be featured in an upcoming holiday movie, Christmas Overtime, which will be released digitally in December and land on the streaming service NBC Peacock in the early spring.

The MIAPBC invites local businesses to join us as sponsors of the parade, with packages starting at $500. Package benefits vary and include business exposure through television, radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A sponsorship guarantees access to the MIAPBC’s exclusive VIP Viewing Party, with premium views of the boat parade, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This year, the parade’s top sponsors include Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Amazon, 1000 NORTH, The Clubhouse, The Twisted Tuna, Town of Jupiter, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, Harbourside Place, Florida Blue, Freedom Boat Club, and All My Sons Moving and Storage.

Register your boat today to join this festive tradition!

A panel of judges will assess each entry based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed décor! Participating vessels are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in cash and prizes.

All vessels must be registered by Tuesday, December 3. Boat registrants are also required to attend the 6 p.m. Captains’ Meeting on December 3 at The Twisted Tuna in Jupiter, Fla. Entry is free with a $50 refundable deposit. For more information, visit palmbeachboatparade.com or call (561) 863-0012.

Follow the boat parade virtually using the free GPS app KnowWake! KnowWake maps coastal waterways for both Android and iPhone users. Simply download the app, create an account, and track the parade as it makes its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

Light up the holidays this year with MIAPBC!

For more information about the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, please visit marinepbc. org.

inSIGHT Through Education Is The Backbone Of The Holocaust Studies Program For Palm Beach County Schools

inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and genocides worldwide, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study and prevention of antisemitism. Last school year, inSIGHT reached new audiences and doubled its impact, reaching 40,000 students and hundreds of educators. inSIGHT knows that education is key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders.

inSIGHT provides age-appropriate resources, speakers, and programs for students at every level, and funds professional development for teachers and administrators. Principals and assistant principals may attend the Principal’s Field Study in Washington, D.C. With local Holocaust Survivors, they visit the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Participants are profoundly impacted, enhancing their support for Holocaust and antisemitism education. At the Centropa Summer Academy (CSA), 70-plus educators from 15-plus countries convene for a 7-day program. They use the city of Berlin as their classroom and collected stories to learn history and its implications today. Key to the CSA is the active participation of teachers, who share good practices and work on lesson plans and cross-border projects together.

At the JFR Lerner Institute, a prestigious program aimed at advancing educators’ knowledge of Holocaust history and the legacy of Righteous Gentiles who

saved Jews during the Holocaust, participants attend a rigorous program led by Holocaust scholars, becoming Alfred Lerner Fellows. These fellows are committed to sharing their knowledge with schools and communities, thus promoting Holocaust education and the values of courage and compassion. Palm Beach County has a cohort of 20-plus Lerner Fellows who share this knowledge with their peers. This impact ripples through schools, fostering understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust.

Since the tragedies of October 7 and the significant rise in antisemitism, organizations worldwide have acknowledged the need for education from an early age. inSIGHT has done this for 14 years. Looking ahead to inSIGHT’s 15th year, we remember the vision that unites us: to create a generation of future leaders who are kind, empathetic, informed critical thinkers with the courage to stand up for themselves and the rights of others. More information: insightthrougheducation.org.

Traveling cattle car classroom

U.S. Marines – Tom Serio Photography

Marines – Tom Serio Photography

Mo and Sally – Tom Serio Photography

First Place Boat #30 Nailed it – Tom Serio Photography

First Place Boat #40 Time Out – Tom Serio Photography

Blue Heron – Lighthouse – photography by Susan Speaks McGirt

First Place Boat #41 Suits Us Too – Tom Serio Photography

Photos courtesy of Tom Serio Photography and Susan Speaks McGirt Photography

Boat #19 Nauti Kitty – photography by Susan Speaks McGirt

Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation Meets Financial Milestone To Build Palm Beach Gardens Ice Skating Facility

Supported by hockey philanthropist Larry Robbins and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, the new ice-skating facility is anticipated to break ground in the summer of 2025.

The Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation (PBNAF) is pleased to announce that it has exceeded its financial milestone with the City of Palm Beach Gardens to start the development of a world-class ice-skating facility at Plant Drive Park. PBNAF, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has raised more than $10 million for the project, surpassing the

And they are smart! Here are just a few examples of the many surprises you will find in these pages. (Some text has been omitted for lack of space):

• “In 2023, a study reported that roosters recognize their own reflections in mirrors – common … measure of self-awareness. Previous experiments show that apes, like humans, do this.”

• “Only hours after leaving the egg they are able to walk, run and peck.” (An adult chicken can run as fast as nine miles an hour!)

• “Relationships are important to them. The average chicken can recognize more than 100 other chickens. They can remember the past and anticipate the future, and they communicate specific information through at least 24 distinct calls.” A warning signal from a rooster to his hens, for example, will alert them to whether an enemy is approaching by ground or from the air!

There is hardly a page without an eye-opening surprise: “The disturbing fact that, on the way to the soup pot, a chicken can continue to run around after decapitation does little to bolster appreciation for the species’ more refined traits. In fact, one rooster was able to live for 18 months after his head was cut off. Farmer Lloyd Olsen, hoping to please his visiting mother-in-law, who particularly savored boiled chicken neck, failed to kill the rooster when his axe missed the bird’s carotid artery and left one ear and most of the brain stem intact. Not only did the victim survive, but he grew from two and a half pounds to eight and attained national fame as Mike the Headless Chicken from 1945 to 1947.”

For me personally, as I turned the last page of What the Chicken Knows, one thought struck me most poignantly: Ever thoughtful and considerate of her readers, Montgomery has kept this book’s focus entirely on helping us to better understand and enjoy the fascinating and fun facts about these remarkable birds who are so much a part of our lives.

Not once in these pages does this author mention that she herself is a vegetarian, nor does she devote a single sentence to the suffering of these sentient creatures from the cruelty of the factory-like poultry industry. It was not her purpose in writing this book.

Sparing us such a balanced narrative is her gift to this book’s readers despite what I know to be her own deep feelings on the subject, having read and reviewed half a dozen of her earlier books.

As a senior now, I realize that if this book had been written decades ago it might have been a life-changing experience in one sense for me. Perhaps it’s not too late. I hear those plant-based burgers and other meat substitutes are pretty good … and I would feel so good about myself.

I strongly suggest you lay your hands on a copy of this book as soon as possible … even if you have to scramble to get it!

city’s $6.5 million fundraising requirement. In coordination with the City of Palm Beach Gardens, the foundation is expected to break ground on the project by June 2025, and is anticipated to open in the summer of 2026.

The $40 million project is a public-private partnership agreement with the City of Palm Beach Gardens to develop and operate an approximately 123,000-square-foot, indoor ice-skating facility. The facility will hold two National Hockey League (NHL) sized rinks utilized for youth hockey, figure skating, public skating, adult leagues, curling, and sled hockey. PBNAF will manage and operate the facility as a nonprofit entity. Led by founder and president, Michael Winter, the foundation is made up of passionate volunteers who want to expand ice sports in South Florida and make it accessible to all.

“We are excited to work with the City of Palm Beach Gardens to create a vibrant space where the community can come together, stay active, and enjoy a unique experience year-round,” said Michael Winter. “Our goal for this project

What Is Cryoablation And How Does It Treat Breast Cancer?

Chances are you or someone you know will be diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women at some point in their life will learn they have it. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone. According to ACS, almost 43,000 women will die this year from breast cancer. The devastating impact of breast cancer extends beyond statistics; it touches the lives of patients, families, and communities across the nation. The need for groundbreaking treatments and dedicated physicians is more pressing than ever.

therapy, oncoplastic surgery, and benign breast disease management. Additionally, Dr. Kleban holds board certification from the American Board of Surgery, underscoring her commitment to excellence.

Dr. Donna H. Kleban, M.D., FACS, is a highly experienced breast surgeon with PBHNPG (Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group) and her role at the Norma E. & Miles M. Zisson Comprehensive Breast Center of the Palm Beaches at Good Samaritan Medical Center has brought renewed hope to breast cancer patients in the region. Her impressive repertoire of expertise includes in-office ultrasound and breast biopsies, stereotactic breast biopsies, genetic testing, high-risk surveillance, intraoperative radiation

One of the most notable aspects of Kleban’s work is her use of cryoablation in the treatment of breast tumors. Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes extreme cold to destroy cancerous tissue. This innovative approach offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times. Moreover, cryoablation is an effective option for patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgery due to age, health conditions, or personal preferences.

Kleban’s journey as a breast surgeon began in 1990 when she started her practice in Palm Beach County. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated not only medical expertise but also genuine compassion for her patients. Her ability to combine the latest medical advancements with a deeply empathetic approach has earned her the trust and gratitude of countless individuals and their families.

For more information on breast surgeon Dr. Donna Kleban visit pbhnphysiciangroup.com/services/breastsurgery. To learn more about the Norma E. & Miles M. Zisson Comprehensive Breast Center of the Palm Beaches at Good Samaritan Medical Center visit GoodSamaritanMC.com/services/comprehensive-breastcenter.

Dr. Donna Kleban, Breast Surgeon

Book Review from page 25

Michael Winter (center) with his sons on the hockey rink –photo courtesy of PBNAF

Wayne and Ty Gretzky – photo courtesy of PBNAF

Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation on page 27

is to ensure children and families, from all walks of life and abilities, have access to winter sports.”

The new facility will offer a specialized recreational amenity not commonly found in South Florida. It will also bring an economic boost to residents by creating nearly 100 full-time and part-time jobs in the City of Palm Beach Gardens. In addition to two NHL size rinks, the ice-skating facility will feature a full-service restaurant, a retail store, a training space, and an academy space, with support from the world’s No. 1 in orthopedics, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

“While serving the local community, the ice-skating facility will also have the capacity to host regional, national, and international events that will bring a significant economic impact to Palm Beach Gardens,” Winter explained. “We hope

this facility will become another reason why the city remains a premier city to live, work, and enjoy.”

The project is supported by renowned leaders in ice sports, hockey coach and philanthropist Larry Robbins, and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. A former CEO of the Chicago Steel and a hockey coach, Robbins is calling

Palm Beach Gardens his new home to invest in the future of ice sports in South Florida. Gretzky will utilize the facility to host Gretzky Hockey School, one of the premier hockey schools in the world founded in 2014 by him and his son Ty Gretzky.

For more information on the project, visit pbnsportsplex.com.

Photos courtesy of PBNAF and JLG Architects

Three Advantages Of One-To-One College Planning

By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner

Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming for you and your child. I offer a comprehensive one-to-one personalized approach to college planning, that will provide advantages to significantly enhance your child’s opportunity to gain admission into their top college.

One of the benefits of working with me is the tailored guidance I provide to your child. Every child has unique academic strengths, interests, and career aspirations. I take the time to work alongside your child to understand specific goals and then create a customized plan that aligns with their ambitions. This personalized approach helps your child identify the right high school activities, courses, and experiences to build a resume that supports their passions. This positions your child to uniquely stand out amongst the many competing college applicants.

Second, I offer comprehensive support and start working with your child as early as eighth grade. Although most begin in tenth or eleventh grade, starting early gives your child more time to complete my speed-reading course, take two SAT test prep classes, resume writing, college lists, tours, and step-bystep assistance in the application process. My test prep course pinpoints where your child should concentrate their efforts to increase their test scores. Additionally, I guide your child in identifying and applying for scholarship opportunities, maximizing their chances of reducing college costs.

Third, when students begin working with me in eighth or ninth grade, they learn to develop essential skills such as time management, goal setting, effective communication, and self-advocating. One-to-one college planning positions your child for a future full of opportunity.

Larry Robbins with his family on the ice – photo courtesy of PBNAF

Exterior rendering – photo courtesy of JLG Architects

Lobby rendering – photo courtesy of JLG Architects

Restaurant rendering – photo courtesy of JLG Architects

The 40th Edition Of The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Is Calling All Youth Artists

To Participate In The 2025 Youth Art Competition

The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital is calling all students in grades K-12 from Palm Beach County schools to participate in their 2025 Youth Art Competition. As part of the festival’s 40th anniversary celebration, the theme for the 2025 competition is “Nature’s Palette,” and the festival invites young artists to explore and express the beauty and diversity of the natural world through their artwork.

The theme encourages students to delve into various aspects of nature, including landscapes, seasons, ecosystems, habitats, environmental awareness, and the flora and fauna that surround us in Florida. Participants are urged to experiment with new methods and materials while ensuring that their submissions reflect the theme in their own unique way.

Five awards will be presented in each grade level, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as two honorable mentions. Additionally, one winner from each school level will be awarded “Best of Show.” The winners will receive

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ArtiGras awards ribbons, and Best of Show winners will be awarded a $100 check in their name. Prize money will also be awarded to schools based on student performance. Key Competition Details

Eligibility: Open to students in grades K-12 from Palm Beach County schools.

Submission Guidelines: Each school may submit one piece of artwork per grade level. All submissions must be dropped off by Friday, December 13, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Resource Depot in West Palm Beach or the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce in Palm Beach Gardens.

Artwork Format: All artwork must be 2-D in any medium (e.g., watercolor, oil, ink, clay, photography) and sized between 8.5” x 11” and 12” x 18” (excluding matting).

Submission Locations

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce

5520 PGA Blvd., Suite 200

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Phone: (561) 746-7111

Resource Depot

2508 Florida Ave.

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Phone: (561) 882-0090

All participating artwork will be displayed in the Youth Art Competition Tent during the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival on February 15 and 16, 2025.

For detailed rules and regulations, and to ensure your students’ participation, visit artigras.org. For any questions or additional information, please contact Caitlyn Bergman at caitlyn@pbnchamber.com or call (561) 748-3945. For more information visit pbnchamber.com.

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

Financial Focus®

Donor-Advised Funds: A Smart Way To Give

By Sally Sima Stahl

You can find several ways to make charitable gifts but if you’re looking for a method that can provide multiple tax benefits, along with an efficient platform for giving year after year, you might want to consider a donor-advised fund.

Once you open a donoradvised fund (DAF), you can contribute many types of assets, including cash, publicly traded stocks, bonds, CDs or non-cash items such as closely held business interests, art or collectibles. You can then decide how to invest the money, possibly following a strategy suggested by the DAF sponsor organization you’ve selected. The next step involves choosing which charities to support, how often to provide support (such as once a year) and how much to give each time. You’re essentially free to direct the money to any charities you like, provided they’re IRSapproved charitable organizations.

Now, let’s look at the possible tax advantages offered by a DAF:

• Immediate tax deduction – A few years ago, changes in tax laws resulted in a vastly increased standard deduction, which, in turn, led to far fewer people itemizing on their tax returns and having less incentive, at least from a tax standpoint, to contribute to charities. But if you don’t typically give enough each year to itemize deductions, you could combine several years’ worth of giving into one contribution to a DAF and take a larger deduction in that tax year. And you can claim that deduction, even though the DAF may distribute funds to charities over several years.

• Tax-free growth of earnings – Once you contribute an asset to a DAF, any earnings growth is not taxable to you, the DAF or the charitable groups that receive grants from the DAF.

• Avoidance of capital gains taxes – When you donate appreciated stocks or other investments – or for that matter, virtually any appreciated asset – to a DAF, you can avoid paying the capital gains taxes that would otherwise be due if you were to simply sell the asset and then donate the proceeds to charitable organizations. Plus, by receiving the appreciated asset, rather than the proceeds from a sale, the charitable groups can gain more from your contribution. And you can also take a tax deduction for your donation.

While these potential tax benefits can certainly make a DAF an attractive method of charitable giving, you should be aware of some potential tradeoffs. Once you contribute assets to a DAF, that gift is irrevocable, and you can’t access the money for any reason other than charitable giving. Also, your investment options are limited to what’s available in the DAF program you’ve chosen. And DAFs can incur administrative costs in addition to the fees charged on the underlying investments.

You may want to consult with your financial professional about other potential benefits and tradeoffs of DAFs and whether a DAF can help you with your charitable giving goals. Also, different DAF sponsors offer different features, so you will want to do some comparisons. And because DAFs can have such significant implications for your tax situation, you should consult with your tax professional before taking action.

If a DAF is appropriate for your situation, though, consider it carefully — it might be a good way to support your charitable giving efforts for years to come.

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.

Artwork by 2024 Best of Show Middle School winner, Sophia Clark, from the King’s Academy

Lighthouse ArtCenter Opens ‘LUSH 3’

A Contemporary Ceramics Biennial Exhibition

Featuring The Underwater Photography Of Chris Leidy

Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) in Tequesta welcomed over one hundred guests to its gallery for the opening of “LUSH 3.” The third edition of a biennial open-call ceramics exhibition showcases contemporary ceramics and the large-scale work of underwater photographer Chris Leidy through November 16. The opening reception occurred on September 12 and featured LAC’s signature light bites and refreshments.

“Throughout the exhibition, viewers will notice relationships between the sculptures and photographs,”

Work by Jamie Bates

Jeni Licata, Anthony Record and Maggie Kramer said Anthony Record, curator of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “The shapes of traditional ceramic vessels appear in the photographs, the surfaces and structures of coral emerge in the contemporary ceramics, and in ways unique to undersea life and ceramic glazes, the luminous layering of colors can be found everywhere.”

This juried exhibition received nearly 500 submissions from emerging and established ceramic artists nationwide. A panel of nationally recognized ceramic artists selected artworks by fortyfour artists from thirtyeight cities, and their functional, sculptural, and experimental pieces were all created within the past two years. Jamie Bates, a renowned ceramicist and LAC 3-Wings Fellowship Visiting Artist, served as a judge and was awarded over $4,000 in prizes.

Each edition of LUSH also features a contemporary artist primarily working in 2-D media. This year, LUSH 3 includes the work of West Palm Beach artist Chris Leidy, known for his global expeditions that capture striking photographic images from beneath the ocean’s surface. LUSH 3 focuses on Leidy’s photography of coral, whose textures, colors, and complexity of forms are shared with the contemporary ceramics on view.

Lighthouse ArtCenter has been a cornerstone of the visual arts in northern Palm Beach and Martin counties since 1964. With a mission to inspire and connect through vibrant exhibitions and educational programs, LAC serves over 20,000 visitors annually and supports a diverse community outreach initiative. For more information about Lighthouse ArtCenter, visit lighthousearts.org.

Cayla Leidy, Zephyr Leidy, Chris Leidy and Hilary Pulitzer

Patricia Reagan and Chad Steve

Sold-Out Mayor’s Breakfast Showcases Future Growth In Palm Beach North

Recently, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated Business Before Hours: Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, a sold-out event showcasing the Chamber’s commitment to regional leadership. The event brought together business professionals, community leaders, and elected officials to hear important updates,

Molly Young (Village of Tequesta). Each leader provided valuable insights into their community’s current projects and upcoming initiatives that will contribute to economic growth and development in Palm Beach North.

“This event continues to be one of our most popular annual gatherings, as it provides invaluable insight into

future development projects, and economic advancements directly from local government leaders.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Mayor Peggy Wheeler (Town of Juno Beach), Mayor Jim Kuretski (Town of Jupiter), Commissioner Marie Rosner (Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony), Mayor Roger Michaud (Town of Lake Park), Mayor Ken Metclaf (Town of Mangonia Park), Vice Mayor Debbie Searcy (Village of North Palm Beach), Mayor Chelsea Reed (City of Palm Beach Gardens), Mayor Alan Fiers (Town of Palm Beach Shores), Councilmember Douglas Lawson (City of Riviera Beach), and Mayor

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the future of our region,” said Tim Burke, Chairman of the Board for the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to our mayors and community leaders for their continued dedication to advancing our local economy and ensuring a bright future for Palm Beach North.”

For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.

TGH First In Tampa Region Offering Same-Day Spinal Surgery

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is the first health system in the Tampa region to treat a range of spine diseases and conditions via minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. Patients at the academic health system’s TGH Neuroscience Institute experience same-day discharge, quicker recovery, minimal downtime and less pain.

The procedure involves the surgeon inserting the endoscope through a tiny incision about the size of a pencil tip to access an affected area, such as a herniated disc. The device is then guided to the spine to capture video that’s projected onto a monitor. The surgeon can also insert miniature tools through the endoscope to help perform procedures to treat bone spurs, chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, facet joint syndrome, herniated discs, sciatic nerve compression and spinal stenosis.

How do you know if you’re a candidate for spine surgery? Kim said that 80 percent of the U.S. adult population experiences lower back pain or neck pain in their lifetime. “As a surgeon, my role is to distinguish whether surgery is a patient’s best option,” he said. Kim works closely with the TGH Neuroscience Institute’s team of chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists and pain interventionists to determine the next course of action. “First, we try as many nonsurgical treatment options as possible,” he said. “In most cases, surgery is usually a last resort.”

According to Dr. Patrick Kim, an endoscopic spine surgeon at Tampa General, and an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, there are multiple benefits to this technique, including a nearly zero percent chance of wound infection. “The end result is smaller incisions, less tissue disruption and quicker patient recovery time after surgery,” he said.

Dr. Kim is the first fellowship-trained endoscopic surgeon in the Tampa region. He received his medical degree from LSU New Orleans and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Subsequently, he pursued a fellowship in endoscopic spine surgery at the University of Washington Harborview Medical Center. “I’ve witnessed the progression from traditional open surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery,” he said. “The endoscopic spine surgery represents the pinnacle of that progression.”

Tampa General’s Spine Neurosurgery Program leverages a multidisciplinary team of physicians who specialize in the treatment and management of degenerative cervical and lumbar conditions, and complex spinal deformities.

“So far we’ve successfully treated athletes, soldiers and even patients in their 90s,” said Kim. “Collaborating with Tampa General’s anesthesia team, we’ve been able to perform awake spine surgeries with minimal sedation, similar to colonoscopies. This is a game-changer for patients usually deemed too sick for general anesthesia.”

Kim notes that patients with ruptured discs typically recover the same day, whereas those with more chronic illnesses recover in the span of a few days up to a week.

TGH Neuroscience Institute surgeons perform more minimally invasive spine surgeries than any other hospital in the region, including endoscopic laser spine surgeries, microdiscectomies, laminectomies, foraminotomies and lumbar fusions.

Tampa General is ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2024/25 as a high performing hospital for neurology and neurosurgery, meaning the academic health system is among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation. Additionally, the TGH Neuroscience Institute is one of the top neurology and spine programs in the U.S., according to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2023 list of “Hospitals and Health Systems with Spine and Neuroscience Programs to Know.”

Since 2020, Tampa General has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties with the expertise and innovation of a preeminent academic health system. Patients treated by Tampa General East Coast physicians enjoy several benefits, including access to minimally invasive and complex surgeries that utilize state-of-the-art technologies. Tampa General is the primary teaching affiliate of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and is one of the largest hospitals in the nation.

For more information about the minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery offered at Tampa General, visit TGH.org/MinimallyInvasiveSpineSurgery.

Dr. Patrick Kim

Peggy Wheeler, Alan Fiers, Debbie Searcy, Jim Kuretski, Molly Young, Sarita C. Johnson, Chelsea Reed, Marie Rosner, Roger Michaud, Douglas Lawson

Erik Cazares, Timothy Burke, George Gentile, Emily O’Mahoney

Film Review: Will & Harper

By Nils A. Shapiro

You can bet your house that this film will be nominated for Best Documentary at the next Academy Awards. As The New York Times reviewer noted, it “brought the house down” at the 40th Sundance Film Festival last January with a standing ovation from the audience as the end credits rolled.

I can understand why.

Rarely does a film combine so genuine a combination of friendship, heart and humor that—for most viewers—it would be difficult not to be affected by it.

And yet, considering its subject matter and the present thinking of a segment of our nation’s population, my statement may be going a step too far. Since Will & Harper just premiered in September on Netflix after a limited theatrical release, I will leave it to you to judge its impact for yourself. I will, in this column, simply explain what awaits you if that Sundance standing ovation and my own wholehearted recommendation are enough to convince you that it deserves your attention.

The “Will” in this film’s title is Will Ferrell, one of today’s most popular stars of comedy movies who rose to fame as a regular on the Saturday Night Live TV show. From the very beginning his persona has been that of a sweet, nice, big, easy-going guy who never minds playing a “goofy”character if called on to do so. After years of success on that show he switched to Hollywood and has starred in a number of successful films.

While at SNL , among his friends was one of the comedy sketch writers, a 61-year-old married man. So it was a significant surprise to Will more than a year ago when he received a call from that friend, Harper Steele, explaining that—now a she—had, after more than 40 years of emotional and psychological confusion and suffering, finally got divorced and transitioned to the woman he always felt he should be, including the accompanying surgery, and wanted to know if Will would meet with her.

The result of that meeting, as one way to help Harper find her way back into the world, was the decision for these two friends to drive cross-country together and to film that experience as a documentary. How would Harper

now view the world as a woman? And how would the world view Harper…as a woman?

It turns out to be quite a ride: a 17-day road trip starting in New York City, with stops in Washington D.C….Beech Grove, Indiana… Peoria, Illinois… Meeker, Oklahoma… Amarillo, Texas…Las Vegas, Nevada…on to Los Angeles.

Just before they start out¸ Will and Harper meet for breakfast at a Diner with Harper’s two teenage daughters. It soon becomes clear that, while their father’s radical change came as a shock to the two girls it did not diminish their love for him, a reflection of their feelings and understanding that affects us in the film’s audience as much as it does Will Ferrell.

While much of the humor takes place during the on-theroad driving scenes, and there are a great many laughs as you would expect from Will Ferrell and a comedy sketch writer, some of the film’s most poignant, dramatic—and also the less than pleasant moments—take place during their brief stopovers in typical American small towns and cities.

It is important to point out that this film does not set out to preach to its audience. Many will likely come away with the same fixed opinion on the subject they previously had. But there is no way one can watch this film without being better informed, and with a more visceral understanding of what it means to live the transgender experience.

For example, at a Diner along the way the waitress takes Will’s order then turns to Harper and asks, “And what will you have, Sir?,” then apologizes with embarrassment when Will interrupts her by ordering for his “lady friend.”

But it is when the two arrive in a small beach town

on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, where Harper shows Will a house he had secretly purchased years earlier in anticipation of this time in his life—and the deeply emotional reason why—that the heart of the film grips us once again.

Then, when Will reaches into his pocket for a gift he has been saving for the right moment and hands it to Harper, we recognize its symbolic perfection and cannot help but realize that everyone should have a friend like Will Ferrell.

That kind of friendship alone deserved the standing ovation at Sundance.

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, 6244035. Let’s keep connected with each other as a community. All you need is the desire to live comfortably in your own home.

THE HOUSE TURNS ONE!

Come Celebrate With Us!

We’re thrilled to announce that The House Restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary in October, and we want you to celebrate with us! To show our appreciation, we’re expanding our hours and hosting some exciting events just for you. Here’s what’s happening:

WEDNESDAYS JUST GOT BETTER!

• We are now open on Wednesdays with Happy Hour pricing all day long!

• Join us for Think and Drink Trivia from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through March 2025.

THURSDAY NIGHT COOKOUTS

Starting November 7, come by for our cookouts with live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PRIME RIB SATURDAYS

Treat yourself to a delicious Prime Rib Dinner, starting October 19, featuring two courses and fries, all for just $42.

Whether you come for a drink, trivia, or a satisfying meal, there’s always something special at The House. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

HOURS OF OPERATION