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Town Of Palm Beach United Way Honors Jack Scarola

Jack Scarola Receives The Prestigious Nettie Finkle Award

The Town of Palm Beach United Way recently honored Jack Scarola with the prestigious Nettie Finkle Award for his 45-plus years of transforming the lives of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Palm Beach County.

The annual award honors an individual who exemplifies volunteerism and whose commitment to bringing hope, promise, and opportunity into the lives of others has left a lasting, positive impact on a person, group, or community at large.

Scarola is a generous giver of his time, talents, and treasure. He is a founding member of The Lord’s Place and has served on its board for more than 45 years.

According to Kerry Diaz, interim CEO of The Lord’s Place and who nominated Scarola for the award, “Jack is not your typical board chairman who limits

Ibis

The

grants are awarded to projects with clearly defined budgets and measurable outcomes, ensuring donor contributions make a lasting difference in our community. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our major donors, corporate sponsors, and all who participated in this year’s Season of Giving events, we raised more than $500,000 for the third consecutive year. In midMarch, the Ibis Charities Grants Committee presented funding recommendations

his involvement overseeing the policies of a nonprofit organization. He has literally been on the ground and in the trenches—or to be more exact, in the dumpster—with our organization since its beginning.”

In the early 1980s, Scarola joined the late Brother Joe Ranieri, founder of The Lord’s Place, sleeping on the steps of St. Ann’s Church and later helped him as he spent weeks living in a dumpster to call the attention of the community to the problem of homelessness and to solicit financial support. Since the beginning days, Scarola and his wife, Anita, and children have been steadfast supporters of The Lord’s Place and participants in the agency’s various events—from Dumpster Days to SleepOut to this year’s

Wheelchairs 4 Kids is proud to announce it has received a $7,500 grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation to support its flagship Let’s Roll Program, which provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other essential assistive equipment to children with physical disabilities under the age of 21, all at no charge to their families. This grant is specifically designated to serve families in the Northern Palm Beach area of Florida.

Founded in 2011 in Tarpon Springs, Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life and increasing mobility for physically

Debra Vasilopoulos and Jack Scarola

Ibis Charities Foundation is proud to continue its mission of supporting impactful initiatives across five key areas: health and wellness, education, family and social services, arts and culture, and environmental awareness. Most

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inaugural March to End Homelessness. In addition, it has become a Scarola family Christmas tradition to play “Santa Claus” for the children and parents residing at the agency’s family campus. Scarola has continued to help The Lord’s Place grow to become the leading organization serving those experiencing homelessness in Palm Beach County.

“He has not only made a profound contribution in helping to build The Lord’s Place into the nationallyrecognized agency that it is today, he has also walked the walk in every aspect of his life,” added Diaz, “Jack and Anita have instilled in their five children, 20 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren the values of respect for all people, the duty to help others less fortunate than ourselves, and the responsibility to speak out and stand up against injustice in the community and the world.”

totaling $508,650, which were unanimously approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, a successful community-wide food drive for the Palm Beach County Food Bank raised an impressive $22,125. Combined, this season’s total grants exceed $530,000, reinforcing our commitment to giving back and enriching lives throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.

The Ibis Charities Foundation is deeply grateful for the ongoing support that makes this level of giving possible.

For more information call (561) 625-8500 or visit www.clubatibis.com.

Scarola’s charitable contributions extend beyond The Lord’s Place, providing support for The GuatemalanMaya Center, Easter Seals, The Legal Aid Society, Guild of Catholic Lawyers, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Palm Beach County Justice Association, and others.

In Debra Vasilopoulos’ presentation of the award, she told the story of how Scarola and his wife helped the Velascos, a Guatemalan immigrant family. In 2015, after learning about the Velascos’ plight to seek asylum from horrific violence, including rape and death threats, the Scarola family took the mother and two of her children into their home for five months.

“The Scarolas helped their children enroll in school, helped the mother get a job as a nanny and helped pay for an attorney to handle their asylum case. They are just one of several families who the Scarolas have befriended and assisted in this way,” shared Vasilopoulos, board secretary for United Way.

In his career as a senior partner in the law firm of Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., Scarola has taken on the cases of innumerable members of the public who were wronged and won justice for them—taking a personal interest in their plight and providing care for them beyond the courtroom and their court case. For this, he has been honored with the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award and the Legal Aid Society’s Community Service Award.

In his acceptance speech, Scarola attributed “at least equal credit, if not more” to his wife: “All of those things have always been a family effort. And it has been an enormous satisfaction to be able to give back to this community in exchange for all that we have received from this community for more than 50 years we have been part of it.”

He thanked United Way for its “enormous contributions to contributing to the quality of life in Palm Beach County, to maintaining and elevating that quality of life.”

Scarola shared these lines of poetry, “It’s not the things you do my friends but things you leave undone that cause you a bit of heartache in the setting of the sun.”

He then emphasized, “There is much that remains undone as our neighbors face a tremendous assault as a consequence of the economic pressures that are being brought to bear upon them attempting to live in this community. And to have added to those economic pressures, political pressures as well, make their lives extraordinarily difficult. Your work is essential. Thank you for doing it.”

In addition to Scarola receiving an award, the Town of Palm Beach United Way added his name to the Nettie Finkle Award plaque which lists all past recipients and presented The Lord’s Place with a check for $2,000 in Scarola’s honor.

All Town of Palm Beach United Way nonprofit partner agencies are eligible to nominate a volunteer for the annual Nettie Finkle Award.

For more information, visit www.palmbeachunitedway. org.

For more information, visit thelordsplace.org.

Photo Credit: Capehart Photography

A few members of the Scarola family: (left to right) Caroline Kirk, Ellie Bischoff, Janna Scarola Bischoff, Jack Scarola, Anita Scarola, Cara Scarola Hansen, David Scarola, Annette Mendoza

Pamela McIver, Jack Scarola, and Kerry Diaz

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In our 34 years of specializing in representing clients who navigate the entire northeast coast, we have capitalized on our investment in the love movement. When you succeed, we succeed. Whether you are newly single, divorced, or widowed, let this summer bring the change you seek. Now is the perfect time to discover what’s possible when love is handled professionally, not casually. Your new summer hobby awaits. ...

Book your initial interview with us today before we book solid. Clients are pre-booking weeks in advance. Don’t let summer love pass you by. Simply scan the QR code and fill out the form or give us a jingle. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by.

XOXO - Kelly & Miranda #SummerLove25 #LiveOffline #ScreenFreeSummer #DiveIn #TellYourFriends #MatchmakingRoyalty

Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. 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 “UNsingle” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from 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 add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code below to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!

Behind The Scenes: Sunshine, Sparks, and Soulmates

Successful single, divorced, and widowed clients are ready to live and love offline. Revolution Dating is a full-service matchmaking firm specializing in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades, with a corporate brick-and-mortar office in your backyard in the exclusive PGA Commons business neighborhood. Last month, the team celebrated many of their new success stories that have gone public! Thankfully, they chose to share their love with the community outside of the office and downstairs at Rocco’s Tacos on PGA Boulevard. Revolution Dating invites you to embrace love with them this summer. You belong here. #TellYourFriends #SummerLovin

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Bruce & Brenda thank Kelly and Miranda with Beautiful Bouquets. #SpreadTheLove Meet New Client, Austin! #TallHunkAlert

“My ten-year-old daughter often has trouble following multistep directions, will lose her place in reading and need to re-read, will say ‘huh?’ or ‘what?’ after being given directions, blurts things off topic, has a difficulty staying engaged during lessons, and shows inconsistencies in academic performance.” This mom asked, “Could she be ADD (now called ADHD Inattentive Presentation)?”

Is Your Daughter ADD?

These warning signs showed a valid concern and lead her to trust her instincts and seek out professional help in

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disabled children. Since its inception, the organization has helped over 1,800 children nationwide live fuller, safer, and more independent lives through the gift of mobility and accessibility.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Admirals Cove Foundation for their generous support,” said Madeline Robinson, executive director of Wheelchairs 4 Kids. “This grant allows us to directly impact families in Northern Palm Beach who are facing immense financial and emotional challenges. With this funding, we will be able to provide life-changing equipment that many children would otherwise go without.”

The Admirals Cove Foundation, based in Jupiter, Fla., supports nonprofit organizations that enhance lives and strengthen communities in Palm Beach County through grants and scholarships. Their support will help Wheelchairs 4 Kids continue to provide safe and customized solutions for children in need, right in their own backyard.

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

understanding her child. She felt like her daughter might be being manipulative but yet she did not want to scold her for something that she might not always be able to control. Mom also wanted to understand treatment options if it was ADHD, Inattentive Presentation.

Our school neuropsychological evaluation tested many key areas of attention including her sustained attention, attention capacity, impulse control, flexible thinking, memory, and processing speed. The child also completed a self-esteem assessment to gain understanding about how she felt about herself. Emotional health is important for reaching one’s potential.

The results revealed two factors which contributed to her challenges. First, she had slow processing speed. This helped explained her “huh” types of behaviors. She must put in lots

of mental effort when learning new content. This drained her mental energy and contributed to her difficulty maintain attention. Once her mental fuel was used, she tuned out, disengaged from learning and showed avoidance behaviors. The second factor was indeed a deficit in sustained attention. This was validated through interactive tests of attention, a computerized test of attention, and by having others complete behavioral rating scales. We discussed the different treatment options, and this mom decided to first work on increasing her underlying processing speed prior to considering other treatments. This mom also planned to share the results with her school to give understanding and obtain accommodations. Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ Let’s Roll Program remains central to its mission, ensuring that no child goes without necessary mobility or accessibility equipment due to financial hardship. In addition, the organization runs a social inclusion program, Wheely Fun Days, offering children the opportunity to participate in exciting

community outings and connect with their peers.

To learn more about Wheelchairs 4 Kids or to get involved, please visit Wheelchairs4kids.org or call (727) 946-0963.

Photos attached feature Wheel Kids that Wheelchairs 4 Kids have helped since their founding in 2011.

With thousands of applications pouring in each year, colleges are looking for more than just high GPAs and strong test scores. They want to know who you are, what you care about, and how you’ll contribute to their campus community. Here are the top three ways students can make themselves stand out in the college admissions process:

1. Share Your Unique Story

Top Three Ways To Stand Out When Applying To College

Your personal essay is your chance to go beyond the numbers and show colleges the real you. A compelling

By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner

story—whether it’s about a challenge you’ve overcome, a lesson you’ve learned, or a passion you’ve pursued— can make a powerful impression. Focus on authenticity. Admissions officers are drawn to honest, reflective writing that reveals your character, values, and growth.

2. Show Depth In Your Activities

It’s not about how many clubs you join—it’s about the impact you make. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on two or three activities that truly matter to you. Whether it’s leading a club, starting a community initiative, or building a creative project, meaningful involvement and leadership demonstrate commitment, passion, and initiative.

3. Pursue A Passion Project Colleges love to see students take initiative outside the classroom. A self-driven project—like launching a

nonprofit, starting a podcast, writing a book, or conducting independent research—shows that you’re curious, motivated, and capable of thinking big. Passion projects set you apart because they reflect your interests and your willingness to go above and beyond.

How Class 101 Can Help

At Class 101, we work one-on-one with students to help them discover their unique strengths, set goals, and build a standout college application. From guiding essay writing and identifying leadership opportunities to supporting passion projects and finding the right college fit, we equip students with the tools and confidence they need to shine. With Class 101, standing out becomes a plan—not a guess.

For more information or to schedule a free 30-minute consultation contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com

When Mister and Beary’s mom passed away from cancer in the fall of 2024, her love didn’t end—it simply took a new shape.

Pet MatterS

The Pet Cottage Post

Forever Promises: How Love Lives On

She had made provisions in her estate to ensure her cherished 10-year-old bonded dogs would never be without care. Because of her thoughtfulness, Mister and Beary became part of our pack in November, joining The Pet Cottage’s Lifelong Guardianship Program.

They arrived grieving, confused, and with medical needs. Both had developed painful bladder stones, but thanks to prescription food and close veterinary care, we’ve been able to dissolve the stones—avoiding surgery altogether. However, Mister later developed a tumor on his eyelid. On May 13, he underwent successful surgery and is now recovering comfortably beside Beary, his tail thumping in rhythm with hers.

Mister and Beary are a reminder of why we exist: to keep pets safe and loved when their humans can no longer be there. Older, bonded dogs with medical needs are often overlooked. But not here. At The Pet Cottage, they are promised forever.

To keep that promise, we need to plan ahead—just like their mom did.

This month, we invite you to join our Legacy Circle—a growing group of compassionate souls who have included The Pet Cottage in their estate plans.

Legacy gifts are one of the most powerful ways you can help ensure we’ll always be here for pets like Mister and Beary.

Whether you leave a gift in your will, designate The Pet Cottage as a beneficiary, or consider leaving land or property that could serve as a permanent sanctuary, your legacy becomes a lifeline.

We are currently operating our sanctuary on leased land, and it’s working—for now. But our dream is to own a property outright, ensuring we can provide forever homes for pets who are simply too fragile to be placed elsewhere. Pets like bonded pairs, seniors with chronic conditions, or those who just need time to heal.

Your love can live on. It can offer comfort, safety, and healing to pets who have lost everything—and help us keep our Forever Promise.

If you’d like to learn more about joining our Legacy Circle, please reach out to us at info@thepetcottage.org or visit thepetcottage.org/legacy.

To include The Pet Cottage in your will, your attorney may use the following sample language:

“I give and bequeath to The Pet Cottage, Inc., a nonprofit organization located at 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478, Tax ID #47-4011633, the sum of $_____ (or ___% of my estate) to be used to further its mission of providing lifelong guardianship for pets whose humans can no longer care for them due to death, disability, or deployment.”

To schedule a visit or for more information about becoming a Forever Guardian call (561) 818-5025.

Mister with a cone

Cookie and Kevin

Michelle and Sally Mister and Beary

Local Teen Keaton Murphy Starts Charity, Sunshine Cares

Keaton Murphy, a high school junior at William T. Dwyer is the founder of a small charity project that he named Sunshine Cares.

Keaton wanted to take community service to a more personal level. He believes when you give and receive, it brings warmth and hope. Driven by compassion and desire to give back to the community, he created this effort with the sole purpose of supporting individuals in need –particularly those facing homelessness. Times are difficult these days, so he wanted to help people facing challenges.

Through Sunshine Cares, he personally reached out to friends, family and others in the

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community to collect donations, which he then used to purchase essential items. Murphy assembled these items into care bags; each filled with necessities aimed at providing a small measure of comfort and support.

Each care bag contains the following items: String bag for carrying essentials and belongings

Sunshine cares personalized UV sunglasses

Dental flossers

Moisturizing lotion

Deodorant wipes

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Hair comb

Bars of soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Tissues

Q-tips

Washcloths

Body wipes Murphy didn’t stop at fundraising – He took the pride to hand deliver these bags with his brother (who just graduated from Florida State University) to nearby homeless shelters with hopes to offer both help and a reminder that someone cares. Sunshine Cares!

He worked on finding the perfect name for his charity and developed the logo. He had the logo printed on UV sunglasses and added them to the bags. It is important to protect your eyes from the bright Florida sun. The sunglasses are one of many essential items that he researched for most needed on a daily basis for good health and hygiene. Murphy spent hours asking for donations to fund his goal of 200 bags. He achieved the goal and with excitement quickly assembled the bags so he could hand them out before the hot summer months arrived.

Murphy enjoys doing community service at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center each Saturday doing selfguided beach cleanups, the positivity of helping gave him the idea to develop his own effort in giving back to the community as well.

With open arms and gratitude, the shelters received the bags and expressed that they were much needed and appreciated. This was a great feeling, and a lesson learned that with time and effort you can make a difference in a person’s life that is going through a challenging time.

The Lord’s Place and the Lewis Center were the bigger establishments that are providing amazing services to those who are homeless in Palm Beach County, they were appreciative to receive the bags. We donated to smaller shelters in the area as well.

See Vision Eye Institute In Wellington

Celebrates The Opening Of Their New Location!

See Vision Eye Institute is proud to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot facility in Wellington. The expansive location features 14 advanced exam lanes, a cutting-edge laser suite, two office-based surgical suites, and a full-service optical department. More than just a new building, this facility represents a renewed commitment to delivering world-class eyecare to the community.

“This practice began as a vision—my dream to create a space where patients could access the most advanced eye surgery in a setting that reflects precision, efficiency, and care. With the opening of our new building and the upcoming launch of our surgery center, that dream is now a reality. We’re proud to support the residents of this community with the sophisticated care they deserve—and we’re just getting started.” – Jason Gorscak, M.D., founder and owner Jason Gorscak, M.D.’s training includes undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and residency at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. While in South Florida, he fell in love with the area and the people and decided to bring his vision of offering cutting-edge cataract care and next-gen technology to fruition by creating See Vision Eye Institute. Dr. Gorscak achieves remarkable outcomes by combining his

exceptional surgical expertise with an emphasis on creating strong patient-doctor relationships.

At See Vision Eye Institute, the team is committed to delivering the most advanced vision correction available today. The new facility and surgery center will feature the latest in cataract surgery technology, including image-guided systems and femtosecond laserassisted techniques for unmatched precision and safety. We offer a full range of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs)—including toric, multifocal, and light-adjustable options— allowing patients to reduce dependence on glasses and achieve customized visual outcomes. For those seeking an alternative to LASIK, we specialize in refractive lens exchange (RLE) and the implantation of collamer lenses (ICLs), which provide a safe, effective solution for patients with high refractive errors or thin corneas. Every technology we adopt is chosen with one goal: to help our patients live better by seeing better.

“Opening our new facility—and soon, our surgery center—is more than just growth; it’s the realization of our purpose. From cataract surgery to refractive lens exchange, we deliver solutions that empower people to live their best lives. As we expand, we remain deeply committed to becoming an employer of choice— investing in great people, great outcomes, and a facility where excellence is the standard. This expansion reflects our long-term vision for leading ophthalmic care in Palm Beach County.” –Myra Cherchio, CEO

The See Vision Eye Institute team is ready to welcome you into a space that reflects the way they care—clearly, intentionally, and without compromise.

To learn more about the practice or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.SeeVisionEye.com or call (561) 621-2020. We are located in the Homeland Plaza, 5165 S. State Rd. 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449.

Photos provided by See Vision Eye Institute

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Offers

Same-Day

Discharge Robotic Surgery For Faster Recovery

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center continues to invest in orthopedic innovation with advanced roboticassisted surgery, offering many patients the possibility of same-day procedures with faster recovery times.

The hospital is home to three cutting-edge orthopedic surgical robots—Mako SmartRobotics™, CORI and ROSA ®—enhancing precision and efficiency in knee and hip surgeries.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Palm Beach County to acquire two Mako SmartRobotics systems. Mako SmartRobotics provides highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for partial knee, total knee, and hip replacements. Many patients undergoing Mako-assisted surgery experience shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery— often returning to an active lifestyle within weeks. By preserving more of the patient’s natural joint, Mako SmartRobotics may also help address osteoarthritis in earlier stages, improving long-term mobility.

For knee replacement procedures, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center also utilizes the ROSA robotic system. This advanced technology assists surgeons in planning and performing knee surgeries with remarkable accuracy, using real-time data and 3-D visualization to optimize implant positioning while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

The CORI Surgical System uses handheld roboticsassisted technology that helps the surgeon plan and perform the procedure. It also gives surgeons a 3-D view to help finalize and verify the selection of the knee implant and create a plan for surgery without needing a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

“Incorporating Mako SmartRobotics, CORI, and ROSA into our orthopedic program reinforces our commitment to offering patients the latest in surgical innovation,” said Judy Dellosa, Orthopedic Service Line Director. “These robotic-assisted procedures allow for greater precision, less invasive surgery, and the potential for same-day discharge, helping patients get back on their feet faster.”

To learn more about same-day robotic-assisted surgery at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, contact the Orthopedic Service Line at (855) 769-2969 or visit https://www. palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/orthopedic-care.

Jason Gorscak, M.D.

See Vision Institute Team

See Vision Eye Institute New Location

Cancer Alliance Of Help & Hope Celebrates The

Success Of The 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon™

Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH) recently hosted a special luncheon at The Colony Hotel to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated committee behind the nonprofit’s most successful 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon™ to date.

Generously sponsored by The Colony Hotel, the afternoon was filled with camaraderie, celebration, and exquisite cuisine.

“The 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon was our most successful luncheon to date, and we are grateful to our Chairs, Kristina Gustafson, Jacqui Michel, and Nancy Stone, along with Honorary Chairs Arlette Gordon and Gail Worth, and CAHH’s distinguished group of accomplished individuals and community partners who joined forces to support the

mission of CAHH for local cancer patients in their time of need,” said Stanton Collemer, CEO of Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope.

Sponsors included Title Sponsor, Gloria Herman; International Chair, Ari Rifkin; Grand Benefactor, Rebecca G. Doane, Sheila Buchbinder M.D., Kathleen Walgreen; Reception Sponsor, Addison Hines Charitable Trust; Auction Chair, Julie Kampf; Jewelry Sponsor, Lugano Diamonds; Benefactor Committee, Donna Mulholland, Leigh Anne Kazma, Caroline Lucey, Michelle Worth, David Sarama and Dan Drennen, Elizabeth DeBrule, Susan Hurley Esson, and Barbara Zand; Media Sponsor, Palm Beach Illustrated; Event Sponsors, Gallivant Ltd., The Colony Hotel, Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach, Gary and Linda Lachman, The Palm Beach House; Table Gift Sponsor, OTG|247; and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated. Vice Chairs/Platinum: Elizabeth Ailes, Peter and Diane Avonda, Grace Bender, Mara Benjamin – Mara & Arthur Benjamin Foundation, Lori Berg, Martha Bilodeau, Teresa Chope, Virginia Contreras, Chris Cox, Suzanne Mott Dansby, Lora Drasner, Debra Goldenhersh, Linda Lachman, Kerrie Lance, Rosemary Laphen, Lisa Peterfreund – Merrill G + Emita E. Hastings Fnd., Jeff Pfeifle and Dave Granville, Martha Rodriguez, Philo Rosenfeld, Amie Swan, Laura Moore Tanne, and Sarah Wetenhall.

Ambassadors/Gold: Christine Ansbacher, Kristen Baran, Janice Coady, Jan Ricci Feldman, Susan Gibson,

Barbara Gilbert – Valley National Bank, Caroline Harless, Cora Longacre, Kathy Marino, Laura Miller – Memorial Healthcare System, Susan Pazmino, Soula Rifkin, Jill Schecter, Terri Schottenstein, and Ana Seley.

Committee/Silver: Erinn Campbell, Jacqueline Cestone, Vera Chapman, Maude Cook, Patricia Cooke, Donna Craft, Margaret Donnelley, Kathy Duffin, Lorre Erlick, Nancy Erlick, Aida Flamm, Sandra Flax, Marina Galli, Debbie Gross, Lisa Gulley, Sara Harris, Yaz Hernandez, John Herrick, Holly Holden, Anna Houssels, Lisa Huertas, Richard Hurtardo, Cindy Karen, Barbara Kelly, Lisa Koeper, Gabriel Licko, Janet Litow, Hyela Makoujy, Cheryl McKee, Vicky McLoughlin, Jean Meisenzahl, Elena Melegari – Pinko Retail Holdings, Joy Miltenberger, Alisa Moseley, Karen Murray, Kip O’Brien, Sally O’Connor, Michelle Mason Otremba, Angela Page, Amanda Polk, Marjorie Potter-Kolb, Kathy Prounis, Jon Roberson, Marcia Robbins-Wilf, Joyce Robinson, Danielle Rollins, Deborah Rosen, Leesa Rowland, Julie Rudolph, Oksana Sakal, Jane Scher, Florence Seiler, Elizabeth Siefken-Trimarche, Elen Steinberg, Chris Stenko, Svetlana Tozzi, Cristina Urreiztieta, Michelle Walker, Noele Wein, Lonnie Winter, JoAnn Wurzak, and Fred Zrinscak Jr.

For more information about Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, please visit CAHH.org.

Photos courtesy of Capehart

Kristina Gustafson, Jacqui Michel and Nancy Stone

Dan Drennen, Jan Feldman and David Sarama

Terri Schottenstein and Adam Gold

Jacqui Michel and Maude Cooke

Diane and Peter Avonda Dee Wade and Craig Dickmann

Sara Harris and Cheryl McKee

Gabe Licko and Gloria Herman Arlette Gordon and Gail Worth

Amie Swan and Julie Kampf

Sheila Buchbinder and Stanton Collemer

Rebecca Doane and Cindy Karen

Mara and Arthur Benjamin

elDer eState Planning

Have A Harmonious Family That Does Not Fight? Still Need An Estate Plan!

By Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq

In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings surface, and the once-happy family is now embroiled in litigation over the head of the family’s money and property.

Having An Estate Plan Is Crucial To Your Family’s Success

When everyone is alive and happy, it is easy to think that nothing will break a family apart. Many people think that since everyone gets along, estate planning is unnecessary because everyone will look out for one another and do only what is fair. However, having a properly prepared estate plan is crucial. Failing to plan not only takes all the control out of your hands but can also leave hurt feelings and possible confusion over your true wishes. This confusion may force family members to pursue the only source available to resolve the misunderstanding: probate court.

Not Just Any Estate Plan Will Do

While a lack of planning can lead to disastrous consequences, poor planning can be just as harmful. Documents that are outdated, vague, or improperly prepared can lead family members to challenge them. Family members may have differing opinions about your

intentions if your documents are unclear. This is especially unfortunate if you have a trust: One of the primary reasons to prepare a trust is to avoid court involvement. A trust contest, however, places your loved ones and the provisions in your trust under court scrutiny. Contest Clauses

No-contest clauses are not enforceable in Florida. A common situation where contests can arise is when someone is left out of the will or trust. If you want to disinherit a family member intentionally, consider leaving them a nominal amount at your death or identifying them and saying they have been provided for otherwise.

You Can Protect An Inheritance With Proper Planning

Alternatively, if you are concerned about a beneficiary receiving money outright because of creditor issues, spending habits, etc., you need not disinherit or leave them out of your estate plan. Leaving money to a family member does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. By utilizing a discretionary trust, you can set aside money for the individual to be distributed by a trustee when and how the trustee deems appropriate. If you do not want to put such tight restrictions on a beneficiary’s inheritance but still want a level of protection, you can have a beneficiary’s inheritance held in a trust and distributed to them at specific ages or when they reach certain milestones. You do not have to leave your loved one an inheritance outright without any requirements or stipulations.

A Proper Estate Plan Can Help Avoid Contests

Having a well-drafted, up-to-date estate plan is crucial regardless of your family situation. Will or trust contests can be costly and quickly drain what you want to leave behind for your loved ones. We can assist you in creating

an estate plan that will ensure that your wishes are carried out and that harmony can be maintained within your family after you are gone. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

If you have questions about your estate plan and what documents you should have in place to plan your estate, schedule a free consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.

The content of this article is general and should not be relied upon without reviewing your specific circumstances by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is not created through the information provided.

Historical Society Takes Annual Sunset History Cruise

On Thursday, April 24, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (HSPBC) hosted 90 guests on its annual Sunset History Cruise aboard the classic 1926 motor yacht Mariner III. Leaving from the Riviera Beach Marina, the waitlisted event included a brief voyage north to the Jupiter Lighthouse and back, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation by Palm Beach County Historic Preservation Officer/Archaeologist Christian Davenport.

Davenport remarked, “To gaze upon the history in this way, from the deck of such a fine vessel, anchors the weight of these far-gone events in our hearts. This is just one of the many integral parts of preservation work which the Historical Society of Palm Beach County does best.”

The event follows the HSPBC’s recent Evening on Antique Row and On the Avenue social, once again bringing local history to the public with newfound vitality. “Clearly there is an appetite for history in our community, and we are providing exclusive educational programming to meet that demand,” commented Jeremy Johnson, president and CEO of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.

Thank you to the Sunset History Cruise Sponsor: Dailey Janssen Architect

To make a donation, become a member, or learn more about the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, contact Taylor Materio, Chief Development Officer, at (561) 832-4164 ext. 104, tmaterio@pbchistory.org, or visit pbchistory.org.

Photo credit: Capehart

Joan Hopper, Richard McGill, and Lesley Hogan Maureen Cohen, Shirley Avakian, and Eric Honor

Lisa Erdman, Alan and Penny Murphy, John Archer

William and Jamnea Findlayson with Sean Hanrahan

Nancy Villiben and Kim Frisbie Randy and Sheila Wilkinson

Tim McVay

Sunni and Jeremy Johnson Elena Corsano Emily Snyder

Linda Groz

Michele Cecchin and Gary Russell

Allison and Marty Cohen Dilara and Sevda Tuncer Gillian Lieberman and Scott Diament

Janiece and Lance Gad

finanCial foCuS® Carefully Consider Social Security Decisions

Your Social Security benefits can be an important part of your retirement income – but when should you start collecting them? It’s a big decision, so you’ll want to consider your options carefully.

Essentially, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to take your benefits as early as possible – age 62 – or if you should wait until your “full retirement age” or even longer. If you begin accepting benefits at 62, they’ll be about 30 percent lower than if you waited until your full retirement age, which is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you wait until 70, your benefits will be about 24 percent higher than at your full retirement age.

In deciding when to claim benefits, you’ll want to weigh these factors:

• Income needs – If you need the money to help meet your daily cost of living, then you may not feel you have much of a choice about when to take Social Security. However, if you have sufficient income from other sources, such as your 401(k) or other retirement accounts, you may be able to delay taking benefits until they’re much larger.

• Employment – If you’re still working and you haven’t reached your full retirement age yet, it might be a good idea to wait before claiming Social Security because your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above $23,400. In the year in which you reach your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above $62,160. (But once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will adjust your payments to credit you for the months during which your benefits were lowered because of your income.)

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

• Life expectancy – None of us can say for certain how long we’ll live – but you may have some hints. For example, if you have a family history of longevity, and you’re in good health, you might decide it makes sense to delay taking Social Security until your full retirement age, or even later, as you could potentially have more years of receiving larger checks.

• Spouse – If you’re married, decisions about when to claim benefits could affect you or your spouse. The spouse with lower Social Security payments may be eligible to receive spousal benefits, which, when combined with their own benefits, can reach up to 50 percent of the higherbenefit spouse’s payment at their full retirement age. To qualify, the lower-benefit spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age must be less than half of the other spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit. But if the lower-benefit spouse claims their benefits before their full retirement age, their own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit will be reduced. Also, the lower-benefit spouse reaches their maximum benefit amount at their full retirement age – they won’t receive additional benefits even if they or the higher-benefit spouse delays taking benefits past their respective full retirement ages.

One other point to keep in mind: If the higher-benefit spouse claims early, the survivor benefit to the other spouse is reduced, but if the higher-benefit spouse delays their benefit beyond their full retirement age, the survivor benefit is increased.

By making the appropriate choices, you can help maximize your Social Security benefits – and possibly enjoy a more comfortable retirement.

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.

June 15th

We’re innovators at heart

Our experts use advanced, surgical techniques and the latest technology to treat the most complex cardiovascular conditions.

At the forefront of cardiovascular care, Jupiter Medical Center’s Robson Heart and Vascular Institute provides the most cutting-edge, effective treatments available. From minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery times to the latest implants that keep your heart in rhythm to the region’s only robotic heart surgery program, state-of-the-art cardiac care is right here. With our team of specialists leading the way in advanced therapies, your heart is in expert hands.

Learn more about how we keep hearts healthy at jupitermed.com/heart

The Lord’s Place Receives $25,000 For Women’s Services From Admirals Cove Foundation

The Lord’s Place recently received a $25,000 grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation to support the agency’s Women’s Supportive Housing Initiative in Northern Palm Beach County.

The number of women experiencing homelessness in Palm Beach County has increased by 126 percent in the last two years, according to data from the 2024 Point in Time Count. There are now 407 women in our community without a safe place to sleep at night. This is the largest number of unsheltered women in at least the past five years.

Research shows that women experiencing homelessness face unique challenges, including a sharp decrease in their personal safety. Whether it is through exploitation, violence, sexual coercion, or pressure to engage in substance use and harmful behaviors, women are at a much greater risk of victimization while living on the streets than their male counterparts. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 80 percent report that trauma or abuse led to their homelessness.

Homelessness also has a devastating effect on a woman’s health and well-being. They suffer from higher rates of behavioral and chronic health conditions and increased risk of communicable diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, monkeypox, and the coronavirus. As a result, the average life expectancy of a woman experiencing prolonged homelessness is 35 years younger than the general population.

Homelessness puts children at increased risk for developmental delays, food insecurity, social and cognitive challenges, depression, chronic absenteeism from school, risky sexual behavior, substance use, and other disabilities.

Supportive housing is a critical tool to end homelessness for individuals and families. The Lord’s Place Women’s Supportive Housing initiative provides gender-responsive supportive housing and comprehensive wraparound services to homeless women, serving both those who are single and those with children.

The agency currently offers 43 beds for single women and 37 apartments for families with children. Services include helping clients heal from their past trauma and obtain new skills and resources to prepare for a brighter future; case management; peer support; benefits

navigation; basic needs assistance (food, clothing, hygiene items); individual and group counseling, job training and placement, ABE/GED tutoring; and health care and coordination.

In addition, clients are introduced to new activities and interests to enrich their lives and promote their holistic health and wellbeing. These activities include on-site yoga sessions, meditation, art lessons, and self-defense workshops. The program’s philosophy is centered on the principle that the best environment to foster growth and empowerment is one rooted in community and fellowship.

As clients demonstrate their readiness to regain their self-sufficiency, The Lord’s Place staff helps them transition to community-based housing. More than 80 percent of women who graduate from the program maintain their self-sufficiency on a long-term basis. Once clients leave The Lord’s Place housing, the staff continue to maintain regular contact with them to ensure a successful transition.

Admirals Cove Foundation’s $25,000 investment in women’s services allows The Lord’s Place to continue to build inroads in serving women experiencing homelessness in Northern Palm Beach County.

“Thanks to the support of private funders like Admirals Cove Foundation, we will strengthen our collaboration with the Palm Beach County Homeless Outreach Team and police departments in Northern Palm Beach County to serve more homeless women in these communities. We remain grateful for the foundation’s continued assistance in helping those who are poor and homeless,” stated Kerry Diaz, interim CEO of The Lord’s Place.

Admirals Cove Foundation exists to improve lives in the northern Palm Beach County community and to strengthen Admirals Cove through its culture of giving.

The foundation supports nonprofit organizations, public and charter school programs and initiatives that promote and improve access to education for people of all ages; are committed to improving the physical or mental wellness of children and adults; improve the lives of individuals, families, children who are in need of food, shelter, and assistance.

The Lord’s Place Women’s Services clients and staff at the March to End Homelessness (Photo Credit: Tracey Benson Photography)

The Lord’s Place Meal Mobile serving meals in our community (Photo credit: Downtown Photo)

The Lord’s Place Youth Services clients and staff at the park (Photo credit: The Lord’s Place)

The Lord’s Place Women’s Services client with personally handmade sign at the March to End Homelessness (Photo credit: Tracey Benson Photography)

Culinary Apprentice Graduation (Photo credit: The Lord’s Place)

News From The Solid Waste Authority

Prepare Your Yard Now For Hurricane Season

Though hurricane season is still a couple months away, preparing now can help minimize property damage and make our communities safer.

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) strongly encourages residents to implement a year-round yard maintenance program.

Major storms can leave behind incredible amounts of debris. For example, after Hurricane Irma, almost 3 million cubic yards of vegetative debris was collected. It took three months and cost more than $39 million to collect and dispose of it all.

Every property owner can help minimize the potential for vegetative debris by starting their hurricane trimming now. The SWA contract for unincorporated Palm Beach County residents allows them to place a maximum of six cubic yards of yard waste at the curb each week for pickup. Starting now allows plenty of time for yard waste to be safely removed so you aren’t stuck

with it in the event of a storm. Hurricane season starts June 1, and once a storm threatens it’s too late to trim trees.

Here are some tips to ensure your yard is as prepared as possible.

• Cut back all trees and weak branches that could come into contact with buildings.

• Have foliage thinned so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees or plants will be uprooted.

• Contain small pieces of vegetation, such as pine needles, leaves and twigs, in bags or cans that weigh less than 50 pounds when full and place at the curb on your scheduled pickup day.

• Clean your yard of any items that could pose a danger to you or your neighbors’ property in hurricane-force winds, such as old lumber, broken lawn furniture, etc. Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents can place these types of items (three per week) curbside on their bulk waste collection day (If you’re not sure what day that is, you can find it by entering your address on the My Pick-Up Days page). Please note that lumber must be placed into a container weighing no more than 50 pounds, and fence materials will not be collected in unincorporated Palm Beach County.

• Place yard waste from routine maintenance at the curb on your regularly scheduled collection day. Residents in unincorporated Palm Beach County may place a maximum of six cubic yards – equivalent to three standard size refrigerators – at the curb each week. (Vegetation cannot exceed six inches in diameter, six feet in length or 50 pounds in weight.)

Note: Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents who place more than the permitted six cubic yards of yard waste at the curb will have no portion of the waste removed. The pile will be tagged, and the resident will be responsible for removing all the material at their own cost.

Residents living within city, village or town limits should contact their local municipality for their collection guidelines. Check the SWA website for municipal contact information.

Whether you maintain your yard yourself or use a lawn care or landscape service, if you produce significant yard waste, consider requesting a price to remove the yard waste if it exceeds the six-cubic-yard limit. Excess debris from major cutting or tree removal will need to be properly transported and disposed of, and there is a fee for disposal.

The SWA offers hurricane information to help residents understand best practices for

preparedness and what the SWA prioritizes after a storm passes. For additional information on debris collection in unincorporated parts of the county, contact SWA Customer Information Services at (561) 697-2700 or (866) 792-4636 (toll-free).

Learn more at swa.org. Find technical reports at swa.org/ technicalreports.

Is It Recyclable? Here’s How To Recycle Glass Bottles And Jars

Today, many things are recyclable, but not everything. Let’s focus on glass bottles and jars.

Glass bottles and jars that are used to hold food or drink are items the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) accepts in its dual-stream recycling program. They go into the blue recycling bin. Lids or tops on the glass bottles and jars need to be removed and placed into the blue bin.

When the glass bottles and jars in your blue recycling bin arrive at the SWA’s recycling facility, they’re sorted from other materials and delivered to manufacturers to make new products. The lids will be sorted out first with a magnet. The glass will then get broken in the glass breakers and fall through the line to get sorted with other glass pieces in its own bunker.

In 2023, more than 17,000 tons of glass bottles and jars were recycled.

Glass from mirrors or kitchenware used in cooking or baking is not accepted in the SWA’s dual-stream recycling program. This glass is not made of the same material as regular glass and has a higher melting point.

If you have more glass bottles and jars than can fit into your blue recycling bin, you can take them to one of seven Home Chemical & Recycling Centers (HCRCs).

Prepare For Storm Season Now

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

As much as we dislike talking about it, hurricane season officially started on June 1. Hurricane season isn’t a race. No bells chime to begin the onslaught of storms forming in the oceans surrounding North America. June 1 marks the beginning of the period when most tropical storms and hurricanes typically form. The six-month period from June 1 to Nov. 30 accounts for about 97 percent of all Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. While storms can and do occur outside of this period, the peak of the season is typically between mid-August and mid-October, with the most activity happening then.

Last year’s storms proved that storms do not always resemble “typical” hurricanes. While there was plenty of high wind and rain, we also experienced huge rain events and tornadoes hundreds of miles away from the storms’ centers. Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of northern Florida. It traveled northeast through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and even into Tennessee and Virginia. It dumped over 30 inches of rain in the mountains of North Carolina, 20 inches in Greenville, South Carolina, and 15 inches in parts of Georgia and Florida. Portions of Asheville and Chimney Rock, North Carolina, were washed away.

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on the west coast of Florida as a category three hurricane. Milton approached Florida as an extremely dangerous category five hurricane before encountering increasing wind shear. Despite the wind shear weakening the storm, Milton’s wind field expanded as it approached the Florida Peninsula, extending impacts far and away from the storm’s center. Impacts to our area in the east-

central part of Florida were significant, including a tornado outbreak that produced 15 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF3s, a first in 30 years, and hurricane-force wind gusts that downed trees and power lines. Many homes and businesses were damaged in Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, the Acreage, and Ft. Pierce. The Wellington/Loxahatchee Groves/The Acreage/ Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter Farms tornado, as documented by the National Weather Service, traveled almost 30 miles in 30 minutes and was categorized at an EF2 that strengthened into an EF3 with winds peaking around 140 mph.

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are rethinking how hurricanes and their impacts are predicted. A new model will predict the potential storm path and impacts outside of that path.

The key to staying safe is to be prepared:

• Know Your Hurricane Risk – Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. As we saw from Hurricane Milton, their effects can be felt hundreds of miles away.

Rainfall totals for Hurricane Helene – Sept. 25 to 27, 2024

• Make an Emergency Plan – Ensure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans.

• Know your Evacuation Zone – If you live in an evacuation zone, you may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. You only need to evacuate 20 to 30 miles away. This could mean moving just further inland rather than traveling north or south.

• Recognize Warnings and Alerts – There are several ways to receive alerts. Download a weather app or have a weather radio tuned to the local area frequency.

• Those with Disabilities – Identify if you need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability. Register with the special needs shelter in your area early if you or someone you know will need electrically energized life support equipment. Pre-registration is required.

• Review Important Documents – Ensure your insurance policies and personal documents are current. Make copies or take pictures and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.

• Strengthen your Home – Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.

• Get Tech Ready – Keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued, and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

• Help your Neighborhood – Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others

• Gather Supplies – Have enough household supplies, including medication, disinfectant and pet supplies, in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane. Also, have cash on hand since the power to payment devices and banks could be out for an extended time.

Don’t wait – prepare today. “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin.

NPDES tip: Hurricane Season began June 1. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed to avoid flying debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly. Do not put them into storm drains or lakes!

Tornado damage in Palm Beach Gardens – October 9, 2024

Hurricane Season In Palm Beach County: Prepare Now To Stay Safe

Palm Beach County has a long history of severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Fay, Matthew, Irma , and more recently, Helene and Milton, have all left their mark on our community. These events underscore the importance of being ready and resilient.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. While we all hope South Florida will be spared, it’s essential that every resident takes time to prepare—by reviewing evacuation plans, securing their homes, and gathering necessary supplies. Familiarity with severe weather is part of life in Palm Beach County, but preparation can reduce disruptions and speed up recovery.

The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides a range of resources to help you get ready. One of the best tools is the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide , available at https:// discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide. pdf. It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office.

Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water,

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

first-aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too.

If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t guaranteed. Yard waste pickup is limited to one pile of up to 6 cubic yards weekly. If you’re disposing of expired storm supplies like fuel, propane tanks, or batteries, use the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. A convenient site is the North County Transfer Station at 14185 North Military Trail in Jupiter. Visit swa.org or call (561) 697-2700 or (866) SWA-INFO for more details.

Stay informed by signing up for AlertPBC, the county’s emergency notification system, at https://discover. pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx. You’ll receive alerts by phone, text, or email about local hazards and emergencies. Your information is protected and used only for public safety. You can also download the Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app to check evacuation zones, shelter openings, and storm updates on your phone. More information can be found at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/ dart.aspx.

Check in with your neighbors—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may be new to the area. Remember, we are a community first. A small gesture can make a big difference during an emergency. Stay safe and take action now. Preparedness truly makes all the difference. If I can assist you, contact me at (561) 355-2201 or email mmarino@pbc.gov.

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

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025

The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University marked the commencement of the Class of 2025 with its annual Medallion Ceremony. The ceremony recognized the special achievement of 102 graduating seniors with an Honors Medallion and certificate acknowledging their thesis work, presented by their thesis advisors before an audience of their family and friends.

Honors College faculty also presented stand-out students with special awards:

Calyssa Setterberg, Outstanding Senior Samantha Reyes, Outstanding Junior James Lee, Outstanding Sophomore Blaine Naylor, Outstanding First Year Maya Clarke, Outstanding Scholar Allison MacKenzie, Distinguished Service Award Ellie Pfahler, Distinguished Community Service

In addition, 19 students received an Outstanding Thesis Award: Priscilla Agrinsoni, Madelyn Brooker, Maya Clarke, Luiz Do Prado, Vesal Farsian, Alexandra Fernandez, Kayla Filjon, Michael Green, Erin Hajostek, Angie Jurado, Bria Kuntz, Abbagayle Madanat, Gabriella Maxey, Gwendolyn Murray, Ellie Pfahler, Ellie Pfahler, Alaina Rumrill, Joshua Sadule, and Calyssa Setterberg.

New Research: Mapping Microplastics

For the first time, scientists have mapped microplastic distribution from the surface to the deep sea at a global scale – revealing not only where plastics accumulate, but how they infiltrate critical ocean systems. Tracy Mincer, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology and biochemistry in the Wilkes Honors College, coauthored a study recently published in the journal Nature, which definitively revealed that microplastics are not just surface pollutants – they’re deeply embedded in the ocean’s structure. >

MobileMinds Expansion

FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute marked the expansion of its MobileMinds education program into Broward County. Thanks to a gift last year from the Sharron and Joseph Ashby Hubert Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward the program now has a new van. The team has already hit the road south, bringing cutting-edge STEM education, led by professional scientists and their trainees, to more than 2,000 elementary and middle school students!

NeuroCollective Symposium

The biomedical research ecosystem at FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus joined forces to host the inaugural NeuroCollective Symposium. The day-long event highlighted the vibrant community of research trainees working on the multi-institute campus. The agenda featured an interactive career panel luncheon, trainee oral and poster presentations, and a plenary talk by Jason Shepherd, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of neurobiology at the University of Utah.

LEARN MORE.

Arbor Day Celebration

FAU Jupiter and the Center for Environmental Studies celebrated the 20th annual Arbor Day at the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum. The program theme was “Our Trees are for the Birds” and featured keynote remarks from representatives of Audubon Everglades and the Florida Forest Service. In addition, guests were invited to peruse the shaded walkways in search of birdthemed poems hung among the branches – a hands-on activity that showcased the symbiotic relationship of art, literature and nature.

2025 HEADLINER ANNOUNCED!

Feel the rhythm of Fort Myers during one of USA Today’s top 4 music fests. Come for live, intimate performances from some of BMI’s best singersongwriters — and stay for tropical settings and laidback vibes. Grammy-nominated Chris Young will headline on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.

Follow the music to intimate island and beachside venues across Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, downtown Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. Between shows, slow down and enjoy the moment on white-sand beaches, in nature preserves and on the water. Let your favorite songs be the soundtrack to your relaxing getaway.

Find deals and start planning at IslandHopperFest.com | #IslandHopperFest

Download the Island Hopper mobile app for the latest and schedules, tickets and more!

2025 HEADLINER CHRIS YOUNG