Tequesta AUGUST 2025 by Seabreeze Communications

The 41st Edition Of The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Now Accepting Artist Applications Festival

Will Run Feb. 14 To 15, Over Presidents’ Day Weekend 2026

As the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital, heads into its 41st year, the festival is looking for talented artists to join in the fun February 14 to 15, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens. ArtiGras is currently running their annual call of artists with applications available on zapplication.org.

Artists are invited to apply for jury selection in 12 fine art categories: ceramics, digital art, drawing and printmaking, fiber (wearable and nonwearable), glass, jewelry, mixed media,

Community

Foundation For Palm Beach

And

Martin Counties

painting, photography, sculpture, and wood. ArtiGras awards over $15,000 in prize money, including a first-place winner in each category and one overall Best of Show.

ArtiGras also offers the “Emerging Artist” category for local artists. This program offers selected developing artists mentoring services, professional booth photos and complimentary tent rental. Qualifications include artists who

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Local Students

Awards $1.4 Million Through 115 Scholarships To

Scholarships Awarded To Palm Beach And Martin County Students Headed To College This Fall; Community Foundation Has Provided $19.1 Million In Scholarships To Date, Totaling Nearly 3,500 Awards

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties awarded $1.4 million in college scholarships through its 2025 Scholarship Program. A total of 115 scholarships were granted to students enrolling in college this fall, continuing the Community Foundation’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to higher education.

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Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Annual Golf Classic To Support Local Entrepreneurs

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce hosted its 13th Annual Chamber Golf Classic. Proceeds from the tournament benefitted the chamber’s Local Business Resource Center, a key initiative designed to help new entrepreneurs successfully launch and grow their businesses. Through workshops, mentorship, and resource sharing, the center plays a vital role in advancing the success of small businesses throughout the Palm Beach North region.

This event presented by Alvarez & Marsal was hosted at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club and brought together professionals and community leaders for a day of connection, friendly competition and support for local business growth. A highlight of the event was the Beat the Pro challenge, where

Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino joined

Jason Kraus, Brett Leone, Maria Marino, Albert Vandenberg, Matthew Hedrick

“keep your way of being love, keep this glow, others will come to you just to feel this” ~~butterflies rising

The Singles Scene Column© Tradition Takes The Crown

(Again)

By Award-Winning Matchmakers Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

Welcome to the Matchmaking Era. The recent exodus away from digital dating and AI algorithms has driven upscale singles back to traditional dating methods. Fear of over sharing information online leaves only one option for quality singles: In-Person Matchmaking. Read on to learn more about this powerful movement away from internet dating, and do share this article with your single family and friends. People need more hope and inspiration in an age of cold technology. Thank us later!

Fun Fact: We have had an astronomical number of phone calls from parents of adult children, as well as adult children calling for their divorced or widowed parents. In the past, we had issues with this type of phone call, and we requested that the actual (potential) client call us directly. However, there have been so many in the last few years that we have adapted to the needs of our society. Many adults are concerned about their single parents dating online, and parents worry about their single adult children. They don’t want them online dating as the horrors have reached new heights. In a world where dating values are collapsing, quality singles are shutting down, and we are happy to be part of the solution.

Signs You Have Been Online Dating For Too Long And Need To Stop:

1. Your possible dates are coming on too strong, quickly. Mystery is still a part of dating, but society has

become wary of it. Everyone wants to know it all up front. This takes the fun out of traditional courtship at the very best and could be a complete nightmare at the very least.

2. Your list of must-haves has morphed into a list of what you don’t want. When did this happen? It likely comes from a long line of disappointing dates, catfish, ghosts, and wasted years.

3. You find yourself doing a deep dive into your date’s social media. Are you a P.I.? Most of what you see on social media is not accurate. What exactly are you looking for and why can’t you find out on your dates? This is the way it was done before social media became an (unreliable) tool.

4. You are tired of mind games and wasting your time. You are ready to throw in the towel on love altogether. Dating (online) is worse than waking up at 4:00 am to go to the gym. Most would agree they would rather go to the gym that early than go on an online date.

5. You keep thinking the next one will be the big win, just like in Las Vegas. Everyone is feeling down about the dating process in 2025, and this has given rise to our favorite topic: MATCHMAKING. Tradition has gone sideways, and technology is no longer helping people find love. Marriage is on the decline, and divorce is on the rise.

Dating apps were intended to make love easier to find. On the contrary, love is not valued the way it used to be, nor is commitment. Temptation abounds. Being lured into the next best thing by artificial intelligence has given us a sense of false reality. Apps promised convenience, access, and a range of options. Yet, all you see is burnout, disconnection, and a whole lot of wasted energy and emotion…oh, don’t forget the significant mental health effects.

The truth is, dating apps have ultimately gamified love. The sacredness of love has been misunderstood and exploited.

Sincere and successful human beings are becoming shallow behind a screen. Technology has trained our brains to chase the next swipe or the next dopamine hit. Worst of all, they have led many to believe it is normal. It is not normal, hence the massive return to tradition.

Studies show digital dependence is designed to keep you single (and hooked).

• App users reported experiencing dating-app fatigue at a rate of 78% (80% of women, 74% of men), with young adults being the most affected.

• Prolonged app use leads to emotional exhaustion, validation addiction, and mental strain, amplifying anxiety, depression, and sometimes eating disorders.

• Clinicians note users can become hooked on the dopamine rush of matches, with continuous swiping leading to feelings of objectification, low self-esteem, and psychological fatigue.

These statistics above are why matchmaking is more important than ever. This is the reason family and friends are worried about their single friends. Due to high demand, new clients are encouraged to reserve their spot immediately. Lucky for you, our headquarters is close to you. As soon as you reserve your first appointment, a sense of enthusiasm, inspiration, and relief will take over. Cuffing Season is in full swing, and your timing is exquisite. These are the days (and nights) to remember. Make them revolutionary.

We are looking forward to seeing you this August before the Fall Season 2025 hits! It is going to be a very busy season ahead and having a Plus One makes it all more fun. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by to guide you to the

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next step in our fun and easy process. Do call or register for more information today. You got this!

Xoxo - Kelly & Miranda

Let Cuffing Season Commence!

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 561-6309696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code to the right to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!

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have never exhibited in a show and reside in South Florida. Emerging Artist applicants should proceed in the same manner as professional artists and submit their artwork online through zapplication.org.

Known as one of the nation’s top art festivals, ArtiGras, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, annually attracts tens of thousands of art lovers and collectors. The two-day outdoor festival, produced by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, showcases a juried exhibition of gallery-quality art and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with and purchase directly from the artists.

Deadline for artists to apply online for inclusion in ArtiGras is Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Artists can email artists@artigras.org, call (561) 748-3942 or visit www.artigras.org for more information.

Along with more than 250 onsite artists, the 41st edition of ArtiGras will feature interactive art exhibits, children’s activities, live music, and a youth art competition among food and art demonstrations. For more information visit www.artigras.org.

Enjoy these Behind The Scenes photographs from the Corporate Headquarters of Revolution Dating on PGA Boulevard where this landmark business has been for eleven successful years. Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are attracted to the “love offline” approach to dating and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. Romance and opportunities are heating up at this wildly successful Matchmaking Firm. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Lucky for you, their main office is in our local area. Isn’t it time you did something for you? If so, secure your First Interview today. Summer is flying by and we are officially entering Cuffing Season so don’t miss out on finding your match before the holidays. Every day, clients are pairing off two at a time, and every day, new enrollments are getting started. Life is very exciting in this office, and they love to share the love with all of you. Have and wonderful August! #TellYourFriends

See Kelly & Miranda in the August Issue of Modern Luxury Palm Beach! #DynamicWomen

Welcome New Client (Former Member of the British Parliament)! #SeniorSingles

It’s Wedding Season! #YoungProfessionalSingles

Revolution Dating Newlyweds Looking Fabulous! #SummerLove25 Cupid’s at Deck84 for a Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Event! #PBSingles

“I was

The Golf Learning Center

Physical Testing

By Tom F. Stickney II, Lead Teaching Professional Jonathan’s Landing

for the “average golfer” coming out for a lesson? They first must understand that poor mobility, stability, and strength are the root causes of their mechanical inefficiencies. The shape you are in physiologically is the judge and jury pertaining to how you swing the club; thus, if you want to improve you must begin by working on your body.

motion analysis helps to identify your fundamental inefficiencies caused by stability and mobility issues.

Thankfully for us golf specific fitness programs are now the rage – especially in Jupiter – the golf mecca of the United States. It all began with The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) introducing us to using movement screening and physiological Poor physical health contributes to faulty swing characteristics.

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The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging civic and social issues. The foundation offers both need- and merit-based scholarships funded through more than 100 donor-established funds. This year, the Scholarship Program received 829 completed applications and the average award totaled $12,000.

“We were truly inspired by the caliber of this year’s applicants,” said Dr. Joanne Julien, chair of the Community

Testing internal and external shoulder rotation

testing for golfers before trying to “fix” the client’s swing. With their lead we are seeing players – thanks to Tiger – using the gym to complement their practice time so that they can become more complete athletes first and better golfers, second.

As you look around Jupiter you will find that most country clubs have golf instructors and/or fitness trainers

Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. “Each scholarship recipient demonstrated academic achievement, a strong sense of resilience and tremendous potential to make a lasting impact in their communities and careers.”

Since launching its scholarship program in 1985, the Community Foundation has distributed over $19.1 million in scholarships to nearly 3,500 students in Palm Beach and Martin counties. The scholarships help reduce student loan burdens and open doors to higher education for students who may not otherwise struggle to afford college.

“Our goal is to support students who have the passion and ability to succeed, but not always the financial

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that possess certifications in golf fitness and there are even gyms that specifically cater to these types of programs such as Hit it Great (Joey D’s,) Ben Shear Golf Performance, and Lifetime Performance, etc. So, it is not hard to find a golf trainer that will help improve your body while we, the teaching professionals, work on your golf swing. Together we can help you get to the next level but one without the other makes the process much harder.

If you are having issues within your golf swing and need some assistance, I would first go through a physical movement screening at your club or one of the facilities listed above to help you (and your teaching professional) better understand why you “move” the way you do. From there you both will be armed with the correct information to help improve your golf swing while you are working on your golf-body … yes, this will take some time, but I promise you will be better off in the end. For questions or comments email toms@jonathanslanding.com.

Tom has been a full-time instructor for over thirty years and has taught at The Four Seasons, Punta Mita, in Mexico; Bighorn Golf Club, in Palm Desert, California; The Club at Cordillera in Vail, Colorado; and The Promontory Club in Park City, Utah, as well as several others. He was a fifteen-year recipient of Golf Magazine’s, “Top 100 Instructors in America” award, ranked as one of the “Best Instructors in Florida,” and is noted by Golf Digest as one of their “Top 75 International Instructors.” In his spare time, he enjoys scuba diving, playing golf, and learning more about the golf swing.

means,” said Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “This investment in their future is also an investment in the future of Palm Beach and Martin counties.”

To learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/aboutscholarships/.

3-D

Testing single leg balance on the right and left side

Testing upper and lower body disassociation in the backswing and downswing

Tom F. Stickney II, Lead Teaching Professional, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club

PeT MaTTers

The Pet Cottage Post The Heart Of Belonging: Life’s Sweetest Season, Shared

By Wendy Derhak, Founder of The Pet Cottage

At 91 years old, Norma could have been told, “You’re too old for a dog.” But at The Pet Cottage, we believe in something different.

We believe that love has no age limit—and that the deep companionship between a senior person and a senior pet is something worth nurturing and protecting. Norma recently welcomed Ret, a 16-year-old poodle, into her home after his person passed away. They became fast friends, two old souls who found comfort, purpose, and joy in one another. When You Support The Pet Cottage, You Make This Kind Of Bond Possible

We provide lifelong veterinary care and medication for the pets we place with our Forever Guardians—so people like Norma can say *yes* to love without worrying about the financial burden. Many of our Guardians live on fixed incomes, and while the financial support matters, our commitment goes beyond that. We are also there in emergencies, for check-ins, and whenever help is needed to ensure their pet can remain safely and happily at home. This wraparound support is what makes it possible to connect senior people with senior pets in a meaningful, lasting way.

That’s where we step in.

That’s what your support makes possible.

Every day, we care for pets who have lost their humans due to death, disability or deployment. Many of these pets are seniors themselves—graying muzzles, cloudy eyes, stiff joints—and often overlooked in traditional shelters. But at The Pet Cottage, they are cherished. They are promised a forever home.

Some stay at our sanctuary. Others are welcomed into loving homes like Norma’s. And we don’t just drop them off and wish them luck.

We tuck them in— with monthly check-ins, a network of volunteers, vet transport, emergency support, and more. We show up with heart and follow through with structure. Because being part of The Pet Cottage means being part of a pack.

Whether you’re a Forever Guardian, volunteers like Lynn and Lisa (our incredible sister duo who show up every week), or a donor who believes in this mission, you are part of something meaningful. Purposeful. Needed.

You help people feel less alone. You give aging pets a place to land. You make it possible for someone like Norma to open her door, and her heart, one more time.

And in return?

You get to witness what it looks like when love comes full circle—and if you’re lucky, your heart just might grow three sizes bigger.

And if you feel called to do even more, we’re growing our team. We’re hiring a new Guardian support and operations coordinator to help us deepen our impact. If you’re passionate about people, pets, and purposeful work, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more, become a Forever Guardian, make a donation, or explore how you can be part of The Pet Cottage community, please visit www.thepetcottage.org or call us at (561) 818-5025.

You’re also welcome to reach out directly to Wendy Derhak, founder and executive director, at wendy@ thepetcottage.org.

Together, we write a story where pets and people find each other at just the right time—and every chapter that follows is filled with love, connection, and the kind of belonging that makes life sweeter.

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golfers on the course for a fun and friendly competition.

“The Chamber Golf Classic is more than just a great day on the course—it’s about investing in the future of our business community,” said Noel Martinez, president and CEO the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to the support of our sponsors and players, we’re able to continue providing the tools and resources that help local entrepreneurs thrive.”

Throughout the day, players enjoyed tournament staples like Hole in One, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contests, along with meals, raffles and plenty of camaraderie. The chamber extends its thanks to presenting sponsor Alvarez & Marsal, as well as all the players, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the day a success.

To learn more about the Local Business Resource Center or upcoming chamber events, visit pbnchamber. com and pbnbiz.com.

For more information, visitwww.pbnchamber.com.

Maria Marino

Photos by Tracey Benson Photography.

Lisa, Ronnie and Lola Grace Lynn, Lisa, Sugar and Tuffy

Nonnie and Fiona, the Shihtzu, 15 years old

Norma, 91 years old, July 2025

Michelle and Sally

Ron, Scooter and Holly

Norma and Ret

Neil Curran, Laura Curran

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Reptile Identification – How To Keep Everyone Safe

Reptiles have a mixed reputation; some people admire them, while others fear them. However, these incredible animals deserve protection and support to thrive. Two types of reptiles that are often misunderstood and mistreated are turtles and snakes. Let’s discuss how to keep both them and ourselves safe.

Turtles Vs. Tortoises

Did you know that tortoises are a type of turtle, but not all turtles are tortoises ? All tortoises are, in fact, turtles— that is, they belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia, reptiles having bodies encased in a bony shell—but not all turtles are tortoises. Most people use the term “turtle” to reference any reptile with a shell on its back. Still, there are several differences between these two unique creatures.

By Katie Roundtree

The most important thing to remember about tortoises is that they are exclusively land creatures— they do not swim. One way to further distinguish tortoises from other turtles is to look for certain anatomical features. Tortoises are easily recognized because they all share a unique hind-limb anatomy made up of elephantine (or columnar) hind limbs and hind feet. Their forelimbs are not flipper-like, and their hind feet are not webbed. Each digit in their forefeet and hind feet contains two or fewer phalanges.

If you find a turtle, examine its legs and shell. If the back feet are webbed and the forefeet are flipper-like, they are a turtle and can swim. They can be placed near a water body to find their way back into the water. If their forefeet are stumpy with claws and their hind feet are similarly stumpy with claws, then it is likely a tortoise. The shells of a tortoise are mostly rounded or dome-like. Shells of water turtles are more flattened and streamlined. Do NOT place tortoises in a water body. They CANNOT swim and will drown. Please put them in a safe area on land, generally pointing in the direction they were heading. Snakes: Venomous Vs. Non-Venomous

Unfortunately, there is no simple way to distinguish between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake. The best possible advice you can follow is that any snake that cannot be positively identified as harmless should not be handled. Many people believe that all snakes with triangular-shaped heads are potentially venomous. Although all pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths) in the eastern United States have broad, triangular heads, so do some non-venomous species, such as water snakes (Nerodia). In addition, a nontriangular head does not signify the absence of venom: the two species of coral snakes in the United States, both venomous, have slender heads with little distinction between head and neck. Another over-generalization is that venomous snakes have elliptical pupils, whereas all harmless snakes have round pupils; however, venomous coral snakes also have round pupils. Unfortunately, there is no single rule that separates all venomous species from all the harmless ones.

There is no foolproof way to prevent snakes from entering one’s property. Some products are sold with claims of deterring snakes; however, the effectiveness of these products remains to be proven. The repellent products that are most commonly advertised contain either sulfur or naphthalene (mothballs). However, the amount of product required to be effective against snakes would make the treated area intolerable for almost everything else, including people.

Mark Wilson, President & CEO

Of The Florida Chamber Of Commerce ChaMber haPPenings

“After nearly a decade of Florida Chamber-led advocacy, the Florida-only Business Rent Tax—once a $3 billion burden on local businesses—has finally been eliminated, and this final round provided another $900 million in annual savings for Florida’s job creators. This is a major win for Florida’s competitiveness and local businesses, who will reinvest those dollars into their employees, growth, and communities. We appreciate the Florida policymakers who have helped chip away at this tax on local business over the years and are thrilled to see it eliminated altogether, once and for all.” – Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce Florida Chamber of Commerce – EST – Fairhair, 136 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

Ophidiophobia, or the fear of snakes, is a common specific phobia characterized by an intense, irrational fear of snakes. While some people fear them, snakes are beneficial to the environment. Snakes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents, insects, and other small animals, which can be pests. They also serve as a food source for other animals, contributing to the overall biodiversity of an ecosystem.

There are other ways to encourage snakes to move to different habitats. Remove brush piles, logs, bushes, or any other objects that could give snakes cover to hide under. If you have a pond or water feature in your yard, remove any fish or other animals that could be a safe and consistent food source for them. If you find an unwanted snake, the most effective way to get it to move along is to spray it with a hose. This keeps both you and the snake safe. Do not try to kill it again; they are beneficial to the environment. While you may be afraid of them, snakes generally leave people alone unless they are harassed. Just walk the other way, walk around it and leave it alone.

More Than Books: Everything Your Palm Beach County Library Offers

Libraries have long been regarded as cornerstones of communities, offering not just access to books, but a wealth of resources that enrich lives, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen neighborhoods.

The Palm Beach County Library System exemplifies this role, offering a robust catalog of services that extend far beyond the traditional idea of shelves lined with novels and encyclopedias.

Recently the Palm Beach County Library System has been recognized by the Florida Library Association as the winner of the 2025 Maria Chavez-Hernandez “Libraries Change People’s Lives” Award. This honor highlights the library’s commitment to fostering community engagement and providing valuable resources for individuals of all abilities. Expansive Digital Offerings

A great advantage of our library is its expansive digital library, which makes knowledge and entertainment accessible anytime, anywhere. With just a library card, residents gain free access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming media through platforms such as cloudLibrary, hoopla, Flipster, and Freegal.

• cloudLibrary lets users borrow thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, plus access magazines and newspapers from around the world.

• hoopla is a treasure trove for entertainment lovers, offering instant access to free movies, TV shows, comics, music, audiobooks and eBooks.

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

• Flipster offers digital magazines across a wide range of interests—from cooking and fitness to news and fashion. All titles are available instantly with no holds or waiting lists.

• Freegal allows access to about 18 million songs. The collection has music from over 93,000 labels with music spanning more than 90 countries.

For those on the go, or unable to visit a physical branch, these resources allow users to enjoy reading or viewing content from their phone, tablet, or computer.

Summer Activities

Palm Beach County Library branches host hundreds of programs every month for children, teens, adults, and seniors. These include story times, book clubs, author talks, financial literacy workshops, English language learning classes, and tech training. Event schedules for all library branches are updated monthly.

Residents are invited to join the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at the Palm Beach County Library System. Children, teens, and adults can earn prizes by reading and participating in fun activities. Visit any Palm Beach County Library System location and sign up between June 2 and July 31 to receive an activity log. Complete it and return it to receive a prize (while supplies last) and enter the grand prize drawing.

Additional Resources

The Library System also serves as a bridge to social services, hosting outreach events with local nonprofits and county agencies. From tax assistance to voter registration, the library is a resource hub for more than just books.

Once again, Palm Beach County has partnered with the School District of Palm Beach County to provide free

summer lunches to all children ages 18 and younger. The free summer lunch program starts June 3 through July 25. Lunch is served at all library locations, Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and snacks are available from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit www.pbclibrary.org/locations for a list of all library locations.

Additionally, each child (ages 18 and younger) is eligible for one free weekend meal kit every Friday while supplies last. Each includes kid-friendly, nutritionally sound and culturally appropriate food sponsored by the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Participating north area libraries are Gardens Branch, Jupiter Branch and Tequesta Branch.

Professional research librarians can help you find reliable information on any topic: in-person, over the phone or through our website. Most branches offer in-person BookA-Librarian sessions for one-on-one assistance.

Meeting Spaces And Technology Access

Many branches offer free meeting rooms and study spaces. Free Wi-Fi, public computers, and low-cost printing services are available at every location, helping ensure all residents can stay connected, regardless of their personal access to technology.

If you live in Palm Beach County and haven’t signed up yet, please visit a Palm Beach County Library location and sign up for a library card today! For more detailed information contained in this article, please visit www.pbclibrary.org. If my office can be of additional assistance, please call (561) 355-2201 or contact me at mmarino@pbc.gov.

Mayor Maria G. Marino is the District 1 Commissioner and is the current Mayor of Palm Beach County.

all abouT Kids

Free Program For Fathers And Kids Ages 6 To 11

Center For Child Counseling Is Offering A 13-Week Program To Help Youth And Empower Their Father Figures

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) is supporting fathers and father figures in building stronger bonds with their children. Through the agency’s Stop Now and Plan (SNAP ® ) program, a new fatherhood initiative offers tools and guidance to help fathers grow as parents and role models. Fathers and their children, ages 6 to 11, are invited to join the free 13-week evidence-based program. Groups begin Aug. 18.

The program aims to help youth and their father figures improve communications, pro-social skills and family relationships. It is funded by the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services as part of its Father First initiative.

According to Stacy Gromatski, CEO of Florida Network, “We are excited to partner with the Center for

Child Counseling in helping fathers and father figures in our lives to learn, grow and push toward being better every day with the right resources, encouragement and connection. We stand together with all dads, showing that perfection isn’t the goal, but being present is.”

The SNAP® Fatherhood Groups are open to any father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle or male caregiver of a child who wants to strengthen their relationship and parenting approach.

If you are interested in learning more or have questions about the program, please email SNAP@ centerforchildcounseling.org.

finanCial foCus®

For more information about the Father First initiative, visit fatherfirstfl.com.

Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school and community relationships. Visit our website www.centerforchildcounseling.org or Twitter: @ ChildCounselPBC, Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling or Instagram: @childcounselpbc.

Does The 4% Rule Still Make Sense For Your Retirement?

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

You may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement. The idea is simple: After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year. In theory, this helps ensure your savings last for your lifetime. While this rule can be a helpful starting point, it’s not a one-size-fitsall—and it’s definitely not a substitute for a plan tailored to your specific needs, wants and wishes.

The truth is, how much to withdraw in retirement depends on factors like when you retire, if you’ll work part time, how long you expect retirement to last, your lifestyle goals, inflation and whether you want to leave a financial legacy to heirs. So, the 4% rule should be viewed as more of a guide than a strict rule.

Let’s start with age. The 4% rule is often based on someone retiring at 65 and expecting to live until about 92. But if you retire earlier, you may want your portfolio to stretch further. In that case, you might need to start with a lower withdrawal rate, maybe closer to 3%. And if you retire later, you might safely withdraw a little more—perhaps 4.5% to 5%—depending on your financial situation.

Your retirement lifestyle also plays a big role. Are you planning to travel the world or spend more time at home? If you expect higher spending in the early years of retirement, you may need to adjust your withdrawal rate or plan to reduce spending later to balance things out.

Your financial flexibility matters too. If you have less wiggle room with your expenses, rely heavily on your portfolio for income or want to preserve wealth for your heirs, a more conservative approach might be wise. In this conservative scenario, your portfolio withdrawals may be met from interest and dividends. Think of your withdrawal rate as existing on a spectrum from more conservative to less conservative, with your personal situation determining where you land.

Then there’s inflation. A well-built strategy usually includes small annual increases in withdrawals to keep up

with rising costs—about 2.75% per year. But you don’t need to take a raise just because the calendar says so. If the markets have had a tough year or you don’t need the extra income, it might be smart to skip an increase. Being flexible can improve the chances your money will last.

It’s also important to understand what’s known as your “portfolio reliance rate”—how much of your retirement income comes from your investments versus other sources like Social Security or pensions. The higher this percentage, the more conservative you may want to be with withdrawals.

And don’t forget the IRS. If you’re drawing from a traditional IRA or 401(k), you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73. Your RMD for any year is the account balance as of the end of the prior calendar year divided by a life expectancy factor according to the IRS. These RMDs need to be accounted for in your strategy.

The bottom line? The 4% rule is a useful starting point, but it’s just that—a starting point. A good financial advisor

can help you build a strategy that reflects your age, your goals and your full financial picture. By revisiting your plan regularly and staying flexible, you’ll give yourself the best shot at turning your savings into a secure, fulfilling 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.