Back And Brighter Than Ever: Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade Returns!
The parade supports Toys for Tots and Little Smiles through toy donations at designated locations on land and along the parade route.
The 31st Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade was an unforgettable night of festive cheer and dazzling boats! Presented by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and Lessing’s Hospitality Group,
Jupiter Law Center’s 20th Annual Fundraiser Benefiting The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation Roars!
Jupiter Law Center hosted its 20th Annual Costume Party to benefit the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and family conferences to raise awareness of Aicardi Syndrome and improve the lives of Aicardi children and their families. This year’s Roaring Twenties theme brought out gangsters, bankers, jailbirds and a bevy of beautiful flappers who danced to Zoot Suit music while enjoying Speakeasy cocktails and food at Tequesta Country Club. With the support of the firm’s friends, Jupiter Law Center topped the $700,000 mark in total donations to the foundation since its inaugural event in 2005.
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this holiday tradition set sail on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
As many as 80 boats lit up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Returning radio favorites, Mo and Sally from KOOL 105.5, served as the Grand Marshals, with a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. The parade was led by a traveling Zambelli
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Palm
To Support New Program With Urban Youth Impact
Palm Beach Rowing Association and Urban Youth Impact to launch a free, new rowing program for inner-city youth in West Palm Beach.
The Palm Beach Rowing Association (PBRA) has completed a $1.3 million boathouse expansion designed to broaden access to rowing for inner-city youth and keep pace with the sport’s rising popularity in West Palm Beach. In cooperation with local nonprofit Urban Youth Impact (UYI), PBRA will offer a rowing program at the new boathouse for inner-city middle school students. The program will introduce students to rowing and utilize educational resources to help them achieve academic success.
Developing such a program has been a long-term goal of PBRA, but it lacked the scale and resources needed to make it a reality. UYI will bring both the rowers and the academic oversight to assure that the participants focus on both academics and rowing, as well as commitment, team building, and sustained focus.
Ava Shaye Gumson (21)
Panoramic boat parade scene (Photo courtesy of MIAPBC)
Nauti Kitti – Ghostbusters-themed boat (Photo by Leonard Bryant Photography)
Rowing machines inside new PBRA Boathouse
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“I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world” – Louis Armstrong
DaTing
The Singles Scene Column©
2025 Lessons In Love
Special Holiday Edition: By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
Happy December to all of our loyal friends, clients, and couples. As the holiday glow takes over many of us, we may find ourselves reflecting on what the year has meant to our hearts: the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable. At Revolution Dating, we’ve enjoyed watching our clients evolve from SINGLE to TAKEN all year long, and we’ve learned a lot about what people truly want (and need) when it comes to courtship and romance. Once again, thank you for joining us as we celebrate the season with you, and do share this column with your single friends and family as always. We appreciate each and every one of you!
2025 has been a transformational year for relationships. Coming out of years of social uncertainty, emotional resets, and digital fatigue, upscale singles showed they are ready for something real. Humans are craving genuine connection and meaningful conversation, the kind that can’t be found in a swipe or a DM. Let’s look back at the biggest and best lessons of the year and how you can use them to make sure you guard against those pesky “holiday blues.”
Lesson One: Love Requires Courage
This year reminded us that love still favors the brave. It’s not easy to put yourself out there again, especially after heartbreak, divorce, loss, or dating exhaustion. But those who took the leap this year discovered that courage pays off. We know this
because we are celebrating a brand-new Revolution Dating engagement this weekend! The gentleman proposing had tried every online dating site as well as two other matchmakers before joining our award-winning club. Imagine if he had given up before he called us? Some of our most epic 2025 stories came from people who almost didn’t reach out to us or were unbelievably pessimistic about the current dating scene. They thought: Maybe it’s too late? or Maybe there is no one out there for me? Now, those same people are traveling with their new partners, spending their first holidays together, or slipping a shiny rock onto their finger.
The lesson? Courage is the secret ingredient to connection. Love rewards action, not hesitation.
Lesson Two: Quality Over Quantity
Online dating promised endless options, but it mainly delivered endless frustration. Ghosting, fake profiles, and superficial matches have left many singles disillusioned. That is why in 2025, more people than ever said goodbye to the apps and hello to real matchmaking. At Revolution Dating, we’ve seen a surge in successful pairings because our clients understand one thing: it’s not about having hundreds of matches, it’s about meeting the right one (at the right time) who has the same emotional readiness. Last year, on Christmas Day, one of our new grooms proposed to his beautiful bride after dating for only seven months. They were each other’s first and last date, handpicked by us. The groom almost didn’t join. Imagine if he didn’t consummate his merger with Revolution Dating?
The lesson? Love is not a numbers game. Quality connection beats quantity every single time.
Lesson Three: Florida Is The Love Capital
Thousands of singles have moved here from across the country, bringing with them fresh energy, success, and an
openness to new adventure. We’ve seen an incredible mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees all coming into our brick-and-mortar corporate headquarters ready to make real connections. The Sunshine State isn’t just a place to live; it’s become a place to love. Consider us the new love hub with branches up and down the coast and far west. Our popularity is growing and people are hearing about our good deeds and work nationwide ... thanks to all of you.
The Lesson? This one is obvious. You are lucky to live and love in this ever-growing state.
Lesson Four: Embrace The Change
As the calendar flips, one thing becomes clear: Love favors those who heed the call to action. Individuals who actually find love are the ones who say: I am ready for love (again), and it starts today. The perfect time is the moment you decide to make a change. The couples who will ring in 2026 together are the ones who stayed on course and did not wait another week or another day. He who hesitates is lost.
The new year is a blank page—and it’s waiting for your new love story. If 2025 was about learning, growth, and rediscovering what you want, then 2026 will be about receiving it. We expect next year to be the most romantic year yet, with more engagements, more success stories, and more real relationships coming from our office. The energy is shifting, and if you’re ready to be part of it, there’s no better time than now. Don’t let another year slip away wondering what if. You have learned the lessons, so now is the time to apply them. If you find yourself struggling, ask for some coaching or a morale booster. We could all use the encouragement. Just never quit on love--no matter what has gotten in your way. Your next love is out there and waiting to
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meet you too. Look how hard you have worked and know that you will never be as young and attractive as you are today.
Join Revolution Dating this December, and step into 2026 with confidence, hope, and statistics on your side. We have the perfect gift waiting for you, and it is destined to last a lifetime. Allow us to help you meet the right person and create your next great chapter before the new year begins. Let the ball drop with your secret in your pocket--US.
Happy Holidays From Your Favorite Matchmakers!
XOXO, Kelly & Miranda
#TheGiftOfLove #MatchmakingRoyalty
#LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends
#HolidayLove
12 successful years and counting. Become UN-Single and book your first interview today. It’s so easy to start. Bonus: December is the perfect time to find your love just in time for a New Year’s Kiss. #TellYourFriends #RomanticRevolution
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, The Coastal Pearl, 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 “UN-single” 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 or Mountain Country. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!
’Tis
The Season of Love-The Year In Review!
Now is the time to celebrate and reflect on the many love stories created by Revolution Dating. It’s Plus-One Party season too, so do tell your friends and family who are still single--there is HOPE in the wild world of too much tech. Revolution Dating specializes in bringing back traditional dating and chivalry by screening and representing likeminded clients. Our love connections yield happiness from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades and is now picking up even more traction in mountain country and the Midwest. Lucky for all of you, our corporate office is here in Florida which has become the epicenter of new starts and budding new romance. Take a look at the good energy overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where we have been established almost
was established in 1980 servicing Palm Beach County and is a privately owned and managed company. Captain’s is committed to providing dependable, reliable and professional ground transportation to and from all South Florida Airports and Seaports.
To reserve your vehicle: 561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890
Kelly and Miranda Won Numerous Awards in 2025! #MatchmakingRoyalty
CEO John and Dr. Christine With Their Two Beautiful Blessings! #RevolutionBabies
A Very Special Engagement of Our Own! #SheSaidYes
Young Professionals Find Love Here! #RepresentingAllAges
Bruce and Brenda Always Steal Our Hearts! #RevolutionCouple Gail and Alan Got Married This Year! #GoldenMarriage
“US Special Agent” Event With a Favorite Senior Success Story! #AmericanHero
Captain’s
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fireworks display as boaters competed across a range of categories, including “Best of Parade,” “Fan Favorite,” and “Corporate,” with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes on the line. This year, the parade debuted a new award category for newcomers, “Rookie of the Year,” featuring a custom award, $250 cash, and more. A panel of judges evaluated each vessel based on the lights displayed, enthusiasm, and themed décor.
“The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade is a great way to give back to our community while spreading holiday joy on the water,” said MIAPBC Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. “We’re celebrating our boaters in new ways this year with raffles, prizes, and waived deposits for early registrants. Exclusive perks for those who registered by Nov. 19 included entry into raffles for VIP Palm Beach International Boat Show tickets and $500 cash.”
MIAPBC collected toys by land and by sea for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the first week of November, donation boxes for Little Smiles were placed throughout
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Under a long-term lease from the City of West Palm Beach, PBRA’s new Fred Emerson Boathouse will open in November 2025, increasing from a one-bay to a four-bay facility. This expansion will provide space for twice as many boats, electric launches, indoor weights, and rowing machines. It will also include two bathrooms and showers.
Built in 1986 on North Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach, the club’s original boathouse – the James K. Green Boathouse – was established by members and friends of PBRA. Within 40 years, the club has grown to 50 master and junior members and nearly 50 nonresident members. Medals line the boathouse’s walls from members winning races in regattas all over the world, ranging from the U.S. Masters Nationals to the FISA World Masters, and the Head of the Charles.
Named in honor of PBRA’s co-founder Jim Green, the former James K. Green Boathouse outgrew its current one-bay capacity due to an increase in membership from a population surge in West Palm Beach. The newly expanded Fred Emerson Boathouse will support the growing demand for the sport, facilitate programs for inner-city youth, and lead the way for rowing to become a prominent sport in the region.
“Rowing has the power to transform lives, instilling essential life skills such as collaboration, coordination, cooperation, and commitment,” said Jim Green. “We want to pass those traits on to our youth in West Palm Beach, especially those who have never been out on the water.”
The Fred Emerson Boathouse is named in honor of Fred L. Emerson, Jr., an exceptional rower and generous
Palm Beach County for toy drop-offs. Donations for Little Smiles can still be made in the weeks after the parade. On the night of the parade, a “toy fleet” of boats traveled along the parade route offering easy dockside donations for Toys for Tots. Uniformed Marines and volunteers pulled right up to docks to collect donations. Last year, MIAPBC collected more than 14,000 toys.
“This parade is a beautiful reminder of what the holidays are all about: community, joy, and generosity,” said Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group. “We’re proud to play a role in an event that brings people together and gives back in such a meaningful way.”
The MIAPBC invited local businesses to join us as sponsors of the parade, with packages starting at $500. Package benefits varied and included business exposure through television, radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A sponsorship guaranteed access to MIAPBC’s exclusive VIP Viewing Party, with premium views of the boat parade, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This year’s top sponsors included Lessing’s Hospitality Group, WPBF 25 News, 1000 North, The Clubhouse, The Twisted Tuna, Town of Jupiter, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, Harbourside Place, Florida Blue, Freedom Boat Club, and All My Sons Moving & Storage.
Following the boat parade virtually was easy, using the free GPS app KnowWake! KnowWake maps coastal waterways for both Android and iPhone users who simply downloaded the app, created an account, and tracked the parade as it made its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Boat registration was free and open through Tuesday, Dec. 2 through the website palmbeachboatparade.com or
supporter of the National Rowing Association (U.S. Rowing). Widely regarded as the “Father of Connecticut Rowing,” Emerson served on both the U.S. Olympic Rowing Committee and the National Women’s Olympic Rowing Committee. His donated racing shells can be found at almost every major regatta across the country.
Emerson was a passionate supporter of youth rowing, start-up programs, and increasing women’s participation in the sport. He played a key role in establishing numerous initiatives across Connecticut and his generosity has positively influenced thousands of athletes – a legacy that will endure for generations.
by calling (561) 863-0012. Boaters were required to attend the captains’ meeting at The Twisted Tuna to participate in the parade.
Many joined to deck the “hulls” of the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade for a night of festive fun on the water!
For more information About the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County please visit marinepbc.org.
Photos courtesy of Leonard Bryant, Sean Paul Photography, and Susan Speaks McGirt
With the boathouse’s completion, UYI will recruit students and facilitate the program’s academic resources. Through rowing, students will develop commitment, teamwork, and focus – all the skills needed to graduate high school, earn college admission, and secure scholarships.
“Statistics show that participation in team sports like rowing significantly boosts high school and college graduation rates, as well as college admissions with scholarships,” said Chris Tress, president and CEO of Urban Youth Impact. “These are lifechanging opportunities for students who come from underserved communities, and it is exactly what we’re working to create in West Palm Beach.”
The UYI program will be modeled after a long-standing initiative at RowNewYork, a program in New York City that provides free rowing and academic resources for underserved students whose annual household income is below $100,000. Like RowNewYork, student athletes will learn team-building principles through rowing. The program will be led by founding coach John Creighton who has more than 40 years of rowing experience. Creighton started rowing at the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. He has been an active member of the Milwaukee Rowing Club since 1987 and has been coaching
youth rowers since 2019. Over the years, Creighton has competed in dozens of regattas, including the Henley Royal, Canadian Henley, USRowing Masters National Championships, World Rowing Masters, and the Head of the Charles.
UYI will begin recruiting fifth grade students in November, with plans to expand the program up to eighth grade in the coming years. No rowing or athletic experience is required. Participants must commit to attend rowing practices, and student support and success activities.
Photos courtesy of McCarthy Images and Urban Youth Impact.
Parade boat passing the Jupiter Lighthouse (Photo by Susan Speaks McGirt Photography)
Jupiter Lighthouse (Photography by Susan Speaks McGirt)
PBRA boathouse front exterior
Urban Youth Impact students
Chris Tress, president of Urban Youth Impact
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The annual event is a passion project for Jupiter Law Center’s principal attorney, Adam Gumson, and his wife Lissa, whose oldest daughter, Ava, was diagnosed as an infant with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare congenital neurological seizure disorder affecting almost only girls which inhibits the normal development of motor skills, sight and speech, causing mild to profound developmental delays. When she was diagnosed, the Gumsons were informed that Ava’s life expectancy was no more than two years. The seizures are managed through a variety of medicines and diet, but sometimes spike so fiercely that she is hospitalized and placed in a coma to shut her brain down long enough to permit the medical staff to combat the seizures. Although she is nonverbal, autistic, severely delayed and still has multiple daily seizures, she is a happy, joyful girl whose smile and laugh lights up a room, especially if Elmo is singing on the Ipad she religiously watches.
She attended The Learning Academy on the campus of the Els Center of Excellence until June 2024, enjoying the interaction with the wonderful staff and other autistic children. Now a fullfledged adult at 21, Ava continues to defy the odds and bring joy to everyone who meets her. Her battles with seizures and the Gumson family’s battle with insurance companies which improperly deny basic medicine and equipment needs are common threads that affect all Aicardi families.
What started as a small party with friends and family hosted at the Gumsons’ home in the early years has blossomed into a much larger annual event held for the last six years at Tequesta Country Club. Since only 4,000 girls worldwide are afflicted with Aicardi Syndrome, there is very little money for research, and the foundation is made up entirely of volunteers (mostly the affected families and their extended family and friends). The monies raised since 2005 help the foundation fund research grants at Baylor University and subsidize the cost for Aicardi families to attend the every-other-year Family Conference by paying for the families’ rooms and food. The conferences play a major role in providing support and information to families caring for their own Aicardi girl, and families from all over the world gather to attend lectures and exchange information with the only other people who understand what living with and caring for an Aicardi daughter entails.
The most recent conference was held in July 2025, and was the largest conference ever, with 126 families from all over the United States as well as Canada, France, Ireland, Japan and Mexico, including a whopping 40 new families.
Adam Gumson took over as president of the foundation in June of 2024 with one of the main goals being to encourage more families to engage in fundraising in their own communities because the cost of hosting conferences has risen so dramatically over the past few years. “One Family Conference costs approximately $150,000 for the food, rooms and AV equipment necessary to host a successful and wellattended four-day conference, so our party, and other families’ fundraising efforts, are absolutely essential to support the continuation of the great work that the foundation does.”
Lissa Gumson added that “There is no other place in the world we and other Aicardi families can go that everyone in the room knows what you are going through. The Family Conferences help create and develop a community of families who are all going through the same things, like what medicines and diets work best to combat seizures, what medical procedures and therapies have helped, what equipment and other technology have improved the quality of life and what other ‘hacks’ parents have instituted to make their and their daughters’ lives a bit less challenging.”
The Gumsons have become more and more active in the foundation over the years, with Adam lecturing at the conferences on various topics such as estate planning, guardianship and fundraising and Lissa handling a variety of the foundation’s administrative and banking matters. The Gumsons’ other two children, Lilly and Zane, attend the conferences and assist with childcare and speak on the sibling panel, answering questions from new families about what it is like to have a sister with Aicardi Syndrome. “Their participation has helped them feel like they are not alone since they get to see and meet other families, and especially other siblings, dealing with similar issues, and both of them have become so much more grounded and empathetic by just being present at the conferences and being exposed to the highs and lows of living with an Aicardi sister,” Lissa Gumson stated. Adam Gumson added, “Aside from the obvious camaraderie of being in a room full of others who understand, it gives hope to a lot of new families who have recently been diagnosed and are
scared about their future, just as we and every other Aicardi parent was initially.” He then relayed two comments posted on Facebook by two new families who attended their first conference in July: “The conference made a profound impact on our family. We have a hope that we didn’t think was possible and feel like we’ve been wrapped in one big hug that we didn’t even know we needed.” Another new family posted: “This group has given so much hope to my family, and we are beyond thankful to God for this community and found family.” After reading the posts, Adam Gumson stated, “No one wanted to be a part of this club but, if there is a silver lining, it is that it has introduced us to such incredible people from all over the world and taught us and our children that there is something really special about helping and supporting others on similar journeys rather than just being concerned with ourselves. It has been incredibly rewarding for our whole family to be so involved.”
To learn more about Aicardi Syndrome, the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, Ava Shaye Gumson and/or the other Aicardi girls, log on to www.aicardisyndromefoundation.org or contact Adam Gumson at Jupiter Law Center at (561) 7444600 if you have any other questions about Aicardi Syndrome or about how you can help support the foundation.
sporTs
Jupiter Senior Softball News
The Jupiter Senior Softball Association held a Veterans Day tribute honoring all who have served in the military.
The pregame ceremony at Jupiter Community Park November 10 featured more than 60 players gathered before a large American flag and a presentation by Army Veteran Gary Vitaletti.
“Today, we honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” Vitaletti said. The ceremony served as a reminder to veterans that we honor their dedication and sacrifices and that they will never be forgotten.
November 11, 1919 was proclaimed as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the first anniversary of the cessation of fighting in World War I, Vitaletti said. In 1975 Congress codified the date and President Gerald Ford signed the public law “formally recognizing veterans to be celebrated exclusively on November 11, no matter the day of week.”
About a dozen veterans in the audience were applauded for their service when they were asked to step forward. They included veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard.
The ceremony concluded with John Cariero playing a recording of the National Anthem. Then it was “play ball” as players took to the fields for scheduled games.
The slow-pitch senior softball program is open to persons 55 and older and new players are welcome. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791 or to register online go to www.leaguelineup.com/jssa.
John Cariero, right, and Gary Vitaletti at the Veterans Day ceremony
Veterans from most military branches were recognized for their service.
Jupiter Senior Softball players gathered before the flag for a Veterans Day tribute.
Medicare Corner With Kathy O
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ends on Dec. 7, and this is the time to review your coverage and make changes for the coming year. Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, a few simple steps can help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure your benefits work for you.
Have Your Own Medicare Agent
The single most important thing you can do is to have your own Medicare agent. Your agent is a valuable, no-cost resource who can help reorder lost cards, answer benefit questions, review notices and claim statements, and provide a list of specialists.
An agent can also help you understand those confusing television ads and the “Medicare gossip” you might hear from friends. Best of all, there is no fee to work with an agent—your plan pays them, not you.
Moving? Talk To Your Agent First
If you are planning a move, do not change your address directly with your Medicare Advantage, Supplement, or Drug Plan carrier before talking to your agent. Changing your address too early can cause your plan to end at the close of the current month, even if you haven’t moved yet—potentially leaving you without coverage.
The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for moving depends on when you notify your plan:
• If you tell your plan before you move, your opportunity to switch plans starts the month before you move and continues for two full months afterward
• If you tell your plan after you move, your chance begins the month you notify your plan and continues for two additional months
Update Your Address With Medicare
It’s also important to update your address with Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA). This can be done online at ssa.gov or by phone.
Social Security serves as the gatekeeper for Medicare. Your earnings history tracked by SSA determines your
arTs & enTerTainmenT
eligibility (based on 40 work quarters). SSA also sets your Part B premium and collects it—either through automatic deductions from your Social Security benefits or, if you’re not yet receiving benefits, through quarterly Medicare bills.
Enrollment Periods To Remember
If you still need to review or change your Medicare plan, there’s another opportunity during the Open Enrollment Period , which runs from Jan. 1 through March 30 . You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life events.
Have Questions Or Need Help?
If you have questions about your plan, coverage options, or upcoming changes, now is the perfect time to contact a licensed Medicare agent. Your agent can guide you through the process and ensure you stay protected and informed.
For assistance or to suggest future Medicare topics, email czak82@aol.com
Community Foundation For Palm Beach And Martin Counties To Host
13th Annual Founders Luncheon On Feb. 11 At Kravis Center
Event will feature USF Hunger Expert Dr. David Himmelgreen, Philanthropist Marshall Field V, and nonprofit partners working on reliable access to healthy, affordable food across our region
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties announced today that it will host its 13th Annual Founders Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Dr. David Himmelgreen, director for the University of South Florida (USF) Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), will be keynote speaker; Marshall Field V, a noted philanthropist, will receive the 2026 McIntosh Award for outstanding service.
The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues, holds its Founders Luncheon each year to rally hundreds of donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders around a key community issue.
This year’s event, themed “Hope for Hunger,” will spotlight local donors and nonprofit partners working to ensure reliable access to healthy, affordable food across Palm Beach and Martin counties. Co-hosts of the event are Jeffrey A. Stoops, chair of Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.
“Food insecurity affects families in every zip code— often quietly, but with real and lasting consequences,” said DeHaney. “Through this year’s theme, Hope for Hunger, we aim to shine a light on the incredible local organizations
ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a future where no one in Palm Beach or Martin County goes hungry.”
Himmelgreen, Ph.D., is a biomedical anthropologist and professor in the Department of Anthropology at USF. Dr. Himmelgreen’s research focuses on food insecurity and health, foodas-medicine initiatives, and nutrition education. He has conducted research in the United States, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Lesotho, and India.
Dr. Himmelgreen founded and directs the USF CAFSHC, a statewide center recognized by the Florida Board of Governors. CAFSHC’s mission is to eliminate food insecurity through research, education, and innovative strategies that increase access to affordable, nutritious foods and create healthier communities. The center works closely with community partners to design and evaluate programs that improve food security, health, and well-being. He also co-organized the USF Future of Food Think Tank and is an active member of the Florida Alliance for Food Security which is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“I look forward to joining the Palm Beach and Martin counties’ giving community to shed light on what true food security means,” said Dr. Himmelgreen. “It’s crucial in this moment to understand the ecosystem that sustains food access, the threats it faces, and proven ways to strengthen it, including approaches like ‘Food Is Medicine’ programs that not only stem hunger but improve health and reduce healthcare costs.”
Marshall Field V of Hobe Sound, a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation, has been named the 2026 McIntosh Award recipient. Named in honor of Community Foundation founders Winsome and Michael McIntosh, the award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, generosity, and service.
Field—a fifth-generation philanthropist from a family celebrated for its civic leadership—is known for his enduring commitment to Martin County through volunteer service and strategic philanthropy. His lifelong passion for environmental conservation, education, healthcare, and the arts continues to shape and strengthen the community. 2026 Event Sponsors include (as of 11/10/2025): Marshall Field V, The Kolter Group, R&M Hagan Family Fund, Renay and William Meyer, Julie F. and Peter D. Cummings, Timothy and Karen Burke, Mary Pat and Darren Alcus, Sherry and Tom Barrat, Storage Rentals of America, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, FPL, Findlay Galleries, Palm Health Foundation, Eileen Berman and Devin Krauss Family Foundation, Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelley, Bill and Fayre Mynatt, Beth Neuhoff and Steve Frank, The Everglades Foundation, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Kevin and Marsha Powers, Hon. Sheree Davis Cunningham (Ret.) and Earnie Ellison Jr., The Palm Beach Post LocalIQ, Palm Beach Illustrated, and WLRN NPR.
For additional information, tickets, and sponsorship information, please visit https://founders. yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Learn more about the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties at https:// yourcommunityfoundation.org.
Dr. David Himmelgreen
The Pet Cottage Launches $1,000,000 Fundraising Campaign To Secure A Forever Home For Pets Who’ve Lost Their Human
Local nonprofit seeks community support to purchase a permanent sanctuary property in Jupiter Farms
The Pet Cottage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that gives people the peace of mind that their pets will always be cared for, has launched a $1,000,000 fundraising campaign to purchase a permanent home for its sanctuary and the pets who depend on it.
For over a decade, The Pet Cottage has provided homestyle care for dogs and cats who lose their humans due to death, disability, or deployment. Founded on the belief that “The Pet Cottage is not just a place—it’s a promise,” the organization offers a stable, peaceful environment where pets rediscover love, safety, belonging, purpose, companionship, and value.
Now, The Pet Cottage faces a defining moment—one that will determine the future of its forever promise to pets. The sanctuary’s current lease is ending, and the owner has chosen not to renew or sell. To move forward, the organization must raise $300,000 for a down payment that will open the door to financing and a permanent home in Jupiter Farms. This down payment is the key to a million-dollar intention—a forever sanctuary fully owned and sustained by the community that believes in it. More than half has already been raised; now the final stretch will decide when The Pet Cottage can move forward into its next chapter of love, safety, and lifelong care.
“While we don’t yet know exactly where we’ll land, we know the right home is just around the corner,” said Founder and Executive Director, Wendy Derhak. “The Pet Cottage has never been about a building—it’s about belonging. It’s about the love and security we promise to every pet who’s lost their person.”
The new home will provide stability for the 17 pets currently living at The Pet Cottage, a welcoming hub for guardians, volunteers, and community members, and a lasting foundation for the organization’s forever promise that pets will always have a loving home.
“When you support The Pet Cottage, you become part of our Circle of Protection—a community of helpers who ensure that pets who lose their humans always have love, safety, and belonging,” Wendy added. “We can’t change every story, but we can change the story for one—and that matters.”
How The Community Can Help
• Give: Every dollar brings The Pet Cottage closer to securing its Forever Home. Donations can be made through GoFundMe, online at www.thepetcottage.org, or by mailing a check to The Pet Cottage, 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478.
• Connect: Know someone with property or land that might fit the sanctuary’s needs? Contact the team at (561) 818-5025.
• Share: Spread the word through social media, community groups, or local networks to help The Pet Cottage find its Forever Home.
About The Pet Cottage
Founded in 2012, The Pet Cottage is a nonprofit sanctuary that provides homestyle care for pets who lose their humans due to death, disability, or deployment. Through our Lifelong Guardianship Program, we promise our pets will always have the home, care, and love they deserve – for life.
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Nine Months To Go: How Juniors Can Get A Head Start On College Applications
For high school juniors, college application season may seem far away, but in reality, it’s only about nine months until applications begin opening. This year is critical for students to prepare academically, personally, and strategically so they can enter senior year ready to apply with confidence.
The first step is academics. Junior year grades are the last full year colleges will see on transcripts before applications are submitted, so maintaining strong grades and challenging coursework is key. Students
By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed., Class 101 Owner/College Advisor
should also focus on standardized testing. Whether planning for the SAT, ACT, or both, now is the time to register, prepare, and take exams early enough to allow for retesting if needed.
Beyond academics, juniors should begin exploring colleges that align with their interests, preferred sizes, and academic goals. Visiting campuses, whether virtually or in person, helps students narrow down their list and understand what they’re looking for. It’s also helpful to start building a résumé of extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles that reflect personal strengths and passions.
This is where Class 101’s Super Junior Program makes all the difference. Designed specifically for high school juniors, this program helps students make the most of their final months before senior year. Through one-on-one
arT happenings
guidance, students receive expert support with test prep, college research, essay planning, scholarship searches, and more. The program helps them stay organized, set goals, and create a strong foundation for college applications long before deadlines approach.
With the Super Junior Program, students gain confidence and direction while reducing the stress that often comes with college planning. By starting now, juniors can avoid the lastminute rush and make thoughtful, informed decisions about their future. College application season will be here before you know it, so take the time to prepare, plan, and let Class 101 help you turn your college dreams into reality.
For more information on our services, please call or text (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com, Class101. com/northpalmbeachfl.
Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Art In Bloom Event
Floral Designers Interpret Botanical Artwork In A Multisensory Fundraiser Benefiting Education, Exhibitions And Free Outreach Services
Creativity was in full bloom at Lighthouse ArtCenter’s first-ever Art in Bloom fundraiser, held Nov. 6 to 8, in Tequesta. The immersive, multisensory event drew more than 150 guests to the opening reception on Nov. 6, where they experienced a stunning collaboration between fine art and floral design.
Proceeds support Lighthouse ArtCenter’s mission to bring the joy of art to all through exhibitions, educational programs, and free outreach services for veterans, seniors, children, and individuals with special needs.
The event took place in the gallery during the exhibition Delicate Expressions and featured the photorealistic botanical paintings of artist Karen Tucker Kuykendall, contemporary art jewelry, and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements created by leading South Florida floral designers inspired by artworks in the exhibition. Delicate Expressions was generously sponsored by Cary Stamp & Co.
The opening night reception on Thursday, Nov. 6, sponsored by Debra and Peter Tornaben, featured light bites, libations, and raffle drawings for floral arrangements.
“Art in Bloom beautifully captured the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines our ArtCenter,” said Jeni Licata Shaw, executive director of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “We are grateful to our designers, sponsors, and community supporters who helped bring this incredible vision to life.”
“It’s an amazing experience to see floral arrangements in a gallery setting,” said Anthony Record, curator of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “It encourages people to look more closely than they normally would, and it gave me a new
appreciation for the intricacy, craft, and technical skill of florists. Watching creative people use a completely different medium and go all out in their responses to the exhibition’s artworks was truly inspiring.”
The following generous sponsors made Art in Bloom possible, including Pedestal Sponsors: Karl F. and Teryn B. Weintz (sponsored two pedestals), Bull Dog Marketing, The Corcoran Group (Jupiter Island: Susan Turner and Joanne Wagner), Holland Real Estate & Home Advisory, Glenda and Jeff Hoops, Kramer & Copeland P.A., Jane and Patrick O’Neill, Mary Rumy, Martie and Bob Sachs; Peony Sponsor: The LaFrance Project; Hydrangea Sponsor: Pat and Blaise DeAloia; Rose Sponsors: Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers, Tracy Siani; Tulip Sponsors: Margie Agoston, Linda Janney, McCarthy, Summers, Wood, Norman, Selby & Schultz, P.A., Sandra Schofield.
For more information about art classes, exhibitions, and events, visit lighthousearts.org.
Yvette Shakespeare
Jane and Patrick O’Neill Glenda and Jeff Hoops
Jennifer LaFrance, Jeni Licata Shaw and Lisa LaFrance
Teryn and Karl Weintz and Nadia Smith
Smart Financial Moves To Make Before Year-End
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to make some smart moves before the calendar flips to 2026. Think of it as a financial tune-up that could help with saving money and setting you up for success in the months ahead. Here are some things to consider.
• Don’t forget about required withdrawals. If you’re 73 or older, you’ll need to take your required minimum distribution from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn’t. This rule also applies to some people who inherited retirement accounts, including certain Roth accounts.
• Use your flexible spending money. Got money sitting in a flexible spending account at work? Remember, these accounts follow a “use it or lose it” rule. Check with your HR department about your plan’s specific deadlines for spending the money and submitting receipts. Whether it’s that dental work you’ve been putting off or new prescription glasses you need, now’s the time to use those funds before they disappear.
• Boost your retirement savings. Consider ramping up your pretax retirement contributions before year-end. Not only will this help your future self, but it might also reduce your current tax bill. If your workplace plan allows it, you can even set up automatic increases for next year so you won’t have to remember to do it later.
• Share the wealth through gifting. In 2025, the current tax rules let you give family or friends up to $19,000 per person without affecting your lifetime gift tax exemption. Married couples can combine their allowances to give up to $38,000 per person. Plus, you can pay someone’s tuition or medical
bills directly without these payments counting against your gift limits at all.
• Navigate new tax changes. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made several tax provisions permanent, including lower individual tax rates and higher standard deductions. However, it also introduces new changes that might affect your situation. It’s worth sitting down with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how these updates impact your specific circumstances.
• Examine your investments. Take some time to review your investment portfolio. Ask yourself: Did your investments perform as expected this year? Do they still match your goals and comfort level with risk? You might need to rebalance things to get back on track.
• Build up your emergency fund. It’s ideal to have enough cash saved to cover three to six months of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This safety net can prevent you from having to raid your retirement savings when unexpected expenses pop up.
• Review your estate planning documents. This is especially important if you’ve had major life changes like marriage, divorce or a new baby. Don’t forget to check the beneficiary designations on all your bank and brokerage accounts as well as life insurance policies – these often override what’s written in your will.
Taking care of these financial housekeeping tasks now can help you start the new year on solid ground.
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.
Remember the heartbreak you felt when you lost a pet? The house got so quiet … and the quiet was so loud. No paws on the floor. No wagging tail waiting by the door. No heartbeat following you from room to room.
The Pet Cottage Post Home For The Holidays: Our Circle
Of Protection
By Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director
Now imagine if your pet lost you. No one to scratch their belly. No one to throw the ball. No one to snuggle in bed with.
That’s what we see every day at The Pet Cottage, pets who’ve lost their humans to death, disability, or deployment. Here, love doesn’t end when life changes.
We make a Forever Promise to every pet who comes through our doors: that they will always be loved, always be safe, and always have a Forever Home.
As we prepare to move to a new sanctuary home, we know The Pet Cottage has never been about a building. It’s about belonging.
Belonging that looks like this—a win-win-win for one very special girl.
Win 1: A Family Finding Peace
When Lola Grace’s person passed away, her elderly mother suddenly faced two losses: her daughter, and the little dog who was her last connection to her. Though it broke her heart, she knew she couldn’t give Lola Grace the care she needed. So, she reached out to The Pet Cottage for help, trusting us to carry that love forward.
Win 2: A Pet Finding Safety
Lola Grace, an 11-year-old Schnauzer mix arrived confused and grieving. Shortly after being at the sanctuary, we saw her lovely spirit emerge. She quickly became part of the pack, enjoying attention, and sharing her wiggle butt and radiant smile.
Win 3: A New Family Finding Purpose
When Forever Guardians Ronnie and Lisa met Lola Grace, it was love at first sight. They’d always adored Schnauzers but worried about the cost of senior care on a fixed income. Thanks to The Pet Cottage’s Forever Promise, all of Lola’s medical and preventative care is covered for life.
Not long after settling in, Lola Grace developed diabetes. As fate would have it, Ronnie lives with diabetes too. Now the two of them share morning walks, medication routines, and an unmistakable bond that proves love really does find its match.
This season, that love feels especially bright. Around the sanctuary, tails wag and hearts mend. You might find Mister curled up in his yard, content and cared for. Umberto, Lucy, and Sugar share Anne, our program director’s lap as she works at her desk, and Dottie chases tennis balls with a volunteer while BJ investigates the big dog park.
Each once knew loss. Each now knows safety, companionship, and joy because someone like you made sure of it.
When you give to The Pet Cottage, you strengthen this Circle of Protection, one pet, one promise, one act of love at a time.
You might think, “I can’t do enough.”
But here’s the truth: you can do something.
• $18 helps senior pets like Lola Grace get their daily meds with a little treat and a lot of love.
• $50 gives comfort to new arrivals adjusting to sanctuary life.
• $100 keeps meals in bowls and tails wagging for two full weeks.
• $250 ensures every resident sees the vet when needed—no waiting, no worry.
• $500 moves us closer to the new forever home your heart is helping build.
As we close this year and step into the next, our hearts are full of gratitude, of hope, and of the deep knowing that love always finds its way home.
Thank you for being part of that journey—our forever family, our circle of protection, our home for the holidays.
Happy Holidays from The Pet Cottage.
To learn more, share a lead, or make a gift toward the Sanctuary Home Fund and the ongoing care of the pets we serve, visit ThePetCottage.org, make a check out to The Pet Cottage and mail it to 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478 or call (561) 818-5025.
Anne, Sugar Baby, Lucy and Umberto working hard
Dottie playing fetch, photo by Sandra Effertz Mister enjoying his life, photo by Sandra Effertz
Forever Guardians Lisa and Ronnie with Lola Grace
Forever Guardian Lisa with Lola Grace Forever Guardian Ronnie shopping with Lola Grace
