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 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
Ibis Charities Foundation Awards Over $530,000 In 2025 Season Of Giving
The 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 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 mid-March, the Ibis Charities Grants Committee presented funding recommendations 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
Wheelchairs 4 Kids Receives $7,500 Grant From Admirals Cove Foundation
To Help Children With Physical Disabilities In Northern Palm Beach
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 disabled children. Since its inception, the organization has
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
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“This unique engine (the heart in love) has always captivated humanity. Indeed, we have often believed that everything is under its command.” ~~Pierre Berville
The Singles Scene Column©
No Tariffs On Love
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
Summer is upon us, and it will go quickly, so let’s consider some fun facts about the allure of June. Welcome to extra sunshine, beach days, nostalgic rock music, and nights that don’t start until 9:00 p.m. Summer romances can last forever, so swipe left on the fling because we are here for the real thing. Tan lines will fade, but real love will not. Yet, many singles get weighed down by emotional overload, economic woes, and fear of rejection. Singles wonder: Are relationships still worth the cost? At Revolution Dating, our answer is simple: Yes. Because in our community, there are no tariffs on love, only massive returns.
Real love is not subject to market fluctuations. Unlike the swipe-happy online dating addicts, our confidential matchmaking service offers something truly recessionproof~~ a priceless genuine connection. A dynamic duo will always live better than a single person. Finding (the right) love interest is and will always be your wisest and most significant investment. You have a financial advisor. Factor in a love advisor and thank us later.
Caveat: Remember to share this with someone you care about, and know that this information suits the SINGLE and the TAKEN, ages 20 to 80.
The Cost of the Modern Dating Dilemma: High Risk. Low Reward.
With 34 years of experience, let us share the hardcore facts. Using online dating apps or rolling the dice in the bar may appear “free” on the surface, but the hidden costs are steep. Take notes on this and bring it up at your next dinner party.
• Time wasted messaging incompatible matches or attempting to vet each candidate with your limited free time.
• Emotional burnout from ghosting, catfishing, or worse someone in another country trying to gain access to your bank account information. It happens more often than you think but no one will tell you.
• Safety concerns exist, especially for high-net worth professionals and upscale retirees. Do not post your photos on a public forum for all to envy. This can lead to identity theft, fake profiles, or an awkward encounter in your social circle. Many have seen their clients or neighbors on these sites, making both parties incredibly uncomfortable.
• The Inevitable Dating App Fatigue that drains confidence and hope. With social media alone, self-esteem is at an all-time low, so why bother? Technology is for work. Not for love. Nothing beats traditional and old-fashioned introductions.
Online dating platforms can feel like a clearance rack in the back of the store ... i.e., the unwanted and out of style. Discerning singles, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs must step it up to meet a good partner. Matchmaking is in, and online dating is out, and this phenomenon has been escalating dramatically over the last ten years. Real people with real success do not use online dating forums.
Enter: Matchmaking Skills.
At Revolution Dating, we know you’ve worked hard to build a quality life, and your love life should mirror your high standards. Modern dating should not feel like
a gamble. Curated, confidential connections tailored to your lifestyle, values, and goals trump stranger danger every night of summer. So, quit while you are ahead and focus on your day job while we focus on your love life and coaching (you may need). Chemistry is found in real-life connections. Unlike online platforms that profit from your endless swiping to KEEP YOU SINGLE, we succeed when you stop looking and pair off. This is why we offer unlimited introductions all summer long. We do not want to keep you dating. That is more work for us. We love a one-and-done.
Insurance Policy on Romance?
Get real. Dating is expensive—not just in dollars but in emotional wear and tear. Bad dates, dashed hopes, and wasted weekends add up. Our talent, vast connections, and skillset protect your most valuable assets: your time, energy, money, and heart. Unlike the digital Wild West of online dating, our process is built for discretion. If you are a public figure, C-suite genius, or someone who values privacy, our matchmaking ensures your personal life stays private.
Jet-Set Sans Jet-Lag.
Why does summer lovin’ happen so fast? In a nutshell, people are more open, spontaneous, and relaxed. This is the only time of year that single parents of school-age children get a life, too. CONGRATS, SINGLE PARENTS! Energy is lighter and more playful, making summer the ideal condition for escalating a meaningful relationship. Your summer love story does not require a plane ticket, but an open mindset is mandatory. You can vacation in your backyard with your plus-one by your side. Just remember, our flights book quickly, so don’t delay or you may get stranded.
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$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) 6258500 or visit www.clubatibis.com.
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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 “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. 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 brickand-mortar office in your backyard in the exclusive PGA Commons business neighborhood. Last month, the team celebrated many of Revolution Dating Receives BEST OF 2025 from Florida Weekly! #AwardWinningMatchmakers
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
Bruce & Brenda thank Kelly and Miranda with Beautiful Bouquets. #SpreadTheLove Meet New Client, Austin! #TallHunkAlert
Boulevard. Revolution Dating invites you to embrace love with them this summer. You belong here. #TellYourFriends #SummerLovin
THE POWER OF ACADEMIC MEDICINE NEAR YOU
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For nearly two decades, we’ve been ranked one of the Nation’s Best Hospitals and we continue to be Florida’s highest ranked hospital in multiple specialties. For a consultation, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
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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 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 nationally-recognized 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.”
Scarola’s charitable contributions extend beyond The Lord’s Place, providing support for The Guatemalan-Maya 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
Stephen Miller • Elizabeth Miller Sales
Tom English • Margo Williams
Laura Berrio • Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter • Alyssa Debban
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Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney Andie Reynolds
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.”
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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 lifechanging 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
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.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids continue to provide safe and customized solutions for children in need, right in their own backyard.
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.
Photo Credit: Capehart Photography
Pamela McIver, Jack Scarola, and Kerry Diaz
Debra Vasilopoulos and Jack Scarola
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 communitybased 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)
Best Bin Caddy
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
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 eastcentral 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.
Rainfall totals for Hurricane Helene – Sept. 25 to 27, 2024
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.
• 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
Commissioner’s Update
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!
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://
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office.
Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, first-aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too.
If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t 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.
Tornado damage in Palm Beach Gardens – October 9, 2024
Community Unites To Champion Glazer Hall’s Artistic Vision
The Palm Beach community gathered to celebrate and support Glazer Hall’s vision for the future of the performing arts at an exclusive evening reception hosted by Jill and Avie Glazer on Thursday, April 17. Held in the west courtyard of The Royal Poinciana Plaza, more than 100 guests enjoyed a close-up view of Glazer Hall’s building site and learned more about what promises to be Palm Beach’s most significant artistic development in more than six decades.
The elegant evening included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and special performances by a string quartet from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and saxophone recording artist Eirinn Abu. Renowned historian René Silvin delivered a compelling chronicle of the iconic Royal Poinciana Playhouse. He traced its storied legacy from its grand opening in 1958 to its lasting impact today, and its pivotal role in shaping Palm Beach’s creative future. Guests connected with other passionate and
like-minded individuals who were inspired to support and be part of Glazer Hall’s enduring artistic legacy.
Set to debut in the 2025/26 season, Glazer Hall will be a state-of-the-art, nonprofit performing arts center. With its uniquely intimate and flexible design, the venue will serve as a premier destination for live performances and a cornerstone of Palm Beach’s thriving arts community.
Glazer Hall stands as a testament to Jill and Avie Glazer’s unwavering commitment to restoring and reimagining the historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse. Honoring its architectural heritage, the center will preserve the original John Volk design elements, while introducing a 400-seat theater with retractable seating, a cutting-edge audiovisual system, a wall of windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and exclusive private spaces.
For more information about Glazer Hall and how to support its mission, please email contact@glazerhall.org, call (561) 576-7860, or visit glazerhall.org.
Allison Stockel, Avram Glazer, Jill Glazer
Gail Worth, Barbara Gilbert
Robert Versteeg, Carole Gigliotti, Richard Rene Silvin
Fanning Hearon, Lisa Korman Avila
Maynard Monrow, Allison Raddock
Hazel Schultz, Michael Schultz, Judy Berkowitz
Julie Reveley, Rob Reveley
Nicole Williams, Keith Williams
Kara Ackerman, Peter Soriento
Erinn Abu
String quartet from Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Photos by Serena Woodward Photography
Carefully Consider Social Security Decisions
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
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.
Local Teen Keaton
• 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.)
• 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 higher-benefit 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 lowerbenefit spouse claims their benefits before their full retirement age, their own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit will be
Charity sPotlight
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.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
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
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.
Pet Matters
The Pet Cottage Post Forever Promises:
How Love Lives On
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.
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.
We’re
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
Mister with a cone
Cookie and Kevin
Michelle and Sally Mister and Beary
Tampa General: Florida’s Provider Of Choice For Complex Care
As Florida’s leading academic health system for more than 50 years, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine combine education, research and clinical care that leverages cutting-edge technologies. As a result, the hospital deploys nextgeneration therapies and treatment that drive advances in complex care. The academic health system has also established strategic partnerships with the state’s best physicians and practices, expanding local communities’ access to academic medicine. Together, these elements converge to make Tampa General the provider of choice for patients needing complex care throughout Florida.
Physicians in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast join Tampa General and USF Health as a reflection of their commitment to advance research, innovation and technology to transform health care for their patients. Currently, the Tampa General network has more than 75 providers and 300 staff members in 13 medical specialties, practicing in 20 locations on Florida’s East Coast.
If patients in the Palm Beaches need to transfer to Tampa General for complex care, their trusted local physician can make the transition seamless, providing presurgical and postsurgical care. The most common treatments for which East Coast patients typically transfer to Tampa General are oncology, hematology, oncologic surgeries, complex neurosurgeries and organ transplants.
Tampa General recently ranked No. 1 in the nation for transplants by volume, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. With 889 transplants completed in 2024, the academic health system also set a new national record for transplant procedures in one year.
Organ Perfusion Technology Enhances Quality Transplant Outcomes
One of the reasons Tampa General ranks high for transplants is its utilization of organ perfusion technology. This game-changing approach allows donor organs to function outside the body in a machine while continuously supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Organ perfusion offers several advantages, including the ability to:
• Preserve organs for longer periods
• Retrieve organs from a wider geographical area
• Expand access to lifesaving transplants
• Take on more complex cases
• Enhance quality transplant outcomes
Historically, Tampa General has some of the most efficient transplant timelines in the country and in Florida, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. On any given day, there are 150 to 180 transplant patients in the hospital.
In the Palm Beaches, practices such as TGH Advanced Kidney Care and TGH Digestive Health Center often refer patients to Tampa General for transplants. In addition, TGH Digestive Health Center’s Dr. Sonja K. Olsen is Palm Beach and Martin counties’ only transplant hepatologist. Robotic-Assisted Technology Addresses Microsurgeries Beyond transplants, another major advance at the hospital occurred in late 2024, when Tampa General became the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the Symani Surgical System. This robotic-assisted technology addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.
The system features incredibly small robotic components coupled with enhanced controls, allowing surgeons to make ultraprecise sutures on tiny blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves, even those as small as 2 millimeters. In addition, the Symani Surgical System features tremor-reducing and motion-scaling technology for the ultimate in precision and control. The system is currently being used at TGH in delicate surgery to correct lymphedema, a troubling side effect of cancer treatment in many women. This groundbreaking technology increases quality of life for those battling or recovering from cancer.
Tampa General was the first hospital in the southeast to acquire the Symani Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that addresses the scale and complexity of microsurgeries.
Strategic Collaborations Define The Future Of Medicine
Through collaboration with USF Health and, most recently, its alliance with Mass General Brigham (MGB), Tampa General is defining the future of medicine.
The hospital draws upon and utilizes the expertise of USF Health’s faculty, graduates, residents, interns and current students. These individuals challenge boundaries and strive for innovative solutions to medically complex issues. This potent mix produces high-caliber research and development that gives rise to cutting-edge drugs, surgical techniques and treatment paradigms that enhance patient care.
Tampa General’s partnership with Mass General Brigham further augments the academic health system’s expertise. The two hospitals’ first joint venture in Palm Beach County is to create a 20,000-square-foot radiation oncology center at Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens. Together, TGH and Mass General Brigham will create a robust, integrated team of experts. All team members will cross-collaborate, share and support one other to deliver high-quality, responsive and customized care for each patient.
For more information about the complex care backed by academic medicine that Tampa General provides to the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, visit TGH.org/ ThePalmBeaches.
Dr. David Amrose, nephrologist with TGH Advanced Kidney Care, and Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute.
