Abacoa OCT 2025

Exciting Renovations At Abacoa Golf Club!

What’s New

Dear Abacoa,

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates happening at Abacoa Golf Club this summer! In our ongoing efforts to maintain a warm, welcoming, and elevated atmosphere for our guests and members, we have recently completed several enhancements to the clubhouse interior.

• Fresh Paint: A clean, modern color palette now brightens up our spaces and reflects the contemporary charm of our club.

• New Light Fixtures: Thoughtfully selected lighting adds warmth, elegance, and improved visibility throughout the clubhouse.

• Updated Carpet: Brand-new carpeting brings comfort and a refined aesthetic to our event spaces and common areas.

These upgrades are part of our commitment to creating the best possible experience for golfers, event guests, and the entire Abacoa community. Whether you’re here for a round of golf, a special celebration, or simply to relax with friends, we hope you enjoy the refreshed look and feel of your club.

We are also proud to offer lunch in our Grille Room 360 days out of the year— perfect for a casual meal after golf or a midday meetup with friends.

Now is the perfect time to call us to plan your events for 2026 and 2027. Our beautifully updated clubhouse is ideal for weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings.

We can’t wait to welcome you back and show off the improvements!

Exciting Renovations At Abacoa Golf Club! on page 12

Warm regards,

The Abacoa Golf Club Team

N ews & A ctivities

Letter From The Desk Of The Property Manager

Hello and Happy Florida Fall everyone. Who doesn’t love when our weather cools down! Enjoy the cooler weather here in Abacoa, with a walk on our beautiful oak lined streets.

Don’t miss a Downtown visit for a holiday starter boost in the familiar fall sights of holiday decorated store windows boasting Halloween goodies and hoodies. The smells of everything pumpkin baked goods and coffees, the sounds of holiday chatter and cheer, coming from the cafes and fooderies letting us know the holiday season is near!

A cool night under the starlit sky sounds nice … visit the Abacoa Amphitheater on Saturday, Oct. 18 for a Tribute to the iconic band Fleetwood Mac—Fleetwood Mach at 7:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Annual Board Meeting on Nov. 18 this year. Join us at the newly renovated and beautiful Abacoa Golf Club. Don’t miss this year’s meeting celebrating the Town of Jupiter’s 100-Year Anniversary with some very special guest speakers to be announced in next month’s newspaper!

APOA U P d Ate Abacoa POA Meeting Notices

Official notification is posted via the bulletin board outside the POA office as well as the Abacoa website. Members may view and/or download Abacoa POA agendas and approved minutes from Abacoa.com.

Notice of APOA Board of Directors Meeting –Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 11:30 a.m. –APOA office or Zoom

Notice of Monthly CAC Meeting –Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m. –APOA Office or Zoom

The deadline to submit CAC materials for review is one week prior to the CAC meeting. All Meetings Subject to Change

All meetings to be held at the offices of the Abacoa POA, 1200 University Blvd., Suite 102, Jupiter, FL. 33458 or via Zoom.US unless otherwise posted.

Articles herein are the creation of the individual writers, and do not express the opinion of the APOA.

By printing an article herein, the APOA is not endorsing the writer, the article’s content, or any business referred to herein.

The APOA will not be responsible for errors contained herein, or related to, articles.

Not all advice is equal.

Burns Wealth Management Group

Robert Burns

robert.m.burns@jpmorgan.com jpmorgan.com/burnswm

* With the purchase of a beverage with EACH meal. *Offers cannot be combined. *Offer Valid M-F Only. Dine-In Only. Expires 11/10/25 (A)

MUsic & cONcerts At AbAcOA

A Tribute Fleetwood Mac

Saturday, Oct. 18

Abacoa welcomes Fleetwood Mac tribute band Fleetwood Mach to the starlight fall nights at the Downtown Amphitheater. Come down and enjoy the show as they pay homage to and spin the timeless mystical, magical, legendary lyrics and notes spanning over almost five decades!

Fleetwood Mach will not disappoint and will have you crooning and dancing as you enjoy the authentic re-capturing of the sound, feel and emotion this tribute brings in the blend of rock, pop and blues with folk music – characterized by raw, unfiltered personal lyrics, demonstratively powerful drumming, razor sharp guitar riffs and songbird vocalists!

Hosted and brought to the Abacoa Amphitheater by Legends Radio, these free to the public tribute concerts take place on the third Saturday of every month with bands taking stage at 7:30 p.m.

The concert lawns fall on the edge of beautiful Downtown Abacoa. Come early and peruse the many quaint shops and opportunities in unique and alternative options in exercise, physical therapy, ball room dancing, stretch classes, kids’ karate, miniature golf, Osher Learning Center and locally churned rich ice cream. Then find your place at one of the many outdoor seating restaurants or bars for drinks, snacks or dinner while enjoying the bands.

The Singles Scene Column©

Find Your Perfect Fit

Special Edition Hot Tips

By: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

“’Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man”

– ZZ Top

As October begins, witness wardrobe changes and cooler weather, signaling the best time of the year has arrived (and so have you). Sweaters, boots, and extra cuddles resurface as requirements of Fall, while summer trends and flings fade away. In fashion, as in love, certain things never go out of style—they evolve, adapt, or return new and improved. Today, we will draw a relatable comparison between the pursuit of romantic happiness and the ideal wardrobe that will create your best date night look. You want a good “fit”–right? The Rules.

As always, if you are TAKEN, do share these words of hope with your single, divorced, and widowed family and friends. We are sure you would be thrilled to see your favorite single people smile brighter this holiday season. No one wants to be the fifth or seventh wheel at the dinner party this season. The last quarter of the year can and will be epic. Believe it and own your role in it. This is not a one-man job. Acquire a connector in the know. Just The Facts.

With the holidays being the biggest trigger for singles, you may catch yourself reminiscing about past loves and daydreaming about what it was like to be a “dynamic duo” during the most wonderful time of the year. You are likely to be yearning for traditional courtship of days gone by. This does still exist–and we enjoy reminding people of this long-forgotten dating norm. We believe in it. Some singles may feel uncomfortable in our modern tech era (like a fish out of water). This means It’s time to ask for help… privately…and not online. It’s time to get set up by a trusted friend (i.e. your matchmakers). If you are already working with a matchmaker, it’s time to ask and accept their advice.

Be open to change and adventure or you will go nowhere. Everything will stay the same and you will feel the same way on December 31st. Open your heart. The Hunt.

The pursuit of love is much like the hunt for the perfect date night wardrobe. This can take time, experimentation, and timing. You are in luck because we, as matchmakers, are much like the stylists at a fabulous custom boutique, ready to take on the challenge with and for you. Dating is similar to browsing the fashion racks, and both require patience, a little adventure, and the confidence to know when something fits just right. You may be struggling to find your Plus One but that is normal when you know you are in the right place. Bar none, matchmaking is a solid ticket to a happy ending in 2025. The pond is continually restocked, just like any popular boutique. Try It On.

Have you ever walked into a store and tried on an outfit, but nothing seemed to feel right? Or maybe you’ve found yourself in a fitting room with something that looked perfect on the hanger, but once you put it on, you realize it’s not for you. Dating can feel the same. You may meet someone who checks all the right boxes on paper but doesn’t feel quite right when you’re together. Next, please.

Don’t get stuck on one look. Every date won’t lead to the perfect match–but you must elevate the odds and let someone else do the vetting and setting up for you. You can adjust your expectations on your search and learn more about yourself. Also, don’t forget to work on yourself–this is a bonus for you and your future partner. If you find yourself striking out again and again–ask for help. Don’t be closed minded and blame the date or anyone else. It takes two and consider each encounter as a learning experience to help you become the best version of yourself. Regardless of your age, we should all be able to grow and learn and adapt. That is attractive.

The Perfect Fit.

Patience is a virtue. We recently had a success story of two CEOs in the club. It took the gentleman four months to find his “perfect” fit, and the woman was one and done in her first month! Finding someone you connect with will not always happen overnight. However, the wait will be worth it.

Experienced, Compassionate Breast Surgery

Love can appear unexpectedly (love at first sight). Just don’t settle for a relationship that doesn’t fit your needs and values long-term. A perfect fit is more than just superficial–it also requires the possibility of longevity. Will it stand the test of time? Look for someone emotionally, financially, and physically aligned with you and your dreams for your future.

Trust Your Stylist (aka Matchmaker).

You may feel like you can do it alone, but you can’t. You have a job, and you are not The Pro. You would not do your own doctoring or lawyering, right? Bonding with your matchmaker, being honest, and trusting the constructive advice they may give you will exponentially increase your chances of finding your perfect match that fits like a glove. Hire the best in the business. Be a smart person and connect to the right people at the right time with the right mindset (looking for a true match).

On that note, thank you to our new applicants who have PRE-BOOKED their First Interview in advance. Clients who get started in October have a higher chance of meeting an ideal dating partner before the holidays and the turn of the New Year 2026 for the most important kiss of the year. Make the last three months of this year count. Your future self will thank you later.

We can’t wait to meet you in our gorgeous office on PGA Boulevard–where we have been for ten successful years and counting! Make the last quarter of the year the best part of the year and end with a powerful and lifechanging win!

Xoxo, Kelly & Miranda #FALLinLove #End2025Strong #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends

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,

With several surgical options available for breast conditions, deciding which surgery is right for you can be overwhelming. Dr. Kathleen Minnick, a board-certified breast surgeon at Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group help patients determine the best treatment for their breast condition. And, as women themselves, they aim to provide patients with tissue-conserving surgical options, leaving as much of the breast intact when possible.

Conditions & Treatments:

• Benign Breast Disease

• Breast Cancer

• High-Risk Surveillance

• Oncoplastics

• Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

• Lumpectomy and Masectomy

The Singles Scene Column© from page 5

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) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!

Fall Into Romance

Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are ready to live and love offline and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. It’s cuffing season, so do tell your friends and family who are still single. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Take a look at the love overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where they have been established for eleven successful years and counting. He who hesitates is lost, so get “unstuck” and book your first interview today. October is the perfect time to REV-up your love life. #TellYourFriends #FallInLove

Samantha Fisher, M.D., F.A.A.D., sees patients of all ages at the Dermatology Associates in the Palm Beach Gardens office after more than 13 years of experience practicing medical, cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment.

Dr. Fisher received her Medical and Bachelor of Science degrees with honors from the University of Florida, where she completed her postgraduate training, including serving as Chief Resident in Dermatology.

Her past professional experience includes providing Dermatology services to patients in Stuart , FL from 2013-2024, Naples, FL from 2012-2013, and as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Department of Dermatology in Gainesville, FL from 2011-2012.

Dr. Fisher looks forward to providing you with excellent

care. Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches is a group practice of board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons providing general dermatology, surgical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology services. These physicians trained at some of America’s great medical institutions and conduct research into the most advanced treatments. Our physicians are also recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

an appointment to see Dr. Fisher in Palm Beach Gardens at 10355 N. Military Trail, Suite A, by calling (561) 622-6976. www.greatderms.com

Financial Focus®

Let

A

Financial Advisor Help Plan For Life’s Curveballs

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

No matter what stage of your life you’re in—caring for children, working toward retirement or planning your legacy—unforeseen events like a job loss, a major illness or even a stock market drop could derail what you’re working so hard to achieve financially.

With your future at stake, you may want to get guidance from a financial professional who can develop a personalized financial strategy to help you navigate life’s curveballs. Here are specific ways a financial advisor can help.

• Create a customized long-term strategy. This is the first step to weather unforeseen events. You may have several long-term investing goals—your retirement, your child’s education or perhaps a dream vacation. A financial advisor can help you build a strategy specific to your goals and risk tolerance. This will include prioritizing those goals, building a path toward each and pivoting your strategy as markets shift and needs change.

• Set realistic expectations. Successful investing requires discipline and patience—most individual investors make their money over time, not overnight. Start by setting realistic timelines to reach each of your goals. And don’t be surprised if you need to make trade-offs, like working an extra year to help fund your retirement dream home. It’s realistic to expect you’ll hit some bumps in the road. Perhaps the markets will drop and the value of your portfolio may follow. (It’s also realistic to expect they will rebound, as they have historically. Of course, past performance of the markets is no guarantee of what will happen in the future.) A financial advisor can help you keep your emotions in check no matter what comes your way and stay focused on the long term, knowing you have a customized strategy in place.

• Diversify your investments. The foundation for your portfolio is your asset allocation, or how you divide your assets among stocks, bonds, cash and other investments. Different investments behave differently in various market conditions, so maintaining a good mix can help better weather market fluctuations than putting “all your eggs in one basket.” Finding the right diversification mix, and keeping it balanced despite what the market does, can get complicated, but it’s almost second nature for a good financial advisor. All investments do carry risk, and asset allocation doesn’t ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

• Keep a long-term outlook. It’s easy to become distracted by the latest headline, expert prediction or market swing. However, if these events don’t change your long-term outlook, there probably isn’t a reason to make changes to your strategy. In fact, these declines often present good opportunities if you’re a long-term investor, so use them to your advantage—your financial advisor can show you how.

• Keep your emergency savings well-funded. This is your “rainy day” fund, and an unexpected event may constitute a rainy day. For most people, maintaining three to six months of total expenses in emergency savings is appropriate. The specific amount depends on factors like your risk of unexpected expenses or temporary loss of income, and how much you value being confident that you can weather financial emergencies. A financial advisor can help you determine what your emergency savings should look like.

Unexpected events are part of life. You can’t predict them, but you can prepare for them. No matter what is going on around you, having a professional by your side can help set you up to navigate them confidently.

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

A Rare Opportunity

For the first time in a decade, the garden has open individual beds available— both in-ground and raised. This is unprecedented, as there is usually a long waiting list. In the past, we even limited new members to half-sized beds to make more plots available. The timing is perfect, as this offer coincides

with the start of the fall planting season (our version of springtime in the garden), which officially began on October 4. This is always a joyful time for us, as members gather on Saturday mornings to plant seeds or transplant seedlings that were started indoors or on patios.

Each year, the garden plan is thoughtfully designed by our organizing committees, drawing on past successes, fresh ideas, and crop rotation practices. Highlights for this season include beans, cabbage, eggplant, radishes, carrots, broccoli, herbs and, of course, flowers. We’ve also dedicated one community bed to salad greens, another to tomatoes, and a special bed for collards grown for weekly

donation to the Extended Hands food kitchen. There is a children’s garden with carrots, beans and flowers. The accompanying plan shows the layout of the community beds. Private plots are located on the western half of the garden, while the raised beds line the southern fence. Garden membership runs from August 1 to July 31. Download forms at https://www.abacoa. com/abacoa-community-garden or find one in the mailbox at the garden entrance at 1022 Community Drive. There is a waiting list for independent beds but if interested, just check the box. Stop by, especially Saturday mornings, and check out our Facebook page. A scan of the QR code will take you to a garden application.

A Halloween Treat From Your Friendly Pediatric Dentist

By Lyric Hildebrandt, DMD, owner of Lyric Pediatric Dentistry

Boo! It’s that spooktacular time of year again—pumpkins are glowing, costumes are ready and kids everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate sugar-fueled scavenger hunt: Halloween . As a pediatric dentist (and low-key candy connoisseur), I know how magical this holiday is—but I also know what it can do to those little teeth if we’re not careful.

So, parents, let’s talk candy, cavities and clever tricks to keep your little ghosts and goblins smiling well past Oct. 31. Why Candy Became The Star Of Halloween

Ever wonder how candy became the unofficial mascot of Halloween? It wasn’t always that way! Halloween’s roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people dressed up to ward off spirits. Fast forward to the early 1900s, American children began dressing in costumes and going door-to-door asking for treats—but back then, they often received homemade goodies, fruit, nuts or even small toys. It wasn’t until the 1950s that candy companies saw a golden (or should we say sugary) opportunity. With suburban neighborhoods booming and trick-or-treating becoming a mainstream tradition, individually wrapped candies became the safest, easiest option. By the 1970s, candy had officially claimed the Halloween crown—and today, Americans buy nearly 600 million pounds of candy each October! That’s a whole lot of sugar, and a whole lot of potential for cavities if we don’t play it smart.

Not All Candy Is Created Equal

Let’s break down the Halloween haul—some candies are trickier than others when it comes to tooth trouble.

• Sticky and Chewy Candy: (gummy bears, taffy, caramels) These cling to teeth like a haunted house clings to cobwebs. The sugar sits on teeth longer and can sneak into hard-to-reach places, feeding cavity-causing bacteria for hours. Eek!

• Sour Candy: Pucker up—not only is sour candy loaded with sugar, but it’s also acidic, which can erode enamel (the protective outer layer of teeth). It’s a onetwo punch: sour and sneaky.

• Hard Candy: (lollipops, jawbreakers): These dissolve slowly, which means a long sugar bath for those little chompers. Plus, biting down on them can chip or crack teeth. That’s more trick than treat!

• Better Bets: Chocolate (especially dark): It melts quickly and washes off teeth more easily—bonus points if it has less sugar.

○ Sugar-free gum with xylitol: Not only is it fun to chew, but it can actually help fight cavities. Science is cool like that.

Six Frighteningly Smart Tips For Healthy Halloween Smiles

1. Set a Candy Time: Let kids pick a few pieces of candy to enjoy after a meal, when saliva production is higher and helps rinse away sugar. Grazing all day is scarier than any costume!

2. Hydrate with H2O: Water helps rinse the mouth between brushes. Bonus: fluoridated tap water gives teeth an extra layer of protection!

3. 30-Minute Rule: After eating candy, wait about 30 minutes before brushing to avoid scrubbing softened enamel (especially after sour treats).

4. The 2x2 Rule: Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss— especially if your kid’s candy choices are clingy!

5. Make a Candy Plan: Let your child trade in some candy for a small toy or a fun activity. Get the candy out of the house before it overstays its welcome.

6. Visit the Tooth Fairy’s Sidekick: (aka your dentist) A post-Halloween dental checkup is a great way to catch any spooky spots early and keep your child’s mouth in tip-top shape.

To Toss Or Not To Toss?

You don’t have to be the “mean parent” who bans candy altogether. Instead, be the clever one who sets boundaries, talks about moderation, and teaches kids how to enjoy treats without letting cavities crash the party.

And if your child brings home enough candy to open a small convenience store, consider donating some of it! Many dental offices (mine included!) participate in candy buy-back programs, where kids can exchange extra sweets for prizes—or send it off to troops overseas. (Talk about sweetening the deal.)

Final Bite

Halloween should be fun, a little spooky, and full of sweet memories. As a pediatric dentist, I believe in

balance, not bans—and that with a little planning and a pinch of dental wisdom, your child can enjoy the thrills of Halloween without the drills of November.

So go ahead—let them dress up, grab the glow sticks, and enjoy a Reese’s or two. Just be sure the scariest thing about Halloween is the costumes—not the cavities!

Happy Halloween, and keep those little fangs fabulous!

The Jupiter Senior Softball Association has opened registration for the 2026 season and persons 55 and over are invited to sign up.

There is no upper age limit, and the league’s threedivision format accommodates players of all skill levels, from recreational play to competitive “and everything in between.”

Those who register now can play in pickup games through the remainder of the year as well as through 2026,

including the January-March winter league. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Jupiter Community Park, 1201 Island Way, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with batting practice.

League Commissioner Paul Storch said interested persons are encouraged to sign up even though it may have been years since they played. He noted that a number of current players who are in their 50s, 60s and 80s hadn’t played in years “and when they come out, they love it. Age is meaningless,” he said.

Players often cite the camaraderie of playing a game they love with others as among reasons for signing up. That sentiment was expressed by Andrew Kushner, 55,

who began playing last April. He had retired as CFO of a renewable energy company in January and when he turned 55 in February, he set his sights on playing softball.

“It’s really a lot of fun and great camaraderie,” said Kushner, whose favorite position is short stop. “What better time can you have three days a week playing with a great bunch of guys?” he said.

The senior softball program is sponsored by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation Department. Registration can be made online at www. leaguelineup.com/jssa . For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 6230791

The Feast Of Little Italy Returns To Jupiter

Nov. 7 to 9, With National Entertainment, Delicious Food, Rides, Games, Cooking Demonstrations, Wine Seminars,

And More!

Admission Is Free And Little Smiles Is The Festival Charity

The Galbani Feast of Little Italy returns to Abacoa in Jupiter on Nov. 7 to 9, now in its 24th year in Palm Beach County.

The cultural festival, known for its Italian ambiance, national Italian American entertainers and authentic food, will offer free admission. We proudly celebrate Italian American heritage and culture all weekend.

About Galbani Cheese

With every step in Abacoa, visitors will find food vendors serving authentic Italian dishes—fresh pasta, sausage, peppers, arancini, braciole and many more classic dishes. Then, enjoy a not-to-be-missed Italian dessert with homemade zeppole with powdered sugar, sfogliatella and cannoli. The Sicilian Oven Pizza Eating Contest will take place on Saturday, on stage. The public is invited to participate.

This year, the La Cucina Galbani ® Cooking stage will feature nationally known chefs, including Galbani Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino from the hit TV show Come Dine with Me, local favorites Anthony Acampa from Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At, Nina Tomasik of Nina’s Fresh Bakery, Chef Thomas, Chef Francesca Difede of La Forchetta, and many others. Don’t miss the free Voga Wine seminars led by wine connoisseurs throughout the weekend.

The Feast is pleased to announce the return of its fabulous Master of Ceremonies—Virginia Sinicki, an on-air personality from the KVJ show on 97.9 WRMF. All weekend entertainers will perform the best of Italian ballads, classics, and all the favorites.

Cheers! Salute! Toast to your Italian American heritage with a Moretti beer, prosecco, spritz or cocktail. The Bar Italia, Aperol Spritz Piazza or Voga Prosecco Lounge will be the places to be seen. Relax and enjoy the entertainment and festival in the Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivy & Fronfrath family picnic area.

New this year is the Uno Vino wine garden presented by Alan B. Miller Medical Center. Enjoy delicious Italian wine in a beautiful garden setting.

Please be sure to spoil yourself and bring the entire family to your own private VIP villa located near the stage. Your villa includes a large table, eight seats and waiter/waitress service. Or enjoy reserved stage pod seating with four chairs and a table, and waiter/waitress service. Reservations are available at Eventbrite.com.

For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles will be on site with fun kids’ activities.

The Feast is committed each year to supporting two local charities, RISE FC (Youth soccer in Jupiter) and Little Smiles, which kick off their annual holiday toy drive at the festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift.

Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking and admission are both free. To learn more and for a complete schedule, visit www.feastoflittleitaly.com.

About Little Smiles – The Feast Of Little Italy’s Official Charity

The Feast is committed each year to supporting Little Smiles and the Little Smiles toy drive, kicking off at the festival. The nonprofit organization works tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of children by giving kids the chance to be kids during difficult times. The nonprofit provides gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness or tragedy. To learn more, visit www. littlesmilesfl.org.

About The Feast Of Little Italy

It began 25 years ago with a dream and a vision to create an experience rich in Italian culture to share. With family tradition and values at the core of its mission, the Feast continues to serve as the signature event that brings together generations in a celebration of marked contributions by great Italians. Through food, music, art, and history, the three-day festival encourages the community to come together, emphasizing the importance of family. We remain dedicated to staying mindful about the hardships that our ancestors endured in migration to this great country and proud of our Italian American heritage.

First crafted in Italy by Egidio Galbani in 1882, Galbani® cheeses have long been the No. 1 cheese brand in Italy. For over 130 years, Galbani cheese has been delighting families all over Italy. Today, the Galbani brand brings its timeless tradition from Italy to the American table with the delicious taste of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh mozzarella and snack cheese made and sold in the United States. Galbani® cheese is a leading brand of the Lactalis American Group, Inc. (LAG). Headquartered in Buffalo,

AbAcOA gOlf clUb

NY, LAG is a subsidiary of Parmalat S.p.A., an Italian public entity majority-owned by France-based Groupe Lactalis – the world’s largest producer of premium cheese. LAG produces a wide array of cheese products, including a variety of specialty cheeses available to retail, food service and industrial customers. For more info on Galbani, please visit www.galbanicheese.com. ©2018 Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, NY 14220. Galbani is a registered trademark of Egidio Galbani S.r.l.

BANKS BANKS

ABACOA BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bank of America 624-4007 Abacoa Plaza

PNC Bank 630-2718 Abacoa Plaza Truist 799-6670 Abacoa Plaza Wells Fargo 775-5665 Abacoa Plaza

Aldo Beltrano, PABeltrano & Associates 799-6577 Greenway Prof. Center Curran Law Firm, PA 935-9763 Jupiter Bus. Center

Daszkai Bolton, LLP (CPA) 624-2118 Greenway Prof. Center Einstein Group LLC Bermudiana Friedman, Feldmesser & Karpeles, CPA 622-9990 The Commons at Abacoa

M Jacques, LLC (CPA) 818-5592 Antigua at Town Center

Schanel & Associates, PA, CPAs

624-2118 The Commons at Abacoa

Smith & Elkin, CPA PA 775-2134 Bermudiana

Beacon Cove Intermediate School 366-6400

Florida Atlantic University 799-8500

Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College 799-8646

Independence Middle School 799-7500

Jupiter Middle School of Technology 745-7200

LifeLong Learning Institute @ FAU 799-8547

Lighthouse Elementary School 741-9400

Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience 972-9000

UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation/Technology 228-2000

S.T.E.M. Studio (Downtown Abacoa) 832-2026

Alloy Personal Training Jupiter 783-5731 Centre at Abacoa

Sloane Stecker Physical Therapy 790-8256 Downtown Abacoa

E3 Strength 292-0585 Downtown Abacoa Club Pilates 449-8161 Downtown Abacoa

F45 Fitness Studio 557-8965 Abacoa Plaza

Hamsa Yoga 660-5330 Abacoa Plaza

Rising Sun Martial Arts 222-3903 Downtown Abacoa

In Motion Ballroom 851-4808 Downtown Abacoa

Stretch Lab 873-2400 Downtown Abacoa

Tula Yoga School 316-0598 Downtown Abacoa

A Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery 427-2000 The Commons at Abacoa

Abacoa Podiatry and Leg Vein Center 624-4800 Bermudiana

Access Medical Laboratories 866-720-8386 Corporate Comm. Center.

Acupuncture & Anti-Aging Physicians Group 624-9744 Bermudiana

Advanced Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care

627-6277 Greenway Prof. Center

Advanced Diagnostic Group 775-6600 University Commons

Allegro Addington Place of Jupiter 253-8161 Community Drive

Allergy and Asthma Care of the Palm Beaches 627-4377 University Commons

Aqua Plastic Surgery - David Rankin, MD 776-2830 The Commons at Abacoa

Bafitis Plastic Surgery 795-3787 Bermudiana Beer Dermatology 932-1707 The Commons at Abacoa

BioHealth Spa 316-2598 Abacoa Commons

Cardona Pain & Anesthesia Professional 624-0702 The Commons at Abacoa

Charles W. Hoffman, DMD 691-9161 Abacoa Town Center

Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Surgery 799-9581 Greenwich

Dana M. Goldberg, M.D. 691-8088 Greenwich

David S. Rondon, MD 694-8945 The Commons at Abacoa

Dental Healing Arts 626-6116 Abacoa Commons

Dental Team at Abacoa 420-8888 Downtown Abacoa

Family Acupuncture 459-0528 Greenway Prof. Center

Family Counseling

Associates 747-2775 Greenway Prof. Center

Flex Spine & Sport 772-262-2530 Downtown Abacoa

Florida Vision Institute 839-2780 University Commons

Gardens Pediatrics Care 622-6610 University Commons

Genesis Care

Radiation Oncology 275-1820 Greenwich

Goldman Vein Institute 625-9853 The Commons at Abacoa

Integrative Foot & Ankle 293-3439 University Commons

Jupiter Counseling 575-0575 Greenway Prof. Center

Jupiter Dental Care 748-5099 Greenway Prof. Center

Jupiter Family Healthcare 776-5252 The Commons at Abacoa

Jupiter Hematology & Oncology 748-2488 Bermudiana

Jupiter Medical Center

Urgent Care 263-7011 Abacoa Plaza

Karen Collins, MSW, LCSW, ACSW 512-9743 Antigua at Town Center

Kevin Innwood, MD 745-7311 The Commons at Abacoa

Lighthouse Health Group 249-7400 The Commons at Abacoa

Luxe Health Care Rehabilitation /Skilled Nursing 485-0070

Luxe Senior Living & Memory Care 532-1800

Lyric Pediatric Dentistry 320-4304 Downtown Abacoa Main Street Dental 935-4425 Abacoa Plaza Med X 486-2175 Downtown Abacoa Medicus Veincare 220-8514 Corporate Comm. Center

Meier & Benetiz

Orthodontics 799-4848 University Commons

New Path Chiropractic: Wellness & Sports Rehab Center 653-1197 Greenwich

Palm Beach Dermatology 296-1122 Greenway Prof. Center

Palm Beach Sports Medicine 845-6000 The Commons at Abacoa

Palm Beach Sleep and Sinus 440-2815 University Commons

Partners in Women’s Health 354-1515 Abacoa Prof. Center

Premier Rheumatology and Endrocrinology 932-1212 Corporate Comm. Ctr.

Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center 693-3236 Abacoa Commons

Quest Diagnostics 804-7689 The Commons at Abacoa

Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry 626-6667 University Commons

Robert Anderson, M.D. 776-7676 University Commons

Sage Dental 427-6850 Bermudiana

Skolnick Eye Institute 296-2010 The Commons at Abacoa

South Florida Endocrine Center 626-9041 The Commons at Abacoa

Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology 805-9399 The Commons at Abacoa

Tenet Florida Physician Services 627-3130 University Commons

The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery 429-5403 Greenway Prof. Center

University Pharmacy 622-4088 University Commons

Vargas Orthodontics 775-7007 Abacoa Prof. Center

Visual Eyes of the Palm Beaches 625-4380 Bermudiana

Abacoa Notary Signing Agent 329-0489 Abacoa

Alofs Law Firm 622-1558 Antigua at Town Center

Gabriel & Gabriel, LLC 622-5575 Bermudiana

Jones Foster 659-3000 Regions Bank Building

Linkhorst & Hockin, PA 626-8880 Greenway Prof. Center

Lipinski Law 453-4800 Jupiter Business Center

Pineiro & Byrd, PLLC 799-9280 The Commons at Abacoa

Zele Huber

Trial Attorneys 630-9700 The Commons at Abacoa

PETS CARE

All Animal Care Clinic 630-3908 Greenwich

La Petite Pooch

Dog Grooming 576-6245 Downtown Abacoa

Lifetime Veterinary Center 799-7717 Abacoa Plaza

The Zoo Pet Nutrition & Spa 815 - 1188 Abacoa Plaza

Chabad Jewish Center Jupiter 694-6950 Downtown Abacoa Lifesong Community Church 691-0804

Apogee Real Estate Services Inc. 776-8233 Greenwich Checklist North 625-1760 Antigua at Town Center

Century 21 Tenace Realty 500-2100 Centre at Abacoa

Family Mortgage Inc. 625-2660 The Commons at Abacoa

FLF Holdings, LLC. 575-6455 Jupiter Business Center

Harbor Management 935-9366 The Commons at Abacoa

Holland Group of Golden Bear Realty International 514-7300 The Commons at Abacoa

Illustrated Properties at Abacoa 622-5006 Abacoa Plaza

Jupiter Business Center 296-7751 Executive Office Suites

Keller Williams Realty 427-6100 Greenway Prof. Center

My Islands Realty, Inc. 262-7150 Antigua at Town Center

Rendina Companies 630-5055 The Commons at Abacoa

Sheenan Realty Corporation 745-2600 University Commons

Stanbra Team Realtors 708-4129 Bermudiana

Versa Property Management 877-354-1380 The Commons at Abacoa

3 Natives 328-8361 Bermudiana

Abacoa Grille Room 622-0036 Abacoa Golf Club

Akiyo Hibachi Japanese 567-8999 Abacoa Plaza

Bagel Boyz 624-9884 Abacoa Plaza

Bahama Bucks 318-8102 Downtown Abacoa

Brick & Barrel 623-0916 Downtown Abacoa

Carmine’s Coal Fired Pizza 340-3930 Bermudiana

CG Burgers 340-3940 Bermudiana

China Star 355-8808 Abacoa Plaza

Civil Society Brewing Company 855-6680 Downtown Abacoa

Copacabana Cuban Cuisine 360-3378 Downtown Abacoa

C.R Chicks 318-6921 Abacoa Plaza

Crux

Hokkaido

Hibachi & Sushi 799-7999

Island Root Kava

McDonald’s 627-7440 Abacoa Plaza

Mrs. Smokey’s Real Pit BBQ 557-3800 Abacoa Plaza

Panchero’s Mexican Grill 469-7601 Abacoa Plaza

Poke N Go 557-3949 Downtown Abacoa

Stadium Grill 630-9669 Downtown Abacoa

Starbucks 775-6034 Abacoa Plaza

Starbucks - Courtyard by Marriott 779-2700 Abacoa Town Center

Sal’s Italian Ristorante 493-8777 Abacoa Plaza

Suzy Q’s Hometown Diner 822-3744 Greenwich

Taco Shack 508-3789 Downtown Abacoa

Tavern Pi 776-5448 Downtown Abacoa

Tropical Smoothie 624-8775 Abacoa Plaza

RETAIL

A&R Pharmacy 630-3770 Downtown Abacoa

Beaux’s Biscuits 459-7579 Abacoa

Chic Boutique 295-5282 Abacoa Plaza CVS 691-9149

Draco Bikes Inc. 693-0180 Downtown Abacoa

East Coast Bridals & More 427-4429 Downtown Abacoa

East Coast Pool Supply 694-7577 Abacoa Plaza

EllaB Boutique 429-4845

Ganapati Crafts Co. 410-9851 Mallory Creek

GNC 799-1526 Abacoa Plaza Golden Anvil Jewelers 630-6116 Bermudiana Hobby Card Shop 770-1950 Downtown Abacoa ILEENgirl Boutique 249-6346 Downtown Abacoa Liberty Book Store 906-5399 Antigua at Town Center Palm Harbor Boutique 619-5286 Downtown Abacoa Publix 799-3181 Abacoa Plaza Ready2HangArt 747-5385 Downtown Abacoa

TESORO Boutique 917-4184 Downtown Abacoa Top Shelf Spirits 776-1663 Abacoa Plaza UPS Store 691-9222

SALONS AND SPAS

Supercuts 799-1170 Abacoa Plaza

TessMarie Salon & Hair Extenstion Studio 316-0688 Antigua at Town Center

Tipsy Salon & Spa 626-6074 Bermudiana U.S Nails 775-3500 Abacoa Plaza

SERVICES

AAA Custom Pools 493-7041 Corporate Comm. Center

Abacoa’s Hometown Cleaners and Tailors 622-7578 University Commons

Acu-Wellness 557-6556 Downtown Abacoa

Adam’s Pest Control 743-7283 Greenway Prof. Center

Big League Events 249-0550 The Commons at Abacoa

Blue Diamond Pressure Washing 701-4265 Mallory Creek

Brian Marketing Group 277-0591 Downtown Abacoa

Bright House Doors 252-9949 Windsor Park

Celebrity Cleaners 624-7550 Bermudiana

GCP Architecture 331-5036 Jupiter Bus. Center Go Green Drycleaners 335-5798 Abacoa Plaza

IFIXYOURI 619-6600 Abacoa Plaza

Linca Insurance Agency 624-4087 Downtown Abacoa

Metamorphic Media Design 510-0896 Antigua at Town Center NB Tutoring 603-4563 Antigua at Town Center

Renee’s Pet Grooming 282-7134 Antigua at Town Center State Farm Insurance 622-1412

Toxi Taxi 831-9974 Abacoa

THINGS TO DO

Abacoa Community Park 741-2400

Abacoa Community Skate Park 630-5684 Frederick Small Road Abacoa Golf Club 622-0036

Abby’s Performing Arts 307-5100 Downtown Abacoa In Motion Ballroom 851-4808 Downtown Abacoa

OCTOBER 2025

CAC Meeting A PO A O f f ic e or ZOOM Subject to Change

Weekly Events

Mondays Thursdays

• Kids Eat Free (with adult) - Copacabana

•High Noon Hoedown 10-12pm Country DJ - Jumby Bay

• Karaoke - 8pm-11pm - DAS Beer Garden

• Ladies Night - 10pm-12am - Jumby Bay

• Bingo - 6:30pm-8:30pm - DAS Beer Garden Fridays Tuesdays

• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Copacabana

• Kids Eat Free (w/adult entree) - Jumby Bay

• Live Music - 6pm-10pm - Jumby Bay

• Live Music - 7pm-10pm - DAS Beer Garden

• No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker - 7pm & 9:30pm - Stadium Grill

• Trivia - 7:30pm-9:30pm - DAS Beer Garden Saturdays Wednesdays

• Chip 'n Sip (Ladies) - 4pm - Abacoa Golf Club

• Abacoa Community Garden - 9am-12pm

• Live Music - 7pm-10pm - DAS Beer Garden

• Abacoa Green Market - 5pm-8pm Sundays

• No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker -

7pm & 9:30pm - Stadium Grill

• Domino's 2pm - Copacabana

• Live Music - 6pm-9pm - DAS Beer Garden DJ and/or Live Music: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat. 6pm-10pm - Jumby Bay

Don Hennessy Appointed Interim Chief Of Police

On Tuesday, Town Manager Frank Kitzerow named Don Hennessy, who has been with the Jupiter Police Department (JPD) for 23 years, the Interim Chief of Police, effective Friday, October 3.

“It is an honor to lead the men and women of the Jupiter Police Department during this time of transition,” said Hennessy. “For more than two decades, I’ve been proud to serve this community alongside a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to keep Jupiter safe. I look forward to building on our department’s tradition of excellence and continuing to strengthen the trust we share with the residents we serve.”

Hennessy has served as JPD’s deputy chief since November 2024, overseeing all major bureaus of the department. In this role, he has led strategic initiatives and served as deputy incident commander within the town’s Emergency Incident Command System.

Previously, Hennessy was promoted to major in December 2022, where he directed the patrol and administrative services bureaus. His responsibilities included personnel assignments, budget management, organizational planning, internal affairs oversight and serving as the department’s liaison to the Jupiter Police Foundation. From December 2021 to December 2022, he held the rank of captain and commanded JPD’s District 2.

Hennessy began his career with JPD in 2002 as a communications officer before graduating from the police academy in 2007 and becoming a sworn officer. He served on road patrol, the beach unit and as the department’s accreditation manager. He rose to sergeant in 2015 and was honored as JPD’s Supervisor of the Year in 2017.

“Deputy Chief Hennessy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment throughout his career with the Jupiter Police Department,” said Kitzerow. “His deep knowledge and proven leadership ensure a seamless transition and continuity of service for our police department. Given his record of excelling throughout his career, I am confident that he will uphold the high standards of service and professionalism that our residents expect and deserve.”

Deputy Chief Hennessy holds a bachelor’s in supervision and management from Palm Beach State College and a master’s in public administration from Florida State University.

IMPERIUM HOME

New School Year, Same Learning Challenges?

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

As your student returns for another school year, there’s a familiar feeling in the air: a mix of excitement, hope, and, for many, quiet frustration. While a new academic year often brings fresh supplies, new teachers, and a clean slate, it doesn’t

The College Admissions Rollercoaster

By Peggy Forgan, Class 101 Owner/College Advisor

I recently worked with a student who experienced the unpredictability of college admissions firsthand. She was a top student with excellent grades, high SAT scores, leadership experience, and a strong resume. She applied to several schools in Florida, including the University of Florida and the University of Miami, but was rejected from both. Understandably, she felt discouraged. However, because she had built a thoughtful college list, she still had many strong applications. To her surprise and delight, one of her acceptance letters came from Yale University—a school she initially thought would be far more difficult to get into than her in-state choices.

Her story illustrates an important truth: College admissions are not always predictable. A student can have stellar academics, impressive extracurriculars, and glowing recommendation letters—and still face rejection. That’s because admissions decisions are influenced by more than just achievement. Colleges are building entire classes, balancing majors, geographic diversity, activities, and institutional needs. Sometimes, despite a student’s qualifications, the decision comes down to factors beyond their control.

This is why it is so important for students to cast a wide net when applying to colleges. By creating a balanced list that includes “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools, students give themselves the best chance of having multiple options when acceptance letters arrive. Applying broadly reduces stress and disappointment, while increasing the likelihood that students will find a college that is both a great fit and excited to welcome them. Now more than ever, it’s also critical to research a variety of options—because even some schools once considered “safeties” have become far more competitive in recent years.

At Class 101 North Palm Beach, we guide students through the process of researching schools and setting clear expectations. We help them build strong, balanced college lists so they don’t put all their hopes on just one or two choices. We begin working with students as early as ninth grade to help them plan, build strong applications, and increase their chances of finding the right match— sometimes in places they least expect.

For more information, call Peggy Forgan at (561) 4187897, email pforgan@class101.com, or visit www.class101. com/northpalmbeachfl.

always erase the persistent learning or social challenges your child faced in the past. One mom wrote, “I wish this year would be different and that he could understand social issues so he could respond appropriately as sometimes I think people take advantage of him.”

From difficulty grasping math or reading, to managing time, navigating social interactions, or focusing throughout a taxing school day, many students have the same obstacles year after year. While teachers work hard to support students, their class load is high, and the root causes of your child’s struggles often go deeper than a lack of effort. It’s not about “trying harder” or “just apply yourself.”

Learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or social anxiety, can remain undiagnosed or unsupported, leaving students, and you, feeling stuck. Others may continue to struggle which creates a gap that widens with each passing year. In some cases, students just manage to

get by on their end of year assessments to get promoted. If you are ready for change, a first step is recognizing that repeated learning challenges are a signal that something isn’t working for your child. My school neuropsychological testing can identify the specific struggles and help you respond with targeted support. That could mean an Individualized Education Plan, accommodation plan, specialized tutoring, counseling, or more.

The new school year may come with the same challenges, but it also brings another chance to work with us to give you fresh perspective and better tools. Change doesn’t always come in a big leap. Sometimes, it begins by recognizing the challenge and deciding to face it differently this time.

Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www. JimForgan.com.

scieNce ON tHe cUttiNg edge

FAU Joins VIP Consortium, Launches Inaugural Research Teams

By Gisele Galoustian, FAU

Florida Atlantic University has launched its first Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program and has officially joined the international VIP Consortium – becoming the first university in Florida to join this global network of more than 50 institutions of higher education dedicated to research-driven, cross-disciplinary learning.

This initiative is supported by a $2.2 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), awarded to FAU in late 2024 by the United States Department of Education.

The VIP projects bring together researchers and students from six FAU colleges in a transformational model of collaboration, mentorship and innovation. (Photo by Alex Dolce.)

From a highly competitive pool of 31 proposals, four outstanding facultyled teams have been selected as the university’s first official VIP teams. These projects bring together researchers and students from six FAU colleges in a transformational model of collaboration, mentorship and innovation.

“Being selected as a member of the VIP Consortium and launching our first VIP teams is a proud and pivotal step in our continued R1 research designation journey,” said Donna Chamely-Wiik, Ph.D., principal investigator of the FIPSE grant and senior associate dean for undergraduate research and prestigious fellowships. “This achievement reflects not only the excellence of our faculty and the promise of our students, but also the university’s deep commitment to creating an interdisciplinary and impactful research environment.”

Each of FAU’s inaugural VIP teams will receive $46,500 in seed funding to build sustained, long-term research efforts that integrate undergraduate, graduate and faculty work across disciplines with a priority of early engagement in research for freshmen and sophomores. Unlike traditional coursework, students remain on teams for multiple semesters, gaining deep expertise, leadership skills and hands-on experience in areas such as health, artificial intelligence, sustainability and social science – preparing them for research careers or graduate study.

The selected projects address critical issues in AI, neurodegenerative disease, environmental sustainability and child welfare – combining high-tech approaches with highimpact missions:

Enhancing Child Welfare Research And Translation Through Artificial Intelligence

This project is led by Morgan Cooley, Ph.D., associate professor, Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work within FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice; Fernando Koch, Ph.D., research professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science within FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Alan Kunz-Lomelin, Ph.D., assistant professor, FAU Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work. The team is designing an AI-powered tool to assist social workers in navigating complex, unstructured case data. By using natural language processing and explainable machine learning, the platform will identify key risk factors and generate plain-language insights to aid in decision-making for vulnerable children and families. Students will help build the system and explore ethical, technical and social aspects of deploying AI in child welfare settings.

Alzheimer’s Disease And Related Dementias/Falls

This project is led by Deguo Du, Ph.D., professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Kevin Yunqing Kang, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering within FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Ewa Wojcikiewicz, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Biomedical Science within FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. The researchers will investigate how amyloid-beta proteins – the key culprits in Alzheimer’s disease – disrupt energy production within cells. Focusing on the toxic effects of these proteins inside mitochondria, the team will explore new molecular mechanisms of disease progression and test targeted strategies for early intervention. Students will gain experience in molecular biology, bioengineering and neurodegenerative disease research, working toward breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.

Smart Sensors And Artificial Intelligence For Coastal Destination Resilience

The project is led by Soyoung Park, Ph.D., assistant professor in marketing and hospitality management within FAU’s College of Business; and Jinwoo Jang, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering and FAU Sensing Institute fellow within FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. The project tackles the growing strain on Florida’s coastal communities caused by overtourism and climate shifts. This project will use a combination of Internet of Things sensors, real-time environmental data, and AI-powered analytics to monitor crowd dynamics, pollution and human behavior in beach towns. By identifying stress points and suggesting interventions – like alternative tourist paths or sustainable community campaigns – the team hopes to support both tourism and quality of life for residents. Students will engage in data science, fieldwork and public policy to shape more resilient and equitable tourism models.

Astroglia Roles In Central Nervous System Aging

The project is led by Casey Spencer, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience in FAU’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College; and Rodrigo Pena, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Blending neuroscience, genetics and AI, the researchers will explore the role of astrocytes – support cells in the brain – in aging and neurodegeneration. Using fruit flies as a model system, the team will measure how astrocyte function changes with age and affects brain circuits. Students will contribute to hands-on experiments in neurophysiology,

microscopy, behavioral analysis and computational modeling, helping to uncover early biological markers and mechanisms of cognitive decline.

In alignment with FAU’s Road to R1 initiative, the VIP program is a critical part of building a high-performance, inclusive research infrastructure. It supports faculty research productivity, strengthens the student pipeline into graduate and research-intensive careers, and enhances institutional metrics like graduation rates, retention, job placement and external funding.

Wertheim UF Scripps Institute Research Garners $15.7 Million In New Awards

Scientists at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology who research a wide range of diseases have been awarded new state and federal grants, recently, worth about $15.7 million over the next five years, institute leaders announced Wednesday.

The grants advance projects that explore the biology of the brain, improve prevention and treatment of infectious and autoimmune diseases and fight advanced cancers, said institute Scientific Director Patrick Griffin, Ph.D. Last year the institute’s research spending exceeded $101 million, contributing to the University of Florida’s record-breaking total $1.33 billion in research spending.

“These grants highlight The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute’s unique expertise in areas that include neuroscience, immunology, biochemistry, drug discovery and RNA therapeutics,” Griffin said. “Our focus is on bringing innovative new solutions to

some of medicine’s most difficult challenges. These grants will ultimately benefit patients awaiting better options.”

Exploring Brain

Connections

Ezgi Hacisuleyman, Ph.D., has received a grant from the National Institute of Generalized Medical Sciences worth $2.3 million over five years for her work exploring how neurons rapidly change in response to external cues.

By using advanced imaging tools and molecular labeling techniques, her research examines the remarkable process neurons employ to generate the energy and signaling surge needed to communicate and connect. The award is focused on the mechanisms and regulation of cellular function, including sending RNAs to extreme ends of neurons. Short for ribonucleic acid, RNAs carry out many cellular functions, including assembling proteins from their gene transcripts.

Ezgi Hacisuleyman, Ph.D., says neurons are a uniquely fascinating model for studying how cells organize themselves. The RNA biologist recently joined the faculty of The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute. Photo credit: Matthew Septimus, courtesy of The Rockefeller University.

“A deeper understanding of how cells strategically localize and produce essential RNAs and proteins is crucial for developing targeted therapies for diseases caused by cellular miscommunication, such as genetic disorders, cancers and neurological conditions,” wrote Hacisuleyman, an assistant professor in the chemistry department at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute.

Protecting Children From HIV

Mauricio Martins, Ph.D., has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health worth up to $6 million for

his innovative research into protecting young children from HIV infection. Each year, hundreds of thousands of babies contract HIV-1 infection, often during breastfeeding years. In areas with limited access to antiretroviral medications, longlasting, accessible protection is needed for children during that vulnerable period, Martins says.

A recent study by the Martins group showed

Research Assistant Daniel O’Hagan works in the lab alongside Associate Professor Mauricio Martins, Ph.D., at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, in Jupiter, Florida. Martins’ group has published a new study in Nature that finds a gene therapy against HIV given at birth can protect breastfeeding babies from infection with a single dose.

HIV-infected T cell, courtesy of NIH.

that delivery of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody genes using adeno-associated virus vectors can protect infant rhesus macaques against simian-HIV infection for several years. However, if infants are not treated shortly after birth, the therapy can trigger an immune response that renders them ineffective. Martins’s recent study shows that this response can be prevented by exposure to the neutralizing antibodies in utero.

The grant will enable Martins and his team in the immunology and microbiology department at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute to define the mechanisms underlying this in utero tolerization approach. It will also enable them to pursue related strategies for extending the period following birth when the therapy can be administered without eliciting detrimental immune responses. Their work to understand the mechanisms may also uncover new opportunities for treating autoimmune diseases and help prevent rejection of transplanted organs.

Preventing Cancer Relapse

Michalina Janiszewska, Ph.D. and Matthew Disney, Ph.D., have been awarded a $300,000 state grant from The William G. Bankhead and David Coley Cancer Research Program,

SPONSORED BY DIANE PERLBERG

The Simmonds Team Advantage

administered by the Florida Department of Health. The program aims to advance progress toward cancer cures through grants awarded in a peer-reviewed, competitive process.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor. The standard of care, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, hasn’t changed since 2005, yet it provides a survival benefit of only about four months. Targeting the hypoxic adaptation of glioblastoma cells is key to preventing tumor relapse and to improving patient survival, the scientists said. The research project combines research in brain tumor biology, chemistry and chemical biology, including expertise in designing small molecules that target messenger RNA, to

As a cancer biologist, Janiszewska focuses on the hidden complexity within tumors, complexity that can enable some cancer cells to evade treatment and drive relapse. Janiszewska refers to this field of study as “intratumor heterogeneity.”

By mapping diverse cell populations and their interactions within tumors, Janiszewska uncovers new strategies to stay ahead of cancer’s tendency to adapt.

by Scott Wiseman.

optimize a new compound targeting a hypoxia-inducible gene transcription factor called HIF2-alpha.

Disney chairs the chemistry department at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, while Janiszewska is an assistant professor in the institute’s molecular medicine department. The team’s research intends to advance a possible new therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma. Since hypoxia is also linked to breast cancer and its metastasis, the study could pave the way to use this new class of compounds in other tumor types, as well, the scientists said.

Designing New Antivirals

Susana Valente, Ph.D., has been awarded a five-year grant worth more than $4.8 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for her work developing a new type of antiviral drug.

brain activity patterns. Their findings, published in Neuron this week, are likely generalizable beyond vision, providing a framework to understand the brain’s unique ability to adapt and learn quickly during the earliest stages of development.

In Brief

• Reliable Perception: At first, the brain’s responses to what the eyes see are unreliable, but with visual experience they quickly become consistent and reliable.

• Maturation Mechanism: Scientists discovered two key changes in developing neural circuits necessary for the emergence of reliable visual representations.

• Built to Learn: Understanding how early neural circuits support efficient learning suggests one reason the brain is able to learn faster and more flexibly than artificial intelligence.

The brain is a highly organized structure. Like other brain regions, visual areas have structure to them, which scientists call modules. This modular organization consists of patches of neurons that activate together in response to specific information. For example, some patches of neurons activate together in response to seeing vertical stripes, while other patches activate when horizontal stripes are seen. In the mature brain, modules specialized to activate in response to a specific feature are highly interconnected with one another, allowing these modules to activate together reliably in response to that feature. This reliability is crucial for the animal to interpret its environment and make sight-based decisions. Yet, little is known about how the structure that underlies this reliability develops.

Senior author of the study, Dr. David Fitzpatrick, describes the rationale for their work, “Our goal is to understand how the brain develops the ability to interpret visual information. Our team previously found that when the eyes first open, brain responses to the same visual scene are inconsistent. Different groups of neurons respond each time, which limits the brain’s ability to make sense of its surroundings. Remarkably, within a short period, these responses become highly reliable, forming consistent patterns that allow the brain to interpret the visual world and guide behavior.”

To determine how reliable modular responses in the brain emerge, scientists needed to measure both the visual information entering the modules and the modular response to that information before and after visual experience. What they found surprised them: before experience, the information didn’t match well. For example, neurons sending information about horizontal lines were active simultaneously with modules specialized to respond to vertical instead of horizontal lines.

To better understand their data, the scientists developed a descriptive computational model based on what is known about the structure and function of brain circuits involved in vision. The model helped them understand their data and predict what factors would be most important to develop reliable brain responses from the immature responses they measured.

1. The visual information received by the modules must increase in reliability.

2. The information coming into the modules must become better aligned with the connections between those modules. Consistent with the first factor of their model, the scientists found that before visual experience, neurons sometimes sent information to a module that represented one feature and sometimes another feature. After visual experience, the neurons consistently sent the same information to a module. But this factor alone wasn’t enough to generate reliable modular responses. The scientists also found evidence predicted by their model that, before experience, interconnected modules receive information that represents different features, in contrast with the experienced circuit, where highly interconnected modules respond to similar features.

“What is so exciting about our findings is that they demonstrate a new strategy that allows the brain to learn better and faster. The brain has evolved so that early in development, even before the eyes open, it is wired to produce activity patterns that are organized into modules. This property primes the brain to learn efficiently once the eyes open by aligning important information from the outside world with the modular structure,” describes first author Dr. Augusto Lempel.

Moving forward, the team plans to determine the specific changes in neural connectivity that drive the developmental alignment between visual information and modular activity. The team hypothesizes that these wiring changes might be common for many perceptions beyond vision and may be a key mechanism behind the brain’s superior ability to learn. Dr. Lempel suggests, “The more we work with artificial intelligence, the more we appreciate just how impressive the brain is in quickly learning new information without making too many assumptions. The rapid sequence of developmental changes in circuit organization we’ve uncovered is one step forward in understanding the mechanisms that support the brain’s capacity for rapid and flexible learning.”

Publication

Augusto Abel Lempel, Sigrid Trägenap, Clara Tepohl, Matthias Kaschube, and David Fitzpatrick. Development of coherent cortical responses reflects increased discriminability of feedforward inputs and their alignment with recurrent circuits. Neuron (2025).

This research was funded by the National Eye Institute, the LOEWE Focus Center for Multiscale Modelling in Life Sciences (CMMS), the International Max Planck Research School for Neural Circuits in Frankfurt and the Max Planck Society. This content is solely the authors’ responsibility and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.

The HOPE Collaboratory is led by Melanie Ott from Gladstone Institutes, Susana Valente from UF Scripps and Lishomwa Ndhlovu from Weill Cornell Medicine.

Valente’s laboratory is pioneering a new class of antivirals that shut HIV down at its source, turning off the virus’s own gene transcription. Her team targets Tat, the “transactivator of transcription,” a viral protein that flips HIV from silent to active and drives both viral production and toxicity. Working with Wertheim UF Scripps medicinal chemists, she has identified three small molecules that trigger Tat’s destruction by the cell’s recycling machinery, called the ubiquitin–proteasome system. The strategy offers simpler, more scalable alternatives to earlier Tat inhibitors, Valente said. The grant will enable her team to refine these drug candidates, test them in primary human cells and humanized mouse models and advance a block and lock strategy aimed at durable, treatment free control of HIV.

Built To Learn

How Early Brain Structure Primes The Brain To Learn Efficiently

Vision happens when patterns of light entering the eye are converted into reliable patterns of brain activity. This reliability allows the brain to recognize the same object each time it is seen. Our brains, however, are not born with this ability; instead, we develop it through visual experience. Collaborating scientists at MPFI and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have recently discovered key circuit changes that lead to the maturation of reliable

The model identified two major changes that should occur:

John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter Florida Atlantic University

TRAIN THE BRAIN: Neuroscience Community Conversation

Saturday, Oct. 25 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Program begins promptly at 9 a.m.

Body, Mind & Brain Lessons Across the Lifespan

Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute invites you to attend an exciting, half-day Train the Brain Community Conversation to explore how body and brain collaborate to support brain function, health and promote resiliency.

Hear from prominent, front-line brain researchers from across the country whose exciting work is revealing the significance of body-brain connections throughout life, with lessons that can improve and sustain brain health

Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute on FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter

FAU Ranks in “Washington Monthly” Top 40

Washington Monthly ranked Florida Atlantic at No. 39 on the “America’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list among the nation’s best public and private universities, in the publication’s annual College Guide. FAU also was ranked No. 5 in the “Best Bang for the Buck” for Southeast colleges and on the “Top 25 Best-in-Class Colleges” list. >

Record Number of Merit Scholars Attending FAU

Florida Atlantic University is welcoming 40 National Merit Scholars this semester, with 19 of them returning and 21 of them attending FAU for the first time. The entire National Merit Scholars group total sets a record for the university, while the new member total is the second-highest ever in FAU’s history. Of the 40, at least 14 are in the incoming class of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.

FAU Joins VIP Consortium, Launches Inaugural Research Teams

Florida Atlantic launched its first Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program and has officially joined the international VIP Consortium—becoming the first university in Florida to join this global network of more than 50 institutions of higher education dedicated to research-driven, cross-disciplinary learning.

From a highly competitive pool of 31 proposals, four outstanding faculty-led teams have been selected as the university’s first official VIP teams. These projects bring together researchers and students from six FAU colleges in a transformational model of collaboration, mentorship and innovation.

A research team from the Jupiter campus was among the inaugural funded projects. Casey Spencer, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience at the Wilkes Honors College and Rodrigo Pena, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will blend neuroscience, genetics and AI for their project: Astroglia Roles in Central Nervous System Aging. They will explore the role of astrocytes - support cells in the brain - in aging and neurodegeneration. Students will contribute to hands-on experiments to help uncover early biological markers and mechanisms of cognitive decline.

View the full line-up of speakers and topics. Registration is free.

This event is presented with support from Palm Health Foundation and the Center for the Resilient Mind as part of the Train the Brain series. Registration Required! Scan or visit www.fau.edu/brain.

READ MORE.

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Commissioner’s Update

Every Dog’s Day: From Shelter Shadows To Forever Homes

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

Palm Beach County

is home to thousands of loving pets, and at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC), the mission is simple yet profound: protecting and advocating for companion animals while supporting the people who care for them.

Since opening its doors in 1969, PBCACC, a Division of Public Safety, has been the only open admission shelter in our county, accepting every animal in need, from dogs and cats to livestock and pocket pets. As part of Palm Beach County Government, our shelter provides services ranging from pet adoptions and animal rescue to microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and even disaster shelters for pets and their families.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

I recently had the honor of accepting a Certificate of Merit from the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, as Palm Beach County was recognized for achieving a perfect audit for last year’s fiscal year. This honor would not be possible without the diligence and hard work of our Finance and Budget team, led by my Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson. Carmen and her team continue to provide exceptional financial support for my office and the residents of Palm Beach County as they single-handedly manage the collection and disbursement of more than 5 billion dollars plus the day-to-day operational expenses that keep our office running.

A huge thank you to Carmen and her outstanding team: Alahia Staniszewski, Lisa Materdomini, Terri-Ann Fabinger, Danie Bouvier, Victoria Wilson, Andres Martin, Karen Wagner, Ann Rothermel, Tina Davis, Angela Goyco and Adriana Garcia.

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

Charity Partner – Living Hungry

Imagine if you were a child going to school – classes, backpacks, homework, uniforms, – all while enduring the experience of homelessness. For more than 4,500 students in Palm Beach County schools, this is their reality. School attendance suffers, academics suffer and health suffers. Helping students overcome these obstacles is where the Delray based charity, Living Hungry, steps in, providing children with what they need to succeed. From hygiene kits to food packs, these important items make sure students experiencing homelessness can thrive.

Our employees are honored to support Living Hungry as a Community Involvement Partner since 2019. Our employees raise funds by participating in our Dress Down for Charity Program and we also conduct fundraising activities throughout the year. “A little light, a bit of joy, and knowing someone out there cares about you –through colorful socks, brand new shower essentials, a card game kit, a note of encouragement – all these gifts shift how you feel about life, yourself and others,” says Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante. “That is the difference the Palm Beach County Tax Collector employees make.” To learn more about Living Hungry, visit www.livinghungry.org.

This August, I was honored to debut a new initiative in partnership with PBCACC: Doggie Day Out – Ambassador Edition. This program expands on the beloved Doggie Day Out initiative, originally developed by volunteers, which invites county residents to host an adoptable dog for a day of fun, giving them a much-needed break from the shelter and increasing their visibility to potential adopters. With the “Office Edition,” local workplaces can welcome a furry visitor for the day, turning ordinary office hours into moments filled with joy, laughter, and team bonding, all while helping a shelter dog find a forever home.

The Ambassador Edition takes the concept one step further. Each commissioner on the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners has the opportunity to host an adoptable dog in their office, sometimes even during a commission meeting. These dogs, wearing their bright “Adopt Me” vests or leashes, become true ambassadors for all the wonderful animals waiting at our shelter.

On Aug. 19, District 1 proudly hosted the very first Doggie Ambassador: Tito, an 8-year-old mixed-breed dog who had been surrendered to the shelter following his owners’ divorce. Like so many of our adoptable pets, Tito had been overlooked simply because of his age and size. When we featured him at the Aug. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting, his gentle

The kiosks, found inside select Publix supermarkets, are designed to save you time. They allow you to print a new vehicle registration and decal on the spot! It is easy to use the kiosk, all you need is your renewal notice PIN or your license plate number and the date of birth of the vehicle owner. Payment can be made with a credit or debit card*, and ta-da, you just renewed your vehicle registration and got your new decal!

This expansion is part of our ongoing effort to provide convenient access to motor vehicle registration renewal services. For more information about the MV Express Kiosks, such as locations, visit www.pbctax.gov/kiosks/. *Convenience fee applies

New DL/ID Numbers And Your Voter Registration Record

On July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing new driver’s license (DL) and ID numbers to anyone getting a new driver’s license or Florida ID as well as replacement and renewed driver’s licenses/IDs. So, if you renewed or

spirit and warm personality quickly won everyone over. His day as a Doggie Ambassador ended in the best possible way, with adoption into a loving forever home. The family who adopted Tito first saw him featured on social media and during the BCC meeting, where his calm and affectionate nature shone through. Tito’s story is proof that every shelter pet has the potential to change a life if only given the chance to be seen.

Programs like Doggie Day Out don’t just benefit the animals, they strengthen our community. Each outing helps reduce kennel stress, highlights the individuality of our pets, and provides team-building opportunities for residents and workplaces alike. For dogs, it is a chance to experience new surroundings and showcase their true personalities. For people, it is a reminder of the unconditional love that shelter pets have to give.

I encourage every office, resident, and commissioner to consider participating, whether by hosting a Doggie Day Out guest, volunteering, or adopting. The more exposure we provide, the more lives we save.

Together, we can ensure that dogs like Tito not only leave the shelter but find a home where they can thrive.

For more information about PBCACC, please visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare or call (561) 233-1200.

replaced your DL or ID since then, you may need to update your voter record. FLHSMV is not replacing all driver’s licenses/ID numbers, it is updated only when your license is due for renewal or if it needs to be replaced.

If you are a registered voter in Palm Beach County, it is important that your voter record is updated with your new driver’s license/ID number so that it can be used to verify a vote-by-mail ballot request or a petition signature. Voting in-person is not affected by this change.

Here is what you need to do if you are registered to vote:

• If you replaced or renewed your Florida driver’s license or ID since July 31, 2024, and did not request to update your voter registration at that time, you need to visit www.RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to update your new driver’s license/ID number to sync it up with the elections office.

• If you plan to replace or renew your Florida driver’s license or ID in the future, you must choose to update your voter registration at the time of your in-person transaction at the tax collector’s office. Our staff has been advised to remind individuals to do so at the time of their transaction.

Northern Notes

Culverts – Integral Parts Of Stormwater Systems

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration

Culverts play a crucial role in Florida’s stormwater these structures have significantly influenced the state’s landscape, facilitating growth and development.

Culverts function similarly to water pipes that supply water to homes. Just as these pipes transport water from a source into your house or garden, culverts channel stormwater away from houses and roads to a receiving body of water. Culverts facilitate the underground movement of stormwater from one location to another, such as moving water between connecting lakes or directing road drainage to a lake. If the pipes become clogged, water may back up and pool in the areas that should be draining. Culverts help move water away from homes and businesses, ensuring safe travel along roadways and preventing flooding of homes and businesses.

Today, a variety of culvert types are in use, each with its unique features and benefits. These include box culverts, arch culverts, and bridge culverts. However, the most commonly used type is the pipe culvert. These tunnel-like structures, buried alongside or beneath roadways, come in various materials such as metal, concrete, and plastic, and in different lengths and diameters. Some are as wide as 6 feet, offering a wide range of options for different drainage needs.

In the past, most drainage systems relied on CMP (corrugated metal pipe). Unfortunately, these pipes often corroded due to fluctuating water levels and exposure to air. To address this problem, CMP pipes are now frequently replaced with HDPE (high-

density polyethylene) pipes, which are designed to be more resistant, or with RCP (reinforced concrete pipes) that offer better load-bearing capacity, especially under heavy traffic roads.

Culverts, designed to last between 30 and 100 years, require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and functionality. Factors such as environmental conditions and increased usage can lead to their failure, resulting in contamination, leaks, or even sinkholes. This is why regular maintenance is not just necessary, but essential. At Northern, we work diligently to provide regular inspections and maintenance for our drainage systems. Inspections are conducted using advanced tools such as cameras mounted on remote operated vehicles (ROVs) or by trained divers. If an issue affecting the lifespan and operation of the culvert is identified, we can address it through cleaning or repairs, ensuring the continued effectiveness of our stormwater management system.

Homeowners and business owners planning construction work near Northern culverts are required to obtain the necessary permits. This requirement ensures that construction activities

do not compromise the integrity of the culverts. Drilling holes in these culverts can have serious adverse effects on both the structure itself and the surrounding stormwater management system. Creating a hole compromises the strength of the culvert, which can lead to potential structural weaknesses and may even result in collapse or failure. This disruption can hinder the proper flow of stormwater, causing backups and flooding in areas that are designed to drain efficiently. Additionally, drilling can introduce pollutants into the waterway, harming local ecosystems and degrading water quality. Furthermore, failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines, legal action, and the need for costly repairs, which can impact the entire community. To help our culvert systems work effectively, we can all take some necessary steps. One practical action is to keep storm drains clear of debris, such as leaves and trash, which can obstruct water flow. Do not dump dirt, debris, chemicals or leaves into storm drains, as this can hurt both the environment and block water flow. Additionally, if any areas require attention or repair, it is essential to report them to the district. By working together and looking out for one another, we can ensure that our stormwater infrastructure remains in excellent condition for years to come.

NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly—do not put them into storm drains or lakes!

Professional Firefighters And Paramedics Of Palm Beach County

October is fire prevention month, so it is a good time to make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Most new detectors have batteries with a 10-year life, but it is always a best practice to test them regularly.

The National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) reports that having a working smoke detector in your home reduces the risk of dying from a fire by 50%. Also, 2/3 of home fire deaths occur in homes without a working detector.

Smoke detectors provide early warning, giving you and your family a better chance of evacuating your home before the fire spreads. Make sure your family has an escape plan in place and everyone knows what it is.

Even though we have passed the meteorological peak of hurricane season with little activity, this is not the time to let your guard down. October can be a very active month with significant damaging storms. (Remember Hurricane Wilma.) Maintain your storm readiness through the month of November. That is considered the end of hurricane season.

As with any significant storm, water and storm surge pose the greatest risk to life. Heed the warnings of Emergency Management officials if a storm is approaching. Know where the closest shelters are, and have a plan to evacuate the area if the need arises.

Stay safe and well.

Steen Eriksson, Legislative Aid North, Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County, IAFF Local 2928

Town Of Jupiter News

By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter

The Town Council works with our town manager, staff and others to address issues affecting our residents and businesses. The following provides a summary of some recent actions and achievements:

Town Parks: Playground Upgrades

Exciting playground upgrades have been completed at three town parks during 2025 and opened for public enjoyment! This year, playground upgrades have been implemented at Maplewood Park, Jupiter Community Park and Indian Creek Park. All playground designs are unique for each park site and include shade structures and various play, learn and explore

equipment and structures. Indian Creek Park is considered to be the town’s flagship recreational playground park and therefore has the largest scope of playground features for children to enjoy.

The town is continuing its journey to revamp all of its playgrounds. The next round of town playground upgrades is planned for 2026 and include Abacoa Community Park, Heights of Jupiter, Miracle Moments Playground (at Community Center) and Daily Park.

Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD)

Our new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) is now less than one year away from the date whereon it goes into full-service operations at midnight on October 1, 2026.

Creation of JFRD remains on/ahead of schedule and on/ below budget.

In June, the Palm Beach County Commission unanimously approved our COPCN application to begin providing fire/ rescue services on October 1, 2026. In July, the Florida

Department of Health issued JFRD its Advanced Life Support (ALS) Transport Provider License. Construction of the two new town fire stations is underway. A temporary fire station building has been secured for interim use until Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) vacates the town-owned Abacoa Fire Station on September 30, 2026, and the town is able to refurbish it.

The Fiscal Year 2026 PBCFR services’ tax assessment is already $2 million more than best case representations that were made when the Jupiter Town Council was deciding on whether to create JFRD. This was expected to occur along with even more significant incremental cost increases that would have occurred in Fiscal Year 2027 and beyond. This provides conclusive evidence that the Town of Jupiter will be able to deliver significant ad valorem tax savings for Jupiter residents and businesses by having created our own municipal fire/rescue department.

Stay tuned.

Rudina Toro Is Named Executive Director Of Palm Beach Dramaworks

Producing Artistic Director

William Hayes, former Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl and Board Chair

Carlton Moody are pleased to announce that Rudina Toro has been named executive director of Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD), effective Sept. 1.

Toro became PBD’s first chief financial and operating officer in March 2023, but her association with the company dates back to its early years, when she was an audit manager with Nowlen, Holt & Miner, P.A. She collaborated with Beryl on PBD’s inaugural audit, and remained audit manager for the next 12 years. Not only did the two women become friends, but Toro regularly assisted PBD on other projects over the years. She worked closely with Beryl on operational and financial structures, and was an invaluable advisor, sounding board, and resource to both Beryl and Hayes. When Toro was hired two years ago, it was with the knowledge that she would become Beryl’s successor. Beryl, a co-founder of PBD with Hayes, was preparing to step down as managing director – that title has been retired – to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

“Rudina knows PBD from the inside out, loves the company, and is committed to its mission,” said Beryl. “We knew she was the right person to step into this job, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she and Bill continue to grow the company.”

“I’m just so honored to be part of the PBD family,” said Toro. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I know that it will keep getting better. The mission here is so important to me, and I don’t want ‘Theatre to Think About’ touched or diluted in any way. It’s who we are. One of the things we’ve already begun to do is craft a broader effort to make people aware of our work, because we think that once they get to know us, they’ll be allin and eager to come back again and again. In addition to the exceptional quality of our productions, our box office and frontof-house personnel create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and go the extra mile for our patrons. There’s a reason we often refer to the ‘PBD family.’

“What we’re focusing on now is messaging,” Toro continued. “That’s not a new concept here; our terrific marketing team has always had great ideas. But now we have more resources to devote towards creative messaging and advertising to let people know we’re here and that we offer thought-provoking theatre. We aim to deepen existing relationships and reach new audiences whom we can develop into lifelong patrons and friends.”

Hayes said, “Rudina brings a youthful perspective, a new way of looking at things. I’ve known her for 20 years, and I suspect we’re going to learn a lot from each other. I know my audience and I know my community and there’s a reason that PBD has survived for more than 25 years. But it’s good to bring in somebody younger, who has fresh ideas and can bring new life to the organization – technology, more efficient ways of doing things. I tend to be a dinosaur about certain things. But I’m also smart enough to know that the organization needs what Rudina has to offer. I think we’re going to be a great team.”

Toro had a long and robust career in finance, accounting and business consulting prior to joining PBD. A certified public accountant in the state of Florida, she holds a dual Bachelor of Science in applied finance and accounting from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in taxation from Florida Atlantic University. She grew up surrounded by theatre. Her mother was a producing artistic director, and her uncle was an actor and director with the National Theatre of Albania.

This early exposure instilled in her a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Her financial leadership and her personal connection to the theatre world position her as a driving force in PBD’s ongoing commitment to create meaningful and powerful theatre experiences for the community.

“I am so pleased to welcome Rudina into her new role with the PBD family,” said Moody. “She brings a wealth of experience, passion for the arts and a deep commitment to community engagement. Her leadership, vision and dedication

to our mission will be instrumental as we continue to grow and enrich the cultural life of Palm Beach County. We look forward with great anticipation as Rudina and Bill guide us into an exciting future.”

Beryl will remain at PBD in a new capacity. As Founder in Residence – a position that gives her fewer day-to-day responsibilities and more flexibility – her goal is “to help secure the company’s next 25 years, which includes starting an endowment, deepening relationships with donors and partners and bringing new people into the PBD family.”

Toro added, “We’re excited for the future and we honor the past. All of us are working toward the same thing: to make PBD shine.”

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Each season, the awardwinning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theatre and in schools. Committed to fostering the future of theatre, PBD has become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the country to nurture their work through the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. PBD is a member of Theatre Communications Group, Florida Professional Theatres Association and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. In 2024, PBD was honored as Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

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