PGA APR 2026

PGA’s Community News

PGA POA Communications Corner

Submitted by Marie Hoenings, PGA POA Communications Committee

Another successful Cognizant Classic is in the books! Gratefully, the weather cooperated (for the most part) and those who attended had a good time. Thanks to all of our members who served as volunteers. This event is important regionally and to PGA National and gives the community national exposure which benefits us all.

Since our last newsletter, the Property Owner’s Association held its annual meeting and we thank those homeowners who attended this event which provides important information regarding the POA, including a report from the POA’s accountant as well as an opportunity for the homeowners to ask questions. Further, representatives of the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, Palm Beach Gardens Police, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, Cognizant Classic, PGA National Resort and Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Marcie Tinsley were present to provide reports to the attendees and answer questions. If you did not attend this year’s meeting, we encourage you to attend in the coming years. At the Annual meeting there was also the election

of five members to the Board of Governors. On the following Monday, the Board of Governors convened an organizational meeting prior to its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The current members of Board of Governors are James Kraus (President); Vicki Miller (Vice President); Gail Horvath (Secretary); Bill Heath (Treasurer); Keith Ahronheim; Gail Coppage; and two new members, Steve Berg and Marie Hoenings. The Board thanks you for your support and looks forward to serving the community.

The Property Owner’s Association offers a variety of committees that give homeowners a meaningful way to get involved and make a difference in our community. Committee descriptions are available on the POA website, and the Board encourages homeowners to share their time, skills, and ideas by volunteering. Your involvement helps strengthen our community and makes it an even better place to live.

Regarding the ongoing improvement projects, we are pleased to report that the paving of the parking lots of Burwick and Marlwood Parks has been completed. New flowers have been planted throughout the community to

Commissioner’s Update

Protecting Palm Beach County Consumers

By Commissioner Maria G. Marino

Public Safety Division

of Consumer Affairs is a department within Palm Beach County that plays an important role in protecting residents and helping them make informed decisions when doing business. The division works to educate consumers, mediate complaints, and enforce regulations that protect residents from unfair or illegal business practices.

For Palm Beach County residents, it is reassuring to know there is a local resource available to help when problems arise with a business. The Division of Consumer Affairs serves as an advocate for consumers by investigating complaints and working with businesses to resolve disputes. Their goal is to create fair outcomes while ensuring businesses follow the laws and regulations designed to protect the public.

One of the most valuable services the division offers is its free informal mediation program. This program allows residents to file complaints regarding issues they may have experienced with a business. Once a complaint is submitted,

the division reviews the matter and works to mediate between the consumer and the business involved. This process often helps resolve concerns without the need for lengthy or costly legal action. Many residents find that mediation provides a practical and efficient way to address disputes and reach a fair solution.

In addition to helping resolve complaints, the Division of Consumer Affairs helps residents make informed decisions before hiring or purchasing services from a business. If you are considering working with a particular company but are unsure whether to move forward, the division offers a business information report through its online Business Lookup tool. This report provides up to three years of complaint history associated with a registered business that consumers have reported in the past. By reviewing this information, consumers can better understand a company’s track record and make more confident choices.

Another important focus of the division is helping residents recognize and avoid scams. Unfortunately, scams have become increasingly common and often target individuals through phone calls, text messages, emails, or even mailed documents. Scammers frequently pretend to represent well known organizations that people trust, such as Medicare, Amazon, the Social Security Administration, or utility companies.

In many cases, scammers will claim that there is a problem with one of your accounts and that you must verify personal information immediately. They may ask for sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, banking information, or passwords. Another common tactic involves sending a fake check in the mail and instructing the recipient to deposit it and then send a portion of the money back. Once the check is discovered to be fraudulent, the victim may be responsible for the lost funds.

replace the flowers damaged in the cold snaps in February. Fence repairs on PGA Boulevard west of Ryder Cup are entering the final landscaping phase. Finally, the POA’s office has gotten a refresh with new flooring and painting.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Jack Hughes, who recently concluded his service on the Board of Governors, for his 18 years of dedicated service to the community. During his tenure, Jack held various roles on the Board of Governors—most recently as President—and chaired several committees, all of which contributed to the success of the community. Also, congratulations to Lori Moody on 20 years with Lang Management and 15 years with the POA.

Finally, Marie Hoenings has been appointed as the new Chair of the Communications Committee. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gail Coppage, the prior Chair, for her hard work through the previous years keeping the community informed!

The new Board wishes you all a happy spring!

Residents are encouraged to stay alert and recognize the warning signs of a potential scam. Be cautious of unexpected calls or messages requesting personal information and avoid engaging with unfamiliar numbers or senders. Blocking unwanted calls and text messages can also help reduce the risk of being targeted.

Additionally, residents can take advantage of the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Property Fraud Alert, a free service that provides an added layer of protection. This service notifies property owners by email or text within 24 hours when a document is recorded in their name, address, or parcel number they have registered to monitor. It helps detect potential fraud, such as criminals forging documents to steal property or take out loans, allowing owners to take quick action.

Through consumer education, mediation services, and scam prevention efforts, Consumer Affairs and the Property Fraud Alert program remain committed to protecting residents. By providing trusted resources and guidance, they help residents make informed decisions, avoid potential fraud, and confidently navigate their interactions with businesses throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information, visit the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs at www.pbcgov.com/ consumer or call (561) 712-6600.

You can also learn about the Clerk’s Property Fraud Alert program at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/services/ property-fraud-alert.

Feathers And Fairways: Why April Is The Best Time To See Birds In PGA National

By Keegan Steele

Every April, a remarkable natural event unfolds right here in PGA National: spring bird migration. Whether you’re brand-new to birdwatching or a lifelong bird lover, this is something you won’t want to miss.

Millions of birds pass through Florida each spring, with April being one of the busiest months of migration. Most travel while we are asleep, flying north under the cover of darkness. Weather radar often shows huge waves of birds moving north across Florida after sunset.

Editorial Board

Editor: James A. Cioffi james@jcclaw.com

Feature Writers: Lea Ann Robinson, POA Gail Coppage , POA Commissioner Maria Marino Katie Roundtree

Your editors strongly believe that the number of people who do become involved with any news medium directly reflects on that medium’s excellence, versatility and broad viewpoint. Therefore, we invite PGA residents to contribute articles or current, timely news items and/or “Letters to the Editors.”

Articles/letters are subject to editing and editors’ right to publish. Submission must include writer’s name, address and telephone number. Unsigned articles /letters will not be published. Opposing views to article viewpoints contained in this paper are welcome. Articles do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the C.A.N.! organization. Submissions should be emailed for consideration by the tenth of each month for the following month’s publication (example: by January 10 for February publication) to: James@jcclaw.com

Take the American Redstart, a striking black-andorange member of the warbler family. This tiny bird may spend the winter in the dense jungles of Costa Rica. When April arrives, it begins a remarkable journey north, flying more than 500 miles across the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

When it reaches South Florida, the bird is exhausted and hungry. It may spend a few days feeding on insects and fruit in neighborhood trees and backyards. Then it continues up the East Coast, sometimes reaching places like New York City.

It’s amazing to think that the bird you see today in PGA National may have been in Central America last week and could be in Central Park next week.

Golf courses may look like landscapes designed for people, but to migrating birds they provide excellent

habitat. The ponds, palm trees, and open fairways of PGA National offer food, water, and shelter for birds that have just completed one of the most demanding journeys in nature.

Birds are most active in the early morning, especially from sunrise until about 9 a.m. That makes it the perfect time for a walk or bike ride. Listen closely. The chirps and songs you hear can lead you to birds hidden in the trees.

And if you’re lucky, you might spot a Painted Bunting. This dazzling bird looks like it flew straight out of a box of crayons, with brilliant blue, green, and orange feathers. It’s one of the most colorful birds in North America and always a thrilling sight.

So grab a pair of binoculars, dust off that bird feeder in your garage, and take a stroll through PGA National. You never know what winged travelers might be passing through your neighborhood.

Are you investing with facts or headlines?

Burns Wealth Management Group

Robert Burns

CFP ®, ChFC ®, CPWA ®, AIF®, CLU® Managing Director Wealth Partner, Portfolio Manager

3825 PGA Blvd, Floor 9 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 561.694.5666 robert.m.burns@jpmorgan.com jpmorgan.com/burnswm

Dr. Brian Kirkland, an emergency medicine doctor, has worked as the physician for cruises on the Sea Cloud, the sailing vessel previously owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post. He dedicated his life to healing others. In September, 2009 while in Tuscany and Umbria, Dr. Kirkland experienced some fevers. He did not think anything was seriously wrong until he arrived home and felt chest pain.

Dr. Kirkland had tests performed and the diagnosis was acute leukemia. The chest pains resulted from the expansion of bone marrow in the rib area. His doctor prescribed 8 to 10 days of aggressive chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy results in remission. It is not a cure for leukemia. Dr. Kirkland was told that a bone marrow transplant would be the preferred treatment.

There are bone marrow registries around the world. It was determined that there were three matches for Dr. Kirkland – one of them being nearly perfect. The only challenge was the location of the donor. Bjorn lives in Germany. Donors submit a kit to the registry with a swab of the cheek and a profile is developed.

From The Editor: “Be The Match”… Notice

The transplant was scheduled for February 3, 2010. Dr. Kirkland had to undergo radiation before the transplant and then a chemotherapy agent to remove the diseased marrow administered over a 24-hour period. In Germany, Bjorn donated the bone marrow and it was flown by jet to Cleveland Clinic 2 days before the transplant. Some of the marrow is refrigerated and some is frozen. Bjorn went to work the afternoon after he donated the bone marrow.

The transplant was administered intravenously with an IV bag infused into a port in Dr. Kirkland’s chest and completed within 45 minutes. Once in the blood, the stem cells from the donor find their way into the recipient’s marrow cavities where the doctor had removed the diseased marrow. Engraftment occurs when the stem cells of the recipient begin to function. It happened 2 weeks after Dr. Kirkland’s transplant. During that period, he had blood transfusions also.

Years have passed and Dr. Brian Kirkland has had no evidence of leukemia in his body. He acknowledges that he would not have survived without the generous donation of bone marrow by Bjorn, a 25-year-old man across the Atlantic Ocean. Dr. Kirkland had the opportunity to meet Bjorn and thank him in person.

Please consider donating bone marrow and saving lives. The donation process can be completed by the removal of blood from one arm via a needle, passing it through a machine that extracts the blood forming cells, and then

PGA Community News is looking for writers to contribute community related content. If you would be interested in submitting an article please email potential articles to: James@jcclaw.com for consideration.

returning the blood through a needle in the other arm. There are various registries for bone marrow. Dr. Kirkland and Bjorn utilized the registry known as “Be The Match” now known as the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Only 30% of bone marrow transplant donors are relatives of the recipient. Therefore, 70% of those in need of treatment rely on the donation of those who are committed to saving a life through a registry. The process begins with the swab of a cheek and then you can be the cure for another person and “Be The Match.” Until next month… James A. Cioffi, Editor james@jcclaw.com

P.S. Please make others aware of the bone marrow and blood donation process. Monetary donations are also needed. Information is available at the website NMDP.org.

Wanted

People are vandalizing golf courses after play hours. Sand traps, greens and fairways are being damaged. If you see anyone on courses after hours, please call POA Security at 627-1600 or Resort Security, 627-2000. Thank you.

Palm Beach County will soon be home to Alan B. Miller Medical Center, a place where innovation meets compassion, where neighbors become patients and where patients are treated like family. With a deep commitment to a patient-first philosophy, this brand-new hospital is

Resonance, AI, and the Brain: Insights from Sunposium 2026

By Carla Alexander

In early March, I had the privilege of attending Sunposium 2026, hosted by the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. Sunposium brings together the world’s leading researchers to explore fundamental questions: How do neural circuits shape perception, behavior, and health? How can we measure and influence these systems responsibly?

Over three days of presentations, posters, and conversations, a recurring theme emerged: coherence matters. Neural circuits operate not as isolated units but as dynamic, interconnected systems, constantly adapting to internal states and external signals. Dopaminergic pathways modulate learning and reward; plasticity mechanisms reshape networks in response to experience; developmental wiring affects flexibility and resilience. All of these processes are underpinned by subtle patterns of resonance and timing.

This is where my work with Harmonic awareness intersects. Daily practices that cultivate coherence— breathwork, meditative alignment, mindful movement, and emotional attunement—strengthen the nervous system’s natural rhythms. When our internal field is harmonized, our perception sharpens, our decisions feel more grounded, and our interactions with the world become more resonant. Neuroscience is now beginning to validate what holistic practitioners have long observed: our bodies, minds, and subtle energy fields are inextricably linked.

I was especially intrigued by discussions of quantum mechanics applied to neuroscience, particularly the use of lasers to target specific cells with extreme precision. Interestingly, the same technologies are also applied in manufacturing computer chips and circuit boards—a

Season Is Here!

Along with season comes the increased temptation to utilize the golf courses as a park/ playground, but we must ask you to refrain from any non-golf related access. Maintenance is performed on all the courses during the year, so there is equipment and work being done. In addition, it is a time when there are more golfers on the course enjoying our beautiful weather.

Thank you

reminder of the interconnectedness between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

During one interview, Dr. Robin Battye, Ph.D., of Toptica, asked me, “Do you think AI is creative?” I replied, “I think AI is a mirror.” AI produces responses that appear creative because it reflects the patterns, logic, and choices of its human programmers. I’ve personally used AI agents for creative work, observing output that is sophisticated and surprising—yet it is not independent reasoning. True creativity involves judgment, intent, and ethical discernment—uniquely human qualities. This distinction is vital as AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare and research.

The intersection of AI, neuroscience, and harmonic awareness offers a useful lens for approaching healthcare decisions, especially when confronted with new diagnoses. When the body faces unexpected challenges, several layers of experience emerge: fear of having something wrong, fear of worsening symptoms, physical pain, fear of losing mobility or independence, and the existential fear of not fully living. In these moments, cultivating inner coherence—rhythmically aligning breath, mind, and emotion—becomes not just comforting but functional.

Practical steps to integrate this approach when navigating a new diagnosis include:

1. Tune in daily: Engage in 5–10 minutes of focused breathwork or light harmonic exercises each morning.

2. Maintain a personal health record: Keep a simple binder or digital system tracking medications, visits, lab results, and questions.

3. Understand AI-assisted diagnostics: When imaging or predictive tools are used, ask providers to explain the underlying methodology.

4. Integrate sensory and environmental cues: Light, sound, and movement influence neural rhythms.

5. Collaborative planning: Approach specialists as partners. Use your body’s feedback as an additional sensor.

At Sunposium, it was remarkable to see how these principles operate on a cellular level. Laser-targeted experiments demonstrated that even minute adjustments in

timing or input could ripple through a circuit, influencing behavior. Similarly, our daily coherence practices allow subtle internal signals to align with larger external systems, creating measurable change in how we feel, think, and interact. This reflection brings us back to resonance as a guiding principle. Neural circuits, AI systems, and human bodies all respond most effectively when tuned. Misalignment— whether from emotional stress, poor sleep, environmental chaos, or over-reliance on opaque algorithms—amplifies noise, reduces clarity, and compromises outcomes. Alignment enhances perception, improves decision-making, and opens opportunities for creativity and insight.

As we move into April, consider these questions for yourself:

• Where in my life am I attuned to my own rhythm—and where am I out of sync?

• How can I use tools, technology, and professional guidance without losing connection to my own body and intuition?

• What small daily practices help me harmonize internal perception with external information?

Sunposium reminded me that neuroscience is expanding our understanding of resonance and coherence at unprecedented speeds. The takeaway for all of us, in health and in life, is simple: alignment matters. When we cultivate internal harmony, we strengthen our ability to navigate complexity, make informed choices, and engage fully with the world.

Whether it is observing a neuron, refining AI diagnostics, or integrating a new health routine, the principle remains: coherence is both measurable and lived, and it is at the heart of thriving systems—human, machine, and natural. With you in the field, Carla Alexander, Founder, Healing Life Media™ & Healing Life Technologies™, Writer · Speaker · Harmonic Systems Innovator, CAlexander@HealingLifeTech.com “When the heart remembers, the field aligns.”

BESPOKE HOMES AS MAGNIFICENT AS THEIR WATERFRONT SETTING

Discover Jupiter’s premier waterfront enclave ideally situated on a stunning peninsula of land directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Anchored by 13 private boat slips up to 60 feet in length, Forté Luxe is your gateway to the Palm Beaches, Atlantic Ocean, and enchanting Intracoastal Waterway, where excursions for sport and leisure are effortlessly accessible.

Tax Collector Employees Donate More Than $16,000 In 2025

Donations Support

Homeless Students In Palm Beach County

Constitutional Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon is proud to announce that employees of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s organization donated $16,043.66 in 2025 to benefit Living Hungry , a local nonprofit dedicated to ending food insecurity for homeless students in Palm Beach County schools.

A formal check presentation took place on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Tax Collector’s Administrative Office in Downtown West Palm Beach. “Through our Community Involvement program employees are committed to making

a positive change to the community,” said Gannon. “I am proud of their charitable spirit and their commitment to ensure our local homeless students receive support.”

A hallmark of the organization’s Community Involvement program is that every dollar and item donated comes directly from the staff. No public tax dollars are used. Funds are generated through the “Dress Down for Charity” program, where employees contribute to dress down on designated days, as well as other internal fundraising activities throughout the year.

In addition to the financial contribution, employees collected more than 2,500 items for “good time packs” to

support children during the summer months. These good time packs included books, journals, travel games, and snack food for the students.

“I continue to be impressed by the compassion shown by the Tax Collector’s team,” said Maura Plante, Founder of Living Hungry. “Our local homeless children are so deserving of this support. These contributions will directly nourish the potential of students who need it most.”

Read more about the Tax Collector’s community involvement at: https://www.pbctax.gov/aboutus/#community.

What High School Juniors Should Be Doing Now To Prepare For College Applications

By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed., Class 101 Owner/ College Advisor

For high school juniors, college application season may seem far away, but in reality, it is only about six months away. The work students do during the spring of junior year can significantly affect how smooth and successful the application process

when senior year begins.

One of the most important steps juniors should take now is building a thoughtful college list. Students should research colleges that match their academic profile, interests, and goals. A balanced list typically includes reach schools, match schools, and likely schools. Considering factors such as size, location, academic programs, campus culture, and cost helps students identify schools that are the right fit both academically and personally.

Standardized testing should also be part of the plan. Students should develop a clear strategy for both the SAT and ACT, including determining which test may

be the better fit, identifying testing dates, and creating a preparation plan. Having a testing strategy in place now allows students to focus their preparation and work toward improving scores before applications are due.

Juniors should also continue strengthening their extracurricular involvement. Colleges value students who show commitment, leadership, and growth over time. Rather than trying to add many new activities, students should focus on deepening their involvement in the clubs, sports, jobs, or volunteer work that are most meaningful to them.

Another important step is beginning to think about potential essay topics. The personal statement allows students to show who they are beyond grades and test scores. Students who begin reflecting on meaningful experiences early often write stronger and more authentic essays.

For many families, working with a college planner can make this process far more manageable. A college planner helps students develop a clear strategy, stay organized with the many deadlines involved in the college application process, and navigate each step.

To find out how I can help your student get prepared, contact Peggy Forgan for a free consultation at pforgan@class101.com or call (561) 418-7897

TAMPA GENERAL: PERSONALIZED & POWERFUL CANCER CARE

The TGH Cancer Institute proudly welcomes Dr. Donna H. Kleban, a board-certified breast cancer specialist, to our East Coast practice.

Dr. Donna H. Kleban, MD, FACS, is a board-certified breast surgeon specializing in benign and malignant breast cancer disorders.

Backed by one of Florida’s leading academic health systems, the TGH Cancer Institute delivers nationally recognized cancer care with local comfort and convenience. Based in our Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast locations, Dr. Kleban brings a wealth of research, surgical and clinical expertise and treats patients with compassion and care. And if complex care is needed, Dr. Kleban works with our health care ambassadors to seamlessly coordinate care at Tampa General. For a consultation, please call (561) 739-4TGH.

TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches

Northern Notes

Gopher Tortoises

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

Gopher tortoises are one of five North American tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River. It is a statedesignated threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The gopher tortoise is about 9 to 11 inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive burrows for homes. As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost 80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about 15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here in

Reminder From

Palm Beach Gardens Police Department

Adopt These Habits To Prevent Vehicle Burglaries

• Please lock your vehicle doors every time – even for a quick stop or at home.

• Never leave items of any kind inside your vehicle. Hiding items doesn’t work!

• At a minimum, if you must leave items, place them in your trunk.

• Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS holders and other key sets act as neon signs.

• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert and call in any suspicious activities to the police department nonemergency number: 799-4445.

South Florida, they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.

Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well-drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants. They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied from the plants they eat.

Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for years to come.

As you enjoy the preserves, please keep in mind that fences and gates are there to prevent unwanted animals from entering, as well as tortoises from leaving and potentially being harmed. Please keep all gates closed after entering or leaving the preserves and report any damaged gates or fences to your HOA or Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District.

Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as necessary. It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org

Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your local city or county commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how amazing these animals are!

NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.

The Pet Cottage Post

We’re Home.

A

Sanctuary. A Promise. And The Deed To Prove It.

By Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage

On February 11, 2026, I held a piece of paper in my hands that I have visualized, worked toward, and told the story of for years. It was the deed to 17049 Thunder Road, the property that has been home to The Pet Cottage’s sanctuary. And for the first time, it had our name on it.

I paused, looked up, and said a resounding thank you to all the powers that be who came together to bring this miracle to life. Yes. We. Did. It.

For a nonprofit that began with a promise made to a dying friend and three senior cats, owning the ground beneath our paws is nothing short of transformational. No lease to renew. No landlord to answer to. Just a Forever Home for every animal in our care, rooted in land that belongs to this mission.

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For those newer to our story: The Pet Cottage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary and Lifelong Guardianship Program. We make a Forever Promise to pets who lose their humans through death, disability, serious illness, or military deployment. We find them loving Forever Guardians (often seniors in our community), and we cover every veterinary expense for the rest of each pet’s life. No exceptions. No expiration date. No matter what.

We currently care for approximately 17 animals on-site and over 50 pets in Forever Guardian homes throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties with more than 60 seniors experiencing the daily joy of pet companionship through our program. We are not a shelter or a rescue. Every pet who enters our Circle of Protection stays forever. And now, “forever” has a permanent address.

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I want to be honest with you, because you are our pack, and you deserve the truth. Closing on this property was a

miracle made possible by this community. But the deed in my hands also means the real work has just begun. We have a mortgage on this sanctuary, and paying it off is the next great mission.

Owning this land unlocks possibilities we couldn’t reach before: expanded cottages, more bonded pairs, more large dogs, more complex medical cases, the animals other organizations simply cannot take. It positions us for major grants and legacy gifts that require permanent facilities. It is the foundation of everything we build next.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that will outlast all of us, a sanctuary still welcoming grief-stricken pets and giving lonely seniors a reason to get up in the morning long after we are gone, this is your moment. Donate

at thepetcottage.org, become a Forever Guardian, or simply share our story with someone who needs to hear it.

I founded The Pet Cottage on March 11, 2012, the day my dear friend Joan McCabe passed away because I believed with every fiber of my being that the pets who love us so willingly, so completely, and without question deserve a champion. Losing their person should never mean losing everything. Fourteen years later, we have a deed, a team, a community, and a future.

Joan, I think you would be proud. With so much gratitude, Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage thepetcottage.org • 561-818-5025 • @thepetcottage 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478

Benefits Of Advocating For An IEP

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

Many parents sense that their child is struggling in school long before a formal plan is put in place. You may notice difficulties with reading, writing, attention, or anxiety, yet feel uncertain about how to navigate the complex special education process. In these moments, testing your child to give additional understanding can make a meaningful difference.

School neuropsychological testing provides answers to your intuitions. Testing reveals your child’s strengths but also provides needed data to explain your child’s hidden weaknesses and how those are interfering with learning. Once schools have unbiased data and the report with recommendations, they can move forward with an individualized education plan (IEP).

For many families, the experience can be transformative. As one parent shared, “With your testing report and the advocate, our son qualified and received an IEP for specialized instruction. We were greatly relieved and encouraged that he would now receive the additional support needed for him to thrive.”

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

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

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

Dr. Fisher looks forward to providing you with excellent dermatology care.

Testing combined with advocacy gets results. A special education advocate is a professional who understands the laws, procedures, and language of the educational system and helps you work collaboratively with schools to secure appropriate services for your child. If you feel overwhelmed by acronyms, eligibility criteria, and evaluation data, an advocate provides clarity and guidance.

Advocates also help you prepare for school meetings. Eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, and school conferences can feel intimidating. An advocate helps you organize concerns, develop key questions, and ensure that the conversation remains focused on your child’s needs. Their presence often helps create a more balanced discussion and ensures that important points are not overlooked. Another key role of an advocate is helping ensure that children receive appropriate supports and services. This might include specialized instruction, accommodations, or related services. Advocates understand how to align evaluation data with educational eligibility categories and service recommendations.

An advocate is on your side. By helping you understand the process, interpret data, and communicate effectively, advocates ensure that your child receives the educational support necessary to reach their full potential.

Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child and dyslexia, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.

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

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

Financial Focus®

Local Business Owners: Don’t Overlook Retirement Plans

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals?

A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can, directly or indirectly, offer benefits that extend beyond simple savings.

Double the tax advantages. Starting a retirement plan can deliver immediate tax advantages. For the business, employer contributions are tax-deductible. And as a participant in your company plan, your pretax salary deferrals are excluded from income taxes; your investments within the plan are tax-deferred until distributed. Many plans now offer Roth options that allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Local businesses may also qualify for federal tax credits that help offset startup costs, employee education expenses and plan administration fees. Additional credits may be available for auto-enrollment

features and employer contributions made during the plan’s first five years.

A competitive edge in hiring. In today’s labor market, offering a retirement plan can differentiate your business from competitors and help improve employee retention.

Many plans also provide access to financial education tools and resources, helping your employees make informed decisions about saving, investing and planning for retirement. This support can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a positive work environment for your business.

More flexible than state-sponsored options. If you live in a state requiring an employee retirement program, you might be considering a state-sponsored plan. While these programs can provide a starting point, they typically offer fewer investment options, lower contribution limits and limited design flexibility.

Establishing your own workplace retirement plan lets you customize features for your business needs to control administrative costs, set contribution limits and offer employees a wide range of investment options. This added control in plan design can lead to better outcomes for your business and your employees.

Reducing a hidden risk in your own retirement planning. Business owners often have as much as 80 percent of their net worth tied up in their businesses, according to the Exit Planning Institute. While that demonstrates commitment to success, it also creates significant financial risk to the owner.

Relying solely on a future business sale to fund your retirement can be precarious. Market shifts, timing challenges or limited buyer interest could derail those plans. By building personal assets through your employer-

sponsored retirement plan, you can gain financial flexibility and reduce the risk of having your retirement lifestyle depend entirely on one event.

Getting started. With various retirement plan options available, determining which one fits your business best can feel overwhelming.

A qualified financial advisor can help you navigate these decisions, explaining the trade-offs between different plan types and identifying which option best suits your unique situation. They can also help you understand eligibility requirements and ensure the plan you choose aligns with your business goals and personal financial objectives.

Starting a workplace retirement plan represents an investment in your future, your employees and the long-term success of your business.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Stahl, CFP, ChFC, AAMS, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.

The Golf Learning Center

Progression Training

By Tom F. Stickney, Director of Operations

As we all know working on your game with the shorter clubs versus the longer clubs is two different things. It’s always easier to get things going on the range, especially when you get into the rhythm of things with the shorter clubs where the swings just come more naturally. But

Reminder From The POA/ARC

POA documents require that all residents apply for POA and HOA approval prior to making any changes to the exterior of your home, including but not limited to tree removal or planting, new landscaping, painting, roofing, additions or construction, fencing, hurricane shutters, impact glass, play equipment, garage door replacement or any other change, you must contact the PGA POA Architectural Review Committee for approval. Information and forms are available at www.pgapoa.com under the “Documents & Forms” heading or call 627-2800.

Thank you, Jack Hughes, Chairman, POA ARC

what happens when you have to work up through your bag and hit the longer clubs that make the swing feel more complex?

One of the best ways I know to work on your game as you move through the bag is by using “progression” training where you start with a basic skill then add in more complexity as you master the previous step. This training style will help you to easily incorporate your short club swing into your long club swing, as well as, keep you from getting frustrated as you work your way up through your bag…

My progression training will help you to master three things:

1) Path and/or Face Control

2) Impact Quality

3) Full Swing Sequence Training

Chip, Pitch, Punch (Path And/Or Face Control)

The simplest way to begin any practice time is to start with small chip, pitches, and punch shots focusing on hitting the ball as “straight” as you can. This drill from 20 to 80 yards will help you establish the best way for you to learn to control your face and your path. Whenever you hit these shots, the key is to make them go as straight as possible, if they do curve, make sure it’s minimal and always curving the same way. This way you will learn what it takes to hit the ball where you want it to go directionally. If you cannot do this with smaller swings then you will not be able to do this with the longer swings. Start slow and work your way up to your longer clubs. Tee, Fluff, Ground, Tight Lie (Impact Quality)

Once you have mastered face to path control it is now time to work on coupling impact quality on top of hitting the ball in the direction you choose. As we know, hitting the ball off-center can positively or negatively influence your face to path relationship and this can cause shots that move the opposite way that you intended or more exaggerated curvature to your normal shot shape.

If you are having issues with impact quality, I would suggest employing this progression drill: First place the ball on the tee and hit a few shots focusing on hitting the center of the blade, once you can do this work your way up to fluffy lies doing the same thing. This drill helps clear your mind and will free up your swing because you are

Dennis Charles Ferry

not trying “to get the ball into the air.” Once you can hit the ball in the center of the blade off the fluff, work your way back to the ground with a perfect lie, then move on to tight lies like you’d find on the golf course. Obviously impact quality will get harder as you move from the easier and more perched up lie to the tighter lies, but remember if you struggle with impact quality go back to the previous drill and get the ball “on the face” again and try again. Mirror, Stop Action, Slow Motion, Slow Motion With Speed (Full Sequence Training)

While working up to the full swing the most important thing is to make a high number of correct repetitions, not just a bunch of golf swings! This method below will help you to make your time on the practice tee more effective.

First, use a mirror to audit your current move versus the new one so you can see and eventually feel the difference. Then, move on to stop-action drills where you take the swing to the position you are working on and stop – audit the new position to make sure it’s correct – then hit the ball from there. The next step is to bring in slow-motion swings without stopping so you can make the new swing feel more like a normal golf swing. From there, do the same drill but add speed each time you have a successful outcome. If you fail, go back to the previous drill and start over until you can work your way back up to full speed swings with a short iron. This process will also work for transferring your iron swing up through your bag to the full driver. If you will work on these progression drills that I described, I promise you will find that controlling your face to path and impact quality will help immensely as you work your way up through the bag using the mirror and slow-motion swings, etc.

FOR

“Dennis is as responsive as any realtor with whom I’ve dealt. Knows the area, especially PGA National. And just an all around good guy who is honest, easy going but very diligent when it comes to working with clients.” P.B.

“Dennis is a very diligent agent. He is well informed and works hard to match both the buyer and seller. If you are looking for a seasoned professional to assist your Real Estate transaction then you need to reach out to Dennis. Highly recommended.” ET

“Dennis was excellent to work with on my home sale…I had to sell a property from out of state and Dennis made the entire process seamless.” SB

“Five Stars for this gentleman…Dennis communicates thoroughly with each step of the transaction…and he knows how to skillfully and timely navigate with all requirements for the POA and the HOA.”

West Palm Beach Teen Donates Liver To Save Brother’s Life

Family Hopes That Story Inspires Others To Become Living Donors

Most 18-year-olds spend the summer after graduation celebrating with friends or preparing for college. Jackson Taylor spent his saving his brother’s life.

In June 2025, the West Palm Beach resident donated two-thirds of his liver to his 23-year-old brother, Dakota, in a complex living-donor transplant surgery at Tampa General Hospital. Transplant surgeons Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy and Dr. Ashish Singhal led the simultaneous, seven-hour operations. Jackson ranks among the youngest living liver donors in the history of the hospital’s transplant program, which was established in 1974.

After years of frustration with other hospitals, the family was referred to Tampa General’s nationally recognized Transplant Institute. Among the largest and most experienced programs in the country, it has performed more than 15,000 transplants and offers all five major organ transplants for adults. Backed by academic medicine and a multidisciplinary team, Tampa General delivers comprehensive care before, during and long after transplant. Since establishing a network of specialists in South Florida, physicians can easily refer patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties to the hospital’s expert transplant team.

Dakota has battled serious illness his entire life. As a child, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and later primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive liver disease that damages bile ducts and can lead to liver failure.

“He doesn’t remember not being sick,” said their father, David Taylor.

By 23, Dakota’s condition had worsened. His failing liver caused hepatic encephalopathy, a severe brain fog that forced him to leave classes and his IT job at Palm Beach State College. “I would forget what I was saying mid-sentence,” Dakota said. “It felt like my life was on hold.”

Once at Tampa General, the transplant team quickly evaluated Dakota, placed him on the transplant list and recommended pursuing a living donor, which is often the fastest path to transplant.

For Jackson, the decision was simple.

“I always figured I would donate once I turned 18 if Dakota still needed one,” he said.

On his 18th birthday, Jackson contacted the transplant team to begin testing. Within weeks, he learned he was a match. “We’re true blood brothers,” he said. Only 30 to 40 percent of evaluated living donors ultimately qualify.

The surgeries were successful. Jackson was discharged after five days; Dakota followed weeks later. One of David Taylor’s most cherished memories came the day after surgery. “They were sitting next to each other in recliners, tubes everywhere, just holding hands.”

Now home in West Palm Beach, both brothers are regaining strength and rebuilding their lives. “We’ve been through a lot,” Dakota said. “Together, we’re getting our lives back on track.”

The Taylors hope their story inspires others to consider living donation. More than 100,000 Americans are waiting for an organ transplant, and thousands die each year.

“When you donate part of your liver, it grows back,” Jackson said. “You’re not just saving a life—you’re giving someone their future.” The liver is the only organ that regenerates itself.

For more information about the Tampa General Transplant Institute and transplant care available to residents of Palm Beach and Martin counties, call (561) 739-4TGH.

THE ART OF LIVING FULLY

“Moving to MorseLife gave me more freedom than I ever expected. It feels like I’m creating a new masterpiece every day.”

– Joan R., Independent Living

Palm Beach Dramaworks Announces

Arthur Miller’s Classic, Tony Award-Winning The Crucible

Opens At Palm Beach Dramaworks On April 3

It’s easy to understand why Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is his most performed play worldwide, and why the playwright once said in an interview that he considered it his finest work. A masterful, riveting exploration of the 1692 Salem witch trials, this timeless and timely Tony Award-winning play is also an allegory for McCarthyism and the House Un-American Activities Committee’s modern-day witch hunts. Convinced that witches are living among them, Salem is gripped by mass hysteria, paranoia, fear, and retribution, with neighbors turning on and turning in neighbors, and religious fervor turning a blind eye to justice.

This extraordinary, powerful play opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) on April 3 (7:30 p.m.) and continues through April 19, with specially priced previews on April 1 and 2 (7:30 p.m.). PBD Producing Artistic Director William Hayes directs.

Diane Perlberg is the 2025-26 season sponsor. Toni and Martin Sosnoff are the executive producers of The Crucible , and Nancy Goodes is the producer. The Crucible is an honest depiction of what occurred in Salem in 1692, but it is not a historical document – nor was it meant to be. Miller prefaced published versions of the play with a note about his approach to the material: “This play is not history in the sense in which the word is used by the academic historian. Dramatic purposes have sometimes required

Drainage Information

From Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Why do some yards flood after large quantities of rain? The simple answer is according to most approved drainage designs, some water is meant to be temporarily stored in public recreational areas, yard swale and streets. The excess surface water slowly drains to community lakes or on-site ponds via street and yard drainage grates and/or via swales, ditches and canals. The more complex answer is that each yard is different . Some yards have drainage swale areas. These are areas that are sloped to catch water and filter out pollutants as water is absorbed into the ground. Some yards direct water to the community drainage system as run-off with very little water retained in the yard. Familiarize yourself with how your yard was built to determine how water drains from your home.

many characters to be fused into one; the number of girls involved in the ‘crying out’ has been reduced; Abigail’s age has been raised; while there were several judges of almost equal authority, I have symbolized them all in Hathorne and Danforth. However, I believe that the reader will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history. ...”

His changes also heightened the drama and served the show’s many other themes: the subjugation of women, sexual repression – the play’s hysteria is rooted in sexual desire – survival, infidelity, desperation, and guilt. PBD’s production features (in alphabetical order) Cat Boynton, Barbara B. Bradshaw, Gary Cadwallader, John Campagnuolo, Kaia Davis (PBD debut), Rob Donohoe, Peter W. Galman, Hannah Haley, David A. Hyland, Nick Jordan (PBD debut), Julie Kleiner (PBD debut), Margery Lowe, Natalie Donahue McMahon (PBD debut), Tom Patterson (PBD debut), Andy Prosky, Karen Stephens, John Leonard Thompson, Seth Trucks (PBD debut), Tom Wahl, and Elisabeth Yancey.

Jessica Chen is the assistant director, Doug Wilkinson is the scenic designer (PBD’s technical director making his design debut with the company), Brian O’Keefe is the costume designer, José Santiago is the lighting designer (PBD debut), Roger Arnold is the sound designer, Adam

J. Thompson is the projection designer, David A. Hyland is the fight director, Robin Christian-McNair is the dialect coach, Bruce Linser is the hymns consultant/director, Kathryn Johnston is the intimacy coordinator (PBD debut), and casting is by McCorkle Casting Ltd.

Despite winning the Tony Award for Best Play in 1953, the original production of The Crucible was not a hit. It ran 197 performances – just under six months – and critical reaction was lukewarm, at best. Brooks Atkinson, writing in The New York Times , gave the play a mixed review, which included a line that was not what one would call prophetic. “After the experience of ‘Death of a Salesman’ we probably expect Mr. Miller to write a masterpiece every time. ‘The Crucible’ is not of that stature and it lacks that universality.”

Miller was unhappy with the production, and he blamed director Jed Harris’ passionless choices. He wrote in Timebends , his autobiography, “I knew we had cooled off a very hot play, which therefore was not going to move anyone very deeply. It was not a performance from within but a kind of conscious rendering.”

Despite the short run and lackluster reviews, The Crucible was staged in Belgium later in 1953, marking the play’s first European production. Over the next few years, the play was seen in England twice, and in France. Miller didn’t see any of the productions; the State Department would not permit him to leave the country.

A reconsideration of the play in the United States occurred in 1958, when The Crucible was given one of the first off-Broadway productions. Produced by Paul Libin, the play’s heat and passion were restored and The Crucible ran for two years. Critics raved, and Miller noted in Timebends that some of them were convinced he had revised the script. “Not a word had changed,” he wrote. There have since been five Broadway revivals, an offBroadway revival, and countless productions across the country and around the world.

Rex Recommends

A World Premiere And The

Two Bs!

By Rex Hearn Palm Beach Symphony

is a great orchestra. It has a great conductor. Comparisons to the visiting orchestras may sound out of place, but they are just as good. I’m lucky enough to have followed this happy band for the last 34 years. As a chamber orchestra they were passable. Growth came

Arthur Miller’s plays include The Man Who Had All the Luck (1944); All My Sons (1947), Tony Award; Death of a Salesman (1949), Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play; The Crucible (1953), Tony Award; A Memory of Two Mondays (1955); A View from the Bridge (1956); After the Fall (1964); Incident at Vichy (1964); The Price (1968); The American Clock (1980); The Ride Down Mt. Morgan (1991); The Last Yankee (1993); Broken Glass (1994); and Resurrection Blues (2002). Films: Let’s Make Love, The Misfits, The Crucible (1996), and the TV film Playing for Time, which he adapted for the stage in 1985. Miller was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1979 and was the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984. He died in 2005 at the age of 89. 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 award-winning 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

when The Board hired a young Spaniard who took enormous risks in church and college venues, to show what growth could bring. It worked. More players, a permanent home and a superb new conductor, Gerard Schwarz, realized its potential. It is remarkable that management fill Dreyfus Hall to hear their magnificent performances. With all this growth the best soloists are hired, the programming is inspiring and the quality of each player blends into a special orchestral sound we love.

Monday’s concert of March 2 also showed the flexibility of this group. Due to “pressure” from informed individuals, (Ukraine?) the Russian violinist Vadim Repin, was dropped. In his place the programmers ditched Prokofiev’s 2nd Violin Concerto, replacing it with Beethoven’s 4th Symphony. The first movement was spirited, the second was full of questions and answer the third moved hummingly along; and the last was

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. Tickets for all performances are $95, except for the opening night of each production ($115) and previews ($75). Student tickets are available for $15 with a valid K-12 or university/college ID, and anyone under 40 pays $40 (no additional fees) with a photo ID. Tickets for educators and active military are half price with proper ID (other restrictions apply). Group rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased through the box office, in person or by phone (561) 514-4042, Ext. 2), and online 24 hours a day at palmbeachdramaworks.org.

Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Post-performance discussions follow Wednesday and Thursday matinees.

All performances, prices, and dates are subject to change.

The Don & Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 201 Clematis Street.

lively and swift. A last-minute replacement gem beautifully played. Well-done, Orchestra, at such short notice.

Before the Beethoven symphony we were invited to hear two pieces by contemporary American composer, Paul Moravec; Miami Variations and Lullaby. The latter a world premiere led by leader of the second violin section, Valentin Mansurov, whose lushly warm evocative violin tone captured hearts and minds. Commissioned for the orchestra by Ambassador Bonnie McElveen Hunter it was enthusiastically received. It’s a tender reflective piece featuring solo violin most of the time. Incidentally, violinist Mansurov plays in the Delray String Quartet. Paul Marovec’s other entry, “Miami Variations” carefully avoids falling into the category of descriptive music, or what is often called “programmatic music” by dwelling on “the whole range of human emotions.” Unlike John Ireland’s London Overture, (1936), which opens on a bus conductor’s four note cheery announcement: Piccadilly. And Walton’s Portsmouth Point, (1926), depicting Rowlandson’s famous etching of that English seafaring city; Miami Variations is a mood piece, split into six sections, each announced by the generating motive of the timpani. Cuban influence?

Marovec’s orchestral moods took me to South Beach, Little Havana, Coral Gables, innumerable high rises, Biscayne Bay and back to South Beach. The music stirred my emotions as this lovely piece unfolded. But then, I know the city. It’s perhaps asking too much of the unfamiliar to “go there” as I did. Surely it has wider appeal. As an orchestral piece it is brilliantly orchestrated, it is a tapestry of warm engaging sounds, without its city title it could stand alone. I sensed the influence of Aaron Copland at times. He’s so good; the recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Music, the composer took his bow in person, to huge applause.

Brahm’s 3rd Symphony ended the evening and what a rousing reception orchestra and conductor received at the end, I haven’t heard sustained cheering like this in a long while. The clapping would have continued, but the house lights went up signaling it to end. Brahms was 43 when he wrote his first symphony, the legacy of Beethoven haunted him ’til then. That tipping point led to three more symphonies, three concertos and two overtures by the time he reached 53. Ten productive years. Palm Beach Symphony’s next concert is on Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m.

Nancy G. Brinker And Eric Brinker Leadership Gift Helps Generate $5 Million For Promise Fund At Palm Beach Donor Celebration

Funds will expand breast and cervical cancer screenings, patient navigation, and follow-up care for women facing barriers to care across South Florida.

Promise Fund recently hosted its annual Major Donor Dinner and Awards Celebration at Club Colette in Palm Beach, bringing together nearly 150 community leaders, philanthropists, and healthcare advocates committed to expanding access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer care for women across Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin counties.

A defining moment of generosity unfolded when global cancer advocate and breast cancer survivor Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker and her son Eric Brinker announced a $1 million commitment to the Promise Fund. Their leadership gift sparked a wave of philanthropy that helped bring the organization’s fundraising total for the season to $5 million in support of its lifesaving mission.

Residents

A single phone number may help you to live confidently and gracefully in your own home.

Now there is a volunteer senior ambassador within PGA community who is well-schooled in resources available to help with problems of elders. The Alpert family and Children’s Services has been helping seniors do just that for many years.

• You have questions? We may have answers.

• You don’t know where to go? We can guide you.

• You don’t know what you need? We’re well-versed in that problem.

The evening opened with a moving performance of the National Anthem by Miss America Cassie Donegan, setting the tone for a celebration rooted in the shared belief that a woman’s income, ZIP code, or access to healthcare should never determine her chance of surviving cancer.

Promise Fund Board Member James “Chip” DiPaula, who sponsored the evening’s dinner, welcomed guests and reflected on the organization’s continued growth, including the expansion of breast and cervical cancer screenings and patient navigation services across additional communities in South Florida.

One of the evening’s early highlights recognized Dr. Herbert Wertheim, whose $500,000 winning bid for a historic 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR (Serial No. 1) generated significant support for the organization’s screening and navigation programs. The motorcycle had been generously donated by the Younessi family.

Promise Fund also presented the inaugural Dariyan Younessi Next Generation Leader in Philanthropy Award to Dariyan Younessi, founder of the student-led initiative Driven by the Promise, launched at Oxbridge Academy to inspire young people to support the organization’s mission. The honor carried special meaning, as the evening coincided with the anniversary of the passing of Younessi’s grandmother, who died of breast cancer before he was born. Accepting the award in her memory, Younessi shared that although he never met her, her story continues to inspire his commitment to helping ensure other families do not experience the same loss.

The Daniel E. Ponton Excellence in Community Service Award was presented by Nicki Harris to Yvonne and Nasser Kazeminy, recognized for their extraordinary philanthropic

• Do you know a neighbor who needs help?

Don’t wait. Call now. Dorothy Weiss, 624-4035. Let’s keep connected with each other as a community. All you need is the desire to live comfortably in your own home.

Nancy G. Brinker And Eric Brinker Leadership from page 16

Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein

Jill Viner and Ken Endelson

leadership and longstanding commitment to strengthening healthcare access within the community.

The program also included a tribute honoring the legacy of the late Irwin Levy, generously sponsored by Ellen Levy alongside Stacey and Mark Levy, longtime supporters of Promise Fund’s bridge lighting tradition. In past years, the initiative illuminated Palm Beach’s Royal Park Bridge in pink to raise awareness of the Promise Fund and the importance of early detection in the fight against women’s cancers. Later in the evening, the Betty Ford Trailblazer Award was presented posthumously by Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former First Lady Betty Ford, to Dr. Michael Zinner, founding CEO and Executive Medical Director of the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida. A renowned surgical oncologist and visionary healthcare leader, Dr. Zinner played a pivotal role in advancing cancer care in South Florida and was a strong supporter of the Promise Fund’s work to expand access to screenings and treatment. The award was accepted

on behalf of Baptist Health by Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

During the program, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker returned to the stage alongside her son Eric Brinker to announce a $1 million commitment from the GoodmanBrinker Family Foundation in honor of her parents, Ellie and Marvin Goodman, and her sister, Susan Goodman Komen.

“This mission has always been deeply personal for our family,” Brinker said. “When we see the lives being changed and the women who are receiving care because of the Promise Fund, we know this work matters. Our hope is that this gift helps ensure that more mothers, daughters, and sisters can live long, healthy lives.”

The announcement sparked an outpouring of additional support during the evening’s Call to the Heart moment, with leadership commitments of $100,000 from Michele and Howard Kessler, David Brodsky, and James “Chip” DiPaula. By the conclusion of the appeal, the room had collectively raised $501,000 in additional contributions.

In a powerful closing gesture, Dr. Herbert Wertheim stood and announced that he would match the $1 million

commitment made earlier by Nancy and Eric Brinker, bringing guests to their feet and underscoring the extraordinary generosity that defined the evening.

Guests concluded the celebration with dessert and a live performance by Broadway stars celebrating “50 Years of Rock & Roll,” underwritten by Yvonne and Nasser Kazeminy, providing a memorable finale to the evening.

Event sponsors included James “Chip” DiPaula, Heritage Auctions, Brioni Palm Beach, the Morton and Grace Bender Family, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Sweeter Collective, Hologic, Baptist Health Cancer Care, Quantum Foundation, and Braman Motorcars.

Proceeds from the evening support Promise Fund’s efforts to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostics, and treatment navigation, helping ensure that women receive care earlier, when it is most effective.

To learn more, visit thepromisefund.org or follow the organization on Instagram @thepromisefund and Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.

Nonprofits First And Extraordinary Charities

Host “Pathways To Partnerships And Funding: Building Networks, Opening Doors” Summit

Nonprofits First, in conjunction with Extraordinary Charities, hosted Pathways to Partnerships and Funding: Building Networks, Opening Doors, a collaborative summit designed to help nonprofit leaders strengthen their organizations through strategic partnerships, collaboration, and expanded access to funding.

Held at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, the event brought together nonprofit professionals from across Palm Beach County for an afternoon of interactive learning, peer discussion, and expert insights focused on building sustainable partnerships and fostering long - term organizational success.

The event was made possible through the generous support of Florida Power & Light (FPL), Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, and Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS), whose commitment to nonprofit capacity building and collaboration continues to strengthen the local nonprofit community.

The program featured an interactive workshop led by Carla Harris, CEO of The People Institute, which focused on helping nonprofit leaders move beyond informal collaboration toward intentional, strategic partnerships.

The session emphasized real - world application and peer engagement, with discussion centered on partnership readiness, aligning mission and values, clarifying roles and expectations, and determining appropriate partnership structures such as memorandums of understanding and contracts.

The event also included a funders panel moderated by Eric Roby, CEO of The Fuller Center. Panelists included Lisa Williams - Taylor of the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Taruna Malhotra of Palm Beach County, Lisa LaFrance of The LaFrance Project, and Jillian Vukusich of Lost Tree Foundation. Panelists shared candid perspectives on funding priorities, building trust with funders, and how strong partnerships can position organizations for long - term impact and sustainability.

“Collaboration is essential to a healthy and effective nonprofit sector,” said Trudy Crowetz, CEO of Nonprofits First. “By partnering with Extraordinary Charities, we created a space where nonprofit leaders could engage directly with funders, learn practical strategies, and build relationships that open doors to new opportunities and stronger community impact.”

Pathways to Partnerships and Funding reflects the shared commitment of Nonprofits First and Extraordinary Charities to supporting nonprofit leaders through education, collaboration, and capacity - building opportunities that strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information about Nonprofits First, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.

Live Like Jake 12th Annual 5K Run/Walk Returns To Downtown Abacoa April 25 With “Wear Bright-Stay In Sight” Theme

Live Like Jake, the local foundation created in the memory of Jake Roarke Morrison, once more encourages everyone to “Wear Bright-Stay in Sight” during its 12th Annual Live Like Jake 5K Run/ Walk in downtown Abacoa, Jupiter, on April 25. Registration is now open online at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jupiter/ LiveLikeJake5k.

“We are happy to bring this beloved event back with the popular theme, ‘Wear Bright-Stay in Sight,’” says Live Like Jake Founder Keri Morrison. “The color theme is a reminder of the importance in having our children wear bright colors when they are in or around the water, so we are inviting everyone attending the race to show up in neon colors to help spread the message.”

One of the most popular events in the racing community, the Live Like Jake Annual 5K Run/Walk invites everyone to a fun-filled day of walking or running featuring an interactive kids’ zone with music and games, exhibitor booths and awards for multiple race categories. Funds raised from the race day go towards providing scholarships for ISR self-rescue swim lessons and to provide grants for children with critical care needs not covered by insurance.

Following the 2013 tragic drowning of their 2-year-old son, Keri Morrison and her husband Roarke created the Live Like Jake Foundation to raise awareness for childhood drowning prevention. Since its inaugural race, the foundation, partnering with other drowning prevention agencies and instructors, has made remarkable strides, including

the 2020 opening of its indoor heated pool facility dedicated exclusively to year-round ISR self-rescue swim lessons. Those lessons have led to over 1,500 babies and children learning lifesaving skills. The foundation has also provided more than 4,500 ISR scholarships in 42 different states; 12 grants to support ISR instructor training; financially assisted hundreds of families with critical care treatments and funeral expenses following a drowning; distributed thousands of drowning prevention outreach materials each year; reached over 100,000 households

during years-long, public service announcement campaign focused on the layers of protection needed to prevent drowning; and has continuously been there as a resource and support for families affected by the No. 1 cause of death in children ages 1 to 4.

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 6:15 a.m. Awards ceremony includes recognition for the largest school, gym and overall team as well as traditional finishing time categories.

Registration for the 12th Annual Live Like Jake 5K Run/Walk is $40 and includes a high-performance race shirt or hat, swag bag and custom finisher medal. Discounts are available for first responders, military, swim instructors and runners under age 18. For information about future events, scholarships, or the foundation, please visit www. livelikejake.org or call (561) 316-4924.

Committed to honoring the life and joy of Jake Roarke Morrison, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for drowning prevention through activism efforts by providing ISR self-rescue swim lesson scholarships to those who cannot afford them, and also by providing financial assistance to those families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs. Visit livelikejake. org, facebook.com/livelikejake and @livelikejake3939 on Instagram.

Photos of the Live Like Jake 5K from 2025 by Jake Roarke Morrison courtesy Live Like Jake

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