By Arden Moore

We can agree that COVID-19 has made 2020 a year we all wish to forget. But it’s never been a better time to be a cat or dog.

It’s indisputable: Pets are steadily making direct and indirect impacts in all aspects of our lives nowadays.

“About 25 years ago, pets were not that visible, but today, they are our social glue,” says Mark Cushing, author of a new book called Pet Nation: The Love Affair That Changed America. “Pets have become this living fabric that connects people from all backgrounds.”

Cushing, who is an attorney and chief executive officer of the Animal Policy Group, shared some of his insights into pet life today versus a quarter-century ago as a recent guest on my Oh Behave show on Pet Life Radio (https://www.petliferadio.com/behave_player393.htm).

In the mid-1990s, few referred to themselves as pet parents. The pronoun it was common in mentions of dogs and cats in veterinary journals and magazine articles. Most family cats spent much of their days outside and rarely received annual medical examinations by veterinarians. Dogs napped in backyards inside wooden dog houses or attached to long chains to keep them from roaming the neighborhood.

You went to a local pound to adopt a mongrel in places now called animal shelters, and where staffers offer an array of pet education and training classes.

People relied on neighborhood kids to care for their at-home pets when they traveled because the professional pet industry was just getting started.

The beagle was the nation’s most popular dog breed, but in 2020, the most popular pick was the mixed breed, followed by the Labrador retriever, with the beagle not even in the top 10.

The Global Pet Expo in Orlando, the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, wasn’t even on the pet world radar. It began in 2005.

And, think of how the landscape has changed in Palm Beach County. Back in 1995, I was a reporter for the Sun-Sentinel, based out of its large building overlooking I-95 in Delray Beach.

People would flock to the 391st Bomb Squadron next to the Palm Beach International Airport to enjoy beer cheese soup. Every St. Patrick’s Day, people would celebrate with cans of beer in hand to cheer parades organized by Maury Power, owner of Power’s Lounge on Atlantic Avenue. Today, this newspaper office, this airport restaurant and this lounge are mere memories.

Somehow, pets seem to weather any societal or economic change or challenge, and their popularity continues to climb.

“Pets are not a fad,” Cushing says. “Pets are good medicine. They are emotionally nourishing. That’s why I wanted to write ‘Pet Nation’ to identify what happened, how it happened, where it happened and why.”

In his book, Cushion points out these examples of pet power and influence:
• Pets create new vocabulary. Case in point: furternity now exists. In some workplaces, employees are eligible for paid leave — known as furternity — so they can care for a newly adopted kitten or puppy. Millennials lead all generations in the desire to work at pet-friendly offices.
• Americans spend more than $30 billion a year on pet food — an amount tripled from 2000. The days of kibble and canned food have given way to a new generation of pet foods made with freeze-dried single proteins and frozen ready-to-eat meals. And, some companies are going a step further. Wild Earth is producing high-tech meatless dog and cat food made from fungi and lab-grown meat from mouse cells.
• More dogs are working and expanding their job duties. Dogs have been trained to assist people with visual or physical limitations and to serve on K-9 police units. Some can detect and issue alerts on everything from cancers and pending epileptic seizures in people to the presence of bedbugs in hotel bedding and the presence of peanuts in foods about to be served to people with peanut allergies.
• Pets have taken social media by storm. Jiff Pom, a small Pomeranian, is the most-followed animal on social media. Check out his ever-expanding follower stats: 10.6 million on Instagram, 21.2 million on TikTok and 1.3 million on Facebook.
Nala Cat, a crossed-eye Siamese-tabby mix, rules the feline following world with 4.2 million on Instagram.

In Chapter 1, Cushing illustrates that pets have indeed come a long way in a short time by sharing his observations of a chihuahua named Suzette that was in business class on his flight in 2019:

“Three years old, this long-haired Chihuahua was accustomed to the comforts of business class. From time to time, she took a sip of Tasmanian Rain bottled water. I learned that Suzette has a busy social calendar, a passport of her own, more Instagram followers than I will ever have and a full, pampered week ahead of her in Boca Raton.”

Although it has never been a better time for pets, Cushing says it also has never been a better time to have a pet or pets in your life.

“Why do we love pets? Because they listen to us,” he says. “They don’t argue or interrupt. They help us feel better and want to do better.”

You won’t get any arguments from me, Mark. Life during this persistent pandemic has been made far more tolerable thanks to my four-leggers, who answer to the names of Kona, Casey, Bujeau, Mikey, Rusty and Emma.

Arden Moore is an animal behavior consultant and master certified pet first aid instructor. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com. 

This Highland Beach property offers 100 feet of direct ocean frontage on a 400-foot-deep lot in the Byrd Beach section of town.

This custom-built, 12,201-total-square-foot oceanfront Highland Beach estate offers 100 feet of direct ocean frontage with grand views of the Atlantic. The grounds have a pool with spa and tiki hut with seating directly on the beach. The home’s footprint is deep and features a private pathway to the mature ocean dune facing the water.

In addition to a seaside pool, outdoor entertainment space includes a summer kitchen, loggia and a tiki hut with seating directly on the beach.

The luxurious estate offers five bedrooms; five full and three half baths; gated entry to the property; four-car garage; basketball court, and large bonus area above garage that can be converted to extra bedrooms, recreation area or theater.

You enter the home on the first floor via a formal foyer and reception area with access to the grand stairway and elevator. The floor has a formal living area, a morning room and a family room, all of which open to a covered loggia. The floor also features a study, den, VIP suite with bath and a bedroom with en suite bath.

The kitchen was designed with custom finishes and top-of-the-line appliances.

Ocean views exist throughout the home, including from the billiards room.

Upstairs, the oceanfront master wing has a balcony, two separate master baths, dual walk-in closets and an office overlooking the ocean. Although the sumptuous master wing dominates the second floor, it has an additional bedroom with en suite bath.

Offered at $17,950,000. Call Nick Malinosky and Randy Ely, Douglas Elliman, 561-306-4597. 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Nick.malinosky@elliman.com

Actor Michael Walters, well known to audiences at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton, portrays the jolly old elf while doing a personalized video call as part of LiveSantaCalls.com. Tim Stepien / The Coastal Star

Keeping the holiday spirit alive in 2020

By Mary Thurwachter

If ever there were a year we all “need a little Christmas,” 2020 would be it. This year has been a downright slog, after all, courtesy of COVID-19. It continues to be a very different year and this will be a different holiday season.

Expect awkward moments under the mistletoe because strangers who find themselves beneath the berried plant — a symbol of love and an invitation to smooch — are too close and in violation of CDC social distancing guidelines. That could land them on Santa’s naughty list. (Somehow a spirited elbow bump doesn’t feel adequate.)

Mistletoe missteps aside, there are still many nice things happening to keep the season alive in this year of change. Like so many other events, holiday happenings are often taking a virtual spin.

Children will still be able to chat with Santa, he’ll just be less up close and personal.

Boca Raton Town Center: Socially distanced photos with Santa are part of the holiday at the mall. Photo provided

At Town Center in Boca Raton, there will be no sitting on Santa’s lap, no tugging on his beard. The jolly fellow in a red suit will be staying socially distant and he’ll be wearing a mask or shield. Little folks who come to be photographed with him will need to don the requisite masks, too.

Wish lists can be shared with Santa, but there will be no direct contact. Walk-up visits are available as space allows, but reservations — for visits through Dec. 24 — can be made at www.WhereIsSanta.com and are strongly encouraged.

Lantana’s Winterfest (www.lantana.org/enjoy-lantana-events) turns into a drive-by experience this year. Santa will wave to kids 12 and younger in cars as they parade by him from 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Sports Park (903 N. Eighth St.). Volunteers will hand out candy canes and gift bags to the children in the cars during the free event open to residents only.

Photos of Santa with his signature on them will be distributed.

A new link to the North Pole’s most famous resident is offered this year via LiveSantaCalls.com.

Two well-known South Florida actors, Michael Walters and Joe Zimmer, are offering virtual video chats that allow family members to personalize their children’s holiday experience with special messages and add festive options — including a cameo from Mrs. Claus, a story-time segment and a video Christmas card. Prices start at $50.
For reservations, visit www.livesantacalls.com.

O Christmas Tree!

Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach have canceled tree lightings, but the trees we are used to admiring every year will still be there.

• Boca’s 25-foot holiday tree, with more than 7,500 lights, can be enjoyed in Sanborn Square through New Year’s Day, and a 47-foot animated holiday tree at the south end of Mizner Park near the Yard House restaurant will be twinkling for the holidays. Free musical tree performances are scheduled daily starting at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

• Delray Beach has already erected and lit its 100-foot Christmas tree at Old School Square. But the tree’s interior isn’t open for public viewing because of the pandemic, and the tree-lighting ceremony has been canceled.

The menorah-lighting ceremony will be virtual and can be viewed at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 on the city’s Facebook page.

Outdoor shows in the pavilion at Old School Square include Christmas with the Nelsons at 8 p.m. Dec. 5. It tells the story of three family Christmases in the lives of America’s “First Family of Entertainment,” the Nelsons, featuring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.

Also: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party is set for 8-11 p.m. Dec. 11 at Old School Square.

Pod seating is available for both performances. A $100 pod is similar to buying four tickets for $25 per ticket. For parties of one to four, only one ticket purchase is necessary. For parties of five to eight, two tickets must be purchased. For parties of nine to 12, three tickets must be purchased. 

• West Palm Beach welcomes the return of the star of its annual Holiday in Paradise starting Dec. 5 on the waterfront: Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree.
New this year will be a synchronized show with the city’s soon-to-be-completed Centennial Square Fountain, where the water will “dance to the music.” Sandi will host daily music and light shows, 6-10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve.

Home Tour goes virtual

The Delray Beach Home Tour will host a series of virtual events as a way to connect safely during the holidays and “Experience Holiday Traditions from Home.” The event benefits Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

Delray Beach Home Tour: In one of the tour’s virtual events, Grace Gdaniec, manager of the Arts Warehouse gallery, provides instruction on how to create your own wrapping paper with a starry night theme. www.artswarehouse.org/overview Photo provided

Participants can enjoy holiday decorating tips, fun recipes and holiday surprises provided by Delray Beach leaders, movers and shakers. For a $20 donation, participants will receive weekly emails, starting this month, that will feature videos starring community leaders, current and future home tour hosts, ACCF staff, families, and tour committee members.

Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a home tour basket, an in-person catered home tour committee cocktail party, or two home tour tickets for a future tour.

“We were very disappointed to cancel our annual event, but we are excited about this new adventure and to share our holiday traditions with the community,” says event co-chair Kari Shipley.

For tickets or more information, email Events@accffoundation.org.

Christmas classics

• A special presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — a reading of the 1843 novella by artists who have been integral to Palm Beach Dramaworks — will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. The prerecorded show features a large cast and artwork. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Tickets to plays can be reserved by calling the box office, 561-514-4042, Ext. 2, or by visiting www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

• Although Boca Ballet Theatre canceled live performances of The Nutcracker, a video production has been recorded complete with cast, costumes and scenery. Boca Ballet school’s dancers are joined by three professional guest artists. 
Tickets are available at $25 for the video production at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 or 2 p.m. Dec. 13. To register, visit www.bocaballet.org/season.

• The Bolshoi Ballet’s recorded performance of The Nutcracker can be viewed at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at The Society of the Four Arts Gubelmann Auditorium, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. For reservations, call 561-655-7226 or visit www.fourarts.org. 

Kwanzaa celebration

Local artists and professional artisans will perform and work from 2-5 p.m. Dec. 26 at Kuumba Village at Spady Cultural Heritage Museum to celebrate Kwanzaa. Participants can create their own masterpieces to give during the holiday season. Kwanzaa is observed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. This free event will take place outside the museum at 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach. COVID-19 protocols will be practiced. For details, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com.

Other holiday events

Lake Worth Playhouse: The Divas Holiday Party on Dec. 16 has limited tickets with assigned seating. Photo provided

• The Lake Worth Playhouse will have the annual Divas Holiday Party at 8 p.m. Dec. 16. Some of the theater’s favorite queens will sing holiday songs and perform skits for a comically good time.

Tickets, at $20 each, are limited with social distancing guidelines in mind. For reservations, call 561-586-6410, or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.

• The Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach (www.artsgarage.org), has two holiday concerts planned. A Bahamian concert featuring the Togetherness Band is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 18. A Christmas concert featuring local choirs will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets are $25 for each.

• Zoo Lights!, presented by Florida Power & Light Company, illuminates the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights on display Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and Jan. 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9. Unique themed displays stretch from the entrance through the Florida Wetlands and Tropics of the Americas. Photos with Santa are available until Dec. 23. Admission plus zoo lights tickets are $14.95 adults, $12.95 children 12 and under, free for kids under 2. For details, call 561-547-9453 or visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. 

Churches, synagogues

Many churches will hold Christmas services virtually.

• St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3510 S. Ocean in Highland Beach (www.stlucycommunity.com), displays its Nativity scene, but the town isn’t planning a lighting ceremony. 

• Temple Beth El will have an elaborate eight-day virtual Hanukkah, Dec. 10-17, on Facebook and its website. For details, visit www.tbeboca.shulcloud.com/chanukah2020.

For more on what the churches have planned, see Religion Notes, page AT17.

For four-legged friends

Pet Supermarkets are having a “Pet sELFie” holiday event from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 5. Santa’s elves will hand out free stocking stuffers, while supplies last, to the pets on Santa’s “Nice List” and assist customers and their furry friends by taking their pictures in front of a holiday-themed backdrop. 

Stores will collect pet food donations to give to local animal shelters and rescues during the holiday season. For details, visit www.petsupermarket.com.

The 2020 ornament

By Amy Woods

The Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum has debuted its annual commemorative holiday ornament, marking the 30th anniversary of Mizner Park.

The festive collectible is the creation of Boca Raton artist Barbara Montgomery O’Connell, who has donated her time and talent to making ornaments since 1998.

“We produce fewer than 150 holiday collectibles each year, so history and holiday fans should make their online purchase today,” said Mary Csar, the society’s executive director.

The ornaments cost $20. For information, call 561-395-6766 or visit www.bocaratonornaments.com.

Jewish women’s group picks new board members

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches has appointed five new members to its board and named a new chairwoman, vice chairwoman and secretary.

The group consists of Suzanne Holmes, Penny Miller, Denise Silverman, Caryn Stevens-Hare and Helene Weingarten as well as Chairwoman Deena Lockman, Vice Chairwoman Kristen Sacks and secretary Laurie Winston.

“We are delighted to welcome the new members to our board and to elect three phenomenal women to new board positions,” CEO Jennifer Kryshka said. “I know the combined expertise of all of the dynamic and inspiring women who serve on the board will bring our organization to the next level as we begin fundraising, event planning and programming for the upcoming year.”

For information, call 561-275-2200 or visit https://jwfpalmbeach.org.

Jewish Family Service busy with virtual events

The Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service honored more than 60 volunteers during a virtual volunteer-appreciation event.

CEO Marc Hopin and other leaders addressed the online group and started the festivities, which included games, icebreakers and a scavenger hunt.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of what makes things happen,” Chairwoman Zelda Mason said. “On behalf of the board of directors, thank you for your dedication, time and caring. We are very grateful.”

In other news, the organization sponsored “Goal to Goal,” a virtual event featuring a Q&A with former National Hockey League player Mike Hartman. Hartman, interviewed by his cousin — director of development Tara Laxer — spoke about the importance of passion and purpose in his life as well as helping others.

“I’ve had to overcome a lot of hurdles in my life,” he said. “I wasn’t the biggest, strongest or fastest hockey player, but I studied, I watched and I prepared. My advice is to face adversity, have a plan in place and set measurable goals. Take the good in what everyone brings, and learn from it.”

For information, call 561-684-1991 or visit www.alpertjfs.org.

Three women honored by Bethesda Foundation

The Women of Grace Luncheon — typically taking place in November — honors female volunteers for their philanthropy in Palm Beach County.

This year, however, the Bethesda Hospital Foundation had a monthlong virtual celebration honoring the women on social media, in emails and through the local press. 

This years' honorees are Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Lt. Patricia Brown (Take Stock in Children), Dr. Marla Dudak (Caridad Center) and Tandy Robinson (Impact 100 Palm Beach County).

For information, call 561-737-7733, Ext. 84445, or visit www.bethesdahospitalfoundation.org.

Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.

By Amy Woods

Coastal residents, like pretty much everyone else, cannot wait to put 2020 behind them and for obvious reasons —coronavirus, unemployment woes and the faltering economy, to name a few.

But as the year comes to an end, area charities are rallying to help people in need during the holidays.

“Right now, people are running out of money because of the pandemic,” said Susan Fell, public relations chairwoman for Soroptimist International of the Palm Beaches, a nonprofit that funnels resources and support to women and children. “It’s universal at this point.”

Many of the organization’s clients have children missing school because of COVID-19 restrictions, placing additional burdens on mothers.

“Some women can’t go to work because they’re staying home with their children,” Fell said. “There are a lot more people in need who might be right around the corner from you. Soroptimist is in a position to find them and make sure they’re taken care of.”

The 75-year-old philanthropic group has partnered with Speak Up for Kids to make sure boys and girls receive Christmas presents via the Holiday Toy Drive. More than 1,600 children in the local foster-care system will benefit from donations of new toys, gift cards and books collected through Dec. 10.

“Overall, there is more need,” Vice President Nikki Connors said. “It’s a difficult time, and our ladies are working hard to make it better.”

In the past, members shopped for each child personally to select that special something.

“People are not comfortable going out and shopping now,” Connors said. “A lot of our ladies are elderly, and they’re just not wanting to go to the store.”

For information, call 561-408-7779 or visit https://speakupforkidspbc.org.

Here are some other ways to help families in need during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

• The U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Foundation is accepting unwrapped toys at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach in an attempt to top the 70,378 toys it distributed in 2019. For information, call 305-922-1558 or visit https://west-palm-beach-fl.toysfortots.org.

• The Salvation Army has set up its Angel Tree program in Boca Raton, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens to help parents who otherwise might have to choose between paying rent and buying Christmas presents. For information call 561-686-3530 or visit https://salvationarmyflorida.org/westpalmbeach.

• Space of Mind school’s Community Classroom Kitchen has debuted its chef-curated meal box campaign, which will run until the end of January 2021. The campaign features Executive Chef Blake Malatesta’s curated collection of easy and delicious make-together family meals and, for each one ordered, one will be donated. For information, call 561-894-8772 or visit https://yourccp.org/community-classroom-kitchen.

• Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and The Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach are teaming up to deliver Hanukkah meals to community members in need. Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11. For information, call 561-713-1893 or visit www.alpertjfs.org/events/mealdelivery.

Located at Federal Highway and Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach, Prime Catch remodeled during the summer to provide more outdoor dining and drinking opportunities. Photo provided

By Jan Norris

Outdoor dining is the new “in.” With COVID-19 once more on the rise, a patio seat is suddenly more coveted.

Restaurants continue to follow protocol, with many such as Rose’s Daughter in Delray Beach having installed special air filters for indoor guests, and enhanced outdoor seating with social distancing. Servers are masked up, and guests are required to wear masks when leaving their tables.

Others are still following the 50% indoor rule, spreading out tables and taping off barstools.

But alfresco is still safest, other than picking up or having takeout delivered.

Here we’re highlighting new and old restaurants where outdoor dining is comfortable and fun — weather permitting, of course.

Notice a preponderance of seafood restaurants lately? Several new ones have opened this year.

The Blue Fish opened in Mizner Park (former Rack’s Downtown Eatery + Tavern, at 402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton), and the Asian chain brought with it fresh sushi and a notable happy hour. The discounts are available both inside and out at any table, so you don’t have to sit at a cramped bar. Numerous four- and two-tops are set up outside, with bar seating outdoors as well.

The Blue Fish features takeout if you’re still uncomfortable dining out at all: Get sushi and hibachi meals to go. The fish tower and signature rolls are the dishes everyone raves about. A wide sake selection is available as well.

Uncle Tai’s Chinese in Boca Town Center gave way to Copperfish Kitchen, a newcomer from Apeiro Kitchen & Bar. It has a large patio for outdoor dining, and live music on certain nights. The plan is to serve responsibly caught, sustainable seafood, with the kitchen’s own takes on global recipes. A Maryland crabcake is said to be a family recipe, and the shellfish tower is popular.

Specials are offered on certain days ($1 oysters from a wide selection on Mondays, lobster night on Wednesdays) and at happy hour (all night on Thursdays), cocktails for $8, and a $7 small plates menu. The weekend brunch is an a la carte menu, with bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys.

Chef James Strine has settled back in at Taru at the Sundy House after a March opening and closing, then a reopening this summer. The lush gardens are an ideal outdoor setting — romantic and compliant with CDC regulations at the 118-year-old house.

The menu is seafood-centric, with edges of comfort dishes like a roast chicken with panzanella salad and steak frites that round out the fish offerings.

The popular Endless Sunday Brunch continues here, too, but with a twist: Servers deliver foods to tables. Gone is the buffet.

At Hawkers Asian Street Food (640 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach), a bright decor under umbrellas on the huge patio is perfect for casual street foods like the baos, traditional soft buns filled with Korean-style hot chicken or pork belly. Or for small appetites, try the dim sum with Chinese chicken or coconut shrimp.

Plenty of choices are inspired from countries that thrive on street carts and pickup foods: rice and curry bowls, noodle dishes and soups, or quickies like spring rolls or the rip and dip roti.

Hawkers has both happy hour and late night menus as well, and offers cocktails, beers, wine, sake and Asian coffees and teas.

Located just north of Atlantic Avenue on Swinton in Delray Beach, Dada provides ample outdoor seating. Photo provided

We can’t fail to mention Dada — Delray’s grand dame on Swinton with outdoor seating on the wood deck under the twinkle light-adorned trees.

Chef Daniel Dore gets in fresh fish, and uses locally sourced foods when possible on a menu filled with twists on the familiar. Airline chicken, with risotto and vincotto — a long-simmered wine sauce — and pork schnitzel with “butterscotch” onions, are on the list with vegetarian and gluten-free options like mushroom tikka masala made with cashew cream.

We appreciate the fact Dada has the Starving Artist — a grilled cheese with tomato soup that is sometimes all you want: a hug on a plate.
The cocktails are award-winning, and a curated wine list is approachable and eclectic — just like the restaurant.

At Rose’s Daughter (169 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach), the imported pizza oven is hot — literally and figuratively. The pizzas and doughs are pulled out for diners on the street-side front patio and on the huge patio in the back surrounded by the chef’s herbs. The open concept front room gives everybody space to be comfortable. Two bars mean there’s no walking in and out and around for drinks.

Chef/owner Suzanne Perrotto has perfected the crusts, breads and other dishes coming from the oven.

The house-made short rib pappardelle with black truffles and peas is among the most popular dishes, as is the mozzarella- and basil-splattered Margherita pizza. Lamb meatballs, a Bolognese, and familial recipes round out the menu.

A happy hour — with solid cocktails on the list, beers and wines — gives 20% off the check.

On the beachfront, there’s Caffe Luna Rosa. With doors open to the sea breeze, plenty of sidewalk space and a separate room for its bar, the cafe provides an ideal outdoor experience.

Chef Ernie DeBlasi turns out some Italian classics to make his grandmother proud. Fat shrimp in the pesto Genovese sauce are a winner, as is the penne with broccoli and sausages. Look for healthier additions: whole wheat pastas, grass-fed beef, brown rice, plus vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Breakfast and brunch are also notable. Omelettes are stuffed full of the diners’ choices. The menu has big waffles, fluffy pancakes and thick French toast with a twist — coconut, or the unique cannoli cream version.

Out for steak? Cut 432 (432 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach) puts out a mean Delmonico. Chilean sea bass is the alternative go-to for people who eschew meats. The don’t-miss side is the truffle mac ’n’ cheese. (You’re at a steakhouse already. Give up worrying over cholesterol.)

Solid cocktails befit a meaty menu, with reds leading the wines. Something unexpected for dessert, the banana cream pie, is worth checking out.

Sit on the sidewalk or open-air near the window. Social distancing and mask-wearing are required.

Hurricane Alley (529 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) has always served outdoors, with doors open wide, and the familiar locals vibe couldn’t be more comforting. (Little did the staff know a hurricane would be the least of its worries this year.)

The restaurant was named the Best of Boynton in 2020 for a reason: fat, stuffed sandwiches, a raw bar, homemade fish dip and fresh seafood — all get raves. The seafood bisque served in a bread bowl is quite a meal, and made for that comfort zone on a chilly evening.

It’s a spot where you can bring your own catch, and a chef will cook it.

The happy hour showcases the drinks, some served in coconut shells. Check out the new tiki hut, 5-8 p.m., and live sax music on Tuesdays.

Boynton’s Prime Catch, at 700 E. Woolbright Road, sits waterfront with an open air bar on the docks. Come by boat or car and check out the raw bar, or the lengthy appetizer list from which you can create a sharable meal.

Notables are the Spanish octopus a la plancha, with white bean salad, and the Caribbean lobster ceviche.

Get fish your way: A selection of fresh fish with myriad preparations means you can design your own plate. There are plenty of steaks and other land-based dishes for carnivores.

At Deck 84, 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, while away your cares watching boats cruise down the Intracoastal from the covered deck tables. The restaurant is boater- and dog-friendly, and deck-casual.

Nosh on the popular shrimp and Baja fish tacos, or try one of the burgers made with a special meat blend. Signature cocktails are a must; they’re half off at happy hour.

Boynton’s waterfront has Two Georges at the marina on East Ocean Avenue — all outdoor seating, including in the glider tables along the docks. Crabcakes get raves, as do the Bahamian conch fritters. A lobster melt and fresh grouper sandwich are good choices, too.

At the neighboring Banana Boat, sit along the wraparound patio with the huge bar under the neon yellow-striped awning. Try the lobster nachos, or snapper Veracruzana, with avocado rice. Tuna poke is also recommended.

Not in the mood for fish? Try a Cuban sandwich or a Greek chicken wrap.

Speaking of Greek, check out the alfresco oceanfront dining at Dune Deck Cafe in Lantana.

Giant Greek salads, great gazpacho, gyros and big breakfasts — come here for a crabcake Benedict, and don’t miss the bloody Marys. All food is served on the deck with an ocean view.

The Dune Deck is popular, so you may encounter a line. It accepts cash only, and the metered parking is closely watched.

John G’s, in Manalapan’s Plaza del Mar, remains a go-to under new owners, who have added extra patio dining. The friendly service, big salads, fish and chips, and almond French toast are still drawing diners. And John G’s now takes credit cards.

You don’t have to be a golfer to get into the Al Fresco at Palm Beach Par 3 in Palm Beach.

The name says it all as far as outdoor dining on the patio overlooking the links. Go for a weekday breakfast or the big brunch on the weekends. Lunch and dinner also are served: Italian favorites such as osso bucco Milanese, and bucatini all’amatriciana. A large selection of pizzas rounds out an extensive menu.

A good, approachable wine list is available along with beers and modern cocktails.

Sophisticated seafood is on the menu at the Atlantic Grille on East Atlantic Avenue in Delray. A covered patio overlooking the avenue serves as a perch for people watching. Look for porcini-dusted sea scallops with a lobster and barley version of risotto. The pan-sautéed shrimp comes on a bed of squid ink pasta in a spinach cream with an artichoke.

The chef is talented with vegetables here. Consider the vegan “falafel” cake made with turnips, shaved squash and asparagus in a carrot and ginger sauce with pea puree.

Other outdoor dining

Driftwood, 2005 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Eclectic menu and crafty cocktails.

Oceano Kitchen, 201 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. Whatever’s fresh comes out of Jeremy Bearman’s kitchen.

Luff’s Fish House, 390 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. A local and chef favorite. Nice patio seating with open-air deck.

Farmer’s Table, 1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Still serving a healthy “clean food” menu with vegan and vegetarian offerings alongside fresh seafood and meats. Large outdoor courtyard.

Max’s Grille, 404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Patio and sidewalk seating at this classic American grill.

Kapow! Noodle Bar, 431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Creative Asian noodles and small plates with cocktails to match. Sidewalk seating.

Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com.

The winning foursome has played together since the tournament’s debut four years ago: (l-r) Peter Bonutti, Glen Calder, Harrison Calder and Iain Calder.

ABOVE: (l-r) Amy Brewer, Leanne Adair, Brenda Medore and Ginny Barbary. Photos provided

Supporters of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County swung into action to raise nearly $35,000 for the nonprofit. Fifty players participated; proceeds will provide adults and children in need with literacy programs to succeed in life.

(L-R) Boca Ballet’s Dan Guin and Jane Tyree with Lowell Van Vechten and Fedele. Photo provided

Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum’s 24th annual event honored Terry Fedele, the late Jay Van Vechten and Boca Ballet Theatre. ‘The Walk of Recognition is my favorite event because we have the opportunity to honor the outstanding individuals and institutions who have built our community,’ Executive Director Mary Csar said.

Lauren Johnson with Kathy Adkins. Photo provided by Warner-Prokos Photography

Impact 100 Palm Beach County welcomed prospective members to learn more about the women’s nonprofit, which awards high-impact grants to improve South County communities. The socially distanced free event included a champagne lounge, a facial-mask artist and a raffle. ‘We want to thank Neiman Marcus for hosting our event to share our mission with the people in our community,’ Impact 100 President Kathy Adkins said. ‘Impact 100 PBC is a dynamic leader in women’s philanthropy, bringing new resources to our area and making philanthropy accessible.’

Mayer holds a photo of her late husband, William Anthony Mayer, an internationally known polo player. Photo provided

It was officially Marilyn Gooder Mayer Day in Gulf Stream as the town noted the beginning of the longtime resident’s centennial year. Mayer's contributions include time on the town’s beautification committee; support of St. Paul’s Day School, Gulf Stream School and Saint Andrew’s School; and service to Bethesda Hospital and numerous Bethesda Balls. She also ‘taught Gulf Stream children about philanthropy by having Youth Board Meetings, by climbing trees and conducting pancake hunts in support of Bethesda,’ read the proclamation signed by Mayor Scott Morgan.

Deb Barnes, who owns eight cats, says they ‘give my life a sense of purpose and responsibility.’ She plans to give them more time in her enclosed backyard this month. Photo provided

By Arden Moore

Know who deserves to top our holiday gift list this year? Our pets.

As cases of COVID-19 escalate and many of us shelter in place at home, our pets have been saving our tails — emotionally, physically and mentally.

With big family gatherings for the holidays getting canceled or switched to virtual get-togethers, we can count on our dogs, cats and other pets to make us feel like rock stars, to make us laugh and to cuddle without complaint as we binge-watch Netflix.

“Touching an animal releases oxytocin in those of us who love animals,” says Lisa Radosta, referring to what is sometimes called the love hormone.

Returning home from long hours at her Florida Veterinary Behavior Service clinic in West Palm Beach, Radosta feels immediate bliss thanks to her always goofy Maverick, a 9-year-old Labrador retriever, and her cuddly-on-my-terms Chewie, a 4-year-old cat

“Every day to Maverick is like the Groundhog Day movie, except instead of dreading the day, he assumes that the day will go really well and who can resist that?” says Radosta, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. “Chewie has lots of opinions; however, when he is cuddly, he is hard to resist. When you are feeling overwhelmed, he bunts you, then again, then again, then again, you cannot resist his affection.”

One of my longtime friends, Susan Baker, who lives in Atlantis, is totally grateful to her miniature poodles, Cubby and Lido. She has been working from home due to the coronavirus.

“My boys are rescues who are now 12 and they have helped keep me sane and on my toes,” says Baker. “We walk a lot. Lido snoozes on my lap while I work from home and both of them try to get their noses in when I do downward during my yoga workouts.”

Baker hopes to continue some holiday traditions this year with Cubby and Lido. Both have once again posed for her annual Christmas card. Both will receive doggy ornaments to adorn the tree at their groomer’s salon, Paws in Paradise in Lake Worth Beach, and both will send a treat to their “cousin” Thor — a foxhound in Virginia who lives with Baker’s brother. Locally, all three will watch the annual Christmas golf cart parade in Atlantis.

Deb Barnes, immediate past president of the Cat Writers Association who writes the popular blog Zee & Zoey’s Cat Chronicles, is grateful for her cool cats. They answer to the names of Zee, Zoey, Mia, Peanut, Rolz, Kizmet, Jazmine and Shadow — and, yes, that’s eight fine felines.

“No doubt life has been challenging, sometimes making it difficult to even want to get out of bed, but my cats give my life a sense of purpose and responsibility,” says Barnes, who lives in Coral Springs. “Nothing lightens up a business meeting on Zoom than an unexpected cat tail making an appearance across the computer screen. I can’t imagine better company than my gang to help me find the joy during this difficult year.”

She plans to give them a holiday gift not available in stores — more supervised time in her enclosed backyard.

“They love to sniff the air, explore the land, chase the bugs and lizards, and roll on the warm pavement surrounding the deck,” she says. “It’s truly the greatest gift I could give them, as they treasure this outdoor time almost more than they do yummy treats.”

Looking for ways to show gratitude to your pet during this holiday season? Consider these ideas:

• Take your road-trip-loving dogs to Lights 4 Hope and Holiday Fantasy of Lights, drive-through events whose proceeds benefit children in need.
Lights 4 Hope offers a 1.5-mile course at Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach on these dates: Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 25-27. Tickets cost $12 to $30. Learn more at https://lights4hope.org.
The Holiday Fantasy of Lights offers 3.5 miles of animated displays nightly through Jan. 2 at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek. Cost is $20 per car. Learn more at https://holidaylightsdrivethru.com.

• Take your dog to sniff out the new Lake Woof Park located at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach. The four-acre park is totally fenced in with separate play areas for small, medium and large dogs. The park features five covered gazebos and dog wash stations.

• Bring your well-mannered leash dog to check out the holiday decorations lighting up downtown Delray Beach. They include pineapple displays on light poles on Pineapple Grove Way and garland-wrapped light poles with beachy décor on Atlantic Avenue.

• Stay in and cuddle with your cats as you watch the movie all for and all about cats. With COVID-19 preventing the Amazing Acro-Cats from performing on stage, renowned animal trainer Samantha Martin just released this circus cat act as a 100-minute movie you can watch at home.

Catch these former shelter cats and strays jumping through hoops, rolling on balls and even “performing” on drums, guitars and more as the Rock Cats. Prices range from $15 to $40 with all money benefiting Rock Cats Rescue, a nonprofit. Download at https://rockcatsrescue.org/live-and-in-purrson.

• Put on an apron and become a pet chef. Terrific Tuna Patties is a favorite treat I make for my furry Brady Bunch. Here are the steps:

1. In medium-sized bowl, whisk 2 eggs.
2. Add one 61/2-ounce can of water-packed tuna, drained and flaked, plus 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly.
3. Form six patties from this mix.
4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of margarine over medium heat.
5. Place the patties into the skillet and cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow the patties to cool and then crumble them into small pieces to give to your pets.
7. Store extra patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

However you celebrate with your pets, remember, every day we spend with them brings out the best in us. Happy holidays!

Arden Moore, founder of fourleggedlife.com, is an animal behavior expert and host of the Oh Behave! show on petliferadio.com. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com.

By Christine Davis

The rate of COVID-19 infections is on the rise, and following are statements from county hospitals in late November.

Palm Beach Health Network, which includes Delray Medical Center: “We continue to closely monitor the situation, and our hospitals have plans in place to continue providing care safely. We have the appropriate supplies, PPE and the ability to operationalize additional beds within the hospitals to increase our capacity, if needed.

“We encourage our community not to delay care for new or chronic conditions requiring medical attention, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses, and we have taken the appropriate steps and implemented protocols to continue to provide safe care. We remind everyone that it is important to continue to adhere to safe personal practices, masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing.”

JFK Medical Center: “Early in the pandemic, JFK Medical Center and JFK Medical Center North Campus implemented a number of enhanced safety measures — including universal masking, touchless temperature checks, elevated sanitation practices and modified visitation hours. Our hospitals have the bed capacity, staff, supplies and equipment we need at this time. We are prepared to access the resources, support and best practices across our hospitals, should the need arise, to help ensure that we are able to meet the needs of the communities we serve as the situation continues to evolve.

“It is important for our community to remain vigilant in wearing masks, practicing social distancing when possible and washing hands frequently to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Baptist Health, which includes Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Bethesda hospitals in Boynton Beach: “The number of COVID-19-related admissions across Baptist Health has gradually increased in the past couple of weeks, but remains manageable. However, as we see COVID-19 cases increase locally and nationally, we continue to work with the Florida Department of Health and monitor trends so that we can plan for the possibility of an increased number of patients with COVID-19 at our facilities. We have ICU and regular acute care bed capacity across our system and have the ability to increase capacity at our hospitals based on our surge plan as needed.

“We are providing a safe environment for patients and staff with everything from mandatory mask use and temperature checks to social distancing in common areas and Plexiglas dividers.”

Baptist Health notes

Vascular surgeon Aidan Hamm, M.D., recently joined Bethesda Health Physician Group, a part of Baptist Health South Florida.

Hamm specializes in vascular surgery, general surgery, endovascular and open aortic surgery. Previously, he was with Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hamm earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed a general surgery residency at the University of Colorado and a vascular surgery fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center, part of Atrium Health. He sees patients at 2800 S. Seacrest Blvd., Suite 200, Boynton Beach.

• Orthopedic surgeon Alexander D. Gaukhman, M.D., M.S., joined BocaCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, in October. Gaukhman specializes in total joint replacement surgery.

He arrived from the NYU Langone Medical Center/Hospital for Joint Diseases and the Insall Scott Kelly Institute, where he completed his adult reconstruction fellowship. He earned his medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Boston University.

He sees patients at 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 202, Deerfield Beach, and 670 Glades Road, Suite 300, Boca Raton.

• In November, vascular surgeon Eileen de Grandis, M.D., RPVI, FACS, joined BocaCare Vascular Surgery, a part of Baptist Health South Florida. De Grandis specializes in the diagnosis and management of aortic disease, peripheral artery disease for limb salvage, cerebrovascular disease, and hemodialysis access, as well as comprehensive venous and lymphatic treatment.

She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. She completed a general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and a vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

She sees patients at 670 Glades Road, Suite 100, Boca Raton.

• Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute has a new advanced neuro-interventional suite, with technology to provide minimally invasive treatments that offer patients faster, more precise care when facing conditions such as stroke and brain aneurysms. It offers Siemens Artis Icono Biplane, an imaging system that gives physicians views of the brain on two planes. It also has the Corindus CorPath GRX Robotic System, which allows physicians to perform complex vascular procedures.

• To treat cancer patients, the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Regional now offers the noninvasive Radixact System, which provides continuous delivery of radiation from 360 degrees around the patient. It increases the control doctors have in getting radiation where it needs to be and helps to decrease damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

Palm Beach Health notes

In October, the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center appointed Michelle Cartwright, CPA, as chief financial officer. Cartwright was the CFO of Tenet sister hospitals St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Cartwright received her B.A. from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and went on to earn her master’s in accounting from Nova Southeastern University.

• Mahdi Taha, DO, FACOI, FACP, is now medical director of medical oncology at Delray Medical Center. Taha specializes in head and neck cancers as well as skin cancers.

Previously, Taha worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Newman, Georgia. He earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

After completing his residency in internal medicine at the Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, he was awarded a fellowship at Cancer Treatment Centers of America through Oklahoma State University.  He received his B.A. in biology from Kean University, Union, New Jersey, where he graduated magna cum laude.

His office is at 5130 Linton Blvd., Suite B-4, Delray Beach.

• Delray Medical Center’s bariatric dietitian for its surgical weight loss program, Samantha Barone, R.D., recently became a certified specialist in obesity and weight management.

As such, she helps patients manage their weight through nutritional, physical, psychological, behavioral, medical and/or surgical interventions. For more information, call 561-495-3022. 

• Delray Medical Center was named among the top 5% in the nation for stroke care, according to new research by Healthgrades. “I want to encourage our community not to delay care in the event of a medical emergency. We have the appropriate supplies and protocols in place to provide care safely,” said Maggie Gill, CEO of the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical.

• Delray Medical Center is using the new 64-wire cobalt chromium Surpass Evolve flow diverter, which redirects blood flow and promotes aneurysm healing. “Surpass Evolve is a cutting-edge technology that is advancing the frontiers of patient care in aneurysm treatment,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, who practices neurointervention at the medical center. “Treating at-risk intracranial aneurysms before they rupture is a focus of our stroke program that can help save lives and provide some of the best care in the community.”

• Delray Medical Center now offers the Watchman FLX for patients who have a high risk of stroke with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. “People with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of stroke if they are not on blood thinners, which can also increase the risk of bleeding. This can often result in higher mortality and disability rates because of an injury to the brain or other affected areas,” said Dr. Martin Kloosterman, electrophysiologist at the center.

The design lets doctors safely enter and maneuver within the left atrial appendage. 

Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.    

By Joyce Reingold

You may remember reading here last year about Eva Takacs, the Boynton Beach woman who enjoyed an almost daily, hour-long swim at Oceanfront Park. This year, Takacs celebrated her 91st birthday. And when lockdown restrictions allow and Poseidon is agreeable, Takacs is swimming still, buoyant amid the roiling waters of 2020.

“I’m hanging in,” she reports. “I had no problem with the pandemic except when the ocean was closed. Horrible. But I did get a lot of days in during the warm, flat days. I survived with help of my friends. The floor of the ocean is very irregular, so I need help getting in and out to the deep water.” 

Eva Takacs likes to swim in the ocean. Jerry Lower/Coastal Star

The ocean is a recurring theme in conversations with our coastal community neighbors about what they’re doing to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ocean is favored for bobbing, swimming and admiring; the beach as a platform for exercise, quiet contemplation and socially distanced meetups. One woman, accustomed to rising long after the sun, now digs her toes into the sand at dawn several times each month and trains her eyes and smartphone camera on the eastern sky.

Dr. N. Anton Borja, director of the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at FAU Medicine, says spending time outdoors is one part of his Rx for staying healthy, particularly in our pandemic-shifted world.

“Here in South Florida, we have the privilege of being able to go outside and have beautiful weather the majority of the year. Many of us live close enough to go to the beach or to go to green spaces where we can still socially distance and protect ourselves from the pandemic, but still get the benefit of being out in green spaces. There’s this practice in Japan that is called ‘forest bathing.’ And the idea is just really to get out into any natural environment to de-stress and to improve our wellness.”

Reilly Gardner, another ocean lover we wrote about last year, is still reaping its benefits, too. The sunny 5-year-old lives in Delray Beach with his parents, Chris and Jessie, who moved here from North Carolina so Reilly could live near the ocean. Reilly has cystic fibrosis and the salty sea air helps keep his lungs clear.

“We are very grateful to live by the ocean and we are still going once or twice a week,” Jessie says.

Reilly Gardner to play at the beach. Photo provided

Staying healthy during the pandemic is a challenge for everyone, but especially for people with chronic health conditions. Though the Gardners were already expert in disease-prevention precautions because of their experience with cystic fibrosis, they also had a deep and visceral understanding of the risks the coronavirus poses.

“It has been interesting to watch as the country finally got on board with germs,” Jessie says. “This is something that we worry about in our family on a daily basis. The best way to share what the general public was feeling is what life is like for a cystic fibrosis patient. I am always trying my best to prevent the average cold from coming into Reilly’s immune system. Of course, COVID is not an average cold and could be very deadly for someone like Reilly.”

Happily, Jessie reports that Reilly is in good health, in school, and enjoying friends, though “our friend circle has grown smaller,” she says. “We are strong believers in the wearing of masks, washing hands, and social distancing. It really is keeping it simple and sometimes that is the best.”

Keeping it simple is part of Borja’s plan for staying healthy, too. Get back to basics, he says: Make home-cooked meals, connect regularly by phone or videoconferencing with family and friends, rediscover a jettisoned hobby or throw yourself into a new one.

The FAU Wellness Hub offers free classes to help you get started: Try kickboxing, discover plant-based cooking or learn how to set intentions.

“Learning a hobby, like playing guitar or playing piano or knitting, is definitely a way to also decrease stress, and is something that can help once everything opens up,” he says.

“It’ll be a way for us to continue to improve ourselves. And then really learning to find ways to decrease stress. … Find the tools that we have within our lives to decrease stress and make us feel better.

“This is the time do to it.”

Joyce Reingold writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to joyce.reingold@yahoo.com.

Father Paul Kane of St. Paul’s Episcopal worked four hours on Nov. 3 at the South County Civic Center. Photo provided

By Janis Fontaine 

Ensuring a person’s right to vote in a presidential election usually doesn’t fall to the local priest, but Father Paul Kane of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach regarded it as his responsibility.

“Although it’s not appropriate to be partisan in the pulpit,” Kane said, “I would do my congregation and my vows a disservice if I didn’t speak about their moral responsibility to vote.”

In October, he took it a step further. The initiative Lawyers and Collars was recruiting pastors in nine states to act as polling place chaplains, and Kane signed up.

Hundreds of clergy members were trained to support voters by watching for voter suppression, answering questions about voters’ rights and deescalating any conflicts. Organizers also hoped that the presence of clergy in clerical collars would calm people at polling places if they became emotional hot spots.

The Rev. Stephanie Spellers of the Episcopal diocese said the pastors wouldn’t have any specific responsibilities or duties, but would provide a nonpartisan “peaceful and prayerful presence.” Kane volunteered for a four-hour shift on Nov. 3.

In preparation, he attended a training webinar on his responsibilities as an “election protection volunteer chaplain,” but says it was less about protection and more about providing moral support and encouragement to voters.

“The training emphasized that we were not poll watchers or poll watchdogs working for a partisan cause, but rather, we were there to provide a moral presence, help voters, and record any relevant interactions. I was assigned to serve in the morning and early afternoon at the South County Civic Center in west Delray Beach.”

The Lawyers and Collars initiative began after the Supreme Court, in 2013, struck down key parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that protected voters from suppression tactics like excessive identification requirements or redistricting without notification.

Experts say the restriction of voting rights disproportionately affects people of color and young people.

In response, Sojourners, Skinner Leadership Institute, and the National African American Clergy Network partnered to combat tactics that compromise democracy at the polls. They began Lawyers and Collars to educate African American clergy in ways to ensure all eligible members of their communities can vote.

This year, nine states had training and assignments for clergy: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

In some communities the threat of violence was real, but Kane wasn’t concerned about that and certainly didn’t experience any. The only negative, he said, was some people showed up to vote at the Civic Center only to find that wasn’t their polling place.

Kane and the poll workers, “who could not have been more helpful,” sent them on their way with encouraging words.

“It was a really pleasant experience,” Kane said. “With all of the rhetoric and vitriol that we saw leading up to Election Day, the goodwill of the voters, poll workers and employees affirmed my belief in the fundamental goodness of most people.

“I left the polling place feeling uplifted and hopeful.”

Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.

By Janis Fontaine

It’s 2020, so you may wonder where to find celebrations of the birth of Jesus amid a pandemic. Here’s what’s planned at some churches. Since plans, like infection rates, could change, call ahead or check the church websites for up-to-date information.

Advent Lutheran Church in Boca Raton is planning Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. Dec. 23, a day early, then at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Day services will take place at 10 a.m. Social distancing and safety protocols are in place. Call 561-395-3632; www.adventboca.org.

St. Lucy Catholic Church’s outdoor Nativity scene will be on display at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, beginning in mid-December. Christmas services are planned at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and 8 and 10 a.m. Dec. 25. These are indoor services with social distancing protocols in place. Call 561-278-1280; visit www.stlucycommunity.com.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church’s popular Spontaneous Christmas Pageant will be updated into a series of drive-thru tableaus where preselected families will act out scenes from the Nativity story. The event will take place during the day on Dec. 24 at St. Joseph’s, 3300 Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. More info will be available closer to the date. Call 561-732-3060; visit www.stjoesweb.org.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Delray Beach welcomes parishioners by invitation only. Seating will be limited to 80 people per service to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required for all attendees over the age of 2. All services will be livestreamed via the church YouTube channel. St. Paul’s is at 188 S. Swinton Ave. Call 561-276-4541; visit https://stpaulsdelray.org.
Services are Dec. 24, 5 p.m.: A family Christmas service with a multigenerational presentation of the traditional Christmas story. Children who attend will be able to participate from their seats.
Dec. 24, 10 p.m.: A celebration of the Holy Eucharist featuring music by organist and soloist with the Very Rev. Paul Kane, rector.
Dec. 25, 10 a.m.: A celebration of the Holy Eucharist will feature music by organist and soloist.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, holds in-person worship for a maximum of 50 people by reservation but will not have in-person Christmas services. Instead a “spectacular virtual service” is being planned. Call 561-395-8285; visit www.stgregorysepiscopal.org.

At St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach, a special children’s Mass is planned at 6 p.m. following the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. At 9 p.m., the most popular Christmas Eve Mass begins. This year as a special treat, an ensemble will perform beloved Christmas carols and hymns for 15 minutes before each service, so arrive early for this auditory delight.
Social distancing and thorough cleaning with special fogging machines between each Mass are part of the COVID-19 protocols. The church, at 840 George Bush Blvd., can accommodate about 500 people. Call 561-276-6892; visit www.stvincentferrer.com.

First United Methodist Church of Boynton Beach is planning an outdoor service for Christmas Eve, but church officials caution that could change depending on COVID-19 numbers. More details will be available closer to Christmas. Call 561-732-3435; visit www.fumcbb.com.

Photo provided

The Institute for Regional Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection, restoration and long-term management of ecological diversity, held a coastal dune restoration event at Oceanfront Park in Boynton Beach as part of its Restoring the Gold Coast program. It aims to restore native coastal biodiversity in south Palm Beach County by planting populations of species that historically grew in the area but are currently extirpated or underrepresented. Cara Abbott, IRC education and outreach coordinator, worked with the Surfrider Foundation’s Palm Beach County chapter, Keith Buttry from Neglected Plants LLC, Mike Cangey from Coastal Growers Inc., and a dozen other volunteers from the community on the Oceanfront Park project.

Photo provided

Members of the Ocean Ridge Garden Club, including (l-r) Val Coz, Stella Kolb and Allison Adams, plant dune sunflowers in part of a dune plot that the Garden Club has maintained for the past decade and is turning into a demonstration project. Members used native plants to replace non-native vegetation and sod that had overtaken the lot. The project also includes saw palmetto and the installation of riprap rocks and railroad ties. As committee member Julia Walker explained, ‘In addition to restoring the dune, the goal of the project is to create a showcase of native plantings as an example of sustainable conservation that can be replicated all along the Ocean Ridge dune.’ 

The Brontosaurus can grind trees into mulch, remove lower limbs or clear underbrush as a supplement to controlled fires in South County scrub areas. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley

If Harper Carroll had his druthers, he’d be setting fires. Not just any fires, but carefully controlled burns in our local scrub areas, including Hypoluxo, Rosemary, Seacrest, Yamato and High Ridge.

“Fire is as important as water in maintaining Florida’s habitats. It equals everything out,” says Carroll, who oversees 31,000 acres of natural area in Palm Beach County as supervisor for prescribed fire and fuels management at the Department of Environmental Resources Management.

His appreciation of fire may be surprising, given what runaway wildfires did in California and Colorado this past summer.

But Carroll’s burns are anything but runaway. They are carefully planned, supervised and certified by the Florida Fire Service, which annually allows landowners to burn more than 2 million acres statewide.

“Used wisely, fire is just like mowing the grass or weeding the garden. It cleans out the habitat and opens it to regrowth,” says Carroll, who in a busy year has planned and overseen 18 burns, predominantly in the northwestern part of the county.

That’s where preserves such as Hungryland and Loxahatchee sloughs are isolated enough for Carroll to burn there every two to three years.

“Flames aren’t the main concern with prescribed burns. It’s where to put the smoke,” says Carroll.

That’s a real problem in heavily developed South County, where strip malls, homes, highways, hospitals and schools have grown up around the natural areas. Here, prescribed fires are often inconvenient if not impossible.

In fact, the last burn in our area was at the Yamato Scrub in 2003.

Because land managers can only sporadically lay fire in the county’s populated areas, they need another tool for maintaining habitat and increasing biodiversity.

That’s where the Brontosaurus comes in.

No, it’s not a leftover from Jurassic Park but a 52,000-pound machine on tank-like treads. During the summer and fall it chomped through South County scrublands.

Its drum-shaped rotating head has 32 teeth that contractor Jacob Fretwell sharpens for about 30 minutes each morning. The head, attached to a 25-foot boom, can be rotated from 90 to 180 degrees.

We met up with Fretwell at the Hypoluxo Scrub, where he had spent two weeks thoughtfully clearing a 15-acre parcel of densely covered land. From his vantage point in the behemoth’s cockpit, Fretwell uses hydraulics controlled by joysticks to turn this chopping machine into a model of mechanical strength and precision.

Starting from the top, he can grind a towering cabbage palm into a pile of mulch, take the lower limbs off a slash pine or clear the underbrush while saving the gopher tortoise burrows beneath the growth.

“When we can’t do prescribed burns, we need the Brontosaurus and other heavy equipment in areas where people have prevented fires from occurring naturally and allowed nature to become overgrown,” says Carroll.

A $750,000 grant from FEMA, which began in March, is funding the effort. “It’s the first of its kind in the Southeast,” Carroll says.

Walking along a sandy path in Hypoluxo Scrub with the Brontosaurus roaring in the background, Barbara Bobsein, senior environmental analyst for PBC Environmental Resources

Management, points out how shrubs such as saw palmettos, gopher apples and cocoplums densely cover shady areas under a thick canopy of oaks, cabbage palms and slash pines.

The sun-loving plants necessary for feeding and protecting many smaller animal species, including the gopher tortoise, are stunted by shade.

What’s more, as the canopy grows, the shrub plants are joined by a thick layer of fallen pine needles, or duff, as well as fallen branches and fronds from the trees.

This makes our natural areas inhospitable to animals such as the gopher tortoise, which needs low-growing grasses and berries for food. Or think of the scrub lizards, which hunt in the sandy flats but find safe harbor under bushes: Overgrowth can crowd them out.

In fact, the scrub lizard was nearly extinct in our area until it was reintroduced two years ago by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, says Bobsein. Today these lizards, noted for the long brown stripe down their sides and their big toes, are easy to identify scurrying across the sand.

Dense underbrush and heavy canopy also are fuel for uncontrollable fires ignited by careless visitors or lightning.

Although the Brontosaurus is much easier to control than the smoke from a prescribed burn, chopping doesn’t work quite as well as a burn when it comes to restoring and maintaining habitat.

“It’s a surrogate for fire, not a replacement,” says Carroll.

That’s because the chopping leaves a thick layer of rough mulch instead of just the ash remaining after a fire. That mulch shades the ground until it decomposes. Lifting it a bit, you’ll discover it also retains moisture that will cause lots of smoke if accidentally ignited.

Prescribed fire, on the other hand, turns living matter into nutrients that quickly enter the soil, making it much more fertile. And without a layer of compost, the ground is immediately opened and exposed to sunlight that promotes regrowth and habitat.

But lucky for the land and its managers, mechanical chopping doesn’t preclude the use of fire. In fact, it can make it safer, explains Carroll.

After all, an induced fire is easier to control and will burn at a lower temperature when chopping has already removed much of the underbrush and excess canopy.

In fact, here at Hypoluxo Scrub when Carroll and Bobsein select what needs to be chopped, they keep in mind that one day a controlled burn may be possible. To prepare, they might choose to remove the younger pine trees sprouting up at the base of an older specimen.

During a prescribed burn or even a wildfire, that would prevent the newer growth from helping flames jump into the older tree’s canopy and would save the more mature tree from destruction.

“Although chopping is an excellent tool, fire is usually better. My goal is to put fire safely on the land to promote biodiversity,” Carroll says.

Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley can be reached at debhartz@att.net.

By Janis Fontaine

Our community has dozens of options for private school education, with some tuitions topping $40,000 a year. But the schools offer scholarships and financial aid.

Rigorous COVID-19 policies and procedures are in place at all schools, making them some of the safest environments for students: increased availability of hand sanitizer and sanitizing stations, mask requirements, less mobility and mixing of students, and the use of small pods, temperature checks and health screenings.

About 1,300 students attend Saint Andrew’s School, a nonprofit, independent private day and boarding school for grades pre-K through 12 in Boca Raton.

Alexandra Tolischus, the director of enrollment, said that both boarding students and day students continue to attend programs. “We have health and safety protocols in place and a large enough campus which allows us to maintain physical distancing guidelines.”

She says schools must remain flexible in the face of the unpredictable coronavirus.

“We continue to work hard, consult with experts, check in with peer schools, and make continuous improvements to our health and safety protocols,” Tolischus said. “We make decisions based on that, and are constantly evaluating the situation.”

St. Joseph’s Episcopal School on Seacrest Boulevard in Boynton Beach educates just under 200 students in grades K-8. Many classes are full, but the school is accepting applications, said Mary Aperavich, director of admissions.

“Approximately 3% of our students are still attending class remotely. We are now on our 14th week offering live classes to our students,” she said in mid-November.

The children still pray and say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning over the PA system, but aren’t allowed to gather in the chapel for prayer or song. Although COVID-19 is unpredictable and the infection trends are frightening, St. Joseph’s plans to continue with its current plan after Christmas break. Of course, nothing, save the Ten Commandments, is engraved in stone.

At the Waldorf School of Palm Beach, formerly Sea Star Initiative, enrollment is about 40 students, with room for twice that many, administrative director Wendy Gittleman said.
Waldorf is a private school for grades 1-8 in Boca Raton that follows the structure, philosophies and curriculum established by Austrian educator Rudolf Steiner. It emphasizes the role of the imagination in learning, and teachers use art, music and expressive movement to enhance teaching.

The school reopened for in-person classes on Sept. 8.

“It’s been wonderful to get back to school,” Gittleman said. “Each of our classrooms have their own bathrooms, sanitation stations and outside entrances.”

The most exciting development is a move to outdoor classrooms, says Gittleman, who recently joined the school after a 20-year career in California. Pods of students will learn outside under shelter, another way Waldorf is “childhood friendly.”

Gittleman says the kids have adjusted more easily than the adults to the coronavirus and calls the transition “pretty smooth.”

Barring out-of-control infection rates, Waldorf plans to continue in-person learning and welcomes applicants looking for an alternative.

Space of Mind School introduced updated kindergarten and elementary curricula this year. Photo provided

Related Story: How other private schools are coping in face of unpredictable virus

By Janis Fontaine

As their children close in on winter break, some parents are taking time to evaluate the first half of the 2020-21 school year and contemplate changes.

Private schools are an appealing, but often an expensive option. But there are lots of private choices: big schools, small schools, old schools and new.

Space of Mind Schoolhouse, whose flagship site is in the historic Clark building at 102 N. Swinton Ave. in downtown Delray Beach, is one of the newest kids on the block. The school started in a living room in 2004 with a few students. This year, SOM introduced updated kindergarten and elementary curricula that Ali Kaufman is excited about.

Space of Mind is “a hybrid school program founded on the principles of homeschooling, but delivered in a social environment, which allows for students to learn in small groups and tailored to their needs and interests,” said Kaufman, the founder and CEO of the school.

It’s school the way you might imagine it in a perfect world where each child has unlimited access to teachers and resources, project-based learning where a student is encouraged to learn in his preferred way, studying subjects that he’s naturally curious about, in a place that nurtures the whole child — mentally, physically and emotionally.

SOM places emphasis on life skills, becoming collaborative partners in learning and problem solving, and growing solid citizens of the global community. It also has an in-house chef for fresh, organic meals and a meditation session to start the day.

“We want to teach kids to adjust to the rhythms of the real world,” Kaufman says.

Children saw a huge change in that rhythm with COVID-19, and the size of the school made it easier for everyone to adapt.

Kids learn to adapt and mature without losing the essence of who they are.

Kaufman says “a brain under stress cannot learn,” so meditation and low-stress teaching methods help. In the reinvented classroom, each child has an individualized student coaching road map that includes assessments, goals and learning plans for his personalized curriculum. There are creative arts programs, social and emotional skill development, and exposure to wellness activities like scuba and martial arts.

Space of Mind was more prepared than a lot of other schools when things shut down in the spring. The school already had strong a strong virtual learning curriculum (based on gifted programs), small class sizes (a 4-to-1 ratio) and intimate relationships with the parents.

“We could anticipate a lot of problems,” Kaufman said, “because we know our families so well.”

When children returned to school in September, the “flexible structure” made it easier to adjust. Kids don’t change classes when a bell rings or mix with new kids each class.

“We didn’t have the big obstacles. There were just a lot of issues we didn’t have to deal with because they didn’t exist,” Kaufman said.

The 10,000-square-foot campus provides plenty of room for social distancing, and wearing masks hasn’t been an issue with kids at all, she says.

The school’s team of medical advisers recommended a $20,000 air purification system and the addition of a full-time registered nurse, which makes everyone breathe easier.

Space of Mind serves fewer than 100 students in grades K through 12, including some out-of-state virtual students. The campus recently added a new 6,400-square-foot community center called the Hub, where Kaufman says the school will offer adult, family and community programming.

Kaufman says the school also plans to add a nationally available parent-led pre-K program for at-home learning, which will give parents of preschoolers coaching to get their kids ready for kindergarten and a place to turn for virtual support.

Although the school is well prepared to help the “outside-the-box students” — kids with ADHD, on the spectrum, with visual and auditory processing challenges, anxiety, dyslexia or giftedness — it welcomes any student who wants to try learning in a more kid-centric and less cookie-cutter way.

Kaufman stresses that one goal is to destigmatize learning challenges and level the playing field, but she encourages parents to think of SOM as “the first, best choice, not a last resort.”

It’s sometimes hard to quantify success so Kaufman looks at student behavior: “Are they motivated intrinsically?” she asks.

But the litmus test for school success may be much simpler, she says. “Are they happy?”

For more information, call 877-407-1122 or visit www.findspaceofmind.com