By Jane Musgrave

Facing a possible life sentence, Mark David Anderson accepted a plea deal Sept. 23 that will allow him to be freed in two years in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a popular Delray Beach computer tech at a beachside condominium.

Anderson didn’t admit guilt in connection with the gunshot slaying of 58-year-old Albert Camentz during an alcohol- and drug-fueled get-together at Berkshire by the Sea, 126 N. Ocean Boulevard in Delray Beach, about a block north of Atlantic Avenue.

Instead, the 48-year-old Lake Worth Beach man took what is called a “best interest” plea. That means he didn’t admit killing the man he barely knew, but acknowledged he could have been found guilty of second-degree murder at a trial that was set to begin days after he agreed to be punished.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Bradley Harper found Anderson guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter. He sentenced him to five years in prison.

Harper gave Anderson credit for the 1,107 days he had already spent in the county jail. That means Anderson, who worked as a self-employed carpenter, will be released from prison in two years.

The plea deal ends a bizarre case that was compromised when one of the two witnesses — Jack Feinberg — fatally shot himself last summer.

Feinberg, former longtime director of the Broward Addiction Recovery Center, initially offered Delray Beach police little information and then refused to talk to them without a lawyer. Anderson’s defense team used Feinberg’s reluctance to help police solve his friend’s murder to suggest that Feinberg, not Anderson, was the killer.

Defense attorneys Mike Dutko and Robert Gentile also focused on claims by Feinberg and his wife, Susan Schneider, who insisted they didn’t realize Camentz had been shot. Instead of getting Camentz medical help, they drove him nearly six miles from Berkshire by the Sea to their home west of Delray Beach.

Shawn Mahoney, who grew up with Camentz in Louisville, Kentucky, said he worried that the defense team could use Feinberg’s suicide and his strange behavior after the shooting to sow doubts with the jury.

“The surety of a guilty verdict wasn’t assured,” Mahoney said, explaining why he was satisfied with the outcome of the case. Prosecutors discussed it with Camentz’s family, which also signed off on it, he said.

While Anderson will spend only another two years behind bars, Mahoney said he was heartened that he will be on probation for four years. If Anderson violates that probation, he could be hauled back to court where he would face a possible 15 years in prison.

“The key for the family was that he didn’t walk away,” said Mahoney, who, like Camentz’s family, watched the proceedings on a Zoom link.

“This guy is a cold-blooded murderer,” said Mahoney, who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. “He killed someone he met 10 minutes earlier.”

The unfolding events

Camentz wasn’t supposed to be at the impromptu party. It was hastily arranged when Anderson ran into Feinberg and Schneider at a bar in Boca Raton and invited them to the timeshare he was renting. 

As the couple was driving to Anderson’s timeshare, Camentz called Feinberg on the phone. Although Camentz didn’t know Anderson, he agreed to join them.

During the party that began after midnight, cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, nitrous oxide along with beer and other alcohol flowed freely, according to court documents.

Both Feinberg and Schneider told police that the four were getting along well. A small disagreement erupted over what Feinberg described as religious views. But, Feinberg said, Camentz wasn’t involved in the short-lived dispute.

As Camentz, Feinberg and Anderson talked, Schneider said she decided she wanted to take a dip in the hot tub, according to police. Schneider said she went to get a towel and Anderson disappeared into the bedroom.

When Anderson returned, Schneider said he was holding “a black object with both hands extended,” police reported. Anderson pointed at Camentz and a deafening explosion ripped through the apartment.

Feinberg fell off the couch, but got to his feet laughing. Camentz clutched his chest, saying he couldn’t breathe.

Schneider told police she didn’t see any blood or holes in Camentz's shirt and thought he might be having a heart attack. She said she wanted to take Camentz to Delray Medical Center, but he said he was feeling better and wanted to sleep at the couple’s house.

When they arrived at the house in the Floral Lakes community off West Atlantic Avenue, she said Camentz turned ghostly white and began complaining of chest pain. She called 911.

In a report, paramedics said they immediately determined that Camentz had been shot or stabbed. They took him to Delray Medical Center where he was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police investigation

When police approached Feinberg at the hospital to ask him about the shooting, Feinberg said he was going to the hot tub when he heard a loud bang. 

He said he didn’t know the name of the building where the shooting took place. His memory, he said, was muddled because he suffered from a “cognitive disorder,” the detective wrote.

He didn’t elaborate, but in his March 2023 resignation from the government-funded addiction treatment agency, Feinberg said that an unidentified illness he incurred during the pandemic had gotten worse.

After police told Feinberg that Camentz had died, he refused to answer any more questions without an attorney.

By the time police arrived at the couple’s house, Feinberg was already there. Detective John Caceres Duque said he heard Feinberg yelling at his wife, telling her not to answer any questions without an attorney. Schneider ignored her husband. She told Caceres where the shooting occurred and identified Anderson as the shooter.

With Schneider’s information, police went to Berkshire by the Sea on State Road A1A, found Anderson sleeping and arrested him. They found three blood spatters on an outside wall, later identified as belonging to Camentz.

A day after he refused to talk to Caceres, Feinberg changed his mind.

During a meeting with Caceres at the Ray Hotel in downtown Delray Beach, Feinberg confirmed what his wife had already told the detective. There hadn’t been any animosity between Camentz and Anderson. The four were having a good time.

The shooting was inexplicable, he said.

“I don’t know, why would he come out and done some sort of thing with some sort of weapon,” he told Caceres.

A licensed mental health counselor, Feinberg suggested Anderson may have been in a psychotic state. He suspected that Anderson had taken liquid LSD, along with other drugs, causing him to hallucinate.

Mahoney said the chain of events that cost his decades-long friend his life are beyond comprehension. “Everything about it is just so unbelievable,” he said.

He said he imagines sharing the story with Camentz. “‘No way,’ Al would say with his typical wry smile on his face,” Mahoney said. “‘There’s no way that could have happened. Are you sure?’” 

City manager’s reorganization adds new department — Finishing his first year on the job, City Manager Mark Sohaney has rejiggered Boca Raton’s organizational chart again, this time creating a new Public Affairs Department to handle both outgoing and incoming communication.

The City Council approved his plan on Sept. 22, passing an ordinance to officially birth the department, which has more than 30 employees taken mostly from other offices.

“Before we started this there were only about three people in this, it wasn’t even a division really,” Sohaney said. “What we’ve done here is we’ve brought together all of our citywide communications and marketing that were spread out in different departments.”

Anne Marie Connolly, previously the city’s communications and marketing manager, leads the new department as the public affairs director. Reporting to her now are the mayor’s and City Council’s analysts, the city manager’s executive office staff, communications and digital media, video production, community relations, cultural affairs, community resources and the public safety information team.

“Ultimately this department is here to provide support, not only internally to get information out to our residents but to meet residents where they are gathered to get feedback and build a sense of trust,” Connolly said.

When Sohaney started his job in September 2025, he quickly made the police chief and fire chief report directly to him. In March he fired Police Chief Michele Miuccio and two of his four deputy city managers: Jorge Camejo, who oversaw the Community Redevelopment Agency team, and Chrissy Gibson, who supervised Connolly and the communications and marketing team.

Mayor hosting community Town Hall — Mayor Andy Thomson will host a Town Hall meeting on Oct. 14, offering residents an opportunity to hear directly from him about what’s happening in Boca Raton, upcoming city initiatives and issues that matter to the community.

The informal gathering will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Spanish River Library mezzanine, at 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd.

With several initiatives and projects underway and on the horizon, the city said the event will give residents an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and gain a better understanding of Boca Raton’s current and future plans and projects.

Ban on feeding nuisance animals may be repealed — Council member Stacy Sipple introduced an ordinance on Sept. 22 to repeal the city’s new ban on feeding pigeons, iguanas and other nuisance animals and its accompanying $100 fine.

The ban, which Mayor Andy Thomson had sought, was approved in a 3-2 vote on Aug. 25.

But Sipple, who voted in favor of the ban, “requested that the City Council reconsider the adoption of that ordinance and has advised that, based on information learned after its adoption, she would vote differently if the matter were presented again,” a city document said.

A final vote on repealing the ban on feeding and the $100 fine is scheduled for Oct. 13.

— Steve Plunkett

By Janis Fontaine

The Diocese of Palm Beach has officially removed the Rev. Alex J. Vargas from his duties at St. Thomas More Catholic Church near Boynton Beach following a review of his case by a diocesan board.

In May, the diocese reported that “serious allegations” of a sexual nature had been made against Vargas and he was placed on administrative leave until an independent investigation could be conducted and reviewed. 

In a letter dated Sept. 5, Bishop Manuel de Jesus Rodríguez wrote that the findings from a professional investigation by Renaissance Associates concluded there was “insufficient information to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse,” but that there was “sufficient information to substantiate the following allegations: Sexual misconduct; abuse of power, authority, and/or office; financial malfeasance; and violations of the code of conduct.” 

The bishop appointed the Very Rev. Antony Pulikal as parochial administrator at St. Thomas More in June and announced the diocese was preparing “major reforms” to safeguard young people and vulnerable individuals. Changes were then introduced in August to the existing diocesan policies governing sexual behavior, including clergy conduct, reporting misconduct and the monitoring of priests. 

The new code also made changes addressing digital interactions, including that all electronic communications with minors must be transparent and professional. The law also addresses reporting misconduct, and says clergy are required to report both their own misconduct as well as misconduct by others. 

The new rules are being implemented on an experimental basis for two years, with similar codes of conduct applying to diocesan employees and volunteers.

As a result of the findings regarding Vargas, Rodriguez wrote that he “is deemed unsuitable for ministry.” But the bishop also stressed that Vargas’s removal is not a legal determination of guilt. 

Vargas, 55, who had served St. Thomas More parish as an administrator and a vicar for over 15 years, will now participate in a canonical judicial process, which will make a final ruling under canon law on the charges. 

No criminal or civil charges had been filed as of late September. 

By Connor Walter Brickel

Boynton Beach utility customers — including residents of Ocean Ridge — will see a 17% increase in their water bills as the city prepares to meet new regulatory requirements and pay for water infrastructure upgrades.

The City Commission approved the rate increase on Sept. 16 following an earlier discussion at its Sept. 8 meeting.

The new rates were to take effect Oct. 1 and cover water, wastewater, storm water and reclaimed water. The wastewater and other rates don’t apply to most island residential customers, as they have their own septic systems.

Boynton Beach has a contract to provide water to the town of Briny Breezes. The bill is reimbursed by Briny Breezes Inc., which covers the cost through residents’ quarterly assessments.

Gulf Stream has also signed a contract with the city for bulk water services. The town has been receiving its water from Delray Beach. The switch is expected to take place sometime next year after a pipe connecting the city’s water to the town is installed.

Ocean Ridge, whose residents have water meters and are billed directly by the city,  has a contractual agreement with Boynton Beach that keeps its residents from being charged a 25% premium that the city assesses to other customers outside of the city. Instead, they are charged inside the city rates.

The previous in-city base charge was $16.32 a month. Those customers also paid $2.19 per 1,000 gallons for the first 7,000 gallons.

The new monthly in-city base charge has risen to $19.13 with a rate of $2.56 per 1,000 gallons for the first 7,000 gallons.

The city says the new rate adjustments will provide enough revenue to complete capital improvement projects and invest in water treatment.

The regulatory requirements to treat PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, at the two plants are one reason for the increase, Utility Director Poonam Kalkat said. PFAS are commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

“That’s what’s driving the infrastructure costs. Our consultants have looked at what the probable cost for implementing this PFAS treatment at both plants is going to be, and that’s close to $300 million,” Kalkat said at the Sept. 8 meeting.

While displaying a graph, Boynton Beach’s rate consultant, Ryan Smith, told the commission that the adjustments would remain 19% under inflation and that the city had identified approximately $30 million in grants and other proceeds that were available to offset residents’ costs.

City Manager Daniel Dugger urged the commission to approve the resolution so the city could stay proactive in complying with federal regulations.

“Safe drinking water is not political. If you don’t raise rates, and something catastrophic happens, you all will be held responsible.” Dugger said at the Sept. 16 meeting. 

By Connor Walter Brickel

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency continued its land acquisition efforts in September with the purchase of five parcels — including two in the Boynton Beach Boulevard corridor east of Interstate 95 — for more than $5.1 million.

The City Commission, assembled in its role as the CRA’s governing board, approved the purchases on Sept. 16. According to staff reports, the two parcels purchased around Boynton Beach Boulevard are needed to support future downtown redevelopment. They are:

• 415 NW First Ave. The property, currently a single-family home, carried the highest financial premium for the city; its purchase price of $749,000 was 78% over the appraised value of $420,000. 

• 101 NW Fourth St. The CRA paid $835,000 for this property, also currently a single-family home. 

The commission considered a third residential parcel near the Boulevard — 204 NW First St. — with a $995,000 recommended purchase price but decided to see if it could reduce the cost.

“I’d be open to negotiating it and see if they would be open to that,” said Vice Mayor Thomas Turkin. “I think there’s an opportunity to get a better price.”

The two properties fall within the Boynton Beach Boulevard entryway to downtown  from I-95. According to staff reports, the CRA envisions an area where “pedestrians will be encouraged to walk along the broad sidewalks in the shade of mature trees to visit the various stores and restaurants along the corridor.”

The CRA also approved the purchase of three more properties along MLK Jr. Boulevard with a total cost of $3.59 million. The area is known as the Heart of Boynton District. The city’s goal is to bring more commercial and retail development to the area and preserve the historic cottages that have been there since the 1920s.  

In Boca, Related Ross buys Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) — former home of IBM

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill is a tenant at 105 E. Atlantic Ave., which was taken over by Redfearn Capital in one of the richest sales along the Avenue. Photo provided

By Christine Davis

A pair of Atlantic Avenue properties, home to Tramonti Ristorante, Sloan’s Ice Cream, and Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, have a new owner.

DHBH Atlantic LLC, managed by William B. Himmelrich, and 60½ LLC, led by Beverly Hosokawa, sold the buildings at 105 and 111 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, at an auction on Sept. 10. Delray Beach-based Redfearn Capital, a private equity real estate firm, made the highest bid at $38.2 million and became the new owner.

The properties sit on 0.38 acre and comprise 23,290 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space. Besides the ground-floor retail tenants, one of the two second-floor office suites is also leased. 

The buildings, which were constructed in 1952 and 1971, had not been sold in more than 20 years, said Katalyst Real Estate’s Don Ginsburg, who worked with the sellers.

“The price per square foot of $1,674 is one of the highest ever for Atlantic Avenue,” he said. “That same day, Redfearn Capital also acquired 123 E. Atlantic Ave. in a separate transaction, for $4 million, so now Alex Redfearn’s company owns the entire block.”

This auction resulted from an arbitration settlement between the two sellers over a partnership dispute that was settled in 2024. The dispute involved claims that the Hosokawa family had been taken advantage of as the late Dave Hosokawa’s health declined. Under the settlement, both parties agreed to sell the properties together and divide the proceeds at closing. Beverly Hosokawa also received reconciliation payment.

The attorneys involved included Gary Mansfield and David Stone of Mansfield, Bronstein & Stone LLP, who represented Beverly Hosokawa. They represented her individually, as trustee of the David “Dave” A. Hosokawa Revocable Trust, and as personal representative of David Hosokawa’s estate. Hosokawa was CEO of TMP Worldwide, the parent company of Monster.com. 

Himmelrich was represented by attorney Lance Shinder.

Representing the sellers were Cushman & Wakefield’s Mike Ciadella, Scott O’Donnell and Miguel Alcivar, along with Katalyst Real Estate’s Ginsburg and Adam Steinlauf.

Cushman and Wakefield’s Florida EDSF Team, Ron Granite and Jason Hochman, represented Redfearn Capital in securing financing for the acquisition.

***

Related Ross recently acquired the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, a 124-acre office and technology campus at 5000 T-Rex Ave. The acquisition represents Related Ross’ first venture into Boca Raton. The 1.7-million-square-foot center was developed in the late 1960s as an IBM research and development facility. IBM’s Boca Raton team developed the IBM Personal Computer, which was introduced in 1981.

“BRiC changed the course of technology once before for the region, and it will play an important role in what comes next,” said Stephen M. Ross, chairman and CEO of Related Ross. “We have spent nearly 30 years investing in West Palm Beach, and this acquisition gives us the opportunity to bring that long-term commitment and experience to Boca Raton. We want to build on what is already working here and help create the conditions for more companies, talent and ideas to thrive.”

The transaction was not listed in public records as of late September, nor was the financing Related Ross received from Ares Real Estate funds, which was arranged by Newmark.
The seller was a partnership group that included CP Group, Rialto, DRA Advisors and Las Olas Capital Advisors.

The group bought the property in 2021 for $320.2 million and made capital improvements that increased occupancy levels and rents. CP Group and a different set of partners acquired the property in 2018 for $179 million.

Related Ross will continue operating BRiC as an office and technology campus while pursuing a longer-term mixed-use vision for the property.

“With D-Wave at BRiC and FAU nearby, Boca Raton has a strong foundation for attracting more technology companies and developing local talent,” said Jordan Bargas, executive vice president at Related Ross. “We see BRiC becoming a major center of that growth, and we’re looking forward to creating a workplace environment with a curated mix of amenities, retail and restaurants that can evolve with the businesses here.”

Bargas is referring in part to D-Wave Quantum’s decision to move its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to BRiC. Separately, Florida Atlantic University plans to install a D-Wave Advantage2 quantum computer on its campus. The project will support research, education and job training in the field.

In addition to Related Ross’ investment in BRiC, the Related Ross Foundation’s Build Together initiative will work with Boca Raton organizations that expand opportunities for local residents.

Related Ross worked with Adam Beighley of Beighley, Myrick, Udell P.A. as land-use counsel; Holland & Knight’s Shawn Amuial and Eric Reissi as transaction counsel; and Joe Dewey and Jessica Hoch as financing counsel.

***

MGM Designs LLC, managed by auto dealer Ralph J. Gesualdo in Lake Forest, Illinois, sold the 1.97-acre property at 1820 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, to 1820 S. Ocean LLC, managed by Palm Beach-based attorney Maura Ziska. The off-market deal was recorded in September, priced at $30 million. The property has 160 feet of frontage along both the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The lot last traded for $7.05 million in 2015.

***

Eugene and Judith Reilly sold their Intracoastal waterfront residence at 1033 Waterway Lane, Delray Beach, to Meir Teper, trustee of the Meir Teper Trust. The selling price, recorded in July, was $20 million. Kathleen Hutchison of Hutchison Real Estate Co. represented the sellers. Premier Estate Properties’ The Pascal Liguori Estate Group represented the buyer. With six bedrooms and 7,827 square feet, the property previously sold in 2021 for $11.38 million. Teper, with Robert De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, co-founded the upscale restaurant Nobu, including one at the Eau Resort & Spa in Manalapan.

***

The 500 Alexander Palm Land Trust sold the 8,281-square-foot Intracoastal waterfront home at 500 E. Alexander Palm Road in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton. The $20 million sale was recorded in September. The buyer is the 500 E. Alexander Land Trust, with Aaron S. Adler as trustee. David Roberts of Royal Palm Properties brokered the deal.

The home last sold new for $25.75 million in 2022. It is situated on a 0.34-acre lot on the Intracoastal Waterway. 

***

The 434 S. Maya Palm Drive Real Estate Trust, with attorney Jeffrey A. Levine as trustee, sold the 9,243-square-foot home at 191 W. Coconut Palm Road in Boca Raton’s Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club to the Opalex Living Trust Land Agreement, with Mathieu Laplante as trustee.

The price, recorded in August, was $16.85 million. Natbank provided a $10.7 million mortgage to the buyers, with Mathieu Laplante and his wife, Murphy Filion, signing as borrowers. They are co-founders of the travel insurance firm soNomad. The home was built on the 0.35-acre lot along a canal leading to the Intracoastal Waterway in 2025. David Roberts of Royal Palm Properties represented both sides of the deal.

***

Pebb Capital secured a $223 million refinancing for Sundy Village, a 7-acre mixed-use campus in downtown Delray Beach. Provided by J.P. Morgan and Hudson Bay Capital, the deal replaces the project’s existing construction loan while providing additional capital for tenant improvements. J.P. Morgan, which provided the original construction financing alongside Monroe Capital, is increasing its commitment through the refinancing, while Monroe Capital will conclude its participation in the construction phase.

The financing was arranged by Walker & Dunlop’s Institutional Advisory Practice, led by Sean Reimer, Aaron Appel, Jonathan Schwartz, Keith Kurland, Adam Schwartz and Dustin Stolly. Aaron Casden served as the J.P. Morgan banker on the transaction.

***

Lang Realty was selected for membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. This relationship gives Lang access to a global network of firms and professionals as well as referral opportunities, expanded marketing reach and technology support.

***

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County hosts a Hot Topic Luncheon, “America 250: Is Democracy in Danger? An Historian’s Perspective and Predictions for Election Day,” with Robert Watson, Ph.D. The luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth Beach.

Watson is distinguished professor of American history and Avron Fogelman Research Professor at Lynn University. Cost to attend is $50. Register by Oct. 14 at lwvpbc.org.

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

The 100-year-old Colony Hotel, a landmark in downtown Delray Beach, gave money to the Delray Beach Historical Society and other organizations in the city. Photo provided

By Lou Ann Frala

In honor of its 100th anniversary, The Colony Hotel in Delray Beach has given $100,000 to a number of organizations that are dedicated to community engagement and improvement.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to giving back and saying thank you to the organizations that have helped shape our first century,” said Hilary Roche, Colony managing partner.

The bulk of the money went to the Delray Beach Historical Society, which the hotel has long supported, Roche said.

Others receiving donations included the Sandoway Discovery Center, Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Community Greening and the Delray Beach Preservation Trust, all in Delray Beach.

47 nominated for Woman Volunteer of the Year 

The Junior League of Boca Raton’s 39th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon, coming at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, will honor 47 nominees from nonprofits throughout Palm Beach County and northern Broward County. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton.

The winner will come from among these nominees:

 • 4KIDS of South Florida — Janet Bozick

• Alzheimer’s Association — Christine Pike

• American Association of Caregiving Youth — Gay Gordon

• Best Foot Forward Foundation — Danielle Rosse

• Boca Ballet Theatre — Susan B. Buck

• Boca Helping Hands — Dr. Sarah Lochner

• Boca Raton Historical Society — Zoe Lanham

• Boca Raton Police Foundation — Cathy Klein

• Boca School for Autism — Beatrice Weinstock

• Boca West Children’s Foundation — Suzi Selinger

• Bridge Immigration Network — Milagros Vargas

• Changing Lives of Boca Raton — Chelsea Cordner

• Child Rescue Coalition — Lisa LaFrance

• Children’s Home Society of Florida — Dr. Amy Ohana-Trujillo 

• Common Ground Community Development — Barbara Socher

• Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League — Helen Kaye

• Delray Beach Public Library — Joycelyn Patrick

• Dress for Success Palm Beaches — Wendy Tannenbaum

• Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation — Alex Welsh

• Empath Trustbridge Hospice — Patricia Collazo

• Fuller Center — Clara Acero

• George Snow Scholarship Fund — Robin Deyo

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County — Julie Peyton

• Hippocrates Wellness — Nancy Baldwin Fusco

• Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce  — Jessy Allain Mena

• Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative  — Monica Ribeiro

• Impact 100 Palm Beach County — Ingrid Kennemer

• Impact Palm Beaches — Christine DelVecchio

• Junior League of Boca Raton — Kristen Ross-Majhess

• Love Serving Autism — Marla Garchik

• Myla’s Beleaf— Camilla Goodwin

• Mizner Park Cultural Arts Association — Peg Anderson

• National Society of Arts & Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter — Marilyn Nelson

• Palm Beach Symphony — Marietta Muiña McNulty

• Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches — Coco Schefmeyer

• Roots and Wings, Inc. — Mary Stern

• Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton — Ingrid Fulmer

• Scholar Career Coaching — Sasha Lopez

• Speak Up for Kids — Jodie Arnold

• Special Olympics Florida — Catherine Barton

• Spirit of Giving — Dr. Katie Burke

• Sweet Dream Makers — Debby Rales

• The Giving Tree of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton — Lauren Gross

• The Soup Kitchen — Joan Melesko

• Touch A Heart Foundation — Jennifer Kaufman

• Women’s Executive Club — Lauren Blosser

• YMCA of South Palm Beach County — Amanda Perna

Tandy Robinson is the honorary chair, and Linda Paton and Victoria Matthews are co-chairs. Guests are invited to wear white.

Sponsorships, tables and tickets can be purchased directly at wvoy26.givesmart.com/ or call 561-620-2553.

Promise Fund provides cervical cancer screenings 

With cervical cancer screening rates among young women continuing to decline across the country, the South Florida-based Promise Fund is working to close the gap for women who face barriers to preventive health care.

The nonprofit, founded by Nancy G. Brinker in 2018, gives access to screenings and further care throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties, focusing on women who are uninsured, underinsured or lack access to a regular health care provider.

Visit thepromisefund.org/request-services to learn more about what is offered.

A study published Aug. 27 in JAMA Network Open found that nearly one in three (32%) women ages 21-29 report having never been screened for cervical cancer, a dramatic increase from 2005, when 12.5% of women in the same age group never had been screened.

The study also found significant disparities based on insurance status, race and ethnicity, and education. The percentage of women 21-29 who had never been screened was 41.8% among those without insurance. By race and ethnicity in the same age group, the rates were Asian American women (44.3%), Native American women (38.3%), Hispanic women (37.5%) and non-Hispanic Black women (33.9%). 

Nearly 40% of women 21-29 with only a high school education had never been screened, compared with 17% of women with master’s or doctoral degrees.

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and early detection holds the key to survival,” said Brinker. “We are alarmed to see screening rates declining so dramatically. … Here in South Florida, nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home.”

Roots and Wings expands free reading program 

Roots and Wings, the county’s largest nonprofit focused on literacy and teacher recognition, is growing its Project UpLift reading program by five additional schools for the 2026-27 school year, operating in 24 Title 1 elementary schools, the largest footprint in the organization’s history.

New to the program are: Banyan Creek Elementary in Delray Beach; Barton Elementary in Lake Worth Beach; Diamond View Elementary in Greenacres; and Forest Park Elementary and Poinciana Elementary in Boynton Beach.

The county faces a significant early-literacy challenge with only 57% of third graders reading at grade level, with proficiency rates even lower at many Title 1 schools.

Project UpLift is a free after-school tutoring program by which participants receive a minimum of 54 hours of focused literacy instruction during the school year. During the 2024-25 school year, 93% of Project UpLift students demonstrated gains on their i-Ready reading assessments, including 96% of enrolled third graders.

“Third grade is the critical year,” said Ted Hoskinson, founder and president of Roots and Wings. “Up to that point, a child is learning to read. After that, they’re reading to learn, and a student who hasn’t gotten there yet can spend the rest of their education trying to catch up.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to become a successful reader,” Hoskinson said. “With Project UpLift, we want children to know that they can do this, that people believe in them, and that their future is full of possibilities.”

Boca West Country Club supports scholarships

Boca West Country Club is celebrating six students selected as 2026 Jay DiPietro Scholarship recipients, chosen from among its employees and their families with backing from the George Snow Scholarship Fund and the Florida Club Management Association of America.

Boca West has helped young people pursue educational and career goals since 2014 through $335,000 in scholarships and support services.

The students are Sarah Wheeler, Reese Metevia-Elders, Noah Gordon, Diego Estrada, Sarah Carter and Brooke Miller.

Boca West’s partnership is part of the George Snow Scholarship Fund’s broader work in Palm Beach and Broward counties. It has awarded 4,171 students a total of $47 million in scholarships and support services since its founding in 1982 in memory of George Snow, a former high school math teacher and developer who died in a 1980 helicopter accident.

The organization’s signature fundraising event, Boca’s Ballroom Battle, supported by title sponsor Rosenberg Diamonds & Co., returns at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Boca Raton’s Grand Ballroom, 501 E. Camino Real.

This year’s theme is “Let It Snow,” inspired by the sparkle and sophistication of winter. The male and female dancers who raised the most money will take home the Mirror Ball Trophy. Fundraising efforts include sponsorships, program ads, raffle tickets for a $5,000 grand prize, or by making a donation in the dancers’ names at ballroombattle.com.

Delray philanthropic group to put on fashion show

Chapter CZ Philanthropic Educational Organization of Delray Beach is hosting Runway for a Cause at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Boca Raton Marriott, 5150 Town Center Circle.

Events include a luncheon, a fashion show, curated vendors, raffles and a performance by the New Florida Follies, a senior dance troupe.

The fundraiser supports the Philanthropic Educational Organization’s mission of motivating, celebrating and educating women through scholarship programs throughout the state.

Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by calling Robin Hackett at 480-242‑1305 or emailing her at rlhackett4@gmail.com. 

Boca Garden Club to host Sip ‘n’ Shop preview sale

The Boca Raton Garden Club will hold a Sip ‘n’ Shop preview sale of handcrafted Holiday House seasonal and year-round items from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at its clubhouse, 4281 NW Third Ave.

Gain entry with the purchase of the Garden Club’s annual “Stop The Clock” $20 ticket for a raffle of $4,000 in monetary prizes to be held in November.

The event will include wine, soft drinks and light appetizers for bargain-hunting shoppers.  

Real estate firm sponsors charity golf tournament 

The FurBaby Group at True Floridian Realty, Delray Beach, is the official sponsor for the EJS Project Golf Classic. The tournament is set for 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Westchester Country Club, 12250 Westchester Club Drive, Boynton Beach.

The EJS Project is a safe space for teens, devoted to dismantling barriers, teaching truth and building relationships.

Adrianne Kurman, a broker associate with True Floridian Realty, is an EJS Project board member and a premier sponsor of the Golf Classic.

“Serving on the board of the EJS Project gives me a firsthand look at the profound impact this organization has every single day,” Kurman said. “The FurBaby Group and True Floridian Realty are thrilled to step up as sponsors for the Golf Classic to help fund these life-changing programs.”

To register a foursome ($600), buy a single ticket ($150), become a sponsor or learn more about the event, visit ejsproject.org/golf-classic/.

Best Buddies to host Champion of the Year Gala

Best Buddies’ 2026 fundraiser, dubbed “La Dolce Vita,” the Champion of the Year Gala, is coming up at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd. 

Best Buddies is a nonprofit devoted to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual disabilities. It provides one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support. 

Gulf Stream resident Anna Glennon is chairing the event again this year and hopes to surpass last year’s record of $537,000.

Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.

Palm Beach-based Wild About Wildlife, a fundraising and awareness initiative that supports the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project, hosted its third annual Summer Luncheon. The South Florida project runs programs meant to connect youth to nature and foster environmental stewardship. Guest speaker Deborah Pollack, a Palm Beach art historian and gallery owner, used material drawn from her archives, including her Florida Book Award-winning ’Florida Sculptors and Their Work: 1880–2020.’ She noted that the wildlife celebrated in the area’s public art is now the focus of active protection work. The luncheon also featured the presentation of attorney Rebecca Doane’s $20,000 sponsorship gift. Doane & Doane, PA, will be presenting sponsor of Wild About Wildlife’s next event, the Nature Renaissance Luncheon at 11 a.m. Oct. 12 at The Ben in downtown West Palm Beach. Richard Louv, author of ’Last Child in the Woods,’ is guest speaker. Dr. Denise Herzing, founder and research director of the Wild Dolphin Project, and Jennifer Diaz, vice president of education at the Everglades Foundation, were introduced as WAW’s 2027 Conservation Award honorees. They will receive their awards at WAW's Awards Dinner & Gala on Feb. 5 at The Ben. ABOVE: (l-r) Nancy Marshall, Pollack and Diane Bernstein. Photo provided by Capehart Photography

The 16th annual White Coats-4-Care reception brought together healthcare, business, university and civic leaders to welcome the incoming class of 80 future physicians to the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. The reception honored College of Medicine advocate June Gelb in celebration of her 100th birthday. Money raised sponsors scholarships, strengthens medical education, fuels research and helps to expand community health initiatives. ABOVE: (l-r): Jillian Hasner, Dick Schmidt, Arlene Herson, FAU President Adam Hasner, Dr. Janné Lomasky, Jan Savarick and Christine Lynn. BELOW: (l-r) Dr. Lewis Nelson, the college dean, with Constance Scott, Dr. Michael Dennis, Bonnie Halperin and Doug Mithun. Photos provided by FAU Schmidt College of Medicine

Hurricane Alley is now closed and plans to reopen around Thanksgiving, directly across Ocean Avenue into the building with the orange facade. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Jan Norris

Within a week of the emotional announcement detailing the pending closure of Hurricane Alley Raw Bar and Restaurant, owner Kim Kelly said she’d found a new permanent home — just across the street.

Kelly shared the “much happier” news online that the laid-back Boynton Beach seafood restaurant at 529 E. Ocean Ave. had made a deal with owners of Paloma Mexican Restaurant to take over their space. Paloma is closed permanently, with the owners returning to legal careers, Kelly said.

The saga started Aug. 25 on her Facebook page, where Kelly stated that the landlord had set a Sept. 30 deadline for her to vacate the space to make way for The Pierce. 

That $105 million mixed-use project, more than five years in the making, had at last been cleared for construction. The first step would be demolition of the Hurricane Alley building.

Kelly would then have to wait months for Affiliated Development, builder of The Pierce, to create a new space for Hurricane Alley north of her current location.

The news caught her by surprise, she said. “I was very emotional. I was sobbing.”

But only a few days later, Kelly wrote on her Facebook page that Hurricane Alley had found its “new forever home,” and would move into the Paloma Mexican Restaurant.

“It all came together within five days. I got a tip from a good source,” she said.

After meeting with the real estate agent, she signed a  contract that’s a five-year lease with options of up to a 15-year lease for the space at 510 E. Ocean Ave. — on the south side of the street.

The plan, she said, is to make minor renovations and move in, with a grand reopening sometime around Thanksgiving.

Kelly will take the memorabilia from the old place across the street, she said, hoping to re-create the laid-back vibe.

“Everything we had on our walls — we’re going to take it all with us.” 

A lot of the ocean- and fish-themed items hanging on the walls and from the ceiling were gifts from patrons, she said. 

“A couple had a stuffed fish in their garage, and brought it to us. We want to keep things like that. Anything that anyone gave us, we want to keep.”

But, she said, “It’s not going to be easy. We’ll have to dismantle the bars, and I’ll have to put things in storage. Not everything will fit.”

She is looking into a relocation grant from the city. The money would pay for an architect to draw up blueprints for changes.

“There won’t be an outside bar, though another bar will be added. There’s not a lot to redo. We’re working on the flow plan we have here.”

The menu items will remain the same, she said, maybe with a few new offerings: “Don’t change something that ain’t broke.”

Prices may go up slightly — that’s a sign of the times, Kelly said. Food and beverage costs have climbed even within the last month. 

“They’re insane,” she said. “But we’re trying to keep the beer and liquor down.”

Labor is the other major cost, and it’s a competitive market. “You can’t pay somebody $15 an hour. You’ve got to pay what they’re worth.

“Many of them have been with us 10 years. Some, 20 years. For some of them, it’s the only job they’ve known,” Kelly said.

Most of the staff have indicated they’ll come back to work for her, she said. She has placed a few in other restaurants such as Tim Finnegans Irish Pub in Delray Beach. 

“Others will take time off. We have 40 employees. I’m trying to do as much as I can for the employees.”

She credits the outpouring of support, including from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, for encouraging her to stay on the avenue and keep her loyal customers.

Kelly said she’s determined to survive.

She had special T-shirts printed to sell that reflect her resilience: “Ride Out the Storm With Us!” All money from the shirt sales will go to her staff.

She said she’s grateful to have found the space, and has no plans to relocate elsewhere.

“This is my forever home. I don’t plan on going anywhere.” 

Green Markets return, some setting up in new spots  

Delray Beach’s GreenMarket will celebrate its 31st year, with new market manager Nathan Little.

The market is set up in the commons area at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, beginning Oct. 24 through May 22. It will be closed Dec. 12 for the holiday parade, March 13 for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and April 10 for the Delray Affair.

The market features 70 vendors — farmers and growers, bakers, food artisans who sell prepared foods, and chefs offering cooking demonstrations. 

Find fruits and vegetables, fresh local honey, dairy and seafood products, breads and pastries, dips and bottled sauces, plants and fresh flowers.

SNAP payments are accepted here, and Fresh Access Bucks offers $40 for produce or fresh food purchases. Free parking in the parking garage.

The Good Day Market in Boynton Beach has moved downtown. 

Formerly in the Boynton Beach Mall, the market of handmade items and foods has moved to 129 E. Ocean Ave. in the lot next to the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum.

More than 50 vendors sell farm-to-table foods, local honey, pet treats, baked goods, soaps, candles, clothing and handmade jewelry. There’s an emphasis on handmade goods with some foods here.

The market is on select Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking is in adjacent lots. Follow the Good Day Market Boynton Beach Facebook page for upcoming dates and announcements, or visit thegooddaymarket.com.

The Boca Green Market also has a new home. It has moved north from Royal Palm Place and opened Sept. 27 at the 5th Avenue Shops, 1954 NE Fifth Ave., Boca Raton.

More than 65 vendors offer fresh produce, handmade goods such as jewelry and candles, artisan prepared foods and gourmet items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.

Flowers, live music, craft drinks and specialty foods also are available. Free parking. This market is dog friendly.

Lake Worth Beach Farmers Market starts Nov. 7, and vendors fill Old Bridge Park at the northeast corner of the bridge at State Road A1A and Lake Avenue every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Locally grown fruits and vegetables, seafood, plants including orchids, artisan baked goods, juices and gourmet foods among others line the waterway.

Dog friendly, the market takes place rain or shine. Free parking.

Follow these markets on their social media pages for vendor information and announcements.

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

Dog behavior experts say to be wary of costumes and candy this Halloween season. But Arden Moore’s Chihuahua-poodle mix Emma enjoys dressing up, so she’ll be a pirate. Photo provided

By Arden Moore

With Halloween approaching, let’s size up this holiday from your pet’s perspective. Your home may harbor piles of candy bars containing a definite doggy no-no: chocolate. On Halloween night Oct. 31, the constant ringing of the front doorbell and parade of people in strange costumes can be enough to spook your pooch into darting out the door or getting into home-turf protective mode.

You may love to see your dog dressed in a Spider-Man costume, but he prefers sporting his collar and ID tags.

How can we keep Halloween fun and safe for your pets? For answers, I turned to two top experts in Palm Beach County: Dr. Lindsay Butzer, DVM, and Jo Jo Harder, creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest.

Covering the health and safety aspects is Butzer, who practices veterinary medicine with her father, Dr. Brian Butzer, at Clint Moore Animal Hospital in Boca Raton and is regarded as a top-viewed veterinarian on social media platforms. 

“Chocolate is dangerous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine,” she says. “Dogs metabolize theobromine extremely slowly, allowing toxic concentrations to build up in their systemic circulation.” 

She adds that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to be consumed by dogs. Symptoms can include trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate and muscle twitches. In some case, even death can occur.

Her recommendations:  

• Keep Halloween candy away from access by your dogs.  

• Consider handing out small candy sizes and not big candy bars that contain more chocolate.

• Keep hydrogen peroxide on hand that can be used to induce vomiting in dogs.

“Contact your veterinarian immediately or a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Poison Control hotline for guidance on giving the right amount of hydrogen peroxide to your dog to induce vomiting, and definitely get your dog to the vet clinic,” adds Butzer. 

In addition, she advises preventing your pets from getting near holiday candles. 

“The wax from the candles can ball up in a dog’s stomach,” she says. “The flames can also burn a dog’s paw or mouth.”

Her final tip: Enjoy taking your children trick-or-treating from house to house in your neighborhood but leave your dog at home.

“Seeing someone in a spooky costume in the dark could startle your dog into biting someone or escaping,” she says. “Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.” 

For dogs who dig wearing clothes, especially during the upcoming holidays, Harder unleashes great advice. This Boca Raton resident created the annual America’s Top Dog Model contest and has authored four books, including Vintage Tails: Featuring America’s Top Dog Models. 

Fido Fashion Rule No. 1:  Verify your dog likes wearing clothes first.

“A dog’s body language that may indicate avoidance when it comes to dressing up, include backing away, lowering the body, lip-licking, pawing at the fabric or shaking it off,” says Harder. “Not all dogs like wearing clothes and it is important not to force them. Their happiness is our No. 1 priority.”

Fido Fashion Rule No. 2: Find the right Halloween costume for your dog that fits. 

“Getting the right fit is most important for both comfort and safety,” says Harder. “Ill-fitting outfits can restrict movement, cause chafing, or slip out of place. The best fabrics for dog Halloween costumes are lightweight, made of breathable materials like cotton, jersey knit or soft fleece.”

Fido Fashion Rule No. 3: Pay attention to your dog’s breed.

“The six dog breeds that seem to love wearing clothes and showcasing their style are the poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua, dachshund, Yorkshire terrier and Italian greyhound,” says Harder. “I base this on my experience of over 15 years directing America’s Top Dog Model national contest and overseeing our dog model casting calls for Paw Prints magazine. These breeds seem to delight in the attention and adoration that comes with dressing up.” 

Of my three dogs, Kona, Emma and Nova 6 Toes, only Emma (yes, a Chihuahua-poodle mix) enjoys wearing Halloween costumes. She revels in the attention she gets and of course, the treats. This year, she will be a happy, pint-sized pirate. 

I wish you and your cool canines a spooktacular and safe Halloween!

Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites at ardenmoore.com.

Halloween events

Got an outgoing, well-mannered dog who loves sporting a Halloween costume? Check out these Halloween-themed events in Palm Beach County:

Howl-O-Ween Dogs’ Day in the Garden: This event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 11 at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. It is being held in partnership with the Peggy Adams Rescue League. Free for members. Non-member adult admission is $20, $5 for dogs. Learn more at peggyadams.org/events/howl-o-ween-dogs-day-in-the-garden/. 

Howl-O-Ween Party: Costumes for dogs and their people are encouraged at this event that takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 24 at the Countess de Hoernle Park, 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd. in Boca Raton. It is hosted by the city of Boca Raton Recreation Services Department. Learn more at myboca.us/3016/Howl-O-Ween.

Pups N’ Pumpkins: This event features a dog costume contest, vendors and seasonal fun. It will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at The Shops at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton. Tickets are $20 a person. The event benefits Tri-County Animal Rescue. Learn more at tricountyanimalrescue.org/event/pups-and-pumpkins/.

Jennifer Attonito (right) leads a YogaMass on Sept. 26 at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church. Participants include (l-r) Barbara Rivera, Jim Filson, Sue McDermott, the Very Rev. Mary Ellen Cassini, and Charlene Singer. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Janis Fontaine

We breathe in love, we breathe out peace,” yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo tells the group of about a dozen people from Gen-Zers to baby boomers who have come to celebrate YogaMass at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton. 

YogaMass is a contemporary worship service that weaves together scripture, prayer and Holy Communion (the Mass part) with gentle movement, stretching, breathing and meditation (the yoga part) to integrate the body, mind and spirit. It’s one way, Lombardo says, to separate ourselves from the chaos of our daily lives and grow our relationship with God. 

St. Gregory’s is always looking for ways to reach more people and help them along their spiritual path, and the Yoga Ministry does that. It was founded by the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren about eight years ago. Pankey-Warren, who celebrated 38 years as an ordained pastor in 2025, is also a psychotherapist and a 500-hour registered yoga teacher with more than 17 years’ experience. 

Pankey-Warren said, “I thought, ‘How can we make this a spiritual experience that speaks to people who aren’t getting what they’re searching for in a typical church service?’” 

She knew that yoga, as a spiritual practice that engages the body, breath, mind and soul, could help those people become more aware of God’s presence in their lives.

YogaMass sessions last about an hour and begin with a warm-up with the yoga teacher, followed by a gospel reading by the pastor. That’s followed by about 20 minutes of gentle yoga. At the end, the eucharist is given. Each session is a little different, depending on who is leading. When Pankey-Warren isn’t available, volunteers teach the yoga part of the service. 

One of them is Lombardo, of Boca Raton. 

Lombardo has been practicing yoga since she was a teenager growing up in the Bahamas. She said she had let go of yoga but took it up again seriously after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The tragedy also brought Lombardo back to the church. 

“It was definitely the impetus to get back to church, to reconnect. There was so much missing that I had neglected for so long,” she said. 

Inspiration behind classes

In 2017, the Rev. Gena Davis, an Episcopal priest, published “YogaMass: Embodying Christ Consciousness.” The book inspired hundreds of congregations like St. Gregory’s to begin offering YogaMass, which Davis defines as “a unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions — physical, psychological, emotional, mental, energetic, social, and spiritual.”

From the yoga mat, it’s a quiet, peaceful time filled with positive, affirming messages and slow stretching and movement under the direction of the teacher. The class is perfect for people with no experience with yoga. You don’t need to be fit or limber or athletic to benefit, and the class is geared toward newcomers. One woman participated using a chair for part of the class. 

And it doesn’t matter how precisely you execute your pose, Lombardo says. “Your poses, whatever they look like, are perfect,” she said.  

The movements and breathing we do when practicing yoga are healing, Lombardo explained. We all have traumatic experiences that we are holding inside, and yoga can help release them. “It’s like a door that’s locked, and the movements of yoga can unlock it,” Lombardo said.  

“Movement is key to the practice of yoga because it is all about stilling the mind and stilling the body so that you can pray deeply, meditate deeply and hear the voice of God.”

On a physical level, Lombardo said, “the stretches also counteract the effects of sitting all day.” 

Parishioner Julie Grubb of Boca Raton has been coming to YogaMass at St. Gregory’s for at least five years. “I try to come as often as I can,” she said. Grubb had been practicing yoga on her own, but when she learned about YogaMass, she signed up. 

“I enjoy it but I’m not a real yoga person,” Grubb said with a laugh. “But I get spirituality, I get peace of mind, and I get a lot of good stretching. And some insightfulness. It’s just great.”

Because movement is so important, last year the church added a second monthly session called Yoga and Sacred Movement that combines the teachings of yoga with prayer. Participants do gentle movements and breathing exercises while reflecting on scripture verses and reciting traditional prayers. Sometimes they read poetry that aligns with the liturgical calendar, including work by poets like Jan Richardson, Mary Oliver and Malcolm Guite. 

In addition to Pankey-Warren and Lombardo, classes are led by volunteer instructors including Jennifer Attonito, Susan Standbrook and Rosie Sandoval. Both YogaMass and Sacred Movement are presented by the Center for Spiritual Formation at St. Gregory’s, a learning center for adults seeking to continue their education in theological studies. 

There are no figures on how many places of worship are offering some sort of YogaMass, but the combination of yoga and worship isn’t exclusive to Episcopalians or even Christians.

Yoga at Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El offers a monthly class, “Mussar and Movement,” on its Schaefer Family Campus in Boca Raton. Rabbi Amy Pessah and yoga instructor Amy Appel lead the class, which blends the physical discipline of yoga with the spiritual wisdom of Mussar. Each session focuses on a human attribute such as perseverance, generosity, awe, or orderliness and finds new ways to grow that attribute by mindful movement, breath work and Jewish teachings. 

Temple Beth El sessions meet 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, Nov. 17, Dec. 15 and Jan. 20. Bring your own yoga mat. 

Register online at tbeboca.shulcloud.com/event/mussar-and-movement2.html, call 561-391-8900 or email RPinhasi@tbeboca.org. 

YogaMass meets at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, on the last Saturday of the month. Yoga and Sacred Movement meets the third Thursday. Check the church calendar for dates and times. 

“I want people to see yoga as a way of life,” Lombardo said, “as part of their spiritual discipline that they do on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be postures all the time. It could be meditation; it could be breathing practices. I want them to take what yoga gives them on the mat and share that with other people because this world is so in need of peace.”

Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events.Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.

CROS Ministries CEO Ruth Mageria gleans potatoes at Agri-Gators farm in Palm City. CROS Ministries gleaned more than 200 tons of produce during the 2025-26 season. Photo provided 

September was Hunger Action Month and local churches and nonprofits rallied around the cause, hosting meetings, food drives and events designed to raise awareness about stressed food pantries and hungry schoolchildren in Palm Beach County. 

According to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, more than 192,000 county residents face food insecurity. One person in eight struggles to put food on the table, and one in six children may go to bed hungry tonight.

Kenneth McCoy, the volunteer director of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Care Ministry & Food Pantry, and Grace Fishter, a longtime volunteer with the ministry, hosted a luncheon in the Boca Raton parish’s Mercy Center in August attended by representatives from local ministries and nonprofits. 

The organizations learned more about one another’s work, discussed their needs and explored ways to collaborate more effectively. 

“One organization can’t serve all the needs,” McCoy said. He invited people who have been working together but who had never met face-to-face to break bread together. “Now we’re texting back and forth, we have each other’s cellphone numbers. It really made a difference.” 

Participating organizations included the Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Spanish River Church, St. Ann Place Outreach Center, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Changing Lives, the Salvation Army, Ascension Catholic Church, Catholic Charities and CROS Ministries.

Many churches have food pantries, and food drives are one of the ways they restock the shelves. For example, First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is holding a food drive through October, while other local churches collect food for their pantries year-round. 

Local need is growing, McCoy said. 

“A lot more people are reaching out to the church,” McCoy said. “We get a lot of seniors and we get a lot of families, but more working poor and people who have fallen upon bad times are seeking services. A lot of these people never thought they’d be in this situation, but it only takes one minor disaster to send someone into a tailspin.” 

CROS Ministries continues to fight the good fight. The nonprofit reported that it rescued 402,582 pounds of fresh produce through 186 gleaning events in Palm Beach and Martin counties during the 2025-26 season. The effort was made possible by 3,278 volunteers. 

A portion of the rescued produce is distributed through CROS food pantries and its Caring Kitchen program. Additional produce is shared with distribution partners, including Feeding South Florida, Farm Share, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, The Glades Initiative, House of Hope of Martin County, and Tree of Life Resource Center. These organizations help move fresh produce into food pantries, meal programs and other hunger-relief services.

CROS’s annual Hustle to End Hunger run, which this year is Oct. 3 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach, raises awareness and money to feed the hungry. It’s a massive effort: CROS provided food bags to more than 121,000 individuals in 2025. 

The most needed food drive items include canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, dried beans, cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, canned soups, canned pasta, shelf-stable milk and other pantry staples.

For more information about St. Joan of Arc’s food pantry, visit stjoan.org/wp/ministries/food-pantry/ or call 561-962-6000. 

Unity School wins award 

Unity School in Delray Beach was recognized in September as South Florida’s sole recipient of the 2026 Association for Middle Level Education School of Distinction honors. The award evaluates how effectively an institution’s culture, curriculum and leadership respond to the physical, social and emotional shifts of early adolescence.

The school, which is run by Unity Church of Delray Beach, is being celebrated as a model for middle-grade excellence, one of just 39 worldwide to achieve this milestone. Unity’s initiatives are designed to integrate character development directly into the academic day in two ways: “Lessons in Living and Leadership” is a specialized curriculum focused on ethical decision-making, resilience, public speaking and practical life skills, while the CommUNITY Group fosters peer mentorship, emotional safety and a sense of belonging. 

Genevieve Hoppe, the head of school at Unity, said the honor “validates our commitment to educating the entire child — mind, body and spirit. By prioritizing adolescent well-being alongside academic rigor, we create an environment where middle schoolers don’t just navigate these transitional years; they thrive.” 

Unity Church of Delray Beach and Unity School are at 101 NW 22nd St. Call 561-276-5796 or visit unityofdelraybeach.org. 

‘On Being Jewish’ on stage 

“On Being Jewish Now,” a theatrical presentation by The Braid, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. This adaptation of Zibby Owens’ bestseller is among the first theatrical works to explore the American Jewish experience in a post-Oct. 7 world. Professional actors bring to life true stories of humor, hope, heartbreak and resilience from an array of writers, thinkers and cultural voices. Tickets are $36. Reservations are required at btcboca.shulcloud.com/form/the-braid-october-7.

Cason pumpkin patch back

The annual Pumpkin Patch at Cason United Methodist Church opens with hundreds of orange orbs for sale beginning Oct. 9. But the highlight of the event is the Family Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17, featuring crafts, story time, a petting zoo and ice cream.

Pumpkins are for sale daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, and 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday through Oct. 31. 

Call 561-276-5302 or visit casonumc.org.

Holly House opening 

It’s time to shop!

For the 57th year, the women at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach devoted thousands of hours preparing for the annual Holly House Holiday Gift Shop Special Opening Weekend that takes place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 16-17. The shelves are bursting with handcrafted treasures, seasonal décor and one-of-a-kind gifts. The shop is open 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 17 and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19. Proceeds support church ministries. Holly House has its own building behind the church at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Call 561-276-6338 or visit firstdelray.com.

Music from the movies

The final Delray First concert is offered at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St., and showcases the music from the silver screen. The First Delray Singers and Phil Hinton perform music from the movies we love. Tickets are $20 each at firstdelray.com/concerts/reserve-concert-tickets/.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of ‘Phantom’

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of the iconic 1925 silent film “The Phantom Of The Opera” with a screening and live performance by Tim Brumfield, St. Gregory's director of music ministries, on the Austin pipe organ. The event takes place in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at the church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.

Admission is free and tickets are not needed.

 For a deeper experience, the church offers Behind the Curtain beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the organ loft, which includes an in-depth exploration into how Brumfield creates the musical score followed by a champagne reception in the courtyard.

Tickets are $75. Festive attire is encouraged. For tickets, email office@st-gregorys.com or call 561-395-8285.

— Janis Fontaine

Fans of the outdoors know it’s important to protect their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Several apparel and sunglass manufacturers produce top-notch products such as the hooded shirt shown above. Photo provided

By Steve Waters

Sun protection is a year-round concern for South Floridians who spend time outdoors.

Choosing safe, effective products to protect your eyes and skin is an even bigger concern given the poor quality of everything from sunscreen to clothing to sunglasses.

Outerknown makes sustainable clothing for women and men and is known for its blanket shirts. The company (outerknown.com) has introduced a collection of garments that offer UPF 50+ sun protection for those who spend time in and around the water.

The men’s and women’s long sleeve sun shirts are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. The soft, comfortable shirts are quick-drying and moisture-wicking with anti-odor properties. 

Men have a choice of a hooded sun shirt in three colors for additional protection. All the shirts have thumb holes to keep the sun’s rays off your hands and a hidden bungee key holder inside a sleeve cuff.

For women, Outerknown also offers the Surf Suit, ideal for surfers, snorkelers and swimmers, and the Origin One Piece bathing suit. Both are made from a blend of ultra-soft recycled Econyl nylon and spandex.

For serious sun lovers who fish, surf, dive and paddle, Outerknown offers the Kelly Slater-inspired Apex Evolution Hooded Rashguard shirt. Made of two-way stretch fabric that has a compression-like fit, the unique hood has a brim to help keep the sun’s glare out of your eyes. The company also has a Sun Polo for men that is ideal for playing golf or going out for dinner.

The Maui Jim sunglass brand (mauijim.com) has made it a priority to dispel common myths about protecting your eyes from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The myths include:

• You need sunglasses only when it’s sunny. Ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds and reflect off the surface of the water. That’s also why you can get sunburned on a cloudy day.

• The darker the lenses, the better the protection. Lens tint does not determine UV protection; proper UVA/UVB blocking does.

• Polarized lenses are all you need for UV protection. Polarization reduces glare from reflective surfaces, but it does not automatically provide UVA/UVB protection. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lenses eliminate 100% of UV radiation and 99.9% of glare, which keeps your eyes from getting fatigued.

• Cheap sunglasses work just fine. Not only is the lens quality of cheap sunglasses questionable, the fit, comfort and frame materials also are suspect compared to premium sunglasses. I’ve been wearing Maui Jim’s Ho’okipa Ultra R sunglasses anytime I’m outside. 

The lenses are clear and sharp, and the frames are so lightweight, it’s easy to forget that I’m wearing them. And the sunglasses are perfect for fishing because the lenses cut through glare, allowing me to see fish in the water that others with inferior eyewear cannot.

Like sunglasses, there are countless brands of sunscreen. Few of them can protect your skin safely.

Too many sunscreens, including many of the best-known brands, contain chemicals that block the sun’s rays but are harmful to the human body and marine life.

Among the safest alternatives are mineral-based sunscreens like those offered by Dermatone (dermatone.com).

Dermatone’s SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Many mineral sunscreens can feel thick, chalky or difficult to rub in. Dermatone Mineral Sunscreen’s lightweight, non-greasy formula spreads easily, absorbs comfortably and leaves skin feeling smooth without a heavy residue.

The sunscreen contains aloe, vitamins C, B3 and E, and is fragrance free. It’s also reef safe, so you can swim and dive while wearing it without harming the region’s coral reefs.

Unlike so many other sunscreens, it does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Those ingredients can kill coral larvae and have a negative effect on fish, sea turtles and other sea life while also being absorbed into human skin and disrupting the endocrine system.

Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol.com.

Palm Beach Health Network recently recognized two area nurses as its 2025 Tenet Hall of Fame honorees: Marsha Powell, who works in the Neonatal Intensive Care at Delray Medical Center; and Melissa Brouillette, who works in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital in West Palm Beach. 

Also, Paola Mullin, a certified nursing assistant at Delray Medical Center, was recognized as one of the 2025 Tenet Hero Honorees. “Our 2025 Hall of Fame and Hero honorees represent the very best of who we are. Their selfless service, unwavering dedication and genuine kindness remind us that exceptional healthcare is about more than medicine, it’s about human connection,” said Maggie Gill, group president of Palm Beach Health Network.

MammoVan available for mobile exams, imaging

The Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan brings convenient mobile 3D mammography, breast health education and support to workplaces, schools, health fairs and community events throughout South Florida. The MammoVan offers state-of-the-art imaging, comfortable private exam suites, fast results and guidance with follow-up care if needed. Organizations interested in bringing the MammoVan to their location can call 561-955-6284 or email mammovan@baptisthealth.net. There is no cost for organizations to host the service. 

The MammoVan, an extension of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and the Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care, was inspired by professional golfer Morgan Pressel, who was 15 when she lost her mother to breast cancer. 

Through her foundation and support from St. Andrews Country Club, Pressel helped make the mobile mammography service possible.

Home caregiver honored by Boynton Chamber

Tammy Sirmons, CEO and president of Gracefully at Home Caregiving, was named Boynton Beach Chamber of Industry & Commerce ambassador of the month for June 2026. 

The ambassador program consists of chamber volunteers who donate their time to assist the chamber in the promotion, volunteer support and development of various chamber-sponsored events.

HCA Healthcare names two to management positions

Dan Miller has been named president of HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division, covering its hospitals in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. This division covers 14 hospitals, 12 freestanding emergency departments, 65 urgent care clinics and more than 100 physician offices. Previously, Miller was president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare System, a partnership between HCA and Methodist Healthcare Ministries. 

Miller holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Charles Gressle, who was previously president of HCA East Florida, was named president of HCA’s newly created ambulatory operations group on Sept. 1. He will oversee both urgent care centers and physician practices. 

— Christine Davis

Former Yankee Tanyon Sturtze (l-r) and professional golfer Morgan Pressel joined founder Michelle Stallone at the 2026 Pinkball All-Star Dinner & Auction, at which Pressel’s breast cancer foundation was honored. Pressel lost her mother to cancer when she was 15. Photo provided

When Michelle Stallone moved from the Bronx to west Boca Raton in 1994, she brought two things with her: a lifelong devotion to the Yankees and a deep instinct to help people. 

Working at the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute as a breast imaging supervisor at Boca Raton Regional Hospital for 27 years, Stallone called women who needed follow-up visits after their mammograms. 

She found that during the recession years of 2007-2008, many women were reluctant to come back for their follow-up visits because they had lost either their insurance or their jobs, or were worried how they could pay for mammogram screenings, MRIs, biopsies or further care.

When she learned some didn’t qualify for assistance programs because they earned slightly above the poverty threshold, she was moved to action.

“It didn’t sit right with me,” says the mother of two, who is related by marriage to the actor Sylvester Stallone. “I could be in this situation. I know what it’s like to not have employer insurance.”

That realization became the catalyst for Pinkball, the breast cancer charity she founded. 

Inspired by Major League Baseball’s Mother’s Day pink‑out, Stallone, 56, organized an event with her son’s baseball team and in 2008, Pinkball’s first year, raised $2,100.

Why baseball?

“Everyone has a gala,” she says. “We wanted something that felt like us. It was so much fun and I knew we could build something bigger.”

Pinkball, with its mission to “Strike Out Breast Cancer,” has screened 3,300 women, identified 46 breast cancer cases, and built a safety net for the women Stallone calls “the middle.”

To date, Pinkball has raised $1.5 million, according to Shakira Sarquis-Kolber, director of the health and wellness institute.

“Michelle does not sit by idly for anything,” says Sarquis-Kolber. “She saw a need and dove right in.”

Sarquis-Kolber sees these services as having a generational impact. “When you save one woman’s life, think of all the other lives that are affected,” she says.

Stallone, she says, is “relentless” in her pursuit of helping others. “Her mission is to allow women to put themselves and their health first without feeling a financial burden.” 

All Pinkball donations go into the hospital’s Go Pink Fund through the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation.

The nonprofit provides money for breast cancer screenings, diagnostic procedures and treatment — for uninsured and underinsured women — while also connecting them to providers at the hospital. The goal is to remove barriers to care so women can focus on their treatment, recovery and well-being.

Over the years, Pinkball has gotten help from some major league ballplayers, including former Yankees Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon, Tino Martinez and Tanyon Sturtze.

In a September fundraiser, people could buy tickets to a “Legends Suite” at Yankee Stadium with Roger Clemens and other players for a game.

And while the signature All-Star Dinner & Auction is not until February, this month Pinkball will hold several fundraising events, including a Boca Raton Little League Wear Pink, Play Pink Day on Oct. 3 and a “Pinkleball” Tournament at The Boca Raton on Oct. 7.

Pinkball now supports women across Palm Beach, Martin, Broward and Miami‑Dade counties, and has plans to expand throughout Florida and possibly another state as the organizers see a need.

“As it grows, opportunities present themselves,” says Stallone, who co-owns Stallone’s Italian Kitchen in Boca Raton with her husband, Bobby. “There are women in other places who need access, too.”

That passion is echoed by others in the community, including Carrie Rubin, who serves on the Boca Raton hospital foundation’s board and the hospital’s governing board.

She describes Stallone as “a force of nature” whose passion and unwavering commitment have made Pinkball more impactful each year. 

For Rubin, some of the most powerful moments come from hearing directly from women in their 30s and 40s who had nowhere else to turn. “Without Michelle and her two MammoVans, these women wouldn’t have had access to care. She’s a spitfire — and she’s changing lives.

“When I think about Pinkball, I think about Michelle,” Rubin says. “She puts her heart and soul into it. Watching the charity grow is inspiring.”

For Stallone, the mission remains simple: Bring people together, break down barriers, and make sure no woman faces breast cancer alone. 

She never imagined Pinkball would become what it is today — and even though she’s still in the early innings, she fully intends to win the game.

Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.

Key events

Pinkball will host its signature All-Star Dinner & Auction on Saturday, Feb. 20, at The Club at Boca Pointe, and Pinkball Games on Feb. 21 at the South County Regional Park softball fields. 

For more information and a complete list of events, visit bocapinkball.com. 

Some events in October

All month — Sip, Savor & Support Pinkball at Matteo’s, 233 S. Federal Highway in downtown Boca Raton. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and support the cause.

Oct. 3 — Boca Raton Little League Wear Pink, Play Pink, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Boca Raton Little League teams up with Pinkball at Sugar Sand Park for a special day of baseball, community and support in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Highlights include a ceremony honoring survivors, screenings with the MammoVan, live music and giveaways. 

Oct. 7 — Pinkleball Tournament at The Boca Raton, 6-8 p.m.

Grab your pickleball paddle and get ready to smash for a cause. Join in for a lively night of fun and friendly competition for players of every skill level. 

Oct. 10 — Focus Functional Fitness x Pinkball, 9-10 a.m.

In honor of fighters, survivors and supporters, sweat hard and stand strong together. Join a special fitness class at 141 NW 20th St. to benefit Pinkball and support the fight against breast cancer.

Oct. 22 — Remix Pilates for Pink, 1 p.m.

Remix Pilates, 125 SE Mizner Blvd., is bringing the community together with a special class celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month to benefit Pinkball.

By Faran Fagen

When Joshua Browning learned he received an important scholarship one day after his graduation from Boca Raton High School, he jumped into the air and screamed out, “Yes!” His father, William, shed a tear.

“The best part about being chosen is knowing that I have the support of the George Snow Scholarship Fund as I begin this next chapter of my life,” Browning said. “I believe they chose me because of my story. I worked hard, stayed involved in my school and my Boca Raton community, and continued to push myself throughout these four years of my high school career, even when things were difficult or if I was going through a tough time in my life.” 

Browning, 19, is one of this year’s recipients of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation Scholarship, which partners with the George Snow Scholarship Fund to finance trade and career programs in Florida. The George Snow Scholarship Fund, based in Boca Raton, is dedicated to helping deserving students achieve their career goals through their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 1982, the fund has awarded more than $47 million in educational grants and support services.

But the scholarship didn’t come easy to Browning, who lives in east Boca Raton. 

One of his biggest challenges in high school was managing his learning differences while keeping up with a demanding workload. He was enrolled in a specialized Individual Education Program since he was young, and struggled with things like reading quickly, organizing his thoughts, and working under time pressure.

“I learned that I could not always approach school the same way as everyone else might be able to,” Browning said. “I had to break assignments into smaller parts, manage my time carefully, and ask for help when I needed it from my support team at school.”

He also had to budget extra time to make sure he was able to fully grasp what he was taught.

“Over time, I became more confident and learned that having challenges does not mean I can’t reach my goals. I am the future for tomorrow. I must keep pushing.” 

He found the George Snow Scholarship through Boca High’s college and career center and learned more about the opportunity through the Snow family organization on its website, scholarship.org. The application was a lot of work, but it gave Browning a chance to talk about his experiences, accomplishments, challenges and goals.

“It was also a good opportunity to reflect on how much I had grown throughout high school,” he said.

Browning chose to attend Flagler College in St. Augustine, majoring in hospitality and tourism management. He picked Flagler because he liked the campus and the environment in St. Augustine.

“I also felt that the hospitality and tourism program was good since it’s such a small school and they focus more on their students compared to any other big Florida state school,” he said. “It was a good fit for my interests within traveling and also for my future and my goals as a whole.”

His career goal is to become a hotel manager or even own and run his own hotel. Working in areas such as event planning or social media marketing would also be within his interests.

“I enjoy working with people, creating experiences, and being part of an environment where people make good memories,” Browning said.

 “As an adult, I hope to use my career to make people feel welcome and included. I also want to give back to my community and support other young people who may be facing challenges similar to ones that I experienced growing up.”

This sentiment was cultivated when he served as president of MindLift, a physical and mental health organization where students could support one another and seek support for themselves. Through this club, he brought together students of all backgrounds and offered them a chance to share their struggles and goals as they worked through academic or athletic pressures and emotional issues.

Recently, Browning got the chance to attend the High School to College Transition Orientation, a daylong event designed to help prepare Snow scholars for their first year in college.

During the orientation, Browning received advice on pursuing hospitality and tourism management from Zoe Lanham, an executive at The Addison of Boca Raton. Meeting an industry leader further inspired him to see the range of opportunities that await him in his career. 

This scholarship will also ease his family’s financial burden. Browning will not be the only one attending college in his family. Next year his sister, Julia, will graduate from high school. His dad, William, and mom, Helenice, must figure out how to support two college educations at once.

“The financial support of the scholarship will help with the cost of my college education and allow me to focus more on school and being able to get involved on campus,” Browning said.

“However, I see the scholarship as more than just a financial helper or boost. Being a Snow scholar also gives me access to a community of people who want to see me succeed.” 

Privacy is not just a feature, it is the ultimate luxury on this Hypoluxo Island property, offering a rare balance of openness and seclusion for effortless living. 

Encompassing 6,511 square feet under air, the residence offers five en suite bedrooms, plus a dedicated office and private gym. The home is designed for both comfort and functionality with a striking exterior of white coral stone, low-maintenance composite finishes and engineered white-oak flooring throughout the second and third floors.

A custom-built solid white oak staircase with glass banisters/siding is the main feature as you walk inside. It is a stunning gallery opportunity and a simple feature of the clean, modern lines of the residence. 

The primary suite includes a spa-like bath and steam room with large-format porcelain tile, a refined modern aesthetic, and oversized his-and-her closets.

The chef’s kitchen has Dolce Vita quartzite countertops, Thermador appliances, and Brizo fixtures. The residence has a three-car garage.

 Offered at $12,995,000.  

A bamboo-lined drive leads to uninterrupted Intracoastal Waterway views across to the Manalapan estates. The property boasts 82 feet of true deep-water frontage complemented by a new elevated sea wall.

The Presson Group at Corcoran, Steven Presson, 561-843-6057, Steven.presson@corcoran.com, and Hunter Presson, 561-945-1988, Hunter.presson@corcoran.com.

By Jane Musgrave

Facing a possible life sentence, Mark David Anderson on Wednesday accepted a plea deal that will allow him to be freed in two years in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a popular Delray Beach computer tech at a beachside condominium.

Anderson didn’t admit guilt in connection with the gunshot slaying of 58-year-old Albert Camentz during an alcohol and drug-fueled get-together at Berkshire by the Sea, 126 N. Ocean Boulevard in Delray Beach, about a block north of Atlantic Avenue.

Instead, the 48-year-old Lake Worth Beach man took what is called a “best interest” plea. That means he didn’t admit guilt but agreed to be punished, acknowledging that he could have been found guilty of second-degree murder at a trial that was to begin Monday.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Bradley Harper found Anderson guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter. He sentenced him to five years in prison.

But Harper gave Anderson credit for the 1,107 days he has spent in the county jail. That means Anderson will be released from prison in two years.

The plea deal ends the bizarre case that was compromised when one of the two witnesses — Jack Feinberg — fatally shot himself last summer.

Feinberg, the former longtime director of Broward Addiction Recovery Center, and his wife, Susan Schneider, told Delray Beach police they didn’t know Camentz had been shot when they drove him from Berkshire by the Sea to their home west of Delray Beach.

In court papers, defense attorneys Mike Dutko and Robert Gentile said it was reasonable to assume that Feinberg, not Anderson, was the shooter.

But Schneider was unequivocal. She told police: “Mark shot Al.”

Still, Anderson’s attorneys pointed out, the couple’s stories of the shooting changed and there was no good explanation as to why they didn’t get medical help for Camentz immediately.

The unfolding events

Anderson invited Feinberg and Schneider to the timeshare he was renting after running into them at a bar in Boca Raton. On the way to Anderson’s timeshare, Camentz called Feinberg on the phone. Although Camentz didn’t know Anderson, he agreed to join them.

During the party that began after midnight, cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, nitrous oxide along with beer and other alcohol flowed freely, according to court documents.

Both Feinberg and Schneider told police that the four were getting along well. A small disagreement erupted over what Feinberg described as religious views. But, Feinberg said, Camentz wasn’t involved in the short-lived dispute.

As Camentz, Feinberg and Anderson talked, Schneider said she decided she wanted to take a dip in the hot tub, according to police. Schneider said she went to get a towel and Anderson disappeared into the bedroom.

When Anderson returned, Schneider said he was holding “a black object with both hands extended,” police reported. Anderson pointed at Camentz and a deafening explosion ripped through the apartment.

Feinberg fell off the couch, but got to his feet laughing. Camentz clutched his chest, saying he couldn't breathe.

Schneider told police she didn’t see any blood or holes in Camentz shirt and thought he might be having a heart attack. She said she wanted to take Camentz to Delray Medical Center, but he said he was feeling better and wanted to sleep at the couple’s house.

When they arrived at the house in the Floral Lakes community off West Atlantic Avenue, she said Camentz turned ghostly white and began complaining of chest pain. She called 911.

In a report, paramedics said they immediately determined that Camentz had been shot or stabbed. They took him to Delray Medical Center where he was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police investigation

When police approached Feinberg at the hospital to ask him about the shooting, Feinberg said he was going to the hot tub when he heard a loud bang. 

He said he didn’t know the name of the building where the shooting took place. His memory, he said, was muddled because he suffered from a “cognitive disorder,” the detective wrote.

He didn’t elaborate, but in his March 2023 resignation from the government-funded addiction treatment agency, Feinberg said that an unidentified illness he got during the pandemic had gotten worse.

After police told Feinberg that Camentz had died, he refused to answer any more questions without an attorney.

By the time police arrived at the couple’s house, Feinberg was already there. Detective John Caceres Duque said he heard Feinberg yelling at his wife, telling her not to answer any questions without an attorney. Schneider ignored her husband. She told Caceres where the shooting occurred and identified Anderson as the shooter.

With Schneider’s information, police went to Berkshire by the Sea on State Road A1A, found Anderson sleeping and arrested him. They found three blood spatters on an outside wall, later identified as belonging to Camentz.

A day after he refused to talk to Caceres, Feinberg changed his mind.

During a meeting with Caceres at the Ray Hotel in downtown Delray Beach, Feinberg confirmed what his wife had already told the detective. There hadn’t been any animosity between Camentz and Anderson. The four were having a good time.

The shooting was inexplicable, he said.

“I don’t know, why would he come out and done some sort of thing with some sort of weapon,” he told Caceres.

A licensed mental health counselor, Feinberg suggested Anderson may have been in a psychotic state. He suspected that Anderson had taken liquid LSD, along with other drugs, causing him to hallucinate.