Driver Engineer Kyle Pavelka (l-r) and firefighters Alex Lutz and Alex Ayerdis demonstrate the use of the epoc Blood Analysis System now being used on emergency medical calls by Highland Beach Fire Rescue. The department is the first in Palm Beach County and only the third in Florida to implement the system. Photos provided

By Rich Pollack

Firefighters and paramedics in Highland Beach have a new technology at their fingertips that can help them better understand a patient’s medical condition on the spot, speeding up treatment in some cases and in others, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital trips.

Highland Beach Fire Rescue is the first in Palm Beach County and only the third in Florida to implement a portable blood-analysis system that provides critical information that fire rescue personnel can use to provide enhanced care for patients.

“They can make a lot of decisions quickly based on the 13 elements in the lab results,” says Fire Rescue Chief Glenn Joseph. “The new technology has the potential to eliminate a lot of time in the emergency room and some of the cost.”

Joseph and Assistant Chief for Operations Tom McCarthy say first responders using the system can provide test results to emergency room personnel on their way to the hospital or once they get there. That gives the ER staffers a heads-up on what they’re dealing with and eliminates — in some cases — the need for similar tests once patients arrive.

Often, Joseph said, it could take quite some time in a busy emergency room before a patient’s blood is taken, sent to the lab and the results are seen by a doctor.

With the new epoc Blood Analysis System, the results arrive with — or even before — the patient.

In addition, Highland Beach Fire Rescue is working out some connectivity issues, but plans to implement a telemedicine system where paramedics will be able to reach a doctor by phone and forward the test results, as well as provide video of the patient.

Joseph and McCarthy say the new system can also help patients decide whether they want to go the emergency room — or need to — by providing more detailed information.

“We can determine the seriousness of a call more objectively,” Joseph says.

Take, for example, a case of the flu.

A patient complains of having flu-like systems and when paramedics arrive, they see flu-like symptoms.

“You look like you have the flu but this tests to see if something else is going on,” Joseph said.

That something else could be severe dehydration or even a more concerning infection.

The results could also show that the patient just has the flu and can decide to stay home and get rest rather than be taken to the hospital.

McCarthy is quick to point out the blood test is not a substitute for all the other steps first responders take to diagnose a patient’s condition and says that it is done simultaneously so as not to interrupt the normal protocols.

“The lab results are just part of the puzzle,” he says.

Since the department implemented the system in early September, it has been used to help diagnose patients complaining of chest pain, breathing issues, general weakness and abdominal pain, among other issues.

The system is minimally invasive with a small amount of blood taken that is placed on a card which is then put in a reader. Results are provided within three and a half minutes.

“You can show the results to the patient and help them make an informed decision about their care,” Joseph said.

Cost of the readers and some of the other equipment, about $20,000, was covered by the Highland Beach Police and Fire Foundation.

While the system has benefits to Highland Beach residents, Joseph sees it having broader impact by reducing the number of folks going to the emergency room and by reducing the number of rescue trucks taking people to the hospital.

He sees more fire rescue departments, and perhaps even emergency rooms, using the system as its reliability continues to be proven.

“This gives us one more peg in the hole to make a clear decision,” he said.

By Rich Pollack

Highland Beach town commissioners gave final approval Sept. 18 to a new $32.2 million budget that includes approximately $6.6 million in town-wide capital projects while at the same time holding the tax rate steady.

The total budget for the new fiscal year that started Oct. 1 reflects an increase of about $4.5 million over the previous year’s estimated $28 million.

The general fund portion of the budget that covers the cost of running the departments — including police and fire rescue — is expected to increase by about 5.6% in the new fiscal year, or about $1 million, and will come in at about $19.5 million.

Still, thanks to an increase in property values, town leaders were able to keep the town’s tax rate at the same combined $3.58 per $1,000 of taxable value as last year. Homeowners who saw an increase in their property’s taxable value will see an increase in the taxes they pay.

This year, a home with a taxable value of $500,000 will pay about $1,790 in property taxes to Highland Beach. The Town Commission approved an operating tax rate of $3.41 per $1,000 of taxable value and a debt service rate of 17.1 cents per $1,000.

About 75% of the town’s general fund revenue will come from property tax dollars, an expected $14.1 million, or a 6.8% increase over the current year. Public safety makes up about 63% of the general fund expenses, with fire and police each costing just over $6 million.

The total budget also reflects an increase in water and sewer rates of about 5%, while the building department fund anticipates a reduction in permit fees of about 12%.

An estimated $675,000 from the water fund will be used for capital improvements while $2.15 million from the sewer fund will be used for capital projects, including a long-awaited sewer lining project.

Funding for construction of a fire station annex on the site of the old fire station, with a potential price tag of about $1.3 million, is also included in the budget.

By Mary Hladky

City Manager George Brown’s long tenure as a top city administrator is coming to a close.

Brown, who announced in April that he would be retiring at year’s end, attended his final City Council meeting on Sept. 25 and became City Manager Emeritus four days later.

In that role, he will be available to provide his deep knowledge of Boca Raton and its operations to his successor. His retirement is effective on Jan. 4.

Mayor Scott Singer thanked Brown for his outstanding service and presented him with a key to the city as a token of gratitude.

“We appreciate your leadership. We appreciate your dedicated service,” he said.

Brown said he had attended about 2,100 public city meetings during his time with the city.

“It has been my honor to work for the city and to feel that I have made a difference,” he said.

His successor is Mark Sohaney, who retired as a captain from the U.S. Navy in 2024. He officially started the job on Sept. 29.
Sohaney is the former chief executive officer of Joint Air Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and previously served as chief executive officer of Naval Air Station Key West, but has no experience running a city.

The City Council hired him on Aug. 12, saying he brings executive experience and a fresh perspective on moving Boca Raton forward. Under his employment agreement with the city, Sohaney will earn $300,000 a year, or $10,000 more than Brown. As is standard, he will get a car allowance, health and life insurance and will participate in the city’s executive retirement plan.

Brown’s career with the city spans 43 years. He joined the building inspection division in 1977 and rose through the ranks to become assistant city manager. He left for about five years, but was recruited to return and became deputy city manager in 2004.

He has handled many of the city’s most complex matters, including the sale of its western golf course in 2021 and the lease of city land in Mizner Park that cleared the way for construction of the Center for Arts and Innovation. That project fell apart early this year when TCAI was unable to meet city-set fundraising deadlines.

Most recently, he has steered the city as leaders are attempting to create a public-private partnership with Terra and Frisbie Group to redevelop 30 city-owned acres in the downtown campus where City Hall and the 17-acre Memorial Park are situated.B

But that project has drawn strong opposition from vocal Save Boca activists who want it scrapped.

The Boca Raton has agreed to take the lead on refurbishing the century-old fountain on East Camino Real just outside the resort’s main entrance. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Mary Hladky

The orphan fountain outside the entrance to The Boca Raton will be refurbished early next year.

State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, resort president and CEO Daniel Hostettler and other resort officials met on Sept. 8 to discuss making improvements.

Gossett-Seidman dubbed it the “orphan fountain” because no one seemed to know who was responsible for it. It turns out that the resort has been paying for its water and electricity usage and doing maintenance even though it isn’t on resort property.

It sits in a roundabout on East Camino Real, a county road, just outside the resort’s main entrance. Its age is uncertain, but Boca Raton Historical Society records show it was in place in 1930, and possibly was built by the resort’s second owner, Clarence Geist.

Gossett-Seidman, whose district includes Boca Raton, heard from nearby residents that the fountain needed some tender loving care and made it her mission to get that done.

While specifics including funding are still being worked out, “everyone (at the meeting) agreed on a path forward,” she said. “It is just a great outcome.”

The resort, which will celebrate its centennial next year, is taking the lead on the project, she said.

Hostettler did not provide details, but said in a statement that “we are working with the county and the state on enhancements to the fountain as part of celebrating three important milestones — our 100th anniversary, the city’s centennial and the nation’s 250th.”

“This beautiful landmark has been part of Boca’s 100-year history, and I was excited to learn more about the enhancements coming soon!” Woodward told constituents in a Sept. 17 newsletter and posted on social media. Through her staff, she said she had no further comment.

According to Gossett-Seidman, the fountain won’t be changed significantly, but will be enhanced.

Upgrades will be made to the electrical system and plumbing so that water will shoot higher into the air. Lighting will be installed and colors can be changed to recognize events such as the Fourth of July. Landscaping will be significantly improved.

“It is a win-win-win, really,” she said. “It benefits every-body.” 

The Residences at Martin Manor is finally rising from the ground.

Years of effort to replace the dilapidated Dixie Manor public housing complex bore fruit on Aug. 25, when a groundbreaking ceremony was held for three apartment buildings that will provide 95 units on the 10-acre site at 1350 N. Dixie Highway in Boca Raton.

Construction of those buildings — the project’s first phase — is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The complex in the city’s historic Pearl City neighborhood has been renamed in honor of Lois Martin, a community leader and educator who died in 2022.

With that groundbreaking milestone reached, the Boca Raton Housing Authority is moving ahead with plans for the project’s second phase, which is to include two additional buildings with 105 units.

When finished, Martin Manor will more than double the previous 95 public housing units on the site.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the second phase on Aug. 21. It goes before the City Council on Nov. 4.

“This redevelopment reflects more than just new construction — it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the families we serve and to the historical legacy of Pearl City,” housing authority Executive Director Ashley Whidby said at the time of the first-phase groundbreaking,

“We’re honored to bring forward a modern, service-rich community that truly supports our residents’ potential for long-term success.”

One of the complex’s original buildings, dating to the 1940s, will be preserved to serve as a museum and for other community uses.

The first phase will cost $52 million, funded by $7.1 million from the Florida Housing Finance Corp., $640,000 from the city, equity from First Horizon Community Investment

Group and a construction loan financed by Citi Community Capital.

The housing authority is partnering with Atlantic Pacific Companies on the project.

— Mary Hladky

By Mary Hladky

Boca Raton’s tax rate will remain virtually unchanged for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1.

The 2025-26 property tax rate, approved unanimously by the City Council on Sept. 25, is $3.66 per $1,000 of taxable value, or 1 cent less than the previous fiscal year’s $3.67 per $1,000.

Residents owning a home with a taxable value of $450,000 will pay $1,649 in ad valorem taxes, slightly less than last year’s $1,655.

The $155 fire assessment fee for residential properties is unchanged.

The city prides itself on maintaining a low tax rate, which has held steady since the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Even though the tax rate is stable this year, many property owners will see higher tax bills because taxable values in the city increased 7.5% this year.

To avoid that, the city would have had to lower its tax rate to $3.49 per $1,000 of taxable value, an amount known as the rolled-back rate.

But Boca is a growing city, with a population now topping 103,000, and the rolled-back rate would hamstring its need to add employees, buy or replace equipment and upgrade facilities, while also paying the increased cost of materials and supplies, city officials say.

Most homeowners, though, are shielded from the brunt of higher tax bills because state law caps the taxable value increase for homesteaded properties at 3%. Non-homesteaded properties are capped at 10%.

In outlining the estimated tax rate and budget to City Council members in July, Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jim Zervis noted that the city’s taxable property values rose to $40.2 billion this year and new construction added $729 million to the tax roll. Both are higher than in any other Palm Beach County city or town.

The new fiscal year’s operating budget, also approved by the council on Sept. 25, is $794 million. That is down slightly from last year’s $794.3 million.

The new general fund budget, which pays for most of the city’s day-to-day activities, is nearly $255 million, up from last year’s $247.4 million.

Most of the increase is due to higher costs for employee pensions, salary increases and cost of living adjustments.

Overall, the city is adding 16 new employees in the new fiscal year.

Two new recreation services employees, one police traffic infraction enforcement officer, and half the cost of a customer service representative in financial services will be paid out of the general fund budget while the rest will be paid out of other city fund categories, such as water and sewer.

Most user fees will remain unchanged in the new fiscal year, but there will be a few changes.

The monthly residential solid waste, special pickup and commercial collection fees as well as water, sewer and stormwater rates will go up 3.1%.

Ballfield rental fees will go to $32 per hour, up from $30. Small fee increases will be made to basketball, volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts per-hour costs and the Explorium Science Camp. The Ocean Rescue junior lifeguard program will go up to $300 from $250.

Boca Raton Regional Hospital was recently recognized as a Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence, a statewide initiative launched in 2022 as part of the Florida Resuscitation Center Committee’s mission to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest. 

In addition to meeting clinical requirements, Comprehensive Resuscitation Centers of Excellence aim to strengthen community partnerships, expand CPR training for the public and support patients and their families throughout recovery. 

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

Leaders of the Boca Raton Junior League gearing up for the Nov. 21 awards luncheon include (l-r): Julie Ott, Dr. Kathy Schilling, Namrata Israni, Racheal Petullo, Carrie Rubin, Victoria Matthews, Shakira Sarquis-Kolber, Maureen Mann and Robin Mautino. Photo provided

Nonprofits from across South Florida have thrown their volunteers’ hats into the ring for the prestigious Woman Volunteer of the Year Award bestowed by the Junior League of Boca Raton.

The 40 nominees are:

• Peg Anderson
• Helen Ballerano
• Christine Barclay
• Regine Bataille
• Clara Bennett
• LeAnn Berman
• Abby Bernstein-Henderson
• Cathy Datwani
• Michelle Hagerty
• Rebecca Heatherman
• Arlene Herson
• Patty Jones
• Catherine Kasten
• Zoe Lanham
• Daniela Levenson
• Jodi Lippman
• Fernanda Macedo
• Marjorie Margolies
• Geneive Brown Metzger
• Marcia Mithun
• Jeannine Morris
• Stephanie Newell
• Mary Owens
• Noreen Payne
• Martha Pinzon
• Lisa Rabinsky
• Tandy Robinson
• Karen Ruben
• Ana Sasmiresan
• Judy Simon
• Kirsten Stephenson
• Mary Stern
• Jennifer Sullivan
• Lisa Talley
• Keely Gideon-Taylor
• Samantha Vassallo
• Kelly Warsaw
• Susan Weinblatt
• Judith Anne Wong
• Dawn Zook

The 38th annual awards luncheon will take place Nov. 21 at The Boca Raton. Carrie Rubin is the honorary chairwoman, and Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo will serve as event co-chairwomen.

“We are so pleased to honor these 40 outstanding women,” said Victoria Matthews, league president. “Their volunteer work makes a tremendous difference in our community.”

For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit wvoy25.givesmart.com.

Bowling for Bread benefits kids, Boca Helping Hands

Boca Helping Hands’ annual Bowling for Bread took place at Lucky Strike in Boca Raton, bringing youths from local children’s charities to the no-cost activity.

They enjoyed a day of bowling and food in support of the organization’s weekend meal program for students in need. Sponsors included the Gary Peters Family Foundation and the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation.

“Being part of the fun and seeing the kids enjoy themselves is something I look forward to every year,” foundation trustee Lee Steinberg said. “My mom Pearl’s love for children’s causes inspired me to support Bowling for Bread in her memory. It’s a wonderful way to honor her legacy.”

For more info, call 561-417-0913, ext. 202, or visit bocahelpinghands.org/ty-for-attending-bowling-for-bread.

FAU’s nonprofit summit to give philanthropic advice

The School of Public Administration within the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University is welcoming guests to the two-day “Driven by Cause” philanthropy summit.

Set for Oct. 16 and 17 at FAU’s Student Union in Boca Raton, the gathering is designed for local nonprofit leaders and volunteers who want to expand their impact, deepen community engagement and strengthen organizational sustainability.

“The event will feature more than 20 nationally recognized speakers who are redefining success in the nonprofit world and who are changing the way nonprofits grow, lead and make an impact,” a news release says.

For more information, call 561-297-2595 or visit arreva.com/2025-arreva-philanthropic-summit.

Eda and Cliff Viner are the benefactors behind the 'Secure Our Legacy Matching Gift Campaign' at B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. Photo provided

Couple’s donation to B’nai Torah launches campaign

Boca Raton’s B’nai Torah Congregation has announced a $1 million gift from longtime congregants Cliff and Eda Viner, along with the couple’s promise to match every gift of at least $360 through March 2026.

The “Secure Our Legacy Matching Gift Campaign” aims to galvanize support for the future vision of the institution so it remains a vibrant center of Jewish life for generations to come.

“It is more than a donation campaign,” B’nai Torah Congregation President Scott Frank said. “It’s a call to build not only for today but for tomorrow to ensure that our children and our children’s children inherit a community filled with Torah, joy and meaning.”

For more information, call 561-392-8566 or visit btcboca.org/matching-gift.

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

Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce staff members (l-r) Judy Sowards, Sarah Mears, Stephanie Immelman, Carolina Rush and Lynn Van Lenten are looking forward to another successful installment of Do Good Delray. Photo provided by MasterWing Creative Agency

By Amy Woods

From the “Disco Inferno Party: A Night to Give” to the “International Safari Dinner,” charitable events fill the month as the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Do Good Delray gets underway.

A total of 24 fundraisers will unfold at venues throughout the city in an effort to create awareness of — and raise money for — the philanthropic community.

“The whole concept is that we pair profit organizations with a nonprofit,” said Lynn Van Lenten, the chamber’s program director. “It furthers the footprint of the nonprofit because now a new world begins between those two organizations.”

The chamber’s promotion of each event through email blasts, press releases and social media aims to boost attendance and forge fresh alliances.

“We always believe that the relationship comes first — and the money follows,” Van Lenten said. “I think this whole process is slow and steady wins the race.”

Among the partnerships are the Soup Kitchen and Warren American Whiskey Kitchen with “Savor the Hope,” the YMCA of South Palm Beach County and Bounce Delray Beach with “Bingo,” and Wayside House and Charity Dynamics & Auctions with “Turning Over a New Leaf.”

 The HERD Foundation and PNF Accountants & Advisors will present “Fall at the Farm,” and the Delray Beach Youth Tennis Foundation and JACKET Sunscreen will present “Sun & Serve.”

“Each one has its own story,” Van Lenten said. “That’s what I love about this.”

Do Good Delray kicked off in 2021 and so far has raised more than $276,000. The chamber’s Nonprofit Council conceived the idea.

“They said, ‘It’s time for us to do this, and we need that next step,’” said Van Lenten, who has led the council for 10 years. “They were right.” 

Do Good Delray

What: October fundraisers at 24 venues in Delray Beach to support philanthropic causes

When: Through Oct. 30

Cost: Event prices vary

Event info: 561-278-0424, ext. 103; for event schedule and locations, go to chamber.delraybeach.com/events/calendar/2025-10-01

ABOVE: (l-r) Michele Katzman, David Katzman and Elaine Zimmerman. Photo provided by Colby Kessler

JARC Florida, a nonprofit based in Boca Raton that provides programs and services to educate and empower those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, raised a record-breaking $53,400 at its 15th annual event. Nearly 200 guests came out for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. ‘We are beyond thankful for everyone who continues to support this program, which not only provides valuable employment and vocational training but also builds confidence and independence in our clients,’ CEO Jeff Zirulnick said. 

ABOVE: (l-r) Society President Denise Alman, Zook, committee member Laura Malone, Executive Director Mary Csar and committee member Lori Saunders. BELOW: (l-r) Victoria Matthews, Dorothy MacDiarmid, Fabiola Hooker and committee members Reilly Glasser and Ashley Huxhold. Photos provided

The Boca Raton Historical Society delighted supporters with its signature sold-out soirée, treating them to an evening of libations, cuisine and landmarks. The progressive tour kicked off with a reception, after which everyone boarded a colorful fleet of vintage Molly’s Trolleys and set off for five destinations. ‘This event reflects everything we love about Boca — community, culture and curiosity,’ said Dawn Zook, who chaired the event committee. ‘It’s a joy to connect our guests with the hidden gems and rich history all around them.’  

TOP: (l-r) Marcia Mithun, Doug Mithun, Arlene Herson, Emily Grabelsky and Teri Wolofsky. MIDDLE: (l-r) Amy Seidman, Zoe Lanham, Bonnie Halperin and Nicole Flier. ABOVE: (l-r) Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, Kristina Gregg and Joe Trubinsky. Photos provided by Gina Fontana

More than 250 civic, business and university leaders along with health care professionals, community advocates and medical students gathered for the annual fundraiser benefiting Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Now in its 15th year, the signature tradition celebrated the college’s newest class of future physicians while raising money to expand scholarships. ‘It is through the success of this annual cornerstone fundraiser that we can continue to strengthen student education and clinical programs, expand community partnerships, and cultivate donor opportunities that drive positive change today and for generations to come,’ said Dr. Lewis Nelson, college dean. ‘Each donor’s investment is paying remarkable dividends because we are not just funding medical education, we are building the future of health care.’ 

October offers a bevy of food and drink events as the new season gears up. The Delray Beach GreenMarket is set to open Oct. 25 at Old School Square. Photos provided

By Jan Norris

No fall leaves here, and the thermometer dips only slightly, but South Florida still celebrates with the beginning of a new season in October. Look for pop-up Oktoberfests for all your beer and wurst needs, green markets reopening for everything veg-able, and Halloween parties for spooky hauntings.

For those wursts, hit up Biergarten, 309 Via De Palmas #90 in Boca Raton. Along with 24 draft and craft beers, the menu has several German favorites, including the much-touted giant pretzel with liptauer käse (the buttery Austrian cheese spread that’s pink — thanks to paprika), fried pierogies, onion and cheese spaetzle, and the wurst platter.

The platter will get you brats, franks and kielbasa, served with kraut and potato pancakes. Be authentic and order braised red cabbage as the side.

The American German Club in Lake Worth Beach will present its annual Oktoberfest Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 17-19.

For the big Oktoberfest — one of the largest in Florida — it’s the American German Club, 5111 Lantana Road in Lake Worth Beach. The fest is still cranking for a 51st year. 

It is over two weekends, Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 17-19. Members take care of most of the food served here: thousands of franks, bratwursts and currywursts. For authenticity, give the German platter a try, and you can get a brat, a frank and leberkäse — think of it as a pork meatloaf, only a finer grind. Or choose kassler — a smoked pork chop.

The clubhouse menu indoors (we recommend it) features sauerbraten, schnitzel, goulash and roast pork — all made by the members.

German bands and dancers perform, the beer flows — it is a true festival.

For information on parking, tickets, performances and more, go to oktoberfestflorida.com.

The Blue Anchor Pub’s ghost makes for a frightening Halloween. 

A good ghost story

Looking for a good haunt for Halloween? Go no farther than the Blue Anchor Pub in Delray Beach.

The 160-year-old pub, built in Victorian London, was dismantled after 100-plus years running, shipped to New York, and finally reconstructed at its present location in 1996 on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Palm Square.

During its heyday on Chancery Street, it saw the likes of Winston Churchill and his peers, who frequented the pub for a pint after court. Journalists from Fleet Street also drank there; that history would repeat in the U.S. when it became the watering hole for the National Enquirer staff of Lantana.

Now the dark side: Two of Jack the Ripper’s victims were seen in the pub on the nights before their slashings; their bodies were found on nearby doorsteps.

And there’s the murder, which brings us to the ghost story.

The young wife of a sea captain was caught in flagrante delicto with her lover by her husband at the pub. He purportedly shot the pair dead on the spot.

The woman, Bertha Starkey, is said to still haunt the pub, roaming about and tripping people, including the co-owner, Peggy Snyder. 

“Oh yeah, she’s tripped me, taken things from my hands,” she said. “She’s here.”

Bertha’s famous, sort of. Snyder said mediums come in all the time to check it out, and are able to see or sense her spirit.

At 10 nightly, they ring a ship’s bell — the time Bertha allegedly walks overhead and her footsteps can be heard.

Make time for the market

It’s green market season, and Delray Beach celebrates its 30th year with its market opening Oct. 25. 

More than 50 vendors will set up stalls to sell fresh vegetables, eggs, breads and more at the Old School Square green from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through May. 

Vendor spaces are still available, including rotating ones for those who can’t commit to a full or half season.

SNAP benefits are matched at most fresh food stalls.

For more information, including vendor applications, go to downtowndelraybeach.com/green-market. 

In addition to Delray Beach, the Lake Worth Beach Oceanside Farmers Market returns Oct. 4, while the Boca Green Market returns Oct. 5.

In brief

Brule Bistro in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove has a new moniker: Brule Gastro-Kitchen, representing an expanded menu and a better description of the new decor and style, said owner Suzanne Perretto. She said the restaurant has moved beyond the bistro, and wanted to avoid any mixed messages for diners. 

Motek in Boca Raton’s Restaurant Row east of the mall has become the “it” spot for now. The Miami-based mini-chain (there are seven) opened this spring, bringing modern Mediterranean/Israeli dishes to the area. Indoor-outdoor seating fills quickly, especially for brunch where the mezze platters are everywhere.

Feeding South Florida, the county’s central food bank and distribution program operating out of its kitchens in Boynton Beach, is in need of volunteers. People are needed daily in two shifts to pack food and meals and help cook. Monetary and food donations via food drives are welcomed as well. For more information about how to help, visit feedingsouthflorida.org. Click on the “Ways to Give” tab. 

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

L-R: Bento Assis, Catherine Andino and Gabriel Holtz all excelled this season on NBA superstar Steph Curry’s Underrated Golf Tour. They each finished among the top dozen of the Curry Cup field, which featured the tour’s best players in boys and girls divisions based on the year’s results. Photos provided

By Faran Fagen

Gabriel Holtz held his first toy golf club at age 2 and didn’t want to let go. His passion persisted — and powered him to the pin.

This 18-year-old Boca Raton resident recently won the regional boys division of Steph Curry’s Underrated Golf Tour to qualify for the season-ending Curry Cup in New Jersey in September.

“I’ve been a member of Steph Curry’s Underrated Golf Tour since day one,” said Holtz, who attends Florida Virtual School. “I remember seeing it on Instagram and thinking that I really wanted to be a part of it. The very next morning Will Lowery,” the tour ambassador, “sent me a DM on Instagram with the invite.”

Two other Boca Raton junior golfers, Catherine Andino and Bento Assis, also qualified for the Curry Cup after finishing among the top 24 players overall on this season’s tour.

Holtz finished 10th and Assis 12th in the boys division and Andino tied for fourth among girls in the Curry Cup.

“I first heard about the Underrated Golf Tour through a friend who told me they were looking for young golfers to join,” said Andino, a 16-year-old junior at West Boca High School. “I loved the idea of being part of a tour created by Steph Curry that gives kids the opportunity to play at incredible golf courses across the United States, while also meeting other junior golfers from different places.”

Underrated Golf aims to provide access and opportunity for student athletes from every community, such as by helping them receive college golf scholarships. 

The brand, established by Stephen Curry in 2019, draws on the revered NBA champion’s personal story as an underappreciated three-sport athlete. 

Underrated partner KPMG, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, contributes to student development with its KPMG Leadership Development Day.

For Holtz, the most memorable part of the tour has been meeting Curry.

“I’m a huge sports guy and Steph is one of my idols in sports, and when I saw him and talked to him for the first time, it was unreal,” he said. “But I will definitely put my two wins up there.”

His regional victory came after he started the day three over par after a tough 75. Holtz then fired a 66 on the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass to take the lead — and the trophy. This was his first Underrated Golf victory since 2022, when he won at Wickenburg Ranch in Arizona. A Clemson commit, Holtz will kick off his Division I golf career next fall.

“In college, I want to win, learn and enjoy what everyone says will be the best years of my life,” Holtz said. “I can’t wait to get to Clemson and be a part of the Tiger family. I see college as a step closer to the PGA Tour, tough courses, competition and an intense daily routine. But I can’t wait.” 

For Assis, a home-schooled freshman, his most memorable moment on the tour came when he shot four under par in one of the rounds when he qualified for the Curry Cup.

“I’m so grateful to be part of Stephen Curry’s Underrated Golf Tour for all the opportunities they give us and all those good courses we can play,” Assis said. “We also make really good connections with people you didn’t know.”

Andino began playing golf at age 7. Her best friend got her into the sport at summer camp.

“What I love most about golf is the competition, the challenge, and the discipline it teaches you,” Andino said. “Golf is a sport where you’re always learning and being tested, which keeps it exciting.”

Her goals for the rest of 2025 are to keep learning and growing competitively. She recently committed to play golf at the University of Miami and hopes to pursue a professional golf career. 

As for Holtz, whose dad is a PGA professional, coach and club maker, he hopes to maintain the passion for the game that his family instilled in him at a young age.

“What I love most about golf are the challenges, the grind, the difficulties and the struggles,” Holtz said. “It helps me to grow not only as a golfer, but as a person. I also love the pressure — the butterflies. I love waking up every day with the motivation to do my best because I see every day that goes by as a step closer to the PGA Tour.” 

For more information on Underrated Golf, visit stayunderrated.com.

The annual Pumpkin Patch at Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach, opens with hundreds of the orange orbs for sale beginning Oct. 10. 

But the highlight of the event is the Family Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18, when the church will have crafts, story time, a petting zoo, the UWF bake sale, music, the God Squad Lemonade Stand and Popcorn Stand, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit. The Delray Beach Police Department will also have its ice cream truck on site. 

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. weekdays Oct. 10-30. Sponsors and volunteers are also needed. Call 561-276-5302.

Shelves stocked for annual opening of Holly House 

Every year the women at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach devote thousands of hours to preparations for the annual Holly House Holiday Gift Shop Grand Opening that takes place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 17-18, at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. 

The shelves are stocked, and this festive wonderland is bursting with handcrafted treasures, seasonal décor and one-of-a-kind gifts that showcase the creativity and skill of dedicated volunteers who do the heavy lifting. The shop will be open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 18 and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20. For more info, call 561-276-6338 or visit firstdelray.com.

’American Spirit’ concert at First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach, will present a concert, The American Spirit, at 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Pianist Don Cannarozzi and the choir will showcase music of faith, hope and courage featuring folk songs and spiritual pieces that reflect our passion. Tickets are $20. Reserve at firstdelray.com/concerts/reserve-concert-tickets.

Plenty to do at Radiant City Church annual Fall Festival 

Radiant City Church hosts its annual Fall Festival 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the church, 251 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Bounce houses, food and trunk-or-treating are planned. Two years ago, the church moved into its current home. It has a strong campus ministry at Florida Atlantic University, which is just 1.3 miles away. Call 561-600-0567 or visit radiantcitychurch.org.

St. Jude offering Family Western Night 

St. Jude Catholic Church, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton, is hosting Family Western Night at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 in its Mount Carmel Hall. Food, drink, line dancing lessons, country music and games are planned. Dress is western attire. Tickets are $40 adults, $20 for children, free for those younger than age 5. Call 561-392-8172 or visit stjudeboca.org and click on News & Events.

St. Jude annual Fall Fest returns bigger than ever

St. Jude Catholic Church Fall Fest is back and bigger than ever, its flyer boasts. The four-day event takes place Nov. 6-9 at the church, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton, and features carnival rides, games, Bingo, a cornhole tournament, a rummage sale and food and drinks. Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m. Sunday. Four-day wristbands for unlimited rides are $94.17. Single-day wristbands are $47.60. Call 561-392-8172 or visit stjudeboca.org and click on News & Events.

Journey Church set to host reception, kids festival

The Journey Church, 2200 NW Second Ave., Boca Raton, is hosting newcomers receptions after the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services Oct. 12. These short gatherings are a chance to meet Pastor Jason Hatley and the Journey team and to connect with other newcomers. 

On Oct. 26, the church will host the Journey Kids Fall Festival during both services. This community event for kids in fifth grade and younger invites them to come dressed in costumes (no violent or scary masks) and to bring a friend for games and prizes, bounce houses and obstacle courses, candy and treats, and even a Bible lesson. Call 561-420-0606 or visit bocajourney.com/events.

St. Gregory’s offering new yoga, movement class

Yoga and Sacred Movement is a new monthly class offered by St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. It combines gentle stretching and strengthening exercises with a Christian focus.

Led by parishioner and yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville, the program meets on the third Thursday of the month, with the next at 4 p.m. Oct. 16. Bring your own yoga mat and be prepared to reflect on scripture and prayer while you perform sacred movements including breath work.  

Yoga Mass, with prayers and poses, is offered this month from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 25 in St. Mary’s Chapel. The Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Father Andrew Sherman lead. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.

Lon Chaney’s ’Phantom’ coming to St. Gregory’s

St. Gregory’s will host the return of its popular silent film presentation of The Phantom of the Opera, the 1925 classic starring Lon Chaney, with live accompaniment by Tim Brumfield, St. Gregory’s director of music ministries, on the church’s Austin pipe organ. 

The show takes place at 7 p.m. Oct. 29, and admission is free. 

Brumfield will offer a rare behind-the curtain experience beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a champagne reception. He provides an in-depth exploration into how he created the musical score for the film, plus he’ll show off the magnificent pipe organ. 

Tickets are $75 and reservations are required. Guests may dress in costume for the pre-Halloween event. 

St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285. 

St. Lucy Church event honors Blessed Mother 

St. Lucy Church in Highland Beach celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a special Mass followed by a birthday celebration with cake on Sept. 8. Father Brian Horgan shared his boundless love for the Blessed Mother in a talk about her life following a Holy Mass commemorating her birth. He blessed Marian statues and paintings brought by the St. Lucy parishioners, then the guests enjoyed lunch catered by The Grille on Congress followed by prosecco and cake. 

This was the first event hosted by the St. Lucy Sisterhood, a new women’s group whose motto is “Doing awesomely good things in God’s name.” For information, contact Marisa Acocella at sls@stlucy.net or call 561-278-1280. 

’Spiritual Symphony’ at B’nai Torah Congregation 

B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton hosted a special Selichot Service or “Spiritual Symphony” on Sept. 14 where special prayers were recited in anticipation of the High Holy Days. 

Yair Keydar, Cantor Magda Fishman, Rabbi Hector Epelbaum, Interim Senior Rabbi Jack Moline and Rabbi Evan Susman performed for the congregation.

Fishman said, “Selichot has always been a time when I feel deeply connected to the prayers, to our heritage and tradition.” 

B’nai Torah Congregation, a conservative synagogue with more than 1,300 membership families, is at 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. Call 561-392-8566 or visit btcboca.org. 

Newest saint is the patron of computer programmers

Think (computer) science and religion don’t mix? Or that you need to be old to be a saint?

Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen who had an abiding faith and killer tech skills, became a saint on Sept. 7. The curly-haired youth has been called the Millennial Saint and the patron saint of the internet. 

Born in London and raised in Milan, the self-taught programmer did projects such as creating a website that catalogued Eucharistic miracles. 

A young man full of compassion for the poor, St. Carlo worked to lighten the burden of the marginalized in his community even as he fought leukemia. He died at age 15 in 2006 and was beatified in 2020. 

Two miracles were recognized by the Catholic Church and attributed to his intercession. The church says that in Brazil, a boy was cured of pancreatic disease, and in Costa Rica, a woman recovered from a head injury after her mother prayed to Acutis.   

The distinction of youngest saint goes to Jacinta and Francisco Marto, ages 9 and 10, who were canonized in 2017, 100 years after they and their cousin told of seeing the apparition of the Virgin Mary now known as Our Lady of Fatima.

— Janis Fontaine

Church groups give their ministries handmade touch

The knitting ministry at St. Gregory’s has made hundreds of prayer shawls, blankets, scarves and hats to donate to people in need (below). BACK (l-r): Mary Lintz, Anne Hilmer, Susamma Cherian and Lynnann Bertolino. FRONT: Connie Jones and Liz Muir. Photo provided 

By Janis Fontaine

Gathered around a small table in the St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church library in Boca Raton, seven women are knitting prayer shawls and catching up on each other’s lives. The conversation bounces from one topic to another like a pinball, but in every single stitch is a prayer for the recipient. 

The prayer shawl ministry at St. Gregory’s meets once a month and has been at work for 20 years. The group has made hundreds of prayer shawls, lap blankets, baby blankets, scarves and hats of all sizes.

They call these groups “prayer shawl ministries,” not to be confused with the Jewish  shawls worn by rabbis during prayer. These shawls are given to people who are suffering an illness or a loss, or who just need some love and comfort.  

Mary Lintz sees the shawls as colorful signs of God’s grace and the love of the church family expressed in a garment. Every inch is infused with the healing spirit of the Lord. 

Most of the work is done at home — in private, quiet moments — where the only sound is the reassuring click-click-click of needles. 

While they work, the women think about their own walks with God and pray for the well-being of the recipient of each shawl. These are simple prayers that ask that the person find comfort in the gift. Once completed, every shawl is blessed by one of the priests, who say the gifts provide recipients and their families with tangible proof that someone cares about them. 

Each piece is different and finds its way to the right person. When the Rev. Andrew Sherman pops his head in the door to say hello and offer words of thanks and encouragement, he says, “You can feel the creativity flowing here!” 

Father Sherman tells the women how important their small acts are. When he delivers the shawls, he says, “People burst into tears. It makes a profound impact.” 

The women are also preserving the art of handmade items. Their work is popular — the recipients and their families treasure these pieces, and the women get a lot of requests from family members to make items — but they can’t seem to get younger people interested in learning the craft. 

Some of the women learned the craft from their mothers or grandmothers but Lintz, who crochets, taught herself by watching YouTube videos during the COVID-19 pandemic. An enthusiastic recruiter for the ministry, she likes to make shawls with pockets.

One of the first questions she asks is, do you knit or crochet? 

Beginners are certainly welcome, and the women would love to teach anyone interested. 

Most shawls and blankets are small and square and use basic stitches, like double crochet or the Trinity stitch. Sometimes called a cluster stitch or raspberry stitch, this puffy stitch has clumps of three stitches that form little buds. It uses a knit 3-purl 3 pattern; therefore, the trinity.  

Susamma Cherian, 87, who is Father Sherman’s mother-in-law, keeps an eye on the inventory of shawls, which are made mostly from donated yarn. “We never run out,” she says. 

The women are meticulous in their work, willing to rip out rows of stitches to fix a mistake. It’s not perfection they’re after — the flaws are then part of the personality of a handmade piece — but the women still want to produce their best and they have a natural patience that artists and craftsmen must have. 

Most of the women live in Boca Raton, but Anne Hilmer drives 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale to attend St. Gregory’s. She tried other churches, “but none of them felt right.” The drive is worth it, she says, to spend time with women she feels truly connected to. 

St. Paul’s knitters

At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, Charmaine Bennett, a retired RN, loves the peace that comes from crocheting. As she works her fingers to control the hook and yarn, her mind is somewhere else. Muscle memory takes over. She’s done this double-crochet stitch a million times and she’ll likely do it a million more. 

Bennett, 70, has been a member of St. Paul’s since 2011. When she relocated from New York, she looked around for a church before she found St. Paul’s. 

“I felt comfortable here. The people were kind. I felt a lot of love,” she says.

After she retired about two years ago, she joined the knitting ministry. She and Barbara Clifford are the core of the group, which is shrinking in numbers. 

Bennett understands it’s hard to get involved.

“People are so busy,” she says. “It’s not easy to find the time.”

Right now, the ministry meets on Tuesday mornings and that’s just not a good time for women who are still working. “We’re actively trying to recruit new members,” Bennett says. 

Once shawls are completed, they are given to priests to be blessed. Then they find homes with those needing comfort: people facing chemotherapy or surgery, people who are sick or who are grieving the loss of a loved one, or a shut-in. “We want them to feel wrapped in love and prayer,” Bennett says.  

One parishioner whose wife was given a shawl when she was ill told Clifford that he finds comfort in that same softness himself now that she has passed, so that shawl has blessed two people. 

The group shares ideas, stories and accomplishments, meaning the camaraderie of the ministry is one of the best parts, the women say. Feeling connected to others with common interests is important to combating loneliness. 

Other benefits accrue to the makers of the handmade items. In a story on marthastewart.com in August, experts said knitting was useful in “reducing stress by helping your body enter a relaxing state, boosting your overall mood, and engaging multiple parts of your brain simultaneously to promote cognitive function.” 

Bennett, who learned to crochet doilies from her aunt when she was young, agrees: “It really helps the mind.” 

Bennett spends about four hours a week working on her pieces. She prays before she begins. “It’s a way to express that I care for them when they are going through these tough times,” she says of the intended recipients. 

Clifford says: “It means a lot that we can provide a little love, comfort and support.” And at her age 87, “it’s a good excuse to sit down.” 

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

The announcement of the expansion of Promise Fund medical services brought out (front, l-r): Promise Fund CEO Audrey Brown; Promise Fund founder Nancy G. Brinker; Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins, U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel; state Sen. Lori Berman; and Promise Fund board members Mami Kisner and Eric Brinker. Promise Fund’s mission is to improve survivorship from breast and cervical cancers by providing guided support and free to low-cost access to screenings and treatment. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

With the promise to give every woman the opportunity to obtain health care regardless of who she is, where she lives or what income she has, the South Florida-based nonprofit Promise Fund has expanded its presence to include a clinic at Genesis Community Health Center in Boynton Beach.

“We can and must do everything in our power to ensure no woman dies simply because she lacked access to care,” Nancy G. Brinker said in an announcement about the expansion of the organization she founded in 2018 to fight breast and cervical cancers. “That has always been our mission — and our promise.”

 Brinker also founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of her sister, who died from breast cancer in 1980.

After working tirelessly to raise funds for breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Brinker has shifted her focus to early detection and prevention screenings for both breast and cervical cancers. The Promise Fund mission is to improve survivorship by providing guided support and free to low-cost access to screenings to women who don’t have adequate health insurance.

The Boynton Beach office is at 709 S. Federal Highway, Suite 4. Promise Fund has three other clinics after also recently adding BCOM Broward Community & Family Health Centers in Hollywood; and a second FoundCare site, FoundCare/Yolette Bonnet Center in West Palm Beach. The original FoundCare is on South Congress Avenue in Palm Springs.

Each site offers essential women’s health services to underserved populations, including mammograms, Pap smears, clinical breast exams, diagnostics and treatment.

West Palm Beach patient Vanina Gatica was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 46. In a video on Promise Fund’s website, she speaks of the help she received from her patient navigator, Aydeivis Jean Pierre, and others. 

“My son, my daughter and husband came to my mind, and I was thinking what life would be for them if I was not around,” Gatica says. “It was hard to think what was coming.”

She expressed worry about the cost of diagnostic MRIs, ultrasounds and 3D mammograms and wondered how she could afford it.

Promise Fund Chief Operating Officer Karen Patti, who lives in Delray Beach, says the organization was designed to be a model of care and was founded with the idea of creating a system that could be replicated in other communities.

“It’s very exciting,” she says, noting that if they are caught early, breast cancer is 99% curable and cervical cancer, 95% curable.

“Nancy’s vision is to educate communities and make sure all women have access to services,” Patti says. “We meet women where they are and apply what we’ve learned to ensure every woman can access early detection and screenings.”

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetimes, with an estimated 317,000 new cases and 42,700 deaths from the disease expected this year in women and men, the American Cancer Society says.

In addition, about 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed and about 4,000 women will die of this cancer in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society.

Through education and outreach, Promise Fund has engaged more than 109,000 women in South Florida, including nearly 20,000 women who have been screened and 266 women who have received cancer treatment.

“We know early detection saves lives,” says Promise Fund CEO Audrey Brown. “We are here to give guidance, and our health navigators are here to help women on their health care journey.

“We want to increase survivorship from breast and cervical cancers to make Palm Beach one of the healthiest counties in Florida,” she says.

Each site features 3D mammography equipment and AI technology from Hologic, along with diagnostic imaging and ultrasounds, cervical screenings, and treatment (LEEP and colposcopy).

In addition to securing the equipment and funding necessary, Promise Fund has embedded each center with a navigator who provides guided support to women throughout the process. 

Research has shown that patients who have worked with navigators have significantly better outcomes.

“We want to be a model for the country,” says Patti. “If we can do it here in Florida, we can do it anywhere — no excuses.”

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

Free mammograms

Promise Fund asks that patients register in advance at 877-427-7664. 

• Oct. 4, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Intracoastal Park, 2240 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach

 • Oct. 17, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach   

• Oct. 29, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.

Learn more: On Oct. 5 from 3-5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s, Promise Fund will help women learn about free and low-cost health care.

Online: thepromisefund.org

A happy pooch samples a dessert from Scoopy Doo’s in Delray Beach. The store, owned by Dianna and Kyle Scotto, lets dogs enjoy treats such as prime rib flavored ice cream. Photos provided 

By Arden Moore

As we embark on the holiday season that kicks off with Halloween and ends after we usher in the first day of 2026, taste buds are about to be tempted. But what may be delicious and safe for us to eat can be downright dangerous to our dogs.

Case in point: dark chocolate. For people, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, offers dietary fiber, and contains flavanols touted to improve blood flow. Some studies suggest it may boost brainpower. Can I get a yum?

Unfortunately, dark chocolate contains theobromine, definitely a no-no ingredient for dogs. Within six hours of ingesting dark chocolate, depending on the size and health of the dog, these symptoms can surface:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Rapid heart rate

• Muscle tremors

• Seizures

• Death, in severe cases.

As a master pet first aid/CPR instructor and founder of Pet First Aid 4U, I am on a mission to help you and your pets enjoy a tasty — and safe — holiday season. 

Prevent an unplanned visit to the emergency veterinary hospital by never sharing these holiday foods with your pets:

Pumpkin pie, loaded with sugar or artificial sweetener xylitol, can cause digestive upset, liver issues and seizures.

Seasoned turkey, especially the skin, fat and gravy, can trigger painful pancreatitis.

Stuffing that contains seasonings and onions can damage red blood cells.

Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure.

Eggnog can lead to tremors and seizures, especially if you add alcohol.

Now that we have addressed no-no foods, it’s time to celebrate the holidays and beyond with our dogs by treating them to healthy options. Fortunately, in Palm Beach County, I found a pair of dedicated dog advocates who know pet nutrition and who have been creating healthy treats for our canine pals.

Dianna Scotto has been operating Scoopy Doo’s in Delray Beach with her son, Kyle, since moving to South Florida in 2013 after serving 25 years in the New York City Police Department.

Carrie Sarabella, who operates Snaks 5th Avenchew in Boca Raton, watches her dog, Belvedere, devour a cake. Her cakes can include applesauce, peanut butter, yogurt and tapioca.  

Carrie Sarabella is also a native New Yorker, an award-winning equestrian and dog mom who operates Snaks 5th Avenchew in Boca Raton. 

At Scoopy Doo’s, all dog cakes and ice cream desserts are made in house and with human-grade ingredients. 

Some are definitely targeted for canine taste buds. I know my three dogs, Kona, Emma and Nova, would drool for prime rib flavored ice cream and the carob brownie cake.

“The prime rib ice cream is made with lactose-free milk, gelatin and beef bone broth,” says Dianna, who has been active in dog rescue adoption efforts for more than 10 years. “Some of our doggy regulars also like our cheese-flavored ice cream. There is nothing in our store that I would not feed my dogs.”

Her dogs are Chihuahua mixes she rescued who answer to the names of LJ, Sassy, Cash Money and Tito. Also in her home is a “forever rescue” named Bibi, who is blind, deaf and 17 years old. 

Scoopy Doo’s is known for its doggy cookies homemade from whole wheat flour and peanut butter. 

“When customers enter our store with their dogs, we always ask if their dogs have any dietary restrictions and we guide them to healthy options,” says Dianna. “We also offer a line of one-ingredient treats, like dehydrated liver chips and organic chicken or bone broth.”

Carrie spent 14 years as a lead anesthesia technician. She loved the medical field, but her priorities shifted when her then-dog Pinero, an American cocker spaniel, struggled with food allergies.

“It’s a lengthy process to try to figure out food allergies and what to eliminate from the diet,” says Carrie. “Pinero had extreme allergies being treated by antibiotics and other prescriptions. The dosage kept increasing. I felt there had to be a better alternative to antibiotics.”

Carrie now has a certification in canine nutrition and works closely with veterinarians to ensure her pet bakery provides safe and nutritious offerings. They include dog treats with such ingredients as steel-cut oats, applesauce, peanut butter, yogurt, tapioca and rye flour.

Her current dog, Belvedere, is a black Labrador retriever. His allergies are controlled by a healthy diet, and he happily serves as the store’s official cheese-tasting officer. 

“Belvedere also eats all our wheat-free treats made with oats, peanut butter, cinnamon and pumpernickel,” says Carrie. “Knowing what he can and cannot eat makes him a great taste tester.”

She also makes treats for horses that are shipped to equestrian advocates all over the country. One of her top online items is a birthday cake for horses she has trademarked as a “birth-neigh cake” made of oats, molasses, apples and cinnamon.

“Our pet bakery is primarily for dogs, and our online store caters to the horse/equine world,” she says.

For this holiday season and beyond, Dianna and Carrie plan to continue to dish up healthy ingredients safe for their dogs and for their clients’ dogs.

Bone appetit! 

Arden Moore writes about pets and can be reached at fourleggedlife@gmail.com.

Healthy choices and emergency help  

Snaks 5th Avenchew offers healthy treats for dogs, horses and other pets and is owned by Carrie Sarabella. The shop, located at 555 N. Federal Highway, Suite 7 in Boca Raton, also ships its treats all over the United States. Learn more at www.snaks5thavenchew.com.

Scoopy Doo’s is owned by the mother-and-son team of Dianna and Kyle Scotto and is at 507 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. The cakes, cookies and ice cream are made of human-grade ingredients. Learn more at www.scoopydoosdelraybeach.com. 

The ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline is staffed 24/7 by board-certified veterinary toxicologists. Keep its toll-free number handy: 888-426-4435. Learn more at www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control.

Capt. Abie Raymond holds a mutton snapper he snagged recently. Top mutton spots from Boca Raton to Lake Worth Beach are along the second reef and the third reef, as well as around wrecks 100-150 feet underwater. Photo provided by Abie Raymond

By Steve Waters

South Florida saltwater anglers have multiple fish-catching options in October. In the fall, schools of mullet swim along local beaches. Anglers can fish for snook, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks and other predators that follow the schools from boats, fishing piers and beaches. 

And they can target tasty mutton snapper, which are congregated on reefs and wrecks.

“In the fall, where you find one mutton, you’ll find a lot more,” Capt. Dennis Forgione said. “They’re usually a little smaller than spring muttons, but there’s usually a lot more around.”

The fish can be found in depths ranging from 20 to 150 feet, so it sometimes takes several stops before you locate a concentration. Once you’re on a good spot, you can catch muttons almost every time you drop a bait to the bottom.

Top mutton spots from Boca Raton to Lake Worth Beach are along the second reef and the third reef, as well as around wrecks in 100-150 feet of water. You can cover a lot of reef by drifting. When you find the fish, you can anchor. 

To fish a wreck, slowly troll around it until you find the part that is holding the muttons.

“Generally this time of year, the muttons are migrating along the reef,” Forgione said. “Usually it’s the second or third reef, so try both. Use your depth-finder to look for fish.”

If the muttons aren’t on the second reef, located in 50-60 feet, move to the third reef, located in 90-100 feet. If the muttons don’t bite there, try fishing a wreck. If you go an hour without a mutton, try another wreck. If you catch a few muttons, stay where you are.

Forgione likes to anchor his boat when fishing for muttons. Unlike fishing for grouper, you don’t have to set up on top of a wreck or a reef. That’s because muttons usually hang out in the sand around the structure.

If he’s fishing a reef, Forgione anchors on the outside of it. 

When fishing a wreck, Forgione anchors on the down-current side: If the current is running to the north, he anchors on the north side of a wreck. Then he puts out a chum bag on the surface and drops his bait straight down.

Most anglers use 20-pound spinning or conventional outfits for muttons. The standard rig for the wary fish consists of an egg sinker placed above a swivel that is attached to 10 to 20 feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. The weight should be heavy enough to rest on the bottom. 

Forgione uses a 3-ounce sinker for a light current and up to 2 pounds of lead for a screaming current.

Good baits for mutton snapper include live pilchards, finger mullet, ballyhoo and the biggest shrimp you can find, which reduces the number of bites from less desirable bottom fish. Top dead baits are a chunk of bonito and a ballyhoo plug, which you make by cutting off the bait’s head and tail, then threading a 5/0 or 6/0 hook into the plug. 

Capt. Abie Raymond fishes shallow patch reefs for muttons, which he finds by looking for schools of ballyhoo jumping out of the water as they’re being chased by the snapper.

“It’s usually happening in 20 to 60 feet of water and most people think that’s probably bonitos in there, that’s probably mackerel in there,” Raymond said. “Not this time of year.”

He fishes live ballyhoo on 7-foot spinning rods with 20-pound monofilament line and 4-foot, 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders. The shorter leaders work because Raymond is fishing in cloudy water compared with anglers who fish in deeper, cleaner water. 

Unless he has patient anglers, Raymond leaves the mutton outfits in his boat’s rod-holders.

“The reason I have them sit in the rod-holder is because they need to be real still,” he said. “Customers have a tendency to want to wind and wind and wind. The rod-holder doesn’t have that tendency.”

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

LEFT: Upstairs on the second floor, sharing a balcony with two guest suites, is a comfortable home theater with large screen and projector. RIGHT: The pool, which has a view of the ocean, sits adjacent to a loggia and family room that provide a quality indoor/outdoor entertaining option. They are connected by French doors and offer a flowing open floor plan.

With tropically landscaped grounds underscoring Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, this estate on North Ocean Boulevard in Delray Beach has a rich elegance that sets a luxurious standard for resort-inspired coastal living. Reimagined by Courchene Development with an uncompromising eye for quality, the seven-bedroom residence spans 13,675 +/- square feet. It was designed to embrace breathtaking ocean vistas. 

The gourmet double-island kitchen is finished with custom cabinetry, a built-in buffet, marble counters, professional-grade appliances and a pantry.

Making a dramatic first impression, a circular glass-railed staircase winds around the three-story foyer, introducing the living room and ocean beyond. Also on this floor are a dining room, family room, and library with custom built-ins. Upstairs, the lavish primary suite serves as a tranquil retreat, complete with a morning bar, private ocean-view balcony, dual walk-in closets and a spa-like marble bath with double vanities, a soaking tub, a dual-head shower and separate water closets. 

A third guest suite occupies the uppermost floor, offering exceptional privacy. On the north end of the property is the guest house. It has a first-floor club room and two ensuite bedrooms, living room and kitchen which are separate and on the second floor.

The living room is appointed with a beamed ceiling, a linear gas fireplace and a bank of French doors offering views of the pool and ocean.

Overall estate details include a glass-fronted wine display, wood and porcelain-tile floors, an elevator, a four-car garage, a concrete barrel-tile roof, a fire-sprinkler system, full-house generator and impact windows and doors. 

Offered at $29,900,000.

Contact the Pascal Liguori Estate Group, 561-414-4849. PLEG@premierestateproperties.com