John and Arline McNally are honorary co-chairs for the American Association of Caregiving Youth benefit. The association supports more than 700 Palm Beach County students giving care to elders. Photos provided

By Lou Ann Frala

The American Association of Caregiving Youth laces up for the Hearts & “Soles” Sneaker Ball on March 13 in a time of dire straits for children and teens served by the Caregiving Youth Project.

The CYP supports more than 700 middle and high school students in Palm Beach County who provide daily care for chronically ill, disabled and/or frail elderly family members, while trying to stay in school and build a future of their own. The CYP team provides academic support, respite, mentoring and emotional care.

In its 20th year of service, AACY has supported more than 3,000 students. Its high school graduation rate over the past 11 years, through its partnership with the school district, is 98%, outpacing both the county and state rates. 

This year’s Hearts & “Soles” Sneaker Ball is of vital importance to the organization’s future. The “Soles” in the title implores people to “walk a day in the life” of the young people who are thrust into positions of adult responsibility before they’re even out of their teens, says AACY founder and President Connie Siskowski.

Co-chairs Kim Champion and Bruce Spizler.

“Most of our families are financially insecure,” Siskowski says. “The services we provide are so crucial.”

Without immediate support, services for students could be reduced or lost entirely. 

Attendees are invited to wear cocktail attire and their snazziest sneakers.

There will be showcases of blinged-out sneakers by artist Sue Heller and jewelry by her husband, renowned sculptor and silversmith Yaacov Heller. A live auction will include an opportunity to have a pair of sneakers customized by Sue Heller.

Details on the 2026 Sponsorship Package are at aacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hearts-Soles-Sneaker-Ball-Sponsorship-Levels-01-23-26-3.pdf. Sponsorships confirmed by March 7 will be included in event materials. Contact julie@aacy.org with questions or to discuss sponsoring the event. 

If You Go

What: Hearts & ‘Soles’ Sneaker Ball benefit for the American Association of Caregiving Youth

When: 6 p.m. cocktails, 7-10 p.m. dinner, dancing, auction, March 13

Where: Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, Boca Raton

Cost: $325

More information: 561-391-7401; aacy.org

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation will welcome supporters, alumni and friends to the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts at 6 p.m. March 30 for “Defying Gravity,” a celebration of creativity, community and the impact of longtime supporter and board member George Elmore.

For decades, Elmore, a Gulf Stream resident, has been a steadfast advocate for the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a public high school. 

“What George has given our students goes far beyond financial support,” said Dreyfoos Principal Blake Bennett. “He has helped create an environment where young artists feel seen, supported, and challenged to dream bigger than they ever imagined.”

This year’s event also marks a milestone for the foundation with the recognition of Andrew Vahab as chairman of the board. Vahab is a 2001 communications graduate and the first alumnus of the school to serve as chairman. 

The evening will feature a performance by Broadway star and Dreyfoos alumna Talia Suskauer, Theater Class of 2014. Best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, Suskauer also will lead a Broadway master class for Dreyfoos theater students.

The evening is led by honorary chair Marti LaTour, with celebration chairs Dolores Fernandez Alonso, Fabiola Brumley, Laurie George, Michele Jacobs, Ava Parker, Diane Quinn and Kelly Smallridge.

Tickets start at $500, with special pricing available for alumni and young friends under 50 at $350. For tickets and additional information, visit dreamsofdreyfoos.com.

Historical society to host noted journalist and author

The Delray Beach Historical Society’s Heritage Garden will welcome journalist and bestselling author Michael Grunwald on March 19. Recognized for his reporting on climate change and environmental issues, Grunwald will discuss his 2006 book, The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise, and his newest work, We Are Eating the Earth, published in July.

This event will bring together the historical society’s environmental and garden partners, including the Institute for Regional Conservation, the Surfrider Foundation, the Sandoway Discovery Center, the Surfing Florida Museum, the Swinton Community Growing Project, the Delray Beach Children’s Garden and the city of Delray Beach’s Sustainability Department.

A welcome reception with light refreshments starts at 6 p.m. at the Old School Square Historic Gymnasium, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, followed by Grunwald’s lecture, Q&A and panel discussion. He will be available to sign copies of his books. Tickets are $28, $20 for Society members. Visit delraybeachhistory.org or call 561-274-9578. 

Nonprofits First celebrates two decades of service

Nonprofits First commemorated its 20th anniversary with a celebration recognizing two decades of service, innovation and leadership in the county’s nonprofit community. The event also marked the launch of the 2026 Rising Leaders, Advancing Leaders and Launching Leaders programs, which are designed to support and empower the next generation of nonprofit professionals.

Nonprofits First’s leadership programs CEO Trudy Crowetz reflected on the organization’s legacy and its future direction. 

“The kickoff of the 2026 Rising Leaders, Advancing Leaders and Launching Leaders programs represents our commitment to supporting the development of dynamic, strategic leaders who will continue to strengthen and elevate our community for years to come.” For more information, visit nonprofitsfirst.org.

Snow Scholarship Fund opens Success Center 

The George Snow Scholarship Fund opened the Snow Success Center with a ribbon-cutting and donor reception, marking a milestone in the GSSF’s 44 years and its investment in student success.

The Snow Success Center brings GSSF’s Scholar Services team together under one roof in Boca Raton, creating a space dedicated to supporting Snow Scholars academically, professionally and personally. 

The reception honored the individuals, families, foundations and corporate partners whose leadership gifts made the Snow Success Center possible.

Feeding South Florida has new board chair 

Michelle Esposito of Boca Raton has been appointed chair of Feeding South Florida’s board of directors. 

Esposito is the vice president of IT for JM&A Group, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises. Esposito leads the development and execution of JM&A Group’s technology strategy to support growth and enable faster, more efficient service delivery.

As chair, Esposito will play a key role in supporting Feeding South Florida’s programs, including its culinary and warehouse training initiatives; Food Is Medicine efforts such as the Mobile FARMacy and hospital pantries; home delivery services; workforce development; Client Choice Pantry, and Summer BreakSpot.

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

ABOVE (l-r): the museum's Southeast Regional Director Robert Tanen, council member Barbara Feingold, event chairs Marvin and Eva Schlanger, Joshua Abell, Sara J. Bloomfield, Noa Beer and Nat Shaffir. Photo provided by Jacqueline Marie for U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum 

The museum’s 2026 South Florida dinner drew more than 600, including nearly 30 Holocaust survivors, for a conversation moderated by museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield between two generations of survivors of deadly antisemitism: Holocaust survivor Nat Shaffir, 89, and Nova Music Festival survivor Noa Beer, 31. 

ABOVE (l-r): Veronica Bowleg, Gloria Chaney and Kenya Madison. Photo provided by Everett Hamilton

Healthier Boynton Beach, a Palm Health Foundation initiative, honored family caregivers at its ninth annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon. Keynote speaker Charlotte Wright acknowledged the challenges and profound rewards of family caregivers’ service. The Caregiver Award was presented to Angela T. Williams of Delray Beach. Project Director Ricky Petty reflected on the community support that made the event possible, including contributions from 17 sponsors. 

ABOVE (l-r): Amy Dweck, Dr. Mijal Bitton, Julie Platt, Alana Newhouse, Shelly Snyder, Michelle Rojas-Tal, Alison Simon and Kathy Green. Photos provided by Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County welcomed nearly 500 women to the luncheon, themed ’ Strength in Sisterhood: The Timeless Power of Women’s Leadership.’  It featured a lineup of thought leaders, including Dr. Mijal Bitton, sociologist; Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet magazine; and special guest Julie Platt, immediate past chair of the board of the Jewish Federations of North America. The discussion was moderated by Michelle Rojas-Tal and explored the enduring influence of women’s leadership, the responsibility of philanthropy, and the role of Jewish women in shaping the next generation. 

ABOVE (l-r): Igor Alterman, Platt, Bruce Dan and Jill Rose. 

ABOVE: Janet Soderberg and Robert Lewis. BELOW: Florence Seiler and Robert Bickford. Photos provided by CAPEHART

 Grand Benefactor Sponsors James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui of Findlay Galleries hosted a kickoff cocktail reception at the galleries, followed by a dinner at Club Colette, honoring Palm Beach Symphony’s 24th Annual Gala chairs Amy and John T. Collins and honorary chairs Susan and Bob Wright, in advance of the gala. 

ABOVE: Ari Rifkin and Lois Pope. Photos provided by CAPEHART

The American Humane Society welcomed supporters, philanthropists and community leaders to the eighth annual dance, dedicated to honoring America’s heroes and the service dogs who stand beside them. Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the AHS, honored the life and legacy of Herb Jablin, a longtime champion of the AHS. His wife, Sharon, a member of the AHS governing board, was present as guests reflected on Herb’s enduring impact and devotion to service. The evening’s Veterans Inspiration Chair was Lois Pope. Leigh-Anne Kazma served as gala chair.  

ABOVE: Lorena Ball and Leigh-Anne Kazma. 

L-R: Laura Barker, Patty Larkin, Matthew Ladika and Samantha Skaletsky. Photos provided by Downtown Photo and Kirstin Boncher

L-R: Jo Ann and Philip Procacci and Carrie Rubin.

ABOVE: Ward and Debbie Kellogg.

As 400 supporters danced the night away, HomeSafe’s 23rd annual affair raised more than $750,000 to protect vulnerable children and families. The celebrity host was Nicko McBrain. The evening included a performance by Mike DelGuidice, renowned vocalist and touring member of Billy Joel’s band; recognition of longtime board member Rob Vargas with the HomeSafe Hero Award; and a tribute honoring nine team members with more than 20 years of service.  

ABOVE: Clare Malfitano and Jayne Malfitano.   

ABOVE: Maria and Todd Roberti. 

ABOVE: Fern Schmidt and Jim MacCutcheon.

Physical therapist Elizabeth Keith (left) attends a fundraiser at Old School Square with Sydney Johnson and Cecilia to help defray the costs of Cecilia’s treatment for cerebral palsy. Cecilia turns 3 this month. Photos by Jan Engoren/The Coastal Star

By Jan Engoren

When Sydney Johnson, 31, went into labor 10 weeks early, nothing about her daughter Cecilia’s arrival went as planned. Cecilia spent several weeks in the NICU, and by the time she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 1, Johnson found herself with almost no guidance. 

“We were given no helpful or useful information,” she says. “No resources. We were left to figure it out.”

She and her partner, Rhett Aucoin, 30, signed Cecilia up for occupational, physical and speech therapy, but after a year with no progress, Johnson realized the traditional approach wasn’t working.

Determined to find something more effective, Johnson, a Boynton Beach stay-at-home mom, began researching alternative therapies. She discovered the Adeli Method — an intensive therapy program originally developed for Russian astronauts to counteract the effects of zero gravity. 

The method uses an elastic exoskeleton suit that adds vertical load, improves trunk stability, compensates for weak muscle groups and helps the body relearn proper proprioception — the sense of self movement and body position.For children with extreme muscle weakness or tightness, it can help the brain make new connections to the body. 

Cecilia completed a three-week session, five days a week, three hours a day, and the results, Johnson says, were “crazy.”

Before the program, Johnson had been in what she describes as the biggest depression of her life, terrified of what her daughter’s future might look like. But within weeks, Cecilia was close to sitting unassisted, was able to pull herself into a crawling position, take steps with a walker, and feed herself finger foods. She also showed improved eye tracking. 

“So much progress in such a short period of time,” Johnson says. “It shot me out of my depression.” 

But she also knew that without continued therapy, progress could slip away.

The challenge was cost. Even two days a week of therapy quickly became financially overwhelming.

Volunteers Ava Capuano and Rebecca Catey staffed a table at the event, which raised almost $25,000.

To defray costs, raise awareness and help others in a similar situation, Johnson organized a community fundraiser through sponsor Hope Warriors Inc., and her budding nonprofit, Friends of Cecilia, in January at Old School Square, Delray Beach. 

Dozens of volunteers in “Friends of Cecilia” T-shirts were out and about lending a hand.

Two of them, Ava Capuano, 28, and Rebecca Catey, 26, who works as a barista at Bond Street Ale and Coffee in Boynton Beach, were staffing the visitors table.

“Sydney is the light in the community,” says Catey.  “She worked hard to put on this event and we’re happy to volunteer and raise awareness for her so she can get the help she needs for Cecilia.”

With more than 40 vendors, four food trucks, a Kids Zone and pediatric therapy providers on-site, Johnson raised almost $25,000 out of a goal of $40,000 — enough to support Cecilia’s treatment for the next eight months. She also plans to fund a scholarship for another child to attend an intensive program offering specialized treatment options often excluded from insurance coverage.

Johnson expects to have a 501(c)(3) designation for her Friends of Cecilia Inc., in three to six months, paving the way for another fundraiser.

Cecilia, who turns 3 in March, receives therapy four days a week with Elizabeth “Beth” Keith, 54, at Young Body Rehab in Palm Beach Gardens. Her treatment includes aquatic, occupational and speech therapy.  She also has hippotherapy at Vinceremos in Loxahatchee, where she rides a small pony to strengthen her core. 

“Cecilia reminds us to slow down and hear the truth behind every voice,” says Keith. “She’s so lighthearted in her observations and comments, I can’t help but be uplifted by her.”

The two have worked together for almost a year on “targeted intervention,” or knowing what to do first that will have the most impact, Keith says.

She looks ahead to preventing future issues such as joint problems or scoliosis, which can result from difficulties in moving. 

Despite severe muscle weakness, Cecilia has no cognitive delays, her mother says. She speaks in short sentences —“I take bath tub now, Mommy”— and is, Johnson says, incredibly smart, patient and motivated. 

“She wants to be able to walk so badly,” Johnson says. “She loves to work and learn and is eager to do more things.”

For Johnson, the most meaningful part of this journey is watching her daughter’s determination. “It’s the best feeling in the whole world to see her making progress,” she says.

And now she hopes to help other families feel that same hope. By sharing Cecilia’s progress so openly, Johnson hopes other families feel less alone while navigating their own challenges.

Visit hopewarriorsinc.org to learn more about what it does.

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

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Melissa Levack has joined the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group. She is on staff at Delray Medical Center and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Levack focuses on aortic and valve disease. She has earned numerous honors for clinical excellence and investigation, and has presented her work nationally and internationally. Levack’s office is at 5352 Linton Blvd., Suite 100, Delray Beach.

HCA Florida JFK Hospital makes top 5% for third year in a row

HCA Florida JFK Hospital was recently named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, placing the hospital in the top 5% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance based on patient outcomes for the third year in a row. 

New operating room to help robotic, other surgical procedures

Delray Medical Center has opened a state-of-the-art, $1.9 million operating room designed to support advanced robotic and minimally invasive procedures. The operating room is equipped to support specialties that include urology, breast surgery, general surgery, ENT, thoracic surgery and interventional pulmonology. 

Biotech company closes deal on surgical, wound-care division

BioStem Technologies Inc., a biotechnology company with plans to move to Boca Raton, closed on a $15 million cash purchase of the surgical and wound care division of BioTissue Holdings Inc., with the potential for an additional regulatory milestone payment of up to $10 million for achieving 510(k) clearance for a new product, and potential commercial royalty milestone payments of up to $15 million. 

The deal includes BioTissue’s trademarked Neox and Clarix product lines, which are used to promote wound healing and generated about $29 million in sales last year, according to company figures. BioStem, currently based in Pompano Beach, purchased 4 acres in the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton for a new headquarters last year, with support from local incentives.

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

By Steve Waters

Anglers looking for a fight will have their hands full trying to reel in an amberjack.

The big, tough fish are concentrated around deep artificial reefs off South Florida now through May, which makes hooking an AJ, as the species is commonly referred to, relatively easy.

Landing one is the real challenge.

After taking a bait or lure, amberjacks tend to head straight for the wreck. If they make it, that’s pretty much the end of the fight, because it’s next to impossible to pull them out or the fishing line will break on the wreck.

The key for anglers is to reel furiously as soon as they set the hook in an AJ to get the fish safely away from the wreck. Even then, though, the powerful fish can take line as if the reel’s in free spool, so it’s critical for anglers to keep pressure on an AJ and keep it coming to the boat.

That’s even more essential when jigging with metal or butterfly jigs, which can cost from $7 to $25. A good day jigging wrecks for AJs can cost you $100 in lures.

The best thing about butterfly or flutter jigging, as opposed to dropping live baits around wrecks, is that you can fish more efficiently.

Capt. Corey McBride likes to lower a jig just above a wreck, then quickly jig it back up.

“Just lift up the rod and reel down as fast as you can,” said McBride, who fishes wrecks in 150-300 feet. “You can never go too fast.”

If an AJ doesn’t bite and the boat is still above the wreck, drop the jig back down and try again. Be advised that the technique can wear out an angler after a dozen drops, which is usually when a 50-pound or bigger amberjack hits the jig.

The jigs can be fished on conventional and spinning outfits, preferably with 50- to 65-pound braided line. And they don’t just catch amberjacks. McBride has caught almaco jacks, cobias, groupers, blackfin tunas and kingfish while jigging wrecks.

GPS coordinates and maps of artificial reefs — typically large boats deliberately sunk offshore to create habitat on sandy bottom where none exists — are available at myfwc.com/conservation/saltwater/artificial-reefs.

Among the best wrecks for amberjacks are many of the more than two dozen artificial reefs sunk off Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach by the old Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo. There are a handful of scattered reefs off Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.

On a wreck-fishing trip out of Boca Raton Inlet, Capt. Rick Redeker said that deeper wrecks often are better than shallower wrecks because they receive less fishing pressure. So if you start shallow and fishing is slow, don’t hesitate to fish farther offshore.

“If you can’t catch an amberjack on one wreck, move to another until you find them,” Redeker said.“There’s so many wrecks out there.”

His favorite bait for amberjacks is a small live bonito, which he catches by trolling a string of small jigs and spoons. Live blue runners and goggle-eyes also are effective, and grunts and pinfish will usually work.

We used 50-pound outfits with 200-pound braided line with a three-way swivel. The swivel was tied to a 10- to 20-foot leader of 80- to 130-pound monofilament with a big circle hook and a short piece of 40- or 50-pound monofilament attached to a lead sinker of 8 to 16 ounces, the weight depending on the strength of the current.

Redeker positioned his boat so the bait dropped to the bottom on the edge of the wreck instead of in the wreck. That way, when an AJ was hooked, Redeker could drive away from the wreck to improve the odds of getting the fish to the boat.

If you want to keep an amberjack, the daily bag limit in the Atlantic Ocean is one per person and the size limit is 28 inches from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail. The season is open all year except for the month of April, when it’s closed.

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

Emily Popolizio with the Cason Kids Chorus, which sang at what the church dubbed the Intergenerational Love Luncheon. Photos provided

By Janis Fontaine

On Valentine’s Day, more than two dozen children from the youth programs at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach donned red aprons and white gloves to serve a festive lunch to nearly 50 guests. 

The sold-out lunch, which filled Fellowship Hall with lively chatter and laughter, raised more than $800 for kids in foster care. Guests filled tables decorated with flowers and handmade party favors. A feast featuring a fruit cup, pasta salad, sandwiches, chips and dessert was served by the young waitstaff. 

The event was a cooperative effort of Cason Kids Care, for ages 5-11, and the newer God Squad, for kids 12 and older. Both are led by Emily Popolizio and a team of helpers. 

Popolizio, who taught elementary school for 41 years in Massachusetts, established Cason Kids Care five years ago when she saw a void in children’s programming at the church. 

“I said, I’ll try something. So I pulled together a group of parents, grandparents and teachers and said, ‘What do you want for your kids?’ What I found out was, no matter where people were on the spectrum of organized religion, they wanted their kids to be decent human beings, to have a sense of moral justice. So, I started a program that addressed those needs.” 

Cason Kids Care meets on Saturdays twice a month to learn about people less fortunate. The topic of kids in foster care climaxed with the luncheon.

Cason Kids Care started with nine members and grew to 28 over the next three years. Then, as kids aged out of the first program, Miss Emily started the God Squad, which meets on Sundays, for those older than 12. Cason Kids has 21 regular attendees, and the God Squad has 11 members. Not all of them attend Cason. 

Miss Emily has a team of helpers, including sisters Cathy Commagere and Patti Alexander, plus a trio of ladies she can always count on to lend a hand. Betty Crane, Sandi Schmidt and Loreley Hinderling, who also volunteer in the church office, made buckets of pasta salad, carefully following a recipe for uniformity. “We like to help,” Betty said. 

Alex Higgs, an eighth-grader at Don Estridge Middle School, is a member of God Squad and a former Cason Kid. He said he likes “that I’m doing something good. I feel bad for the kids who don’t have homes.” 

Alex’s sister, Kayla Higgs, is known as “the girl who does everything for everybody.” She supervised Isaac Durr as the young servers took the people’s orders, delivered their drinks and food, and cleared away the dishes when they were done. Isaac was nervous, but he didn’t show it. He deftly delivered cups of sweet tea and lemonade, and Kayla said, “Isaac did a really good job. I was proud of him.” 

Popolizio agreed. “I was just so filled with pride for the kids. To me, it’s refreshing to see kids really step up to the plate. A couple of them said, ‘Oh, I’m so nervous,’ but I told them, ‘Jesus is in your back pocket. Just say quickly, Jesus, give me some courage here, and you’ll be able to handle it.’ And they certainly did. They really did such a great job.”

Also stepping up was God Squad member Ciela Caycho, a budding entrepreneur who made the cake pops the kids served for dessert. She embraced the process of dipping molded cake in chocolate, handcrafting and wrapping more than 50 cake pops for the luncheon. 

Popolizio, who will be 80 this year, “has so much passion and energy,” Commagere said. “She’s so organized, it’s hard for anything to go wrong.” 

Kayla Higgs (in blue), working with Isaac Durr, takes lunch orders from a table with Mable McDonough (left) and Jill Petrille. McDonough, 99, is an icon at Cason UMC. Petrille is her granddaughter.

Teaching tough concepts 

Experts say teaching kids principles of kindness and empathy leads to acts of compassion. But it doesn’t happen automatically. It’s tough to teach kids about concepts that, as adults, we don’t understand ourselves. Educator Dr. Jennie Warmouth wrote in an education blog for National Geographic that empathy is “the ability to perceive, understand, and vicariously share in the thoughts, feelings and experiences of another living being.”

Simply put, empathy comes back to that old adage of walking a mile in another man’s shoes. 

But we don’t just want kids to acknowledge their feelings, Warmouth said. We want to motivate them to compassionate action, to help another in distress.

 “The great news,” Warmouth wrote, “is that empathy can be developed, strengthened, and reinforced throughout our lives.” 

Popolizio says, “In the deepest, darkest recess of their hearts, there is a feeling of wanting to be good and wanting to understand and wanting to help. And if you can tap into that, it grows. I think there’s something inside all of us, but it does need to be nurtured and explored and helped and encouraged to grow. That’s the answer, I think.” 

Each month, Cason Kids Care has a theme like homelessness or hunger, but this was the first time Popolizio tackled foster care. Each unit has two components: an introduction to the topic the first week and an activity or action that puts that theme into perspective for the second meeting. The Valentine’s Day lunch was the first time Miss Emily’s groups took on such a large project. 

To introduce the topic, Popolizio said, “I read books to the kids, and I use video clips and then ask kids what they are feeling or thinking. Sometimes I do puppet shows. They get very caught up in caring for other people. To me, that’s the best part of it, the way they become when they’re tuned in to the plight of other people.” 

Popolizio learned long ago that “the best thing to do when you’re suffering is get up and serve others and do something. That really pulled me through most of my life,” she said. When you’re focusing on someone else it’s impossible to wallow in your own self-pity.  

Empathy for the elderly is a favorite lesson for the group because it comes with a lot of good-natured laughter. “We do experiential learning that shows what it feels like to be old,” Popolizio said.

Miss Emily gives each child a purse and sets up a pretend store. She has the kids tape popsicle sticks to their fingers, put gravel in their shoes and wear nonprescription glasses smeared with Vaseline to mimic the quagmires of aging their elderly friends and family face. 

“They were challenged just trying to get the money out of the wallet,” Popolizio laughed.

For the unit on foster care, Popolizio introduced the kids to 4KIDS.org.

 4KIDS Palm Beach (4kids.us/locations/palm-beach) opened in 2006 with a goal of supporting and recruiting foster families in Palm Beach County. Its mission is “to provide loving, Christian homes for these children, keep siblings together, and give hope and healing to kids, teens, and families through prevention and therapy services.”

In 2023, there were nearly 1,000 kids living apart from their families in Palm Beach County. Half of them were under 5 years old. Statewide, the number of kids living in “out-of-home placement” exceeded 17,000 kids. The numbers are staggering, but the kids got the message.

“When encouraged, the kids’ spirit for helping others is there,” Popolizio said. “I think that’s the intrinsic goodness that God places in all of us, and hopefully they grow up with a social conscience to right some of the wrongs. You can’t fix everything, but in the long run, acts of kindness and empathy for others is going to save all of us.”   

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

David Harris will speak March 11 at Temple Beth El about his recently published book and the dangers of antisemitism. Photo provided by the American Jewish Committee

David Harris, a Jewish activist who was CEO of the American Jewish Committee from 1990 to 2022, will speak about “Antisemitism: Where Are We Today and Where Are We Going,” at 7 p.m. March 11 at the Schaefer Family Campus of Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. 

The late Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres called him the “foreign minister of the Jewish people.” Harris has been honored more than 20 times by foreign governments for his international work, making him the most decorated American Jewish organizational leader in U.S. history.

Harris also will discuss his recently published book, Antisemitism: What Everyone Needs to Know, and will share his insights and answer questions.

The event is free, but registration is required at tbeboca.org/event/antisemitism-where-we-are-today-and-where-we-are-going-with-guest-speaker-david-harris/. You can also call 561-391-8900. 

Community seders planned to mark Passover

Pesach or Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jewish emancipation from Egyptian slavery, begins before sundown on April 1 and ends after nightfall on April 9. 

The holiday is celebrated with a seder meal featuring traditional foods and strictly devoid of any leaven. It also includes retelling the story of the Exodus. 

Some local chabads and synagogues have community events planned where members and guests can enjoy a special Passover seder:

L’Dor Va-Dor’s Community Pre-Passover Seder Luncheon — 1-4 p.m. March 29; 6100 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. A meaningful and musical Passover Seder with all the traditions and foods specific to the holiday. Music and song will be provided by Cantor Carol Garrett. Reservations are required at 561–968–0688. Info: ldorvador.org/events/ldor-va-dors-community-pre-passover-seder-luncheon-boynton-beach-save-the-date/

Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County’s First Night Passover Seder — 6 p.m. April 1; 2475 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Conducted by Rabbi Steven Moss and Cantorial Soloist Shir Rozzen, enjoy a traditional Passover menu with a Seder Plate on each table. Members: $85 adults, $35 ages 12 and younger. Nonmembers: $90 adults, $36 ages 12 and younger. Reservations are required at 561-276-6161, Ext. 128 or register online at templesinaipbc.net/#Seder.

A First Night Community Passover Seder at Temple Adath Or — 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 1; 440 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. “From Mitzrayim to Moonlight” will feature the Exodus drama and community seder with traditional food. Parking is available at Trinity Lutheran’s back Early Childhood lot. Contact Rebekah at rebekah@taocenter.net or 404-217-4331.

Temple Beth El’s Classic 80s Second Night Passover Seder with Rabbi Dan Levin and Cantor Lori Brock — 5:30 p.m. April 2; 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Mixes the timeless story of Passover with the modern music and neon colors of the ‘80s. Dust off your leg warmers, tease your big hair and celebrate with the temple’s band. Members: $95 adults, $55 ages 4-12, $25 ages 3 and younger. Guests: $110 adults, $65 ages 4-12, $35 ages 3 and younger. The prices increase by $10 on March 18. Registration closes at noon March 25. Register online at tbeboca.org/event/passover-second-night-seder-with-rabbi-dan-levin-and-cantor-lori-brock/ or call 561-391-8900.

Cason concert to celebrate keyboard partnership

Cason United Methodist Church presents the 20th Anniversary Organ & Piano Concert by Ed Krynicki and Elaine Reinhardt at 3 p.m. March 15 at the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.

 These talented musicians, who have been playing together for 20 years, plan to perform spiritual and classical renditions of beloved works. A reception in their honor follows the concert. A love offering will be taken to help with the restoration of the pipe organ. Call 561-276-5302.

Miami Dolphins legend joins with CROS Ministries

Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson joined local nonprofit CROS Ministries as its guest at the inaugural Jeans & Jerseys event on Jan. 31 at Coastal Karma Brewing Co. in Lake Park.

Chaired by Joe Black and emceed by CBS 12's Jack Wu, the evening blended football with raising money to help end food insecurity. 

CEO Ruth Mageria told the gathering, “About 192,000 individuals here in Palm Beach County struggle to make ends meet and have food on their table, and CROS wants to make sure people have food to eat. Not just during the holidays, not just during the summer but all year round.”

CROS has a 48-year legacy of service and leadership in the fight against hunger, running programs six days a week and including food pantries at 10 locations, hot meal services, and gleaning initiatives that recover fresh produce from local farms.

Grace event will bring attention to foster care

Grace Community Church will host a free family-friendly event with local bands, personal stories, an artist, and a spoken word poet at 5-7 p.m. March 8 at the church, 600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 

The principal sponsor is the Declare No More Foundation, whose traveling events engage churches and other organizations to bring attention to the nearly 400,000 kids in foster care in the United States. The event will feature expert speakers in the field.

“Our goal is to put as many faces to the need as possible, and to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to connect to what is needed and respond to that need with action,” foundation co-founder Tami Kent says. “We want every person who comes to the event, whether they are in college, retired, or any stage of life in between, to see how they can personally make a difference in the life of a child.” 

Learn how churches can aid push for affordable housing

“New Ground: Transforming Faith-based Land Into Affordable Housing” is the topic of discussion at a seminar from 9 a.m. to noon March 19 at the André Fladell Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. 

Learn more about YIGBY legislation. YIGBY is an acronym for “Yes In God’s Backyard” and a direct response to the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard)-like movement that opposes the development of affordable housing and necessary infrastructure in certain areas.

Discover how faith-based organizations are leading a charge to develop housing on church properties which will help break the cycle of homelessness. The Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County and Faith in Action plan to attend. 

The free event is organized by Palm Beach County Community Services. Register at lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qmeyz2x. For more information, call 561-355-4700 or email communityservices@pbcgov.org. 

Boca church partners with nonprofit to host job fair 

Better Together is partnering with the International Bible Church to host a community job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19 at the church, 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.

Better Together (bettertogetherus.org) is a privately funded, Naples-based nonprofit. Its mission is to build strong families and communities by helping parents going through hard times keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the causes of their struggles so that they can reunite as a family. 

Better Together started by asking: What if the church got there first — to catch families before they fall? Now the organization works with churches, employers and neighbors to build a volunteer-powered safety net that parents can trust for help. The job fair features free one-on-one coaching sessions and résumé reviews along with prospective employers. 

Registration is open for job seekers and employers, which include AWP Safety, Pollo Tropical, Ring Power and the School District of Palm Beach County. Register at BetterTogetherUS.org/IntBible or text “JOBS” to 844-987-3949. 

‘Revelation’ class offered at Spanish River Church

David Cassidy, lead pastor at Spanish River Church, will teach a five-week adult learning series on the Book of Revelation, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings, April 8 through May 6. 

Explore what the Bible really says about the second coming of Christ, cutting through confusion with clear, Scripture-based teaching. Each week will include an opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion. 

Classes take place in the Connect Center Auditorium at the church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Child care is available for kids up to age 5. Register at spanishriver.com/study. For more information, call 561-994-5000 or email hello@spanishriver.com. 

Join Yoga Mass and Sacred Movement at St. Gregory’s

St. Gregory’s Episcopal continues to offer two programs that combine movement and prayer. At 4 p.m. March 19, Yoga and Sacred Movement mixes gentle stretching movements and breath work with reflection on scripture and prayer. The program is led by parishioner and yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville and is open to seniors and families. 

At 4 p.m. March 28, join Yoga Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, words of faith and contemplative meditation with the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Neville leading. 

For both events, bring a yoga mat and water. The church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com. 

Retreat to teach skills of Byzantine chant

The Young Aspiring Chanters are hosting a retreat March 6-8 to educate, inspire and unite the next generation of Orthodox chanters in an attempt to preserve the sacred art of Byzantine chant for generations to come. 

The retreat at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Yamato Road in Boca Raton, is hosted by the Chant Stand, a nonprofit that teaches the skills required for chanting the sacred hymns of the Orthodox Church. The retreat’s classes, for ages 18 to 35, are taught by Samuel Herron and John Michael Boyer, who are protopsaltis, a kind of choir director. 

The retreat will feature interactive workshops, meals, course materials and certificate of participation. Registration ($100) is at thechantstand.org.

St. Lucy Catholic Church seeking more ushers

Father Brian Horgan at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach sent out a call in the church bulletin for ushers. He wrote, “Ushers serve in a unique way. They are often the first to greet those who enter the church, offering a word of welcome and assistance.

“During Mass, they help with seating, collections, and attending to the needs of parishioners. They also assist in maintaining a sense of order and awareness, helping to ensure that our worship may take place in a prayerful and respectful atmosphere. In many ways, ushers are a visible sign of hospitality and care for all who come to worship. At present, we are in serious need of additional ushers.” 

If you feel called to help, contact Chris Sifuentes, parish operations manager, at 561-278-1280 to register. 

The church also has two festive (and delicious) events in March. At 6 p.m. March 14 in Parish Hall, the St. Lucy Sisterhood hosts “La Dolce Vita Dinner and Dance” with food and wine, door prizes and live music. Tickets are $100. 

The Brotherhood of St. Lucy invites everyone to its annual Lenten Fish Fry, which is offered 5-7 p.m. Fridays through March 27 in Parish Hall. 

This year promises to be better than ever with no charge for the meal. In the true spirit of Lent and Christian generosity, donations are welcome and will help support the charitable and spiritual works of the parish. 

St. Lucy is at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. Call 561-278-1280 or visit stlucy.net. 

Pop-opera trio to play at First Presbyterian Church

The First Delray Concert Series at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach continues with “The Latin Divos… and Friends” at 4 p.m. March 29 at the church, 33 Gleason St. The pop-opera trio Fernando Gonzales, Ernesto Cabrera and Will Corujo will be joined by instrumentalists on piano, saxophone, violin, bass, guitar and percussion, as well as special guest vocalist Gabriela Corujo. Tickets are $20 each, available at firstdelray.com/concerts/upcoming-concerts.

Lou Ann Frala contributed to this column.

— Janis Fontaine

Dr. Brianna Gaines with her cat, Willow. Gaines, a veterinarian in Boca Raton, says diagnosing pet allergies can be tricky and time-consuming, but pets may display symptoms such as intense scratching, excessive licking and writhing on their backs (below). Photos provided 

By Arden Moore

Itch. Scratch. Lick. Sneeze. Repeat. 

The arrival of spring signals the start of allergy season across the country for far too many dogs and cats. But here in Palm Beach County, allergy issues occur year-round thanks to our warm climate.

“In South Florida, allergy season feels like it never really ends,” says Brianna Gaines, DVM, of Healthy Pets Boca North in Boca Raton. “Our warm climate means pollens, grasses and environmental allergens are around almost year-round. It can be tough to predict which seasonal shift will trigger a flare-up.”

Often, she must tap into her inner pet detective to identify the cause and then provide the right treatment to relieve pets contending with allergies.

Pets contending with a yet-to-be-identified allergen show signs that can include:

•  Sneezing frequently and displaying watery eyes.

•  Intensely scratching their bodies.

•  Excessively licking paws and bodies.

•  Nibbling on their paws or skin to the point of causing rashes and open sores.

•  Developing lumps or bumps on the skin.

•  Constantly rubbing their faces or ears.

Environmental allergens and fleas can and do menace pets in South Florida year-round. Topping the list locally are:

Tree pollen: Juniper, bald cypress, oak, pine and mango pollen can trigger skin irritation and other health issues in pets. 

Grasses and weeds: High pollen counts can be found in common Florida grasses, led by Bermuda and Bahia as well as weeds, such as dog fennel and ragweed. 

Mold and mildew: Our humid climate enables mold spores to thrive in landscaping.

Fleas: They thrive here year-round because there is never a truly hard freeze to disrupt the fleas’ egg production.  

“Flea allergies are also incredibly common here and can make everything worse,” says Gaines. “Even one flea bite can send an allergic pet into a full flare-up. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter preventatives aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Prescription flea prevention is really the best way to stay ahead of the problem.” 

Some pets can also be allergic to certain foods or even lawn chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. That’s why it is vital to work closely with your veterinarian to provide necessary tests to pinpoint the culprit.

“Skin problems can snowball quickly,” says Gaines. “The earlier we intervene, the easier they are to manage. Remember, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It takes time to heal.”

Be ready to practice patience in the quest to find the cause. That often requires your veterinarian to analyze blood and skin samples and to perform other diagnostic tests. 

In the era of quick answers found on Google or ChatGPT, Gaines recommends that pet parents seek guidance from their veterinarians.

“We all want quick answers,” she says. “But when it comes to skin issues, it’s best to skip the over-the-counter supplements, random diet changes and topical treatments, and go straight to your veterinarian.”

She adds, “Dermatology is especially interesting because it’s rarely a one-and-done fix. There is no exact cure for the allergic dog. Managing their allergies is an ongoing process.”

In finding relief for your pet,  “the biggest challenge is that it often takes time — and a bit of trial and error — to figure out what works,” Gaines says.

“We may try different tests, topicals, diets, oral medications or injectables before we land on the right combination. But when we finally crack the code and a pet who has been miserable is suddenly comfortable again, it’s the best feeling.” 

Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites: petfirstaid4u.com and ardenmoore.com. 

Practice these at-home tips  

Be proactive for your pet’s sake to mitigate allergic reactions. Strive to:

• Get in the habit of using pet wipes or a damp cloth to wipe away any pollen on your dog’s fur and paws after each walk.

•  Bathe your dog regularly with hypoallergenic pet shampoos designed to remove allergens from the skin. 

•  Make sure your dog and cat receive veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventative medication year-round.

•  Invest in HEPA air filters and vacuum often to combat indoor allergens.

Learn more

Healthy Pets Boca North provides an array of dermatology services for pets. The clinic also offers an in-depth section on skin issues that can be found at this link: healthypetsbocanorth.com/pet-dermatology-boca-raton-fl/. 

You can also learn more dermatological info by visiting this link provided by the veterinary team at Colonial Animal Hospital in Boynton Beach: colonialanimalhospital.com/dermatology/.

Fifth-grade students at Orchard View Elementary read poems to the adult volunteers who were on hand to read to students as part of the annual Delray Reads program. Photo provided

Experience luxurious beachfront living at 6201 N. Ocean Blvd., a hidden tropical sanctuary in Ocean Ridge. Set on an expansive 50-by-418-foot deep oceanfront lot, it is tucked behind a private entrance on Edith Street. This offers a rare blend of charm, privacy, and island-inspired elegance.

The great room at the entry level is the heart of the home, featuring soaring two-story ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that capture breathtaking ocean views. 

Designed for both relaxed coastal living and effortless entertaining, with 3,225 +/- total living space, this residence —  built in 2000 —  includes three bedrooms and 2.5 baths in the main house, along with a separate two-bedroom, one-bath guest house that is perfect for hosting family and friends in comfort and privacy. Vaulted ceilings abound, marble and wood floors lie throughout, and designer amenities are numerous, including two attached, single-car garages on the west side of the home.

Offered at $9,249,000.

Contact The Pascal Liguori Estate Group, 561-789-8300. Premier Estate Properties, 900 E. Atlantic Ave., #4, Delray Beach; PLEG@premierestateproperties.com.

Delray Beach is trying to save a massive banyan tree on its municipal golf course that the Lake Worth Drainage District says must come down because it poses a flooding danger if it were to fall into the adjacent canal during a hurricane. The golf course clubhouse can be seen to the left. John Pacenti/The Coastal Star

By John Pacenti 

Whenever a major municipal project commences, there is always a chance to find buried treasure — in this case, it was more than 70 years old and rose 50 feet into the sky. 

During work on a $33 million renovation project at Delray Beach’s historic municipal golf course, crews discovered that what they thought was a large grove of trees was in fact a single, sprawling banyan tree — possibly the largest in southern Palm Beach County.

However, the tree — which is visible from the clubhouse’s ballroom — also significantly encroaches upon a nearby canal, and the Lake Worth Drainage District has asked for it to be removed. An engineering report found that if the tree fell during a tropical storm, significant flooding could occur.

What looked at first blush to be a feel-good story about saving a historic tree morphed into a clash of jurisdictions between Delray Beach and the drainage district — one defined by land, the other defined by water.

"I don't want to say the heavy-handedness of the Lake Worth Drainage District,” Mayor Tom Carney said. “But we were never really in the game, and they just really dictated terms. I don't believe that that's proper."

It doesn’t look good for the tree. 

Delray Beach entered into a contract with the drainage district in 1994 to remove trees as directed or face the legal — and costly — consequences. Still, city commissioners at a Feb. 18 special meeting chose to hire an arborist to produce a report to try to persuade the drainage district to reverse its decision.

The banyan's trunk system can make it look like multiple trees, but it is only one tree, with a canopy covering about a half-acre. Photo provided

A champion banyan?

An arborist has already evaluated the tree — which is a Chinese banyan — and determined it is in good health, with a robust canopy that could make it a candidate for Florida Forest Service champion tree recognition.

“The 78-year-old banyan tree is a part of the history of our golf course and needs to be protected,” Carney told The Coastal Star. “It has survived many hurricanes over the years and has the root system necessary to survive the storms to come. Protecting it is a fight worth having.”

Public Works Director Missie Barletto told the commission at its Jan. 6 meeting that staff thought at first it was just a grove of trees, but once the underbrush was cleared away, they realized it was all one tree covering about a half-acre.

As a banyan tree grows, its horizontal branches become longer and heavier, and it sprouts "aerial roots" that hang down like threads. Once these threads touch the ground, they take root and thicken into woody "accessory trunks.” 

Photos show that the tree with the brain-shaped canopy was already present in a 1953 image of the golf course, indicating the tree has stood on the property for generations.

The course designer and contractor support efforts to retain the banyan and are prepared to help mitigate any construction schedule impacts, Barletto said. The arborist who looked at it initially feels like it may be a candidate for a Florida Forest Service Champion Tree Award, she said. 

A river runs through it

The E-4 canal runs north-south, separating the golf course from the residential neighborhoods and businesses to the east toward Congress Avenue. Its role is to remove heavy rainfall from neighborhoods. 

Lake Worth Drainage District officials have told city staff that the tree would need to be removed unless the city obtains a variance. 

The city told the drainage district it would take responsibility for the tree if it fell into the canal after a major storm and would add a codicil to the city’s debris‑removal contract to ensure the city can respond quickly to protect safety and navigation, Barletto said.

But a drainage district engineer’s report portrayed the banyan somewhat as the Al Capone of trees. 

There was even a dark AI-generated image of what would occur if it fell into the canal during a tropical tempest. Trees damaged during hurricanes past — like Category 5 Andrew — were shown as a grim reminder.

Of note is that the drainage district didn’t demand the tree be removed until the recent redo of the golf course. Yet again, the city didn’t even know about the tree until the renovation.

Tommy Strowd, the drainage district’s executive director, did not return a phone call for comment.

City makes ‘tree-mendous’ stand

Commissioner Tom Markert has been a champion of the tree as well. “Save the tree. This is a no-brainer,” he said when it first came up at the commission’s Jan. 6 meeting. He and Barletto then spoke at the Lake Worth Drainage District’s Feb. 11 board meeting to no avail.

Carney called the Feb. 18 special meeting of the Delray Beach City Commission to discuss the tree, and, once again, bickering ensued.

Carney suggested seeking an injunction against the drainage district. But City Attorney Lynn Gelin said that the district’s request was indeed proper per the contract and that the city would have a hard time challenging it. 

Commissioner Juli Casale said the tree is 90% on property owned by the drainage district.

Markert, citing an emailed newsletter, accused Carney of saying he was a failure because the drainage district ruled against the city. Then a discussion ensued not on the tree, but whether the newsletter was sent from the mayor’s web address.

City Manager Terrence Moore aimed to turn the temperature down, knowing a fight with the drainage district does the city no good.

A consensus was finally reached to have an arborist do his own report to try to get the drainage district to reconsider. If it does not, the city has until March 13 — Friday the 13th — to remove the tree, Moore said.

Jim Chard, chairman of the Historic Preservation Board, spoke during the public comments at the special meeting. He said the arborist the city is hiring thinks removing the tree will actually damage the integrity of the canal bank since the roots go so deep. He said the arborist’s report can be finished by Feb. 20.

The manager said he will work on parallel tracks of continuing the effort to save the tree while preparing for its demise. He tempered expectations.

"If there's any time an opportunity exists to preserve a tree, save whatever we can, we take every effort to do so,” Moore said. “This was an arduous consideration, an arduous request, because, as it turns out, Lake Worth Drainage District has never in known history granted such an authorization.”

There is a bit of good news for golfers, though, Barletto said in January.

The renovation of the municipal course has already made rapid progress since construction began in December. She said crews are moving at “an incredible pace” and that keeping the tree would be a priority.

Recent weather fronts and high tides have carved out 12-foot sand cliffs at South Inlet Park in Boca Raton. The severe erosion has exposed the inlets dredge piper, reduced dry beach area and limited public access, especially near the south jetty. These pictures were taken Thursday morning, Feb. 12. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Above: Caroline Baker of Pittsburgh, overlooking the beach cliffs,  is visiting her parents in Boca Raton. She has been spending her mornings journaling at South Inlet Park. Right: What the beach area typically looks like can be  seen in this photo taken a year ago. Below: Sunrise over the inlet on Feb. 12. Bottom: A view of the eroded coastline, with Baker seated at top, and limited beach space.

The Coastal Star was honored by the Florida Press Club with 17 overall awards, including five first-place honors, announced Jan. 31 during a ceremony in West Palm Beach. Staff photo/The Coastal Star

By Henry Fitzgerald

The Coastal Star won 17 awards at an annual Florida Press Club dinner held in West Palm Beach on Jan. 31, reeling in five first-place awards, five second-place awards, six third-place awards and one honorable mention.

The first-place awards went to Jane Musgrave for business news, Larry Barszewski and Musgrave for breaking news, John Pacenti for public safety reporting, Faran Fagen for sports feature stories, and Sharon Geltner for her arts news entry.

The newspaper also received second- and third-place awards in the prestigious Lucy Morgan Award competition for in-depth reporting. The second-place award was for its coverage of the Brightline train collision with a Delray Beach fire truck and related stories. The third-place award was for a package of stories about safety on State Road A1A, including ones about a pedestrian struck and killed in Delray Beach and a cyclist killed in Boca Raton.

The paper’s other second-place awards came in general news photography, business news, health writing and light features. The other third-place awards were in art news, commentary, environmental writing, minority news and public safety reporting. The honorable mention was for environmental writing.

“I'm very proud of the work you all did,” Editor Larry Barszewski wrote in an email to the staff. “I'm especially glad a number of you were able to be there and be recognized by your peers for your outstanding work.”

Musgrave won a first-place award for business stories she wrote that detailed the travails of a beleaguered owner of a decrepit house in Ocean Ridge once owned by an ex-wife of former automobile executive John DeLorean (February 2025), another about Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison purchasing the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (September 2024), and a third — Buy and Bulldoze — about how millionaires and billionaires now think nothing of buying multimillion-dollar homes only to raze them to build even bigger and better (April 2025).  

She and Barszewski received a first-place award for their story about a double murder at 365 Ocean, a boutique extended stay hotel on A1A in Boca Raton (October 2024).

Pacenti’s first place award came for a trio of stories, which included an article about five drownings due to rip currents off the coast of Palm Beach County (November 2024); angry beachgoers in Ocean Ridge fed up with pooches pooping on the beach (April 2025); and Delray Beach trying to decide what to do with money it received from a national opioid settlement (July 2024).

Fagen’s first-place award was based on a story he wrote about children with special needs playing baseball in the Miracle League of Palm Beach County (January 2025), and one about a junior national champion squash player at St. Andrew’s High School from Delray Beach (May 2025).

Sharon Geltner earned her first-place prize for her article about the Palm Beach County arts community being shocked when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 100% of the state’s arts grants (July 2024).

The awards ceremony marked the 76^th anniversary of the Florida Press Club’s founding. The competition covered the period from June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025.

Related: Three first-time candidates square off in commission race | City Commission election candidate profiles

By John Pacenti

The Coastal Star interviewed the three Delray Beach City Commission candidates competing against each other in the city's March 10 election. Their answers have been edited for brevity.  

Q: Why are you running, and what do you think you would bring to the commission that your opponents would not? 

Andrea Keiser: I really think that the commission needs more representation of the next generation of Delray residents. 

Delores Rangel: I want to bring my 27 years of experience working with the commission to serving on the commission. I bring a wealth of institutional knowledge that my opponents don't possess, plus I've lived in Delray for 59 years. I have seen what works and what doesn't.

Judy Mollica: I'm running to positively influence the city that I love and be a steward to the things that are good about Delray Beach, and then help creatively and collaboratively solve things that need to be improved.

***

Q: For coastal residents, what is your message to them? 

Keiser: It is important to protect our beach and the quality of life for those who live there. We have earned accolades for our beaches and it is important to renourish it.  …  Because of the mix of private and public uses, the coast needs to be patrolled for general safety and the noise ordinance should be enforced. People choose to live on the coast to hear the ocean, not the downtown. 

Rangel: Our beach is our jewel - maintaining it will always be a top priority, but we must continue to explore methods other than renourishment to preserve it. … There are street flooding issues and residents want better enforcement of the "No Wake" zone on the Intracoastal. I will work with the Beach Property Owners Association and coastal residents to address these issues.

Mollica: I would say that I am big into protecting our beaches. Obviously, that's a big calling card for Delray Beach …There's some talk about that (artificial) reefs could possibly take care of that, but there are no reefs. We call it reef restoration, or at least that's what's being spoken about. But there really hasn't been any."

***

Q: City Manager Terrence Moore did not publicly bring the ICE agreement that would deputize city police officers as federal immigration agents in front of the commission. Was this a misstep?

Keiser: Should the community have input on this very important issue? The answer is always going to be a resounding ‘yes.’

Rangel: Yes, I do believe it was a misstep. The ICE agreement should have warranted a discussion at the City Commission level.  On matters of such significant community impact, I believe transparency is important. 

Mollica: Absolutely, so everybody else could be as outraged as I am about it, right? ... I don't think in the end, we could have done anything different, right? Because, much like the crosswalk thing, they didn't give us a choice.”

***

Q: Mayor Tom Carney has criticized the Downtown Development Authority and there is a state audit. What are your thoughts on the DDA’s performance and whether there is government waste? 

Keiser: You have to be accountable and responsible for the use of that (taxpayer) money and ensure it's being used in the proper way…

Rangel: I saw firsthand how the DDA transformed our downtown into the vibrant scene it is today, under the leadership of Executive Director Laura Simon. Downtown businesses are extremely satisfied with the DDA's performance. The city's audit turned up issues that the DDA is addressing.  The only "waste " here is the waste of time and taxpayer money by subjecting the DDA to an additional state audit.

Mollica: It feels to me from the outside looking in that this poor agency is being bullied. And, you know, there could be a chance that it gets dissolved because there's an appetite for that anyway, in Tallahassee, to dissolve CRAs and DDAs.  I think they do a lot for this city.

***

Q: Gov. DeSantis wants to eliminate the property tax for homesteaded properties. What is your position and your thoughts on Tallahassee’s effect on home rule? 

Keiser:  I think lowering costs for our families and our residents is always a priority. However, there's also the other side, where people are scared that it's going to detrimentally impact our essential services if we cut that much revenue.

Rangel: The growing trend of state preemption is shifting power away from elected officials and toward the state capitol.  When the legislature preempts local control over areas like development, it limits the residents' voice as to how their community grows.

Mollica: I’m outraged by the erosion of home rule. I think that the property tax proposals sound attractive to people, but what it's actually going to do for a municipality is going to defund our police, and it's going to defund our fire (department.) It's going to defund any road work. It's going to defund any beach restoration. It will defund us entirely.

***

Q: Affordable housing remains a problem in Delray Beach, Florida and the U.S. in general. What can the city be doing to address this problem?

Keiser: I want to make sure when we say affordable housing, that it's housing with dignity. … We need to have diversity of all types of housing. You need to have housing available for every level, for every resident in this city."

Rangel: City commissioners also serve on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board and a large part of the CRA's mission is to provide affordable housing, like Carver Square and Island Cove, built in partnerships with other organizations.  I am committed to identifying properties in Delray Beach to build more affordable housing and expanding initiatives to ensure that essential workers and long-term residents can continue to live here.

Mollica: There are so many ways to approach affordable housing. One of the ways that does not appear to be working is the workforce housing, where the developer gets to choose what level of workforce housing they can put in that building. It’s always the highest level, and doesn't necessarily equate with what people are making.

***

Q: Do you feel the city at this stage needs to hold the line on large developments for downtown?

Keiser: I’m not sure why I have to be pro-development or anti-development. I think it really is about time and place, right? So, you know, every piece of real estate is different.

Rangel: The commission should carefully consider any proposed new large development for the downtown, because we all need a break. The building of Atlantic Crossing has certainly taken its toll and residents are really tired of all the construction, noise and traffic from these massive projects that go on for years.

Mollica: One of the things that is disheartening to me is seeing all of the businesses disappear and townhomes going up in their place.