The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County hauled in an impressive $290,000 in one night to support youth programs at the Boca Raton club. The elegant evening had a nautical ‘Horizon of Hope’ theme and featured live and silent auctions as well as dueling pianos that kept guests entertained. ‘As the need for the Boys & Girls Club in Boca Raton continues to grow, so does the incredible support from this community,’ President and CEO Jaene Miranda said. ‘The funds raised will not only strengthen current programs but will create a lasting, generational impact for countless children.’ ABOVE: Donna and Barry Goldberg. Photo provided

Jeannine Morris, nominated by Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus, was named Woman Volunteer of the Year at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s annual luncheon. Morris was chosen from among 40 outstanding female volunteers for the prestigious award. More than 900 attended the lavish affair. ‘Congratulations to Jeannine Morris for this well-deserved honor, and thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this an outstanding event,’ said Victoria Matthews, league president. ‘We so appreciate our sponsors, committee, co-chairs and honorary chair.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Mark Larkin, Co-Chairwomen Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo, Morris, Matthews, Maureen Mann, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Paige Kornblue and Glenn Glazer. Photo provided by Coastal Click Photography

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties welcomed nearly 70 donors to its annual event, which recognized members of the Legacy Society and the Scholarship Society and celebrated the generosity of the foundation’s philanthropic partners and the impact of their work. The organization provides charitable expertise to engage investors and, since 1972, has distributed $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing opportunity gaps. ABOVE: George Elmore and Marti LaTour. Photo provided by Tracey Benson Photography

The Institute for Regional Conservation’s annual affair attracted nearly 100 attendees who joined to raise money for the nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation. The evening featured creative bites, specialty drinks, live music, fun trivia and a successful silent auction. During the event, guests were invited to learn more about the IRC’s ongoing work, including restoration projects, education programs and efforts to prevent the loss of native plant species. ‘We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out for our do-good fundraiser,’ said Liz Dutra, conservation program manager. ‘The support of our community fuels the work we do every day.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Dutra, Jonathan Moreno, Stacy Brown, Eric Gomez-Gonzalez, Melinda Ogden, George Gann, Madison Robuck, Kayla Mosteller, Joel Otero and Keith Buttry. Photo provided by MasterWing Creative Agency

The Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum’s elegant affair shined a light on 25 local luminaries whose leadership shaped the city in the early 2000s. An all-new Centennial Plaque was unveiled — a historic addition to Mizner Plaza recognizing Boca Raton’s 100th anniversary — on which the honorees’ names will be permanently commemorated as a nod to a transformative era. ABOVE: (l-r) Marta Batmasian, Florida Atlantic University Dean Michael Horswell and President Adam Hasner. Photo provided

Impact 100 Palm Beach County marked its 15th year of collective philanthropy with an annual affair that brought together members and guests and provided an opportunity to reflect on the tangible results of the organization’s grant-making. Since its founding, a total of $7.7 million has been gifted through 124 grants, including 73 high-impact $100,000 grants and 51 merit grants. ‘This celebration reminds us that when women come together with purpose, meaningful change follows,’ President Janean Mileusnic said. ABOVE: Ann Brown and Helen Ballerano. Photos provided  

L-R: Mimi Meister, Kathryn Gillespie and Donna Glenn.

L-R: Holly Schuttler and Noreen Payne. 

The debut celebration organized by the Boca Raton Achievement Center showcased the abilities of children and young adults with special needs and lauded the families that support them. A highlight of the evening, attended by 80-plus, was a deeply moving speech by Suzanne Jarriel, a mother of two who shared her journey with her son’s autism diagnosis. ‘I had found our saving grace,’ Jarriel said. ‘BRAC is not just a school, it’s a community. It gives children and young adults with special needs a safe space and gives parents like me a network of support.’ ABOVE: Andrew Friis and Maxie Kaan-Lilly. BELOW: (l-r) Marta Batmasian, Linda Petrakis and Jen Caprio. Photos provided

It was a picture-perfect day for Clinics Can Help as enthusiastic players rallied around a day of camaraderie, community and competition, all while raising nearly $50,000. The funds will support the organization’s mission of empowering children and adults to achieve greater mobility, independence and dignity through access to essential medical equipment and supplies. ‘Watching this tournament grow and seeing the impact it has on our programs means the world to us,’ CEO Owen O’Neill said. ‘As Palm Beach County grows, so does the need, and we’re deeply thankful for everyone helping us meet it.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Patrick Daly, Tyler Jacobs, Evan Nuss and Nate Gates. Photo provided

The JCC kicked off its 2025-26 season with presentations by esteemed writers Jacqueline Friedland, Zibby Owens and Alyson Richman. The women spoke to a sold-out crowd of 650 about the importance and value of elevating Jewish voices. The annual event is a signature program of the Sandler Center and is part of its Myrna Lippman Literary Season, which is dedicated to sharing Jewish stories, perspectives and history. ‘Each year, this luncheon reminds us of the power of storytelling to connect, uplift and inspire,’ the center’s Stephanie Owitz said. ‘We are grateful to our authors for sharing their insights and to our community for showing up in such meaningful numbers.’  ABOVE: (l-r) Dana Clarfield, Nancy Marks-Small, Jill Poser-Kammet and Leah Spero. Photo provided by Wendy J Studios

Friends, colleagues and community leaders paid tribute to Mary Csar, the longtime face of the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, during an evening that also marked the opening of the Cloister Inn Museum, an exhibit commemorating The Boca Raton’s upcoming centennial. Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas and City Council members Yvette Drucker, Andy Thomson and Marc Wigder presented Csar with a key to the city for her decades of service, preservation efforts and impact on Boca Raton’s cultural legacy. ABOVE: Mike Arts and Csar. Photo provided by LivingFla.com

In support of the Delray Beach Public Library’s Retail Therapy Experience, the downtown French-Vietnamese restaurant opened its doors to more than 110 guests wanting to give back to their community. After enjoying food and drinks, attendees boarded private trolleys for an afternoon of shopping along Atlantic Avenue, stopping at several popular stores. The event concluded with a happy hour. All proceeds benefit the library’s programs and services. ABOVE: (l-r) Kim Beckett, Jaana Moisio, Rose Schuhmann and Colleen Schuhmann. BELOW: (l-r) MaryAnn Cody, Dianne Jayne, Linda Dean and Deidre Neal. Photos provided

A celebration of a quarter-century of bolstering youths in the area raised more than $400,000 and saw the 350-plus in attendance invest in the future of the Y. Proceeds will go toward program expansion so more children can be served. A highlight of the night was the announcement of a $250,000 gift from Abdol and Cathy Moabery earmarked for a new playground and splash pad. ‘We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown at this milestone event,’ said Shea Ciarletta, vice president of development. ‘As we celebrate 25 years of meaningful impact in Boynton Beach, we remain committed to building a stronger, healthier community.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Terry Fedele, Jerry Fedele and Pat Thomas. Photo provided by Carlos Aristizabal

The inaugural fundraiser for the Sandoway Discovery Center was a huge success — and a sellout.  It brought together locals, visitors and partner businesses for an unforgettable night that combined the city’s lively bar scene with marine conservation as each stop embraced the spirit of the event. Participants donned their shark fin headgear and raised awareness of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems. The haul was more than $10,000. ABOVE: (l-r) Suzy Geller, Danica Sanborn and Christine Romines. Photo provided

Palm Beach Symphony members were treated to a preview of the 2025-26 season and a dazzling musical overview led by maestro Gerard Schwarz. ‘Once again this year, audiences will be enthralled by the incredible musicians that we are bringing to the stage,’ said James Borynack, the symphony’s board chairman. ‘I am so proud of our members, board, donors, supporters, music director Gerard Schwarz, our musicians and staff for their stewardship in bringing to life our mission to engage, educate and entertain the community through live orchestral music performances.’ ABOVE: Lois Pope and Bill Porter. Photo provided by Capehart

Rats! Several restaurants in downtown Delray Beach were shut down last month for sanitation and safety violations that involved rodent infestations.

Blue Anchor Pub, MV Take-Out Restaurant and Gou Lakay & American Taste were closed for service after state inspectors failed them for extreme violations.

All reopened within days of closing, after reinspections found only minor infractions.

Now they’ll have surprise inspections four times a year, based on the closures, said Barry Goldman, a recently retired inspector.

Otherwise, most restaurants get looked at twice a year, at random intervals, unless there are complaints.

“We can show up anytime during the day,” he said. 

Goldman inspected restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, restaurant and hotels division.

He also taught food safety as a chef-instructor for the former Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach. His résumé includes executive chef positions at several hotels in Miami Beach, including the Fountainbleu, and Hollywood’s Diplomat. He also was chef at New York City’s Playboy Club.

Although the presence of live creature activity — rodents or insects — gets a restaurant shut down immediately, it’s not always the biggest threat to  diners’ health, he said. 

“The biggest way people get sick is from the people who handle the food. You’re not getting sick from the hamburger, but the way the guy makes the hamburger.”

Common violations involve cooks who cross-contaminate fresh foods and raw proteins.

“Someone’s working the grill, and puts a raw burger patty on the grill, then with the same hand — gloved or not — grabs a bun. Or picks up cheese. Now the bun or the rest of the cheese is contaminated with raw meat. It has to be thrown out,” Goldman said.

The storage of raw proteins over fresh products eaten raw, such as raw chicken stored over mushrooms or lettuce, is a serious violation.

If a restaurant has extreme violations, it’s shut down. The owners/operators can correct the problems and call for an inspection right away. If inspectors are satisfied, the restaurant can reopen, often the next day.

Temperature is vital

A number of violations can add up to citations, fines or closure, Goldman said.

Temperature problems are one big red flag.

“Somebody orders a piece of fish. It must be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees. We get out our needle and check it,” he said.

To prevent any arguments over readings, the inspector’s thermometers are calibrated to the restaurant’s, Goldman said.

Reheated cooked foods must be warmed to 165 degrees then held at 135 indefinitely. They should be cooled to 41 degrees to hold overnight, then brought back to temperature.

Italian restaurants are terrible about taking care of leftover soups or pasta sauces to be reheated the next day, Goldman said.

“Where is it? ‘In the walk-in,’ they say. We go in, it’s in a big pot. Stick in the needle. They’re not under 41 degrees, so they’re not legally edible. It has to be thrown out.”

Checking a list

Inspectors have an 82-point checklist in their comprehensive sweep of a restaurant. 

From the temperature of the coolers and foods, to the condition of holding containers, to the sink handles, tongs for bar condiments, and ice machines — inspectors have a lot to look at.

They bring flashlights and gloves to inspect inside, over, under and around equipment.

“We’re looking outside the restaurant for flies,” Goldman said. “They’re almost worse than cockroaches. Flies transmit bacteria. They eat anything and everything and spit it on food.”

Cardboard is a breeding ground for roaches in the kitchens, he said. “Cockroaches have their own spas, we say.”

Removing grease buildup on hoods and stoves and sanitizing sinks and drains are important. Certain dish sanitizers must be used, and hot water must work at handwashing sinks.

Every restaurant owner is aware of all these things, Goldman said, through the state’s required training and certification for safe food handling and serving.

“Every single manager of a restaurant has to go to training. It’s a ServSafe manager’s certification. The managers must then teach all of their employees, and they get a certification as well.”

The employees have 90 days after hiring to get the certificate, or to bring one from a previous restaurant that’s dated. Certificates for managers are good for five years; for servers and food handlers, three years.

A restaurant is required to have a certified manager on duty at all times — and managers must present their certificates when an inspector pops up.

Step by step

Inspections are random, Goldman said.

“We can go in at lunch. The servers say, ‘But we’re right in the middle of service.’ That is usually the best time to see how food is being handled and served. We can observe the cooks surreptitiously while writing on our notebook,” Goldman said.

He starts with the appearance of the place, and the staff. 

Cooks must have hats or hairnets — even bald cooks, and if beards are long, beard guards. 

No jewelry, including watches, is allowed in the kitchen. “They harbor bacteria that can be transferred to the food,” Goldman said.

And no fake nails are allowed in the kitchen. 

“Servers can have fake fingernails. They aren’t touching the food,” Goldman said.

Aprons should be reasonably clean. The floor can have pieces of food, especially during service times.

“We’re not looking for something that was dropped during prep. We’re looking for food that was kicked under a table or stove and not cleaned up,” Goldman said.

All equipment is inspected. Slicers are problematic, because  the guards frequently get dirty. That merits a citation and can result in fines if enough violations pile up.

Bars get inspected, as well. Dairy products, such as heavy cream, must be stored at under 41 degrees and not left out behind the bar. Lemons, olives and onions have tongs or spoons for serving — no bare hands should touch them.

And, “the bartender is the only one who can touch a bare straw,” Goldman said. 

Every bar must have a three-compartment sink, for dumping, washing and rinsing glasses. They are then air-dried. 

“Think of towels used to wipe the glasses — they’ll wipe the bar and spread all the bacteria. So no. Air-dry only,” Goldman said.

In restroom inspections, the smelly ones get immediate attention. The odor has to do with drains backing up by not being sanitized properly.

“We go to some restaurants, they have an Out of Order sign on the door. They say it’s to keep outsiders from using their bathrooms. That’s illegal. Every restaurant must have working public facilities,” Goldman said.

All of this is to protect the diner, he said, not to punish a restaurant.

“We work for you. We represent the consumer.”

The public can anonymously report restaurants to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation online if they suspect problems. Inspectors are sent out for every report, Goldman said. 

If three or more reports come in from people reporting food-borne illness, it’s turned over to the county Health Department and is considered an outbreak. An investigation follows.

But the inspectors do a lot to keep the public safe and prevent this. Goldman said, “You’d be amazed at what we catch.”

Food and Wine series at Delray Beach Open

The Delray Beach Open is stepping up its popular Food and Wine series, with more chefs and mixologists coming to the culinary tent at the Tennis Center. 

The tournament celebrates its 34th year Feb. 13-22. 

New this year is “Serve & Savor: A Taste of Italy,” a tasting event on Feb. 21 featuring wines from official partner Caymus Vineyards. Returning are longtime fan favorites, including “Game, Set, Pour,” “Burgers, Bourbon & Brew,” “Tacos, Tequila & Tennis,” and the extravagant “Grand Tasting.”

All are ticketed events that sell out quickly.

Events involving more than 40 restaurants and beverage partners, with curated tastings, specialty cocktail offerings, and appearances by ATP players are scheduled.

Tickets and more information are online at Delraybeachopen.com/en/food-and-wine. Events are rain or shine; no refunds or exchanges. Most Food and Wine events are limited to people 21 and older.

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

Ben Frost and his daughter, Parker, of Delray Beach. Both were born with clefts and now try to help others. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

Father and daughter Ben Frost and Parker Frost were both born with clefts — a condition that affects one in every 700 births, according to Smile Train, a global nonprofit that provides free cleft surgeries and care in more than 75 countries. 

A cleft is an opening or split in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both.

While the condition can be treated through surgery, speech therapy and other care, what defines this father and daughter wasn’t their diagnosis — it was their resilience at a young age.

“Being born with a cleft forces you to learn life lessons about the importance of feeling good about yourself,” says Ben, 51, an investment banker with Goldman Sachs who moved from New York to Delray Beach three years ago. “I’ve learned to be less concerned with how others see me.”

Born with a bilateral cleft, Ben Frost spent nearly one week each year in the hospital until age 13, undergoing surgeries to construct a hard palate, repair his lip and realign his jaw and teeth. He also attended speech therapy to relearn how to speak clearly — a process made easier by a nursery school friend who took the time to understand him.

Frost says his condition never hindered his ability to thrive: “I have a beautiful family and a wonderful job.”

His biggest concern was passing on the condition. While his older daughter, Alexa, does not have a cleft, a fetal 3-D ultrasound revealed that his second daughter, Parker, would be born with one, a unilateral cleft.

A senior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Parker, 17, plays golf and beach volleyball and plans to study marketing and sports management in college. She and her dad are die-hard Yankees fans, though Ben is open to rooting for his adopted home team, the Marlins.

While Ben Frost’s childhood was shaped by hospital stays and speech therapy, Parker Frost faced an additional challenge: growing up with a cleft in the age of social media.

“It was hard to look in the mirror and see that you look different from your friends,” she says. “It took a toll on my confidence.”

She endured six major and several minor surgeries — each painful, each requiring weeks of recovery. 

“It was the hardest time in my life,” she says. “It takes a toll on the entire family.”

The most recent was last summer, to fix a deviated septum and help her breathe.

Now Ben Frost says he and daughter are both “totally fine,” with no serious ongoing issues. 

From an early age, Parker Frost wanted to help others with the same condition. Her family became involved with Smile Train. Over the past 25 years, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries, along with speech therapy, psychological support, and orthodontics.

Last year, Parker Frost became a student ambassador and raised $1,500 by selling handmade beaded bracelets. “I wanted every bead to mean something,” she says. “Each one helped a child smile.”

Iva Ballou, 40, Smile Train’s community development manager, was born with a bilateral cleft. “I was that little girl who didn’t have a community,” she says. “And now I have one.”

Ballou says the cleft community is now speaking “loud and proud,” and she encourages others to listen. “We are funny, intelligent and resilient.”

Ben Frost, who spent most of his life not talking about his cleft, says he’s proud of his daughter for sharing her story.

“Smile Train is giving her the confidence to talk about it and connect with others,” he says. “She’s a great role model.”

He calls the surgeries life-changing. “With this surgery, every child can live a full and healthy life,” he says.

In November, the Frosts spoke at Cleft Con, an online seminar hosted by Smile Train.

“I never knew anyone else with a cleft, especially at my age,” Parker says. “Even though I learned a lot from my dad, I wanted to relate to people my age.”

She says peer support is essential. “I felt that no one understood what I was going through.”

In her role with Smile Train, Parker hopes to help others embrace their differences. “Recognize that it’s part of you,” she says. “But it doesn’t have to define you.”

And while the scar never goes away, she says, it’s her personality people remember. “Everyone has something they feel insecure about,” she says. “Learn to love that part of yourself.”

As Parker looks forward to college next fall, she carries with her the resilience she’s learned and the power to help others appreciate the beauty of imperfection.

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

Smile Train

To learn more about cleft treatments and support for cleft patients, visit smiletrain.org. Or join others at the seventh annual Cleft Con, which takes place virtually in November at a date to be announced and in person July 17-19 in Phoenix.

TrustHouse, a New York-based concierge nursing and care management company, has expanded its luxury in-home services to Palm Beach County, offering a team of nurses and concierge care for member clients. 

Its office is at 515 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 350, West Palm Beach. TrustHouse nurses come from top hospitals and bring expertise in Parkinson’s, ALS, and acute and chronic care directly into the home. Some notable clients include Michael J. Fox and the late New York governor, Hugh Carey. 

TrustHouse membership provides private nursing and concierge health-and-wellness services for individuals and families. These include health management, early detection of health issues, 24/7 access to medical support and crisis prevention. Nurses will coordinate care, manage health and facilitate connections with physicians and urgent-care services.

Flexible care and membership options include an Essential Access Membership that offers monthly RN wellness visits, 24/7 telehealth RN support, tailored care plans and insurance coordination. TrustHouse also offers 24/7 care, 8- to 12-hour care, and hourly nursing visits. 

The company also offers outside-the-home services such as travel nursing, vacation-home support and patient advocacy in hospitals or care facilities.

For more information, visit trusthouse.care.

Delray center honored for surgical robotics work

Delray Medical Center has achieved the Center of Excellence in Robotics designation from the Surgical Review Corp. “Robotics can help reduce time in surgery, improve precision and reduce time recovering,” said Heather Havericak, the hospital’s CEO.  

JFK Hospital has two new vice presidents

HCA Florida JFK Hospital announced that Michael Schumacher is the hospital’s new vice president of quality and patient safety, and that Anthony Terranova was promoted to vice president of operations. Schumacher came from HCA Florida Northwest Hospital.

FAU studies link between cancer, consuming alcohol 

New research from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine highlights the cancer risks of alcohol, even at moderate levels. 

Reviewing 62 studies with millions of participants, researchers found that both how much and how often people drink significantly affect the risk of cancers including breast, colorectal, liver and oral cancers.

Older adults, African Americans, those with obesity or diabetes, and lower-socioeconomic populations face disproportionately higher risks, even at similar or lower levels of drinking. 

The research also found that lifestyle, genetics and other health factors compound alcohol’s effects. Heavy, daily or binge drinking is strongly linked to multiple cancers, while following cancer prevention guidelines lowers risk.

Also at FAU in the area of medicine, two Florida Atlantic University researchers, Randy Blakely, Ph.D. and Gregg Fields, Ph.D., were inducted into the 2025 class of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida, which honors top scholars whose innovations have significant scientific and societal impact.

Blakely is a neuroscientist whose work has advanced understanding of brain disorders. Fields is a biochemist known for making breakthroughs in protein research that inform disease treatments. 

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

Mike Surman holds a bass he caught with a crankbait at Lake Okeechobee. Bass will bite a fast-moving crankbait when air and water temperatures are cold. Photo provided

By Steve Waters

Depending on the fish you pursue, cold fronts can be a curse or a blessing. Cooler water temperatures can make bass stop biting and send bonefish and snook in search of warmer water. 

Meanwhile, sailfish and sea trout usually bite pretty well immediately after a cold front arrives.

If you have the luxury of timing your fishing trips, you’ll want to wait a few days after a front before targeting largemouth bass.

When water temperatures are cool, bass become lethargic. As the water warms, bass become more active and, considering that they haven’t eaten for a few days, usually feed heavily.

If you can only fish right after a cold front, the key is to not get discouraged. As long as you keep making casts, you’ll eventually put your lure in front of a bass that will bite.

It’s kind of like serving dessert to diners who just pigged out at an all-you-can-eat buffet. People will say they are stuffed, but keep putting that hot fudge sundae in front of them and eventually someone will dig in.

A standard cold-weather technique is to flip soft-plastic crawdad lures rigged on heavy jigs or with a hook and heavy worm weight in mats of thick grass, which is where bass hang out when water temperatures drop. Many tournaments have been won using that strategy, which might not produce a lot of bites, but the fish you catch are often big.

But I recall a Bassmaster tournament on Lake Toho, south of Orlando, where most of the anglers figured that with dropping air and water temperatures, the fish would be tucked in the grass until the weather warmed. Their game plan was to flip or fish a plastic bait slowly to entice bass to bite.

Former Bassmaster Classic champ Takahiro Omori shocked the field, catching most of his fish by quickly reeling a lipless crankbait over grass beds to win the tournament. Instead of patiently flipping a crawfish through hyacinths, hydrilla and lily pads in the hopes of dropping it in front of a bass, Omori went for what the pros call a “reactionary” bite: Make a lot of casts and retrieve a fast-moving lure quickly and eventually you’ll bring it past a bass that bites it.

Sailfish head south when temperatures drop

Cool temperatures offshore prompt migratory species such as sailfish to swim to South Florida. When they get here, that doesn’t mean you can simply head offshore with live bait and catch all the sailfish you want. 

Trends are important. Are the sailfish being caught in a few specific places each day or are they being caught a little farther south each day? If they were off Boynton Beach yesterday, they could be off Boca Raton today, unless you know that they’ve been off Boynton Beach for three or four days.

Once you get to the general area where the sailfish should be, you want to look for clues as to their exact location. Color changes, where the water goes from green to blue, are a good place to start. Most anglers fish the pretty blue water on an edge, but the cloudy blue water often holds sailfish.

One of the most effective ways to catch a sailfish is by suspending a live bait from a fishing kite and having it splash on the surface, but many anglers neglect to cover the rest of the water column. In addition to deploying a couple of kite lines, put out one or two flat lines and a deep line.

When you do everything right, especially when sailfish are on the move, multiple hook-ups are common. If a sailfish comes up and eats a kite bait, keep an eye out on the other baits, because chances are another sailfish is around.

Cold weather can have a negative impact on reef fishing. Sediment settles to the bottom when the water is cold. The clear water means that yellowtail, mangrove and mutton snapper can see your fishing line when you drop down a bait and they’ll ignore your offering.

The fishing will improve when the water warms and the sediment makes the water cloudy. That reduces the visibility and makes the snapper more likely to bite.   

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

From left, Lina Colasacco, Ellen Petronaci and Jackie Ermola from Eat Better Live Better accept a check for the organization’s Christmas Toy Drive from Linda Gibson and Marilyn Bates of Cason United Methodist Church’s Women in Faith. Photo provided 

By Janis Fontaine

Vowing to volunteer more is a common New Year’s resolution, but volunteering has declined over the last few years, in part due to COVID-19, according to the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. The institute studies philanthropy as part of its one-of-a-kind program that "provides education, opportunities and resources to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders, social innovators and civic-minded students." 

At the same time, the need for services and the volunteers who provide them is increasing. Often, the first place people go to ask for help — or to offer help — is the church or synagogue. 

Research shows two factors influence altruism: “religiousness” and education. In “The Power of Practices: Religious and Spiritual Activities Are Vital to Giving and Volunteering,” David P. King, Ph.D., wrote: 

“We know that religion is one of the strongest predictors of giving and volunteering. Religious Americans are more likely to give and volunteer, and to do so more often and in higher amounts both to religious and secular causes.” 

But the phrase “religious Americans” is vague, and the universal message at the heart of volunteering — to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” — transcends religion. The concept is found in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism and even in the teachings of the Greeks centuries BCE. 

“It’s important to be in service to God,” said Pastor David Schmidt of Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach. “We’re very clearly called in Matthew 25, where he says,‘ whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters you did for me.’ Everything you need to know about why we should be serving people is summed up in that verse.” 

Another factor strongly tied to a person’s likelihood to volunteer is education. Whether at a place of worship or outside in the nonprofit community, the more education you have, the more likely you are to give your time to a cause.

In 2023, Gallup reported, “Volunteerism nearly doubles between non-collegegoers (14%) and those with at least some postsecondary education (27%) or an associate degree (27%). It increases to 38% among those with a bachelor’s degree and 47% with a graduate degree.” 

Jackie Ermola of Delray Beach, an advocate for people in need, spends her days trying to make the world a better place. A former business executive, she has served on nonprofit boards and run ministries in the past, but says, “I was spinning too many plates.” 

Now she’s on the board at Eat Better Live Better, a food source that focuses on providing healthful food, including access to fresh produce and no-sugar and low-sodium groceries, as well as nutrition education to the community.

Eat Better Live Better serves people facing health challenges (including childhood obesity) that can be improved by a better diet. 

“My grandmother was a great influence on me because she helped a lot of people. She had a big farm in Delaware, and she was always a doer and that’s how I grew up,” Ermola said. “My father said the Salvation Army helped him and my mother, so I never go by that red kettle and not put something in there.”

Ermola says it’s about our actions, and Schmidt agrees. 

“Actions will always speak louder than words. I hate to use that cliche, but it’s just absolutely true. Andy Stanley calls that the difference between believing and behaving. You can believe in Jesus Christ, but are you behaving in the way Christ behaved?” Schmidt said.

Ermola says she tries to be Christlike, and that her volunteer work sustains her.

“I’ve had great careers, but I always tell people this is the best job I’ve ever had, and I don’t get paid for it,” she said. “I love the homeless. They’ve given me more than I’ve given them. But I still ask myself, ‘How can this happen?’ I just feel in this country, we could do better. We need to do better.” 

Ermola takes great pride in what Eat Better Live Better has accomplished.

“It’s God’s work, but it’s not always easy.” Hunger is a never-ending void that she can never fill, so she tries to keep things in perspective. “It’s one soul at a time,” she said.  

For Schmidt, it’s almost simple: “Love the Lord, your God, and love your neighbor. Everything else is above your pay grade. Your job is to love people. When I see my maker on that day and say to him, ‘God, I tried to love everybody,’ I think his response will be, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Because if we can love people, that softens our heart. And it softens their heart.” 

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

Some ways to get involved

There are many ways to serve that don’t involve feeding the hungry, although that’s an important ministry. You can play in the praise band or bell choir or sing in the choir. You can lead Bible studies or teach Sunday school. There are outreach ministries, community teams and family ministries, and other opportunities. 

To find a role, experts say consider your interests and availability, then express your interest to church leaders. They’ll find a place for you. 

If you want to work with one of the long-established charities that feed the hungry, consider one of these:  

Boca Helping Hands — bocahelpinghands.org or 561-417-0913

CROS — crosministries.org or 561-233-9009 

Eat Better Live Better — eblb.org or 678-428-3370

What the Bible says about service

The Bible portrays volunteering and service as a core part of faith, showing love for God and others, using God-given gifts, and fulfilling the example of Jesus. Serving is seen as essential, not optional, and is a way to glorify God and experience his blessing, with a focus on humility and generosity. 

In the Old Testament:

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9

In the New Testament: 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16 

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” — Romans 12:13

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” — Acts 20:35

“Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” — Isaiah 58:10

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.‘” — 2 Corinthians 9:7-9

— Compiled by Janis Fontaine

Actress Patricia Heaton accepts the Eternal Light Award at B’nai Torah Congregation. Photo provided

Actress-turned-activist Patricia Heaton brought a message of support for Israel to Boca Raton on Dec. 9 when she spoke to 250 people at the American Friends of Magen David Adom event at B’nai Torah Congregation. 

Before the program, two ambulances were dedicated to the MDA, Israel’s emergency services system. One was given by Selma Lee Weiss and Daniel Weiss in honor of Rabbi David Steinhardt, and the other by Beatriz and Harold Jacobsohn in honor of their children and grandchildren. 

Heaton, best known for the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, is the co-founder of the October 7 Coalition, a “network of Christians standing visibly and vocally against the rise of antisemitism,” with her friend Elizabeth Dorros (october7coalition.com). 

Heaton said, “We can’t sit by. We have to do everything we can in our power, with God’s help, to make sure that the cancer of antisemitism does not spread any further.” 

After she spoke, Heaton accepted the Eternal Light Award for her unwavering support for Israel. Then, Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joined Rabbi Steinhardt to discuss Israel, security and resilience. 

The event raised money to support MDA training and equipment for Israel’s paramedics and EMTs. 

B’nai Torah Congregation, at 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton, is the largest conservative synagogue in the southeastern United States with more than 1,300 member families. Info: 561-392-8566 or btcboca.org

New bishop named for Palm Beach diocese

Just a week before Christmas, Palm Beach County’s Catholic community learned it would be led by a new bishop in 2026. 

On Dec. 14, Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Corona (Queens), New York, as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach. It also includes Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. 

He succeeds Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, Palm Beach’s bishop since 2003, who submitted his retirement letter to the Holy Father when he turned 75 on Jan. 4, 2025, as required by canon law. Now, Bishop Barbarito assumes the status of Bishop Emeritus of Palm Beach. He has been appointed its apostolic administrator until the day of Bishop-elect Rodriguez’s ordination, which has not yet been set.

Bishop Barbarito introduced Bishop-Elect Rodríguez at a Dec. 19 news conference in the Family Life Center of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens. 

Rodríguez, 50, a native of the Dominican Republic, was ordained to the priesthood July 3, 2004. A canon lawyer with extensive experience in penal canon law and pastoral leadership, he became affiliated with the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, in 2012. Rodriguez, whom Bishop Barbarito said is described as "a priest who walks with the people," speaks four languages.

Father Rodríguez said he was surprised by a Sunday afternoon phone call on Dec. 14 telling him he was being appointed bishop. Feelings of “utter disbelief” were replaced by new ones. “I was terrified,” he said at the news conference. 

Humbled by the enormity of his new position, Father Rodríguez said, “I do not bring much with me — only myself and my faith in Christ Jesus, whom I follow as my Lord and Savior, and whom I will serve all my life. For this reason, I make my own the words of Saint Peter when he once encountered a poor man, crippled and begging at the gate of the Temple in Jerusalem: ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you.’”

As chief shepherd of the Diocese of Palm Beach, the bishop is responsible for about 260,000 Catholics in 54 parishes and missions with nearly 300 ordained priests and deacons, and 20 Catholic elementary and high schools. 

For more information, visit diocesepb.org.

Journey Church mourns pastor killed in crash

Journey Church and the local community are mourning the death of a pastor who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Nov. 25 on Congress Avenue near Atlantis. 

Joshua Rene, 39, served as an executive pastor of the non-denominational Christian church with campuses in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach. 

Pastor Josh, as he was known, was honored at services at all three churches following his passing. Pastor Scott Baugh said the father of four was “always joyful, always had faith. There was never a person he didn’t make time for.” 

First Presbyterian to host distinguished speaker 

On Jan. 11 at the 9 and 11 a.m. services, First Presbyterian Church welcomes its first Distinguished Preacher of 2026 to the pulpit. 

The Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, a graduate of Princeton Seminary, has more than 40 years’ experience as a pastor, including his tenure at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City during 9/11.

He is the founder of the Macedonian Ministry and has received awards for his social justice ministry, particularly with the homeless in New York. First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Info: 561-276-6338 or firstdelray.com.

Discover Spanish River Church at open houses

Spanish River Church is holding two open house events in January. The Presbyterian PCA Church at 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, hosts Discover SRC, to invite the community to learn about this vibrant church community, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8.

Then 10-11 a.m. Jan. 11 during coffee hour, and noon-1 p.m. after the second service, the church hosts a Ministry Showcase to illuminate all the ways available to get involved with the church. Both events take place in the Connect Center. Call 561-994-5000 or visit spanishriver.com.

Tim Tebow and Life Surge coming to West Palm Beach 

Tim Tebow, former NFL and University of Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, headlines a powerful day of Christian worship at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17.

The day is designed to inspire, teach and spread a biblical message to make a positive impact on family and community. 

Besides Tebow, the featured speakers include author and podcast host Ed Mylett; Pastor Craig Groeschel; Australian evangelist Christine Caine; and the stars of Duck Dynasty, Willie and Korie Robertson.

Music is by 11-time Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Bethel Music. As of Dec. 27, tickets were $22.40 plus fees at lifesurge.com, and include a boxed lunch. The Convention Center is at 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.

Night to Shine prom for people with special needs 

St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, will host Night to Shine on Feb. 13 for the 10th year. This annual prom for people with special needs is held simultaneously around the world at more than 600 churches and celebrates God’s love. The event also highlights the work of its sponsor, the Tim Tebow Foundation. To register, visit nighttoshineboca.com. 

Saint Mark Greek Festival to offer food, live music 

The annual Saint Mark Greek Festival takes place Jan. 29-Feb. 1 and features food, beer and wine, live music and dancing, family activities and an international marketplace. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. Sunday, at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-994-4822 or visit saintmarkboca.net/greek-festival.

Participate in Yoga and Sacred Movement activity

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church offers two programs that combine movement and prayer in January. At 4 p.m. Jan. 22, 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. Bring your own yoga mat and water.

At 4 p.m. Jan. 24, join YogaMass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, deep words of faith in the Eucharist, and contemplative meditation with Neville and the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren leading. Bring your yoga mat and water. 

The church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.

New program created to fight homelessness 

The Interfaith Committee for Social Services recently announced a program to help local nonprofits serve their homeless clients. 

The new Homeless Prevention Program is designed to provide a one-time-only gift to prevent individuals or families in southern Palm Beach County from becoming homeless.

Judy Fenney helped establish the program with Kathleen Megan, both parishioners at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. They have helped people with past-due utilities, first- and/or last-month rent, security deposits, move-in expenses, household necessities and appliances. Allocations ranged from $600 to $3,200. 

Requests for assistance must come from a partner agency, congregation, or civic group.

Personal requests will not be considered. Checks are issued to the requesting organization, or directly to the organization providing the service (like the landlord or utility). 

Agencies can complete the Interfaith Homeless Prevention Request form, available at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY24JsFvbTZmKV0B3UCW8jaWc1MYV14_gbrtCdIPz7LMC53w/viewform.

Questions can be emailed to judyfenney1@gmail.com or interfaithcss@gmail.com.

Registration underway for annual Grace Race 5K

Register now for Grace Community Church Boca’s annual fundraising 5K and 1-mile run/walk at 8 a.m. Feb. 14. The race begins and ends at the church at 500 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton. All the race proceeds benefit programs including 4KIDS of South Florida, Trail Life USA Troop 6:33, and the outreach efforts of Amped Student Ministries. Fees are $15-$30. Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/BocaRaton/GraceRace5KRunWalk.

— Janis Fontaine