Lighthouse Point Magazine, September 2023

LET THE BEGIN SEASON

GET READY FOR A BURST OF EXCITEMENT: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOCAL UPCOMING EVENTS!

E S TAT E S

t the outset of 2023, I would be highly remiss if I did not express my deep gratitude to my esteemed clientele for your ongoing suppor t Thanks to all of you, my career sales now approach $400 Million including $150 Million in sales since 2021. It is my extreme pleasure to act as your trusted advisor in the purchase or sale of million dollarplus proper ties

With the advent of the current buyer’s market, this year promises to be more challenging for sellers A market that necessitates my extensive buyer connections in feeder markets both at home and abroad, as well as my time-tested multi-media marketing program and proven negotiating acumen

Over the past decade I have helped countless affluent buyers, sellers and investors achieve their best result in all market conditions I invite you to be one of them…and look for ward to your call.

NE 30th St Lighthouse Point, FL

$84+ MILLION SOLD THE PAST 12 MONTHS

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS FOR CONTINUING TO TRUST US THROUGH CHANGING MARKETS!

SPOTLIGHT PROPERTY

Presqu’ile Estate

2900 NE 31st Avenue Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Cover Feature

Florida Landmark Estate on Caps Island! It has never been offered and will never be duplicated. Sitting on the 1.7 acre peninsula of the island, the 889 feet of shoreline of this remarkable estate is seconds to the inlet & surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway & Lake Placid. Almost 8,000 sf under air, with 5 bds, office, and 5.5 ba. The total area of the buildings is 11,630 sf. Two car garage attached to the main home & an additional building that has another 2 car garage plus a golf cart garage and huge storage area (all air conditioned). Resort style pool with sit down bar & spa plus a separate private spa off master. The existing concrete pier is 110 feet long with 3 power pedestals, fresh water, and a waste pump out. There will only be one privileged Buyer to seize this opportunity!

Offered at $27,500,000

The Tinka

WILLIAM LEONE M.D.

Superior Results for Hip and Knee Surgery

Our Caring, Patient-Centered Practice

My practice combines world-class orthopaedic care in a warm and welcoming environment where every patient is treated with respect, the way I would want my family to be cared for. From the rst phone call, you will nd my team 100 percent engaged in addressing your needs.

I care for people in their 80s and 90s who refuse to relinquish their independence and opt for surgery to regain an active lifestyle. I also treat patients in their 20s and 30s who desire an improved quality of life and want to feel “normal” again.

Safely Going Home the Day of Surgery

My emphasis on preempting and preventing pain after surgery has been a game changer. Patients walk the day of surgery and the vast majority of my patients go straight home the afternoon of their hip or knee replacement surgery. This requires coordinated pre-operative planning and detailed communication between my staff and the patient.

“I was in denial until I met Dr. Leone. I allowed him to reinvent me. I’m now stronger and so much happier.” — Julia C., double SPAIRE hip replacement patient, December 2022

“My original orthopedic surgeon just dismissed me when I was in pain. Dr. Leone really listened and fixed what other surgeons wouldn’t touch. Two weeks since my revision total knee replacement I’m pain-free for the first time in five years.” — Kathy H., R.N., December 2022

CONTACT

The Leone Center for Orthopedic Care at Holy Cross Health 954-489-4575 | leonecenter@holy-cross.com 1000 NE 56th Street | Fort Lauderdale holycrossleonecenter.com

AD DESIGN BY PHOTO GRAPHIC PRESS, INC. (954) 816-3148

Harry Pollack’s passion for South Florida’s waterfront lifestyle is readily evident. Growing up in Miami surrounded by water, boating and fishing with his family, Harry’s love for the water has only intensified when he moved to Lighthouse Point. He is involved in the offshore boating community, attending poker runs and fun runs with friends and clients. Harry is a pilot and enjoys flying around the Bahamas and South Florida.

He has been a top 1% producer at Lokation for several years. What sets Harry apart is his authenticity. He is always himself, with no pretense or pompous flair. You’re likely to find him

cruising around the Lighthouse Point community in his golf cart. Harry has quickly gained a reputation as the go-to agent for luxury waterfront properties in the area.

For Harry, real estate is about building lasting relationships. It’s not just about making a sale but rather spending time to show them the true lifestyle he enjoys. Often, the search for properties is followed by hosting clients at his favorite local eateries. Whether by land, air or sea, Harry provides a one-of-a-kind experience for his clients, finding properties that embody their lifestyles and make their dreams a reality.

HENRY THOMAS, MBA Broker Associate

3030 NE 44 th Street

2215 NE 27th Street

Jewelry Design& Repair

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Creatively Speaking

Searching for Taylor Swift tickets.

The Lowdown

Happenings around town plus step into a new exhibit at MODS that is both modern and nostalgic.

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City Beat

Junior Achievement honors Maureen Canada.

Personal Development

Abandon your goals. Yes, that’s a thing.

Relationships

It is vital to maintain your sense of self — for yourself and your partner.

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Fish Tales

Fun fall fishing and a note on conservation.

Legal Matters

What to do when your spouse or partner dies.

Financial Fitness

How to avoid common pitfalls when planning for retirement.

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Creatively Cooking

Go forth and fry some fritters. Take advantage of summer produce before it’s too late.

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Try the Wine

To decant or not to decant — that is the question.

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Out to Eat

Quick, snag some hard-to-get reservations before the snowbirds are back in town.

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Last Resort

The Catskills revisited. This New York mountain range has come a long way since Mrs. Maisel days.

CALL US! 954-299-5592

CONTRIBUTORS

David Ehrenfried • Gregory Edwards

Craig Haley • Michelle Hays

Mrs. Kossenfloffer • John Piotrowski

James Terlizzi • Martin Zevin

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Graves

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jay Petkov

WEBS IT E ADMINISTRATOR

Pavel Mohajon

PUBLISHER

Richard Rosser

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Susan Rosser advertising Call 954-299-5592

Chris Peskar chris@pompanomagazine.com 904-881-1573

Sam Rosser sam@pointpubs.com 954-629-5163

Lisa Spinelli lisa@pointpubs.com 954-818-0266

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TEXT OR CALL! 954-299-5592

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Lighthouse Point magazine is published monthly by Point! Publishing and delivered free of charge to residents of Lighthouse Point and selected homes in Deerfield Beach. Copies of Lighthouse Point magazine are available at UPS in The Shoppes of Beacon Light.

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Requests for permission should be directed to: editor@pointpubs.com.

Not So CREATIVELY SPEAKING In the Company of Strangers

BY SUSAN ROSSER

There it was. The dreadful email telling me I had been waitlisted for Taylor Swift tickets. Yes, I have hopped on Miss Swift’s bandwagon of crazed fans who dream of seeing her spectacular “Eras” show.

My daughter became a Swift fan pretty late in the game and convinced me to listen. I was utterly taken aback by how much I enjoyed Swift’s entire discography, which stretches from country to pop to folk to alternative.

Then her Eras tour started, and my social media feed morphed into The World According to Taylor Swift.

And I must admit, I was envious of all the concertgoers — not simply because it appeared to be quite the show. I couldn’t help but notice the unmistakable sense of fellowship that percolated in each stadium.

Undoubtedly, Taylor Swift is a remarkable songwriter and performer, yet what truly sets her apart is her uncanny ability to foster something intangible — the connection we have with those who share our passions, interests and, dare I say — feelings.

Everyone plans an outfit for the concert, and fans draw inspiration from an album, song, or sometimes specific lyrics. One of the tracks on her most recent album mentions friendship bracelets and each show exists as a 70,000-person friendship bracelet exchange. The filmed interactions are often among strangers yet somehow seem personally meaningful.

There aren’t many avenues to experience camaraderie on that level in the modern world.

So when 70,000 people load into a stadium for what amounts to a giant sing-along of ballads, anthems, and pounding pop songs, that is a bond I want to experience.

I suppose that feeling of collective enthusiasm is my driving force for seeking tickets to Swift’s Miami show.

Perhaps, what I really need these days is to stand in a giant bowl with 70,000 people who are has happy as I am in that moment and sing our hearts out together. Clearly, I am not alone. Y

Vic Gulaty State Farm Agency Vic Gulaty, Agent 954-642-1391

Greene Ins Agcy Inc

Sizes 17’ to 27’

Models 15’ to 35’

THE LOWDOWN

Please confirm events prior to setting out on your adventure.

Music in The Park

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9 | 6 – 9pm

WHERE: Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27th Ave., Lighthouse Point

COST: Free with food available for purchase

WHAT: The City of Lighthouse Point welcomes Studio 54. This popular cover band plays the best music of the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. So head to the park where you can, as Earth, Wind & Fire said, “move yourself and glide like a 747.” And if you’re lucky, hopefully you will remember the ninth night of September (as opposed to the 21st).

Underwater Pier Clean-up

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9 | 7:30am check-in

WHERE: Fisher Family Pier, Pompano Beach.

COST: $20

WHAT: Your ocean needs you. Calling all divers, this year’s Annual Pompano Beach Underwater Pier Clean-up will take place on Sept. 9, 2023. This is a huge opportunity to not only go on a beautiful dive, but to help protect our ocean and marine life from plastic and debris. Check in starts at 7:30am at the DXDIVERS tent on the south end of Lucky Fish. The first divers will begin at 8am. There will also be a raffle drawing at 11;45am. For more information, visit https://dxdivers.pscrpt.io/6y9Gjc

Make the Leap

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23 7:30pm

WHERE: Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach

COST: Free

WHAT: Enjoy nine new works of art inspired by Timothy Mark Davis’ short film The Leap. Over the past three months, three poets, three songwriters, and three painters have all created new works of art. One from each group was given the short film The Leap to view and then create a new work of art inspired by the film. They then passed on their new work to an artist of a different medium. That process was then repeated once more. All ten works of art will be presented at this event, celebrating the power of inspiration. Small bites, desserts, and drinks will also be served at a post-show reception where audience members will have a chance to create their own works of art inspired by the evening.

Julie Adler Mahfood

Available for Sale and Sold

“Not being from Florida and having to sell a condo for a family member, we had to put our trust in Julie who was highly recommended to us. Julie’s expertise from the day we met through the closing was beyond our expectations. Being from out of town and not knowing much about Florida, Julie was involved in all aspects of selling the condo from hiring a cleaning service for us to choosing a title company for the closing. She communicated with us frequently and kept us updated about each of the showings. We were very pleased with the short amount of time it took to sell and the price she negotiated for us. Julie is very professional and went above and beyond to help us. We were very glad we chose her to be our agent and would definitely recommend her!”

Adler Mahfood Executive Director of

Pool home. Web# F10382413

Sold, Furnished | Lighthouse Point | 2758 NE 30th Avenue, 4C | $412,500 2 BR, 2 BA | Intracoastal waterfront condo. Web# F10382828

- Bonnie Mandell sold a Boca Pointe condo in 2023.

The Wall and Beyond “The Pink Floyd Experience in Surround Sound”

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7:30pm

WHERE: Fat Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton

COST: From $37.50

WHAT: “We don’t need no education” — or maybe we do. This unique show will also take you on a journey through time and the boundless creatives of Pink Floyd. You

live like never before with state-of-the-art surround sound, LED walls, lasers and 15 world-class Grammy musicians and engineers. There aren’t many more significant sonic innovators than Pink Floyd, who re-imagined sound and changed how we take in live music. When the band performed the world’s first-ever quadraphonic surround sound concert, the group would change how we consume live concerts forever!

Brett Young in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23 | 8pm, doors open at 6:30 pm

WHERE: Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1806 NE Sixth St., Pompano Beach

COST: $44 – $80

WHAT: With a string of hits to start his career, BMLG Records’ Brett Young has cemented his status as country music’s master over matters of the heart. But after two albums defined by a transcendent romantic spark, the multi-platinum star now broadens his emotional scope.

Released on June 4 and featuring eight bigger-picture anthems, Young’s third album finds this modern-country crooner singing a new tune. “This is the most glaringly different stage of life that I’ve experienced,” Young says of Weekends Look a Little Different These Days. “And I think this collection is a really clear picture of where I’m at –not only in life, but as a songwriter as well.”

Old Town Untapped — Summer Sizzle

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Oct. 6 | 6 – 10pm

WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA), 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach

COST: Free

WHAT: Join the fun at the Summer Sizzle extension of Old Town’s Untapped series running through September. Patrons will enjoy a night filled with live music by local bands and DJs, art gallery openings at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, along with craft beer and food trucks.

Old Town Untapped Summer Sizzle takes place on the first Friday of

the month and is free for all ages to attend.

The event is located in the heart of Downtown Pompano Beach on NE First Street and N. Flagler Avenue near Bailey Contemporary Arts Center. Parking is available at City Hall at 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. and the Pompano Cultural Center, at 50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

World of Wonder

A new, interactive exhibit at MODS melds modern and nostalgic themes

BY DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

In January, Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) was giving a tour of the museum to a local supporter. When they wandered through the beloved early childhood area called The Discovery Center, which opened in 1992 at the museum’s Las Olas location but dated back to 1976, Cox began to unveil the museum’s unfolding plans for a brand new, permanent exhibit to replace the Center called The Discovery Spot. Suddenly, Cox was interrupted by the father of a 6-year-old playing in the Center nearby.

“Wait. No!” the patron exclaimed with grave disappointment. “Are you going to be getting rid of the oranges?”

For 30 years, the orange grove had been one of the museum’s most iconic, beloved experiences in the Discovery Center. Visiting children could visit a simulated citrus grove, pretend to pick oranges, carry them in a cart, load them into a conveyor belt and imagine themselves harvesting fruit.

“Sometimes the oddest things become iconic,” Cox said. “Literally

12 million children over the course of 30 years played with those oranges – loved these oranges.”

The father then told Cox a wonderful story about how his parents had taken him to the opening week of the Las Olas museum when he was a child, and now he was bringing his 6-year-old to experience the magic of play in MODS’s citrus grove.

“I had to explain, no, the oranges were going to be coming back, but in a new and exciting way,” Cox said. “It was a daunting responsibility to keep nostalgia alive.”

ABOVE The new Discovery Spot exhibit at The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)

RIGHT Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO MODS

World of Wonder

The oranges have indeed been reimagined at the new Discovery Spot exhibit, which held its grand opening for the public on Aug. 4. Key players in the creation of the new exhibit gave inspirational remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony before letting a crowd of summer school children sprint into the exhibit to play.

In the new “Citrus Grove” experience, children up to age 6 can still play with oranges, inserting them into an even flashier machine with color-changing, illuminated bubble tubes and a moving conveyor belt.

“There’s a giant orange tree that children can climb up inside, there’s vacuum tubes that suck up oranges inches from the ground up into the tree. And when they’ve loaded 150, the tree explodes and showers, oranges, lemons and limes all over the children,” Cox said. “They go bouncing everywhere. You will hear the delighted shrieks.”

Additionally, children can explore the “Ocean to Air” installations and the “Everglades” area. These playful ecosystems introduce environmental science concepts through hands-on interactives and role-playing opportunities while allowing children to splash, climb and tinker.

In the 4,000 square-foot space, presented by JM Family Enterprises, Children can role-play as airplane pilots, scientists on a research vessel, veterinarians in the field hospital, citrus processors in the juicing factory, animal trackers in the Everglades and more.

A digital painting station allows children to choose a Florida

native fish or shark species and then release it into a digital ocean, watching as their chosen species swims by on the Sketch and Release simulated ocean screen. A lily pad hop invites children to bounce while contributing to a digital projection mapping experience. The entire exhibit is designed to stimulate STEAM exploration – science, technology, engineering, art and math.

“We’re pretty confident that we’ve created something pretty special that will last for the next generation,” Cox said “This is evidenced by the absolute squeals of delight of the groups of children we’ve been testing it with.”

MODS sees more than 450,000 visitors annually, among them many tourists. In the past year,

MODS was named “Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education” by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 12 museums nationwide to join the “Playful Learning Museum Network” and was selected as one of the winners of the prestigious “2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.”

The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. MODS is located at 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.mods.org or call 954-467-MODS (6637).Y

LEFT AND BELOW The new Discovery Spot exhibit at The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)

When

CITY BEAT

BY DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

Lighthouse Point’s Maureen Canada Will Be Recognized as this Year’s Woman of Wisdom at the 2023 Junior Achievement Rosé Soirée

For 50 years Maureen Canada and her family ran the Lighthouse Point Marina and Nauti Dawg Marina Café in Lighthouse Point. This year, her decades of service to the community, and her passion for philanthropy, will be recognized by Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) when the organization’s Circle of Wise Women (CWW) honor Canada with the Women of Wisdom award at the 2023 Rosé Soirée.

The Rosé Soirée is an annual fundraising event for Junior Achievement of South Florida that gathers empowered women, business entrepreneurs and leaders in philanthropy to mingle over appetizers and rosé while they shop at the former Neiman Marcus at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale. This festive affair is hosted by the CWW, a women’s service group that believes JA programs are a springboard to show today’s youth their potential for success.

The CWW was founded in May of 2009 at the home of Janet Davis with only ten original members. Now the CWW boasts a membership of more than 150 women. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $5 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida.

The Rosé Soirée is a fun opportunity for the CWW to pin new

members of the group, give away two scholarships to highly deserving high school girls and honor two women with special awards.

The first award, the Woman of Wisdom award, will go to Canada who has been an active member of the CWW and a recognized business leader in Broward County. She will share her personal formula for success as a profitable family business leader, and inspire event attendees with her passion for social advocacy.

The second award, the Spark Award, will be given to Ana Rodriguez, the Florida Power & Light Community Relations Specialist. Rodriguez is the first ever to be recognized with this new award, which recognizes an exceptional female trailblazer.

Rodriguez has been a mentor in JA’s Girls Rule program, a Girls Rule host committee member since its inception, and is an active volunteer in JA’s Career Bound and Pre-Apprentice Programs. She serves on the board of directors at Henderson Behavioral Health and Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach.

Last year, the Rosé Soirée event raised $110,000 for Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) programs.

The 2023 Rosé Soirée will be held on Sept. 14 from 4:30 to 7 pm

at the former Neiman Marcus at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (2442 E Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304). To purchase a ticket, please visit www.jasouthflorida.org/events/rose-soiree/. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please reach out to Diana Metcalf by email at Diana@ JASouthFlorida.org, or by phone at (954) 979-7120. Y

Maureen Canada

Fun Fall Fishing

BY JOHN PIOTROWSKI

I’m sure we are all so happy to be thinking of fall and the changing of the seasons. With the hottest summer behind us, we can only hope for cooler weather and water temperatures. The mini-season was a blast, with many bugs caught in shallow water. I hope many of you got to participate. The LHPSSA members sure did!

There is a lot to look forward to in September — other than football season. September is a distinctive month in that you can still benefit from summer fisheries like lobsters and hogfish, tuna and dolphins, but you can also start to fish for fall sails, swords and wahoo. The changing seasons bring different fish migrations with packs of fish we haven’t seen in a while.

Although you don’t hear about them targeted much in our neck of the shore, grouper fishing is sometimes best in the fall. Anglers can troll stretch 30s (diving plugs) up and down the reef from Broward into Dade and Monroe and catch grouper on the go. What fun that is if you haven’t done

it. You must go out there and try. Speed and slow jigging wrecks for jack, grouper and snapper can also be a blast.

For more information on the best fishing techniques and tips or on what is going on in the nautical community, you should check out the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman’s Association. www.LHPSSA.org

The Ocean and the Environment

As a kid, one of my first school research projects focused on the impact of a netting ban Florida initiated in the 90s. I learned at an early age that we should also pay attention to nautical policy. I’ve recently traversed the east coast from New York down to Florida. There is considerable talk about windmills off the beaches and restrictions on vessel speeds up the entire east coast. We all want to help the environment, but it can be bad for us when the folks who don’t live in coastal communities start coming up with their own plans. Please start paying attention to these issues.

I spent some time with the scallop and tuna captains in the Northeast, and they showed me pictures of research boats pinging away at the ocean floor. They were testing to determine what lies deep below the ocean to find suitable ground for windmills. These captains told me they were pulling up tons of dead scallops and other important bottom-dwelling mollusks in the same areas. Coincidence? I’m afraid probably not.

Their stories reminded me of an episode of Yellowstone, a popular streaming series on Paramount, where

scientists try and tell the Dutton Family, who has lived off the land and protected it for 100s of years, that they know more about the impact of wolves and grass diseases on their cattle than the people who have managed and relied on that resource for generations. We need to make sure our voices are heard as we are the ones who live and enjoy our shoreline and surrounding waters every day. I am wary of rules made up by people who never stepped foot on our beaches.

For more information on the best fishing techniques and tip

Get Rid of Your Goals

BY CRAIG HALEY

Ever since I was a young kid starting Martial Arts in 1987, I remember my instructors and mentors telling me how important it was to have goals and why I needed them. In fact, one of our

up “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” The challenge is most people either don’t have any goals at all, or they have so many that they don’t make any progress because the list is too long, and they don’t know where to start.

The old saying, “Paralysis of analysis,” comes to mind. Having too many goals can cause you to do nothing at all.

Why can a lion tamer hold an upside-down stool at a ferocious lion and the lion does not attack? When you think about a lion’s sheer power and aggressiveness, the lion could easily swat the stool away and kill the lion tamer. Why doesn’t this happen?

The reason is that the lion sees the four legs of the stool as four individual threats, so the lion feels overwhelmed and doesn’t know which one to attack first, so it does nothing. This is how we see our sprawling to-do lists, our lists of goals (both big and small), bucket list items, etc. We get overwhelmed and do nothing. Next thing you know, Netflix is looking like a good option.

How do we handle this conundrum? There are two options .

The first option is to have no more than three big goals. That’s it! How do you narrow your goals from pages and pages to only three? I encourage you to focus on the three “big domino” goals.

The challenge is most people either don’t have any goals at all, or they have so many that they don’t make any progress because the list is too long, and they don’t know where to start.

philosophies at Elite Force Martial Arts is, “Goals we set are goals we get.”

So, how can I write an article that says to get rid of your goals? It sounds crazy on the surface.

If you Google the word goal, this definition comes

We have all seen videos of someone knocking down one domino, which starts a chain reaction that knocks down hundreds or thousands of dominoes. This approach is similar. Focus on the three big goals; by hitting them, you will “knock down” or achieve many of your other goals by default.

For example, if one of your “big domino” goals is to earn $500,000 per year, that will give you the income to pay your house off faster, take that luxurious

Back to School

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

vacation to Spain, pay for your kids’ college, etc. So, instead of focusing on all those smaller goals, focus on the one big goal that will make all the smaller goals possible.

The second option will blow your mind! That is to not think about your goals at all, or at least only think about them when you set them and at various checkpoints throughout the process.

Instead, just focus on growth. Kaizen is a Japanese term that stands for. “Constant and never-ending improvement.” Focus on getting better every day in everything that you do.

Pete Cashmore is the founder of mashable.com. He started as a blogger from Scotland. Pete sold Mashable for $50 million. When Darren Hardy, the Editor of Success Magazine at the time, asked him if he set a goal to achieve such a grand achievement, he said, “No way!”

Pete said the key to his success was to simply focus on growth every day. He said his only goal was to be better today than he was yesterday. He focused on Kaizen in all areas of his life.

John Maxwell is the world’s foremost leadership expert. He started out running Christian churches. He has written 100 books on leadership and commands a whopping $60,000 per hour-long keynote speech. When asked if he set a goal to become the leading expert on leadership and have a net worth of over $10 million, he said he never could have fathomed the success he achieved when he was younger, just starting out.

John said his only focus was on getting better every day in every way.

Richard Branson is one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs. He has 400 companies and a net worth of over $3 billion! When asked if he and his partners had initially set a goal to achieve that level of success, he laughed and said absolutely not. He said that if they had set some crazy goals like that, they surely would have messed it up! They just focused on improving every day and doing the next right thing.

Isn’t it interesting that three of the highest-achieving people don’t set goals at all? Don’t think for a moment that goals are bad because they are not! They can be a great gyroscope pointing you in the right direction. The key is having no more than three and don’t think about them much. Instead, focus on growth. Focus on being a modern-day Kaizen warrior. You will find this approach far less overwhelming, more fun, enjoyable, and far more productive.

Best of luck! Y

Master Shihan Craig Haley is the Seventh Degree Black Belt instructor at Elite Force Martial Arts, eliteforcemartialarts.com.

What to Do When Your Spouse or Partner Dies

BY MARTIN ZEVIN, ATTORNEY

Losing your spouse, partner or significant other is a very traumatic event. Giving yourself time for the grieving process is most important for your physical and emotional health.

Once you feel mentally and emotionally able to do so, you should schedule an appointment with an attorney to review all legal documents.

You should bring your will and revocable living trust, the deed to your home and any other real estate, a certified copy of the death certificate and, if married, the date of your marriage. If you have advanced care directives such as a living will, durable power of attorney and designation of health care surrogate, you should also bring those.

Probate may be necessary if your spouse or partner owned something in their name alone with no designated beneficiary. Bring details of such assets to the appointment.

If everything you owned was in both names, it is not necessary to probate the will. However, regarding your home, and any other real estate, it is important to “clear the title.” The lawyer will prepare and have you sign a “continuous marriage affidavit,” which is why you need the date of your marriage. The affidavit will state that you were married on a certain date and remained continuously married without divorce until the date of death. It will provide the legal description of your home and other real estate and indicate your intention to clear title. This document will be recorded, along with an affidavit of no Florida estate tax due and the death certificate without the cause of death. Recording these documents will clear title and allow you the option to do a new deed to avoid probate when you die. If you were not married but owned your home (or any other property) jointly, it is still important to clear title. Of course, a Continuous Marriage Affidavit will not be necessary.

Suppose you do not have a revocable living trust. In that case, this appointment will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the creation of a trust and the preparation of a deed in order to avoid probate on your home and other real estate. You can also discuss the option of a life estate deed to avoid probate.

If you have a trust, this may be an appropriate time to consider doing an Amendment based on new circumstances. Your home

and other real estate (in Florida and out-of-state) should be owned by you as trustee of the trust. You may wish to name one of your children as Co-Trustee to make it easier to manage the assets in your trust if you become incapacitated. You may also wish to make changes in your living will, durable power of attorney and designation of health care surrogate or create those documents if you do not have them.

In most cases, there is no urgency to contact an attorney. It is much better to have peace of mind and clarity. Some lawyers, including myself, will offer a free consultation. This consultation should include your options and give you the opportunity to sleep on it before finalizing any new legal documents.

In addition, when you are ready, there are actions you should take for which you do not need an attorney. This includes rolling over your spouse’s IRA to yours, claiming life insurance benefits and naming beneficiaries on any joint accounts. If you have individual accounts or life insurance and your spouse is a beneficiary, be sure to change it. However, your lawyer can advise you on these matters.

If you are going through the loss of a loved one, my prayers are with you. Y

Martin Zevin is available to discuss wills, trusts, estates, probate and is available for free consultation regarding personal injury claims or car insurance coverage. For more information call 954-569-4878 or visit martinzevinpa.com.

Five Big In-Retirement Money Mistakes

BY GREG EDWARDS

Chances are, planning for retirement is one of the most important steps that you’ll undertake in your life. Unfortunately, we don’t always put enough focus on making thoughtful decisions during our retirement.

MISSTEP: OVERSPENDING. Too often, people with significant wealth find themselves overspending to the point where they’re in some amount of

and How to Avoid Them

The other main driver is simply getting carried away by “living it up” during retirement.

ADVICE: Evaluate your income needs accurately going into retirement. In particular, pay attention to cash flow numbers and how they fluctuate. That analysis should be a foundational part of your overall wealth management plan.

MISSTEP: AVOIDING “MONEY TALKS” WITH FAMILY. Too often, the heads of families don’t discuss anything to do with finances with their heirs. As a result, family infighting can occur down the road when assets transfer to the kids and other relatives.

ONE IDEA: Work with your family members (and trusted financial professionals) to create a formal family mission statement that spells out your family’s.

MORE MISSTEPS

financial discomfort. Some high earners can spend as they like during their careers without problems. So, they don’t create budgets or watch their cash flow the way that others may need to do. Once their incomes go away or are reduced, they lack clarity on the amount of money they need for the long haul.

MISSTEP: Making missteps with Social Security. Social Security payments can be an important component of retirement income. So, it makes sense to avoid issues that could erode what Social Security might offer you.

It’s generally well-known that claiming benefits too early can come back to bite you. Other, somewhat lesser-known potential issues include:

your income needs accurately going into retirement. In particular, pay attention to cash flow numbers and how they fluctuate. That analysis should be a foundational part of your overall wealth management plan.

The information above has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but no representation is made as to its completeness, accuracy or timeliness. All information and opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Information provided in this report is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, investment, legal or tax advice; and does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or sell any security, investment or other product. Greg Edwards offers products and services using the following business names: Lawless, Edwards & Warren (LEW)- insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC - securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) - investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with LEW or AES Nation, LLC.

Evaluate

• Waiting too long to claim. Some people should at least consider claiming on the early side.

¶ Avoiding work due to earnings limits. If you claim Social Security before January 1 of the year in which you reach full retirement age, and earn above a certain threshold, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 of excess earnings.

MISSTEP: USING THE “WRONG” WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY FOR INCOME. The “right” strategy will vary depending on an individual’s goals and other factors. A withdrawal strategy should factor in health and life expectancy, income timing needs, and how various accounts may be taxed if you pull from them.

ADVICE: Don’t assume a “rule of thumb” approach—such as the 4 percent per year withdrawal rule—is automatically right for you simply because it’s relatively easy to understand. However, don’t discount it out of hand because it seems too simple and straightforward. Consider various options and run the numbers.

MISSTEP: MAKING INVESTING YOUR NEW PART-TIME HOBBY. Faced with lots of extra time, some retirees decide it’s a great time to “play the markets.” Often this occurs among self-made individuals such as former entrepreneurs, who might assume that they can easily apply their business success skills to investing and achieve similar results without breaking a sweat.

That overconfidence can potentially lead to classic investment errors—investing too aggressively, chasing hot tips, over-concentrating assets in a single company or sector, excessive trading that cuts into returns or boosts taxes owed, and others.

BEST BET: Don’t turn your wealth into a new game or hobby. Get the right team of professionals around you who can guide you.

There are many ways to potentially jeopardize your financial health in retirement—and there may be less time and fewer ways for you to recover from big financial mistakes once you’re out of the workforce. That’s why it’s so important to take steps aimed at helping you continue to make informed decisions about your wealth, even as you look to enjoy life to the fullest. Y

Please call Greg and his team at 561-361-8140 ext 229 to discuss your financial plan. ACKNOWLEDGMENT: This article was published by the VFO Inner Circle, a global financial concierge group working with affluent individuals and families and is distributed with its permission. Copyright 2023 by AES Nation, LLC.

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BY MICHELLE HAYS

Why Do We Lose Our Sense of Self in Relationships?

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “sense of self” in your relationship? We all (hopefully) want to please our partners. But what happens when we are so busy “pleasing” our partners that we start neglecting our needs? When I met my ex-husband Scott, I went over and beyond to please him from day one. The more I focused on his happiness, the more he also focused on his happiness. (It wasn’t his fault, just human nature.) I kept reassuring myself that “I didn’t mind” because “I loved him.” I took pride in being “very easygoing.” When things changed, I adapted to what Scott wanted me to be. After several years I began feeling very resentful. Scott was happy, but I wasn’t. Back then, I didn’t understand that my sense of self silently suffered by wanting to please my husband all the time and not honoring my own needs and wants.

Can you relate? Are you afraid that if you put yourself, your needs, and your wants first from time to time, you are somehow being selfish? And if you manage to put some time aside for yourself, do you feel too guilty to enjoy it? Are you busy making everyone else happy? You are not alone.

Are you afraid that if you put yourself, your needs, and your wants first from time to time, you are somehow being selfish? And if you manage to put some time aside for yourself, do you feel too guilty to enjoy it? Are you busy making everyone else happy? You are not alone.

As children, we learn to receive love and what we to meet our needs. Then through our perception, we create our idea of love, and those beliefs root themselves in our subconscious minds. However, those beliefs can be significantly limiting to our relationships.

When I was a kid, I learned that when I helped my mom with the housework, she was more loving.

I knew my dad could spend more time with me when I pulled the weeds in the garden or skimmed the leaves out of the pool. So as an adult, I believed that “doing things” for the people I love was the way to get them to love me and spend more time with me. For most of my life, I was terrified that if I weren’t “doing things” for my partner, they

wouldn’t love me. I am not saying it was true. I am saying that is what I believed. There is a big difference.

What did you learn about love as a kid? Do you have limiting beliefs? My clients often reveal views like, “love is having to sacrifice” or “I believe the more I give, the more my spouse will love me.” I’ve discovered that many people believe that it is only by pleasing other people that they become worthy of love. Do any of these limiting beliefs resonate with you? If so, know that these limiting beliefs don’t define you. If you recognize them, you can change them.

My limiting beliefs followed me into my marriage to my husband, Brian. This time, I recognized what was happening, and I caught myself. I wouldn’t lose myself in this marriage because I knew from experience that dangerous feelings of resentment boil beneath the surface when we lose ourselves in our relationships. Resentment deteriorates a marriage. Fast! I started making myself a priority when I felt drained or agitated. And by developing a healthy sense of self, I became a better wife. I smiled and laughed more often. The woman Brian fell in love with was back! It’s never too late to regain your sense of self.

So how do you begin to regain your sense of self? Start small. Ask yourself: Do I say yes to make other people happy? What makes me feel good about myself? What helps me relax? Spend a little time alone. Get reacquainted with yourself again. Stop consistently stifling your wants and needs to fulfill every need of your partner and family. It’s not selfish. Your happiness matters! It is the key to unleashing more love and a happier marriage! Y

Classes being filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register now!

DID YOU KNOW?

As of July 1st, Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship removes income restrictions and enrollment limits, allowing you to receive a school voucher containing the amount that your public school would have received if your child had attended. The voucher can be used to pay for private school tuition. Therefore, St. Joan of Arc is now more accessible for your children. Schedule a tour of our school!

25 Valedictorians or Salutatorians have been St. Joan of Arc Alumni at local High Schools in the past 17 years, reaffirming that St. Joan of Arc is a foundation for the future!

• Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 8th Grade

• High academic standards

• Christ-centered community of faith

• Technology skills essential in the 21st Century

• Emphasis on social justice and service

• 1:1 Digital learning environment K–8th Grade iPads

• State-of-the-art Athletic Center

• Arts Conservatory and STREAM Laboratory

• All-weather Gazebo with USDA standards Cafeteria

• Fully accredited with state-certified faculty

• Extended care daily, in a safe and secure campus

• Pre-Kindergarten 4 tuition discount available

• Assorted clubs, including academics, sports and fine arts

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR CELL PHONE TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more inFormation, please call 561.952.2946•inFo school@stjoan.org

501 sW 3rd avenue, Boca raton, Fl 33432•12 minutes From lighthouse point!

https://stjoan.org/wp/school/

Buh-Bye Summer

Zucchini Corn Fritters with Tomato-Mango Salad

BY MRS. KOSSENFLOFFER

There’s not much to love about a Florida summer, so I try focusing on the variety of produce. Among the many seasonal fruits and vegetables are corn, tomatoes and zucchini. Sometimes they even go on sale. To celebrate summer’s end, bust out the frying pan and make some zucchini fritters. To balance out all the fried food, serve them with a light and refreshing tomato mango salad. Summer on a plate.

CREATIVELY COOKING

Zucchini Corn Fritters with Tomato-Mango Salad INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FRITTERS

3 medium zucchini, coarsely shredded

Kosher salt

3-4 scallions, chopped

2 ears corn, kernels cut off

2 cups cornmeal

3/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon sour cream

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Freshly ground black pepper

3 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1 – 2 teaspoons sugar

Vegetable oil for frying

FOR THE SOUR CREAM SAUCE

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chives or scallions, finely chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

FOR TOMATO MANGO SALAD

3 medium tomatoes, cored and cut in wedges

1 large mango, sliced (peaches or nectarines work too)

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced and rinsed with water

Kosher salt

8 – 10 fresh basil leaves, torn

Olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Flaky salt (optional)

PREPARATION

To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Place the zucchini in a colander and toss with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit 10 minutes. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water. Place in a large bowl. Add the scallions and corn.

In a medium bowl, whisk the cornmeal, baking soda, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt and white pepper. Stir in the milk, sour cream and eggs. Add the cornmeal mixture to the zucchini. Stir to combine.

Coat the bottom of a large skillet with oil and heat over medium-low heat (see note). Place dollops of the zucchini mixture and flatten with the back of a spoon. Fry until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the rest of the batter. Place the cooked fritters on a rack inside a sheet pan. Keep the fritters warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve.

Arrange the tomatoes on a plate, top with the mangoes, onions and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with Kosher or flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper. NOTE: Do not get the oil too hot. If the oil gets too hot, some corn kernels may “pop,” and oil might splatter. Y

To Decant or Not to Decant

BY DAVID EHRENFRIED

Recently my wife and I had dinner in a favorite New Jersey restaurant that serves eastern Mediterranean food, the kinds of traditional dishes one might eat in Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, or Israel. Seated next to us at a large, round table was a party of several couples. They were having a great time — talking, laughing, sharing dishes, and enjoying lots of wine: white, rosé, and some red, too. At one point, a bottle of Spanish Rioja Crianza appeared along with a large glass pitcher and a small metal sieve (a tea leaf strainer, actually). Crianza is a type of rioja that’s been aged for at least two years, including six months in oak barrels. One of the diners slowly poured or, in wine lingo, decanted the wine through the strainer and into the pitcher. Although no wine sediment or cork pieces appeared to have been caught in the sieve, many at the

didn’t ask. Sorry about that. My wife often reminds me to be discreet or unnoticed when eavesdropping or being nosey in restaurants. And she gives me dirty looks if I try to steal a quick glance at interesting or amusing people she’s telling me about who are sitting behind me or to my sides. Just as well. For purposes of this column, it’s probably best for us not to know the reasons for decanting wine in this instance. Decanting might have been appropriate for any number of reasons, or it might not have been necessary at all. As for the pitcher, it’s okay to use a glass container as a wine decanter, provided it’s squeaky clean, scrubbed of all lemonade, iced tea, or other residue and rinsed thoroughly of all soap. No one wants a glass of wine with bits of lemon or soapy film floating on top. Whether to decant or not… well, that’s a bigger question.

Decanting and Decanters

table were nonetheless transfixed by the deep ruby red-colored wine flowing into the pitcher. The pitcher, by the way, had both a handle and a curved notch at the top for pouring and could easily have been used for serving iced tea or lemonade.

So why transfer the wine from its bottle to another container? Was something magical or transformative supposed to happen to the wine? And did it matter that a pitcher was used instead of a carafe or other vessel explicitly made for decanting wine?

I can’t say why these people chose to decant their wine since I

So that we agree on our wine terms, decanting is simply the act of transferring wine, spirits, or liqueur from its original bottle to another container. The term decant is derived from the Latin and French preposition de, meaning “down, down from, or off,” plus cantus, a Latin noun for “the iron rim of a carriage wheel” or “round edge of a jug.” Keep in mind that wine and other alcoholic beverages were not stored, shipped, and served in glass bottles until a few hundred years ago. Before that, they were usually stored and shipped in large ceramic or wooden containers and then often poured from jugs, pitchers, or similar vessels into drinking cups, glasses, bowls, or goblets. Unlike today, wines were unclarified and often unfiltered. Decanting, consequently, was an important way to pour off a quantity of wine while separating any sediment and other organic particles that might make it unappetizing to drink or look at.

Decanting wine and other alcoholic beverages is decidedly less necessary and commonplace than in the past, and many people now consider it snobbish and pretentious. Maybe that’s because decanting wine often seems to be reserved for very costly wines, to involve a certain amount of mysterious ceremony, or to require fancy, expensive, and eccentrically shaped carafes or decanters. Formally, by the way, a decanter is typically a narrow-necked glass container with a glass, metal, or wood stopper. A decanter

without a stopper or top, and often with a wider neck or opening, is technically a carafe. Although a carafe is usually different from a pitcher, a pitcher can be used as a carafe or a decanter (without a top). Unlike pitchers, decanters and carafes seldom have handles, although most are designed to be held easily with one hand.

Three Reasons for Decanting Wine

1 Filtration

The first and perhaps most important reason is to separate red wine from sediment, broken cork, or other particles. As many red wines age, very fine fragments of yeast, grape skins, stems, titrate crystals, and other organic substances separate or “fall out” from the wine. If you store red wines horizontally for 5-10 years or more after their vintage dates, you’ve likely seen this sediment resting or sticking to the bottom sides of certain bottles. It can happen with any red wine over time, but bold red wines made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, mourvèdre, syrah, touriga nacional and certain other grape varietals seem most prone. Aged vintage Port wine, which usually is a blend made from several different kinds of grapes, nearly always throws off sediment.

This sediment is harmless. However, it’s very disappointing when it ends up in that last glass of 2005 Bordeaux or 2013 Napa cabernet sauvignon we were looking forward to drinking. It looks unappetizing, makes wine cloudy, and tastes gritty and objectionable. Consequently, many wine experts recommend decanting most red wines that are more than 10 years old, pouring it carefully from the bottle until the first signs of sediment appear. Such wines should be allowed to stand upright for several hours or, ideally a day or longer before opening to allow any sediment to settle fully.

Older wines also are more likely to have their corks break or fall apart when opening. When that happens, bits of cork often fall or get pushed into the wine. Decanting with a sieve, cheese, coffee filter, or clean cloth definitely helps in those situations.

If you do decant a wine you suspect has sediment or bits of cork in it, the process is simple. First, open the wine carefully, jostling as little as possible. Put the corkscrew into the cork as deeply as possible and then lift it slowly, turning it a bit, if you can, to help unstick it from the bottleneck. Wipe the bottle top clean and have your decanter ready, along with a bright flashlight or odorless candle. With the light shining through the neck of the bottle, pour the wine slowly into the decanter, letting it slide down the insides of the glass instead of splashing to the bottom. Watch carefully and stop when sediment appears near the bottle’s neck. Either toss the remaining wine or you can filter the remaining wine into a glass or cup using a very clean cotton or linen cloth, coffee filter, or clean fine metal strainer.

If you’re going to decant a wine much older than 10 years, nearly all wine experts recommend decanting shortly before drinking. Older wines sometimes become fragile and can quickly lose aromas and flavors when fully exposed to the air, which is exactly what decanting does. It’s impossible to predict what will happen with older wines when opened. So before decanting, pouring some of

the wine into a glass first to see how it evolves may be prudent. Personally, I seldom decant older wines.

2 Decanting Wines to Bring Out Flavors

The second reason to decant is to expose a wine fully to air to help improve its flavors or aromas. This is a much-debated subject among sommeliers and other wine aficionados. Decanting can benefit wines, for example, that initially give off rustic, barnyard, or other odd odors. Many think that decanting can benefit young, bold red wines in particular, by enabling favorable characteristics to materialize more quickly. Candidates for such treatment are red Bordeaux, chateauneuf-de-pape, cabernet sauvignon from almost anywhere, rioja, douro blends, and bandol, among others. Bold white and strongly flavored dessert wines also can be decanted. Some people believe enthusiastically that decanting helps improve the taste of inexpensive as well as expensive reds. And, some even think decanting can soften the harsh tannins of certain young red wines — a claim most wine experts dispute. Only time in the bottle does that effectively.

So, decant if you like, but consider that wine is exposed immediately to plenty of air when poured from its original bottle into a typical large wine glass and then swirled for a moment or two. Leaving wine in a glass or opened bottle for an hour or more will expose it further.

In my experience, every wine is different and can deliver surprises after it’s been opened and starts to oxidize. Some develop quickly once poured, while others evolve more slowly. My advice is to try not to drink special wines too quickly. Give them time. They’re special for a reason.

3 Decanting for Show

The third reason to decant wine is because it looks nice or adds a touch of elegance. Perhaps you want to show off a beautiful decanter or disguise the wine you’re serving and how much it costs. Almost every wine — or spirit — looks sophisticated and inviting, even in a simple decanter. With wine, sometimes we do certain things just because we want to. Y

As we make our way out of the hazy days of summer, it’s time to gear up for some merriment in our paradise! As the season approaches, get ready to experience an extraordinary lineup of events that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Whether your passion is music, food, the holidays, boating or just plain fun, there is a happening waiting for you.

Upcoming Happenings for Maximum Fun & Enjoyment

EVENT PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

FESTIVAL FUN

POMPANO BEACH CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL

Celebrate everything Caribbean at this cultural experience that offers live music showcasing the talent of different Caribbean countries, dancing, delicious Caribbean cuisine, beautiful displays of islands, and colorful costumes. This free, family friendly event offers something for everyone to enjoy. The event will include music, tasty Caribbean food, great vibes, and a live Caribbean concert experience featuring outstanding performances.

Saturday, Oct. 14,5pm - 10pm, Pompano Beach Community Park, 1801 NE Sixth St, Pompano Beach, wwwpompanobeachfl. gov

DEERFIELD BEACH FALL FESTIVAL

Enjoy a touch of fall in Florida with the entire family! This festival includes several fun activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, archery, hayride, picking up goodie bags from local non-profits, picking out your perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, enjoying live entertainment, and much more! Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, 9am –1pm, Pioneer Park, 217 Fifth Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfieldbeach.com

OCEAN BREWS AND BLUES

Calling all craft brew enthusiasts — spend a day at the beach and join the fun at this exciting craft brew festival, where you will sample an assortment

of about a zillion beers from some of America’s best craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. Along with the great brews and blues, there will be an assortment of local foods, beverages, and arts and crafts vendors. All Guests purchasing tickets must be 21 years of age or older. Food and drink are available for purchase. May, Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfieldbeach.com

DEERFIELD BEACH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS/PIONEER DAYS

Each year the Deerfield Beach Cultural Committee hosts the Annual Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts just south of the pier, providing a scenic background for the festival. The festival includes artists from all over the United States, along with continuous live music, a variety of food vendors, refreshments, a student art exhibit, and of course, a kids’ zone. February, South of the International Fish Pier, 200 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfieldbeach.com

EXCHANGE CLUB AUTUMN FEST

FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Travel back in time to the 16th century at the Annual Florida Renaissance Festival, coming to Quiet Waters Park. Enjoy over 100 artisans selling their wares and more than 100 performers to entertain. Feb. 3 – Mar. 24, 2024, weekends only, 10am – sunset, Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, www.ren-fest.com

Enjoy a day of fun food and games for the whole family.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 10am –7pm and Sunday, Nov. 19, 10am – 5pm

Pompano Community Park, 1801 NE Sixth Street, Pompano Beach

ABOVE AND LEFT Brews and Blue Festival in Deerfield Beach

HILLSBORO LIGHTHOUSE GALA

Each year the Lighthouse Preservation Society (HLPS) chooses a theme for the annual fundraiser to support the Hillsboro Lighthouse. Previous galas have included a silent auction, an opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, an open bar (liquor, beer and wine) and dancing. Last year’s event was held in March. Hillsboro Lighthouse, 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach. (Parking is at Alsdorf Park, 2901 NE 14th Street, Pompano Beach. See details below.)

NOM-NOM

LHP FAVES

KEEPER DAYS 2024

Each year the City of Lighthouse Point plans a fun weekend for all ages. The festivities kick-off with a festive dinner honoring the year’s “keepers.” On Saturday, there is a parade and the last few

years has featured a 5k race around town. There is a concert in the park and a sports day for kids too. Get out and have fun with your neighbors.

LIGHTHOUSE A’ GLOW

Make holiday memories with your family, friends

THE POMPANO BEACH FINE FOOD & WINE CELEBRATION

The Pompano Beach Fine Food & Wine Celebration gathers some of the area’s finest culinary institutions, bakers, craft brewers and wine distributors for one night dedicated to pleasing the palate. Stay tuned for updates for the 2024 event. www. pompanobeachchamber.com

POMPANO BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Enjoy a weekend of music, seafood, and art while supporting your community! The festival, a non-profit event, was founded in 1984 by the Pompano Beach

Chamber of Commerce and the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo to support local charities in the Pompano Beach area. Featuring South Florida musicians and artists, the annual event has become a staple

in the community. The proceeds of the annual festival stay in the community benefiting several essential local charities. Festival goers will notice volunteers from these charities performing various

and neighbors at one of Lighthouse Point’s most beloved annual events — Lighthouse A’Glow. Special appearance by Santa is always a highlight. December, Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27th Ave., Lighthouse Point.

roles to support the festival, from selling tickets, t-shirts, and parking to serving rum runners and margaritas. Drinks and food are available for purchase. April, Pompano Beach Community Park, 1801 NE Sixth Street, Pompano Beach.

DEERFIELD BEACH ITALIAN FESTIVAL

This bash by the sea combines two of everyone’s favorite things: the beach and Italian food. As of press time, dates were still being discussed. South of the International Fish Pier, 200 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach

TASTE OF LIGHTHOUSE POINT

While this event was usually hosted at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club, last year’s bash took place at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach. Stay tuned for updates for the 2024 Taste,

RIGHT the scene at the 2023 event held at The Marriott in Pompano Beach

BOOTS ON THE BEACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Last year’s event was held in November, with tickets for reserved seating available through Eventbrite. There was a packed entertainment schedule, including Tim Charron, Andrew Morris and Maggie Baugh. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming event information. Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfield-beach. com

JAZZ FEST 2024

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach is the creation of the City of Pompano Beach’s Cultural Affairs Department. The City is committed to

MUSIC FESTS IN SEASON

POMPANO BEACH GREEN MARKET

The market takes place from November – April on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9am – 1pm. Some items available for purchase include fresh fruits and vegetables,

developing Pompano Beach’s reputation as a cultural hub and an economic powerhouse. Many of last year’s concerts sold out quickly, so best to get a jump on things. Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20, Pompano Beach Great Lawn & Old Town, www. pompanobeacharts.org/ jazzfest

TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Rock, The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, is a world-class music festival on the beach with the express mission of spreading awareness of ocean conservation issues. During Tortuga, the magical shores of the Atlantic Ocean host concertgoers for

an oceanfront music experience featuring top country and rock artists. Last year’s lineup included Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Wiz Khalifa, Cole Swindell, Carly Pearce and more! Tortuga provides conservation messaging to 30,000plus fans annually with a “edu-tainment” experience. According to its website, the Tortuga Festival has raised $3.2 million for Rock the Ocean, which aims to increase awareness about issues impacting the oceans. April 5 – 7, 2024, Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www. tortugamusicfestival. com

Two Town Traditions

ST. COLEMAN ITALIAN FESTIVAL

The St. Coleman’s Italian Festival has become a beloved annual community event. Why? Because who doesn’t enjoy fantastic food, amazing rides, games and entertainment? Many families have attended since the beginning and continue coming with their kids and grandkids. And to think it all started as a humble spaghetti dinner with pony rides in 1984. Food and rides are available for purchase. February, St. Coleman Catholic Church, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, www.italianfest.org

ST. AMBROSE CARNIVAL

With plenty of tasty food, dazzling rides, and entertainment, everyone can expect a fun-filled weekend. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to grab a funnel cake, chili dog, and more! Food and rides are available for purchase. February, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 S. South Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, www. stambrosecarnival.com

juices, baked goods, local honey, seafood and other food items, orchids, plants, and health-related products and services. Visitors will also find handmade crafts, art and culinary products at the market. Each

Green Market date will have a different theme, creating a unique and exciting experience every time you visit!

Saturdays, NovemberApril, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach

ROCK THE BOAT

THE NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET

The Annual Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point Nautical Flea Market has become a tradition. Enjoy the day in Pompano Beach Community Park — listen to live music, have lunch and a cold drink. Bring the kids too! If it’s nautical, you’ll find it at the flea market — over 200 vendors will sell all types of boating equipment, fishing and scuba gear, nautical antiques and artwork, beach attire, jewelry and more! January, Pompano Beach

Community Park, 820 NE 18th Ave, Pompano Beach, 954-946-6419, www.nauticalfleamarket. net

FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the most incredible boat show on the seven seas. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world. Located steps from the beach, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space connected by an intricate water and ground transportation network. The five-day show attracted over attendees and 1,000

Holiday Happenings

ANNUAL GREATER POMPANO BEACH/LIGHTHOUSE POINT/DEERFIELD BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

Enjoy the magic of holiday boats, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and cheers from the crowd viewing the parade up the Intracoastal Waterway!

The parade begins at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach and heads north past the judges’ stand at The Sands Resort & Marina, and continues north through the Hillsboro Bridge and around Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach. Intracoastal Waterway from Lake Santa Barbara to Sullivan Park.

YULETIDE ON ATLANTIC

exhibitors representing 52 countries, with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2021. Products range from sunglasses to super yachts and everything in between. October 25 – 29, 2023. There are seven locations: Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier 66 Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, www.Flips.com

Every year The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department hosts the Yuletide on Atlantic Parade! Revelers at The Yuletide Parade can expect marching bands, floats, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and the big man, Santa, himself! Last year’s event started at 6:30pm and traveled from Riverside Drive, heading west on Atlantic Boulevard and ending at SE 24th Ave. The judges’ stand was at Harbor Drive and Atlantic Boulevard.

OCEAN WAY HOLIDAY

Is it ever too soon to start filling your calendar with holiday events? Save the date for Deerfield’s annual Ocean Way Holiday Revelers will enjoy the lighting ceremony, live entertainment, a holiday character show, photos with Santa, a giant interactive snow globe, stilt walkers, and more! December Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfield-beach.com

IT’S A SIMPLE BARGAIN: THE RICH GET HUGE TAX BREAKS BY DONATING ART, PROPERTY AND COMPANY SHARES TO BENEFIT THE PUBLIC. BUT SOME DONORS COLLECT MILLIONS WHILE OFFERING LITTLE OR NO PUBLIC ACCESS.

BY JEFF ERNSTHAUSEN | PROPUBLICA

nce a week, a little past noon on Wednesdays, a line of cars forms outside the wrought-iron gates of the Carolands mansion, 20 miles south of downtown San Francisco. From the entrance, you can see the southeast facade of the 98-room Beaux Arts chateau, which was built a century ago by an heiress to the Pullman railroad-car fortune. Not visible from that vantage point is the stately reflecting pool, or the gardens, whose original designer took inspiration from Versailles.

I was sitting just outside this splendor, idling in my rented Toyota Corolla, on a clear day last winter. Like the other people in the line of cars, I was about to enjoy a rare treat. Carolands is an architectural landmark, but it’s open only two hours a week. Would-be visitors apply a month in advance, hoping to win a lottery for tickets. Like most lotteries, this one has long odds. I had applied unsuccessfully for the three tours scheduled for February. Finally, I resorted to my journalist’s privilege: I emailed and called the director of the foundation that owns the estate, explaining that I was a reporter planning to be in the area for a few days. Could she help? Eventually, she called back and offered me a place on a tour.

It wasn’t supposed to be this difficult. When billionaire Charles Johnson sought a tax break in 2013 for donating his mansion to his private foundation, the organization assured the Internal Revenue Service and state officials that the public would be welcome. “The Foundation will fulfill its charitable and educational purpose by opening the Carolands Estate to the public,” it stated in its application for tax-exempt status, which included a pamphlet for a self-guided tour. The foundation later told a California tax regulator that the estate was open to the public every weekday from 9-5.

There was a lot of money at stake. Johnson, a Republican megadonor and part owner of the San Francisco Giants, had gotten an appraisal valuing the property at $130 million, a price higher than any publicly reported home sale in the U.S. up to that time, and five times the $26 million he and his wife, Ann, had reportedly paid 14 years earlier to buy and restore what then was a dilapidated property.

The plan worked. The IRS granted the foundation tax-exempt status. That allowed the Johnsons to collect more than $38 million in tax savings from the estate over five years, confidential tax records show.

But the Johnsons never opened Carolands to the public for 40 hours a week. Instead,

the foundation bestows tickets on a few dozen lottery winners, who receive two-hour tours, led by docents, most Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Self-guided tours, like the ones described in the attachments to Johnson’s IRS application, are not offered. “It sounds like a vanity project with little to no public benefit,” said Roger Colinvaux, a professor of law at The Catholic University of America who specializes in the tax law of nonprofit organizations. (Experts also questioned Carolands’ $130 million valuation — which turbocharged the Johnsons’ deduction — while acknowledging that as long as it’s based on a qualified appraisal, which it was, the IRS is unlikely to challenge the size of the deduction.)

For the ultrawealthy, donating valuables like artwork, real estate and stocks to their own charitable foundation is an alluring way to cut their tax bills. In exchange for generous tax breaks, they are supposed to use the assets to serve the public: Art might be put on display where people can see it, or stock sold to fund programs to fight child poverty. Across the U.S., such foundations hold over $1 trillion in assets.

But a ProPublica investigation reveals that some foundation donors have obtained millions of dollars in tax deductions without holding up their end of the bargain, and sometimes they personally benefit from donations that are supposed to be a boon to the public. A tech billionaire used his charitable foundation to buy his girlfriend’s house, then stayed there with her while he was going through a divorce. A real estate mogul keeps his nonprofit art museum in his guesthouse and told ProPublica that he hadn’t shown it to a member of the public since before the pandemic. And a venture capitalist couple’s foundation bought the multimillion dollar house next to their own without ever opening the property to the public.

Unlike public charities, private foundations are typically funded by a single donor or family, who retain a high degree of control long after receiving a tax break for ostensibly giving their possessions away. “This is the classic problem with private foundations: Substantial contributors can see it as their thing,” said Philip Hackney, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh and former IRS attorney. “There’s generally not a coalition who cares, other than the family, so there’s nothing to ensure that the assets are used for a particular purpose,” he added.

In theory, it’s illegal to fail to provide a public benefit or to make personal use of foundation assets. But the rules defining what’s in the public interest are vague, according to tax experts; for example, Congress has never defined how many hours a museum would need to be open to be considered accessible to the public. And with the IRS

depleted by a decade of budget cuts, enforcement has been lax. The agency examines an average of 225 returns among the 100,000 filed by private foundations each year, according to agency statistics.

Peter Kanter, an attorney representing the Carolands Foundation, told ProPublica that “we believe pretty strongly that the foundation is serving its purpose of preserving and showcasing this historic and unique property to the public.”

He said that tours are limited because the foundation has only a few volunteer docents who are knowledgeable about the home, and because significantly higher traffic might compromise the foundation’s ability to preserve its unique architecture. Kanter also emphasized the public value of free charitable events that the foundation occasionally hosts for other nonprofits at the estate.

At the Carolands, guides didn’t emphasize benefits to the public — just the opposite. A docent told my tour group that the foundation prefers lotteries to holding regular hours and charging admission. This, he explained, preserves the home for those who “really want to see it.” Indeed, exclusivity and rarefied taste were a theme of the tour, which included tales of the exacting specifications of Harriett Carolan, the Pullman heiress, a Francophile who imported an entire salon that had been built in France on the eve of the revolution. (For their parts, when Ann and Charles Johnson unveiled the restored chateau at a costume party, they dressed as Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.)

Before the tour, one of the docents asked how many of us had ever visited a nearby historical mansion, called the Filoli estate, built in the same era as the Carolands. Many hands shot up among the tour group. When he asked if any of us had visited the Carolands before, no one raised their hand.

Curious, I popped by Filoli the following afternoon. It is run by a public charity and is open from 10 to 5 every day. In contrast to the Carolands, I was able to simply show up, pay admission and enter. Inside, I encountered dozens of employees who provided helpful information and watched over the manor and its gardens while more than a hundred visitors wandered about. Photography, which had been prohibited inside the Carolands, was permitted at Filoli.

Congress and the IRS have never clearly defined what qualifies as a “public benefit.” By contrast, identifying a private benefit is much simpler. Decades ago Congress prohibited what it called self-dealing by insiders. The laws are designed to keep them from using or profiting from foundation assets.

THIS IS THE CLASSIC PROBLEM WITH PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS: SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTORS CAN SEE IT AS THEIR THING. THERE’S GENERALLY NOT A COALITION WHO CARES, OTHER THAN THE FAMILY, SO THERE’S NOTHING TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSETS ARE USED FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

PHILIP HACKNEY, LAW PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AND FORMER IRS ATTORNEY

Among other things, the rules bar leases between a donor and their foundation. Violations can incur a penalty known as an excise tax. At least one billionaire appears to have run afoul of those real estate rules, according to tax experts. Since 2009, Ken Xie, CEO of a cybersecurity company called Fortinet, has gotten more than $30 million in income tax deductions for contributing shares of his business to a private foundation that he started to support various charitable causes.

In 2017, Xie’s foundation (whose sole officers are Xie and his brother) spent $3 million to purchase a home in Cupertino, California, from his new girlfriend while he was going through an acrimonious divorce. After the foundation purchased

In an email to ProPublica, Gordon Finwall, a lawyer for Xie, said the foundation is “fully committed to complying with all applicable rules and regulations.” He acknowledged that Xie “spent some time at the Cupertino property in 2017 and 2018,” but asserted that the sublease was never in effect and Xie never paid his ex-girlfriend any rent.

Two days after I emailed Finwall in April inquiring about the Xie Foundation’s purchase of the house, the foundation filed records with the California attorney general’s office, stating that it had “discovered a self-dealing event” and including a federal tax return with the word “amended” handwritten at the top. In his email to ProPublica, Finwall said that, after amending its returns, the foundation “paid some excise taxes related to Mr. Xie’s stay at the property.”

Finwall also said that Xie had planned to file the amended returns months earlier but didn’t do so because his accountant mailed the IRS forms to Xie at an outdated address.

Despite the blurriness of many rules relating to foundations, the issue of public access has given rise to controversy in the past.

the home, Xie allowed his girlfriend to continue living there; he also stayed there for a time. These details emerged in a lawsuit filed by the nowex-girlfriend, who was permitted to file the suit anonymously, in county court. (The suit is ongoing.) According to leases filed in the case, the foundation charged her rent, but Xie agreed to pay half of it.

Xie himself appears to have been aware that he risked violating the rules. In a December 2019 text message to his girlfriend that was included in the court case, Xie wrote, “I covered some house part but also try not creat issue related to foundation and tax, believe will make some progress next few months by transfer house out of foundation, may need 2 step by first transfer to other entity.” The next month, his foundation transferred the property to an LLC.

After a New York Times article in 2015 exposed the limited hours of many private museums, the Senate Finance Committee, under then-chairman Orrin Hatch, launched an investigation. Hatch expressed concerns about museums that require advance reservations and maintain limited public hours. He questioned instances where “founding donors continue to play an active role in management and operations of the museum” and “museum buildings are adjacent to the donor’s private residence.”

But no meaningful rule changes followed the investigation. And absent new laws, cracking down on abusive foundations would require the IRS to put scarce resources into an area that many experts said simply isn’t a priority, particularly after the agency’s previous attempt to police abuse by political nonprofits a decade ago caused a conservative firestorm.

The agency doesn’t appear likely to increase oversight any time soon. A recently published

Matthew Strauss in front of “Sunshine and Snow,” by Kenneth Noland, at his foundation’s museum. Jeff Ernsthausen/ ProPublica

budget blueprint outlining IRS priorities for the $80 billion in new funding it received from the Inflation Reduction Act made no mention of increasing audits of private foundations.

“The IRS protects the public interest by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all,” the agency wrote in a statement to ProPublica. The statement cited a compliance program that “focuses on high-risk issues” among tax-exempt organizations, and it asserted that the program “deploys the right resources to address noncompliance issues.” The IRS also pointed to a recent tax court case that it won against a foundation that, among other things, kept a collection of African artifacts in a basement with no public access. And an agency spokesperson highlighted a rule stating that foundations can lose their exempt status if they operate in a manner “materially different” than what they claimed they would do in their initial application.

Despite the attention spurred by the Hatch investigation, some foundations seem to have continued undeterred. Consider the Lijin Gouhua Foundation. Collecting Chinese paintings and sharing them with the public was the stated mission of the organization, which was launched by Bay Area venture capitalists J. Sanford “Sandy” Miller and his then-wife, Vinie Zhang Miller, in 2006. Since then, the couple generated $5.6 million worth of income tax write-offs largely from donating shares of tech companies like Twitter and Snapchat to their private foundation.

When the couple cashed in the foundation’s stock to buy a potential museum space for the art in 2017, they opted against a high-traffic location where lots of people could easily access it. Instead, they chose the $3.1 million house adjacent to their own estate in Woodside, an exclusive enclave outside of San Francisco.

“A private museum is usually by appointment only,” Vinie Miller said when asked about the out-of-the-way location. “We wouldn’t hold long showing hours. It’s usually people we have a relationship with.” She said that the main way for the public to access the collection was through loans of artwork the foundation has made to universities, other museums and galleries. (In an email, Sandy Miller wrote: “Please be advised that I am not married to Vinie and that I have no involvement with the Lijin Gouhua Foundation.” Public records show Vinie filed for divorce from him in 2019; Sandy ceased to be listed as president of the foundation on IRS filings that year as well.)

The museum that was purchased with the foundation’s tax-exempt funds never actually opened. Vinie Miller said the plan was “hypothetical” and that the foundation held the home as an invest-

ment instead. That’s at odds with the foundation’s publicly available tax returns, which have listed the property as being used for charitable purposes. (Miller did not respond to a follow-up question asking about the discrepancy between her statements and the foundation’s tax returns.) As Colinvaux, the specialist in nonprofits, put it, “If it’s an investment asset, then it’s not a charitable use asset, and they shouldn’t be counting it as such” on their IRS filings.

In one similar instance involving another foundation, the IRS expressed hesitation about the organization’s plans, then backed off. In 2006, San Diego real estate magnate Matthew Strauss sought a $4 million write-off for the guesthouse that held part of his contemporary art collection. An IRS employee wrote that it appeared Strauss and his wife “are using the assets of the Foundation (the guest house gallery) as a facility for housing and displaying a large portion of their personal art collection for their enjoyment and benefit as well as the enjoyment and benefit of invited guests.” The employee wanted to know when actual art would be donated, what kind of access the public would have to the gallery, and how the couple planned to inform people that they could visit, among other things.

The couple’s lawyer assured the IRS representative that she’d gotten the wrong impression. The Strausses would host no personal events there and the public would have access to view the collection “upon request.” The couple anticipated donating “substantially all” of their $50 million collection to the foundation. They couldn’t say when, but the couple planned to make donations “in a fashion that minimizes income taxes.”

As 2006 turned into 2007 with no sign that the IRS would bless its museum tax deduction, the couple sought political help. In January, the head of the IRS’ tax-exempt division received a letter from the office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D.-Calif.), inquiring about the delay in approving the application from the couple, who’d given her more than $15,000 over the past few election cycles. That June, their application was approved. (“The senator was not advocating in support of the constituent’s application, but instead requested clarification on the case after nine months of an inability to resolve the case,” a spokesperson for Feinstein said, noting that her office frequently sends such letters on behalf of constituents).

As of 2021, 15 years after the Strausses’ lawyer told the IRS they would donate $50 million in art, the foundation holds $6 million worth. The rest remained in a private trust.

IN 2006, SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE MAGNATE MATTHEW STRAUSS SOUGHT A $4 MILLION WRITE-OFF FOR THE GUESTHOUSE THAT HELD PART OF HIS CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION.

To learn more about Strausses’ gallery, I tried to schedule a visit earlier this year. As with Carolands, I was able to get in, but it took some effort. The foundation’s website doesn’t list an address or hours of operation. A contact form available for visitors to inquire about tours wasn’t working when I tried it repeatedly. I ultimately had to pester employees of Strauss’ real estate company for a couple of weeks before someone responded and asked me to submit a biography for their boss to review. (My bio described me as a reporter with ProPublica, with the first coverage area listed as “tax policy.”)

Soon after I sent in my biography, I received a call from Matthew Strauss himself. After a brief conversation, he declared me “worthy” of the first tour he said he’d given in three years and sent along directions to the museum.

I didn’t see any signs outside the couple’s estate, nicknamed Rancho Del Arte, that indicated a museum could be found anywhere on the premises. From the outside, their guesthouse seemed relatively unassuming, its multimillion-dollar value betrayed only by the horse stables and privacy hedges of the nearby mansions I passed on the way in. A path wide enough for a golf cart wound its way through a grove of palm trees, past oversized sculptures and a private tennis court, to the Strausses’ own sprawling abode a hundred yards or so away.

The inside was more remarkable. The Strausses remodeled the building in the early 2000s with custom fixtures to illuminate works from their collection of contemporary art. Sounds and music from dueling audiovisual works on the main floor flooded the space, while the click-clack of a never-ending ping pong game echoed up from a conceptual piece in the basement. These noisier forms shared space with paintings on canvas and metal and with textured mixed-media compositions.

Dressed in sweats and sporting a Bentley baseball cap, Strauss personally led my solo tour, meandering from one prized possession to the next. He exhibited an uncanny memory for how he obtained each piece, likening the acquisition process to the thrill of a hunt.

(“Once you get the fox, it’s not as much fun.”) He spoke of one painting as “my poor man’s ‘Mona Lisa’” and another as “my victory piece.”

Halfway through my visit, we stopped to take in the view from the museum’s balcony. “At this point, you can see why I had to buy this property,” he told me, explaining that he’d bought the guesthouse from his neighbor in the late 1990s to keep anyone else from moving in. “Anybody here, they would have knocked it down, and you know, really ruined our privacy.”

As the tour continued from room to room, Strauss leaned into his persona as a friendly professor. He asked probing questions about each modern piece before delving into centuries of art history. “I really show [people] how to look at art, I don’t just tell them ‘This is So-and-So,’” he said, recalling the tours he used to give to college students.

Before the pandemic, the foundation would conduct a dozen or two dozen tours each year, drawing a total of about 400 visitors to the gallery, according to the foundation’s website. But even as California’s other museums welcomed guests back in the spring of 2021, the foundation remained dormant.

Strauss acknowledges the tax benefits of having the foundation and maintained that he had made efforts to make his art available to the public. “I feel like I have an obligation to show it, but it’s got to be under favorable conditions,” he said. He’d told me he’d like to get tours going again, but only when schools and universities stop requiring masks and start treating COVID-19 “like normal.”

Strauss said he gets requests from individuals to see the collection “all the time.” But, he added, “to show one or two, it’s not worthy. It’ll wear me out.” Letting people come on their own was out of the question (they might damage the art), as was having regular public hours (it’s a zoning issue, he said, and the neighbors would never go for it). Strauss declined to respond to a list of follow-up questions that I sent after the tour.

A couple months from turning 90, Strauss was more focused on the big picture. Sooner or later, he said, he plans to give away most of the collection, which he estimates to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Most of his personal collection will go to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, while the foundation’s assets will go to the University of California, San Diego under a deal that is in the process of being finalized.

As we made our way through the gallery, Strauss paused before a reproduction of a Life magazine cover featuring the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Did anything catch my eye about it, he asked.

I stared for a moment.

“Why don’t you knock on it,” he suggested. “Maybe that’ll help you.”

Strauss sensed my hesitation to touch the art — he wanted me to see it was made of metal — and tried to put me at ease.

“You’re not supposed to,” he chuckled. “But this is my museum!” Y

For this story, ProPublica reviewed a nationwide database of parcels provided by the real estate data analytics firm Regrid to find homes owned by private foundations.

I FEEL LIKE I HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO SHOW IT, BUT IT’S GOT TO BE UNDER FAVORABLE CONDITIONS.

MATTHEW STRAUSS

Fully renovated intimate resort featuring 16 guest rooms, beautiful pool surrounded by lush tropical garden and ideally located 1/2 block from the beach and within a short 5-to-10-minute walk to all the restaurants, shops and other attractions. Guest rooms offer comfortable bedrooms, full kitchens, and dining areas.

experience by writing or calling during regular business hours.

OUT TO EAT

IN THE NORTH BROWARD BEACHES WITH MRS. KOSSENFLOFFER

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@ pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

KEY

$ Inexpensive (under $25)

$$ Moderate ($26-$50)

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Expensive ($51-$75)

$$$$ Pricey (over $75)

Lighthouse Point

Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grill. AMERICAN Bar food and a wide array of televised sports games with a game room for kids. 2002 E. Sample Road, 954-960-2477 $

Cap’s Place. SEAFOOD Lighthouse Point’s own hidden seafood joint dating back to prohibition. Take the short boat ride over to the restaurant. 2765 NE 28th Court, 954-941-0418 $$$

Fetta Republic. GREEK Traditional Greek offerings close to home. 2420 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-2394 $-$$

Fish Shack. SEAFOOD This restaurant used to be a “best-kept secret.” But now that they have moved into the Shoppes at Beacon Light, the word is out. The Fish Shack keeps it simple, serving fresh fish prepared in several ways. There is more to the menu, but it is called The Fish Shack. 2460 N. Federal Highway, 954-586-4105 $$

Le Bistro. CONTINENTAL Classically-trained chef Andy Trousdale serves up classics and inventive new dishes at this little neighborhood gem. Fresh and local produce is always used, and vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free menu items are available. A note to the wise; the porcini mushroom soup is worth every calorie. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and wine tasting dinners. More than worthy of a special occasion. Reservations are recommended. 4626 N. Federal Highway, 954-9469240 $$$

Legends Tavern and Grille. AMERICAN Enjoy gastropub fare, including sandwiches, burgers, wings, salads and a huge choice of appetizers. 3128 N. Federal Highway, 754-220-8932 $-$$

Lighthouse Thai Sushi. THAI • SUSHI This casual spot in the Shoppes of Beacon Light hits the spot when you seek a casual sushi or Thai dinner. The rolls are fresh, fun and tasty and the various Thai curries will leave you craving more. 2476 N Federal Highway, 954-532-6342 $$

The Nauti Dawg Marina Café. AMERICAN Nestled at the Lighthouse Point Marina, the Nauti Dawg is a local favorite. Start with the tuna wontons—crispy fried wonton wrappers topped with tuna tartare, seaweed salad, red pepper mayo, wasabi and a hit of sriracha. You can’t go wrong with the fresh fish sandwich—ask what the catch of the day is. They are a dog-friendly restaurant. 2830 NE 29th Ave. (at the Lighthouse Point Marina), 954-941-0246 $$

Papa’s Raw Bar. SUSHI • SEAFOOD While the fresh food is the real star, the Keys-inspired decor accounts for part of their charm. The menu goes beyond typical raw bar offerings with inventive tacos and sliders. Papa’s also offers an impressive array of sushi and sashimi. And to wash it all down, they have about a zillion craft beer options and a good wine list too. 4610 N. Federal Highway, 754-307-5034 $$-$$$

Rocca Trattoria. ITALIAN Rocco is a small and intimate neighborhood place serving classic Italian fare. The shrimp tempura appetizer, while not classically Italian, was light, crispy and a great starter to share. We were suitably impressed with the flavor bomb that is the veal chop valdostano. The veal is butterflied, pounded thin, stuffed with prosciutto, gorgonzola, and wild mushrooms and topped with a brandy Marsala sauce. If you want something a touch lighter, the grilled salmon was delicate and fresh and prepared with garlic, fresh herbs and a touch of lemon. The chicken franchise was perfectly cooked — the meat was moist

and tender, and the coating was light — just enough to soak up the lemony goodness of the sauce. 2014 E Sample Road, 954-876-1733 $$

Deerfield Beach

Baja Cafe. MEXICAN Locals flock to this long-established favorite for a Mexican dinner or just drinks. They are known for their margaritas and entrées, including their bandito honey bean burritos and many taco options. You’ll also enjoy their endless fresh chips served with two types of salsa. 1310 S. Federal Highway, 954-596-1304 $$

Barracuda Seafood Bar & Grill. SEAFOOD • BRAZILIAN This spot by the sea serves seafood with a touch of Brazilian flare, such as the bobo de camarao — shrimp sautéed in coconut milk, saffron, palm oil and yucca cream baked in a cast-iron skillet. 123 NE 29th Ave., 954531-1290 $$

Burrito Social. MEXICAN As one would expect, you can certainly get a burrito, but the menu also includes plenty of taco options along with fun starters like poke tacos, sandwiches, bowls and more. 2060 NE Second Street 754-227-7817 $$

Casa Maya. MEXICAN Start with a margarita, and it only gets better from there. This is not your typical Mexican joint — it’s better. Try gobernador tacos: a combination of shrimp with diced poblanos, onions, tomatoes and cilantro on a crispy corn tortilla topped with melted cheese. 301 SE 15th Terrace, 954-570-6101 $$

Chanson at the Royal Blues Hotel. SEAFOOD • SEASONAL Chanson offers fine dining with an ocean view. 45 NE 21st Ave., 954-8572929. $$$$

Deer Creek Grille. AMERICAN Enjoy the club atmosphere with gorgeous views of the lush gardens and waterfall. The restaurant offers daily lunch and dinner specials, a Sunday breakfast buffet and covered patio dining so you can dine al fresco. 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd., 954-421-5553 $$

JB’s on the Beach. SEAFOOD The restaurant boasts glorious beach views and a private glass room perfect for business or family affairs. 300 N. Ocean Way, 954-571-5220 $$$

Le Val de Loire Restaurant. FRENCH • STEAKHOUSE The menu at this cozy French bistro includes many classics. So next time you crave sole meunière, filet mignon au poivre or beef bourguignon, you don’t have to go further than the Cove. The steakhouse menu includes a New York strip and a rib eye, among other cuts. Le Val de Loire is a French restaurant, so they offer three sauces with the steaks — including a mushroom cream sauce. Classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach are also available. 1576 SE Third Court, 954-427-5354 $$$

Little Havana. CUBAN Little Havana has fantastic lunch specials, and most of their dinner plates will feed two. Their masas de puerco frita

and their Little Havana steak are two of the standout menu items, aside from their zesty chimichurri. 721 N. Federal Highway, 954-427-6000 $$

Luigi di Roma. ITALIAN The atmosphere is always lively at Luigi di Roma — mainly if you arrive during happy hour! Naturally, you will find all your favorite Italian dishes on the menu, with everything from eggplant Parmesan to shrimp scampi and everything in between. You can also order take-out online. 718 S. Federal Highway, 954-531-6151 $$-$$$

Ocean’s 234. SEAFOOD Amazing views of Deerfield Beach and the pier with gluten-free options are available. 234 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-4282539 $$$

Patio Bar & Grill. CONTINENTAL This relaxed spot at the Wyndham serves casual fare. You can stick to the classics like wings or a shrimp cocktail. Or be more adventurous and enjoy an order of volcano spring rolls stuffed with crab and served with sriracha mayo and wakame slaw. They also serve burgers and plenty of fresh salads and savory entrees. There is often live music contributing to the energetic vibe. 2096 NE Second St., (at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort) 954-596-8618 $$

Patrizio of NYC. ITALIAN At Patrizio, you will find all the classic Italian dishes we all love. The vibe is lively and the food is tasty. What more do you need? 1544 SE Third Court, 954-751-9797 $$

Taj. INDIAN This unassuming eatery in the Cove Shopping center has been quietly chugging along for years. The restaurant serves various Indian favorites, including tandoori breads, biryani, lamb specialties, and plenty of vegetarian options. The saag paneer, which is the Indian version of creamed spinach, goes well with anything on the menu. SE 15th Terrace, 954-427-0423 $$

Tijuana Taxi Co. MEXICAN Perhaps it’s the all-day happy hour (Mon.-Fri., 11am-7pm) with $6 El Jimador margaritas, but as soon as you enter, the day’s weight lifts off your shoulders. There is outdoor patio seating available and a large U-shaped bar inside. The portions are generous — enough for a doggie bag. And there is kids night on Sunday: kids eat for $1.99 from the $6.99 kids menu. 1015 S. Federal Highway, 954-708-2775 $$

Whales’ Rib. SEAFOOD Locals know it well, and tourists know it from “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Whatever you do, don’t skip the whale fries. 2031 NE Second St., 954-421-8880 $$

Pompano Beach

And Fish Kitchen + Bar. SEAFOOD Located at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, diners will enjoy a modern take on fresh seafood. The restaurant sports a contemporary and breezy ambiance. 1200 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-782-0100 $$

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. ITALIAN • PIZZA • WINGS You can credit this place with bringing the whole “coal-fired pizza craze” to South Florida. Pizza and chicken wings — do you need any more? Try the cauliflower pizza — good and good for you. 1203 S. Federal Highway, 954942-5550 $$

The Beach Grille. AMERICAN Delicious eats near the beach with the capability to order online. 3414 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-6000 $

Beach House. AMERICAN • CRAFT COCKTAILS This is the perfect place to take out-of-town guests. Snag one of the stadium seating style

$40.00

11am-10pm

Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm Sunday: 3pm-10pm

booths overlooking the Atlantic. Enjoy the casual and relaxed ambiance with a rooftop deck on the second floor. 270 N Pompano Beach Blvd. 954607-6530 $$

Briny Irish Pub. IRISH • BAR FOOD At the end of East Atlantic Boulevard stands Briny Irish Pub. There is a large beer selection plus the regular and, dare we say unique mixed drinks. The kitchen offers bar food and classics like bangers and mash and fish-n-chips. The casual atmosphere is created by an array of nautical artifacts that fill the pub. 3440 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-3159 $

Bru’s Room Sports Grill. AMERICAN This spot is home to the Florida State Booster Club of Broward County. Wings and plenty of bar food is available. 235 S. Federal Highway, 954-785-2227 $

Calypso Restaurant and Raw Bar. CARIBBEAN This gem of a restaurant is known for its fresh fish, Bahamian conch dishes, Jamaican jerk and American favorites all served with an island flair. Try the house special cutter (sandwich) — sautéed shrimp with garlic butter, mushrooms and cheddar all stuffed into a hollowed-out kaiser roll. Wash it all down with a draft beer, a glass of wine or choose from over 40 different bottled beers. 460 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-1633 $$

Checkers Old Munchen. GERMAN For a traditional German meal, try the wiener schnitzel — it’s divine — a lightly breaded veal cutlet sautéed in lemon butter and topped with homemade brown gravy. The spaetzle (German noodles) are a real homemade treat and not to be missed — throw a little of that brown gravy on them, and they could be a meal unto themselves. Imbibe to your heart’s content with their vast assortment of German beers. 2209 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-7565 $$

Chef Dee’s. SUSHI • SEAFOOD A small neighborhood place with plenty of charm. Impressive sushi rolls and a varied menu with something for everyone. 3919 N. Federal Highway., 954-582-4444 $$

Dangerous Minds Brewing Co., BREWERY • ARTISANAL PIZZA This spot at Pompano Citi Centre offers artisanal pizzas made from scratch. Their specialty is a Scotch egg, a soft-boiled egg wrapped in homemade sausage and then fried until crispy on the outside. But back to the brewery — all the beers are brewed on-site, and owners Adam and Andre hale from Germany and England — two countries steeped in beer tradition. 1901 N Federal Highway, 954-657-8676 $-$$

Darrel & Oliver’s Cafe Maxx. INTERNATIONAL This restaurant is an anchor of the South Florida fine dining scene. 2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-0606 $$$$

Deep Oceanfront Dining & Bar. AMERICAN Beach front dining at the Beachcomber Resort — go for the view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1200 S. Ocean Blvd. 954-941-7830 $$$

Deccan Spice. INDIAN Enjoy the contemporary decor and take your pick from classic dishes like chicken tikka and biryani and curry dishes to some Indo-Chinese twists like crunchy stir-fried noodles. 1149 S. Federal Highway, 954-366-1847 $$

Di Farina Pasta Factory & Restaurant. ITALIAN Making pasta from scratch is a process. But what if you could just pick it up nearby or even have it delivered. Dreams do come true. Di Farina offers a variety of freshly made pasta to go. And if you can’t be bothered to make a sauce, they’ve got 19 from which to choose. The restaurant also has a full menu of Italian favorites. 1915 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-953-6771 $$

Flamingo Seafood. SEAFOOD Located in a remodeled gas station, this popular new eatery is a welcome addition to Pompano Beach. The menu features a raw bar and many small plates that are optimal for sharing. We tried four different kinds of oysters, which were all fresh and perfectly briny, with a considerable difference in size. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu and raw bar offerings. Flamingo also features a full bar, contributing to the casual and lively atmosphere. 2798 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-960-2009 $$-$$$

AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD

Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Enjoy a deal every day. 2500 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-3762 $$

The Foundry. AMERICAN Known for its artfully crafted dishes, The Foundry offers a fusion of contemporary flavors with a happening dining experience. 2781 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-205-6977 $$

Galuppi’s. AMERICAN What could be more entertaining than watching golfers swing and blimps ascend as you sip a drink at an outdoor bar? 1103 N. Federal Highway, 954-785-0226 $-$$

Gianni’s Italian Restaurant. ITALIAN Gianni’s is practically a Pompano Beach landmark. Enjoy traditional Italian fare at this family-owned and operated establishment, serving everything from pasta to specialties like Chicken Gianni’s and fresh seafood. Don’t skip the romaine salad with the blue cheese. Pair your dish with a bottle of wine or cocktail from their full bar. They also offer daily lunch specials Monday – Friday. 1601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-1733 $$

Houston’s. AMERICAN Enjoy this contemporary eatery for lunch or dinner. An outdoor bar and seating on the Intracoastal are available. 2821 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-9499 $$$

J Mark’s. AMERICAN A relaxing, modern restaurant and bar with food and service to match. 1490 NE 23rd St., 954-782-7000 $$$

Kin Asian Street Food. ASIAN • SUSHI Enjoy everything from inventive takes on ramen soups with pork belly and a jammy egg to rice bowls and dumplings. The restaurant has a comprehensive sushi menu, but this is a place to order outside your comfort zone. After all, isn’t sushi the new pizza? 143 SW Sixth St., 954-532-4567 $$

La Perla Di Pompano. ITALIAN This small and intimate Italian eatery offers a wide selection of Italian dishes, including four different risotto dishes alone. 420 N. Federal Highway, 754-222-9174 $$$-$$$$

La Veranda. ITALIAN The atmosphere is elegant, yet comfortable and warm. Inside or out, one can enjoy an evening in the Tuscany-inspired surroundings. There is an extensive selection of pasta, entrées and traditional dishes. Taste the love in their homemade desserts. If you’re looking to celebrate, La Veranda is an excellent choice. Reservations are suggested. 2121 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-7390 $$$

Las Orquideas. COLOMBIAN For an authentic Colombian meal, you don’t need to go any further than Atlantic Boulevard. Not only can you find all of your Colombian favorites, but the restaurant has a full bar with fun cocktails. 900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-772-7272 $$-$$$

Legends Tavern and Grille. AMERICAN Enjoy gastropub fare, including sandwiches, burgers, wings, salads and a huge choice of appetizers. 10 SW Sixth St. $-$$

Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill. AMERICAN It’s places like Lucky’s that make you happy you live in South Florida. This tiki bar by the sea (just south of the pier) offers simple eats, some top-notch people watching all with an ocean view. The menu includes classic snack foods like coconut shrimp and fish dip to tuna poke nachos. You can also order to go for a picnic on the beach. 222 N Pompano Beach Blvd. $

Miami Masala. INDIAN Enjoy classic Indian dishes and a few more modern ones with an Indian twist. Try the Indian crepe — crazy good. A daily lunch buffet includes traditional, vegetarian and vegan choices. 900 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-317-1371 $$

Mora Grill. MEDITERRANEAN This cozy yet modern spot is open for lunch and dinner. The menu includes a range of Mediterranean favorites, from kebobs to gyros. 3428 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-933-2003 $$

Nonna’s Bistro & Cafe. ARGENTINEAN • BAKERY • CAFE Some of Nonna’s offerings include pasta frola cake, American keto salad, and a charcuterie board for two. Carryout and delivery are available. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-532-9920 $$

“I only thought I had real Greek food before I ate KOSTA’S!!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!! Abosolutely the Best food ever!!! - Jacqui Adams

Oceanic. AMERICAN • SEAFOOD Along with stunning ocean views, the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu emphasizing seafood. The restaurant boasts dazzling architecture inspired by the great ocean liners of years past. 250 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., 954-366-3768 $$-$$$

Pho Lavie. VIETNAMESE If you have never had Vietnamese food, you are missing out. This spot will delight you. Everything is so fresh. Go and have some pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), you’ll thank us. 3321 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-4155 $$

Ruby’s by the Sea. ITALIAN Tucked away in a small strip mall near the Hillsboro inlet is Ruby’s, serving classic Italian fare. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-785-7700 $$

Rusty Hook Tavern. AMERICAN Located on the Pompano Intracoastal, sit inside or outside; just keep in mind that the word tavern means a local place to gather around the table. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-941-2499 $$

Saito Japanese Steakhouse. JAPANESE This Japanese steakhouse offers a wide variety of entrees, including teriyaki dishes, tempura and sushi. Diners can choose to sit at the sushi bar, or they can enjoy hibachi-style dining. 2101 N Federal Highway, Suite 208, 954-945-8888 $$

Sands Harbor Patio Restaurant. AMERICAN Located in the Sands Harbor Hotel and Marina on the Intracoastal, you can dine poolside or waterside; either way, you better know how to swim. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-942-9100 $$

Seaside Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Enjoy a view of the Atlantic while enjoying fresh seafood and an icy cold cocktail. Don’t worry if you’re not a fish lover — there are plenty of entrée choices from the land. Located at Lighthouse Cove Resort on the ocean. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-783-3193 $$

Shishka Lebanese Grill. MIDDLE EASTERN It’s not easy to make a good falafel, but the ones at Shishka are worth every calorie. 1901 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-2999 $$

South Bar & Kitchen. CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN South Bar & Kitchen offers an array of Southern comfort foods with a heavy Louisiana influence. 165 NE First Ave., 954-890-2000 $$-$$$

Sushi Lab. JAPANESE • AMERICAN Sushi Lab, offers many options for the sushi averse. But if you are a fan, the restaurant has a plethora of rolls and sashimi. Also, be sure to try one of the hand-crafted cocktails. 1350 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-937-7366 $$-$$$

Table 2201. MEDITERRANEAN Everything at Table 2201 is made on the premises. Start with the pygros, eggplant, potatoes and ground beef topped with a cool yogurt sauce. 2201 E. Atlantic Blvd., 718-600-2236 $$

Take Sushi. JAPANESE • SUSHI Fresh, authentic Japanese fair delivered to your door? Yes, please. 2714 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-2442 $$

Umberto’s of Long Island. ITALIAN • PIZZA When a pizza is named Grandma’s Pizza — you must order it. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Umberto’s offers all the Italian standards. 2780 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-784-7110 $$

Valentino’s Italian Cuisine. ITALIAN • PIZZA An abundance of Italian fare served for lunch or dinner. If you can’t dine in, fret not; they offer free delivery. 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-943-5387 $$

Yamu Thai. JAPANESE • THAI All your favorite sushi and Thai dishes 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-532-7901

Zoyuz by Talay Thai. SUSHI • JAPANESE BOWLS Zoyuz offers sushi and inventive ramen-inspired bowls. Plus, they have an innovative drink menu. 2515 E Atlantic Blvd. 954-951-6068 $$

Zuccarelli. ITALIAN • PIZZA This place is more than just a pizza joint. From eggplant Parmesan to shrimp fra diavolo, you will leave quite satisfied. The portions are generous and come with a house salad. Bring your breath mints because their garlic rolls are on point. 1340 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-1261 $

FAST & CASUAL

Lighthouse Point FAST & CASUAL

Jugo Boss. SMOOTHIES • WRAPS Take a break with cold pressed juices, acai bowls, wraps and sandwiches. The menu is all-natural. 2438 N. Federal Highway, 954-586-4037

Offerdahl’s. BAGELS • SANDWICHES • SALADS If you are in search of a decent bagel, this is the spot. But the menu goes far beyond bagels with tasty, inventive and healthy salads, satisfying sandwiches, and entrees. 2400 N Federal Highway, 954-788-3464

Packy’s Sports Pub. SPORTS BAR If you are looking for a local spot to watch the game, Packy’s always pack them in. 4480 N. Federal Highway, 954-657-8423

Red Fox Diner. DINER Treat yourself to one of the daily specials at the Red Fox and you just might be able to skip dinner. But if you are in the mood for some comforting diner food, Red Fox never disappoints. Breakfast and lunch are served daily. 2041 NE 36th St., (Sample Road) 954-783-7714

Snow Time. BOBA TEA This spot for treats features bubble tea (boba) in about a zillion flavors. If you are looking for something new, different and delicious, get some bubble tea. Other sweet treats are paper-thin shaven ice cream and authentic Asian snacks. 2482 N. Federal Highway in the Shoppes at Beacon Light, 954-597-6269 Y

Deerfield Beach FAST & CASUAL

Burger Craze. BURGERS Top-quality ingredients come together to create unique taste sensations. Enjoy juicy burgers, hot dogs, wings and more. 2096 NE Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 954-596- 5949

Charm City. BURGERS From the moment they opened their doors, Charm City became a local favorite. If burgers aren’t your jam, fear not — they have plenty of options for non-carnivores. Try the emperor — an American Kobe beef patty with aged Swiss, truffled aioli and sautéed mushrooms — a burger fit for a king. And of course the fries are totally addictive. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-531-0300

El Jefe. MEXICAN For a genuinely inventive take on Mexican street food, this small yet bright and cheery taco joint is full of surprises. There is a plethora of proteins from which to choose. Pick one and have it in a taco, a bowl, a salad or even a burrito. The vegetarian salad is one of the best salads in town — perfect for a fulling but satisfying lunch. 27 N. Federal Highway, 954-246-5333

Fat Boyz. BARBECUE The folks at Fat Boyz have been serving barbecue in South Florida for a while, and lucky for us, they opened a spot on E. Hillsboro Boulevard. Try St. Louis style ribs which were satisfyingly smoky and tender. We’ll be back for more. 1200 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-415-4810

Gelateria. GELATO Gelateria offes more than 26 flavors of gelato. Take a stroll on the beach with a cone. Open daily. 2096 NE Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 694-428-2850

Olympia Flame. DINER With a traditionally huge diner menu, you can’t go wrong at the Olympia Flame. The friendly staff makes you feel like a regular — even if you aren’t. 80 S. Federal Highway, 954-480-8402

The Sticky Bun. DELI • BAKERY Everyone will find something to munch on, whether their flourless chocolate cake or a short rib panini with fontina cheese and pickled red onions… yum. We’re still dreaming about the BLT. 1619 SE Third Court, 754-212-5569

Pompano Beach FAST & CASUAL

Anne Marie’s Pizza and Wine Co. PIZZA • ITALIAN Whether you want to grab a slice or enjoy a much-needed date night, Anne Marie’s fits the bill. 2313 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach 954-590-2100.

Bakery Fusion. CAFE • BAKERY This spot at Pompano Citi Centre is a handy spot to grab a coffee and a fresh-baked good. The menu also includes many different sandwiches, soups, salads and smoothies. 1901 N. Federal Highway (Pompano Citi Centre), 954-532-7383

Borogodo Brazilian Grill. BRAZILIAN Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11am-4:30pm; Saturday 11am-5:30pm. 7 SE 22nd Ave., 954782-8040

Carlucci’s Brick Oven Trattoria & Pizzeria. ITALIAN Italian favorites and brick oven pizza at the beach. Open lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm. 3420 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-3150

Chez Cafe. COFFEE • BAKERY A warm and cozy place to grab breakfast, lunch or a latte. 1631 S. Cypress Road, 954-933-3453

Chill-N. ICE CREAM The folks at Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream blend and flash-freeze your custom ice cream or frozen yogurt right in front of you. Enjoy a bowl of made-to-order frozen goodness with about a zillion mix-in options for maximum imaginativeness. 1170 N Federal Highway, 754 205-7222

Five Girls. DINER Check out this cozy, neighborhood joint. Five Girls offers all the classics you crave, including burgers, hand-cut fries and the owner’s favorite Philadelphia cheesesteaks. 2659 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954783-8889

Jet’s Pizza. PIZZA Try one of the specialty pizzas such as Philly cheese steak with Alfredo sauce or the BLT. 437 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-5387

Lighthouse Cove Tiki Bar. AMERICAN Seaside eats and happy hours. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-784-2804

Nelson’s Diner. DINER Nelson’s diner is a cute, hole-in-the-wall 50s diner with Elvis memorabilia on the walls, baseball flags on the ceiling, friendly servers and classic red vinyl booths. 438 S. Cypress Road, 954785-3646

Pascal & Cathy French. BAKERY • CAFE The small shop also offers breakfast, sandwiches, salads, coffee and more. 998 N Federal Highway, Suite 4-5, 954-756-1496

Rocket at Valentino’s. PIZZA This family-owned pizzeria is an excellent alternative to the big chains. 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-943-5387

The Bite Eatery. FOOD HALL This European style food hall is the perfect spot when your group can’t decide where to go. Whether it’s Mexican, deli, pizza, Italian, Cuban, lobster rolls, ceviche or burgers, you can find it at the Bite Eatery. Plus there is a full bar in the center. 2715 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-361-7702

The Chicken Box & More. SOUTHERN Have your fill of southern comfort food, including shrimp and grits with scrambled eggs, fried pork chops, classic potato salad, meatloaf and collard greens. 204 N. Flagler Avenue, 954-781-7400

The Rabbit Hole. VEGAN If you are trying to eat less meat, but still crave chicken wings, The Rabbit Hole serves boneless and meatless chicken wings in a plethora of flavors. Other dishes include shrimp po’ boy sandwich, a southern barbecue platter, hot dogs, stir-fry and more. Remember, it’s all vegan. 2659 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-419-4899

Tortillería Mexicana. MEXICAN If you’re looking for a taco that goes beyond ground beef and toppings? Not only will they supply you with fresh, unique tacos, but the corn tortillas are made from scratch daily. Who does that? 1614 E. Sample Rd., 954-943-0057 Y

A Catskill Comeback

Kenoza Hall, Kenoza Lake, NY

New York State’s Catskill Mountains are making a comeback. From the 1920s through the 60s, this idyllic mountain range was home to a slew of resorts. Most closed by the 1970s as travelers’ tastes changed. (Remember that last scene in Dirty Dancing when the resort owner complained about families longing for European vacations). But within the past five years, boutique hotels are again popping up in the Catskills. As the area is only 100 miles north of New York City, it is again becoming a popular destination for New Yorkers. But why let them have all the fun? Plan a fall trip to see the magnificent foliage, go apple picking or just escape the heat.

Of course, you will need a place to stay. Kenoza Hall was built in the late 1800s and served as a boarding house during the region’s heyday, then as a private home and finally, it was bought, renovated, and opened in the summer of 2020 after major renovations.

Many activities await guests, from morning walks to rejuvenating spa treatments and guided meditations. Whether getting lost in a book or exploring trails, there’s something to suit every preference.

The Lake View restaurant offers a revival of Continental cuisine. Guests can dine in the elegant indoor dining room or outdoors on the bluestone patio with breathtaking lake views. The bar is a treasured part of the building’s history. Formerly the original dining room, it has been transformed into a cozy space adorned with original handcrafted latticework and exposed salvaged wooden beams. Y