Red Stripe introduces new rum drinks in Florida & northeast

This week Red Stripe announced that it is rolling out new canned rum cocktails that deliver tropical vibes and authentic flavor. The roll out will start in Florida and select markets across the northeast United States, now through the Spring

Red Stripe Rum Drinks are all about attitude and high energy, giving a head nod to those who express themselves freely, fully, and fabulously The new cocktails signal Red Stripe’s unprecedented venture beyond beer

Red Stripe Rum Drinks are crafted with real Caribbean rum, mango, and lime juice, and natural flavors Made with the next generation in mind, the new cocktails are available in two flavors: Red Stripe Rum Punch, a sweet and vibrant tropical flavor; and Red Stripe Rum Mojito: a smooth classic citrusy flavor ontaining an ABV of 5 9%, both flavors come in packs of slim 12-oz cans

“The spirit-based cocktail segment is the fastest growing category within the beer, wine and spirits industry, and with our latest Red Stripe rum innovation, we are able to tap into this trend, and introduce this iconic brand to a new generation of consumers, ” says Oscar Martinez, Senior Director Marketing and Innovation at HEINEKEN USA

“The Red Stripe Rum Drinks perfectly embody the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, and signal a venture beyond beer, no shaker required ”

Red Stripe was first brewed in Jamaica in 1928 Dubbed the Great Jamaican Beer, Red Stripe has earned the distinction of having 16 Monde Selection Awards for Quality, among numerous other awards

In addition to the world-famous Red Stripe® Lager Beer, the portfolio includes Red Stripe’s latest innovation, Red Stripe Rum Drinks – new canned rum cocktails available in Red Stripe® Rum Punch and Red Stripe® Rum Mojito

Red Stripe is the trading name of Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Limited in which HEINEKEN holds the majority shares Founded by Eugene Desnoes and Thomas Geddes in 1918, D&G celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018

Jamaican special ed teacher talks stigma against autistic children

April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month to increase understanding of the condition while supporting those affected by the disability. Despite the annual observance, many children with autism frequently experience discrimination Furthermore, many of them, as well as their parents and caregivers, find it challenging to integrate into society due to the pervasive stigma associated with the disability

In light of this ongoing challenge, Jamaican-born, special education teacher, RoAnna Thomas, believes that many people are unaware of the wide range of disabilities and how they affect children

“Having autism doesn’t mean that there is something wrong, it just means that the individual’s brain thinks differently and that is okay” she said

Thomas, who works with sixth graders in Connecticut, in the United States, spends time providing support for students who deal with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities

“I support my students by assessing their skills and determining their educational needs; adapting the general education curriculum to meet their needs; developing, implementing, and updating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assessing and tracking student progress, as well as collaborating with parents, general education teachers, administrators, and other service providers to provide support and track progress for students, among other support,” she shared

She said that autism, which is a spectrum, has a wide range of signs and the severity of the symptoms varies greatly However, she noted that common signs tend to be difficulty with communication and social interactions, as well as obsessive and repetitive behaviors

“For example, many of my students engaged in stimming (repetitive) behaviors but for some, it would be pacing or running back and forth, hand flapping, echolalia (meaningless repetition of words), among other signs,” she said

In expressing her joy in working with special needs children, she said that autistic students are one of her favorite student groups because it challenges her to come up with innovative teaching strategies while providing support

“My sister is a general education teacher, and she tells me all the time that she couldn’t do what I do I always laugh but to be honest, I feel the same way about her work Special education has my heart There’s no better feeling than helping a student unlock and access the world around them You’re teaching them in a way that is unique to them and that caters to the way in which they understand and process information,” she said

While acknowledging that two of her biggest challenges are the unpredictability and the stigma that comes with working with students with disabilities, she is more concerned about parents who struggle with the reality of their child’s condition

Thomas advises parents to love and cherish their children while giving them the support they require, despite the difficulties that come with raising children with disabilities like autism

“Embrace them proudly and wholeheartedly Early intervention is key so get help immediately Do not ignore what your child needs in hopes that their disability will magically disappear It will not, but you can teach them how to successfully live with it Tap into your resources If you don’t know where to go, start with your child’s pediatrician Lastly, breathe, be patient, and do your best At the end of the day, what your child needs is your love and unconditional support,” she further advised

She added that “not enough people understand what autism is,” which adds to the persistence of stigma and discrimination, making it crucial for society to be educated on the disability

“The more educated society becomes, the more open and accepting we will be towards those who not only have autism but those who have other disabilities as well Autism awareness helps us to know how to relate to and aid in supporting those with autism This will allow those with autism and their families to feel less isolated and more included in a world that tends to cater to those who are able-bodied and neurotypical ”

Thomas strongly believes that breaking the stigma surrounding autism will allow families to be more willing to get the services and support that they need for their children, which will enable those with autism to reach their full potential

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Lauderdale Lakes Vice Mayor appointed to National League of Cities’ Race Equity And Leadership Council

Karlene Maxwell-Williams, Vice Mayor, City of Lauderdale Lakes has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2023 REAL Council

Vice Mayor Maxwell-Williams was elected to a one-year term to develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities The appointment was announced by NLC President Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington

“To be a member of the REAL Council is an honor for me, and I look forward to creating racial harmony, equal opportunity for the disenfranchised, and to recognize and inspire multi-cultural diversity in our communities,” said Vice Mayor MaxwellWilliams

As a member of NLC’s REAL Council, Karlene Maxwell-Williams will play a key role among a diverse group of local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking and the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities that share demographics, size or location that can be replicated across the country

“Our member councils give voice to what’s happening on the ground in our communities,” said NLC President Mayor V i c t o r i a W o o d a r d s o f T a c o m a , Washington “I am proud to have Vice Mayor Maxwell-Williams join NLC’s REAL Council Together with a team of local leaders from around the country, we will work to address the toughest challenges facing our communities and ensure that America’s cities, towns and villages have the resources they need to thrive ”

The leadership of this year ’ s council will consist of Co-Chairs Councilmember Andrea Barefield, Waco, TX and Mayor Steve Patterson, Athens, OH; Co-Vice Chairs Councilmember D’Andre Jones, Fayetteville, AR and Mayor Pro-Tem Ty Stober, Vancouver, WA