OutClique Magazine August 2024 Edition 2

everyone under the sun Welcome

Greater Fort Lauderdale invites everyone to enjoy our vibrant community here in Florida’s LGBT+ capital, from cosmopolitan dining and nightlife and the revelry of Wilton Manors to miles of golden beaches and Everglades eco-tours. If you’re welcoming visitors or are ready for a staycation, visit us online to learn more about all of the exceptional attractions and experiences our ever-evolving destination has to offer.

Steven O. Evans, PhD1

Publisher and Editor in Chief

Leadership Team

Connie Evans (Chief Copy Editor / Mother of the Publisher)

Sach Advertising Group (Senior Director of Graphic Design & Information Technology)

Will White (Senior Associate Editor)

Chandler Scott (Director of Social Media & Assistant to Dr. Evans)

Jan Mitchell (Director of Public Relations / Jan Mitchell PR)

Senior Writers

John M. Hayden (Senior South Florida News Journalist)

Denny Patterson (Senior Lifestyle Writer & Assistant Editor)

Megan Fitzgerald, PhD (Senior Writer, Associate Professor, Nova

Southeastern University,. Halmos College of Arts and Sciences)

Charles Baran (Art, Music & Theater/ Brand Ambassador)

Writers

Eric Swanson (Miss Bouvee)

Brickey Lane

Tony Adams

Tony Lima (CEO, SunServe)

Cinthya Lavin (VP of Communications & Community, Engagement, Better Business Bureau®)

Savannah Whaley

Diana Hanford (Senior Vice President, Pierson Grant)

Stephen Fallon, PhD (CEO, Latinos Salud)

John Marler (SunServe, Director of Communications; Social Sciences Writer)

Daniel Morales (Self-Esteem & Love Coach)

Doug Nelson, LMHC (Fort Lauderdale CFIT)

Pastor Aaron Lauer (United Church of Christ)

Joe Cox (CEO, Museum of Discovery & Science)

Brand Ambassadors

Jorge Perez

Charles Baran

Tim Bowman

Arnie Cuarenta

Distribution

Jason Eakin (Director / Distribution)

Nick Coltharp (Assistant Director)

Photography

Stephen Lang (Director / Editorial Consultant)

Jason Sapp (Brand Ambassador)

(954)

PR Company Affiliates

Goodman PR

Kip Hunter Marketing

Pierson Grant PR

Welcome to Aqua

Blue Daisy Media

Kay Renz Public Relations M Network

Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS

Legal Oversight Provided by Trantalis & Associates

Copyright, and Trademark Oversight Provided by Richter Trademarks, T.L.

Accounting & Finance

Doug Turner (Best Books and Taxes)

Spiritual Counsel & Wellness Advisors

Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin (SunShine Cathedral)

Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins [and writer] (SunShine Cathedral)

Drs. John & Towanna Roller (Asbury University)

Rev. Jill Auman (Ft Lauderdale First United Methodist Church)

Advisory & Consultation to Dr. Evans

Lois Margaret Nora, JD, MD, MBA (Medical School Advisory Group)

Valerie Weber, MD, MS, (Dean Emerita, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University/ President, Great Road Leadership)

Dr. Stephen Fallon (CEO, Latinos Salud)

David Jobin (CEO, The Our Fund Foundation)

Key West Liaison

Jeff Smead, Manager, Island House Key West

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Keep Your Cool this August

Dear Readers,

It’s been a long, hot summer. With rising temperatures reaching their peak in August, we’ve come up with some ideas to avoid experiencing “summer meltdown.” In this month’s issue you’ll find some cool indoor and outdoor things to do to beat the heat.

First, kick back in the air-conditioning and flip through OutClique Magazine to enjoy fascinating articles about people in our community, and discover activities to keep you entertained.

You can stay comfortable indoors with a variety of entertainment including ballet, live theater, Idina Menzel in concert, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and more. You can find details in our magazine about these and other sizzling performances at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, ProvinceTown (aka P-Town), RI; and Island City Stage. You can also enjoy Visit Florida’s Food and Wine Festival titled Pearl Jam by-the Sea at Even Keel Fish Shack. Let us not forget Pridelines 42nd Anniversary, Queerferno: A Disco Masquerade.

Love the outdoors despite the heat? Wind down the summer with these cool events. You’ll barely need clothing for Tropical Heat, the hottest annual 5-day party for gay men in Key West. Celebrate music, food, and the spirit of the Caribbean culture at PrideFête: An LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival. And, last but not least is Pride Center’s Equality Park After Dark.

We hope you enjoy the rest of summer, and remember to stay safe with these important tips: stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid vigorous outdoor exercise midday, wear light cotton attire and a hat, and please leave your pets at home.

May happiness be abounding.1

Dr. Steven 2

Publisher and Editor & Chief OutClique Magazine

1 Easterday-Holder, A. DMA (former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University and choir member Immanuel Baptist Church, Lexington, KY). (www.ibclex.org)

2 McEldowney Jensen, PhD.,J. Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy Studies & Education. University of Kentucky, College of Education. (Doctoral supervisor) Dissertation title: Pediatrics education in an AHEC setting: Preparing students to provide patient

Transgender Day of Visibility Event

Hosted by SunServe and AHF

Photos

New Features Come to Apple Services This Fall

With the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and tvOS 18 this fall, Apple is enhancing the services users love with all-new features. Updates include U.S. national park hikes and custom walking routes in Apple Maps; the ability to pay with rewards and installments with Apple Pay; new accessibility features in Apple Music; and a redesigned Apple Fitness+ experience to help users make the most of its robust library of workouts and meditations.

More Ways to Explore the World with Apple Maps

Apple Maps introduces even more ways to explore the world, including hikes and custom walking routes. Users can browse thousands of hikes across national parks in the United States — filtered by length, elevation, and route type — and save them to use while offline. Users can also create their own custom walking routes with just a few taps to plan everything from a local exercise route to a full-day walking tour in a new city. Additionally, they can save their favorite national park hikes, custom walking routes, and places to an all-new Places Library, and add personal notes about them.

Greater Flexibility with Apple Pay

Apple Pay introduces even more flexibility and choice for users when they check out online and in-app. Users can view and redeem rewards, and access installment loan offerings from eligible credit or debit cards, when making a purchase online or in-app with iPhone and iPad.1 These

features will be available for any Apple Pay-enabled bank or issuer to integrate in supported markets.

Tap to Cash with Apple Cash

With Tap to Cash, users are able to send and receive Apple Cash by holding two iPhone devices together — without having to share phone numbers.5 For example, Tap to Cash can be used to pay someone back at dinner or buy something at a garage sale.

A Redesigned Apple Fitness+ Experience

In iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and tvOS 18, Apple Fitness+, the award-winning fitness and wellness service with workouts and meditations that are welcoming to all, has been redesigned to help users make the most of its robust workout library, stay motivated, and keep consistent with their fitness routine. New features include For You, which provides personalized recommendations; Explore, which helps users discover new activities and get inspiration; and Library, which makes it easy to keep track of favorite workouts, meditations, Stacks, Custom Plans, and saved programs.

An Optimized Viewing Experience for Apple TV

The Apple TV app introduces InSight, a feature that displays timely information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows onscreen in real time. Users can select an actor to view their background and filmography page, or quickly view the song that is playing in a scene and add it to an Apple Music playlist.

Cher Stuns as Surprise Guest at The Abbey’s Relaunch Party

The evening kicked off with fashion icon and celebrity stylist Law Roach setting the tone with his impeccable style and vibrant personality. The guest list was nothing short of spectacular, featuring notables such as Ricky Martin, Jean Smart, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Saweetie, Karamo Brown, Zoe Lister-Jones, Lance Bass, James Charles, Loree Rodkin, Natasha Bassett, Graham Parkhurst, Sutton Stracke, Chloe Cherry, Guillermo Diaz, Leonardo Nam, Matt Visser, among others. Drag artists included Mayhem Miller, Bianca del Rio, Courtney Act, Manila Luzon and Aura Mayari.

Guests indulged in CHERlato, including the decadent Chocolate XO Cher, a rich chocolate treat served with a golden cone, and a new flavor inspired by The Abbey: Juniper Nights, featuring refreshing juniper berries with a hint of glamour.

The true highlight of the night was Cher’s surprise appearance, sending waves of excitement through the crowd. Her electrifying presence added an unforgettable touch to the celebration. Cher commemorated Pride Month, thanked her gay fans for their unwavering support, congratulated Tristan on The Abbey’s new era, and enjoyed CHERlato with friends.

Musical performances were equally spectacular. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez captivated the audience with her vibes debuting her new music video, while the talented Saweetie debuted her latest single, energizing the crowd.

The red carpet was a showcase of style, with fashionforward guests and industry elites celebrating under the stars. Photographers captured stunning moments, including Jean Smart bonding with Tristan Schukraft, the new owner of The Abbey, and Ricky Martin dazzling with his charismatic presence and impeccable style.

Tristan Schukraft Trailblazer, Visionary, Preservationist

A trailblazer is someone who can see into the future and take the necessary steps to make his or her vision a reality. Tech entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft, founder of ID90.com and MISTR, easily fulfills those requirements. His latest trailblazing ventures are in the field of LGBTQ hospitality. In 2023 he purchased the renowned Abbey nightclub in Los Angeles—Liz Taylor’s favorite hangout BTW—ensuring its fabulousness is preserved for generations of queer folk to come. This September, in gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta, he is opening the first of several luxury boutique Tryst Hotels. Puerto Rico and Fire Island Pines will soon follow. I caught up with Tristan and discovered more about his vision for reimagining and preserving iconic LGBTQ destinations.

Charles Baran: Hello Tristan! Give us a little bit of background on your business ventures.

Tristan Schukraft: The first company I founded was ID90, which was an e-ticketing platform for airline personnel. After 14 years, I stepped down as CEO. MISTR came about as I was trying to get my friends on PrEP and it really took off. For the first time, we can eliminate HIV transmission. I saw all the barriers in providing access to PrEP and tried to eliminate as many of them as possible. I’m proud of what we’ve done with MISTR, but my motivation has always been to end new HIV infections and we haven’t done that yet.

Charles Baran: You've now become a major player in the LGBTQ+ hospitality and nightlife world. How did that come about?

Tristan Schukraft: Tryst Hotels, The Abbey, MISTR, The Blue Whale, The Pavilion, Circo, they are all kind of connected in an interesting way. Our LGBT forefathers who built these great businesses and queer

communities are in their 60s and 70s and looking to retire. If another generation of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs don’t buy them, our queer villages will disappear.

Charles Baran: Tell us about the plans you have for Fire Island Pines.

Tristan Schukraft: It’s one of the most celebrated queer community hubs in the country. The Blue Whale is home to the original tea dance in 1966! I want to invest in these properties and make them everything they can be. I plan to open The Tryst Fire Island in time for the 2025 season. I’m going to take some time this summer and listen to feedback from the community. People want to see these institutions protected. Everybody needs a little refreshing as we age. If you want to get a taste of what Tryst Hotels are all about, visit our website, www. trysthotels.com, or better yet, book a trip to our new flagship in Puerto Vallarta, which is taking reservations now for September 2024 stays.

Charles Baran: What was Tristan Schukraft like as a little boy?

Tristan Schukraft: I grew up in Los Angeles. While I was a headstrong kid, I did well in school and always had some kind of entrepreneurial hustle. I mowed lawns and even left high school a year early for a modeling contract in Italy where I discovered my gay self and experienced the effects of caring for and losing a friend to HIV. My entire family was very supportive. My mother was the family matriarch, and everyone had to accept me or deal with her. Sadly, she passed away shortly after I came out.

Charles Baran: I’m sure she would be very proud of you.

Tristan Schukraft: I like to think so, too!

Author: Charles Baran | Photo Courtesy of Tryst Hospitality

Setting Sail with Mark Strauss

How a Former Educator Redefined his Passion for Travel

The cruise industry is booming! The dark clouds cast by COVID-19 have lifted and ships are disappearing out of ports faster than tickets to Madonna’s last concert. Thanks to ZOOM, countless numbers of people have found new career opportunities and creative ways to earn a living. In 2021, Florida resident Mark Strauss started Island City Travel, fulfilling his desire to travel and help people plan a vacation. I recently met with Mark to discuss his exciting new life.

Charles Baran: Hi Mark! How did you get into the travel business?

Mark Strauss: I moved to Florida for a teaching job in 1989, then became a school administrator and then a district administrator overseeing 15 to 25 elementary principals. It was great. But given all the changes politically with the schools, I decided to take early retirement. I needed a plan for what I’d do. My neighbor, who owns a travel company, said to me, “You are always helping everyone with their travel plans, why aren’t you doing anything with this?” The conversation evolved and that’s how I started Island City Travel under her host agency, Prestige Travel Systems. I work primarily with the LGBTQIA+ community, but I’m more than happy to help anyone who wants to book a trip. I’ve been on six continents and I’m hitting the seventh continent, Antarctica, this December with a spectacular cruise.

Charles Baran: How exciting! Tell me more.

Mark Strauss: It sails from Argentina. First, you fly to Buenos Aires. Once in Buenos Aires, everything will be covered by the tour operator, Atlas Ocean Voyages. I like Atlas and the CEO is a member of our community. Then there’s a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, which sits at the Strait of Magellan. From there you board a first-class ship which crosses the

Antarctic circle. It’s 11 nights on the ship, and 1 night in the hotel in Buenos Aires. The hotel night is included. The ship has 178 passengers. Antarctica has a lot of environmental regulations. If the ship has more than 200 passengers, they are limited to where and how often they can disembark.

Charles Baran: Where do you disembark?

Mark Strauss: The ship anchors offshore. You take Zodiac boats, like rafts, to get to the shore and see . . . penguins! You’ll be walking around on snowpack. The ship provides boots and a winter parka. December and January are the warmest months. It will probably be in the 40s.

Charles Baran: You also have a New Year’s cruise happening.

Mark Strauss: Yes. It’s called New Year’s at Sea. It’s a 6-night cruise. We leave December 29, 2024, and return January 4, 2025. Miss Bouvee is the host! It goes to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Bimini on the Celebrity Reflection, a lovely ship. Our LGBTQ+ group will have our own private areas for events. We get a lot of inclusions, a classic drink package, wi-fi, and all gratuities. The deadline to book is August 31.

Charles Baran: What makes Island City Travel special?

Mark Strauss: It’s my ability to listen. That comes from my background in education. I’m also a sole individual, so when you call, you’re calling me. Also, I am a “feefree” agency.

Charles Baran: How can someone get in contact with you and book a fabulous cruise?

Mark Strauss: My email is mark@islandcitytravel.com and my number is (954) 801-6560. I welcome calls and emails!

Author: Charles Baran | Photo By Darren Burgess

The Land Rover Defender Takes Luxury Adventure to New Heights

Defender is taking luxurious adventure to a new level with a suite of enhancements across the brand line-up, while the introduction of a new 110 Sedona Edition and simplified specification levels make it easier than ever to pick the perfect Defender.

Passenger comfort is taken up a notch with a new Signature Interior Pack and, for Defender 130 clients, the introduction of the luxurious new Captain Chairs Pack. The new seating option for the second row elevates the passenger experience with two individual luxury seats, featuring arm rests either side and comfortable winged headrests, separated by an aisle that giving gracious walkthrough access to the third row.

Across the line-up, the introduction of a new D350 powertrain also provides a powerful, flexible new engine option.

● Defender upgrade: Unstoppable 4x4 has been updated with a suite of comfort-enhancing features for more luxurious all-terrain travel

● Captain Chairs Pack: New individual Captain Chairs provide ultimate comfort and luxury for the second row, plus gracious aisle access to the spacious third row of Defender 130

● Signature Interior upgrade: Even higher level of durable craftsmanship, exclusivity and comfort, plus a redesigned center console for enhanced stowage options

● Sedona Edition: Defender 110 Sedona Edition brings a new eye-catching color to the 110 body design with exclusive exterior finish and unique Sedona Red accents

● Greater power: New D350 powertrain introduced with more power and increased torque, ensuring Defender is ready to tackle even more challenges than ever, on and off-road

● Curated choices: Streamlined specifications and bundled options make it easier than ever for clients to pick the perfect Defender.

Photos

Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign at

Pub on The Drive

Photos Courtesy

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2024 Beach Party

Photos Courtesy

The Fay-Who Behind the FayWhat?!

Many of you have probably already seen her through the online video show, FayWhat?!. Yes, she’s sassy, brassy, and classy. But as a colleague and friend, I can attest that Fay Albernas is one of the sweetest, nicest, and most genuine people I have met. She’s “out” everywhere, has more energy than FP&L can measure, and brings a smile to everyone she meets.

I sat down to talk to her to get the Fay-Who behind the FayWhat?! (be sure to get the ? and !)

Dr. Steven: Tell us about you. Who is the Fay without The FayWhat?! Show?

Fay: I’m a Colombian lesbian from Miami, originally from New Jersey. You can probably hear the mix in my accent. I absolutely adore my gay boys—I can't live without them! Hosting events and being on stage with a microphone is my absolute honor. I have a deep love for fashion and dogs. Celebrating nine years of sobriety, I vowed that if I made it past three years, I would make my recovery journey more public to help those who might be struggling. I spend most of my time in Wilton Manors because our GayBorHood is everything. I am a breast cancer survivor and not afraid to have my opinion.

Who is Fay? What makes Fay feel her complete self?

My “Gay Boys” make me smile and keep me grounded. They range in age and specialties. It's like Noah’s Ark of Gay Boys, each more amazing than the last. They are heads of amazing nonprofits, leaders in our community, owners of restaurants, creatives, yoga leaders, and marketing icons. They make me want to be a better me. They are fabulous yet commanding, nurturing but stern.

Drag Queens - when starting The FayWhat?! Show, I wanted to make sure I could spotlight Drag Queens. They have the stage presence I hope to have each time I'm on stage. Drag Queens are the funniest and hardest-working friends you will have. They inspire me to the core daily.

The Women around me are superstars and they make me want to be a better me. Starting with my wife Teresa, AKA #MyCuban, who just became a PMHNP. My bestie Michelle Cuartas is an ally and reminds me daily that not

all straight people hate us. Adriana Tender constantly reminds me to do a Finding Nemo and just “keep swimming, keep swimming.” One of my best friends, Dr. Khalid (Kal) Gajraj (OutClique cover November 2020), is my go-to for everything. He can give me a pep talk or tell me I did a mediocre job while pointing out that I wore the wrong shoes. He’s a gift.

My Sober Friends - You know who you are, and there's more of us than you think. Yes, you can go to Gay Days and not be messed up.

Unity on the Bay - My spiritual home. Where I find my balance. Spirituality and my UOTB family is very important to me. They helped me through Cancer and sobriety.

What they all have in common is that they all respect my sober journey, and that fact means everything to me!

I love to be dressed up! People often stop me at events to ask about my outfits, which is funny because 99% of what I wear has been worn by someone else before. I love shopping at thrift stores and finding a bargain (#FayShionista). I love being a girl and everything that comes with that. And what surprises folks is that I dress for ME, not for you. It makes me happy. I am a BossLady when I feel cute. In Spanish, there's a saying “Mejor Muerta Que Sencilla.” Better dead than basic. And boys remember everything I wear, so no, I rarely wear the same dress twice. Thank you, Rent the Runway & Goodwill.

I love being at events and getting my pictures taken, but don’t take that the wrong way. For as many days as I am “out” representing our community, I’ll take three days when I want to be home with my wife Teresa and our pets Padme & Luke and two cats, Kai & Peppa. (Gotta have cats! I am a lesbian). And, when I’m feeling down, or had a tough day, I usually wear pageant crowns around the house.

So, to be clear, in no particular order, “Fay” = Gay Boys, Drag Queens, Pets, Spirituality, Sobriety, Shoes, and Dresses.

Dr. Steven: How and why did you become FayWhat?!

Fay: I tend to speak very fast and very loudly! So many times, my friends would have to say, “Fay...What???? The F are you saying?” And it kind of stuck. And it came with a chant, “FaaaaayWhaaaaaat??”

Dr. Steven: How did The FayWhat?! Show come to be, and what inspired the idea behind it?

Fay: The FayWhat?! Show began in my second bedroom in my home in North Miami during the COVID-19 pandemic, on 9/11/2020. As an extrovert, COVID was especially challenging for me as I was climbing the walls. I attended many AA meetings and social events online, but it wasn't the same. I missed my community and needed an outlet to connect with the LGBTQ+ community desperately.

I wanted to talk to the gay boys about their experiences and relationships. For the trans community, I wanted to address the alarming rate at which Trans Women were being murdered. For the lesbians, I wanted to celebrate and discuss our culture. I didn’t want to focus on just one letter of the acronym; I wanted to talk about all of it— the good, the bad, and the scary.

After one year of filming at home by myself mostly, I was offered to move my show to a local online platform where it's presently filmed and streamed. The FayWhat?! Show became my way to reconnect with and support my community during a time when physical connections were limited.

Dr. Steven: What kind of content do you make, and what do you love most about creating it?

Fay: "Naked Men in Bed" is always fun to film! Yes, I am a lesbian, but I have always admired beauty, and gay boys are just freakin' beautiful. It might sound silly, but there's so much content in our community, and most of it is fabulous. From concerts to festivals, musicals to art shows, our community has the most fun and the most amazing LGBTQ+ talent, and I get to be a part of all that. Sometimes, I just want to twirl around in a dress, and I enjoy that too!

Dr. Steven: What's one of the most memorable videos you've done and why does it stand out to you?

Fay: For Pride Month 2024, I hosted CommuniTEA at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts featuring Alex

Newell. They were incredible. I asked them about coming out as gender nonconforming, and they smiled from ear to ear and said, "I do it for THEM," pointing at the audience.

Dr. Steven: How do you get ready for your videos, and what does your creative process look like from start to finish?

Fay: Ready? I was born ready. I get so happy when I know I am about to film content or get on a stage. I get nervous each time too. It's part of the process. Thank goodness I have good people around me that help me “SNAP OUT OF IT” (Cher in Moonstruck line). I have key people who call me on my stuff and always keep me accountable. These are also the same people I tell my ideas and jokes to. If they laugh, I know I did my job. My beautiful brother from another mother, Tony Lima (OutClique Cover March 2022 and March 2023) from SunServe, believe it or not, he’s not easy to make laugh. When he laughs out loud, I am a happy lesbian. He’s always a good test. He’s a teddy bear at heart but will also not be afraid to tell me about myself and does often!

Dr. Steven: What challenges have you faced as an online video personality, and how did you overcome them?

Fay: There can be many. Creating content is a full-time job. Time is not on your side, and there’s always new content coming, so you have to be quick and timely. There are a lot of moving parts to having an online presence. And like many content creators, you are doing everything yourself (hair, makeup, writing, producing, editing, posting, scheduling) then immediately start all over with the next piece. Helping other content creators is good karma. My initial “challenge" is that I am a “girl” putting out content for all. The viewer has to give me a chance to like me.

Dr. Steven: What are your big goals for The FayWhat?! Show and your future in digital media?

Fay: I want to take over the world! (Ala Madonna) I want a bigger audience and to show more people how wonderful it is to live here and be queer. Even with the current political climate, life is beautiful here. I love Richard Gray and Stacy Ritter at Visit Lauderdale; they inspire me with their vision of "Everyone under the Sun." That’s what we see and LOVE here - Everyone!

I want to reach folks who don't feel seen or heard, and even those who might never see the U.S. or a “queer” city

like Wilton. I want to help break the stigma around asking for help. Mental health is not addressed like it should be in our community and we are losing many people to addiction and mental illness. I want people to learn about and understand the tough journey of the trans community, especially the BIPOC trans community. I want to unite the L & the T.

I catch myself watching shows and thinking, "That can totally be me." I didn't see myself on screens growing up, so it's a beautiful thing to see the possibilities now. I have been on an awesome ride the last few years, and I am excited about what else the universe has in store for Fay Albernas and FayWhat?!

I'm beyond excited to announce that I’m working with Wilton Manors resident Danna Davis, Candis Cayne, and Mary It's Mary Productions on a few projects. I'm also collaborating with the Wilton Drive Improvement District on an upcoming event.

Dr. Steven: What tips would you give to someone who wants to start their own online show?

Fay: Look around. There’s content everywhere. Use your friends. Who makes you laugh? Use that person. Remember, our calamities or difficulties can be hilarious. So stop crying about it and use these feelings for content. There’s no one else like you. Use that.

Dr. Steven: What’s one thing you would like for our readers to know or remember about FayWhat?! Albernas?

Fay: I’m so thankful for all the gifts the LGBTQ+ community and all its leaders have given me. I am allowed to be me wherever I go, and I am very well aware of the privilege that is.

I am constantly learning, and I allow the people who came before me to teach me something I don't know. We are being erased at every corner; without the stories and the sharing of knowledge, we are doomed to be wiped off history. Remember about FayWhat?! - That I don't take any of the LOVE for granted. I appreciate every time I get to serve our community.

Dr. Steven: Thank you for all you do for our LGBTQA+ community. We love watching you. Your energy has made such a positive impact!

Author: Steven O. Evans, PhD | FayWhat?! Cover and Cover Story Photos Courtesy of Dale Stine (@dalestinephotography)

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Earns Asthma Center of Excellence Platinum Level Recognition

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has achieved certification as an Asthma-Friendly Hospital by the Florida Asthma Coalition, highlighting its commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for pediatric patients with asthma, the most common chronic disease in children and one of the most frequent reasons for hospital admissions.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has successfully met all four criteria required for this prestigious designation

● Completing asthma management-related professional development for the asthma team lead, hospital pulmonologists, and at least one other specialty.

● Providing all patients with an admitted diagnosis of asthma with a written asthma action plan.

● Ensuring all patients with an admitting diagnosis of asthma are provided with or referred to selfmanagement education that meets EPR-3 Guidelines for adults and children discharged from emergency departments or hospital inpatient settings.

● Providing all patients with severe, persistent asthma with referrals and/or information about multi-component home-based asthma management education.

“We are proud to offer comprehensive asthma care, from initial diagnosis through long-term management. Receiving the Asthma-Friendly Hospital certification from the Florida Asthma Coalition reflects our team’s dedication to ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care

in a safe environment,” says Juan C. Martinez, MD, chief of the Pediatric Pulmonary, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep Medicine Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Although asthma-management treatments and medications have improved in recent years, the number of children with asthma has increased. At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the pediatric pulmonologists assist referring physicians in evaluating and confirming the diagnosis of asthma in children with recurrent symptoms and managing asthma that is difficult to control.

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has been rated among the nation's top healthcare facilities in providing highquality pediatric asthma care. The hospital has been recognized for consistently meeting the requirements of The Joint Commission's Children's Asthma Care (CAC) core measures. Current compliance rates are among the highest nationally for children's hospitals, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Florida to consistently achieve such high rates of compliance.

Notably, 99% of patients received a "Home Management Plan of Care," which includes education about the home management of asthma and the scheduled follow-up appointment after discharge. This rate, significantly higher than the national average, reflects the hospital’s commitment to family involvement and education in the management of chronic illnesses such as asthma. Education about asthma and the development of an individualized Home Management Plan of Care have been shown to decrease readmissions to the hospital.

For more information or to make an appointment with a pulmonology specialist, please call 954-265-6333.

U.S. News & World Report Names Holy Cross Health Among Best Hospitals 2024-2025

Holy Cross Health has been named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing Hospital for Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Attack, Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Stroke. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn in the ratings for U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

“This is a testament to the highest level of care we provide our patients and upholds our reputation in our community as a leader in healthcare,” said Mark Doyle, president and chief executive officer at Holy Cross Health. “I credit our entire team who are compassionate and a transforming healing presence in our community each and every day.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such

as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The ‘High Performing’ designation acknowledges hospitals that consistently deliver high-quality care for specific medical procedures and conditions. This recognition highlights their expertise and commitment to patient well-being.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

Content Courtesy of Paige Feigenbaum, Pierson Grant PR

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated by Gilead.

People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated by Gilead.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023. #1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

*Source: , 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023. IQVIA NPA Weekly #1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

BIKTARVY® is approved for more people than ever before.

BIKTARVY® is approved for more people than ever before.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Scan to learn more about BIKTARVY.

*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Scan to learn more about BIKTARVY.

*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

Discover Rapid Weight Loss

with the Genesis Health Institute

Contour Program

Are you tired of the drawbacks associated with traditional weight loss methods? The Genesis Health Institute Contour Program is your solution to achieving rapid weight loss while preserving muscle tone and facial structure. I’m Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera and my innovative approach combines the latest in peptide therapy with advanced medications, so you can look as good as you feel.

Advanced Medications for Effective Weight Loss

Traditional weight loss treatments can be slow and ineffective. That’s why the Contour Program goes beyond with medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. These advanced options are enhanced for maximum weight loss, providing you with results that are both swift and effective. Say goodbye to stubborn pounds and hello to a slimmer you.

Peptide Power: Preserve Muscle and Facial Structure

One of the biggest concerns with rapid weight loss is the potential for muscle loss and facial sagging. My peptide therapy is designed to combat these issues. With the Contour Program, you can maintain muscle tone and facial integrity, ensuring that your weight loss journey enhances your appearance rather than detracts from it.

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Weight loss is just the beginning. The Contour Program offers a host of health benefits that improve your overall well-being. Enjoy better sleep with fewer sleep apnea symptoms as you shed pounds. Achieve a healthier body weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and promote better cardiovascular health. Additionally, Genesis’ Contour Program helps lower your chances of developing type II diabetes, making it a comprehensive approach to your health.

Unlock a Healthier, Happier You

The Genesis Health Institute Contour Program is more than just a weight loss solution; it’s a transformation. Embrace the future of weight loss and unlock a healthier, happier you. Discover how my innovative approach can

help you achieve your goals without the drawbacks. Call me today or scan below and take the first step towards your best self.

One Clinic’s Prescription: Leaning Into Fun

If only there was a remedy for loneliness, an antidote to anxiousness, a formula to fix fatigue. Here’s a hint: hours lost scrolling social media or swiping on the apps are not the solution.

One local non-profit seems to have found the magic elixir to building resiliency and confidence amongst its members. Now in its third year, the Health & Culture program in both Broward and Miami Dade is bringing

guys together for healthy fun, sometimes a dozen at a time, sometimes hundreds. All these free events are coordinated and hosted by the area’s most innovative non-profit community clinic, Latinos Salud.

You might ask, what is a community clinic doing . . . well, leaning into fun? That’s what OutClique magazine asked Angel Virla and Gerardo Ruiz, the staff who head up the programs in each county. Ruiz said, “The Health

& Culture program is a great way for people—whether they’re new to the county or new to the country— to find other queer people, in a safe space, while having fun. It’s also a great way for local community members to create a social circle that starts with positive energy.”

In just the past two months, Health & Culture members have filled the agency’s events by:

● Marveling at the colors in the new Balloon Museum,

● Soaking in the sun while kayaking on the intercoastal,

● Engaging with other diverse LGBT community programs at the Perez Art Museum,

● Enjoying a blockbuster movie on the big screen,

● Finding balance while ice skating, and

● Thrilling to the drama in a play at Island City Stage.

Virla added that other events last month included a summer pool party, full moon yoga on the beach, and a kickboxing class. Other smaller events this season have included meditation and candle making.

This month, the Heath & Culture members will visit the booths at the PrideFête festival, share a potluck picnic, tour Flamingo Gardens, and take on some classic field day games with a loud and proud twist.

What do members have to do? “Participate and enjoy. That’s it,” said Virla. Of course, if any participant wants to get screened, get on PrEP or into HIV care, or sign up for case management, Latinos Salud’s staff are also cross trained to help.

While some events are specifically for the Youth Services program (ages 18 – 29), most Health and Culture events are open to all ages. Want to get involved? Check out Latinos Salud’s social media or visit the agency’s website by scanning the QR code here, and then selecting Events.

Rising Syphilis Cases in Florida

Syphilis cases are on the rise in Florida. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States has risen significantly. As of 2022, there were 203,500 reported cases of syphilis nationwide. These numbers underscore a pressing public health concern, particularly in Florida, where syphilis cases have been on the rise.

In recent years, Florida has seen an uptick in syphilis cases, reflecting a broader trend across the country. The state’s health authorities have been grappling with this increase, attributing it to various factors, including changes in sexual behavior, inadequate access to healthcare, and gaps in public health education.

Syphilis, a bacterial infection usually transmitted through sexual contact, can have severe health consequences if left untreated. Its resurgence demands urgent attention and action. Recognizing this, Care Resource offers confidential STI screenings and free HIV tests. The health center’s services extend beyond diagnosis, providing onsite linkage to treatment and care, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need promptly.

Care Resource plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible testing, treatment, and prevention services. Our commitment to providing quality healthcare ensures that individuals receive the support they need, contributing significantly to the well-being and vitality of our diverse communities. – Scott Heichman, Nurse Practitioner

By promoting regular testing and ensuring access to treatment, Care Resource plays a vital role in safeguarding community health. Seeking testing and treatment not only protects personal well-being but also contributes to the collective effort to curb the spread of STIs in our communities. With accessible resources and proactive healthcare measures, the health center is working towards reducing and eliminating the spread.

About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the total healthcare needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.

rapid weight loss without the

drawbacks

The Countour Program

The Genesis Health Institute Contour Program combines the latest in peptide therapy to preserve muscle tone while you shed pounds—so you can look as good as you feel.

u Advanced Medications

Go beyond traditional treatments with options like semaglutide and tirzepatide, enhanced for effective maximum weight loss.

u SLEEP BETTER

Experience fewer sleep apnea symptoms as you improve your health.

u Peptide Power

Maintain muscle and facial structure (avoid facial sagging) while losing weight.

u Heart Health

Reduce your risk of heart disease with a healthier body weight.

u Diabetes Prevention

Lower your chances of developing type II diabetes. Scan or call Dr. Cabrera at 954-561-3175 to get started today.

Where Have All the Good Men Gone!? The Struggle to Find Commitment in the Gay Community

Have you ever come home from another disappointing date and questioned if love is worth it? Or been seeing someone, only for them to suggest bringing another person into the relationship? Or maybe they suddenly end things because they're "not ready for a commitment"? I know I have.

Here's the thing, these scenarios don't make anyone a "bad person." Just because someone prefers polyamory or needs to focus on self-development doesn’t mean they're not a "good man," it just means they aren't the right fit for you. In the Gay community, it's common to let personal insecurities take over, leading to blame and shame. But what if instead, we could find acceptance and gratitude even in failed dating experiences? Sounds crazy, I know, but a shift in mindset can change your dating luck. Here is what I’ve learned over the years:

1. Perception is Reality

Imagine hosting a party. You'd want the place to look amazing and be welcoming, right? The same goes for your mental and emotional environment. If you're constantly negative about dating, you're creating a reality where finding the right person seems impossible. Instead, change your perception and approach your experiences with empathy and openness. Forgive past hurts and view them as building blocks for your ideal relationship.

Danny Morales LGBTQ+ Love & Self-Esteem Coach

www.TheCoachDanny.com

2. Love is Earned, Not Guaranteed

Actively searching for your "perfect partner" might make you miss what's right in front of you. While measurable progress (like consistent communication and shared adventures) is important, true relationship success depends on deeper factors:

- Challenging each other's perspectives and understanding each other.

- Respecting individuality even when disagreeing.

- Teaching your partner how to love you instead of assuming they know.

- Celebrating successes and supporting each other through failures.

3. Short-Term Commitment Creates Long-Term Happiness

Long-term commitment can feel daunting, especially in our uncertain world. But instead of a single, lifelong promise, focus on making short-term commitments consistently. Successful long-term couples commit to each other daily, resolving arguments, saying "I love you" even when upset, and choosing their partner every day. This approach keeps you grounded in the present and strengthens your bond over time.

Commit to the present. Resolve arguments now, express love even when it's hard, and trust that the right person will come when you’re ready. By changing your perception of reality, you can achieve your romantic goals instead of letting them hinder you!

Email: DannyMoralesCoaching@gmail.com | TikTok: CoachDannyMorales

Author: Daniel Morales (Self-Esteem & Love Coach) | Photo Courtesy

2024 Beach Party

2024 TRIM Notices

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office mails the TRIM (proposed tax) Notices in August of each year. This is NOT a tax bill but shows your property’s 2024 Just/ Market Value, exemptions, and proposed taxes as set by the various taxing authorities. The TRIM Notice is your opportunity to review your 2024 Just/Market Value and ensure you are receiving all the tax-saving exemptions you are eligible for. Please note: the deadline to apply for all 2024 exemptions is September 18, 2024.

Florida Statutes require our office to use January 1 as the date of assessment each year. The 2024 Just/Market Values are based on the market data from 2023. Our office must consider changes in market conditions when developing the Just/Market Values each year.

The Property Appraiser’s Office does not set or collect property taxes. If you have questions about the proposed tax rates, the contact information and public hearing dates for the individual taxing authorities are listed to the right of each agency name on your TRIM Notice.

I Recently Applied for Homestead Exemption - Why Is It Not

Showing?

Florida Statutes require our office to use January 1 as the date of assessment and to determine exemption eligibility each year. If you purchased your home after 1/1/24, you are eligible for 2025 Homestead Exemption. The 2025 exemptions will show online in December and be included for the 2025 tax year.

I Had Homestead Exemption Last Year - Where Did My Exemptions Go?

If you purchased your home in 2023, you may have “inherited” the previous owner’s exemptions last year. These 2023 exemptions were removed at the end of 2023, so are no longer showing on your TRIM Notice for tax year 2024. Fortunately, you can still late file for 2024 Homestead and any other exemptions you may qualify for until September 18, 2024. To apply online, please visit our website at https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Homestead.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Take

care, Marty Kiar, JD, CFA Broward County Property Appraiser

TD Bank Launches "Chosen First Name" Feature to Help Drive Inclusive Banking Experiences

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, today announced the launch of the Chosen First Name feature, offering customers the option to use a first name that is different from their legal or given name on their online accounts and cards. TD’s Chosen First Name feature is made available through Odyssey, TD’s innovative retail sales and servicing platform. The initiative creates an inclusive and welcoming experience, empowers customers to be their authentic selves and is one of the many ways TD Bank is staying committed to its Unexpectedly Human brand promise store by store.

TD serves its customers throughout culturally diverse communities with a human-centric approach to banking. “Chosen First Name reflects TD’s unwavering commitment to furthering inclusion for the communities we serve and seamlessly blends advanced technology with communitydriven innovation,” said Stephanie Eckersley-Ray, Program Delivery Executive, and LGBTQ2+ Business Executive Lead, TD Bank. “The Chosen First Name initiative allows us to respect customer preferences and create more personalized interactions, while embracing inclusivity for culturally diverse and immigrant communities, as well as the gender-expansive and transgender community.”

Most recently, TD Bank was recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for the 14th consecutive year by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, reflecting the bank’s commitment to the advancement of

About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®

workplace equity. This initiative demonstrates the bank's continued commitment to support and drive positive change for the LGBTQ2+ community, both within TD Bank and externally for our customers.

As such, it was important to have a diverse and inclusive team behind the development of the Chosen First Name feature to assess how TD can best support the communities we serve. “As a proud member of the transgender community, I understand the barriers people with chosen first names often face and the painful impact it can have,” said Jay Beaulieu, Senior Business Manager, Consumer Distribution Program and Delivery, TD Bank. “Our goal with the Chosen First Name feature is to provide an accessible option that allows everyone to use their lived name with ease and convenience. This is out of respect for the diverse identities we serve. This enhancement will significantly and positively impact so many lives, including but not limited to members of the LGBTQ2+ community.”

Retail customers have the ability to update their Chosen First Name by going to any TD store location in the U.S. and requesting these changes. Once these updates are made, they will be available through in-store and online banking. This feature enables customers to request debit and credit cards that display their Chosen First Names and make those names visible for colleagues to properly address them following authentication.

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.

TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.

Content Courtesy of Prosek and TD Bank

The Do's and Don'ts of Purchasing a New Home with Realtor Matt Heinz

Purchasing a new home is never easy. And these days, with rising property taxes and mortgage rates hovering at 7%, it’s become more stressful than ever. But fear not newbie home buyers, savvy realtor Matt Heinz has a few helpful tips that makes deciding to take the plunge a South Florida breeze.

Charles Baran: Hi Matt! What do you like best about being a realtor?

Matt Heinz: Finding that perfect home or condo for someone is very exciting for me. It’s really fulfilling.

Charles Baran: Is this a good time to buy?

Matt Heinz: While interest rates have been higher in the past, they’re not the 2% rates we saw during the pandemic. People are waiting for the rates to drop. However, if you wait, you’ll be competing against so many more buyers that you may miss out on getting the home of your dreams. I like to use the phrase, “date the rate, marry the home,” which means, buy the home of your dreams at the current interest rate and if rates go down, refinance.

Charles Baran: What advice can you give to first time home buyers?

Matt Heinz: First, keep an open mind. For instance, someone who’s looking for a 2,000 square foot home will see a 1,600 square foot open concept home and fall in love! The layout can make a huge difference.

Second, there are a lot of different programs out there

to help with closing costs. If you’re a first responder, a teacher, or a nurse and you work full time, you can get up to $35,000 towards your closing costs (while funds last) which would only be due if you sold that property, refinanced, etc.

Third, make a list of things you’re not willing to negotiate on. Many times, location is on that list, a buyer may want walkability and access to the bars and restaurants without having to jump in a 15-minute UBER. Another buyer may want easy access to a freeway. Make a list and then let me do my search.

Charles Baran: When a buyer is close to deciding on a property, what are 3 or 4 things that they should keep an eye out for as they are walking through the space?

Matt Heinz: The things that I’d be looking for would be the pipes, are they cast iron or are they PVC. (PVC is the new standard.) What’s the age of the roof? Are there hurricane impact windows? Get the termites checked. Some evidence of termites is not abnormal. And check the age of the air conditioning system. If it’s very old, that’s an expense you may have to lay out in a few years.

Charles Baran: How can someone reach you and have you help them find a new home?

Matt Heinz: I’m with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. My phone number is (773) 230-5787 and my email is MattHeinz@MattHeinzRE.com. I am here to help with all real estate needs in the South Florida area!

Author: Charles Baran | Photo Courtesy of Mark Edwards

Tips for Supporting Pet Health and Wellness

Four years since the onset of COVID-19, puppies and kittens adopted during the pandemic are now entering adulthood and pets adopted as adults are approaching their senior years. As a partner in complete pet care, Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. (Nasdaq: WOOF) is sharing veterinarian-recommended tips for supporting pets through life stage transitions.

"Across nutrition, activity level, veterinary care and more, puppies and kittens have very different needs from adult pets, and their needs change again as they become seniors," said Petco's Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM. “It's critically important that pet parents understand the varying life stages and how they can help their pets live their healthiest, happiest lives at each milestone."

Dr. Miller's top tips include:

● Vaccinations: Vaccines are an essential part of every pet's whole health. Puppies and kittens will need extra attention in this area, but adult and senior dogs and cats still require regular vaccines to protect them from contagious diseases. Petco has unveiled vaccine packages now available at Vetco Vaccination Clinics that are conveniently grouped by age and lifestyle, making it easier than ever to keep pets up to date.

● Regular Checkups: Schedule regular veterinary visits, at minimum once per year, to help prevent and identify conditions early. As pets enter their senior years, a trusted veterinarian can diagnose and treat issues to help pets live longer, healthier lives.

● Nutrition: Pets' nutritional needs change as they age. Puppies and kittens can benefit from unique calcium and phosphorous and specific formulations that help support their rapid growth and development. Adult pets may have new dietary sensitivities or needs and require a switch to a weight management or limitedingredient food. As pets settle into their senior years, joint and fatty acid supplements can help ensure they are supporting mobility and skin and coat health.

● Training: Training is a lifelong practice for pets, and pet parents should not stop at puppyhood. Behavioral issues can arise at any life stage, and it's never too late to learn new skills. With patience and dedication, pet parents can help their pets adjust to new routines, especially if the past four years have increased their pet's separation and social anxiety.

● Grooming: A regular grooming routine is essential to maintaining a pet's health & wellness. Not only will regular appointments keep pets looking their best throughout their lifetime but also targeted grooming packages can help address issues such as fleas, shedding and itching. As pets enter new life stages, a regular grooming appointment can be another line of defense when it comes to identifying and treating issues.

● Safety Measures: One in three pets goes missing in their lifetime. Be sure to microchip pets, in addition to using an identification tag, for their safety. This can also help curb the increase in stray and lost pets coming into shelters across the country.

Calendar of Events

6 Holst - The Planets / From Earth to The Beyond

of the Americas

Performing Arts 8 Holst - The Planets From Earth to The Beyond

Columbus Day

the Performing Arts

17 Equality Park After Dark (Food trucks,, socialize, art, music, handmade crafts, vintage finds) The Pride Center at Equality Park

17 La Danza” featuring the Art in Motion Dancers

Venetian Arts Society / Savor Cinema 17 Stonewall Presents: 2nd Annual Back to the Drive Celebration The Venue, Wilton Manors / Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library

10/1711/17 The Fantasticks Island City Stage 18 Wine Spirit Culinary Celebration 28th Anniversary / Presented by Bank of America

of Discovery and Science

Active Aging Expo The Pride Center at Equality Park 21 Come Out with Pride - Orlando Pride 2024 Lake Eola Park, Orlando

22-27 The Book of Mormon (AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando) Walt Disney Theater / Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts / Orlando, FL

Headdress Ball

West / Key West Business Guild

Hibachi Showdown H.O.M.E.S., Inc. Outdoor Garden 24 Stonewall Women's Fund Presents: An Evening with Rita Mae Brown The Center for Spiritual Living 26 Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas South Florida Symphony Orchestra Broward Center for the Performing Arts

10/2611/2 Southern Caribbean Cruise Adventure Bears

26-11/2 San Diego to Mexico Atlantis Events

10/29113 Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy Kravis on Broadway Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 31 Wicked Manors Wilton Manors, FL

Chandler Scott is the enthusiastic Director of Social Media and Assistant to the Publisher at OutClique Magazine. With a vivid and diversified background, he brings a distinct flavor to his position. Born and raised in southern Vermont, his path took him from the creative hustle of New York City to the lively LGBTQA+ scene in Orlando, Florida, where he adopted the name Chandler Scott. His time with the House of Adonis and performances at local venues honed his social media skills and community engagement strategies.

Now residing in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, Chandler continues to manage OutClique’s social media presence with both innovation and enthusiasm, all while working remotely. He is excited to share his story and insights with our readers.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join OutClique Magazine?

Sure! My biological name is Scott Baker; Chandler came later on. I grew up in a small town in southern Vermont and always loved creative activities like baking, gardening, and building things. In school, I enjoyed acting in plays and helping with stage sets. In my 20s, I moved to New York City, where I got more involved in the arts and the LGBTQA+ community. Later, I moved to Orlando and joined the House of Adonis, a diverse and amazing LGBTQA+ family. The mother of the house, Kaija Taylor Adonis, and father of the house, Blaze Adonis, took me in when I felt out of place. They introduced me to the drag community, where I could explore my artistic performer side. Thus, Chandler Scott Adonis was born. Eventually, I moved to Wilton Manors and joined OutClique Magazine, excited to use my skills in social media and community engagement.

How has being part of the House of Adonis and connections with the LGBTQA+ community influenced your approach to social media and community engagement?

The House of Adonis taught me a lot about self-worth and connecting with people just by being myself. Chandler Adonis is not just a facade; Chandler is me. This authenticity helped me engage with the LGBTQA+ community more

effortlessly, both in person and online. I learned how to create engaging content that resonates with an audience, emphasizing authenticity and creativity, which I apply to my work at OutClique.

Can you share some of the strategies you've implemented that have significantly boosted our online presence?

I started posting more behind-the-scenes content to give our followers a glimpse into the magazine’s daily operations. Collaborating with local influencers and using targeted ads helped us reach a wider audience. Even though OutClique is a magazine, our social media presence should have personality. As social media platforms evolve, so will we.

What challenges have you faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?

During the pandemic, I moved from working in OutClique’s office to relocating to southern New Jersey, then back to Vermont to be closer to family. I worried about managing my roles remotely. The key was communication with the OutClique team. Social media platforms, emails, and texting can all be done remotely with a good internet connection. My worries lessened as I set up a structured schedule and used various tools to keep track of posts and analytics.

As Director of Social Media, what do you enjoy most about OutClique Magazine, and how do you manage working remotely now from Pennsylvania?

I now live in the suburbs, just outside Philadelphia. After spending time back in Vermont and as the pandemic settled, I wanted to be closer to friends but not too far from family. I had lived in NJ and visited Philadelphia, and a couple of close friends convinced me that I would grow and enjoy here. Working remotely has become more effortless, and I have strengthened my talents. I love the creativity and interaction with the community. Working remotely still has its challenges, but I enjoy the flexibility it offers. I stay organized with a set routine and keep in touch with the team through video calls and messaging apps.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of managing the social media for OutClique?

The most rewarding part is seeing the positive impact we have in the community. I love hearing from followers who appreciate our content. They feel more connected because of our posts and engagement. It’s great to know that our work helps bring people together. It also tests my skill set, constantly having to keep up with the latest social media platform updates and trends.

Can you share some of the most memorable moments or projects you’ve worked on since joining OutClique?

One memorable project was our campaign for Pride Month, where we featured stories from various community members. Another highlight was organizing a virtual event that brought together many local artists and performers. Both projects received great feedback and were very fulfilling to work on.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for both your career and the future of OutClique’s social media presence?

For the past five years, I have watched and been a huge part of OutClique’s growth, and I hope to continue with that. I will keep engaging and exploring new ways to stay connected with our community. Personally, I aim to keep developing my skills in digital marketing and community management. I’m excited about the potential for new collaborations and innovative content ideas. Who knows, maybe we will expand even further.

You have a diverse set of hobbies, from baking to gardening to building things. How do these creative outlets impact your professional work?

My hobbies help me stay creative and think outside the box. Baking is an art and science, as well as a passion of mine. Gardening is a great skill to have, and I recommend everyone learn more about it. We need plants to live, so we all need to respect and take care of nature. Building things like furniture or even remodeling homes gives me a sense of great satisfaction. All of these hobbies require patience and attention to detail, which are useful skills in social media management. They also provide a great way to stay organized, take time to relax, and recharge, which helps me stay focused and productive at work.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into social media management within the LGBTQA+ community?

My advice would be to stay authentic and true to yourself while keeping an open mind to welcoming more education and growth. Engage with the community and listen to their needs. Establish a robust network, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content. Always keep learning and adapting to new trends and technologies.

Why is social media important in our lives?

Social media has become a potent force in the modern day, impacting our daily routines, influencing our choices, and facilitating connections that were once inconceivable. The ubiquity of social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, has significantly altered the processes of information sharing, relationship building, and community building. These platforms have streamlined global communication and face-to-face encounters. Social media plays a crucial role in studying mental health concerns, political movements, educational programs, and commercial marketing, going beyond casual encounters. Given its extensive reach, it is imperative to fully grasp this influence and maximize its potential. Understanding and utilizing social media is crucial for personal and professional development, as well as for navigating the increasing interconnection of society. The world is constantly changing and growing, and so will social media. Social media is expected to keep growing thanks to new technologies, business investments, social activities, and the use of new technologies. As it evolves, social media will further embed itself into the fabric of our daily lives, influencing how we interact, engage, and connect with the world. My only advice with this growth is that, although it is great to embrace it, be sure not to forget to take time to unplug and savor the moments. Capture them for sure, but make sure to live in them.

Chandler, we appreciate you telling us about your amazing experience and the wisdom you've gained along the way. Your commitment to OutClique and the LGBTQA+ community is evident in all that you do. With your work at the magazine, we look forward to seeing what the future brings.

Author: Steven O. Evans, PhD | Chandler Scott's Cover and Cover Story Photos Courtesy of Alexander Galbreath

Rick Leonard Knows the Keys to Success

He’s the Music Man of Wilton Manors . . . in all the good ways.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the city’s entertainment scene, you’ve heard his work and may have caught a glimpse of him at the piano. Rick Leonard is a lifelong musician who has found steady work in an industry that doesn’t lend itself to long term employment.

“I’ve never had another job in my whole life,” Leonard told OutClique. He began his career 47 years ago at the age of 17. He was raised in Philadelphia before spending more than 25 years in the Manhattan music scene.

In 2006, after countless trips up and down slushy subway stairs, he’d had enough of winter and moved to Wilton Manors. “What’s happening in Wilton is that it’s emerging into this entertainment and recreational center, even more so than Palm Springs! Wilton offers so much to people,” he said.

These days he has several gigs up and down Wilton Drive, including The Well, Myth Gastrobar and West End Lounge. But his most high-profile job is as entertainment director for Tropics Grille.

“We want to keep live entertainment there seven nights a week and maintain a certain elegance standard,” Leonard said. “It’s the most elegant venue on The Drive.”

His coolest new project is the Tropics n Concert series. It’s an evening of classical music that comes with a three course, prix fixe menu. His plan is to have the evening once or twice a month. “We want it to resemble a proper supper club. People really like that environment.”

Leonard uses his NYC connections to help draw fresh performers to South Florida. “I like showcasing younger talent.”

“Rick brings incredible joy to our Tropics patrons,” Bobby Blair, Tropics’ executive business manager, said. “His extraordinary talent to deliver night in and night out the most amazing shows is time tested for decades.”

Leonard may not officially have a favorite performer to work with, but you often see him accompanying Eric Swanson, who performs as cabaret star Miss Bouvèé.

“The thing about Miss B. is she’s a true entertainer and captures the imagination of the audience,” Leonard said. “The character is instantly appealing to the audience. It’s something we are building and expanding upon. [Swanson] loves having a live musician behind him.”

Leonard still likes to skip town every now and then. He takes his talent to the high seas. He’s a veteran of Atlantis events, as well as Outbound and Vacaya. He’s visited 48 countries via LGBTQIA+ travel companies.

“I enjoy musical direction. It’s my favorite thing to do,” Leonard said. But when it comes to types of music, he loves them all. “There is no favorite musical genre. I have a broad repertoire. I love doing all request shows.”

With all the coming development to the Wilton Drive area, Leonard knows his South Florida opportunities are only going to grow. “I’ve watched it grow to what it is now and it’s only gonna get a lot bigger.”

Most importantly, Leonard knows he’s had an excellent career and life.

“Every time I climb on stage, I still love what I do. I’m 63 and I've lived my entire life supporting myself very comfortably in a career I adore. I am very, very lucky for that.”

Author: John Hayden | Photo Courtesy of Rick Leonard

Legacy Giving Funding Arts Broward

The vision of Funding Arts Broward, FAB, to be the leading arts ambassador in Broward County, by nurturing, supporting, and promoting the arts in our community, will be realized with the help of arts enthusiasts like you. Our goal is to create a sustainable, expanding funding pool to support art education, performances, exhibitions, and appreciation of the arts. Your support of FAB will help make this vision a reality.

Whether supported through an outright gift or a planned gift, all FAB grants are made possible through the generosity and commitment of people like you. But we also want to make sure you are aware of the benefits to you from making a gift to us.

Of course, you have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference. But, in fact, the best gift plans may also improve the donor’s financial and tax situations, often right away. Planned gifts can offer the donor many benefits, such as providing additional income for you and/or your heirs, reducing income and estate taxes, relieving you and your heirs of complicated financial management responsibilities, and helping to fulfill your personal, humanitarian and charitable objectives. Planned gifts can be made in cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, personal property or life insurance.

In addition, all individuals who arrange planned gifts to

FAB will be recognized as Legacy Donors. Each year, Legacy Donors will be honored at the annual luncheon. Furthermore, donor names will be included in programs at special events.

There are many ways that your philanthropic gifts can blend with your own financial needs and tax planning, so explore the possibilities and opportunities for creative gift giving. Planned gifts can include:

● Bequests through your will

● Life income gifts

● Gifts of life insurance

● Charitable lead trusts

● Gifts of retirement plans

You make arrangements for the gifts during your lifetime. The principal benefits accrue to FAB in the future, after your death or the death of your last-named beneficiary.

A Message From Our President

Thank you for supporting Funding Arts Broward by including our organization in your estate plans, or considering doing so. We realize your long-lasting support of the arts through your estate/financial plans is a decision that you might prefer to remain private. However, by letting us know of your plans, we can say “thank you” during your lifetime. Please know that all information you share with us is kept strictly confidential.

The Community Foundation of Broward Celebrates 40th Anniversary

In 2024, the Community Foundation of Broward is proud to celebrate 40 years of creating BOLD Impact for Broward. What started 40 years ago as a BOLD idea shared by a few philanthropists in Fort Lauderdale has grown into the Community Foundation that today transforms Broward through focused leadership that fosters collaboration, builds endowment, advances equity and connects people who care to causes that matter.

Seeking to establish a local philanthropy champion for Broward, founders Libby and Jack Deinhardt launched the Foundation with a small group of volunteers in December 1984. A volunteer leadership team and a budding group of donors’ gifts led to the establishment of an endowment and an initial $7,000 in grants to support struggling families, the arts, education, seniors and other local needs. The Foundation was entrusted to carefully invest and grow philanthropists’ gifts, directing grants that enabled their local impact to continue for generations. As a result of the seeds the visionary volunteers planted, the Foundation’s philanthropy family and giving power keeps growing. In 2023, the Foundation’s assets totaled nearly $300 million and it awarded a record $20 million in annual grants.

Today and forever, the Foundation provides community leadership, fosters bold philanthropy and builds permanent resources to tackle Broward’s biggest challenges. It partners with individuals, families and local organizations to create personalized charitable funds that fuel game-

changing philanthropy. As a grantmaking public charity, the Foundation provides leadership and resources to support solutions that make Broward a better place to call home.

Presently, the Foundation shepherds 532 charitable funds, and in over 40 years, it has provided nearly $200 million in support of student achievement, the arts, career readiness, seniors in need, HIV/AIDs prevention, equity and social justice, environmental resilience, health care, affordable housing, disaster relief, nonprofit empowerment and much more. All grants are made possible by the dedicated fundholders who partner with the Foundation to create charitable funds to fuel their philanthropy.

To commemorate this special milestone, the Foundation is organizing initiatives throughout 2024, including extended festivities at its annual Community Builder Celebration, taking place at the Museum of Discovery and Science in November. Also, throughout the year, the Foundation will share photos, stories, videos and more that showcase how it was established and how its history shaped the exciting course it’s charting for the future.

Additionally, the Foundation is awarding special “40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants” – $400,000 total to help 40 nonprofits make a BOLD impact for Broward. The grants will support 40 innovative, impactful opportunities for nonprofits to help the community by investing in projects and initiatives that make life better in Broward.

YOU CAN BE BOLD, LIKE PHILANTHROPIST MONA PITTENGER

“Partnering with the Community Foundation of Broward empowers me to make a BOLD impact for the community I love. As a longtime philanthropist and LGBTQ activist, my new endowed charitable funds at the Community Foundation are broadening the scope and amplifying the impact of my giving. Grants in my name develop future leaders, break down barriers to success and shape a community where everyone is treated with equity. I love that my endowed support is the gift that keeps on giving, long after I’m gone. With the Community Foundation as a partner, my BOLD impact never ends.”

Using LEGO® and Learning Through Play to Innovate Environmental Solutions

What does it take to create the next generation of environmental stewards? The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale has an answer: Learning Through Play! Over the last few years, MODS has become a leader in advancing environmental sustainability education in South Florida and is now turning up the volume on its endeavors to inspire the next generation of leaders, scientists and engineers to have a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world. The Museum is doing this by using a tried-and-true method: fostering an environment where children and adults learn through play. To bring this to life, MODS is collaborating in a powerful partnership with the LEGO® Foundation and their flagship sustainability program, LEGO® Build the Change.

The LEGO® approach to learning through play is supported by decades of research into how children learn. This framework highlights five key characteristics: joy, social interaction, active engagement, iterative thinking and meaningful exploration. These elements ensure that learning is fun, collaborative, hands-on, experimental and genuinely relevant to children. This approach is especially powerful when applied to solving real-world problems through play.

LEGO® Build the Change is a first-of-its-kind initiative that

goes beyond traditional play by encouraging participants to build with a purpose. It challenges individuals, especially youth, to use LEGO® bricks as tools for addressing realworld issues like environmental sustainability and social justice. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also instills a sense of responsibility in museum visitors to contribute positively to their communities.

LEGO® has taken significant strides to reduce its environmental impact, and this commitment resonates deeply with MODS. By partnering with LEGO® Build the Change, MODS has expanded its reach and impact, engaging visitors in interactive activities that emphasize sustainable practices and inspire them to become environmental stewards. From creating innovative solutions to support the habitats of South Florida’s threatened species, to reimagining a more climateresilient bus stop, visitors are encouraged to play and use the LEGO® bricks to tell their stories of positive change. The MODS team makes sure that each build is recorded on the LEGO® Build the Change website as a potential world-changing solution.

Visit MODS to experience these programs firsthand, and don’t forget to bring your LEGO® Minifigures to trade with our MODS team members, as we are an official LEGO® Minifigure Trading Site!

Author: Lance Cutrer | Photo Courtesy of MODS

The Experts Say That We’re Okay

From the mid-twentieth century Kinsey reports to Evelyn Hooker’s research in the 1950s, to the American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality from its list of disorders in 1973 to the American Psychological Association taking similar action in 1975, to the American Counseling Association and National Association of Social Workers doing the same, to the World Health Organization removing homosexuality from its list of disorders in 1990, we know that LGBTQIA+ identity is not a mental health disorder.

Additionally, regarding LGBTQIA+ identities and religion, Queer and LGBTQIA+ affirming theologians and bible scholars have been doing incredibly liberative work for decades.

Religious scholars like Carter Heyward, Marcella AlthausReid, Irene Monroe, Ken Stone, Pamela Lightsey, Patrick Cheng, and Mark Jordan (to name a very few) may not be familiar to the average lay person, but their work to salvage sacred texts and traditional doctrines from cruel and life-damaging anti-LGBTQIA+ prejudices has literally changed (and possibly saved) lives. Their writings can be found in mainline seminary libraries and classrooms throughout this country and beyond.

In case you haven’t heard this recently (or ever), let me assure you that your gender identity and your sexual orientation are part of your wholeness, part of the rich diversity of the world; they are not illnesses and they are not sins. As we say at Sunshine Cathedral: “You are God’s miracle, not God’s mistake.”

Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Author: Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins

Oh, Florida Man…

Florida man strikes again. For those who don’t know, “Florida man” is a rather infamous hashtag that often refers to a man living in (or in some cases visiting) Florida doing something that is unmatched in his idiotic nature. Our governor has been no exception, especially where the Queer community is concerned.

The devastating June veto, which pulled $32 million in funding for arts organizations statewide, has arts organizations scrambling and turning to donors for help. It should not be lost on us that this comes not only after the ban on rainbow lights statewide lighting bridges for Pride, but the veto comes in Pride month itself. Arts organizations are famously where Queer people of all types thrive, flourish, and find their safe space. “I can’t justify giving tax dollars to the Fringe festival”, was a direct quote of our governor. Upon researching this, it is obvious he is referring to the part of the festival which features, you guessed it, drag queens! Dear Mr. Governor, I respectfully decline your obsession with me.

While the battle for dollars in the arts is no stranger to us, I want to encourage all of my readers to double down

on your donations in the coming third and fourth quarter giving. I cannot tell you the devastating effects this will have, no one can until it is too late. While it may not be immediate, the long-term damage to art, museums, and culture will be evident. A few local organizations I recommend donating to are the South Florida Symphony Orchestra and POW (Plays of Wilton). Beyond music and theatre, this veto has also devastated cultural centers, museums, and BIPOC groups that center on education and outreach. A simple google search will reveal the nearly 200 organizations in the Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties that lost a collective estimated $12 million in funding. They all need your help in the coming days.

I am pressed to recall a childhood film I adore to this day, Mr. Holland's Opus. It is the film that first made me want to be a teacher, a profession I enjoyed for five wonderful years. In the film, Mr. Holland’s program is cut and he is forced into retirement. As he leaves the principal’s office he turns and says, “Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want. Sooner or later, these kids aren't going to have anything to read or write about.”

Author: Miss Bouvèé | Photo Courtesy of Timmy Wakefield

What’s New on Netflix this August?

Unstable Season 2 [Series] - On Netflix August 1

In season two of Unstable, Ellis (Rob Lowe) lays out a series of challenges and mind games for Jackson (John Owen Lowe) to see if he has what it takes to succeed him as the heir to the Dragon empire, but does a newcomer have other ideas?

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie [Film] - On Netflix August 2

When Bikini Bottom and all its denizens are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas to save the town from a villainous plot.

The Umbrella Academy Season 4 (Final Season) [Series] - On Netflix August 8

The Hargreeves siblings have scattered after the climactic showdown at the Hotel Oblivion led to a complete reset of their timeline. Stripped of their powers, each is left to fend for themselves and find a new normal — with wildly varying degrees of success. Yet the trappings of their uncanny new world prove too hard to ignore for very long. Their father Reginald, alive and well, has stepped out of the shadows and into the public eye, overseeing a powerful and nefarious business empire. A mysterious association known as The Keepers holds clandestine meetings believing the reality they’re living in is a lie and a great reckoning is coming.

As these strange new forces conspire around them, the Umbrella Academy must come together one last time — and risk upsetting the shaky peace they’ve all endured so much to secure — to finally set things right.

The Union [Film] - On Netflix August 16

Mike (Mark Wahlberg) is happy living a simple life as a construction worker in his native New Jersey – until his long-lost high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry), shows up with more on her mind than romance. Knowing he’s the right man for the job, she recruits Mike on a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe that thrusts them back together into a world of spies and high-speed car chases, with sparks flying along the way.

Incoming [Film] - On Netflix August 23

Four freshmen are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives: their first high school party.

THE DELIVERANCE [Film] - On Netflix August 30

Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children.

The Deliverance

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

The Union Unstable

One-on-One with New City Players’ Tim Davis

Like every other theater company in the world, South Florida’s New City Players has a mission to entertain audiences while telling a story. However, they always aim to go the extra mile.

Through transformative theater, New City Players values and commits to staging powerful and poignant works that are not only excellent, but emotionally engaging and challenging. Founded in 2016 by a group of artists, the company quickly became a staple within the Fort Lauderdale area, and it continues to grow and expand.

OutClique had the opportunity to connect with Producing Artistic Director Tim Davis, where he talks more about New City Players and its beginnings, future goals he hopes the company achieves, and what’s in store for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

Denny Patterson: You have been New City Players’ producing artistic director since 2016. What have you enjoyed the most about working with this company so far?

Tim Davis: Oh, wow. I would say it's the people I've met.

I mean, it has truly become my community. I have built so much of my life around this company; trying to help it grow, producing shows, directing, and acting. I have met so many people and made so many deep friendships through being a part of the community, and that's a central part of our mission. We want to create this sense of community, and we have an ensemble of artists that we work with on a regular basis. We get together on a regular basis and talk about what kind of shows we want to produce, what we want to do with the company in the future, and we sometimes do training courses together. The family aspect of the company is what I love the most.

Denny Patterson: Can you tell us what’s in store for the upcoming 2024-2025 season?

Tim Davis: This will be a very exciting season, and it kind of has a historical throughline. The theme that we’re going with is “Eras Collide,” which someone has already pointed out, oh, like Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” Look, if that’s an association that’s going to be made and it helps us, then sure! Why not? (Laughs). But I was trying to find a way to capture the different periods of history that the season will take place in. The first thing we're doing

in September, it's just for one weekend, is a short play festival. We have a community event that we do monthly, where we bring writers and actors together to create new short plays, so this is sort of the greatest hits of the plays that have been written at that event in the last year. They're all by local playwrights, and they’ll be performed at General Provision Downtown, which is a historic building that's gone through many iterations since the early 1900s. We're going to integrate Fort Lauderdale history into that evening of short plays, so that's this era that we're exploring in our first production. Then the Christmas show is set in 1999, Christmas Eve, right before Y2K, and then All My Sons, the show after that, is set in 1947. It's a post-war play. Lastly, our final show, Confederates, half of the play takes place in the mid1860s following a rebel slave, and the other half takes place in contemporary times at a university following a Black female professor. We are traveling the expanse of many eras in our next season and really looking back so that we can look forward.

Denny Patterson: What are some future goals you hope to see New City Players achieve in the next couple years?

Tim Davis: I would like to see us find our own venue and do more shows. We are doing the three main stages and the short play festival right now, but I’d love for us to produce four main stages a year. I just think it will give us an opportunity to tell more stories. So, those are the main goals, but on a more philosophical level, and this is probably on me more than anything, but I would love for us to get better at sharing our mission in a way that makes sense to people. Yes, there is an entertainment value to theater. People are paying a ticket price and we want to entertain them and give them an experience that is exciting and emotional to some degree, but what is the transformative element of theater? The experience we've had on several shows is we'll have someone watch and say, ‘I've never seen my own experience put on stage before this. This was really special and amazing.’ And then we've had the exact opposite, which is ‘I didn't know anything about this other experience and you've opened my eyes to someone else's life.’ I think those two experiences are truly transformative for a community, both in seeing yourself represented and being exposed to other stories. It grows our compassion, empathy, and our ability to remember that there are other people in the world.

Author: Denny Patterson | Photos Courtesy of Eric Campbell

Idina Menzel Brings Her Take Me Or Leave Me Tour to Orlando

Idina Menzel is a Tony Award-winning powerhouse multi-hyphenate: a singer, an actress in film and TV, a songwriter, a Broadway star, and a philanthropist. She rose to fame for her role as Maureen in the Broadway musical Rent , and her career took off when she won a Tony Award for her role as Elphaba in the smash musical Wicked . Her voice can be heard as Elsa in Disney’s Oscar® winning Frozen , the second highest-grossing animated film of all time, with more than $1.2 billion in worldwide box office revenue. The film’s song “Let It Go”, voiced by Menzel, became an instant international phenomenon, winning the Oscar® for Best Original Song–where Menzel performed it at the ceremony–and the Grammy® Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The track reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making

Menzel the first artist with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Menzel recently released three electrifying singles “Move”, “Dramatic” and “Beast” from her new album, Drama Queen released via BMG. The project is a departure from what she’s released in the past, as Menzel showcases her powerhouse vocals through discoinfused beats and soaring anthems. For the album, Idina worked with award-winning collaborators including Nile Rodgers (Chic, Diana Ross, Beyonce), Justin Tranter (Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez), Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters), Sir Nolan (Shawn Mendes, Carly Rae Jepsen), Jim Eliot (Elie Goulding, Kylie Minogue) and more.

Learn more about Idina at IdinaMenzel.com.

Content and Photo Courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center

Upcoming Events at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

This summer is filled with exciting things to do and experience at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens!

Orchid Care Classes

August 6, 2024, and August 13, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

● For green thumbs and orchid enthusiasts alike, mark your calendars for Bonnet House’s two Orchid Care classes taught by Bonnet House Orchid Curator, Jose Exposito, along with his team of orchid care experts. Delve into Orchid planting 101 and the basic cultivation techniques or the art of repotting and mounting orchids, while learning invaluable tips for combating pests and diseases. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice with a passion for plants, these classes promise to elevate your gardening game to new heights. Jose Exposito, the founder of Soroa Orchids, is a senior judge of the American Orchid Society and is a world-renowned speaker and has spoken at World Orchid Conferences in Brazil and Malaysia. He has been featured in Orchids Magazine, Vogue, Martha Stewart Show, and in many other national and international publications.

TOURS

**Family Summer Special** Self-Guided Tours

June 1 – September 1, 2024

Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturdays/ Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

● Bonnet House welcomes families with open arms, offering its Family Summer Special where families can

explore through self-guided tours, the Maine House, the sprawling gardens, meander along nature trails, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the subtropical landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife hidden among the trees and aquatic wonders in the lakes and ponds—a treat for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Guided Tours

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.

● Looking for a guided tour? Experience Bonnet House with one of their seasoned docents. A 90-minute docent–guided tour will lead you through the rooms of the Main House where you will learn the history of the Birch/Bartlett family and discover the charm and whimsy of this beachfront estate.

VIP Upstairs/Downstairs Tours

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

● For those eager to delve deeper into the history and secrets of Bonnet House, don't miss the exclusive VIP Upstairs/Downstairs Tours. Led by docents, these small-group 90-minute tours offer a sneak peek into the private living quarters of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett, the estate's former owners. Explore areas of the house rarely seen by the public and uncover the hidden treasures that lie within. Pre-registration is required, so secure your spot ahead of time for this unforgettable journey through time.

For all classes, workshops and tours, please register in advance or purchase tickets online at

Spooky New Surprises Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort

It is time to celebrate Halfway to Halloween, and one of the most anticipated events of the season is Mickey’s Not-SoScary Halloween Party, a separately-ticketed event held on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park. This beloved event offers guests the opportunity to engage in sensational spookiness and ghoulish good times that are perfect for kids of all ages.

This year, new enhancements will create an even more spooktacular time for guests attending the frightfully fun event, which include:

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in New Costumes

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will greet guests during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in their brand-new neon spider web attire.

Villains Character Sightings

Villains continue to be a crowd pleaser, and guests can look forward to seeing some of their favorite bad guys (and girls) from the moment the party begins and throughout the evening.

DescenDANCE Party

A high-energy rave inspired by the Disney Original Movie, “Descendants: The Rise of Red” premiering on Disney+

on July 12, guests can dance along to their favorite hits, including other songs from the “Descendants” films, at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.

Speaking of Bruno…

For the first time during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, Bruno Madrigal from the Disney Animation Studios film “Encanto” will meet guests alongside Mirabel at the family Casita in Fairytale Garden.

New Earlier Start Times for “Boo-To-You”

While everyone loves the spooky splendor of “Mickey’s BooTo-You,” the late start can be daunting for guests who prefer to turn in early. This year, the fun begins at 8:15 p.m., an hour earlier than prior years, to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to join in the fun.

In addition to these new offerings, the event will also feature returning favorites like “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show, hosted by Jack Skellington, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, trick-ortreating throughout the park and Halloween attraction twists.

This year’s separately ticketed event will kick off Aug. 9, 2024, and will take place on select nights through Oct. 31 at Disney World.

Pridelines Marks 42 Years with Spectacular Queerferno Gala

Pridelines, Miami-Dade County’s first and only LGBTQ+ community center, proudly announces the distinguished honorees for the 2024 Queerferno: Disco Masquerade Gala. Set to take place on August 17th, 2024, this gala celebrates 42 years of Pridelines' unwavering dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community.

These individuals and organizations exemplify the values of Pridelines and have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Their dedication, passion, and hard work inspire us all and highlight the importance of unity and advocacy in the fight for equality and justice.

National Icon Honoree

Lady Bunny

Lady Bunny’s illustrious career spans over three decades, beginning in the vibrant New York City nightlife scene of the 1980s. Her unwavering commitment to raising awareness and fighting for equality makes her a beacon of inspiration. Lady Bunny’s influence extends far beyond the stage, making her a beloved figure and a perfect honoree for this prestigious award.

Community Champion

The Miami Foundation & The Our Fund Foundation

The Miami Foundation and The Our Fund are honored for their steadfast dedication to social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. Their tireless efforts and unwavering support have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals in South Florida and beyond.

Youth Vanguard Award

Miami Girls Rock Camp

Miami Girls Rock Camp (MGRC) empowers girls and nonbinary youth through music and performance, offering a safe, inclusive space for self-expression and communitybuilding. By providing opportunities for young people to explore their talents and build meaningful connections, MGRC makes a significant difference in the lives of its participants, shaping future leaders of our community.

Hidden Figure Award

Michael Roman

Michael Roman, the Community Partnerships Manager and Policy & Strategic Development lead for the City of Miami, is honored for his profound impact on community development and social change. His commitment to social justice and community empowerment has made him an invaluable asset to the city and beyond.

Content Courtesy of Nicolle Nyariri, Pridelines

String Orchestra String Orchestra

Conducted by Maestro Lorenzo Turchi-Floris (Rome) Artistic Director with Charlotte Orcel (France) Violin Soloist

The Official Rupaul’s Drag Race “All Stars Live” Tour

Unfolds Live on Stage in 2024

Presented by Voss Events in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV, this show promises to be a celebration of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. Returning fan favorites including Angeria, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel, and Vanessa Vanjie will grace the stage in a spectacular showcase of drag excellence. Audiences can expect high kicks, low splits, and the unforgettable drama that defines the All Stars competition. "This tour is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the magic of RuPaul's Drag Race up close and personal," said Senior Producer, Jon Norris. "It's a show within a show that captures the essence of what makes these queens All Stars."

* Cast subject to last-minute changes. Check local listings for talent line-up.

Melissa Etheridge On New Docuseries and the Power of Healing Through Music

Melissa Etheridge: I'm Not Broken , a new docuseries that’s now streaming on Paramount+ , features the Grammy Award-winning rock artist returning to her home state of Kansas to perform a live concert at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Before the concert, Etheridge corresponded with five incarcerated women serving drug-related sentences, drawing inspiration from their stories to create and perform an original song in their honor.

A poignant exploration of healing and transcendence through the power of music, Etheridge, who lost her son Beckett to opioids in 2020, seeks to understand and disrupt the cycle of addiction while connecting with these women often overlooked by society. The docuseries also delves into themes of redemption, generational trauma, grief, and healing.

With female incarceration rates having increased by 700 percent since 1980, Etheridge uses music as a means of empathy, understanding, and hope, forming a bond with the women through their shared experiences and struggles.

Etheridge took some time to talk more about the project with OutClique .

Denny Patterson: Melissa, how excited are you for Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken to premiere on Paramount+ ?

Melissa Etheridge: Oh, this is a big one for me. I've been thinking about doing something like this since I was a very young girl. It's a long story, but it feels incredible. It's been years in the making, and I'm so proud of it.

Denny Patterson: I can only imagine how meaningful it was for you to bond with these women through the conduit of music.

Melissa Etheridge: : It was an incredible experience, and it really opened my eyes to how much drug and emotional issues there are in prison. There's not a whole lot of punishing bad people. It's people that were punishing themselves and trying to get out of pain from early childhood trauma, and that is the majority of what’s behind, especially in a women’s prison. It really had an impact on me when I saw these women, some of whom had never seen a concert. Music is so healing.

Denny Patterson: “I'm Not Broken” is also the name of the original song you wrote in honor of these women?

Melissa Etheridge: Yes, it was something I set out to do from the very beginning. I said, I want to write a song so that in the concert, I can say, hey, this is for you. This is something I created by being inspired by you. And I'm very happy with it. The documentary actually shows me trying to write it over the course of a few months, and it finally comes together because I didn't want it to be sad, patronizing, or anything like that. I wanted it to be strong, and I wanted them to be able to sing it with me and find strength from its power.

Denny Patterson: Is there anything else you ultimately hope audiences take away from this docuseries?

Melissa Etheridge: I hope they’re moved, and I hope it maybe changes hearts and minds about what people might have thought what prisons are for. And as for the people in prisons, maybe viewers will change their minds about how they think about drug addiction and how it can certainly happen to anyone that makes a couple bad choices.

Author: Denny Patterson | Photo Courtesy of Paramount+

Space Explorers: The Infinite

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in association with Infinity Experiences, Felix & Paul Studios and PHI Studio is proud to announce the presentation of Space Explorers: The Infinite funded by William A. Meyer coming to West Palm Beach through September 2, 2024.

Calling all adventure seekers and space aficionados, it's time to ascend on a first-of-its-kind immersive odyssey into Space. The highly-acclaimed experience will transport you on a journey as you roam freely inside a state-of-the-art, virtual 3D replica of the International Space Station (ISS), float in space alongside the astronauts and admire breathtaking sights of Earth that only a handful have ever seen before — all without ever leaving the ground.

“Experience the extraordinary, only at the Kravis Center. Space Explorers: The Infinite beckons, ready to take you on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos. We are proud to bring this exclusive encounter to Florida” said Diane Quinn, Kravis Center CEO.

After an extraordinary run in Montreal, having fascinated over 350,000 visitors from around North America, Space Explorers: The Infinite lands in West Palm Beach featuring proprietary content captured in space, promising an otherworldly adventure!

Prepare yourself for a powerful immersive virtual reality experience inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station. On this unique journey, you will access never-before-seen 360-degree videos captured in space using advanced 3D technology. Witness breathtaking views of Earth and gain a unique perspective into the daily life of astronauts through exclusive encounters with the international crew.

Now it's your turn to experience firsthand what life is like in orbit.

Age Requirement: Designed for ages 13+. Children under the age of 8 will not be admitted. Those aged 8-12 will require a waiver signed by their parent/guardian before beginning the experience.

Matteo Lane Brings His Comedy Tour

Named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch amassing over 1.5 million followers on social media, stand up comedian Matteo Lane performs to sold out crowds all over the world. He has shared the stage with the likes of Chelsea Handler, Aziz Ansari, Hasan Minhaj, and Bob the Drag Queen. Matteo can be seen in Netflix’s queer stand up special, Stand Out , as well as The Comedy Lineup . A skilled artist and pasta aficionado, Matteo has also painted a mural for the Obamas' headquarters in Chicago and trained as an opera singer in Rome.

Learn more about Matteo at MatteoLaneComedy.com.

September 21, 2024

Broward Center for the Performing Arts | www.BrowardCenter.org

by CHARLES BUSCH

Crafters, wine bottle label designers, ceramics enthusiasts, wig-makers, jewelry designers, tattoo artists and other talented creative entrepreneurs who seldom get the chance to exhibit their work will be showcased at ArtServe’s exhibit Ready-Made: Celebrating Business, Art and Community that runs through Friday, September 6, 2024.

Made possible by a grant from The Community Foundation of Broward, the exhibit itself is free to attend.

ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“After seeing Ready-Made, your everyday experiences will come with a fresh perspective on the knowledge that an artist has created virtually everything with which we interact each day,” ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes explained. “For example, even a trip to the grocery store entails visual artwork on so many levels—the colorful displays, the food packaging, the coupons and even the fresh sushi at the seafood counter have one thing in common—they were all created by artists!”

ArtServe opened participation in Ready-Made to local artists of all genres—with one caveat: Exhibited artwork must not be perishable (which means the fresh pastries and sushi displays must remain in their respective stores!).

ArtServe inspires, supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts.

The Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts welcomes new contemporary artist Mwanel Pierre-Louis who is pushing the envelope with color, story, and energy. September 25, 2024 5 PM -

Barenaked Ladies Founding Member Steven Page Headlines Ghost Light Society Soirée

Singer-songwriter Steven Page, a founding member of the legendary Barenaked Ladies, headlines the 15th Anniversary Ghost Light Society Soirée Presented by UKG on Saturday, September 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Parker, 707 N.E. 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale.

The Ghost Light Society’s annual Soirée is one of the hottest tickets in town for young philanthropists and community and business leaders. This year’s event, “A Broadway Bash”, evokes the glamour, excitement and allure of Broadway, all to shine a spotlight on arts in education at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to an intimate performance by Steven Page, guests will enjoy the red-carpet treatment with delicious food, premium open bar, dancing and more, all onstage at The Parker, which was South Florida’s first Broadway theater beginning in 1967.

Funds raised from the Soirée will support the Broward Center’s wide variety of initiatives that educate, engage and inspire more than 100,000 Broward County students each year, making it the largest free arts-in-education program in the nation.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 15 years of transforming lives in our community through the power of the performing arts,” said Heather Geronemus, Senior

Director of Social Equity, Opportunity, and Impact at UKG, who is co-chairing the event alongside Ashley Boxer, Whitney Dutton and Ashley Palmer Lindsay. “We are incredibly proud of the lasting impact the annual Soirée’s proceeds have had, funding countless initiatives that enrich students' educational experiences. It will be an unforgettable evening when we welcome Steven Page for an exclusive performance of his Barenaked Ladies hits.”

As a co-founder, vocalist and songwriter for Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page sang and wrote classics like “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had a Million Dollars,” “What A Good Boy,” “It’s All Been Done” and many more. With the band, he sold over 15 million albums and scored multiple Junos, Billboard Music Awards and two Grammy nominations. After leaving the band in 2009, he embarked on a solo career that has produced five albums and seen him tour worldwide, including a recent string of dates opening for rock legends The Who.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor UKG, event sponsors as of July 9 include Entertainment Sponsors Charlie & Laura Palmer and Ashley & Matt Lindsay and Platinum Sponsors Akerman LLP, Amazon, AutoNation, The Boxer Strategy and Whitney Dutton & Family, Broward Health, Crowe LLP and JM Family Enterprises, Inc.

September

Announcing the 2025 Broadway Concert Series at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, which has hosted such legendary Broadway stars as Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin, is proud to announce the 2025 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura featuring the original stars of several Broadway blockbusters.

Tickets are on sale now to see Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, who starred together in Rent; a Hairspray original cast reunion with Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy, and John Lloyd Young, who portrayed Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on both stage and screen. Ticket buyers also have the option to purchase the opportunity to meet the artists after the show and have a photo taken.

The series begins on January 19, 2025, when Tony Award® nominee Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp perform their new show celebrating 30 years of friendship in an unforgettable and celebratory night of music, stories, and fun. The duo will deliver songs from Rent and various projects throughout their careers as well as music that has influenced their lives. Since originating the role of Roger in Rent, Pascal has appeared in leading roles in the Broadway hits Aida, Memphis, Something Rotten!, and Disaster! Rapp, who originated the role of Mark in Rent, just completed an acclaimed Off-Broadway run of his original show Without You and is known for starring in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and If/Then

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original Broadway musical Hairspray, original cast members Marissa Jaret Winokur (Tracy), Kerry Butler (Penny) and Laura Bell Bundy (Amber) reunite for the first time in Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now on March 6. With 16 Broadway shows and over 200 episodes of television between them, this trio has truly done it all as Winokur starred in Dancing with the Stars, Butler received a Tony nomination for Xanadu and Bundy’s performance in Legally Blonde also received Tony nomination.

When Broadway producers and film director Clint Eastwood needed to find a performer to match the immense talent and legendary charisma of Frankie Valli for Jersey Boys they turned to John Lloyd Young who stars in the 2025 Broadway Concert Series season finale on March 8. Young, who received both a Tony and Grammy® Award for his performance in Jersey Boys, will deliver a celebration of classic hits from the ’50s and ’60s presented in the authentic acoustic style of original rock ‘n’ roll, Doo-Wop and R&B standards. Along with tracks from Young’s critically acclaimed debut album My Turn, the show features “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Hold Me,” “Thrill Me, Kiss Me” and “In the Still of the Night” along with treasures from, among others, Roy Orbison, The Platters, the Righteous Brothers, Paul McCartney, Adele, Luther Vandross, Little Anthony, Elvis and Tom Jones.

MOVING TO THE FALL!

CHEERS TO 28 YEARS! Dine, drink, dance and discover at an event like no other at the 28th Annual Bank of America Wine,Spirits and Culinary Celebration. The event’s legendary Grand Tasting will take place from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. VIP access starts at 5:30 p.m.

WHEN: October 18, 2024

WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science

This ticketed event includes a grand tasting of cuisine from South Florida’s premier restaurants, an array of wine and spirits from around the world, a beer garden, music & dancing and a silent auction. Adults 21+ only event.

HOST PACKAGES:

• $2,850 Group VIP Platinum Package (12 people)

• $1,100 Group Grand Tasting Package (10 people)

• $300 Individual VIP Platinum Ticket - Includes early admission to the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. and access to the Platinum Lounge*

• $150 Individual Grand Tasting Ticket*

*Save 10% on “Early Bird” Individual VIP Platinum and Individual Grand Tasting Tickets through September 2, with code early10! For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Hillary Wallace at 954.713.0918 or hillary.wallace@mods.org.

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