As racing at dog and horse tracks, as well as at jai alai frontons, had almost crawled to a halt, all pari-mutuel establishments began to lay off employees and strip to the bare bones. All industries were on the verge of going under when OTB (off-track-betting) and simulcasting came into play. Then, the biggest shot in the arm to everyone was when casino gaming was awarded. While it may not have completely rescued it, at least it exposed racing and jai alai more than ever before.
RACING TOWARD THE TOP Larry Blustein
For those of you who read this column every week, you already know how much fun I have at the local greyhound track. To many of you who are in our fine area for the first time, my passion for racing takes me back to my childhood.
It was my dad who got me interested in “dog racing.” He was a frequent visitor to all the tracks. Before your thoughts race toward my parents contributing to the delinquency of a minor, we would actually learn from what
he told us. Back then, if you weren’t 18, you couldn’t get it, but it didn’t matter. We did what could to watch the greyhounds run, betting amongst each other. While my father was inside the track, trying to make some
money, we would drive around the block, waiting for him to emerge – often with ripped tickets in his hands. But reading his program and following the results year round - at Miami Beach, Flagler, Biscayne and Hollywood, which is
now Mardi Gras Racing and Casino – we would become quite nerdy when it came to knowing everything about racing. By the time we were 18 and legal, adults who had been “plung–––––––––––––––––––– BLUSTEIN, Page 8A
Mardi Gras Casino has stepped up its promotional schedule and it’s working
‘Changing the Way America Eats’
FREDA’S AWESOME FOOD
Owner Bill Ferns (center) is proud that Freda’s use only fresh, high quality meats and vegetables. By Suzanne Wallace Sun Times Freda’s, a new family owned and operated restaurant, has opened in the R.K Sage Plaza at 800 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd. For those who are looking for a healthier lifestyle or just for a tasty lunch or dinner, look no further. Owners Bill and Freda Ferns have their commitment to you printed on every menu. “We are passionate about two ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FREDA’S, Page 6A
KODNER GALLERIES
Kodner Galleries has become a 4th generation auction business with over 90 years of experience in buying, selling, appraising and consigning for sale antiques, fine household contents, works of art and diamond. For more, see Page 2A.
FRUITFLOWERS
The Best Way to Kick Off the New Year!
By Meena Sareen GOOD LOOKING AND GOOD FOR YOU Everyone is looking to start 2013 off right! Send a bouquet to a friend to show you support her decision to eat healthy with a delicious, guilt-free treat no one can resist. We all agree that fruits and veggies are good for us— whether as appetizers, snacks, or desserts, our madeto-order arrangements make healthy food more accessible. Since we receive shipments of fruit every day, there is no need for added preservatives or fro-
HALLANDALE BEACH
More than 30 law enforcement officers and lawyers from Broward and Miami-Dade counties came together earlier this month for an educational seminar on understanding condominium and homeowners association laws. Need to more? See Page 6C.
®
HOLIDAY DIPPED GRAND FLORAL FRUIT.
zen fruits. While people know that eating fruit is good for their health, whole fruits in a bowl do not have the same appeal as when they are peeled, cut and arranged on grab-friendly –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FRUITFLOWERS, Page 9A
MRS. POLIESTHER
The next time you go to Walmart or the Dollar Tree in Hallandale, take your dry cleaning and laundry with you. Sandwiched in between the two stores at 2521 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd. is the conveniently located Mrs. PoliEsther Dry Cleaners. Page 1B.