FIGHTING BACK
American Cancer Society's Relay For Life has some success stories to share
Larry Blustein
As Amanda Castaldi waited for her fiancee Kevin Gleason, Jr., last Friday night at Gulfstream Park, she spoke about how they met. How cancer treatments - which is always a negative brought these two south Floridians together. Finding out she had cancer at the age of 17 was news that shook Castaldi's world. It would be something that actually would change her life - in a major way. As the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event found its way to Hallandale Beach and the impressive Gulfstream Park last Friday and Saturday, those in attendance were reminded exactly what the event was all about and how they could do their part. Being 17 and on course to be an elite graduate of South Plantation High, Castaldi grew up fast when she she learned of her battle with cancer. But it also slowed things down in her young life - long enough for her to reflect on what is important. "Family," she said with a smile. "When my family found out that I had cancer, they all rallied around me. It was a feeling of
Former Hallandale Beach Commissioner Dotty Ross, left, and current Commissioner Bil Julian share some chili.
DISCOVERY SERIES CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Hallandale Beach PAL. Ken Cowley, Barbara Southwick and Jon Carillo are always lenbding a hand.
support and something that everyone needs." Events such as Relay For Life, which are held all over the country, bring that awareness about cancer into the spotlight. People find out what it's like to live and be associated with the disease. Just as Castaldi had her cancer under control, she met Gleason, who is three years
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 diamonds. For more, see Page 2A.
Events such as Relay For Life, which are held all over the country, bring that awareness about cancer into the spotlight. People find out what it's like to live and be associated with the disease. Amanda Castaldi (center) certainly found it out.
older, and was in treatment and battling every day. The reward for many of these patients is to be a part of the Love Jen Cancer Fund that helps hundreds of families cope with the financial and emotional stresses of living with cancer. That is where they met. "Kevin had asked about me for two –––––––––––––––––––– BLUSTEIN, Page 8A
An Interactive Evening: Music & Painting on May 19th.
The Miami International Piano Festival takes over the Colony Theater in Miami Beach Presenting the Debut of Astonishing Pianists, Prodigies, Masters and the interactive “Music & Painting” The Miami International Piano Festival offers six unique and inspiring performances including the premiere of “Music & Painting” which will feature a celebrated artist inspired by music, painting live before the audience. True to its mission to “discover, promote, support and document the great masters of the keyboard,” three compelling new artists will make their first solo recital appearances in South Florida. Each was chosen for their unique ability to bring personal and fresh interpretations to classical piano masterpieces. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FESTIVAL, Page 3A
HALLANDALE BEACH
Almost 100 runners stepped off along A-1A in Hallandale Beach for the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run last Thursday morning. Law enforcement officers from throughout Broward County gathered. For more, see Page 6C.
DON ALBERTO IS BACK
For more than 17 years, Alberto Galan’s high-demand Argentine recipes were showcased at last restaurant on the Hollywood Broadwalk, where he was also co-owner. He and his partner sold that highly successful establishment in 2008. For more, see 1B.