STEIBS/COHEN BUYING EVENT
Gold At All Time High!!! Antiques Of All Kinds
20 Air Fryer Cooking Tips & Tricks
Cathy Yoder “The REAL Air Fryer Queen”
With throngs turning to their air fryer to knock out easy, healthy and delicious meals, there are some key mistakes to avoid. Below, Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers” with nearly 730,000 followers and 35,000 copies of her air fryer cookbook, “Easy Air Fryer Recipe Book: Best Air Fryer Cookbook Recipes for Beginners to Advanced” sold, notes that, “The air fryer is a kitchen marvel that has taken the culinary world by storm. With its innovative technology, you can enjoy crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil than frying and bake faster than in the oven.” Even so, there are nuances to be mindful of when cooking with this appliance, so below Yoder offers a variety of tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer feast is a success.
Before You Air Fry
• Make sure the air fryer is clean and empty. Need I say more?
• Never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside. It will blow up into the heating element and start to burn. When you do use parchment paper, I like to use it for those times when I’m cooking extra messy foods. Just be sure the food holds the parch-
21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Celebrations
For the past 20 years, the YMCA of South Florida has been dedicated to transforming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream into a reality.
The YMCA of South Florida will once again honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with inspirational celebrations in Broward and MiamiDade Counties from January 16th through January 20th.
Signature sponsor of the Y’s Annual MLK Inspirational Celebrations is Delta Air Lines. Festivities kick off with a Teen Town Hall on Thursday, January 16th at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes and continue with an Inspirational Breakfast and Luncheon on Friday, January 17th. Presented by JM Family Enterprises, the breakfast is set for 7:30 a.m. at First Baptist, 301 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The Luncheon, presented by Amazon, begins at
11:45 a.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami. Proceeds from both support future change makers through the Y’s “I Have a Dream” Youth Scholarship Fund, which empowers youth from Preschool to College to reach their full potential. Emmy-Award Winning WPLG Local 10 News Anchor Calvin Hughes is master of ceremonies for both events.
The keynote speaker for both the breakfast and luncheon is Judge Glenda Hatchett, a distinguished former juvenile judge, senior executive leadership attorney, award-winning TV show host, author and community advocate. Much of her work has been as a leading advocate for ethics, fair governance, equity, multicultural education and diversity. She has returned to TV with a new streaming television court series, The Verdict. Past keynote speakers include Martin Luther King, III; Olympic Gold Medalist Cullen Jones and
Embark On A Culinary Adventure
This January & February At Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen Arc Culinary presents Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Experience, a signature culinary experience.
Indulge in a journey of flavors
this new year with Arc Culinary’s Chef Experience Dinners at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen. Ticket sales from every Chef Experience Dinner support Arc Broward’s mission of providing opportunities for Children and Adults with Disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. Turn up the heat with an intimate evening of authentic Argentine cuisine at Fire & Spice Asado: An Argentinian FireGrilled Feast on Saturday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. The Four-Course Menu features: Empanada De rRs, with Ground Beef Seasoned with Latin Spices, Roasted Red Peppers, Onions, Smoked Paprika and Hard Boiled Eggs; Argentinianstyle Chorizo served with Smoked Chimichurri Salsa Criolla and Crusty Bread; Grilled Skirt Steak served with Ensalada Rusa, Beet and Roasted Corn Salad and Fermented Chimichurri; and for Dessert, Dulce De Leche Jelly Roll, kisses of Meringue, and Créme Anglaise. Discover the vibrant and creative world of plant-based cuisine at Planted: The Vegetarian Experience on Thursday, January
30th at 7:00 p.m.
Guests will embark on a culinary adventure of bold flavors, beginning with Roasted Butternut Squash paired with Roasted Campari Tomatoes, Pan-Wilted Garlic Spinach, Fresh Basil, Artisan Ricotta Cheese, Toasted Pistachios, and firm Fried Tofu with a Green Basil Crema; mouthwatering Ponzu Wild Mushroom Crepe made with freshly-prepared Buckwheat stuffed with Gruyere Cheese, Sautéed Mushrooms, Spinach, Rosemary, Thyme, Shallots, Garlic Confit and White Wine finished with a Ponzu Glaze; Tagliolini with King Oyster Mushrooms, featuring Tagliolini Pasta in a Creamy Coconut and
Stanford University Professor; Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Director Dr. Clayborne Carson; Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of two co-founders of the American Civil Rights Movement; and Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and CoFounder/Chairman of Africa Rising Foundation.
The celebrations culminate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20th, with a Day of Service when the Y organizes community projects from 8:30 to noon at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Village of Allapattah YMCA, 2370 Northwest 17th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33142.
“The Y is proud to continue this tradition of bringing our community together to honor Dr.
Audiences won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping and one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the U.S. Step Afrika! will kick off Black History Month, performing in the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker on January 29th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Broward Center’s Mosaic Series. Step Afrika! is comprised of 17 full-time dancers—all college graduates—many who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and are members of Historically Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities. Founded in 1994, as an exchange program with the Soweto Dance Theatre of Johannesburg, Step Afrika! is the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping and is the largest African American-led arts organization in Washington, DC, and Washington, DC’s only cultural ambassador. As part of the world’s first interactive stepping exhibit, thousands experience Step Afrika! at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture each day as part of the museum’s Explore More! interactive gallery. In addition, Step Afrika! engages 50,000 college students across the nation, teaches team-
Air Fryer, Page 8A , Page 7A
Mushrooms and touched with Pangrattato; and a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing,
Candied Pecans and Carrot Celebrate love with a romantic
America may be poised for a nutrition policy reset, one that starts to reverse the epidemic of chronic disease afflicting a majority of Americans. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the incoming administration has an opportunity to scrutinize a once-rare but now pervasive ingredient in our diet: seed oils. Over the last 125 years, our consumption of these oils, extracted from soybeans, peanuts, sunflowers, safflower, and other seeds and beans, has multiplied more than any other food source.
That rise has far-reaching health implications that have been downplayed or dismissed by some of our nation’s foremost nutrition experts. To turn the page on our chronic disease crisis, the new administration should initiate a thorough, science-based review of seed oils.
Seed oils were largely developed as machine lubricants during the Industrial Revolution. It was Procter & Gamble that
its product Crisco in 1911 and aggressively marketed them as a modern-day alternative to lard.
That push got a massive boost in 1961 from the American Heart Association, when it recommended consuming polyunsaturated seed oils over saturated fats as the key strategy for preventing heart disease. This advice launched a new era for seed oils: Now they could be marketed as “heart-healthy.”
But the AHA position may have been shaped by a sizable donation from P&G in 1948, equivalent to $20 million today, that, according to the AHA, was the “bang of big bucks” that “launched” the group. Findings of seed oil researchers have been troubling. Studies show these oils oxidize easily, which fuels inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils displace healthier omega-3s in cell membranes. Large, gold-standard clinical trials found that lowering cholesterol, whether through seed oil consumption or other means,
By the 1980s, these findings were worrisome enough that the National Institutes of Health convened four high-level workshops. Rather than issue public warnings on seed oils, the NIH decided any concerns shouldn’t “contradict” its message about lowering cholesterol. It was a pattern — ignoring evidence of seed oils’ harm in favor of preserving prevailing orthodoxy on dietary fats.
Seed oil is chemically unstable. Its fatty acids degrade into oxidation products such as free radicals and degraded triglycerides. In one analysis, 130 volatile compounds were isolated from a piece of fried chicken, and these oxidation products can pass through the blood-brain barrier.
Industry experts are aware of these problems. Yet, public health institutions remain staunch supporters. Federal dietary guidelines still recommend consuming about 5.5 teaspoons of industrial seed oils daily while limiting saturated fats.
We made the wrong choice on good vs. bad fats. Whole, natural animal fats are stable when heated and don’t produce the same harmful byproducts as seed oils. While seed oil must be refined, bleached, deodorized, “winterized,” and stabilized in factory settings, butter requires nothing more than shaking milk in a container.
Furthermore, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on randomized, controlled clinical trials routinely find that saturated fats have no effect on cardiovascular or total mortality and little to no effect on cardiovascular events.
It’s time to correct course. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans should eliminate outdated caps on saturated fats and the new administration should prioritize a comprehensive review of the seed oils that have largely replaced them. Our policies and diets should align with science.
Nina Teicholz is a science journalist and author with a Ph.D. in nutrition. This piece originally ran in the
Washington Examiner.
administration has an opportunity to scrutinize a once-rare but now pervasive ingredient in our diet: seed oils.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been selected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the incoming
Steibs/Cohen Buying Event
ART: old oil paintings, old watercolors, old etchings, lithographs, old movie posters, cartoon art, & more! STATUES: old bronze, carved jade, wood, marble, alabaster, pottery, porcelain.
OLD TOYS: old toys, trains, old comics and baseball cards (prior to 1960), old Japanese toys, robots, old banks & old dolls. ORIENTAL ITEMS: jades, statues, figurines, netsuke, old swords, oriental glass and porcelains.
HISTORICAL ITEMS: letters, autographs (movie stars, presidents, political, etc.), old photos, political pins and ribbons, old fountain pens, old pocket knives, swords, military items, American, Japanese, German medals, advertising items, old stamps, old badges (police, fire, military).
All Things Gold, Silver, Sterling & Platinum Jewelry
We buy all types of Gold Jewelry, new, old, and broken. Rings (class rings, mother’s rings, wedding rings, etc.) Bracelets (charm, tennis, bangles, etc). Earrings do not need to be a matching pair. Chains and Pendants, broken is ok. We even buy old Yellow Gold teeth and crowns. Brooches, company year pins. We buy Diamonds, Emeralds, and Rubies. Any item made out of Sterling Silver. Silverware, forks, spoons, bowls, dishes, trays, tea sets, statues, Sterling and .999 Bars, Sterling and .999 Rounds, frames, candle sticks, trophies, salt and pepper shakers and Jewelry. Broken and smashed is ok.
Stamps
Whirligigs
Autographs
Miami Art League Donates 100 Works Of Art To Coconut Grove Arts Festival’s Young Collectors Club
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) presented by First Horizon Bank is thrilled to announce the donation of 100 unique works from the Miami Art League. These incredible pieces will be featured as part of the festival’s much-loved Young Collectors Club, a program in its third year designed to inspire young art enthusiasts aged 5 to 12 to step into the world of art acquisition.
A longtime staple of Miami’s cultural scene, the festival showcases exceptional talent and draws art enthusiasts from across the globe. Through the Young Collectors Club, children can make a $5 purchase of original paintings, drawings, and mixed-media art--all donated by current and past festival artists and, for the first time--Miami Art League members.
“We have collected 100 paintings from the Miami Art League artists hailing from many corners of the world, including Japan, the Middle East, South America, and North America,” said Linda Winters, Miami Art League Board, Vice President. “The donated paintings represent what we each do as individual artists finding and developing our voices at Miami Art League.” The local, non-profit studio offers an open space for artists to explore creative visual arts, with or without instruction.
In this age of Social Media, collecting
Culinary Adventure
From Page 1A
Valentine’s Day dinner at Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Experience on Friday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m. Indulge in decadent flavors beginning with Shrimp Tempura featuring Fresh Jumbo Key West Shrimp lightly battered and fried, in a Mixed Herb Butter, served with a trio of dipping sauces including Korean Chili, Ponzu, and Miso Glaze; Fresh Scallops, featuring Pan-Seared Scallops with a Parsnip and Potato Purée, finished with Black Truffle Pearls; Tortellini Di Aragosta, Fresh Lobster Tortellini served with a sauce made with simmering Onions, Celery, Peppercorns and Lobster Shells topped with Pangrattato and Fresh Basil Oil; and a dessert trio featuring Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Dark Cherry Sauce, Strawberry Mousse with White Chocolate accents and a Raspberry Cream Puff. Dive into the bold, hearty flavors of Louisiana at New Orleans Cajun Night on Thursday, February 27th at 7:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a feast inspired by the bayou beginning with Crawfish Rolls with Louisiana Crawfish in a Creamy Dressing with a hint of smoke and Cajun Seasoning on a Fresh-Baked Dinner Roll; mouth watering Cajun Andouille Pasta, Penne Pasta with Andouille Sausage in a Spicy Cajun Sauce prepared with Louisiana’s own holy trinity; Fish and Grits with CajunSpiced Blackened Snapper, Buttered Grits and Cheese and served with Asparagus; and a Mini King Cake made with Brioche Dough, Cinnamon Filling and Cream Cheese Icing.
Tickets for the Valentine’s Dinner are $120 for the chef’s table or $99 for com munal seating; all other dinners listed are $99 for the chef’s table or $89 for com munal seating. Gratuity and alcoholic bev erages are included in the ticket
Foundation
art allows young people to engage in a more enriching, thoughtful experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for creativity, culture, and history, a stark contrast to the fleeting and often superficial nature of creating a piece of TikTok content or liking a post on Instagram. Unlike collecting “likes,” this program encourages youngsters to reflect, express, and have a sense of ownership over something more tangible and meaningful. With the addition of the Young Collectors Club and contributions from organizations like the Miami Art League, the festival continues to expand its impact by nurturing the next generation of art lovers.
“I am grateful for this donation to the festival’s Young Collectors Club,” said Camille Marchese, CGAF Executive Director. “We are passionate about art and thrilled by the idea of young people thoughtfully engaging with art and making their own choices about what to own.”
Marchese created this program because she never forgot how she felt when her mother allowed her to purchase her first piece of art at the age of eight. It was that first experience that advanced her lifelong goal of collecting, and for that, she hopes to instill an appreciation for art in children who will get to pick their very own piece that calls to them.
During its first year of activation in
2022, the Young Collectors Club became so popular that kids had purchased everything on-site by the festival’s second day. That’s precisely the kind of excitement that festival organizers were going for. The CGAF believes that collecting art builds a sense of ownership and responsibility, sparking a lifelong appreciation for creativity. This early connection to art nurtures a deeper understanding of the world and inspires young individuals to support and participate in artistic communities. If you’d like to contribute to this effort, please email: FestivalArtist@cgaf.com.
Dates and Hours:
Saturday, Feb. 15th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 16th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 17th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets:
Available online starting at $25++ and at the door for $35++
Socials:
Follow for updates and highlights on Instagram: @coconutgroveartsfestival, Facebook: Coconut Grove Arts Festival, and on X: @cgartsfestival
About the Coconut Grove Arts Festival
For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, has been
dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. As a NonProfit 501(c)(3) with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the organization champions South Florida’s arts community through educational programs – and by hosting one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held annually over Presidents’ Day weekend and produced by Miami-based Loud & Live, this threeday event features 285 juried artists across multiple visual categories, live performances, and interactive art experiences along Coconut Grove’s scenic bayfront streets. Proceeds fund impactful year-round programs, including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, the Visiting Artists Program, and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program. Learn more at cgaf.com or donate here.
About Miami Art League: The Miami Art League is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization dedicated to providing an inspiring space for artists of all levels. The League offers life drawing sessions, instructional classes, and studio access for its members. Membership is open to all, with an Annual Fee of $250.
(L)
Welcome To 2025: Where Your Freedoms Go To Die
By John & Nisha Whitehead
Wondering what to expect from the government in 2025?
So far, it looks like it will be more of the same ill-advised, costly, greedy, taxpayerfunded, dunderheaded power grabs, saber-rattling, graft, corruption, and make-works programming that leaves us no better off than where we started.
Indeed, we’ve been down this road so many times before that there should be no surprise when, no matter who occupies the White House, we find ourselves subjected to more of the same when it comes to the erosion of civil liberties and the increasing power of the government and its corporate partners-in-crime.
Digital prisons. Unceasingly, the government and its corporate partners are pushing for a national digital ID system. Eventually, a digital ID will be required to gain access to all aspects of life: government, work, travel, healthcare, financial services, shopping, etc. Before long, biometrics (iris scans, face print, voice, DNA, etc.), will become the de facto digital ID. Precrime. Under the pretext of helping overwhelmed government agencies work more efficiently, AI predictive and surveillance technologies are being used to classify, segregate and flag the populace with little concern for privacy rights or due process.
Mandatory quarantines. Building on precedents established during the COVID19 Pandemic, government agents may be empowered to indefinitely detain anyone they suspect of posing a medical risk to others without providing an explanation, subject them to medical tests without their consent, and carry out such detentions and quarantines without any kind of due process or judicial review.
Mental Health assessments by nonmedical personnel. As a result of a nationwide push to train a broad spectrum of so-called gatekeepers in Mental Health First-Aid training, more Americans are going to run the risk of being reported by non-medical personnel and detained for
Martin Luther King
From Page 1A
King’s memory and legacy in a meaningful and impactful way,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “These celebrations are a testament to our com mitment to community celebration and service to others.”
Every year, the Y’s MLK Inspirational Breakfast and Luncheon unites business, civic and community leaders, drawing an audience of more than 1,400 to honor Dr. King and support the YMCA of South Florida’s “I Have a Dream” Youth Scholarship Fund. The Y offers a variety of youth initiatives which include preschool and after school programs, employment opportunities, teen groups and college tours and readiness.
During the breakfast and luncheon, the YMCA of South Florida will present the Dave W. Cash Youth Leadership Award to a student in Broward County and a stu dent in Miami-Dade County who has embodied the ideals of Dr. King in advo cating for social change in the community. Both award recipients receive a $2,000 college scholarship supporting their con tinued education.
having Mental Health issues.
Tracking chips for citizens. Momentum is building for corporations and the government alike to be able to track the populace, whether through the use of RFID chips embedded in a national ID card, microscopic chips embedded in one’s skin, or tags in retail products.
Military involvement domestically. The future, according to a Pentagon training video, will be militaristic, dystopian and far from friendly to freedom. Indeed, all signs point to the battlefield of the future being the American homefront.
Government censorship of anything it classifies as disinformation. In the government’s ongoing assault on those who criticize the government—whether that criticism manifests itself in word, deed or thought—government and corporate censors claiming to protect us from dangerous, disinformation campaigns are, in fact, laying the groundwork now to preempt any “dangerous” ideas that might challenge the power elite’s stranglehold over our lives.
Threat assessments. The government has a growing list - shared with fusion centers and law enforcement agenciesof ideologies, behaviors, affiliations and other characteristics that could flag someone as suspicious and result in their being labeled potential enemies of the state. Before long, every household in America will be flagged as a threat and assigned a threat score.
War on cash. The government and its corporate partners are engaged in a concerted campaign to shift consumers towards a digital mode of commerce that can easily be monitored, tracked, tabulated, mined for data, hacked, hijacked and confiscated when convenient. This push for a digital currency dovetails with the government’s war on cash.
Expansive surveillance. AI surveillance harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and widespread surveillance technology to do what the police state lacks the manpower and resources to do effi-
ciently or effectively: be everywhere, watch everyone and everything, monitor, identify, catalogue, cross-check, crossreference, and collude.
Militarized police. Having transformed local law enforcement into extensions of the military, the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and the FBI are moving into the next phase of the transformation, turning the nation’s police officers into techno-warriors.
Police shootings of unarmed citizens. Owing in large part to the militarization of local law enforcement agencies, not a week goes by without more reports of hair-raising incidents by police imbued with a take-no-prisoners attitude and a battlefield approach to the communities in which they serve. Police brutality and the use of excessive force continues unabated.
False flags and terrorist attacks. Almost every tyranny being perpetrated by the U.S. government against the citizenry - purportedly to keep us safe and the nation secure - has come about as a result of some threat manufactured in one way or another by our own government. This has become the shadow government’s modus operandi regardless of which party is in power.
Endless wars to keep America’s military’s empire employed. The military and security industrial complexes that have advocated that the U.S. remain at war, year after year, are the very entities that will continue to profit the most from America’s expanding military empire abroad and here at home.
Erosions of private property. Private property means little at a time when government officials can fine and arrest you for growing vegetables in your front yard, praying with friends in your living room, installing solar panels on your roof, and raising chickens in your backyard: you’re no longer the owner of your property.
Overcriminalization. The government has increasingly adopted the authoritarian notion that it knows best and therefore
must control, regulate and dictate almost everything about the citizenry’s public, private and professional lives. Overregulation and overcriminalization have been pushed to such outrageous limits. Strip searches and the denigration of bodily integrity. Court rulings undermining the Fourth Amendment and justifying invasive strip searches have left us powerless against police empowered to forcefully draw our blood, forcibly take our DNA, strip search us, and probe us intimately.
Taxation Without Any Real Representation. As a Princeton University survey indicates, our elected officials, especially those in the nation’s capital, represent the interests of the rich and powerful rather than the average citizen. With Big Business and Big Government having fused into a corporate state, the president and his state counterparts - the governors - have become little more than CEOs of the Corporate State, which day by day is assuming more government control over our lives. Never before have average Americans had so little say in the workings of their government and even less access to their so-called representatives. Clearly, the year 2025 presents a crossroads: we can passively accept the ongoing erosion of our freedoms, or we can rise to the challenge and defend the principles that have made America great. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the choice is ours.
Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead’s Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org.
Additionally, the Spirit of Community Award winners will be recognized during the breakfast and luncheon. This award honors a community advocate in both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties who exemplify the social activism, advocacy, nonviolence, civic engagement and diversity ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s award recipient in Broward County is Eugene K. Pettis, Co-Founder and Senior Partner of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm in Fort Lauderdale and in Miami-Dade County the recipient is
and Community Engagement at Florida Power & Light Company; Trail Blazers of Broward County; Children’s
Each year, the YMCA of South Florida recognizes young people who have embodied the ideals of Dr. King
work and discipline to 100 kids as part of the Summer Steps with Step Afrika! summer camp, and expands culture-based arts education for more than 20,000 Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia school students each year.
The company engages tens of thousands each year through a 50-city tour of American colleges and theaters and performs globally as an official U.S. Cultural Ambassador. In 2023, Step Afrika! was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first dance company to earn this honor.
Step Afrika! Founder C. Brian Williams was named a 2022 National Heritage Fellow and is featured in Roots of American Culture: A Cross-Country Visit with Living Treasures of the Folk and Traditional Arts (2022). Step Afrika!’s most recent international tours have promoted cultural dialogue and exchange in Jordan (2018), Ghana (2018). Croatia (2019),
There will be a free community workshop with members of Step Afirka! company on Tuesday, January 28th at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311. For information about this workshop and details on registration, please email Gustavo Padrino at: gpadrino@browardcenter.org.
Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.
The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility.
The Broward Center 2024/2025 Sea-
son is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-ineducation programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on
the main campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more info, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.
The Parker
The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more info, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com
Ukraine (2019), Zambia (2019), Angola (2019), South Africa (2019), Dubai (2020), Poland (2022), Slovenia (2022), Bolivia (2022), and Kuwait (2023).
Step Afrika
From Page 1A
The company engages tens of thousands each year through a 50-city tour of American colleges and theaters.
•
•
save time.
• Get creative with your seasonings on your proteins. Wet marinades and dry rubs work great in the air fryer!
While You Are Air Frying
Start small - Start testing out your air fryer by cooking less expensive foods. If you mess up a batch, you don’t break the bank! A few of my favorite foods to start with are frozen hamburger patties, chicken wings, and frozen broccoli.
Open the air fryer - The air fryer is small and compact, which makes checking on the progress of your food a lot easier. Open your air fryer, check on your food, and make adjustments as needed. Most air fryers will pause when you open them. If not, look for a pause button.
Use an instant read food thermometer
- Sometimes it will be enough to look at your food and know if it is done or not. However, for most foods, you will need to use an instant read food thermometer to gauge whether your food has finished cooking or not. See the temperature guide at the back of this book and you’ll always know what the internal temp of meats and baked goods should be! Get my favorite instant read meat thermometer at: AirFryerTools.com.
Never ever set your air fryer on the stove - If your stove accidentally gets turned on and your air fryer is also on your stove, not only is your air fryer toast, but so is your stove! Just don’t do it!
Use a reusable oil sprayer - Most commercial oil sprays you buy at the store are full of propellants and chemicals that will ruin your basket. Instead, use a spray bottle and fill it with your own healthy oil that has a high smoke point! In the long run, it saves money! I always use avocado oil and you’ll find my favorite oil sprayer at: AirFryerTools.com.
Use water or bread to keep the air fryer from smoking - If you’re cooking fatty foods such as bacon or sausage in the air fryer, put either a 1/4 cup of water or a slice of bread in the base of the air fryer to absorb grease and use a wire rack to
PUBLIC NOTICE
keep foods from flying around in the air fryer basket, see: AirFryerTools.com.
Let cheese melt in a hot air fryerViewer Sandy shared this great tip for adding melted cheese to a burger: when the burger is done cooking, add the cheese, then close the air fryer door. Let it sit for about a minute or so and not only does it melt perfectly, but it never slides off too!
Make a foil sling - For foods that are hard to take out of the air fryer basket. Just make sure you leave room along the sides for air flow! Simply make a large rectangle with handles that you set delicate foods on. That way you can just lift the foil and the food out of the air fryer with ease.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer - Revive leftovers such as fries, pizza, breaded foods, tortilla chips AND things like steak and chicken. For best results, let the food sit out, covered, for 15ish minutes. Then, preheat the air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes. Next, place the food inside and air fry at 370°F/185°C in 3 minute increments. Rotate and cook longer as needed.
After Using Your Air Fryer:
Clean your air fryer after each meal - Wipe down the top and bottom of the air fryer and clean the air fryer basket. NEVER use abrasives to clean your air fryer. That will wear your air fryer basket down quickly.
Use Dawn Powerwash to clean the air fryer basket - Once the air fryer has cooled down and you’ve wiped out the majority of grease and food chunks, spray the basket with Dawn Powerwash, don’t add water, and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Wipe it out, then wash it with hot water.
Use the air fryer to dry the air fryer basket - Pop the wet air fryer basket into the air fryer and run it for a few minutes to dry the basket. Let the air fryer cool completely before putting it away.
If you feel like your air fryer basket has passed the point of no return, rather than buying a whole new unit, see if your manufacturer sells just the basket replacement!
Salient advice worth heeding. When
appliance, discovering that she could make simple, delicious and mostly nutritious meals in minutes. Her relatable videos struck a chord with viewers during the pandemic and, since then, she’s continued to share countless recipes, tips and helpful tools for using an air fryer to its fullest.
Visit: www.yummyairfryerrecipes.com
Wipe down the cooled heating element with a damp paper towel - This will help prevent build up of food splatters and grease.
is hereby given, that beginning on the date, as enumerated below, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and continuing from day to day, until all goods are sold, we will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest bidder, for CASH, at the warehouse of Ameritrade II, LLC D/B/A Access Miami Storage of Florida located at 7000 SW 22nd Ct., Davie FL 33317, Florida, the following goods, wares and merchandise for storage and other charges for which a lien on same is claimed to Wit: DATE OF SALE: January 27th, 2025 Household Goods storage at unit 114 Cynthia Green, Unit 275 Rymond Kilstrom.
THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN the SOUTH FLORIDA SUN TIMES, A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION PUBLISHED AT BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA, ONCE EACH WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, SAID SALE TO BE UNDER AND BY VIRTUE OF THE STATUES
asked about her cooking journey, Yoder shared, “I don’t like to cook. But, as a busy mom, I needed a way to put food on the table fast—several times a day.”
That’s when the air fryer captivated her heart, mind and palate. Yoder began documenting her experiments with the
NOTICE OF PUBIC SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, that beginning on the date, as enumerated below, and continuing from day to day, until all goods are sold, we will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest bidder, for CASH, at the warehouse of Ameritrade II, LLC D/B/A Access Miami Storage of Florida located at 7000 SW 22nd Ct, Davie FL 33317, Florida, the following goods, wares and merchandise for storage and other charges for which a lien
same is claimed to Wit: DATE OF SALE: January 27th, 2025 for a 2025 Trailer World, Inc Black, License Plate CHFA13. THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN the SOUTH FLORIDA SUN TIMES, A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION PUBLISHED AT Broward County, FLORIDA, ONCE EACH WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, SAID SALE TO BE UNDER AND BY VIRTUE OF THE STATUES (83.801-83.809) OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN SUCH CASES MADE AND PROVIDED.
OF PUBLIC SALE
To help home chefs elevate their air fryer, or gifting, game without breaking the bank, Yoder also offers a curated selection of budget-friendly tools and resources on Amazon and through her online store, Pine & Pepper - the eComm arm of her Empowered Cooks multimedia platform that provides an array of video instruction and other resources specific to the joy of air fryer cooking.
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival
To Showcase Five Fabulous Films for the LGBTQ+ Audience January 23 through February 2, 2025
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), presented by MorseLife, returns for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from January 23rd, 2025January 30th, 2025 and EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace from January 31st - February 2nd, 2025. Among the more than two-dozen worldclass movies from all over the world are five cinematic offerings that will be of particular interest to LGBTQ+ film fans.
“Gay and Lesbian relationships figure significantly in five Sun & Stars dramas. International directors representing Canada, Israel, Japan, UK, and USA are sensitive and forthright in treating LGBTQ+ themes, whether their characters are uncomfortably in the closet or out and weathering the give and take of fraught romantic partnerships,” promises Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director.
“Issues come to the fore embedded in fiction, too,” she adds. “The pros and cons of the controversial practice of conversion therapy are considered when a wife discovers her husband’s secret life in PINK LADY. In MY SUNSHINE, a community’s prejudice impacts the career of a discreetly Gay man as the result of a misplaced adolescent crush.”
The five films targeted to LGBTQ+ movie buffs that will be shown during the upcoming Sun & Stars International Film Festival are:
Days Of Happiness - Les Jours Heureux: Drama, 2023, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Chloe Robichaud. Canada, 118minutes – In French with English subtitles
The privileged world of classical music is the setting for drama on and off the concert stage as a young rising star conductor played by Sophie Desmarais makes a misstep that may put her dream of a prestigious new job in peril. A controversial program for the final concert of her residency triggers a fraught confrontation with her personal demons, including her relationships with her controlling father/manager and her Lesbian lover. Desmarais was coached by Conductors Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Kensho Watanabe, and Nicolas Ellis to master her conducting movements. The film’s soaring music includes pieces by Mozart, Schoenberg, and Mahler. “An effective (and affecting) drama that boasts a spellbinding performance at its core”— Reel Film Reviews
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 1:00 p.m.
Liza A Truly Terrific And Absolutely True Story: Documentary, 2024, Florida Premiere. Directed by Bruce David Klein. USA, 104-minutes
The Opening Night Screening of The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife. One film is barely enough to encompass all the facets of the glittery life and career of Liza Minnelli, but Director Klein pulls it off being humorously bossy aside from the Oscar-winning Cabaret star herself. This portrait puts the emphasis on a lifetime of meaningful relationships with mentors including Kay Thompson, Bob Fosse, and Halston as young Liza emerges from the shadow of her famous father, film director Vincente Minnelli, and her legendary mother Judy Garland to become one of the most extraordinary artists of our time. Appearances by friends and collaborators include Mia Farrow, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, George Hamilton, and with running commentary by Musician Michael Feinstein pulling it all together with his usual flair. “A gorgeous portrait of a legendary showbiz survivor, warmly celebratory but also unquestionably authentic” - The Hollywood Reporter
Note: Director Bruce David Klein will appear and answer questions at the Festival’s Opening Night screening.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Thursday, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
MIDAS MAN brings to life one beloved chapter in the rock ‘n’ roll story with color and spirit, underlining the toll success took on the man who made it happen. The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Midas Man: Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere.
Directed by Joe Stephenson. UK, 112-minutes
Often called “the Fifth Beatle,” Manager/Impresario Brian Epstein burned brightly as the man who catapulted the Fab Four to international fame then tragically died at 32. This brisk and wonderfully evocative film is a fictionalized capsule of early Beatles history from Liverpool’s grungy Cavern Club to the flower-power years, set against the background of Epstein’s short life. Jewish, closeted Gay, and energized by the rocking tunes of the underground culture, Epstein (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) talks his way into managing the band of four scruffy lads. Also starring Emily Watson, Eddie Izzard, and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan,
My Sunshine - Boku No Ohisama: Drama, 2024, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Hiroshi Okuyama. Japan, 100-minutes – In Japanese with English subtitles The enduring appeal of ice-dancing casts a spell over a film steeped in the bittersweet nostalgia of first love. Set at a small-town skating rink in picturesque wintry Hokkaido, Japan, the film starring Keitatsu Koshiyama and Kiara Takanashi sets up a delicate triangle of association between two young skaters and their coach, with emotional fallout for all three. For Takuya, a bullied loner, it’s love at first sight when he spies Sakura, a girl his own age gliding and twirling to the strains of Claire de Lune. The coach senses the chance to recruit an ice-dancing partner for his most talented protege. Unrequited adolescent crushes have unforeseen consequences, however, when Sakura begins to understand that the handsome coach she dreams of is gay. “Profoundly moving”—www.RobertEbert.com.
EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m.
Pink Lady: Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere.
Directed by Nir Bergman. Israel, Italy, 106-minutes
– In Hebrew with English subtitles Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox community is the setting for this story of a marriage in crisis when the husband’s secret desires are outed by criminals intent on blackmail. Bati (Nur Fibak), a mother of three happily married to devout and seriously observant Lazer (Uri Blufarb) receives a mysterious envelope in the mail containing graphic photos of her husband kissing another man. Amid denials and flimsy claims of Photoshopping, Bati takes a new look at her man. An unexpected encounter with a very unusual woman causes her to take a fresh look at herself. The film opens a Pandora’s Box of issues: Orthodox family values, homosexuality and conversion therapy.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m.
For more information about the SASIFF or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.sasiff.org.
About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival: The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. SASIFF returns for a new
season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on January 23rd, 2025January 30rd, 2025 and EVO Entertainment Delray on January 31st, 2025 - February 2nd, 2025. For more information, please visit: www.sasiff.orgOr: www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFFAnd at: www.twitter.com/dmesasiff - Or: www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff - Or contact: info@sasiff.org. Or: (561) 2206735.
About MorseLife: MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, Not-For-Profit Organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-onwheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit: https://morse life.org - Or: www.facebook.com/Morse Life - Or: www.twitter.com/MorseLife Health - Or: www.instagram.com/ morselifehealth - Or: www.linkedin.com/ company/morselife-inc-/ - Or contact: info@morselife.org.
DAYS OF HAPPINESS – Rinker Playhouse, January 24
MIDAS MAN – Rinker Playhouse, February 2
MY SUNSHINE – EVO Delray, February 1 PINK LADY – Rinker Playhouse, January 24
environments.
Dr. Sue Lim, an Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and Kristen Flitcroft, a veterinary technician with firsthand experience, provide essential insights into recognizing, diagnosing, and managing Tritric infections.
Spotting the Signs
Tritric settles in the large intestine, causing intermittent or continuous digestive issues. Some infected cats exhibit foul-smelling, mucus-filled diarrhea — one of the most noticeable symptoms.
“Other symptoms include straining during defecation, anal swelling, and fecal incontinence — leaking stool without control,” Lim said.
The parasite — shed from the gastrointestinal tract into the feces — spreads when other pets come into contact with contaminated waste. For many cats, this
Flitcroft experienced the consequences of skipping these precautions firsthand and shared the toll it took on her household.
“I adopted a kitten and didn’t separate him from my other cats, and he quickly spread the parasite,” Flitcroft said. “The smell of their waste was unbearable, and there were messy footprints everywhere — even on the countertops.”
Diagnosing Tritric
Identifying Tritric can be challenging because its symptoms often closely resemble those of other gastrointestinal conditions, and many infected cats display no visible signs.
“Unfortunately, many vet offices don’t routinely test for Tritric,” Flitcroft said. “Unless an observant owner notices subtle abnormalities — such as soft stool — and seeks veterinary care, the parasite can go undiagnosed and continually
A more reliable method is the InPouch test, which cultures the stool to grow the parasite. While this method increases accuracy, it requires more time to deliver results.
For the fastest and most accurate detection, Lim suggests the PCR assay, which looks for the parasite’s DNA in a stool sample.
Managing & Preventing Infection
Treating Tritric typically begins with administering an antibiotic daily for 14 days, which is currently the most effective solution. However, success also hinges on rigorous cleaning routines to prevent reinfection.
“The parasite can survive outside the cat’s body and linger in the environment,” Lim said. “Bleaching litter trays daily and drying them in the sun are essential steps to eliminate the parasite, along with retesting after treatment to confirm the
Flitcroft implemented Lim’s strict hygiene recommendations to manage the
“I also disposed of waste immediately and frequently wiped down the litter area,” she said. “It was exhausting, but it paid off — after one round of treatment, my cats
It’s equally important to keep cats clean — as the parasite can cling to dirty fur and create another avenue for reinfection — and as stress-free as possible.
“Stress weakens a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infection,” Lim said. “A calm, clean environment will support their overall health and make it harder for infections to take hold.”
Although managing Tritric can feel overwhelming, recovery is achievable — some cats even develop immunity as they age. With dedication, awareness, and perseverance, pet owners can protect their feline companions from this unseen enemy.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/ news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu
Here Are 6 Expert Tips To Help You Eat Healthier
(BPT) - Nutrition can be confusing. Every day seems to bring a new headline declaring what’s healthy and what’s not, whether it’s the Mediterranean Diet, Low Fat, Low Carb, DASH, Vegan or High Protein. With all this diet-of-the-minute hype, it’s hard to know what we should be eating. On World Food Day, let’s cut through the noise, go back to basics and focus on nutrients.
Nutrient density is the right place to start when trying to understand good nutrition and achieve a healthy, balanced diet. This concept refers to how much nutrition you get from food compared to its calories, with the goal being to maximize health benefits. Think leafy greens, broccoli, berries, nuts, seeds and quality protein shakes for nutrient-dense choices. A doughnut? Not so much.
“It’s important to remember that fresh, natural foods play a key role in our diet, but they aren’t always accessible to everyone,” says Luigi Gratton, Vice President of the Office of Health and Wellness at Herbalife. “By taking a holistic approach to healthy eating, we can complement fresh meals with food supplements and other nutrient-dense options to help
achieve a balanced intake of macro- and micro-nutrients.”
Here are six tips to get more nutrient bang for your calorie buck.
Here are six tips to get more nutrient bang for your calorie buck.
Think color
Try this easy nutrition hack: Load your plate with a variety of colorful Vegetables and Fruits. Why? A diverse range of colors ensures you’re getting a wide array of Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants.
Go for Whole Grains and Lean Proteins
Choose Whole Grains like Brown Rice and Whole-Grain Bread. They’re packed with Fiber and Nutrients. For Protein, opt for lean sources like Chicken, Fish, Beans and Tofu - great for your body without too much Saturated Fat.
Drink smart
Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best - physically and mentally! Water helps your body make the most of the nutrients in your food and flushes out what it doesn’t need. Just be careful:
many drinks are loaded with hidden sugars and empty calories. Aim for about eight cups of water a day, but feel free to adjust based on your activity level and personal needs. And remember, Unsweetened Drinks like Tea or Infused Water count toward your hydration too!
Always check the label
Make it a habit to read food labelsthey’re key to understanding nutrition!
Just because something looks healthy, like Yogurt, doesn’t mean it is. Check for Added Sugars and watch the Sodium Levels in diet meals. Aim for Lower Fat and Salt, and Higher Protein, Fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals. This will help you make smarter choices about what you eat!
Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy
Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy. The term ‘processed food’ often gets a bad rap, but not all processed foods are bad for you. In fact, many staples like Pasta, Bread and Yogurt are processed in some way. While some Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods can be high in Saturated Fat, Sugar and Salt, many are
actually nutritious. For example, Herbalife’s Meal Replacement Shakes are processed to meet regulatory standards and deliver essential nutrients. The key is to choose your Processed Foods wiselylook for options that provide health benefits and fit into your balanced diet!
A quality meal replacement shake can help fill gaps in your diet
We’d all love to get all our nutrients from fresh, healthy food every day, but let’s be honest - life gets busy! Whether you’re rushing the kids to Soccer practice or staying late at work, it can be tough to get all the nutrients you need. That’s where a quality meal replacement shake comes in. These handy shakes can help you stay on track with your nutrition, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet even when you’re short on time. So, take a holistic approach. Combining healthy, fresh food with nutrient-dense meal supplements will ensure you get the nutrients that will help you power through the day. To learn more about how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, visit: www.Herbalife.com
Resilience & Impressions
Of Cuba
By
Last Wednesday night, we held the first commission meeting for 2025 in our chambers. In attendance was Mayor of Sunny Isles Larisa Svechin, Gabriel Baredes the director of the Hispanic Affairs Department at the Consulate General of Israel. We opened up with Ofir Amir receiving a proclamation which was sponsored by Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow, Co-Sponsored by Mayor Joy F. Cooper, and Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub. The proclamation commemorated the survivor and cofounder curator of the Nova Exhibit of the October 7th, 2023, Nova Music Massacre. The exhibit is an immersive experience with pieces directly from the massacre and a place for survivors to share their stories. The Nova Exhibit is available until mid-February at Greenwich Studios 12100 Northeast 16th Avenue, North Miami, Florida 33161.
Another item on the agenda was the resolution of the Mayor and the City Commission of Hallandale Beach, Florida, authorizing the renaming of Foster Park to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community park; authorizing the renaming of Foster Park Community Center to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Center; authorizing the renaming of Foster Park Plaza to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Plaza; waiving renaming policy; and providing for an effective date. While the resolution was sponsored by me, this was completely a community effort. The vote was unanimous 4-0 in favor of renaming Foster Park to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park, Dream Center & Dream Plaza. With over 30 community members, clergy, leaders and activists in attendance in solidarity for this historic moment in Hallandale Beach. The community will host a MLK Day Legacy Walk & Commemoration on Monday, January 20th, 2025. The Legacy Walk begins the line-up at 8:45 a.m. at O.B. Johnson Park 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 walking onto Foster Road and arriving at the newly renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Center which begins at 9:30 a.m. The celebration is open and free. The public is encouraged to participate in this short but historic walk.
Our Cuba trip was very eye opening and left many of us depressed about the poverty and decrepit living conditions. While many countries have poverty, 85%
of Cubans now live in poverty. Before Communism, Cuba was ruled by oppressive Presidents but still had a robust economy. Cuba was the gateway to the Americas. Tourists from our country enjoy visiting and purchasing homes in Cuba.
Ernest Hemingway was one of America’s great novelists that had a home in Cuba, he wrote “The Old Man and the Sea,” “For Whom the Bell Tools” and others. Hemingway became controversial when it came to Cuba due to his love of the beauty of the Island and its people. He never supported the revolution publicly. After his death, Castro tried to spin that he was sympathetic to the regime but that has never been proven.
We had the opportunity to visit his home which is a National Historic site. At the time of our visit, the Hemingway Look Alike Society was visiting the home. It was interesting and comical to pull up and see about forty plus Hemingways. This group has an annual competition. They also visit and support Cuba’s Little League. His home was like every other building on the Island. It needed repairs. The tower that looked over the Island was closed to the public due to safety concerns. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has listed it as one of the top eleven most endangered sites.
From Hemingway’s home, we took a bus tour of an area called Embassy Row. These homes are owned by various countries. Some were well kept, and others needed repairs. While this street was clean a simple block away there were trash filled streets.
We made our way to an area called Fusterland. Jose Fuster is an artist that works with Mosaics. His entire home is
embellished with colorful mosaic scenes and designs. He became committed to beautifying his village and every wall is also embellished with bright mosaics. His art, while colorful, also has a message of oppression and reflects the desire for freedom. I purchased one of his pieces. When I came home one of my friends stated it was so sad. Many artists herald from Cuba. One such artist was heading to Miami for Art Basel. Her art installations also depict history and an impression of confinement.
Our last stop was early on Sunday. We went to Morro Castle; the castle is strategically built at the entrance of Havana’s harbor. It was a stronghold of Spain’s until the Spanish War. The USA had control over the island until the Platt Amendment. After this Cuba remained with a great economy but continued to have political unrest. Standing at the castle one can see the contrast of the 1960 skyline of Havana Cuba. It was very moving to share our observations during a closed forum.
I along with all attendees shared their thoughts, as Jews we had a renewed sense of detraction to preserve Judaism in Cuba and throughout the world. Everyone also shared the sadness we had for the people of Cuba; the people of Cuba are not free. One of our fellow travelers shared that she had met a father that had worked for years to save enough money for his family to get out. She said he was in tears but was grateful he at least had a phone and could communicate with them. I note that was shared with us. Many Cubans, while struggling, the country is providing communications. Without this ability there would be full unrest.
Cuba’s population has been reduced
from 11 million to 8 million. Many of the youth want out. The system itself does not have built-in motivation to work. You must be selected to go to university. The one way to make money is through tourism. We were told only to bring $10’s and $20’s. This money filters through to the many in tourism. There has also been a policy to allow some businesses to be opened by Cubans. This policy was geared to support entrepreneurs. The week we were visiting the government started to discuss closing and taking back this business.
Here is the true issue. The Cuban government owns and controls everything. They blame the US Government for their issues. The reality is the embargo has been for years. Communism is a failure. Not only is it failing, but the Infrastructure is also virtually crumbling. From housing, streets to basic needs including food, water, and electricity. Opening and lifting the embargoes will not help a thing. Investing in Cuba is also a substantial risk. It took me two days to get out of my depression after visiting Cuba. As a Mayor I look at the city with different lenses. Cuba is a beautiful and strategic Island. The government is totally failing its people. One of our fellow visitors summed up his observations, “Tell me when and I would show up to fight along the people of Cuba for freedom.”
As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!
Hollywood Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend with free, family-friendly events in the City of Hollywood, in celebration of Hollywood’s centennial year. The celebration kicks off on Friday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. with a performance by the South Broward Concert Band and a Taiko drumming performance by Fushu Daiko, followed by a concert featuring the ReaXtion Band at 8:30 p.m. The event takes place at the ArtsPark Amphitheater at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood. This free event is presented by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts.
MLK Day FUN DAY
The Annual MLK Fun Day takes place on Saturday, January 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2400 Charleston
Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. There will be free games and activities, bounce houses, food available for purchase, and more. Please remember, these venues are plastic and foam-free. Single-use plastics are prohibited, including plastic water bottles. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information on MLK Celebrations, please call the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 9213404. Or visit: www.hollywoodfl.org. For more upcoming events celebrating 100 years of Hollywood, please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org.
Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Saturday, January 18th
The excitement continues into the evening with the Downtown Hollywood
ArtWalk, a dynamic celebration of art, culture, and local businesses. Taking place throughout the downtown area, the ArtWalk features a range of activities to enjoy, starting at 6:00 p.m. The event includes a Mural Tour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering an up-close look at the vibrant murals that adorn Downtown Hollywood. From 7:00 p.m. onward, you can join a Gallery Tour where you’ll explore the galleries and exhibits that showcase local artists’ work. For those who enjoy a bit of shopping and strolling, the Artisan Market will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering handmade goods, jewelry, and unique creations from local artisans. While you’re browsing, enjoy live music performances at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. that will set the tone for a lively evening of exploration. And don’t miss the Magic Show at 9:00
for a fun, family-friendly spectacle that’s sure to leave everyone amazed.
Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper
Free Arts! Day At
The Art & Culture Center/ Hollywood
New York Times Best-Selling Author
Brad Meltzer will be at the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood for the opening of the Early Voices: Xavier Riddle Exhibition during our Free Arts! Day. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy free admission on Sunday, January 19th, from Noon 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., view new arts exhibitions and create Xavier Riddle themed drop-in art-making activities exploring how you can change the world and celebrate the people who inspire you. Meltzer will engage guests, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., with a presentation of
the tales of Frida Kahlo, Oprah, I.M. Pei, and Sonia Sotomayor. Visitors can also purchase Meltzer’s newest release, hot off the press, The JFK Conspiracy. The first 30 buyers will have their book personally signed.
The fun continues with the opening of the Early Voices: Xavier Riddle exhibition in the Center’s Community Gallery featuring artwork from 2nd grade students at Avant Garde Academy, Collins Elementary, Driftwood Elementary and Hollywood Central Elementary. The Early Voices program was designed to foster
literacy by 3rd grade is the greatest predictor of life success and has significant influence on their overall wellbeing.”
Guests will also be treated to an early preview of In My Own World: The NAEMI Collection Exhibition, on view until February 23rd. In collaboration with National Art Exhibitions of the Mentally Ill (NAEMI), this presentation brings awareness to the issues of Mental Health and well-being. NAEMI’s is a Non-Profit organization whose mission is to discover, study, promote, exhibit, and preserve the art of people recovering from Mental
and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit will run from January 17th to May 11th. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Free Arts! Day takes place on the third Sunday of every month exploring a different medium through drop-in art making activities designed to appeal to all ages.
About the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood
Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through January 31st, 2025. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music. Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights.
“This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through today’s aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical studies, are committed to their communities, and willing to stand up for what is right,” said Pamela Wright, DAR President General.
Applicants should be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the United States and have a
The Early Voices: Xavier Riddle Exhibition is presented in Partnership with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Broward Museum Alliance. MODS will be presenting the Xavier Riddle
concentration in music in their course of study. Music performance, composition, theory, or education are all areas that students may be specialized in to qualify for the scholarship. They should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent GPA on the scale used by the institution. Applications require references sent through the application system, so students need to request their references ahead of the January 31st application
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work.
deadline.
In honor of Ms. Anderson’s commitment to the community throughout her life and her willingness to share her incredible talent with the world, applicants are asked to write a personal statement describing their humanitarian or volunteer contributions on behalf of their community and/ or country.
To recognize the city Marian Anderson called home, preference will be given to students from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area, even if they are not pursuing music studies in the Philadelphia area.
This scholarship is not automatically renewed. However, recipients may reapply for consideration each year for up to four consecutive years.
The scholarship is supported by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Marian Anderson Legacy Fund. Learn more about the relationship between Marian Anderson and the DAR, and the organization’s on-going efforts to honor her memory at: www.dar.org/Marian Anderson
About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
One of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit: www.dar.org.
Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights.