The Beach Boys
Broward Center for the
Performing Arts with a rare, upclose-and-personal performance in the Center’s intimate Amaturo Theater on Saturday, March 1st at 8:30 p.m. The legendary group will headline the Broward Performing Arts’ Foundation’s Annual Celebration to benefit the Center’s education and enrich ment programs. Presenting sponsors are long-time Broward Center supporters Charles and Laura Palmer.
In an evening that will be “Fun, Fun, Fun” for everyone, there will be opportunities to participate at two levels: $1,000 for a VIP ticket for the performance and post-show party and $2,500 for a Celebration ticket for the full evening’s festivities which include an exclusive cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m. in the Horvitz Lobby, a pre-show dinner at 6:15 p.m. on the Moran Stage in the Au-Rene Theater, The Beach Boys performance in the Amaturo and the post-show party at the Wendt Terraces and Huizenga Pavilion. For more than half a century,
To Host 29th Annual Celebrity Chefs Event
The Highly Anticipated Event Will Feature Tastings From Local Chefs, Live Entertainment, Auctions & More
Celebrity Chefs will take part in the event on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Seminole
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON:
America’s Premier Culinary Celebration!
Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), and food enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly anticipating this star-studded culinary extravaganza. Taking place from Thursday, February 20thSunday, February 23rd, 2025, on the pristine sands of Miami Beach, the festival promises a weekend brimming with worldclass food, fine wine, and top-tier entertainment. With over 500 chefs, winemakers, and spirit producers coming together to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE., this year’s event is shaping up to be more spectacular than ever.
With over 105 unique experiences ranging from intimate dinners to lively walk-around
tastings, brunches, and latenight soirees, SOBEWFF® 2025 is packed with an incredible lineup of talent and flavor. Among the most highly anticipated events is “Alex vs Miami,” hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong, a thrilling face-off inspired by Guarnaschelli’s hit Food Network show. Another major highlight is the return of “Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash,” presented by Schweid & Sons® and hosted by Rachael Ray, where more than 30 competitors will vie for the title of The Very Best Burger. Italian cuisine lovers can rejoice as “A Taste of Italy,” hosted by the beloved Pasta Queen Nadia Caterina Munno, brings the flavors of Italy to the Miami Design District.
energy to the festival with Guy Fieri at the helm of “Coca-Cola presents Tournament of Champions,” where four teams will go head-to-head in a fierce culinary battle. Meat lovers won’t want to miss “Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook presents Steak and Whiskey,” hosted by Michael Symon, promising a night of premium cuts and top-shelf spirits. For those seeking a more refined tasting experience, “Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best” pairs 60 of the nation’s finest chefs with an exquisite selection of wines from around the world.
Saturday at SOBEWFF® is always a showstopper, and 2025 is no exception. “ABSOLUT®
Friday night brings an electric Food Festival, Page 7A
Walk Like Madd And Madd Dash Fort Lauderdale
Every Day, 37 Lives Are Needlessly Cut Short In Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving deaths have increased by 31% over the past decade with someone being killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 78 seconds. Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s goal is to end impaired driving. In the ongoing fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, MADD Southeast Florida will host the 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Walk Like
MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County on Sunday, April 27th. Thousands of walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchair athletes, and supporters of all ages will come together in Downtown Fort Lauderdale to raise awareness and funds to end impaired driving for good. The in-person race will start near Huizenga Plaza at 7:30 a.m., or supporters can also participate in a virtual option. Festivities will include children’s activities, an awards cere-
mony, live musical perform ances, and vendor/educational booths. The event will be attended by dignitaries including Walk Like MADD Fort Lauderdale Founder and Honorary Chairperson Heather Geronemus; Honorary Chairperson Colonel Nichole Anderson, Undersheriff of Broward Sheriff’s Office; Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony; Sgt. Ryan Clifton from Broward Sheriff’s Office; Sgt. Trevor Thomas from Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s DUI Unit; and Lt. Indiana Miranda from
Ann Storck Center, a Fort Lauderdale-based private NonProfit Organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is excited to host its 29th Annual Celebrity Chefs event on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s Grand Ballroom in Hollywood, Florida. Touted as one of South Florida’s most soughtafter fundraisers, the event is expected to be bigger and better than ever with over 400 of South Florida’s top community leaders, impactful philanthropists and influencers in attendance.
The event will raise awareness, funds and “glasses” to support the Ann Storck Center, which accommodates 96 residents and serves more than 300 individuals daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs.
The event will feature an open bar sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company along with tastings from over 20 of South Florida’s renowned res-
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s Grand Ballroom.
The Beach Boys, Page 3A
Ann Storck Center, Page 4A
Walk Like Madd, 5A
Florida Highway Patrol. Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a community-driven 5K that raises awareness about drunk and
drugged driving and underage drinking while uniting community members around MADD’s mis-
The 24th Annual Festival will return to the sands of Miami Beach for the ultimate epicurean celebration.
Maria Palomo, Lainie Morgan, Harlee Ross, Stefania Gulbina
Open Call To Artists Announced
Business For The Arts
Broward’s 7th Annual ART + STROLL Project
Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) is seeking entries from established and emerging artists for its 7th Annual ART + STROLL, presented by BBX Capital. Artists must be 18 years or older.
The deadline to submit is Friday, February 28th by midnight.
ART + STROLL takes place on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the lobbies of buildings 200, 201 and 301 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Accepted artists will be notified by Friday, March 14th and receive one complimentary Sip & Stroll VIP ticket to the event gaining access to the food and beverage areas in each lobby.
BFA will accept 2D work, no larger than 38” on its longest side and 3D art such as sculpture, ceramics, fashion or any other free-standing artwork. While a few larger artworks may be considered, please note that most submitted artwork should be within the 38” size constraint. Accepted 3D artists will be responsible for providing pedestal(s) to display their work and will have to deliver and set up the art themselves. All work must be hang/ presentation ready using D rings or wire. No sawtooth hangers.
This exhibition is open to all functional, non-functional, 2D, 3D, fine art and fine craft in all mediums and all styles including but not limited to photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, paper art, fiber art, wood, clay, metal, glass, sculpture, fashion and mixed media. Works should not exceed 30 lbs.
All work must be original and created without the aid of an instructor or kit. Work needs to have been produced within the last eight years. All styles and aesthetics are considered. This is a public event open to everyone; as such, the content of submissions should be appropriate for all viewers.
The fee to enter is $30 and artists will be allowed to submit up to three entries that they have personally created. Works selected are based on originality, creativity, craftsmanship and artistic distinction. All work(s) must be submitted through the cafe site. Submission does not guarantee acceptance of work. Accepted works may be used for BFA marketing purposes and on Social Media to promote the show. If any artist does not wish their work to be included in advertising, they should notify us upon receiving the acceptance. If accepted, the artist is responsible for shipping costs to and from the gallery. All art must be received by Monday April 7th, 2025. Please no freight shipping. Works must have pre-paid return labels through FedEx or UPS to be returned. Clearly indicate any packing directions for return of works and ensure that the label is easy to find on the packaging. Works should be shipped in reusable containers/boxes and packaging for return.
Cash prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded to artists as follows: 1st place $3,000, 2nd place $1,500 and 3rd place $500. All artworks may be offered for sale. BFA will encourage buyers to take purchased art home at the end of the exhibit. However, if a buyer cannot take home their purchase, artists will also be responsible for the delivery of their work to the buyer(s). BFA keeps 25% commission on any sold artwork. All artists must submit a signed W9 upon acceptance. Payments will be made to the name as it appears on the W9.
Guests will enjoy a juried art exhibit of fine art for sale as well as local live entertainment performances such as dance, music, spoken word, art installations, live painting and demo artists.
Attendance is free and open to the public, but guests will have the option to purchase a Sip & Stroll ticket for $50, which includes food and beverage tastings in each lobby.
This is an in-person exhibition, but this exhibition will also be featured digitally on BFA’s website. This is a juried exhibition and will be co-curated by BFA’s Executive Director Robyn Vegas and Program Coordinator Lori Pratico. Our judge for
1st, 2nd and 3rd place is Jodi Sypher, exhibitions curator at the Art and Culture Center Hollywood. For additional information, visit: https:// bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-stroll/And click on “call to artists.” All artists must fill in the entry form to be considered. All entries and payments must be submitted via Call for Entries (CaFÉ). Please follow the directions on
Castle Group, BBI, Berger Singerman, Pierson Grant, MAD, Stiles, and Moss. Sponsorship information is available on our website.
About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a NotFor-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success,
To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/ BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org.
This year’s ART + STROLL sponsors include: BBX Capital Presenting, FPL,
Tedd Davis: Peaceful Symphony Blue Ribbon 1st Place
Gospel Music Legend, Bill Gaither
Kicks Off 2025 Love Like I’m Leaving Tour In Florida
For nearly half a century, Gaither, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner, has been a musical trailblazer. Multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will kick off the LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour this Spring, as he brings his multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band to 16 cities during February, March, April and May. The first weekend of stops will take place in multiple cities throughout Florida, including the stop at the Community Christian Church, located at 10001 West Commercial Boulevard, Tamarac, Florida 33351 on Thursday, February 20th.
For nearly half a century, Gaither, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner, has been a musical trailblazer. Together with his long-time songwriter partner and wife, Gloria, the two have collectively written more than 900 songs and were hon-
The Beach Boys From Page 1A
audiences have enjoyed such Beach Boys hits as “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “Kokomo,” “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls,” all of which have made this band Rock & Roll royalty for music lovers everywhere. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer, continue the legacy of the iconic band. This concert will not feature Brian Wilson, Al Jardine or David Marks. “We are in for a very special evening,” said Lisa Kitei, President of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. “Whether you are young or old, chances are you’ve been singing Beach Boys hits for a good part of your life. The songs are timeless and the Beach Boys’ enduring talent and popularity make them ‘rock stars’ in every way.” In addition to “Good Vibrations” Presenting Sponsors Charles and Laura Palmer, “Surf’s Up” Sponsors are Ann M. Burris, Jeannette and Marty Engelmann, Linda B. Haller, The Salah Foundation, S. Donald and Michelle Sussman, Gary Wendt and Mark and Linda Wilford; “Fun, Fun, Fun” Sponsors are Amazon, Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater, BBX Capital, Rita Case, Marty and Terri Cole, Melissa Corrado-Harrison, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Gunster, Hudson Family Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, Northern Trust, The Schmatz Family, SPIRIT, Stiles, Joyce Worthington Virga and Richard and Christine Welch; Spirits Sponsor is Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits; Program Sponsor is Starmark; and
ored to be named ASCAP Christian Songwriters of the Century. The couple’s reputation as performers, songwriters and mentors for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. Their beloved series of Homecoming CDs and DVDs continues to top the sales charts and attract an everincreasing audience. Honors and accolades have flowed their way in bunches, including the most recent Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album of the Year for the Gaither Vocal Band Shine recording, which also received the Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year from the Gospel Music Association.
Taking the stage with Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band during the Spring 2025 LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour, featuring Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith, will be popular female vocalist, Ladye Love Smith, tal-
ented male vocalist, Gene McDonald and newcomer phenom and The Voice winner, Chris Blue, as well as Gaither’s musical entourage, comprised of Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt and Michael Rowsey.
The 2025 Spring Tour affords Gaither the opportunity to continue to share the message he has been proclaiming for nearly seven decades. Considered one of the oldest living musicians who is still actively touring, recording and performing, Gaither, who turns 89 in March, says it’s that desire to spread the message of hope through music that keeps the Indiana native thriving. “The truth is,” Gaither says smiling, “I just love doing what I do, and I believe in the message in the songs. Songs like ‘we have this moment to hold in our hands…’ ‘because He lives I can face tomorrow…’ ‘I just feel like something good is about to happen…’ ‘Jesus only will never fail…’ ‘I’m gonna love like
I’m leaving, give more than I’m receiving, laugh until it takes my breath away, say what needs saying, pray what needs praying, I’m gonna love like I’m leaving today…’ - those are pretty important messages.
Each night we try to create moments that will allow our audience to walk away feeling differently than when they came. That’s why we continue to do what we do. I still love it!”
Tickets for the 2025 LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour are on sale now. Make plans to join Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band in Tamarac at the Community Christian Church on Thursday, February 20th. This exciting evening begins at 7:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets or obtain additional details, visit: www.gaither.com.
Invitation Sponsor is Associated Printing Productions, Inc. Sponsor listings were as of Monday, January 27th. For information about VIP and Celebration tickets and table sponsorships, call: (954) 468-3298. Or email: Foundation@BrowardCenter.org. A portion of your ticket or table payment includes a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Broward Center’s education and engagement programs. For nearly 40 years, the Broward
Performing Arts Foundation has been instrumental in providing support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 to deliver the required private funding to build the Center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the Foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities and capital
projects. In 2021, the Foundation completed a $30 Million Capital Campaign to renovate and restore the iconic Parker Playhouse. Prior to this, it raised $60 Million to complete the Encore! Capital Campaign to renovate, renew and revitalize the Broward Center.
The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.
most Americans, it’s living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research.
Big and little joys
Most agree satisfaction in retirement includes the ability to pay bills on time and in full (68%) and living debt-free (63%)including owning a home outright (55%).
Some 42% of people say it comes down to experiences, like the ability to travel the (25%).
Ann Storck Center
From Page 1A
taurants, breweries and bakeries. Featured restaurants to date include Abiaka at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; Anthony’s Clam House and Grill; Burlock Coast at The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale; Bob Roth’s New River Groves; Bravo Peruvian Kitchen; Casa Calabria; DiSalvo’s Italian Restaurant; Georgia Pig; Howard’s Market & Deli; Livia Bar & Grill; Mimi’s Ravioli; Tarpon River Catering; Tasteful Thoughts; Twisted Roots Kava Brewery; and Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.
Florida Panthers Arena Host Aaron “The Speaker” Shapiro with Rock with U Entertainment will excite and engage the crowd. Guests will enjoy an evening of unforgettable entertainment and a special musical performance presented by Ann Storck Center’s heARTS Music Therapy Department. While hearing special stories from Ann Storck Center families, support ers will have the opportunity to “Bid for Kids” through donations and participate in a silent and live auction featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences.
The Ann Storck Center will present Ray and Kim Slapikas with the Legacy Award and Tom West, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Nova Southeastern University Florida, with the Community Leadership Award. Kim Slapikas is the great-niece of Ann Storck. An Ann Storck Center team member will be surprised with the All-Heart Staff Award.
Since its inception, Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs event has raised nearly $5.6 Million dollars to support Ann Storck Center’s mission, which is through out all of its programs and services to dis cover ability and build independence so that individuals live happier, more inde pendent, fulfilling lives.
Everything in its time
Having a clear timeline brings peace of mind for many - 66% say they have a goal retirement age in mind, including 73% of men and 61% of women.
Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) have savings milestones to reach before retirement - goals that they’re striving forincluding setting aside funds for emergencies (57%), travel (33%) and leisure activities like starting a new hobby (32%). About the same number (68%) say their
reaching their retirement savings goal.
Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%).
Travel and leisure
When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire.
Some 37% prioritize proximity to family
and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it’s more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists - 23% describe their current location as their happy place. Many see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement. MethodologyEmpower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024.
“It’s an honor to host our 29th Annual Celebrity Chefs event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Patricia Murphy, CEO of Ann Storck Center. “The event will be one-of-kind with interactive entertainment, auction items for the whole family, some fun sur prises throughout the evening and bites for any foodie’s desire.”
“We are grateful for our supporters and Ann Storck Center families who come together for a great cause. This day is only made possible by the dedication of our community, board members, donors and restaurant partners who are committed to enriching the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities,” she con tinued.
Darren Perlmutter, Roz Perlmutter, Pat Murphy, & Julie Guy
Lilly Piccolo, Peter Rondeau, & Kathryn Zedick
Roz Perlmutter & Pat Murphy
Susan Rennesien & Pat Murphy
16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years.
sion. Since it was established in 2011, Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised nearly $4 Million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of MADD. Every dollar donated remains in South Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost.
MADD is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim services specialists and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line.
“Every day, 37 lives are needlessly cut short in drunk driving crashes, leaving behind shattered families and communities. This heartbreaking, 100 percent preventable crime changes lives forever—and it’s why we must stand together, stronger than ever, to raise awareness and fight for change,” said Heather Geronemus, Past Chairwoman of the MADD National Board of Directors. “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is more than just an event—it’s a movement that saves lives and supports victims right here in South Florida. This impactful day of hope and action wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our attendees, board members, sponsors, and donors, who share the commitment to end impaired driving once and for all.” Geronemus’ late father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009.
Event sponsors include Signature Sponsors UKG and Salah Foundation; Presenting Sponsor Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County; Road Guardian Sponsor Craig Zinn Automotive Group; Corporate Champion Sponsors Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Durée & Company, Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and Memorial Healthcare System; Spotlight Sponsors Bank of America, BBX Capital and Westway Towing; and MADD Milestone Sponsor Warren Henry Automotive Group.
When: Sunday, April 27th, 2025, at 7:30 a.m.
Where: In-person Race: Across from Huizenga Plaza Southeast 1st Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301
Virtual Walk/Run: Any place the participant chooses. Cost (In-person and Virtual): Adult 5K Runner and Walker: $35
Youth 5K Runner and Walker (ages 5-18): $30 Dogs: $10
How: To register for the in-person or virtual 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation 2025 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, please visit: www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale.
Event sponsorships are available. Awards will be given for top fundraiser, top team (private and corporate), as well as overall and age-group awards for 5K finishers.
For the most up-to-date event information, visit: www.facebook.com/MADD DashFortLaud. Please contact Special Events Manager Cameron Patasnik at: Cameron.Patasnik@madd.org with any additional questions.
About MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national NonProfit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000
lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Helpline at: 1 (877) MADD-HELP. Call: 1 (877) 623-3435 For more information or to donate, visit: https://madd.org/ - And follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
[1] Broward Running Society Team.
[2] George Taylor, Heather Geronemus, Debbie Wasserman Schultz [3] Major Matthew Williams, Florida Highway Patrol; Lieutenant Indiana Miranda, Florida Highway Patrol; Undersheriff Colonel Nichole Anderson, Broward Sheriff’s Office; Lieutenant Colonel Robert [4] Get ready to Walk Like MADD at the starting line.
[2]
Is There A Constitutional Crisis
Can The Rule Of Law Survive This Presidency?
By John & Nisha Whitehead
This has all the makings of a constitutional crisis. According to law professor Amanda Frost, “a constitutional crisis occurs when one branch of government, usually the executive, ‘blatantly, flagrantly and regularly exceeds its constitutional authority — and the other branches are either unable or unwilling to stop it.’”
Consider for yourself.
The president has gone rogue, doubling down on his belief that “I have the right to do whatever I want as president.”
The vice president believes the president should be a law unto himself, i.e., unaccountable to the other branches of the government.
The Republican-controlled Congress appears to be deaf, dumb and blind to the Executive Branch’s blatantly unconstitutional overreaches.
The courts, which have in recent years largely rubberstamped the government’s power grabs, are ill-prepared to rein in a sitting president who is determined to do whatever he wants, the Constitution be damned.
Meanwhile, the Constitution is still missing from the White House’s website.
This last point is not an oversight.
Rather, it speaks volumes about the priorities of the current presidential administration, which operates as if the rule of law does not apply to itself.
Indeed, while President Trump’s predecessors paid lip service to the rule of law while sidestepping it at every opportunity, Trump has been unapologetic about his intentions to set aside whatever legal, moral or political barricades stand in the way of his end goals.
Rule by fiat—when presidents attempt to unilaterally impose their will through the use of executive orders, decrees, memorandums, proclamations, national security directives and legislative signing statements—is an offense to the Constitution.
It was offensive when Biden did it. It was offensive when Obama did it. And it is just as offensive when Trump does it.
Already, Trump has signed more
executive orders in his first month than any other president in their first 100 days.
This is not a sign of strength and leadership. This is a red flag.
In bypassing Congress in order to carry out his ambitious agenda, the Trump Administration risks transforming the executive branch into something akin to the very entities it often criticizes: an overreaching surveillance state, a nanny state that dictates individual choices, and a police state that prioritizes compliance over freedom.
It is particularly telling that while Trump and his Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are pledging to lay off huge swaths of federal employees, the police state’s martial law apparatus will remain largely untouched.
This way lies totalitarianism, by way of authoritarianism, and those who insist it can’t happen here need to pay better attention.
It’s happening already.
The following are 15 benchmarks of a totalitarian regime, according to journalist Benjamin Carlson:
1. Media is controlled.
2. Dissent is equated to violence.
3. Legal system is co-opted by the state.
4. Power is exerted to prevent dissent.
5. State police are directed to protect the regime, not the people.
6. Financial, legal, and civil rights are contingent on compliance.
7. There is a mass conformity of behaviors and beliefs.
8. Power is concentrated in an inner ring of people and institutions.
9. Semi-organized violence is permitted.
10. Propaganda targets enemies of the state.
11. Whole classes of people are scapegoated and singled out for persecution.
12. Extra-legal action against internal enemies is condoned.
13. Unpredictable and harsh enforcement is used against unfavored classes.
14. The language of the constitution
serves as a facade for the exercise of power.
15. And all private and public levers of power are used to enforce adherence to state orthodoxy.
To guard against these pitfalls, we must start by understanding the rule of law, and how it functions within our system of checks and balances.
The rule of law is the principle that everyone, including the government—and the president—must obey the law, which is embodied in the U.S. Constitution.
In a nutshell, the Constitution is the social contract—the people’s contract with the government—which outlines our expectations about the role of the government and its limits, a system of checks and balances dependent on a separation of powers, and the rights of the citizenry.
America’s founders established a system of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in any single branch. To this end, the Constitution establishes three separate but equal branches of government: the legislative branch, which makes the law; the executive branch, which enforces the law; and the judicial branch, which interprets the law.
Despite Trump’s attempts to rule by fiat, nowhere in the Constitution is the president granted unilateral authority to act outside these established checks and balances, no matter how well-meaning his intentions might be or how worthy the goals (a balanced budget, safety, economic prosperity, etc.).
Allowing the president to bypass established legal procedures in order to prioritize his own power over adherence to the rule of law ultimately undermines the principles of a constitutional government.
Which brings us to the present moment.
With Congress on the sidelines, the momentum is building for a constitutional showdown between the White House and the judiciary.
This is as it should be.
The job of the courts is to maintain the rule of law and serve as the referees in the power struggle between the President and Congress. That delicate balance between the three branches of government was intended to serve as a bulwark against tyranny and a deterrent to any who would overreach.
When all is said and done, however, it is supposed to be “we the people” who hold the real power—not the president, not Congress, and not the courts. As the Tenth Amendment proclaims, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
The government’s purpose is to serve the people, not the other way around.
Those first three words of the preamble to the Constitution say it all: “We the People.”
This is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
So, what’s the answer?
As I point out in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, America’s founders were very clear about what to do when the government oversteps.
Bind them down from mischief with the chains of the Constitution, advised Thomas Jefferson.
Take alarm at the first experiment on your freedoms, cautioned James Madison. And if government leaders attempt to abuse their powers and usurp the rights of the people, get rid of them, warned the Declaration of Independence.
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
Vodka Drag Brunch” brings flair and flavor to the festival, hosted by Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and The View’s Ana Navarro. Spectacular performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Alexis Michelle and Meatball, along with Key West’s Randy Roberts, promise to dazzle attendees. For oenophiles, “Sip & Swirl: A Wine Happy Hour” with Katie Lee offers a deep dive into the world of wine just steps from Biscayne Bay. Those craving Latin flavors can immerse themselves in “Noche Cubana,” hosted by Michelle Bernstein and featuring the lively rhythms of Café La Trova. The excitement continues with “Tacos & Tequila,” hosted by Aarón Sánchez, where over two dozen chefs will reimagine Mexico’s most beloved dish. Fans of decadent desserts and comedy are in for a treat with “A Duff Goldman Late Night Dessert Party & One Man Show,” a unique blend of sweet indulgence and laughter. Meanwhile, “Chicken Coupe: Fried Chicken and Champagne,” hosted by Kardea Brown, celebrates the perfect pairing of crispy fried chicken with bubbly champagne. Those seeking a picturesque dining experience can attend “A Sunset Feast,” sponsored by Grove Bay Hospitality Group & Friends, where guests will enjoy a stunning waterfront feast curated by over 20 top chefs.
Sunday’s lineup offers a grand finale to the festival, beginning with the “Overtown Gospel Brunch,” hosted by Marcus Samuelsson at Red Rooster Overtown. This soulful celebration highlights the rich culinary heritage of the historic neighborhood with live gospel music and mouth watering Southern fare. The ever-popular “Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village” returns, featuring live cooking demonstrations by culinary heavyweights like Eva Longoria, Ana Navarro, Maneet Chauhan, and Tyler Florence. As if that weren’t enough, the David Grutman Experience transforms the Grand Tasting Village courtyard into a high-energy music festival with performances by Flo Rida and DJ Irie, ensuring the festival ends on a high note.
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s festival is the “Asian Night Market,” hosted by Andrew Zimmern, Jet Tila, and Aarti Sequeira. Featuring a special performance by Rev Run, this vibrant night market will showcase an array of Asian-inspired dishes, providing an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience to close out the weekend.
Beyond the delicious food and entertainment, SOBEWFF® is a festival with a mission. Since its inception, the event has raised over $40 Million to support the educational programs of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. Combined with its sister festival, the NYCWFF®, over $53 Million has been raised for charity. In addition to financial contributions, the festival plays a vital role in spotlighting Miami’s dynamic dining scene, boosting local businesses, and fostering connections within the hospitality industry.
For those who have yet to secure their tickets, time is of the essence. With a
and
Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a wine aficionado, or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend in Miami Beach, this festival is the ultimate destination. Tickets are available now at: https://sobewff.orgAs the excitement builds and the countdown continues, one thing is certain: the 24th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival is set to deliver an unparalleled culinary celebration that will leave
[1] Foodies near
far are counting down the days to this gastronomic celebration. [2] EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.
[3] The Table of Ten hosted by Bobby Flay was a highly sought after event. [4] Grammy Award-winning Artists & 500+ Chefs Come Together from February 20-23, 2025.
Spring Break Rocks
Enrollment Is Now Open For Spring Break And Summer Theater Camps At The Broward Center
It’s never too early to plan for camp, so the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is offering a host of popular, awardwinning theater camps during spring break and throughout summer for children and teens. Enrollment is now open and space is limited.
Spring Break Theater Camp 2025
Themed Spring Break Camp Rocks, this five-day camp is under the direction of Nina Felice, Executive Director of The Performance Project School of the Arts, who will share her knowledge and handson experience in musical theater, acting, dance, voice and technical production with students from different ages and experience levels. The one-week camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from March 24th - March 28th at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center on the Broward Center campus. This one week camp culminates with a live performance of an electrifying musical revue on a professional stage at the Broward Center on March 28th at 6:00 p.m. This high-energy show will feature iconic songs from beloved rock musicals with a lineup of power ballads, Classic Rock, Rock N’ Roll and Rap. Due to limited seating, each camper will receive two tickets for guests to attend the showcase. If available, the Broward Center may be able to provide additional tickets on the first day of camp. Camp is split into age groups: grades 2 to 5, grades 6 to 8 and a teen program, for grades 9 to 12. Teens earn volunteer hours by helping the younger campers in the morning and receive coaching on a song and/or monologue in the afternoon which they perform on the final day. Tuition for grades 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 is $325 and $170 for grades 9 to 12. Early camp hours are also available from 8 - 9 a.m. for $35; after camp hours are available from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for $65; or both before and after camp for $100 per session. To register online, visit: www.Broward Center.org/spring-break-theater-campCall: (954) 468-2689. Or email: registrar@browardcenter.org. Online registration closes at noon on Friday before the camp’s start date. After online registration closes, applicants must register in person at the check-in location. Space is not guaranteed and is limited. An additional fee of $50 will apply to all walk ups.
Summer Theater Camp 2025
Presented in partnership with The Performance Project School of the Arts,
culminate in a live performance on the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater stage. Camps deliver hands-on experience in musical theater, acting, dance, voice and technical production in sessions that are designed for different ages and experience levels and taught by professional performing arts teachers under the direction of Executive Director Nina Felice. As part of enrollment, each camper receives a Summer Theater Camp 2025 t-shirt and a cast photo.
Each of the two Summer Theater Camp 2025 Sessions are divided into ageappropriate groups, designed to offer unique experiences. Group A Camp for ages 7 to 9 includes acting, singing, dance and arts and crafts classes. Group B Camp is for ages 10 to 13 and offers classes in acting, singing, dance and technical production. At the camp in Aventura, Group B Camp is available to ages 10 to 14 and Group C Camp, for teens ages 13 to 18, covers voice and diction, character analysis, scene study, dialects, styles and methods.
Additionally, Young Professionals Camp for teens between 13 and 18 is open for enrollment for Session 1 by audition only. This program offers preprofessional training, expert industry insights, and the opportunity to shine in a fully staged production. Designed for dedicated performers, the program includes rigorous workshops, master classes with industry professionals and exclusive training in audition techniques and career preparation. With six public performances, expert flying effects instruction and an audition-only casting process, this prestigious program offers a true taste of professional theater—creating an unforgettable summer filled with growth, inspiration, and extraordinary performance opportunities. This camp is presented at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts & Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University.
Camps are held weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuition is $995 per session (except Session 2 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, which is $895). A $300 Non-Refundable Deposit is required and applied toward the total camp price.
Participants who register by Friday, March 14th receive a $100 Early Bird discount. Before camp hours are also available from 8 to 9 a.m. at $60 per session or $10 per day; after camp hours are available from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at $110 per session or $15 per day; or both before and after
Lauderdale, Florida 33312.
Session 1 of Summer Theater Camp, June 9th to July 3rd, offers two camp options with Group A, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. and the Young Professionals camp (by auditions only), which culminates in a performance of Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr. Group B, Footloose – Youth Edition is sold out during this session. There is a waiting list.
Group A is still open for enrollment for
Session 2 from July 7th – August 1st, culminating in a performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Youth Edition.
Group B, The Descendants One-Act Edition and Group C, Into the Woods are sold out with a waiting list available for Group C only.
The Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Junior Boulevard at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida 33314.
Session 1 camps run from June 16th to July 11th with three camp options with Group A, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr., Group B, Footloose – Youth Edition and Young Professionals Camp, Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr. – by auditions only.
Session 2 is July 14 through August 8 and only Group A, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Youth Edition is still open. Both Group B, The Descendants One-Act Edition and Group C, Into the Woods are sold out, with waiting lists available.
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180.
Sesion 1 is from June 23 through July 18. Group A will perform Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. Group B (Footloose – Youth Edition) is currently sold out for this session.
Session 2 begins on June 21st and ends on August 13th to accommodate the Miami-Dade public school calendar. Group A will perform Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Youth Edition and Group B will perform Descendants One-Act Edition.
Summer camp internships, scholarships and registration info
Several intern positions are available, including teacher and teaching assistants, theater administration, stage management, theater technician, photographer, videographer, costumes, props and more. Positions are voluntary with the availability of a small stipend based on experience. For additional information and to apply
Program for Summer Theater Camp.
Scholarships are primarily awarded based upon level of financial need. The application deadline for all sessions of Summer Theater Camp 2025 is Friday, February 21st. For additional information, including eligibility and rules, visit: www.Broward center.org/jm-family-scholarshipinformation - Or E-mail: registrar@browardcenter .org.
Registration for Summer Camp 2025 is available online at: www.BrowardCenter .org/EducationPrograms/Camp - Via phone at: (954) 468-2689. Or by emailing: registrar@browardcenter.org.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.Broward Center.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterAnd at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCen terEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/ BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
About 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 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,
[L] Camps deliver hands-on experience in musical theater, acting, dance, voice and technical production.
[R] Broward Center for the Performing Arts is offering a host of popular, award-winning theater camps.
As part of enrollment, each camper receives a Summer Theater Camp 2025 t-shirt and a cast photo.
Registration Open For All Abilities Spring Classes
Four Different Dance And Sing-Along Classes Are Available At The Broward Center
Made possible through the generous support from the Taft Foundation, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is hosting All Abilities classes beginning in February with interactive and engaging arts experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment for those with physical and developmental disabilities.
Registration is now underway for dance-along classes on February 16th and Sunday, March 2nd and sing-along classes on April 27th and June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Broward Center’s Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. Each class is divided into two age groups, 4 to 14 year olds and from 15 years old and older.
The entire family will join Broward Center teaching artists as they lead fun, interactive dance and singing experiences. Up to three parents and siblings are welcome to stay and participate. Complimentary beverages and cookies are provided to encourage socialization
among participants. Complimentary parking is also included.
For more details and to register, please visit: www.browardcenter.org/education/ programs/classes/sensory-inclusiveprograms.
For complete class information and registration, visit: www.Browardcenter.org/ classes - Email: registrar@browardcenter .org - Or call: (954) 468-2689. For classes requiring auditions, visit: www.broward center.org/auditions.
To view and download visuals and social narrative, please visit: https://padlet .com/NeuroConsultingSolutions/browardcenter-for-performing-arts-all-abilities2025-season-5jodm1bozyecicfi
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.Broward Center.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterAnd at: www.Facebook.com/Broward
CenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.You Tube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter.
The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
About 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 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 information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.
Bittersuite: Songs Of More Experience
“A Musical ‘Selfie’ Taken Forty Years Later...And Reflects Some Of The
Elliot Weiss and Michael Champagne’s award-winning song cycle, Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience, will run for two performances only at the Levis JCC Sandler Center, March 22nd and 23rd. The production is part of the JCC’s Robert Greenberg Performing Arts Series. Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience is an extension of the acclaimed revue Bittersuite: Songs of Experience which ran in New York, San Francisco, and for two years in Los Angeles where it was singled out as a “critic’s choice” by the LA Times, LA Weekly, and Daily News. In this edition the cycle continues to explore the American Experience in song, but from a more mature perspective. Bittersuite explores growing old in America, what it feels like, and what it means – how do the issues of love, loneliness, success and failure, change, and accommodation, impact our lives as we age?
“Michael Champagne and I had just completed a workshop of our first musical Casanova – A Musical Romance and we were having trouble attracting a producer due to the size of the cast,” Bittersuite composer Elliot Weiss recalls. “We decided to scale down and write a song cycle for four singers and piano. We envisioned it to be performed with no props or sets. To let the material speak for itself. But – what should we write about? Seeing as both of us were rapidly approaching middle age, it seemed that how people feel when their youthful expectations collide with their present-day
reality could be a fertile field to explore.”
“Bittersuite grew out of our interest in exploring the realities – both sweet and bitter – of American life,” Michael Champagne says. We first presented the show in a seedy little Off-Off Broadway theater in New York, where it caught fire and moved into the cabaret theatre scene in a stylish uptown location.
Bittersuite: Songs of Experience has had great success, won many awards, and has been performed many times all over the world.”
“Years went by, and low and behold Michael and I were now approaching our golden years.” Weiss continues. “It seemed with so much more knowledge, regrets, wisdom, foolhardiness, and everything else that comes with aging it was time to update
Bittersuite and call it
Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience. This latest version of the show, which has been tailored and updated specifically for South Florida audiences, won the New Jersey Broadway World Best Musical award when we first performed it!”
Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience is a musical ‘selfie’ taken forty years later,” Champagne concludes. “And reflects some of the deeper perspectives time brings with it.”
“Sheer brilliance… An inspired cabaret presentation with the kind of provocative Broadway songs that draw people back to relish them again and again.” John S. Wilson – The New York Times “Riveting, thought-provoking, superb” Curt Davis – The New York Post
Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience will be staged by Holly Budney, and Weiss will serve as the show’s
Lisa Fishman, David Hyman, and Shane Tanner. The four actors/singers will use narrative song, set pieces, humor, and pathos to express the currents flowing through the American psyche to produce an unflinching view of who we are and what we hope for as we grow older.
Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience will be performed at the Levis JCC Sandler Center on Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd; both performances will take place at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35/$40 each and are on sale now. For tickets and information, visit: https://levisjcc.org/culture/ performingarts/ - Or call: (561) 558-2520.
The entire family will join Broward Center teaching artists as they lead fun, interactive dance and singing experiences.
Musical Director. The production will feature Francine Birns,
Elliot Weiss Michael Champagne David Hyman Lisa Fishman Shane Tanner
A Special Valentine’s Dinner
Reminding Homeless Residents There Is HOPE And People CARE About Them
Valentine’s Day took on a special significance beyond the usual expressions of love among friends and family. For the homeless population of South Florida, it was another day of loneliness on the streets. However, The Caring Place at Miami Rescue Mission Broward Outreach Centers organized an extraordinary event to remind these individuals that there are compassionate souls who deeply care for them and are eager to provide support. This year our Meals and More ambassadors were part of the serve day at all centers, these individuals sponsor monthly meals at our centers, learn more at: www.caringplace.org/meals.
At the Miami Center, the Meals and More ambassadors, who sponsor monthly meals at the centers, participated in the serve day across all locations. At the Miami Center, dedicated volunteers went the extra mile to transform the dining room with tablecloths, handmade Valentine’s Day cards, and unique centerpieces. Pastor Noel Williams from Hope In Christ Outreach Ministries commenced the event with a heartfelt prayer, encouraging everyone to show love and kindness to one another. He also delivered a special sermon emphasizing the unconditional love of God. Residents, emergency shelter guests, and homeless guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the kitchen staff, along with thoughtful Valentine’s Day cards distributed by volunteers. Furthermore, each attendee received brand new t-shirts, socks, and hygiene items, and The Spot Barber Academy provided complimentary haircuts along with other barber volunteers.
Scott, MRM resident said, “It was such a treat to be shown love on Valentine’s Day. I was lost and on the street alone and thinking that no one cared, but being here at The Caring Place I am showed today and every day that there is HOPE and people CARE about me. Thank you to everyone that has shown me I am cared for.”
The Hollywood Center kitchen staff prepared a special dinner, followed by a room adorned with Valentine’s Day decorations and heartfelt messages of friendship. Pastor Brandon Alexson from SportsPower International led the gathering in prayer, inspiring a spirit of love and unity. Haircuts were provided for our guests & volunteers generously distributed gifts to all attendees, including gift bags filled with hygiene essentials, new clothing, Valentine’s Day cards, and
What You Need To Know About Glaucoma
(Family Features) More than 4.2 million Americans live with Glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss in the nation. Although there is no cure for Glaucoma, early detection and treatment can stop this condition in its tracks.
“Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, but it’s estimated that half of people with Glaucoma don’t know they have it,” said Michael F. Chiang, M.D. “Glaucoma has no early symptoms, and the only way to check if you have it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for Glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.”
Regular eye exams are among the best lines of defense because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Knowing more about how to spot the condition and what you can do about it may help protect your vision in the long run.
Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye and cause vision loss and blindness. The most common type in the United States is open-angle Glaucoma. Other, less common, types include angle-closure Glaucoma and Congenital Glaucoma.
Learn more about Glaucoma from the experts at the National Eye Institute in honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month.
chocolates for the residents and homeless guests. Additionally, children residing at the Broward Campus received toys, coloring books, and candies, while female guests were given special “love bags” containing hygiene items.
Antonio Villasuso, President of The Caring Place commented, “We want to love on the homeless at all of our centers and celebrate not just their strength through struggles but also their decision to walk through our doors and work toward a better life. We are dedicated to helping transform the lives of those in need. We never want a day to go by where they feel unloved or unwanted.”
The Caring Place is grateful to the very generous support of donors, volunteers, and corporate partnerships that make it possible to bless residents and neediest of South Florida with life-changing
services and donated items. The Caring Place is a conduit of gifts that come from the community and are passed on to the homeless, hungry and needy of South Florida. Thanks to the very generous support of “giving partners,” volunteers, and corporate partnerships they are able to bless not only our residents, homeless guests and to some of the most neediest of South Florida. This is done through donated items, life-changing services and programs. Special thanks to the MalinsSmith Family, CV Suarez Foundation, and many other individual supporters for sponsoring this event. We have been serving the community for 100 plus years now and will continue with our I CARE motto!
For additional information and how you can help, go to: http://www.caringplace.org
Causes For some people, Glaucoma is the result of another medical condition, but that’s not always the case. While experts still aren’t sure exactly what causes openangle Glaucoma, it’s believed to be related to the pressure that builds in the eye when fluid doesn’t drain fast enough. Over time, the pressure causes nerve damage, which then leads to vision loss.
Risk Factors
Glaucoma is not preventable and can affect anyone. However, some groups of people are at higher risk, including those over age 60 - particularly Hispanic or Latino individuals. African American
individuals over age 40 are also
Scott, MRM resident said, “It was such a treat to be shown love on Valentine’s Day. I was lost and on the street alone and thinking that no one cared”
Coronary Artery Disease
It’s American Heart Month, Get Screened With The Latest Technology
(BPT) - Your heart beats about 100,000 times daily, bringing oxygen and nutrients to every cell to keep your body working its best. Just as an engine keeps a car moving, your heart is the driving force that keeps your body healthy and active. And, much like you’d maintain your car’s engine, healthy habits are vital to keeping your heart functioning properly and preventing heart disease - the leading cause of death in the United States.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
The most common type of Heart Disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition where plaque builds up in the heart’s arteries and decreases blood flow.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 21 million American adults have CAD. CAD is known as the “silent killer,” meaning it can progress slowly in patients with no symptoms until it causes a heart attack or other
complications.
Ginger Bierdeman, 58 years old, a nurse, avid football fan, and doting aunt, knew she was at greater risk of CAD because of her family history after losing her father to a heart attack. She enrolled in a heart health program through her local hospital and received a standard coronary CT scan of her heart (also known as CCTA). The technology - which studies multiple variables that the human eye can easily miss - uses AI to analyze X-rays to build a 3D model of the heart highlighting areas where CAD is present. The analysis identified areas of concern, specifically a build-up of plaque, which helped her doctor develop her personalized treatment plan. Using what she learned from this analysis, Ginger has started choosing healthier meals, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications from her doctor. Now she encourages all her family and friends to get screened so they can
also see the full picture of their heart health.
“I think it’s important for everyone to take control of their health,” said Ginger. “If you do have a history of family heart disease, it is especially important that you get all the information you need to make good decisions for your life and lifestyle.”
How do I get screened?
February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to take the first step toward improving your heart health. Talk to your doctor about your screening options. In the past, tests to diagnose CAD were often limited to ones that were invasive or not precise enough, which meant extra testing could be required to confirm disease severity and treatment options. One of these, called stress tests, are not always accurate and cannot assess plaque buildup.
ommended in guidelines by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. HeartFlow Analysis is an AI-powered technology applied after a CCTA test that creates a color-coded 3D model of the heart’s arteries showing the impact of plaque, narrowings and blockages. This enables your doctor to better understand the potential effect on blood flow to your heart - information that otherwise would only be available with a riskier, more invasive procedure.
“Advancements in diagnostic technology are making it easier for us to uncover heart issues before they become life-
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is known as the “silent killer,” meaning it can progress slowly in patients with no symptoms.
Fortunately, newer technologies have become available that allow doctors to detect issues earlier, diagnose CAD more accurately, and develop customized treatment plans that help slow the progression of the disease. CCTA is the #1 test rec-
threatening,” said Malissa Wood, MD, Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at Lee Health Heart Institute. “If you have a family history of heart disease, are experiencing symptoms, or want to have a better understanding of your heart health, talk to your doctor about your options.”
To learn more about HeartFlow Analysis, go to: https://www.heartflow.com/learn.
Connect With Experts & Get Inspired
Time To Turn Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Into A Thriving Business
The City of Hollywood, Office of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development, and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present From Idea to Empire: 2025 Launch Your SPARK.
This transformative panel discussion brings together successful business leaders who’ve turned visions into reality. Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to scale your existing business, you’ll gain actionable insights and strategies for 2025 and beyond.
What You’ll Learn
The Spark of an Idea
Discover proven methods for identifying viable business opportunities and validating your innovative concepts in today’s market.
Market Validation & Research
Learn essential strategies for market analysis, customer research, and productmarket fit validation.
Funding & Resources
Explore diverse funding options, from bootstrapping to investor capital, and learn how to secure the resources needed for growth.
Building a Brand & Strategy
Master the fundamentals of creating a compelling brand identity and developing a robust business strategy for 2025 and beyond.
Growth & Scaling Gain insights into effective team management, operational scaling, and market expansion strategies.
Sustaining Success
Learn how to maintain momentum and adapt to changing market conditions while building a lasting business legacy.
Meet the Panel
MODERATOR: Julie Guy - 101.5 Lite FM
Aurelia Edwards - Founder Standard Measure Technologies
Ron Green - Resource Entertainment Group
Patrick Utter - Shenanigans
For tickets and event information, visit: https://www.sparkhollywoodfl.com/.../fromidea.../register
SPARK, Hollywood, Florida was launched in 2017 through a unique partnership between the City of Hollywood and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with support from entrepreneurially focused organizations. SPARK aims to bridge the gap between investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs. SPARK drives innovation by facilitating opportunities for the entrepreneur community that will catapult them forward to achieve their vision of the future.
Save the Date: SPARK Tank Annual Pitch Competition – May 22nd! More details coming soon! For more information, please visit: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com.
Centennial Celebration Events This Weekend
Hollywood History Hunt and Disco Ball: Saturday, February 22nd
Get into the groove... It’s 1974 again at HHS as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Jubilee! Join your neighbors for the firstever Disco Ball, a 1970s-themed pop-up street festival, plus the inaugural History Hunt, a historic team scavenger hunt. Funds raised from these events will support our education and preservation
programs. All ages are welcome & Free Venue Parking at the Hammerstein House - 1520 Polk Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020.
History Hunt: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Get ready for the team scavenger History Hunt, where you’ll explore historic locations and solve clues to reach your next destination, across all six districts of Hollywood! The check in for the scavenger hunt begins at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, and the race begins at 4:00 p.m. After finding their way to the final site, the teams will go to the Hammerstein House to join the Disco Ball. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony during the ball. The History Hunt is free, but purchase of Disco Ball tickets is required to participate.
The Disco Ball: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Come disco dance with us on an LED dance floor while DJ Le Spam spins vinyl tracks from his Retro Volkswagen Bus. If you need a break, relax in our backyard tropical oasis, sip on your drink of choice, and let the kids enjoy a mini history hunt around the Hammerstein House grounds. Specialty wares from local vendors, along with food, wine, beer and commemorative merchandise, will be available for purchase.
Awards, Raffle & Tours
Awards Ceremony, announcement of the winners of the History Hunt & raffle
prizes starts at 7:00 p.m. *LimitedCapacity Hammerstein House Tours at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.*
Tickets & Sign-Up
Prices are as Follows, Adults: $15 + a $2.85 Fee, Children (under 12): $5 + a $2.18 Fee. Purchase your Disco Ball tickets at: https:// hollywoodhistoricalsociety.org/disco.html
Fill out the Registration form to sign-up for the History Hunt at: https:// hollywoodhistoricalsociety.org/disco.html
Please note - Purchase of Disco Ball tickets are required to participate in the History Hunt & all participants will need to sign a liability waiver upon check-in.
Chris Hixon Memorial 5K Run & Walk: Saturday, February 22nd
The Chris Hixon Memorial 5K, will honor the memory of Chris Hixon; a friend, Coach, Father and great human being. All proceeds will support the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Foundation.
Christopher Hixon was a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the tragic events that took place on February 14th, 2018. He was gunned down while running towards the shooter in order to stop him from taking more innocent lives and despite his wounds continued to stand guard, until police arrived, after the shooter had departed in case he returned. Chris was an Athletic Director, Coach, and Campus Monitor
during his 20+ year career within the Broward County Public Schools of Blanche Ely High School, South Broward High School, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Additionally, Chris Hixon was a Retired U.S. Navy Machinist Mate First Class having served 27 honorable years, 5 active duty and 22 reserve, in support of our nation. His love for his student-athletes was well known throughout his career as he always went the extra mile to ensure they were taken care of. Therefore, to continue his legacy and continue to take care of studentathletes they created a scholarship in his name for student-athletes at the three schools he worked at.
For more information about the run, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Hollywood/ ChrisHixonMemorialRun
Mardi Gras in Historic Downtown: Sunday, February
What Is An IRA? Everything You Need To Know
ual retirement accounts, better known as IRAs, are worth considering. Almost anyone with earned income can open an IRA, which makes it different from a 401K, which you can only participate in if your employer offers one. There are several different types of IRAs, each with its own requirements and features, but all offer important tax advantages that could help you save more for your future.
The most popular kinds of IRA’s are traditional IRA’s and Roth IRA’s. The combined maximum yearly contribution to both accounts is $7,000 for 2024—or $8,000 if you will be age 50 or older at any time during the calendar year. Here’s what you need to know to help you choose an IRA.1
What are traditional IRA’s?
Traditional IRAs provide tax-deferred growth. This means your money grows tax-free until you begin taking distributions, at which point your withdrawals are taxed at your income tax rate. What’s more, contributions may be taxdeductible. For instance, if you make $40,000 per year and put $3,000 in a traditional IRA, you will generally receive a deduction against your $40,000 of income.
For 2024, if you are covered by a workplace retirement plan, your contributions are at least partially tax-deductible if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $87,000 if you are single or $143,000 if you are married and filing jointly. The income limits are higher if your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan but you are not. However, if neither you nor your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan, your contributions are tax-deductible no matter what your income is.
A traditional IRA can be useful for those who don’t qualify for a Roth IRA (see next section), for those who anticipate being in a lower tax bracket after retirement and for those who want to save outside their 401K. It makes sense to invest enough in your 401K to get the full matching contribution from your employer, if they offer one. Beyond that, IRAs may offer more investment flexibility than many 401K’s, though you should learn the details of your 401K to be sure. Anyone with earned income is eligible to open a traditional IRA. If you withdraw funds from your traditional IRA before age 59-1/2 however, you generally have to pay income tax on any tax-deductible contributions and earnings, and an additional 10 percent tax on your withdrawal— though some exceptions may apply.
What are Roth IRA’s?
Roth IRAs are attractive accounts for those who can afford to pay taxes now for the reward of federally tax-free income later (state taxes may apply). Since contri-
butions to Roth IRA’s aren’t taxdeductible, you pay more in income taxes up front than you would with a taxdeductible contribution to a traditional IRA. The trade-off is when you withdraw your contributions, you get to take home the full amount federal taxfree (as long as at least five years have passed since your first Roth IRA contribution and you’re older than 59-1/2 or you meet another exception). In addition, unlike taxdeductible contributions to traditional IRA’s, contributions to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time, taxfree (including the 10% early withdrawal tax), although taxes (including the 10% early withdrawal tax) may apply to the portion of the withdrawal representing earnings.
One other feature that sets the Roth IRA apart from the traditional IRA: There are no required minimum distributions while the Roth IRA owner is still alive. However, to contribute for 2024, you must have earned income, and single tax filers must make less than $161,000 per year, while joint tax filers must make less than $240,000 per year. The IRS adjusts these limits annually.
You may contribute to both a traditional and a Roth IRA, though there is an annual contribution limit—for 2024, the maximum combined limit across both accounts is $7,000 (or $8,000 if you will be age 50 or older at any time during the calendar year).
yearly returns, often without any annual or custodial fees.
Investment IRAs are offered by investment firms and may allow you to invest in stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. These accounts
tax year. If the taxpayer has filed an extension, then the taxpayer has until the extension deadline, which is usually October 15, to make a SEP IRA contribution.
5. This article does not address
What are IRA’s for the self-employed?
A simplified employee pension (SEP) IRA can be a good option for those who are self-employed. SEP IRA’s allow you to set aside up to the lesser of (a) 25% of compensation (as determined under the SEP IRA rules),4 or (b) $69,000 through 2024.
SEP IRA’s work like traditional IRA’s, which means you don’t pay taxes on your contributions and earnings until you withdraw them in retirement. There is no Roth option for SEP IRA’s.
What are savings IRA’s vs. investment IRA’s?
Once you determine your account type, you may be able to choose between an investment IRA and a savings IRA. Think about your retirement goals, your financial health and your life stage to help you determine which kind of IRA would be better for you. Savings IRA’s are offered by banks and feature FDIC-insured CDs and money market savings accounts. These are lower-risk accounts that offer the potential for relatively stable, modest
may make sense for those who are willing to accept some risk in their retirement accounts in exchange for the potential for greater long-term growth. Investment IRAs are not FDIC-insured, are not bank guaranteed and have the potential to lose value.
No matter which kind of IRA you choose, saving or investing for retirement should be at the top of your list of financial priorities. With retirements lasting longer than they used to, the sooner you start preparing, the better off you could be.
1. This article addresses U.S. federal tax consequences. State and local taxes may also apply. Consult your tax advisor.
2. Withdrawals in excess of nondeductible contributions are taxed. Withdrawals before age 59-1/2 may be subject to a 10% additional tax unless an exception applies.
3. A spouse can also contribute to a traditional IRA on behalf of a spouse who has no earned income, provided the contributing spouse has enough earned income to cover the contributions.
4. Taxpayers typically have until their individual federal tax return filing deadline to make an IRA contribution for the prior
SARSEPs (or salary reduction SEPs) or SIMPLE IRA’s which can also be used by those who are self-employed if certain requirements are met.
6. The maximum compensation that can be taken into account for purposes of this calculation is $345,000 in 2024.
7. Tax-free withdrawals (i.e., qualified distributions) are generally allowed if you’re 59 1/2, disabled or deceased, and five years have passed since your first contribution to any Roth IRA.
8. Effective 1/1/2023, the required beginning date is April 1 of the year after you turn age 73. You are required to take an RMD by December 31st each year after that. If you delay your first RMD until April 1 in the year after you turn 73, you will be required to take two RMD’s in that year. You may be subject to additional taxes if RMD’s are missed. Please see your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
9. Starting in 2024, you may be able to pull up to $1,000 from a Retirement Account, without owing the 10 percent penalty, for “unforeseeable or immediate” needs arising from a personal or family emergency.
Source: IRS, 2024
By Miguel Rivera, Bank of America