A Nanny State Idiocracy: A Tale of Too Many Laws and Too Little Freedom By John & Nisha Whitehead May 24, 2024 Share We are caught in a vicious cycle of too many laws, and too little freedom. It’s hard to say whether we’re dealing with a kleptocracy (a government ruled by thieves), a kakistocracy (a government run by unprincipled career politicians, corporations and thieves that panders to the worst vices in our nature and has little regard for the rights of American citizens), or a Nanny State Idiocracy. Whatever the label, this overbearing despotism is what happens when government representatives (those elected and appointed to work for us) adopt the authoritarian notion that the government knows best and therefore must control, regulate and dictate almost everything about the citizenry’s public, private and professional lives. The government’s bureaucratic attempts at muscle-flexing by way of overregulation and overcriminalization have reached such outrageous limits that federal and state governments now require on penalty of a fine that individuals apply for permission before they can grow exotic orchids, host elaborate dinner parties, gather friends in one’s home for Bible studies, give coffee to the homeless, let their kids manage a lemonade stand, keep chickens as pets, or braid someone’s hair, as ludicrous as that may seem. As the Regulatory Transparency Project explains, “There are over 70 federal regulatory agencies, employing hundreds of thousands of people to write and implement regulations. Every year, they issue about 3,500 new rules, and the regulatory code now is over 168,000 pages long.” In his CrimeADay Twitter feed, Mike Chase highlights some of the more arcane and inane laws that render us all guilty of violating some law or other. As Chase notes, it’s against the law to try to make an unreasonable noise while a horse is passing by in a national park; to leave Michigan with a turkey that was hunted with a drone; to refill a liquor bottle with different liquor than it had in it when it was originally filled; to offer to buy swan feathers so you can make a woman's hat with them; to enter a design in the Federal Duck Stamp contest if waterfowl are not the dominant feature of the design; to transport a cougar without a cougar license; to sell spray deodorant without telling people to avoid spraying it in their eyes; and to transport “meat loaf” unless it’s in loaf form. In such a society, we are all petty criminals. In fact, Boston lawyer Harvey Silvergate estimates that the average American now unknowingly commits three felonies a day, thanks to an overabundance of vague laws that render otherwise innocent activity illegal and an inclination on the part of prosecutors to reject the idea that there can’t be a crime without criminal intent. The bigger the government grows, the worse the red tape becomes. Almost every aspect of American life today, including the job sector, is now subject to this kind of heightened scrutiny and ham-fisted control. Whereas 70 years ago, one out of every 20 U.S. jobs required a state license, today, almost 1 in 4 American occupations requires a license. According to business analyst Kaylyn McKenna, more than 41 states require that makeup artists be licensed. Twenty-eight states require a license before you can work as a residential painter. Funeral attendants, whose duties include placing caskets in visitation rooms, arranging flowers and directing mourners, have to be licensed to do so in Kansas, Maine and Massachusetts. The problem of overregulation has become so bad that, as one analyst notes, “getting a license to style hair in Washington takes more instructional time than becoming an emergency medical technician or a firefighter.” This is what happens when bureaucrats run the show, and the rule of law becomes little more than a cattle prod for forcing the citizenry to march in lockstep with the government. Overregulation is just the other side of the coin to overcriminalization, that phenomenon in which everything is rendered illegal, and everyone becomes a lawbreaker. As policy analyst Michael Van Beek warns, the problem with overcriminalization is that there are so many laws at the federal, state and local levels—that we can’t possibly know them all. “It’s also impossible to enforce all these laws. Instead, law enforcement officials must choose which ones are important and which are not. The result is that they pick the laws Americans really must follow, because they’re the ones deciding which laws really matter,” concludes Van Beek. “Federal, state and local regulations — rules created by unelected government bureaucrats — carry the same force of law and can turn you into a criminal if you violate any one of them… if we violate these rules, we could be prosecuted as criminals. No matter how antiquated or ridiculous, they still carry the full force of the law. By letting so many of these sit around, just waiting to be used against us, we increase the power of law enforcement, which has lots of options to charge people with legal and regulatory violations.” Case in point: in New Jersey, in what journalist Billy Binion describes as “yet another example of the effects of overcriminalization, which increases interactions between civilians and police with little benefit to actual public safety,” police went so far as to arrest a teenager and seize other teen’s bicycles for so-called traffic violations and a failure to register their bikes with the state. This is the police state’s superpower: it has been vested with the authority to make our lives a bureaucratic hell. “Such laws,” notes journalist George Will, “which enable government zealots to accuse almost anyone of committing three felonies in a day, do not just enable government misconduct, they incite prosecutors to intimidate decent people who never had culpable intentions. And to inflict punishments without crimes.” This is what happens when the American people get duped, deceived, double-crossed, cheated, lied to, swindled and conned into believing that the government and its army of bureaucrats—the people we appointed to safeguard our freedoms—actually have our best interests at heart. 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 problem with these devil’s bargains is that there is always a catch, always a price to pay for whatever it is we valued so highly as to barter away our most precious possessions. In the end, such bargains always turn sour. 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 < Previous News Next News >

A Significant Milestone: The First Mixed-Use Development In Hallandale Beach Is Moving Into The Sky July 11, 2024 Share MGM Construction Group, a South Florida-based commercial and residential construction firm, has announced the pouring for levels 1-13 of the highly anticipated West Tower of the Oasis Hallandale. Located in the heart of Hallandale Beach, the mixed-use development is set to top out in late fall boasting 500 residences, shops, restaurants, and offices on its 10-acre site. The West Tower is slated to soar 25 stories and feature 250 luxurious homes with such amenities as a pool deck with two pools, gym, splash fountain, fire pit, hot tub, Yoga lawn, outdoor movie theater, and spa area. “Reaching Phase 3 of Oasis Hallandale marks a significant milestone for our team and our community,” said President of MGM Construction Group, Marcel Fernandez. “The rapid progression of Oasis is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and the dedication of our talented team and subcontractors. We look forward to continuing this momentum and bringing our vision to life with the same high standards and quality that define MGM.” Throughout the project, the strong partnership between the MGM team and the subcontractors has been a cornerstone of success, fostering a sense of unity and purpose, driving the project forward. MGM has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects on time and within budget. The completion of Phase 3 marks a significant achievement in the ongoing development of the Oasis, showcasing the firm’s exceptional capabilities in managing large-scale projects, along with all the subcontractors, to ensure that every detail meets the highest standards of quality and precision. As Phase 3 progresses, anticipation continues to build among prospective residents and the community eager to be a part of the Oasis Hallandale. Incorporating South Florida’s signature indoor/outdoor design, every home will showcase expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, ensuring abundant natural light and stunning ocean views. For more information, please visit: www.mgmconstructiongroup.com . MGM Construction Group MGM Construction Group is a commercial and residential construction firm with headquarters in South Florida. The firm’s principals have more than 45 years of combined construction experience, building approximately 4,500,000 square feet of mixed use, hospitality, commercial, and residential assets and have completed over half a billion dollars in construction projects throughout South Florida and Latin America. The innovative firm stands by its principles of Collaborate. Build. Celebrate - on a mission to build notable and highly desirable projects with strong and long-term client relationships. For more information, please visit: www.mgmconstructiongroup.com . Oasis Hallandale With the perfect mix of amenities, residents of all ages and lifestyles will enjoy fun, fresh air and privacy. You can “namaste” all day on the Yoga lawn. Teens and adults can perfect their game at the ping-pong room, Golf simulator and Mini Soccer Field. Young families will love the indoor and outdoor playrooms as well as the outdoor splash pad area. And your fur baby is invited to make friends at the dog park. The extensive residents-only amenities list also includes a barbecue grill, fire pit, bar and lounge with pool tables, sitting area, multi use lawn and indoor/outdoor theaters. Visit the onsite spa for massages, facials and Yoga. And when you need to work from home, the onsite office center with conferencing capabilities is the perfect place for productivity. Oasis Hallandale also includes your modern must-haves. After that invigorating ride along the beach, store your bicycle at the convenient bike parking. Keep your eco-friendly vehicle charged for work and weekend escapes at the onsite electric car charging station. Your outdoor gear and other essentials will be handy but out of sight in the convenient storage area. On-site amenities will include business and conference room, lounge bar, banquet hall, State-Of-The-Art Fitness and Wellness Center, indoor and outdoor movie theaters, Mini Soccer Field, Golf simulator, pet park, a Yoga lawn, two resort-style pools, valet parking, 24-hour lobby attendant, and children’s splash pads and other luxe offerings. For more, visit the sales gallery located at 1000 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Or visit: https://hallandaleoasis.com/ < Previous News Next News >

Ballet, Broadway, Books, Cats & Films Wed Mar 02 2022 07:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Easy Easter Eats: One-Pan Dishes To Make Hosting Simple By Family Features February 15, 2024 Share Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn't mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration. Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, using only one pan makes cleanup a breeze, so you can get back to the festivities quickly. A dish like this Easter Roast lets you check both the main course and side dishes off your list, relying on the oven to do most of the work for you after some quick prep work. Similarly easy to prepare, these Refrigerator Rolls can also be made up to six days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake - a perfect complement to the savory roast and veggies. Finish off your feast with an adaptable dessert like this Blueberry Crumble. Made using just five ingredients and ready in about an hour, you can swap the blueberry pie filling and yellow cake mix for any combination that suits your guests' tastes like apple pie filling with spice cake or cherry pie filling with chocolate cake; the sky's the limit when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth. For more Easter recipe inspiration, visit: https://www.culinary.net/ Easter Roast Yield: 1 roast • Salt • Pepper • Garlic Powder • 1 Roast (3 pounds) • 1 Bag (1 pound) Baby Carrots • 1 Bag (1 1/2 pounds) Trio Potatoes or Potato of choice • 3 Cups of Beef Broth • 1 Can (10 ounces) Cream Of Mushroom Soup • 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Pepper • 3 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar • 1 Onion, roughly chopped • 1 Bundle of Asparagus Preheat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over roast and rub into front, back and sides. Place seasoned roast in middle of large roasting pan. Place carrots on one side of roasting pan and potatoes on other side. In large bowl, mix beef broth and cream of mushroom soup with garlic pepper. Pour mixture over roast, potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle brown sugar over carrots and add chopped onion. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours then remove from oven, add asparagus and cook uncovered 30 minutes. Serve from pan or place on platter for more formal presentation. Refrigerator Rolls Yield: 18 rolls • 2 packages yeast • 1/2 cup sugar • 2 cups lukewarm water • 6-7 cups all-purpose flour, divided • 2 teaspoons salt • 2 eggs • 1 stick softened butter • oil, divided In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast is foamy, add 3 cups flour. Mix in salt, eggs and butter. Once mixed well, add remaining flour 1 cup at a time and knead dough into ball in bowl. Remove dough from bowl and place on clean surface. Wash and dry bowl then grease with drizzle of oil. Place dough in bowl and let rise 1 hour or store in refrigerator if making in advance. When ready to use, grease muffin pan with oil. Roll dough into hand-size balls and place in each muffin hole; cover 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake rolls 30 minutes. Note: Dough can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator up to six days. If making ahead, punch down dough, cover and place in refrigerator. Punch down daily until ready to use. Blueberry Crumble Yield: 1 cake • 1 Can of Blueberry Pie Filling • 1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix • 1 Bag (4 ounces) Chopped Pecans • 1 Stick of Butter, melted • 1/4 Cup of Oil • Whipped Cream, for serving (optional) • Vanilla Ice Cream, for serving (optional) Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread pie filling on bottom of 9-by-11-inch pan. Sprinkle cake mix and pecans on top. Do not mix. Drizzle melted butter and oil on top of cake mix and pecans. Do not mix. Lift pan and tilt from side to side until cake mix is completely covered in butter. Bake 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired. < Previous News Next News >

Four-Legged Holiday Fun Thu Dec 09 2021 05:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Gratitude And The Spirit Of The Holidays - Messages From The Mayor & Vice Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach Credit www.sibfl.gov November 21, 2024 Share Larisa Svechin, SIB Mayor - As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the people and moments that fill our lives with joy. Whether it’s the warmth of family traditions, catching up with old friends, or simply enjoying good food around the table, this season reminds us of what truly matters: connection, kindness, and gratitude. Even small moments—like a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or a quick check-in with a neighbor—help us feel grounded and grateful for the people around us. The holiday spirit isn’t just about what happens on Thanksgiving Day; it’s about embracing the little opportunities to show kindness and generosity throughout the season. Maybe that’s lending a hand to someone who needs it, volunteering your time, or simply telling your loved ones how much they mean to you. No act of kindness is too small—every gesture of care has the power to strengthen the bonds in our community. As we enjoy this special time, it’s also important to acknowledge that our city is going through a period of change with the upcoming election. No matter the outcome, we remain a strong, united community. Elections are part of the democratic process, but what holds us together is far bigger than any campaign or result. Our shared values—kindness, respect, and a commitment to each other—are what truly define us. This Thanksgiving, let’s focus on what brings us together. We are more than neighbors—we are friends, partners, and teammates working toward a better future for all. We’ve proven time and time again that when we come together, we are capable of great things. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, looking out for one another, or finding ways to lift someone’s spirits, these actions reflect the heart of who we are. So, as you gather with family and friends, I encourage you to embrace this season of gratitude and celebration. Take time to appreciate the moments, both big and small, and let the people in your life know how much they matter. And as we move forward together, remember we are one community— stronger together, and ready to build a brighter future. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and gratitude. You can contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: lsvechin@sibfl.net . Or: (305) 792-1753. Being Thankful And Paying It Forward Alex Lama, SIB Vice Mayor - I find myself reflecting on all that I have to be grateful for: my health, a loving family, good friends, a safe home, and food in the fridge, among many other blessings. But it is also a time to think about those who are facing difficult times and may not be as fortunate. Whether it’s the devastation caused by natural disasters—like the back-to-back hurricanes that have affected many of our neighboring communities—or the challenges of living with physical and mental health issues, or even the daily struggle to put food on the table amid financial difficulties, the need for help in our society is vast. One of the most meaningful ways to show gratitude for our own good fortune is to extend a helping hand to those in need. I believe this is the ultimate expression of thankfulness. If you are in a position to support your neighbors and communities, here are some reputable organizations through which you can make a difference: Disaster And Crisis Relief: • Volunteer Florida: www.volunteerflorida.org • Global Empowerment Mission: www.globalempowermentmission.org • Team Rubicon: www.teamrubiconusa.org Physical And Mental Health: • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: www.stjude.org • Anxiety And Depression Association Of America (ADAA): https://adaa.org/get-involved • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org/get-involved • National Federation of Families: www.ffcmh.org/get-involved Food and Housing Assistance: • Feeding South Florida: www.feedingsouthflorida.org • Farm Share: www.farmshare.org/how-to-help • Camillus House: www.camillus.org If you feel the call to help in other areas, a simple Google search can lead you to causes that align with your interests. As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” You can contact Vice Mayor Alex Lama at: seat2@sibfl.net . Or: (305) 792-1752. < Previous News Next News >

What If The Baby Jesus Had Been Born Into The American Police State? By John & Nisha Whitehead December 30, 2024 Share The Christmas story of a baby born in a manger is a familiar one. The Roman Empire, a police state in its own right, had ordered that a census be conducted. Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled to the little town of Bethlehem so that they could be counted. There being no room for the couple at any of the inns, they stayed in a stable (a barn), where Mary gave birth to a baby boy, Jesus. Warned that the government planned to kill the baby, Jesus’ family fled with him to Egypt until it was safe to return to their native land. Yet what if Jesus had been born 2,000 years later? What would Jesus’ life have been like if, instead of being born into the Roman police state, he had been born and raised in the American police state? Consider the following if you will. Had Jesus been born in the era of the America police state, rather than traveling to Bethlehem for a census, Jesus’ parents would have been mailed a 28-page American Community Survey, a mandatory government questionnaire documenting their habits, household inhabitants, work schedule, how many toilets are in your home, etc. Instead of being born in a manger, Jesus might have been born at home. Rather than wise men and shepherds bringing gifts, however, the baby’s parents might have been forced to ward off visits from state social workers intent on prosecuting them for the home birth. Had Jesus been born in a hospital, his blood and DNA would have been taken without his parents’ knowledge or consent and entered into a government biobank. Then again, had Jesus’ parents been undocumented immigrants, they and the newborn baby might have been shuffled to a profit-driven, private prison for illegals where they first would have been separated from each other. From the time he was old enough to attend school, Jesus would have been drilled in lessons of compliance and obedience to government authorities, while learning little about his own rights. Had he been daring enough to speak out against injustice while still in school, he might have found himself tasered or beaten by a school resource officer, or at the very least suspended under a school zero tolerance policy that punishes minor infractions as harshly as more serious offenses. Had Jesus disappeared for a few hours let alone days as a 12-year-old, his parents would have been handcuffed, arrested and jailed for parental negligence. Rather than disappearing from the history books from his early teenage years to adulthood, Jesus’ movements and personal data—including his biometrics—would have been documented, tracked, monitored and filed by governmental agencies and corporations such as Google and Microsoft. From the moment Jesus made contact with an “extremist” such as John the Baptist, he would have been flagged for surveillance because of his association with a prominent activist, peaceful or otherwise. Jesus’ anti-government views would certainly have resulted in him being labeled a domestic extremist. While traveling from community to community, Jesus might have been reported to government officials as “suspicious” under the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” programs. Rather than being permitted to live as an itinerant preacher, Jesus might have found himself threatened with arrest for daring to live off the grid or sleeping outside. Viewed by the government as a dissident and a potential threat to its power, Jesus might have had government spies planted among his followers to monitor his activities, report on his movements, and entrap him into breaking the law. Had Jesus used the internet to spread his radical message of peace and love, he might have found his blog posts infiltrated by government spies attempting to undermine his integrity, discredit him or plant incriminating information online about him. At the very least, he would have had his website hacked and his email monitored. Had Jesus attempted to feed large crowds of people, he would have been threatened with arrest for violating various ordinances prohibiting the distribution of food without a permit. Had Jesus spoken publicly about his 40 days in the desert and his conversations with the devil, he might have been labeled mentally ill and detained in a psych ward against his will for a mandatory involuntary psychiatric hold with no access to family or friends. Without a doubt, had Jesus attempted to overturn tables in a Jewish temple and rage against the materialism of religious institutions, he would have been charged with a hate crime. More than 45 states and the federal government have hate crime laws on the books. Had anyone reported Jesus to the police as being potentially dangerous, he might have found himself confronted—and killed—by police officers for whom any perceived act of non-compliance (a twitch, a question, a frown) can result in them shooting first and asking questions later. Rather than having armed guards capture Jesus in a public place, government officials would have ordered that a SWAT team carry out a raid on Jesus and his followers, complete with flash-bang grenades and military equipment. There are upwards of 80,000 such SWAT team raids carried out every year, many on unsuspecting Americans who have no defense against such government invaders, even when such raids are done in error. Charged with treason and labeled a domestic terrorist, Jesus might have been sentenced to a life-term in a private prison where he would have been forced to provide slave labor for corporations or put to death by way of the electric chair or a lethal mixture of drugs. Indeed, as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, given the nature of government then and now, it is painfully evident that whether Jesus had been born in our modern age or his own, he still would have died at the hands of a police state. Thus, as we draw near to Christmas with its celebration of miracles and promise of salvation, we would do well to remember that what happened in that manger on that starry night in Bethlehem is only the beginning of the story. That baby born in a police state grew up to be a man who did not turn away from the evils of his age but rather spoke out against it. We must do no less. 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 . < Previous News Next News >

The Wizard of Casin-OZ: The Story of Casino Stan Wertheimer, Pool Manager and Political Activist By Jonathan Wertheimer October 6, 2022 Share It's been 10 years since the passing of my father Casino Stan Wertheimer. I've written several memorial letters since his passing but never sent them out as I just wanted his memory to rest in peace. He would have been 79 years old now. His bedroom, furnished with the same desk, dresser and bed he had as a boy in Newark, New Jersey sits frozen in time. I wanted to write a bit about my father as I know he would want to be remembered and not forgotten. Born in 1943 in Newark, New Jersey he grew up with the Doo Wop sounds of the 50's which he always loved. He was a camp counselor in his youth and worked at a used car lot cleaning and washing cars. He got into physical fitness in his teens and aspired to be a physical education teacher. His mother and father moved down to Florida with him in 1961 after he finished High School. In Newark, his parents had a Live Chicken Market but after moving to Hollywood opened up a little Shoe Store on Hollywood's Young Circle. My father got into the University of Miami and was on the track team but once he started working on Miami Beach as a pool boy he became too distracted and studying wasn't his top priority. He worked at several small motels on Sunny Isles Beach "Motel Row" until the Newport Resort Motel opened up. It was the biggest hotel on Motel Row at the time and he started as Assistant Pool Manager. After a year or so, he became the Pool Manager and in total worked at the Newport for 14 years. He loved working on the beach, he loved the sun and he was great with the people! Many would come back and stay at the Newport just because he was there. The Newport at the time was the place to be on Sunny Isles Beach and my father couldn't have been happier. They attracted the local crowd, out of state tourists and great entertainers. He ran a great pool deck and the weekends were packed as they offered Great Packages which included: Daytime Weenie Roasts and Evening Chicken Dinners ensuring that the guests left satisfied. He worked 7 days a week and late nights on the weekends. Motel Row was very exciting in the 70's and the workers from different motels all knew one another. They all respected him for being able to work for Irving Pollack, a tough and unrelenting manager. In 1980 after 9 years of asking for a raise and being turned down, my father finally stood up for himself and gave his 2 weeks notice. Pollack, who knew my father's weakness (he loved the Newport and didn't want to leave) was ready when my father gave his notice telling him "I'll match whatever Lifter is offering you" but it was too late my father told him. Bennett Lifter owned the Marco Polo on the north side of Motel Row and had been after my father for several years. Before leaving the Newport Motel, he worked on the first Casino Petition Drive in 1979. Things were changing on Motel Row and with inflation, the Gas Crisis of the late 70’s, tourism was falling and he wanted the excitement and the "heyday" that he experienced on Motel Row back. Tourists were now going from Disney World passing though Miami only to hop on a cruise to the Bahamas. The small motels on Sunny Isles Beach would become outdated and without tourism there wasn't any money for upgrading. The hotel workers were rallied up to support Casino "gambling" as a way to get those tourists back. He collected petitions but the 1979 run for Casinos would fail. The Anti-Casino groups would argue Casinos would bring crime, the mob and it worked. It was 1986, tourism was still off on Motel Row and things were going downhill. My father is now 43 years old. He was a Volunteer Coach for the North Miami Beach Optimist Club, a Volunteer CPR Instructor and also interviewed several Holocaust Survivors while working at the Marco Polo for the Holocaust Memorial Museum. There was a new push for Casinos and this time my father was eager to help out. After the 1979 Campaign, he had taken a small course on Public Speaking and was ready to Campaign for Casinos, hoping to lift up Motel Row once again to its former glory. A new Casino Campaign started, funded by several hoteliers, one being his boss, Bennett Lifter of Marco Polo. He collected petition signatures every evening after work at Corky's Delicatessen, Home Depot and Publix. His boss, Bennett Lifter took him off the pool deck and put him in an office working to get endorsements for the 1986 Campaign. He excelled in getting endorsements and took pride in all the important Florida figures that endorsed Casinos for him. He would soon start speaking publicly at the Miami-Dade and Broward County Legislative Delegation Meetings around this time. He read all of the local newspapers and started clipping articles related to casinos. He started writing in the "Letters To The Editor Sections” of the Newspapers and calling into Radio Shows when the topic of Casinos was mentioned. He would also be an invited guest on a few Radio Shows and always impressed the hosts with his knowledge. For a guy that loved working outside on the beach, he transitioned to the office environment seamlessly and enjoyed it. The Campaign would collect enough signatures to put the 1986 Casino Amendment on the Ballot and my father was excited and hopeful. He attended the Campaign Party after the polls closed and they waited for the results to come in and when it didn't pass he watched the Campaign head get chastised for failing. This had a profound effect on my father. Soon after the Campaign fizzled out, his boss Bennett Lifter asked him if he wanted to lease the pool deck and run it as a concession. Lifter wasn't making money off of the pool deck with tourism down, so my father politely declined and was out of a job for the first time in 25 years. The big hotel owners invested a lot in the 1986 Campaign as a last ditch effort to save their hotels and Motel Row. Soon after, his mother would find an advertisement in the newspaper for a Pool Manager at a Condominium in Hallandale Beach. He had been warned about working the condos with the Alta-Cockers but decided to give it a try. He would end up working there for the next 26 years! It wasn't the beach, but there was no sand to sweep out of the pool. The Alta-Cockers would slowly wear on him. Most retired and with nothing to do but complain about picayune things. He would often tell them: "You are the King, but I have a thousand other Kings living here as well!" He soon figured out how politics worked in condo land and made the best of it. The key was to have the condo board behind you. If they supported you, you were covered and the condo board loved him. My father knew it would be a while until the next Casino Amendment. The Campaign workers all left town to work on the next political campaign and my father decided to keep the torch burning. He learned from the errors of the loss and decided to keep Campaigning Casinos while nobody seemed to care. He wanted to keep the issue in the minds of South Floridians and keep drilling the benefits of bringing gaming to Florida, tax revenue! It had lost, it was over, it won't pass, the old people don't want it, the Panhandle will never vote for it, crime will go up, were all arguments and my father had an answer to all of them. The damage done by the NO Casinos Campaign had worked and it would be tougher and costly to get those voters near the fence. My father then started his own "Gorilla Campaign" for Casinos. He had nothing to lose and he started with a roll of stamps, his lucky 1950's Royal Typewriter and a telephone. He modified a stack of 1986 Campaign Bumper Stickers to read "YES CASINOS'' and plastered them on telephone poles wherever he passed. Like a graffiti artist trying to get their name or message out, his "tag" was Yes Casinos! After getting comfortable at his condo-land job he purchased a small portable radio with headphones and would keep one earphone in listening to AM Radio. If he heard the topic of Casinos come up, he would take his lunch break and call into the Radio Shows and Refute Anti-Casino remarks and keep everyone listening updated on the Casino Issues. Getting on air wasn't easy, he had to remain on hold for long periods of time but when his voice traveled over the AM Radio Waves it pushed through and the static was pleasantly distorted. Must have been that rotary phone he was still using! After getting home, he would read 2-3 Newspapers and if there was a way to preach the Gospel of Casinos he would let it out in the letters to the Editor Section. By the early 90’s, he was still refining his style but getting very good at what he did. He was going to Town Hall Meetings regularly and his name was known in local political circles. Prior to speaking publicly, he would write his speech the night before and go over it several times to get the flow down and make corrections. When he got up to the podium the following day, he would grab the microphone like a performer, making contact with the audience and going right into his speech, always from memory. He memorized an incredible number of statistics, figures, names, House, Senate Bill Numbers and people took notice. Many thought he was a paid professional until they saw him drive away in his 1981 Chevette with a pocket full of free cookies from the refreshment table. He had Chutzpah! He didn't care and wasn't a phony! When asked, he would say he's a Pool Manager and a Political Activist. He would be diagnosed with Cancer in 1990 and didn't let it slow him down, only missing 1 week of work after Dr. Muss of the Fountainbleau’s Muss Dynasty performing surgery on him. 1994-My father is now 51 years old. Seven years had passed since the 1986 Campaign and while there were several Campaign Teams ready to get Casinos on the Ballot, they weren't tuned into the South Florida Scene like my father was. He was a seasoned veteran after going through two Failed Campaigns. He was wearing several hats, Political Activist, PR Man and Lobbyist. He had a deep understanding of who was Pro-Casino and who were protecting their own interests. He knew the politicians that were in and those that were out. He had an arsenal of past newspaper clippings and Casino Information that nobody had. Unfortunately, with 4 separate Casino Initiatives, it was a Free-For-All which confused the voter. Bally's/ Riverboat/Limited Casino, think it was Sheldon Adelson from the Sands/Tracks. They weren't all expected to get on the Ballot, but my father believed if one got on the Ballot, it would win. He was ready like a baseball pitcher that had stayed warm in the bull pen since the 1986 Campaign. On his days off he would get up at 5:00 a.m. to get to the Hollywood Courthouse to get signatures. He spent the entire day debating the issue on the street and got the current view of the Florida voter. He occasionally ran into local politicians and made important connections. He would spend 8 hours on his feet in the hot sun only taking a short lunch break to eat his sliced chicken sandwich on rye with ketchup. The Law for collecting signatures was tough as you had to be a certain amount of feet away from the doors of an approved location. So there was no awning or shade to stand under. He told every campaign to make the X where people had to sign larger to help voters sign in the correct location, the Wertheimer X he called it. He would tell the Campaign, "Look I'm out there on the street in the hot sun and the people can’t see the little X you put on the petition!" He was now getting published and calling into the AM Radio Shows at a rapid pace. He had his formula down. If he felt he had a good response to an Anti-Casino Letter in the newspaper, he would write a rough draft on paper with his chicken scratch handwriting and type it out on his Royal Typewriter. His letters had the aesthetics of a ransom note. Highlighted with fluorescent yellow marker, 2-4 stamps, low resolution, bad contrast copies of the original newspaper clippings and the typed letter corrected with white out. He would type those letters at his childhood desk or the kitchen table with a fan on high speed blowing hot humid air on him like he was in a convection oven! He didn't use the air conditioner in the house but a few times a year on the high Jewish holidays. He used his archive of newspaper clippings and official reports to back up statements. His files were separated by plastic shopping bags, put in cardboard boxes and in dresser drawers but nobody had a better archive of clippings ready. After copying his finished letters, he would highlight certain points and personalize the letter for its recipient. His finished letters were often edited by newspaper staff and often some of his best stuff was edited out if it was too sharp as the newspapers of the time were Anti-Casino. He was always polite and developed good relationships with the editorial staff from calling in to check if his letter was going to get in. Remember, he was limited to one letter published every 2-3 months in the South Florida Sun Sentinel or the Miami Herald. If he had a great idea and he had used up his Miami Herald and South Florida Sun Sentinel limit, he could always depend on Larry Blustein from the South Florida Suntimes to get him in! The shelf-life of a letter was often dependent on current issues, so he had to strike and refute while the iron was hot! Larry respected my father's dedication and saw how hard he worked on the issue tirelessly. The old typewriter, the hot and humid house, were all part of what was working. He was a motivated man and would run 2 miles, 3 times a week and do his old school calisthenics as well to stay fit. When his letters arrived you better believe everyone knew it was a Casino Stan update hot off the press. He used the Jewish Proverb of a "worm in sauerkraut" often. He didn't want to get accustomed to even simple comforts and rest on his laurels. His car, a 1981 Chevy Chevette, he drove into oblivion until the paint all but wore off with the windows rolled down and his little sports walkman radio on because the radio had stopped working 10 years earlier. He enjoyed how much he was able to accomplish on his Personal Campaign Budget of $100. Officially it was more than that. He would call Tallahassee to speak with the Legislators offices frequently and would spend his lunch break making copies at Office Max. He needed to read 2 Casino Trade Magazines and they were pricey at $200 per year for maybe 8 issues but it kept him current with the industry. There was a certain satisfaction of his accomplishments knowing what he did on a shoestring budget, the poor man's DIY Campaign. When Local Politicians wanted to meet up for dinner and pick his brain he politely declined. He didn't want to owe anyone any favors and he just didn't have the budget for dinners. He didn't want to feel owned by anyone. He would talk for hours on the phone but didn't want to go in that direction and he was right. He stayed hungry and ate his broccoli and rice every night. There is a freedom of being a worm in sauerkraut. The Mezuzah-my father proudly wore the Mezuzah his father put on him and tied in a knot. It can be seen on him in old photos from August 1960 on Bradley Beach, New Jersey. I am still curious as to who tied their necklace in a knot first as Lou Rawls was on the Newport pool-deck in the 70s........ Either way, he wore that Mezuzah around his neck the rest of his life and only took it off a handful of times when he had to have an X-Ray. To Be continued...... < Previous News Next News >

The STEM Factory: Opening Doors to Lifelong Learning & Success May 12, 2022 Share It’s said that a passionate teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill the love of learning. Mrs. Charmaine Silvas-Price does all that and more as the Executive Director of The STEM Factory After School Tutoring Programs & Camps, Inc. based in Hollywood, Florida. The program assists students in kindergarten through fifth grade with tutoring. “Reading and reading comprehension is the foundation of our program and what I do,” states Mrs. Charmaine. “A child must be able to not only read, but comprehend what is written to be successful.” The STEM Factory offers a hands-on, problem-solving approach which engages students by combining Montessori, traditional and a method that she calls “processing to channel STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. A strong STEM education is recognized as a driver of lifelong learning and opportunity, opening the door for students to succeed in their future careers. My joy is watching them smile as they figure out solutions.” She, and her STEM Factory coaches, show that knowing how to teach children to learn, be confident and excel in life goes beyond their teaching degrees. For prospective students, a complimentary session is offered where the child participates in hands-on take away science experiences, teachable moments and socializes with other children in the program. An assessment, which includes questions below and at grade level, is then given to see if a child is working at grade level, or if there are lessons that were missed or not mastered in the previous grade. Parents are also empowered as Mrs. Charmaine teaches classes for parents–at no charge on Saturdays and some evenings. Many parents struggle with the New Math, reading and reading comprehension. To overcome challenges, Mrs. Charmaine connects with their child’s teachers and obtains the lessons that will be taught in class. With all of her experience, certifications and skills, Mrs. Charmaine still goes to school—on behalf of the parents. She accompanies them to parent conferences so that she can hear what is going on academically and ask specific questions that a parent may not think to ask. She also checks in weekly with teachers to see how each student is doing and gets the homework they need. When students arrive at The STEM Factory, homework is done before the tutoring sessions. All work is checked and initialed by a STEM Coach. Six STEM coaches to a maximum of 30 students, personal attention gets gold stars for greatness. Mrs. Charmaine traces her passion for education back to her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Albury, in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas where she was raised. Mrs. Albury left a lasting impression. “She would tell us it was ok to make mistakes and let’s fix it in a positive way.” That lesson has been carried on. Mrs. Charmaine uses a “no erasing” policy to help children succeed. “We don’t allow children in our program to erase a wrong answer. We put a line through it, see what was missed and correct it. If it is erased, we cannot learn from our mistakes.” After graduating from high school, Mrs. Charmaine took a job as a bank teller. But with her love for helping children learn and succeed, she knew she had to do something different. She started a preschool in her mom Michelle’s house in Nassau, Bahamas. Services included breakfast and transportation to help working families. Her father, Livingston, who was also an educator and a government administrator at the time, encouraged her to move to Florida to make an even greater impact. In Florida, Mrs. Charmaine applied her belief that knowledge is not power if you don’t use what you learned, to key educational positions including curriculum director for a private school, nutritionist, staffing consultant and administrator. But to ensure no child is left behind, she needed to tutor and teach. She began by advertising her tutoring services on Craig’s List with the help of her husband, Charles “Charlie,” who she says is not only her best friend but #1 supporter and prayer warrior. “He keeps me grounded so that I get it right.” Her success blossomed into the STEM Factory, located at 6241 Pembroke Road in Hollywood, with a second location set to open by early June in Hallandale. She is also an approved vendor to offer services in Broward County Public Schools. Like learning, Mrs. Charmaine never stops. When the pandemic paused traditional teaching, she knew students would need her even more. She safely beat the challenges and kept connected with parents, students and their teachers to ensure learning would be seamless. “I win when my students win.” At The STEM Factory, every student crosses the finish line feeling confident. They are celebrated, especially every Friday at “happy hour.” Together, they talk about their week and each student is recognized for trying their best. Beyond books, personal interest and caring builds hope and self-esteem. Parents say she is making a positive impact through one on one and group tutoring. Students agree. They proudly wear t-shirts she had made for them. Emblazoned on the front are the words, ‘I’m a big deal.” The back? “My friends are too.” That message can also be an answer to a question they are asked daily, “What is your life lesson for today? Life skills are a part of the STEM system, which goes beyond simple test performance and connects classroom learning to the real world. STEM focuses on the child as a whole. Students learn collaboration, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and other skills that are needed to be successful, survive and thrive in today's world. At The STEM Factory, situations children may face are replicated and they learn how to respond calmly. For example, Mrs. Charmaine, a certified CPR instructor, ensures every child learns children’s CPR. This enabled a 10-year-old student to save her grandmother's life from a heart attack last year. Mrs. Charmaine and her teaching coaches are dedicated to ensuring our future leaders are prepared and feel empowered to turn challenges into rewarding opportunities. All children need to know that they can do it! This is where I come in,” says Mrs. Charmaine, who is the proud mother of two children, doting grandmother to Arielle and bonus mom of six. Not only is Mrs. Charmaine making a positive contribution and change in the community, so are her children. Her daughter Gianna is an herbalist and her son Algernon is a police officer. “All children deserve a good education and a fair shot in life no matter their ethnic backgrounds, race or abilities. This is my passion, my purpose and my calling. I love them all.” says Mrs. Charmaine. And she does. One moment in her class and you will see her words come to life through heartfelt actions to empower students to succeed. The STEM Factory offers tutoring and homework help as well as mini–STEM Camps for children and parents. Tutoring is specifically provided for grades K-5th grade. But as the child comes first, they will provide or refer for tutoring beyond 5th grade. For information, please call 954-251-1890 or email: stemfactory123@yahoo.com Additional information is available on the website, www.stemfactory.net < Previous News Next News >

5 Ways to Naturally Support Summer Energy And Focus By Feature Impact Jul 30, 2026 Summertime Means Sunshine, Longer Days, Family Vacations And Social Events Everywhere You Look - But Summer Can Slip Away If You Feel Too Tired And Distracted To Make The Most Of Your Experiences. According to a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Botanic Tonics, many adults ages 21 and older struggle to feel fully present in summer activities. Nearly half of respondents said having enough energy and a clear mind would help them get more enjoyment out of the summer moments that matter most. With that in mind, here are five simple daily habits to support your energy and focus throughout the rest of the summer season. Improve Your Sleep Quality It might sound obvious, but getting better sleep should be a top priority for anyone trying to harness more physical and mental energy throughout the day. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet; avoid consuming caffeine too close to bedtime; and wind down with a relaxing routine like reading or Yoga. Get Regular Exercise Even though a workout consumes energy in the short term, it pays you back with dividends. Just 30 minutes of movement a day - including favorite summer activities like swimming or playing games in the yard - can improve your mood. Physical movement also helps reduce stress, which was a reported obstacle for 33% of survey respondents who wished they could be more present with friends and family during the summer months. Stay Hydrated When the weather is hot, it becomes more important to stay on top of your hydration. Even mild dehydration can negatively impact your energy and focus. When you're out of the house, bring a reusable water bottle and set reminders to drink regularly, especially during and after outdoor activities. Limit Device Usage When you're feeling sluggish, it can be tempting to collapse on the couch or in bed to scroll on your phone or watch TV. There's nothing wrong with screen time in moderation, but digital fatigue is real and it can drain your energy and disrupt your sleep. Plus, 49% of surveyed adults said Social-Media-driven FOMO ("fear of missing out") made it harder for them to enjoy their summer experiences in the moment. Try Botanical Energy Offerings When energy levels start to dip, it's easy to reach for a cup of coffee, a sugary energy drink or soda. Products made with thoughtfully sourced botanical ingredients offer a different approach. For example, Botanic Tonics' "feel free" kava-centric supplements are designed to deliver chilled energy: a unique combination of energy, focus and elevated mood. For smooth, sustained energy without caffeine jitters or sugar crashes, try KavaMate, crafted with noble kava root and yerba mate. For those looking to elevate their mood and enhance focus, feel free Classic is thoughtfully crafted with noble kava root and natural whole leaf kratom - never synthetic ingredients, alcohol or concentrates. Learn more about these products, responsible consumption and where to purchase at: https://BotanicTonics.com . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

A Season of Fun Awaits at Gulfstream Park Village: South Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination welcomes back its signature Headless Horseman Halloween event followed by holiday lights showcase, Symphony in Lights October 18, 2023 Share As South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Gulfstream Park Village is gearing up for a fun-filled season featuring two of its signature events. The Headless Horseman Halloween extravaganza is back for another year on Saturday, October 28 with a new, spooky theme and plenty of thrills for all ages. Then, Symphony in Lights will dazzle viewers this holiday season daily from November 12-December 31 with a multifaceted display of lights, music and activations. Gulfstream Park Village is also excited to continue its Music in the Park series. These outdoor performances feature a collection of local homegrown performers and DJs who take to the stage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at the Village Center Stage. All show times are from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Performances are subject to change; cancellations may occur due to inclement weather. When it comes to ghostly fun, fall’s most sought-after event can’t come soon enough! This Halloween, South Florida’s favorite Halloween event is back and better than ever at Gulfstream Park Village. On Saturday, October 28, the Headless Horseman Halloween will transform the open-air lifestyle center into a haunted adventure that is sure to spook even the bravest of souls. Thrills lurk everywhere! From 6:30-8 p.m., families can enjoy spooktacular themed candy stations throughout the Village, a safe alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating. With approximately 2,000 pounds of candy, each station also features music, lights, and live strolling performers. The ‘Carn-Evil Performers’ will spook and delight near each candy station, with themes including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Creepy Carn-Evil Circus, Zombies, Mummies, Vampires, and scary creatures from Stranger Things. Beginning at 8 p.m. in the Gulfstream Park Walking Ring is the highly anticipated Evil Costume Contest with up to $1,000 in cash up for grabs. Guests can also enjoy a selection of food trucks including Cuban Guys, The Brothers Kitchen Grill and La Nostra Pizza, and bars with refreshments for purchase as well as music, a laser light show, performers and Miami’s own Chris Cruz as the Emcee/DJ. Looking for the perfect costume? Spirit Halloween is now open at Gulfstream Park Village at 600 Silks Run. A destination for Halloween costumes, accessories and decorations, shoppers can start planning their perfect Halloween persona now with an unbeatable selection of classic and contemporary costumes. The pop-up store is open now and will remain open for any last-minute Halloween needs on the big night! The Headless Horseman Halloween takes place on Saturday, October 28 and is free and open to the public. For more information, and to register, please visit: https://gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/sleepy-hollow-halloween/ The most wonderful time of the year is also near! Symphony in Lights will return for another dazzling season at Gulfstream Park Village, where the interactive lights display will be running daily November 12-December 31. Set to the sounds of favorite holiday music from yesterday and today, a 10-minute light show runs 7 days a week from the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. and features over 250,000 LED lights. As special kickoff ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 11 from 7-10 p.m. All are invited to attend this community celebration that features DJ Chris Cruz and music from the Valerie Tyson 8-piece band. Representatives from the Cities of Hallandale Beach, Aventura, and other communities as well as FPL and the YMCA of South Florida will be in attendance to welcome guests. Even Santa Claus will be posing for selfies along with elves, dancers, and Nutcracker stilt walkers. After the opening remarks, a 10-minute light show dazzled in snowfall will commence. For more information on Symphony in Lights, please visit: https://gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/symphony-in-lights-opening-night-2023/ “As South Florida’s top entertainment and event destination, we are excited to again host our Headless Horseman Halloween and Symphony in Lights events. Each is uniquely different and offers guests of all ages a fun way to make memories,” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing for Gulfstream Park Village. “We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors for safe, fun-filled events this season.” Hungry for more? Gulfstream Park Village offers a variety of dining options, so there is something to keep everyone satisfied! Guests can enjoy options including Yard House, Christine Lee’s, Texas de Brazil, Häagen-Dazs, Pastry Is Art, Belly Fish, Bissaleh and Ten Palms at the Gulfstream Park Clubhouse among many others. About Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining, and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events, and additional information, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/ - Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

Provide Your Pet With A Stress-Free Thanksgiving November 23, 2023 Share Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful, indulge in delicious food, and gather with friends and family. But our pets may find the holiday Stressful if they suddenly find themselves surrounded by a large group of unfamiliar people. As owners prepare to give thanks, Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers tips that owners should keep in mind to ensure their pets have a Stress-FREE holiday. Introducing Pets To New Guests The key thing to remember when introducing pets to new visitors is that pets should be allowed to meet people on their own terms. “Some animals are very eager to meet guests and will willingly approach them, but owners may need to help calm an overly excited dog to keep it from jumping on someone, especially if it’s a small kid or a frailer guest,” Teller explained. “On the other hand, pets that are more cautious around people they don’t know will need to be approached slowly.” One way owners can help their pets adjust to guests is by providing treats. “An owner can give the guests some treats to share with the pet as encouragement, but if a pet does not want to interact with someone, it should never be forced,” Teller said. “Some pets may be happier with a special treat or new toy in a quieter part of the home where they can avoid the festivities.” If owners choose to give their pets treats throughout the day, they should be careful to avoid common holiday foods that can make pets ill. Foods that should not be fed to pets include anything containing: Onions, Garlic, Grapes, Raisins, Walnuts, Chocolate, or Xylitol, which is typically found in Baked Desserts and Sugarless Goods. Owners should avoid giving anything that is rich, seasoned, or Alcoholic as well. “In general, it is a good idea to avoid giving table food to your pet,” Teller said. “If you feel you must share something, a couple bites of Turkey with the Skin removed and no Gravy, some plain Green Beans, or a bite of Bread can be fine.” Signs Of A Stressed Pet Pets that may not easily adjust to holiday crowds could exhibit various signs of Stress. “One of the biggest results of Stress in a pet is trying to hide or leave the home, so beware of doors that are left open as people enter and exit,” Teller said. “Dogs may also show Stress by trembling, licking their lips, yawning, or avoiding people and activities.” If a pet is not feeling the holiday, it’s important for owners and guests to not overwhelm them with attention, as it can lead to negative reactions. “There’s a chance that if guests persist in giving unwanted attention to pets, the dog may growl or bark, or the dog or cat may bite or scratch someone in an effort to remove a perceived threat,” Teller said. Owners should also evaluate and address their pet’s Stress level at multiple points during the festivities so that they may determine the best solution for soothing their anxious companion. “Pets with higher Stress levels may need to be placed in a quieter part of the house where they won’t have to interact with guests, and some pets may be happier staying elsewhere, such as a boarding facility or at a friend’s home,” Teller said. “If pets have mild Stress during parties or social gatherings, owners can speak with their Veterinarian about using a short-acting medication to alleviate the Anxiety.” Preparing Pets Ahead Of Time Even though Thanksgiving can be filled with prepping delicious food or relaxing with family and friends, owners should still take time to give thanks for their animal companions and ensure they don’t get left out of holiday fun. “Taking a long walk before guests arrive can be a great way to tire your dog and minimize stress for both of you,” Teller said. “If your cat likes to chase a laser pointer or other toys, you can do that before guests arrive as well. During the event, you can give your pet a long-lasting treat or new toy to occupy their attention for a while.” Familiarizing your pets with guests who may visit during the holidays before the big day can also help pets more easily adjust to the festivities. “Having people visit your home on a regular basis, where your pet can be exposed to guests and get used to the sounds and smells that go along with entertaining, goes a long way to prepare your pet for a gathering,” Teller said. With a little bit of preparation and attention, you and your pet can have a healthy, happy, and stress-free Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love. Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: www.vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk - Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . < Previous News Next News >