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 | Robert B. Routt State Licensed Agent 3455 Countryside Blvd Clearwater FL 33761 Direct: 888-509-7150 Mobile: 813-464-0800 Schedule A Call |
About the Center
The Sunshine Senior Center is a nationally accredited multiservice center where seniors gather for support, socialization, fitness and other services provided for older people. It’s the center's mission to serve as a community focal point to enhance the quality of life for our citizens aged 50 and over.
The center is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults, providing a place where the community at large can access multiple inclusive services all in one place, including health, fitness, and wellness programs; educational and enrichment classes; social and recreational activities; volunteer and civic engagement opportunities; information and assistance to help navigate the maze of services; access to social services and support; benefits counseling, including help with Medicare; support groups; financial assistance; meals and nutrition programs; transportation services.Programs offered at the Center
The Sunshine Senior Center is a nationally accredited multiservice center where seniors gather for support, socialization, fitness and other services provided for older people. It’s the center's mission to serve as a community focal point to enhance the quality of life for our citizens aged 50 and over.
The center is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults, providing a place where the community at large can access multiple inclusive services all in one place, including health, fitness, and wellness programs; educational and enrichment classes; social and recreational activities; volunteer and civic engagement opportunities; information and assistance to help navigate the maze of services; access to social services and support; benefits counseling, including help with Medicare; support groups; financial assistance; meals and nutrition programs; transportation services.Programs offered at the Center
- - Community Meetings (CONA, Neighborhood Associations)
- Sunset Cafe - Breakfast & Lunch
- Resale & Sundry Shop
- Volunteer Program
- Friends of the Sunshine Center - Contact 727-821-2323 for more information
- Sponsorships
- Donations & Planned Giving - Services offered at the Center
- Information and Referral
- Notary Service
- Fee Waiver Program
- Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
- Health screening
- Room rentals
- Grief, Support, Counseling Groups
- Veterans and LGBTQ Discussion Groups - Agencies at the Center
- Commission on Aging
- Neighborly Care Network Meals on Wheels
- Neighborly Care Network Congregate Dining
- Lion's Club Eye Clinic Referral
- Kids and Kubs 3/4 Century Softball Club
- Elder Law Programs & Services
- Moore Medicare Options
- Guardian Group Services
- Seniors in Service - Events and Activities at the Center
- Health and Wellness Fairs
- Health & Educational Seminars
- Fitness Center and activities
- Congregate Dining
- Consumer awareness seminars
- Computer Lab and workshops
- Indoor activities, including cards, games, crafts, dances and more
- Arranged outings to lunch, concerts and day & overnight trips
- Senior Hall of Fame
Sunshine Senior Center
330 5th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 893-7101
Class Schedules
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/stpete/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2¢er_ids=139&viewMode=list
330 5th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 893-7101
Class Schedules
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/stpete/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2¢er_ids=139&viewMode=list
Pasco County Senior Services has four Senior Centers in Pasco County.
Pasco County Senior Centers are the perfect place to go for fun activities, interesting speakers, and free lunch. We are open to the public and always accepting new members. Free lunch is available to everyone 60 years of age or older after completing a short assessment.
DADE CITY - (352) 521-5151
GALEN WILSON - (727) 834-3340
LANDO' LAKES - (813) 929-1200
ZEPHYRHILLS - (813) 701-7582
Pasco County Senior Centers are the perfect place to go for fun activities, interesting speakers, and free lunch. We are open to the public and always accepting new members. Free lunch is available to everyone 60 years of age or older after completing a short assessment.
DADE CITY - (352) 521-5151
GALEN WILSON - (727) 834-3340
LANDO' LAKES - (813) 929-1200
ZEPHYRHILLS - (813) 701-7582
Grandparents are needed today more than ever; not only to support fatigued parents, but also to be trusted allies who provide a much-needed sense of stability, security and unconditional love to kids.
In many ways, it’s a difficult time to be raising kids. Parents struggle in an unpredictable economy to balance work with family and teach values in an “anything-goes” culture. Kids have many stresses. Hardships at school, violence in the news, negative peer influences, pressure to perform and substance abuse at very young ages. Grandparents are an often overlooked asset for the modern family.
Indeed, grandparents are needed today more than ever. Not only to support fatigued parents, but also to be trusted allies who provide a much-needed sense of stability. They can give security and
unconditional love to kids, whether those kids are 2 years old or 18. Here are a few “first steps” that can help you build strong relationships between your children and their grandparents.
Grandparent Wisdom Each of us has skills we pass on to the next generation. Teaching these skills and introducing our kids to new experiences are key privileges we enjoy as parents. But why not let grandparents be involved in sharing their skills and talents with your kids, too? Learning a skill from a grandparent can have a powerful influence on your children. Little things can build memories.
Passing the Baton When possible, allow your kids to have the time and space with a grandparent. They can learn how to whistle, or tell time, make cookies, or fix a bicycle tire. Whatever the lesson, kids will remember who they learned it from. How about a grandparent’s hobbies and passions?
Children, especially young children, enjoy doing what grown-ups are doing — they love having a chance to join in. Recently, I’ve encountered several grandparents who use all manner of hobbies and interests to stay connected with their grandkids. From sharing a passion big fan of using the webcam on my smartphone to Skype. I can chat with my grandkids and see their smiling faces and listen to their stories. From sharing a passion for photography or the history of the Civil War, to ongoing lessons in gardening and hospitality — the time spent with grandparents can strengthen relationships and be educational for kids.
Whenever possible, encourage your kids and their grandparents to develop hobbies and interests together. Support those passions by making time for them in daily family life.
Indeed, grandparents are needed today more than ever. Not only to support fatigued parents, but also to be trusted allies who provide a much-needed sense of stability. They can give security and
unconditional love to kids, whether those kids are 2 years old or 18. Here are a few “first steps” that can help you build strong relationships between your children and their grandparents.
Grandparent Wisdom Each of us has skills we pass on to the next generation. Teaching these skills and introducing our kids to new experiences are key privileges we enjoy as parents. But why not let grandparents be involved in sharing their skills and talents with your kids, too? Learning a skill from a grandparent can have a powerful influence on your children. Little things can build memories.
Passing the Baton When possible, allow your kids to have the time and space with a grandparent. They can learn how to whistle, or tell time, make cookies, or fix a bicycle tire. Whatever the lesson, kids will remember who they learned it from. How about a grandparent’s hobbies and passions?
Children, especially young children, enjoy doing what grown-ups are doing — they love having a chance to join in. Recently, I’ve encountered several grandparents who use all manner of hobbies and interests to stay connected with their grandkids. From sharing a passion big fan of using the webcam on my smartphone to Skype. I can chat with my grandkids and see their smiling faces and listen to their stories. From sharing a passion for photography or the history of the Civil War, to ongoing lessons in gardening and hospitality — the time spent with grandparents can strengthen relationships and be educational for kids.
Whenever possible, encourage your kids and their grandparents to develop hobbies and interests together. Support those passions by making time for them in daily family life.
Grandparents & Technology Modern technology has helped bridge the distance between kids and grandparents who live in different places. In recent years, I’ve noticed a surge of improvements in
terms of reliability, convenience and ease of use. This allows grandparents to use technology
not just for occasional chats. They can be a regular voice in the lives of their grandkids.
Personally, I’m a
Online and Engaged Parents can harness the power of technology to provide opportunities for their kids to connect with Grandpa and Grandma. Younger kids can chat with grandparents over homework or read stories together over the phone or via Skype or FaceTime. Older kids can share photos through messaging or email and follow each other through social media. Social media, such
as Facebook, helps keep both up to date on what the other is doing. It also helps kids be accountable with their posts when they know their grandparents will be reading them.
terms of reliability, convenience and ease of use. This allows grandparents to use technology
not just for occasional chats. They can be a regular voice in the lives of their grandkids.
Personally, I’m a
Online and Engaged Parents can harness the power of technology to provide opportunities for their kids to connect with Grandpa and Grandma. Younger kids can chat with grandparents over homework or read stories together over the phone or via Skype or FaceTime. Older kids can share photos through messaging or email and follow each other through social media. Social media, such
as Facebook, helps keep both up to date on what the other is doing. It also helps kids be accountable with their posts when they know their grandparents will be reading them.
1. Residents are encouraged to join in the fight to combat hunger in the community by donating nonperishable food items. Donations can be dropped off any day during July at The Centre, located
at 1500 16th Street in Palm Harbor.
It is estimated that nearly 119,000 are currently food insecure in Pinellas County. Food shortages are currently higher than normal due to greater community need with school being out for summer break.
"FEAST is running low on almost all needed items. The shelves are literally empty," comments Erica Lynford, Director of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation. "We hope this food drive will help families in our community meet their most basic of needs," continues Lynford, who also sits on the Board of Directors for FEAST Food Pantry.
Nonperishable items most needed for donation by FEAST Food Pantry include: Peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, cereal, canned meat, canned pasta, dry pasta and pasta sauce.
For more information on the food drive, contact Trish Harrison, Assistant Director of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation, at 727-771-6000
at 1500 16th Street in Palm Harbor.
It is estimated that nearly 119,000 are currently food insecure in Pinellas County. Food shortages are currently higher than normal due to greater community need with school being out for summer break.
"FEAST is running low on almost all needed items. The shelves are literally empty," comments Erica Lynford, Director of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation. "We hope this food drive will help families in our community meet their most basic of needs," continues Lynford, who also sits on the Board of Directors for FEAST Food Pantry.
Nonperishable items most needed for donation by FEAST Food Pantry include: Peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, cereal, canned meat, canned pasta, dry pasta and pasta sauce.
For more information on the food drive, contact Trish Harrison, Assistant Director of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation, at 727-771-6000
ABOUT FEAST FOOD PANTRY FEAST :
Food Pantry compassionately provides food and personal care items for families in need in North Pinellas County. The non-profit organization distributes bags of shelf stable food based on family size which typically equates to a 3-4 day supply of food. FEAST is located at 2255 Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor.
Food Pantry compassionately provides food and personal care items for families in need in North Pinellas County. The non-profit organization distributes bags of shelf stable food based on family size which typically equates to a 3-4 day supply of food. FEAST is located at 2255 Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor.
ABOUT PALM HARBOR PARKS AND RECREATION :
Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation is a nonprofit organization that manages county property. The organization, which is part of the Palm Harbor Community Services Agency (PHCSA), oversees The Centre, Sunderman Park Sports Complex, Pop Stansell Park, J. Stephen Putnam Park, Harbor Hall and Rheba Sutton White Chapel.
For further information on this release contact Mary Devine
at 727 .458. 7662 or Mary@cmsa.com
Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation is a nonprofit organization that manages county property. The organization, which is part of the Palm Harbor Community Services Agency (PHCSA), oversees The Centre, Sunderman Park Sports Complex, Pop Stansell Park, J. Stephen Putnam Park, Harbor Hall and Rheba Sutton White Chapel.
For further information on this release contact Mary Devine
at 727 .458. 7662 or Mary@cmsa.com
The project’s size has shocked residents and city officials. And under new rules, it no longer requires a public hearing.
By Tracey McManus
CLEARWATER — Developer Moises Agami is proposing luxury waterfront condos on the southern edge of downtown that, if built, would become the tallest buildings in Clearwater and some of the largest in Tampa Bay.
At 470 feet, the two 35-story towers would soar over the city’s highest building today — Water’s Edge, built on Cleveland Street in 2008 at 264 feet and 26 stories.
The buildings would be more than twice as tall as the 15-story Oaks of Clearwater assisted living facility to the north and the 13-story Prelude 80 condo to the south. And they would tower over the single-family homes in the bordering Harbor Oaks neighborhood.
Agami’s company is under contract to buy what is now a 2.5-acre parking lot from The Oaks to build his project.
“I was stunned,” Prelude 80 resident Maryellen Gordon said. “Then I thought there’s no way this is going to happen because it’s too tall and not in any context with the neighborhood.”
But despite Agami’s request to pack more units than city code allows, the buildings will not require a vote by the Community Development Board due to recent changes in downtown development standards aimed at cutting red tape.
CLEARWATER — Developer Moises Agami is proposing luxury waterfront condos on the southern edge of downtown that, if built, would become the tallest buildings in Clearwater and some of the largest in Tampa Bay.
At 470 feet, the two 35-story towers would soar over the city’s highest building today — Water’s Edge, built on Cleveland Street in 2008 at 264 feet and 26 stories.
The buildings would be more than twice as tall as the 15-story Oaks of Clearwater assisted living facility to the north and the 13-story Prelude 80 condo to the south. And they would tower over the single-family homes in the bordering Harbor Oaks neighborhood.
Agami’s company is under contract to buy what is now a 2.5-acre parking lot from The Oaks to build his project.
“I was stunned,” Prelude 80 resident Maryellen Gordon said. “Then I thought there’s no way this is going to happen because it’s too tall and not in any context with the neighborhood.”
But despite Agami’s request to pack more units than city code allows, the buildings will not require a vote by the Community Development Board due to recent changes in downtown development standards aimed at cutting red tape.
A rendering of twin 35-story towers proposed by developer Moises Agami for 420 Bay Ave. in downtown Clearwater. The buildings would rise 470 feet — more than twice as tall as the assisted living facility to the north, at left, and condo to the south. [ City of Clearwater ]
A code change in May gave city staff authority to grant some requests for increased density downtown, no longer requiring a vote at a public hearing. And since 2004, there have been no height restrictions in the core, a district within downtown designed for high-intensity uses in the blocks around Coachman Park and the waterfront.
Without a need for a zoning change or more complicated flexibility, Agami’s application is currently under review by city staff, the only level of discretion required for his permits. Planning and development director Gina Clayton said staff has asked for more information on how the developer would configure a seawall and preserve existing mangroves, among other technical questions.
“There is still a lot to work out,” Clayton said.
Bay Valor Capital, Agami’s company proposing the condos, declined to answer a series of questions from the Tampa Bay Times about the rationale for the height, the project’s cost, its financing and other issues. He responded with a statement that said his company has offered to meet with neighbors to discuss their concerns.
“We are excited about this incredible opportunity as we embark on this remarkable journey to realize Clearwater’s enduring vision for a vibrant, sustainable downtown,” according to the statement. “We are honored to play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.”
Agami is the developer behind the luxury Serena by the Sea condo, completed this month on Edgewater Drive and Sunset Point Road, as well as the Skyview condo on Cleveland Street.
A company he manages has purchased several downtown properties since 2017, the year limited liability companies tied to the Church of Scientology began buying vast tracts of commercial real estate and keeping most vacant. Of 24 ground-level storefronts within Agami’s buildings on the main Cleveland Street drag, 15 are empty. Agami is a member of the church.
His latest project would include 223 units between the two towers — 38 more than what is allowed by code for the size of the lot on Bay Avenue. Agami is requesting the extra units from the city’s public amenities incentive pool created in 2004 to encourage development downtown.
On May 4, the City Council changed the code to allow planning staff to allocate units from the pool to some projects that include a public benefit, like electric vehicle charging. No longer will those developments have to go before the Community Development Board for a vote.
Agami submitted his application for the condos four weeks after the rule change.
Council member David Allbritton said the intention was “to try to cut the red tape that everybody stumbles over” and help bring more residential units downtown.
“I never anticipated we’d have a 35-story building right on the water,” Allbritton said. “This was a complete surprise.”
And in terms of Tampa Bay high-rises, Agami’s 470-foot project would be near the highest. One St. Petersburg on First Avenue North is that city’s tallest building at 450 feet, but the residential and office tower now under construction at 400 Central Ave. will beat it with 515 feet and 46 stories.
There are several buildings over 500 feet tall in Tampa. Clearwater, until now, has not seen that kind of height, even on Clearwater Beach.
But The Oaks’ parking lot near the downtown waterfront has long been seen “as one of the ground zero sites” for residential development, said Rob Boos, president of Clearwater-based Boos Development.
“Especially with that height, you’re looking at the Gulf of Mexico,” past Clearwater Harbor, Boos said. “It’s a hard set of views to get without having the beach traffic.”
Boos also noted the other major changes afoot in downtown. In June, the city completed the $84 million renovation of Coachman Park, creating an urban waterfront space that includes a 4,000-seat covered amphitheater.
The city is also still negotiating terms for Gotham Organization of New York and The DeNunzio Group of Pinellas County to bring a hotel and apartments to two parcels surrounding Coachman Park.
Prelude 80 resident Kim Davis said she knew the property next door would not stay a waterfront parking lot forever when she bought her condo four years ago.
“But we weren’t expecting something this massive,” said Davis, treasurer of the Prelude 80 homeowners association. “It’s going to stick out like a sore thumb.”
The neighbors also have environmental concerns about the construction that they were shocked to learn are permitted by city rules.
One condo is planned to be built 20 feet from the water, the minimum setback required by code.
According to plans, one of Agami’s condos would be built 5 feet from the Prelude 80 property line, the minimum required by code.
Agami’s proposal also includes two levels of underground parking. Especially in light of the 2021 Surfside condo collapse near Miami, Davis said residents are worried about how the construction of the towers and underground parking will impact the structural integrity of their 48-year-old building.
Agami did not respond to questions about building luxury condos on a coastline threatened by the realities of climate change and sea-level rise.
More than a third of the lot is in the “coastal storm area,” a designation for land prone to flooding. City code does not prohibit private development in that area but limits the density of projects.
“It’s not a shock that piece is being developed, but it’s a shock and disappointment that it’s at the scale it is,” said Gordon, the Prelude 80 neighbor. “And it’s possible the city will get it approved because there’s nothing in the city code stopping it.”
From left, Tim Ballard pictured at "Sound of Freedom's" Utah premiere, and AMC Theaters in New York City. The film has become a surprise hit at movie theaters in the U.S. despite claims theaters were "suppressing" audiences. Fred Hayes / Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Angel Studios
The movie Sound of Freedom has given Hollywood a major wake-up call as the small-scale production beat blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and Indiana Jones at the summer box office.Despite claims of "audience suppression" and years of uncertainty surrounding its release, Sound of Freedom has dramatically exceeded expectations, taking in almost $175 million at the box office. One industry expert believes Sound of Freedom's success can be attributed to "the forgotten viewers" who came out in force to support the movie.
The action drama, which takes aim at a global child trafficking network, has caught industry insiders unaware, as the producers Angel Studios, along with a crowdfunding campaign, have helped Sound of Freedom achieve huge financial success.
The summer season was supposed to be dominated by Barbie, Oppenheimer, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but instead Sound of Freedom has emerged to comfortably take the third spot on that list.
Released on the Fourth of July, Sound of Freedom immediately grabbed the top spot at the box office from Harrison Ford who was starring in his fifth Indiana Jones caper, while later on that month, Tom Cruise felt the force of Sound of Freedom as it overtook the seventh Mission: Impossible too. At the time of writing, Sound of Freedom has now overtaken both at the North American box office.
'Disrupting' Hollywood's Plan
"Believe it or not, on July 21, the biggest summer box office weekend of which Oppenheimer, Barbie and Mission: Impossible were supposed to run away with the box office dollars, one film, Sound of Freedom managed to disrupt Hollywood's plan to capture ticket sales," director and producer Stefano Da Frè told Newsweek.
Perhaps Da Frè can further appreciate Angel Studios' success as he himself is the president of his own production company, Rosso Films International.Sound of Freedom tells the story of Tim Ballard, the real life former American government agent who created the anti-child sex trafficking organization, Operation Underground Railroad. The movie stars Jim Caviezel as Ballard, and celebrities like Mel Gibson offered their support ahead of its launch.
Mission: Impossible and Indiana Jones both had significantly higher production costs and marketing budgets than Sound of Freedom. So how did a movie that cost just $14.5 million to make, overcome two movies that cost almost $300 million each to make?
The action drama, which takes aim at a global child trafficking network, has caught industry insiders unaware, as the producers Angel Studios, along with a crowdfunding campaign, have helped Sound of Freedom achieve huge financial success.
The summer season was supposed to be dominated by Barbie, Oppenheimer, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but instead Sound of Freedom has emerged to comfortably take the third spot on that list.
Released on the Fourth of July, Sound of Freedom immediately grabbed the top spot at the box office from Harrison Ford who was starring in his fifth Indiana Jones caper, while later on that month, Tom Cruise felt the force of Sound of Freedom as it overtook the seventh Mission: Impossible too. At the time of writing, Sound of Freedom has now overtaken both at the North American box office.
'Disrupting' Hollywood's Plan
"Believe it or not, on July 21, the biggest summer box office weekend of which Oppenheimer, Barbie and Mission: Impossible were supposed to run away with the box office dollars, one film, Sound of Freedom managed to disrupt Hollywood's plan to capture ticket sales," director and producer Stefano Da Frè told Newsweek.
Perhaps Da Frè can further appreciate Angel Studios' success as he himself is the president of his own production company, Rosso Films International.Sound of Freedom tells the story of Tim Ballard, the real life former American government agent who created the anti-child sex trafficking organization, Operation Underground Railroad. The movie stars Jim Caviezel as Ballard, and celebrities like Mel Gibson offered their support ahead of its launch.
Mission: Impossible and Indiana Jones both had significantly higher production costs and marketing budgets than Sound of Freedom. So how did a movie that cost just $14.5 million to make, overcome two movies that cost almost $300 million each to make?
Movie poster for "Sound of Freedom" (L) and the poster for "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." The former shocked cinema buffs by beating the latter at the box office on July 4, 2023. Angel Studios / Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios
To fully understand Sound of Freedom's financial success and its impact on the current media landscape, we have to examine a cultural phenomenon called 'the forgotten viewer,'" Da Frè continued. "The forgotten viewer refers to a moviegoer who is traditionally conservative, often Christian, who has felt over the past 20 years that Hollywood has forgotten about them as an audience member."There are examples of larger studios attempting to create movies for Christian and conservative viewers, like Sony Pictures' Affirm Studios whose movies include Heaven is for Real. In 2021, Lionsgate distributed Kingdom Story Company's American Underdog to moderate success.
The 'Forgotten Viewer'"In fact this type of viewer will often pejoratively refer to Hollywood studios executives as 'elites' who are out of touch with the common core values of regular Americans. This forgotten class of viewership has taken it upon themselves, often at grassroot levels, to not only promote the film Sound of Freedom, but to also boycott Hollywood studios who don't align with their moral values," Da Frè said.
Boycotts for the sake of values aren't specific to the movie industry, as 2023 has seen a huge rise in consumers who've led boycotts against Bud Light, Target, Disney, Kellog's and most recently Skittles. Many of these attempted boycotts have been caused by culture wars between right-wing customers who disagree with LGBTQ+ stances taken by companies.
These are righteous movie audiences who sadly have been left behind by the progressive cultural agenda of Hollywood studios like Disney's and other studios trying to alter the storytelling of old classics, but with a more progressive prescription that reads "we know better than you" approach.
The loyalists of Sound of Freedom are ones who feel that there is finally a movie they can champion, that speaks to their moral compass, and as a result, those viewers will do anything financially to support the film, promote the film, and see its full success in the modern distribution era without the help of the Hollywood studios.
The 'Forgotten Viewer'"In fact this type of viewer will often pejoratively refer to Hollywood studios executives as 'elites' who are out of touch with the common core values of regular Americans. This forgotten class of viewership has taken it upon themselves, often at grassroot levels, to not only promote the film Sound of Freedom, but to also boycott Hollywood studios who don't align with their moral values," Da Frè said.
Boycotts for the sake of values aren't specific to the movie industry, as 2023 has seen a huge rise in consumers who've led boycotts against Bud Light, Target, Disney, Kellog's and most recently Skittles. Many of these attempted boycotts have been caused by culture wars between right-wing customers who disagree with LGBTQ+ stances taken by companies.
These are righteous movie audiences who sadly have been left behind by the progressive cultural agenda of Hollywood studios like Disney's and other studios trying to alter the storytelling of old classics, but with a more progressive prescription that reads "we know better than you" approach.
The loyalists of Sound of Freedom are ones who feel that there is finally a movie they can champion, that speaks to their moral compass, and as a result, those viewers will do anything financially to support the film, promote the film, and see its full success in the modern distribution era without the help of the Hollywood studios.
Jim Caveizel (R) stars as Tim Ballard in "Sound of Freedom," a movie which tells the true story of Ballard's transition from government agent to fighting global child sex trafficking. Angel Studios
Sound of Freedom's success comes despite its lack of international release. Angel Studios has announced that international audiences will finally get to see Sound of Freedom as it's incrementally released around the world at the end of August and into September and October.
Movie blogger and box office expert Paul Ferrer doesn't predict Sound of Freedom to replicate that intake abroad though. "While Sound of Freedom was a huge success in the U.S., these films don't travel well outside the U.S.," Ferrer told Newsweek. Pointing to previous Christian-centric movies, he predicted Sound of Freedom to collect around 10 percent internationally compared to what it earned domestically.
Audience Suppression and PaybackAll throughout Sound of Freedom's time in movie theaters, there have been countless viral moments from cinema goers who claim to have experienced moments of "audience suppression."
This has included, but not been limited to, fire alarms going off halfway through the movie, broken AC units forcing cancellation, unexplained evacuations and more. Millions of social media users have seen, liked, commented, reposted and shared these moments—putting the movie in front of people who may not otherwise have been aware of it.
A Newsweek poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found that 58 percent of U.S. adults were familiar with Sound of Freedom. Of those, the majority thought of the movie favorably or very favorably, though the jury was out on whether they believed the movie had been "suppressed."
The CEO of AMC Theatres, Adam Aron, spoke out against accusations that his cinemas were somehow preventing people from seeing the movie, and the team behind Angel Studios thanked him for their support.
"Really bizarre FUD floating around Twitter that we are suppressing attendance for Sound of Freedom. Yesterday we showed that movie 3,000 times at our 570 U.S. theaters and more than 100,000 people watched it @AMC Theatres. Misinformation on Twitter is astonishing," he wrote on July 9, questioning whether it was bots or haters who were making the claim.
When approached by Newsweek for comment in mid-July, a spokesperson from Angel Studios said: "The theater issues are not a conspiracy and the studio is grateful for the thousands of theaters in America playing this important film."
The spokesperson added: "Our theatrical partners at AMC, CineMark, Regal, and beyond have been absolutely wonderful to work with—they're helping us add theaters as we speak in the middle the busy summer movie season."
As Angel Studios called on the support of fans to help distribute the movie, they proudly announced on Wednesday that investors had been paid back with profits included. In a statement sent to Newsweek, Angel Studios said they paid back the 6,678 crowdfunding investors plus a 20 percent profit. "6,678 Angel Guild members have now received $1.20 for every $1 they invested into the launch budget for Sound of Freedom, and we are thrilled to be able to get funds back to them in three months," said Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios. "The Angel Guild is key to our theatrical strategy and paying out as quickly as possible is always our first priority."
Movie blogger and box office expert Paul Ferrer doesn't predict Sound of Freedom to replicate that intake abroad though. "While Sound of Freedom was a huge success in the U.S., these films don't travel well outside the U.S.," Ferrer told Newsweek. Pointing to previous Christian-centric movies, he predicted Sound of Freedom to collect around 10 percent internationally compared to what it earned domestically.
Audience Suppression and PaybackAll throughout Sound of Freedom's time in movie theaters, there have been countless viral moments from cinema goers who claim to have experienced moments of "audience suppression."
This has included, but not been limited to, fire alarms going off halfway through the movie, broken AC units forcing cancellation, unexplained evacuations and more. Millions of social media users have seen, liked, commented, reposted and shared these moments—putting the movie in front of people who may not otherwise have been aware of it.
A Newsweek poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found that 58 percent of U.S. adults were familiar with Sound of Freedom. Of those, the majority thought of the movie favorably or very favorably, though the jury was out on whether they believed the movie had been "suppressed."
The CEO of AMC Theatres, Adam Aron, spoke out against accusations that his cinemas were somehow preventing people from seeing the movie, and the team behind Angel Studios thanked him for their support.
"Really bizarre FUD floating around Twitter that we are suppressing attendance for Sound of Freedom. Yesterday we showed that movie 3,000 times at our 570 U.S. theaters and more than 100,000 people watched it @AMC Theatres. Misinformation on Twitter is astonishing," he wrote on July 9, questioning whether it was bots or haters who were making the claim.
When approached by Newsweek for comment in mid-July, a spokesperson from Angel Studios said: "The theater issues are not a conspiracy and the studio is grateful for the thousands of theaters in America playing this important film."
The spokesperson added: "Our theatrical partners at AMC, CineMark, Regal, and beyond have been absolutely wonderful to work with—they're helping us add theaters as we speak in the middle the busy summer movie season."
As Angel Studios called on the support of fans to help distribute the movie, they proudly announced on Wednesday that investors had been paid back with profits included. In a statement sent to Newsweek, Angel Studios said they paid back the 6,678 crowdfunding investors plus a 20 percent profit. "6,678 Angel Guild members have now received $1.20 for every $1 they invested into the launch budget for Sound of Freedom, and we are thrilled to be able to get funds back to them in three months," said Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios. "The Angel Guild is key to our theatrical strategy and paying out as quickly as possible is always our first priority."
No-frills discounter Aldi is the latest grocer to shake up the industry with big moves.
The German retailer announced this week that it plans to acquire about 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across the Southern U.S. As part of the deal, it would take over operations of the stores, which are in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, and put at least some of them under the Aldi name.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year.
Aldi is already expanding aggressively across the country. It has more than 2,300 stores across 38 states. Separate from the acquisition, it is on track to open 120 new stores by year-end.
The proposed deal comes as Kroger’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons is pending. Companies including Amazon and Targetare also trying to snap up more grocery market share as inflation-weary consumers continue to buy food and essentials but become more frugal when it comes to other merchandise like clothing and electronics.
Like Trader Joe’s and fellow Germany-based rival Lidl, Aldi relies heavily on its own brands. About 90% of products it carries are Aldi’s private label, which allows it greater scale and lower costs in areas like marketing and the supply chain. Aldi also gets creative to keep costs low, including by reducing the size of a pasta sauce lid and other packaging and using electronic shelf labels that save on labor and materials.
As inflation cools, that could present a new challenge for Aldi — if shoppers revert to old habits like shopping at neighborhood grocery stores that may have higher prices, or opt for a favorite name-brand cereal or more variety. It’s also had to race to keep up with competitors’ online options, prompting Aldi to expand curbside pickup to more stores.
The privately held retailer did not share financial details of the acquisition. But the deal has big implications for publicly traded competitors including Walmart and Kroger, as well as regional grocers.
CNBC spoke to Jason Hart, the CEO of Aldi U.S., about why the company is doing the deal and how it sees Aldi fitting into a fast-changing grocery landscape. His comments were edited for brevity and clarity.
Why was Aldi interested in acquiring Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket? Why acquire rather than build your own hundreds of stores in similar locations?
This acquisition provides us speed to market with quality retail locations, great people and a solid core business in a region of the country, the Southeast, where we’ve already had and experienced significant growth and success, but we also see much more opportunity and there’s much more consumer demand to meet.
Doing this [expanding] on our own organically, that has been our plan, and that has been our trajectory over a number of years, and in the Southeast as well. .... This acquisition really gives us the opportunity to accelerate all of those plans.
Jason Hart, Aldi U.S. CEO
ALDI Creative Quarter Studio/ Katrina WittkampWhat should shoppers expect to see at those stores on the other side of the acquisition?
We’re currently evaluating which locations we’ll convert to the Aldi format to better support the communities that we’ve now got the opportunity to serve more closely. We’re going to convert a significant amount to the Aldi format after the transaction is closed and over the course of several years.
For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that a meaningful amount of those will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and [Harveys] Supermarket stores.
In stores that you choose not to convert with the acquisition, will people start to see some of those Aldi products on Winn-Dixie shelves?
We can certainly see and imagine some future synergies and learnings from each other, whether that’s consumer insights, product ideas, merchandising ideas, but at this point, we just don’t have any definitive plans to announce.
What do you think your stores offer that other players like Walmart, Kroger and even Dollar General don’t?
We carry a limited number of SKUs [stock keeping units, the term used to describe each type of product carried by a retailer] first and foremost — a couple of thousand SKUs in our stores versus our competition that may have many times that — that drives higher volume per SKU, driving scale that provides efficiency both in our business and for our suppliers.
The dozens of brands and sizes and small variants of the same product — the result of that [in rival stores] is tens of thousands of products that isn’t necessarily the result of customer demand. It’s more so the brand’s demand for shelf space within those stores. And the result actually can frustrate customers by over complicating the shopping experience. At Aldi, we simplify that shopping experience for the customer, offering great quality and great prices.
Why do you think we’re seeing so many big moves in the grocery industry right now?
The way that consumers are shopping is changing quite dramatically. And also the drive to value. And obviously, there are alternative retail formats that are growing quicker than the traditional formats. We’re very proud to be one of those alternative formats that’s really disrupting the industry.
Consumers seem to be willing to try other ways to fill their grocery list, whether that’s through e-commerce, whether that’s through trying out discounters like Aldi, [and] trying out different products like private label.
When consumers are seeing these changes, and seeing other retailers and other products meet their needs, they change their shopping habits.
What are the trends with online and in-store sales now as the pandemic is more in the rearview mirror?
We’re now seeing equal growth in both our bricks-and-mortar sales and in our e-commerce sales. I would anticipate if I was to look at the crystal ball of the future, it’s going to go back to e-commerce growing slightly more than what bricks and mortar is both in the market and for Aldi.
The German retailer announced this week that it plans to acquire about 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across the Southern U.S. As part of the deal, it would take over operations of the stores, which are in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, and put at least some of them under the Aldi name.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year.
Aldi is already expanding aggressively across the country. It has more than 2,300 stores across 38 states. Separate from the acquisition, it is on track to open 120 new stores by year-end.
The proposed deal comes as Kroger’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons is pending. Companies including Amazon and Targetare also trying to snap up more grocery market share as inflation-weary consumers continue to buy food and essentials but become more frugal when it comes to other merchandise like clothing and electronics.
Like Trader Joe’s and fellow Germany-based rival Lidl, Aldi relies heavily on its own brands. About 90% of products it carries are Aldi’s private label, which allows it greater scale and lower costs in areas like marketing and the supply chain. Aldi also gets creative to keep costs low, including by reducing the size of a pasta sauce lid and other packaging and using electronic shelf labels that save on labor and materials.
As inflation cools, that could present a new challenge for Aldi — if shoppers revert to old habits like shopping at neighborhood grocery stores that may have higher prices, or opt for a favorite name-brand cereal or more variety. It’s also had to race to keep up with competitors’ online options, prompting Aldi to expand curbside pickup to more stores.
The privately held retailer did not share financial details of the acquisition. But the deal has big implications for publicly traded competitors including Walmart and Kroger, as well as regional grocers.
CNBC spoke to Jason Hart, the CEO of Aldi U.S., about why the company is doing the deal and how it sees Aldi fitting into a fast-changing grocery landscape. His comments were edited for brevity and clarity.
Why was Aldi interested in acquiring Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket? Why acquire rather than build your own hundreds of stores in similar locations?
This acquisition provides us speed to market with quality retail locations, great people and a solid core business in a region of the country, the Southeast, where we’ve already had and experienced significant growth and success, but we also see much more opportunity and there’s much more consumer demand to meet.
Doing this [expanding] on our own organically, that has been our plan, and that has been our trajectory over a number of years, and in the Southeast as well. .... This acquisition really gives us the opportunity to accelerate all of those plans.
Jason Hart, Aldi U.S. CEO
ALDI Creative Quarter Studio/ Katrina WittkampWhat should shoppers expect to see at those stores on the other side of the acquisition?
We’re currently evaluating which locations we’ll convert to the Aldi format to better support the communities that we’ve now got the opportunity to serve more closely. We’re going to convert a significant amount to the Aldi format after the transaction is closed and over the course of several years.
For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that a meaningful amount of those will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and [Harveys] Supermarket stores.
In stores that you choose not to convert with the acquisition, will people start to see some of those Aldi products on Winn-Dixie shelves?
We can certainly see and imagine some future synergies and learnings from each other, whether that’s consumer insights, product ideas, merchandising ideas, but at this point, we just don’t have any definitive plans to announce.
What do you think your stores offer that other players like Walmart, Kroger and even Dollar General don’t?
We carry a limited number of SKUs [stock keeping units, the term used to describe each type of product carried by a retailer] first and foremost — a couple of thousand SKUs in our stores versus our competition that may have many times that — that drives higher volume per SKU, driving scale that provides efficiency both in our business and for our suppliers.
The dozens of brands and sizes and small variants of the same product — the result of that [in rival stores] is tens of thousands of products that isn’t necessarily the result of customer demand. It’s more so the brand’s demand for shelf space within those stores. And the result actually can frustrate customers by over complicating the shopping experience. At Aldi, we simplify that shopping experience for the customer, offering great quality and great prices.
Why do you think we’re seeing so many big moves in the grocery industry right now?
The way that consumers are shopping is changing quite dramatically. And also the drive to value. And obviously, there are alternative retail formats that are growing quicker than the traditional formats. We’re very proud to be one of those alternative formats that’s really disrupting the industry.
Consumers seem to be willing to try other ways to fill their grocery list, whether that’s through e-commerce, whether that’s through trying out discounters like Aldi, [and] trying out different products like private label.
When consumers are seeing these changes, and seeing other retailers and other products meet their needs, they change their shopping habits.
What are the trends with online and in-store sales now as the pandemic is more in the rearview mirror?
We’re now seeing equal growth in both our bricks-and-mortar sales and in our e-commerce sales. I would anticipate if I was to look at the crystal ball of the future, it’s going to go back to e-commerce growing slightly more than what bricks and mortar is both in the market and for Aldi.
Proper preparation and power equipment can help you protect your property from the problems of bad weather.
Storms can strike at any time, so having the right outdoor power equipment on hand and keeping safety in mind is important, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). Home and business owners should think ahead, says OPEI, before foul weather or a power outage occurs.
“Any season can be storm season,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars. “It’s smart to invest in portable and whole house generators and to have other outdoor power equipment on hand such as chainsaws and water pumps to mitigate any damage from felled trees and water damage and floods.”
He notes that outdoor power equipment is evolving. “There’s a power source for every need including battery/electric, propane, solar and gasoline,” he says, noting each has different maintenance and care requirements. “It’s important that you know how to safely operate your equipment. And, remember, always read and follow the manufacturer’s manual and never disable safety features.”
To get ready for inclement weather, homeowners should follow these tips.
One, identify which equipment is needed before a storm. Chainsaws or pole saws can trim limbs and shrubs ahead of a storm and handle clearing. String trimmers, pruners and chainsaws can remove combustible material from around your home, making it less vulnerable to wildfires.
A portable generator powers key appliances and charges cell phones when utilities go down. A whole house generator can keep the lights and appliances on and running. Before an outage, plan where the generator will be set up (never in a home or garage, and always away from your home and any air intake) and determine how to secure it if needed. Buy and install a carbon monoxide detector. Get outdoor-rated extension cords for portable generators and consider adding an approved generator cover for rainy weather.
Water pumps can get water and muck out of basements and homes. Be sure you know how to operate the pump. Never pump substances that your equipment is not designed to cope with. Pay attention to avoid overheating and follow all safety precautions.
A utility type vehicle can transport people and supplies quickly in an emergency. Keep the vehicle stable and drive slowly. Do not turn mid-slope or while on a hill. Consider taking a UTV safety course.
Two, always read and follow the safety and usage recommendations provided by outdoor power equipment manufacturers. Never disable safety features. Practice how to operate equipment before you need it—not until an emergency is at hand. Follow all recommended safety measures on the product as well as in the owner’s manual.
Three, have the right fuel on hand and charge batteries ahead of an outage. Most gasoline-powered equipment uses E10 or less fuel and most manufacturers recommend adding a fuel stabilizer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old may phase separate and cause running problems, so it’s important to purchase fuel just ahead of a storm. Store fuel safely and use only an approved fuel container, and only manufacturer-recommended batteries.
Four, pay attention to your energy level and health. Preparation for bad weather, a power outage and storm cleanup can be taxing. Do not operate power equipment when tired or overly fatigued. Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks. Always use safety equipment like chaps, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection.
Five, always keep children and pets away from operating outdoor power equipment.
Storms can strike at any time, so having the right outdoor power equipment on hand and keeping safety in mind is important, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). Home and business owners should think ahead, says OPEI, before foul weather or a power outage occurs.
“Any season can be storm season,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars. “It’s smart to invest in portable and whole house generators and to have other outdoor power equipment on hand such as chainsaws and water pumps to mitigate any damage from felled trees and water damage and floods.”
He notes that outdoor power equipment is evolving. “There’s a power source for every need including battery/electric, propane, solar and gasoline,” he says, noting each has different maintenance and care requirements. “It’s important that you know how to safely operate your equipment. And, remember, always read and follow the manufacturer’s manual and never disable safety features.”
To get ready for inclement weather, homeowners should follow these tips.
One, identify which equipment is needed before a storm. Chainsaws or pole saws can trim limbs and shrubs ahead of a storm and handle clearing. String trimmers, pruners and chainsaws can remove combustible material from around your home, making it less vulnerable to wildfires.
A portable generator powers key appliances and charges cell phones when utilities go down. A whole house generator can keep the lights and appliances on and running. Before an outage, plan where the generator will be set up (never in a home or garage, and always away from your home and any air intake) and determine how to secure it if needed. Buy and install a carbon monoxide detector. Get outdoor-rated extension cords for portable generators and consider adding an approved generator cover for rainy weather.
Water pumps can get water and muck out of basements and homes. Be sure you know how to operate the pump. Never pump substances that your equipment is not designed to cope with. Pay attention to avoid overheating and follow all safety precautions.
A utility type vehicle can transport people and supplies quickly in an emergency. Keep the vehicle stable and drive slowly. Do not turn mid-slope or while on a hill. Consider taking a UTV safety course.
Two, always read and follow the safety and usage recommendations provided by outdoor power equipment manufacturers. Never disable safety features. Practice how to operate equipment before you need it—not until an emergency is at hand. Follow all recommended safety measures on the product as well as in the owner’s manual.
Three, have the right fuel on hand and charge batteries ahead of an outage. Most gasoline-powered equipment uses E10 or less fuel and most manufacturers recommend adding a fuel stabilizer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old may phase separate and cause running problems, so it’s important to purchase fuel just ahead of a storm. Store fuel safely and use only an approved fuel container, and only manufacturer-recommended batteries.
Four, pay attention to your energy level and health. Preparation for bad weather, a power outage and storm cleanup can be taxing. Do not operate power equipment when tired or overly fatigued. Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks. Always use safety equipment like chaps, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection.
Five, always keep children and pets away from operating outdoor power equipment.
By DEE-ANN DURBIN
Discount grocer Aldi said Wednesday it plans to buy 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets in the southern U.S.
Under a proposed merger agreement, Aldi will acquire all outstanding shares of Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys. If the deal is approved by regulators, it’s expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Both Southeastern Grocers and Aldi are private companies. Aldi is based in Germany with a U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Illinois.
Aldi said the deal supports its long-term growth strategy in the U.S., where it expects to have 2,400 stores by the end of this year. The Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets it’s acquiring are primarily in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Aldi said it will convert some locations to its own brand and format, which cuts costs with features like limited selection and self-bagging. But it will operate some stores under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys brands.
Neil Saunders, an analyst with GlobalData Retail, said the deal is unusual for Aldi, which usually opens its own stores. He said it suggests Aldi wants to experiment with more traditional supermarkets that don’t follow its low-cost model. He also said Aldi’s deep pockets and efficient supply chain will make Southeastern’s stores more competitive.
The deal comes amid wider consolidation in the grocery industry as customers increasingly defect to big box stores like Walmart. In the year ending June 30, Walmart controlled 25% of U.S. grocery sales, according to Numerator, a market research firm. Aldi controlled 2% while Southeastern Grocers controlled less than 1%. Aldi’s share had grown 0.2% since 2021, while Southeastern Grocers’ share was down 0.2%.
Last fall, Kroger and Albertsons __ two of the largest U.S. grocery chains __ announced plans to merge in a $20 billion deal. Regulators are reviewing that plan now; if it’s approved, it is expected to close early next year. Together, Kroger and Albertsons currently control around 18% of the U.S. grocery market, Numerator said.
Discount grocer Aldi said Wednesday it plans to buy 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets in the southern U.S.
Under a proposed merger agreement, Aldi will acquire all outstanding shares of Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys. If the deal is approved by regulators, it’s expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Both Southeastern Grocers and Aldi are private companies. Aldi is based in Germany with a U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Illinois.
Aldi said the deal supports its long-term growth strategy in the U.S., where it expects to have 2,400 stores by the end of this year. The Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets it’s acquiring are primarily in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Aldi said it will convert some locations to its own brand and format, which cuts costs with features like limited selection and self-bagging. But it will operate some stores under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys brands.
Neil Saunders, an analyst with GlobalData Retail, said the deal is unusual for Aldi, which usually opens its own stores. He said it suggests Aldi wants to experiment with more traditional supermarkets that don’t follow its low-cost model. He also said Aldi’s deep pockets and efficient supply chain will make Southeastern’s stores more competitive.
The deal comes amid wider consolidation in the grocery industry as customers increasingly defect to big box stores like Walmart. In the year ending June 30, Walmart controlled 25% of U.S. grocery sales, according to Numerator, a market research firm. Aldi controlled 2% while Southeastern Grocers controlled less than 1%. Aldi’s share had grown 0.2% since 2021, while Southeastern Grocers’ share was down 0.2%.
Last fall, Kroger and Albertsons __ two of the largest U.S. grocery chains __ announced plans to merge in a $20 billion deal. Regulators are reviewing that plan now; if it’s approved, it is expected to close early next year. Together, Kroger and Albertsons currently control around 18% of the U.S. grocery market, Numerator said.
But not everyone supports consolidation. The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents the majority of hourly workers at Kroger as well as workers at Albertsons-owned Safeway, voted in May to oppose the merger, saying the companies weren’t being transparent about its impact on jobs.
And on Wednesday, the secretaries of state of seven states with nearly 5,000 Kroger and Albertsons stores __ including Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota and Maine __ sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission opposing the merger, saying it would limit consumer choice and give the stores no competitive incentive to hold down prices.
Southeastern Grocers also plans to sell its 28 Fresco y Mas stores to Fresco Retail Group, an investment company, which will continue to operate them under the same brand.
And on Wednesday, the secretaries of state of seven states with nearly 5,000 Kroger and Albertsons stores __ including Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota and Maine __ sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission opposing the merger, saying it would limit consumer choice and give the stores no competitive incentive to hold down prices.
Southeastern Grocers also plans to sell its 28 Fresco y Mas stores to Fresco Retail Group, an investment company, which will continue to operate them under the same brand.
PROMISES MADE - PROMISES KEPT!
- NEVER voted for a tax increase and NEVER will.
- STOPPED the City of Palm Coast from adding a 6% FPL Franchise Fee.
- DEFEATED Flagler County proposed 1/2 cent sales tax increase in 2021.
- KEPT PLEDGE to bring vote for prayer to City Council meetings.
- ENDED WOKE questions from City of Palm Coast public surveys.
MEMBER:
VICE-MAYOR Palm Coast
Flagler Republican Trump Assembly
Fraternal Order of Police of Flagler
National Rifle Association
Proud Navy Veteran
Still Serves U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Former Volunteer Firefighter
- NEVER voted for a tax increase and NEVER will.
- STOPPED the City of Palm Coast from adding a 6% FPL Franchise Fee.
- DEFEATED Flagler County proposed 1/2 cent sales tax increase in 2021.
- KEPT PLEDGE to bring vote for prayer to City Council meetings.
- ENDED WOKE questions from City of Palm Coast public surveys.
MEMBER:
VICE-MAYOR Palm Coast
Flagler Republican Trump Assembly
Fraternal Order of Police of Flagler
National Rifle Association
Proud Navy Veteran
Still Serves U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Former Volunteer Firefighter
Celebrating Grandparents' Day: Honoring the Wisdom and Love of Generations
Sunday , September 10, 2023
Grandparents' Day, observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States, is a special occasion that recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of grandparents to families and society as a whole. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude, share stories, and create lasting memories with those who have played an essential role in shaping our lives. In this article, we delve into the significance of Grandparents' Day and explore meaningful ways to honor and appreciate grandparents.
The Origin and Purpose of Grandparents' Day: Grandparents' Day was established as a national holiday in the United States by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Its creation was inspired by the efforts of Marian McQuade, a West Virginia homemaker, who advocated for a day to honor grandparents and their influence on children's lives. The day was designated to promote the bonds between generations, foster understanding, and celebrate the wisdom and guidance grandparents offer.
Celebrating the Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship: The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is often filled with love, warmth, and unique experiences. Grandparents are a wellspring of stories, traditions, and life lessons, enriching the lives of their grandchildren with their wealth of knowledge and experiences. On Grandparents' Day, families can come together to celebrate this connection by sharing stories, looking at old photographs, and engaging in activities that highlight intergenerational bonds.
Honoring Grandparents' Wisdom: One of the most precious gifts grandparents bring to their families is their wisdom. They have lived through times of change and have gained a perspective that can offer guidance and insight to younger generations. Grandparents' Day is an opportunity to ask them about their life experiences, seek advice, and learn from their journeys. Recording their stories can create a lasting legacy that can be passed down to future generations.
Creating Meaningful Celebrations: There are various ways to celebrate Grandparents' Day that can cater to different preferences and circumstances. Families can organize special gatherings, picnics, or outings to spend quality time together. Crafting sessions, where grandparents and grandchildren create art or engage in DIY projects, can be a fun and bonding experience. Cooking traditional family recipes together can also be a way to bridge the generation gap and create shared memories.
Giving Back: Grandparents' Day can also be an opportunity for families to give back to their grandparents. Simple gestures like writing heartfelt letters, creating personalized gifts, or even arranging for a spa day can show appreciation for their love and care. Volunteering together as a family to help the community can be a meaningful way to honor grandparents' values of giving back.
Conclusion: Grandparents' Day is a beautiful reminder of the significance of intergenerational relationships and the impact that grandparents have on our lives. It's a day to celebrate their presence, learn from their wisdom, and create cherished memories together. By acknowledging the role of grandparents in our lives, we not only honor their legacy but also strengthen the bonds that unite generations.
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/celebrating-grandparents-day-honoring-the-wisdom-and-love-of-generations
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By Jean Mlincek
I call them “crazy ants.” I am talking about Florida’s newly arrived drivers.
“Crazy ants” is the name of a species of ant that seem frenzied over nothing and which move fast and chaotically and exhibit psychotic behavior. They dart and dash about in patterns that make no sense. They have found their match in today’s frenzied, speed happy, pyschotic, erratic Florida driver.
Driving today is a nightmare thanks to crazy ants (and thanks to our city leaders who have promoted a ridiculous influx of crazy ants from other states). With today’s roads more congested than ever, one would think the call would go out for patient, safe driving. The only call crazy ants hear is “Start your engines”, and God forbid if you are in their way. It’s bad enough that they ride your bumper, but you hear their engine revving so loudly behind you that you are certain your vehicle is about to go airborne, landing somewhere in the state of Wyoming.
I tell my Northern friends that here in St. Pete, I feel like I’m driving in New York City, even though I have never driven in New York City. I only know that no one likens drivers here to those in Frankenmuth, Michigan. So there you have it.
Crazy ant drivers are rude and reckless. They are notorious for speeding through school zones. I hate to think that they don’t see the orange cones, the flashing yellow lights, the other cars going 15 mph, but apparently they don’t. They barrel past the “End School Zone” as if the school crossing guard is there to wave a victory flag as they sail through. They apparently don’t see the children, either.
They have no respect for pedestrian crossings or bike riders or the elderly who ride with full vulnerability on electric powered mobility scooters. Crazy ants see all three as annoying speed bumps forcing them to slow down or stop. Only they often don’t stop.
They risk sideswiping other cars just to get one measly car ahead. Any stretch of highway, no matter how short, is their Indy 500. They treat parking lots at malls like racetracks, totally ignoring shoppers going to and from their cars. They think anything that moves, whether other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians, should relinquish a path for their maniacal driving. I hate venturing out anymore because these assholes ON our roads are more dangerous than the numerous potholes IN our roads.
Too often, a line of 50 or more cars wait impatiently to get on the entrance ramp to our interstates,
blasting horns, thrusting the middle finger out their window, and engaging in hot-under-the-collar behavior. For what? The highways are at a crawl, so why the pressure to “move us along’’? If they are in such a hurry to “get out of Dodge” every evening, why did they move to “Dodge” in the first place. We were doing fine without them.
I have never liked round abouts, but even in that small circle, crazy ants rule with their infantile aggression. They won’t let you merge and if you happen to accomplish that feat, they won’t let you exit. I always feel like a hamster on a wheel, going round and round until I somehow escape the “dreadmill’’. The Kia Soul hamsters make driving look so leisurely, God bless their “Souls.”
Crazy ants are a prime pest in South America, but trust me, we aren’t crazy about crazy ants here in Florida.
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
jean.mlincek@seniorvoiceamerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/category/jean-mlincek
I call them “crazy ants.” I am talking about Florida’s newly arrived drivers.
“Crazy ants” is the name of a species of ant that seem frenzied over nothing and which move fast and chaotically and exhibit psychotic behavior. They dart and dash about in patterns that make no sense. They have found their match in today’s frenzied, speed happy, pyschotic, erratic Florida driver.
Driving today is a nightmare thanks to crazy ants (and thanks to our city leaders who have promoted a ridiculous influx of crazy ants from other states). With today’s roads more congested than ever, one would think the call would go out for patient, safe driving. The only call crazy ants hear is “Start your engines”, and God forbid if you are in their way. It’s bad enough that they ride your bumper, but you hear their engine revving so loudly behind you that you are certain your vehicle is about to go airborne, landing somewhere in the state of Wyoming.
I tell my Northern friends that here in St. Pete, I feel like I’m driving in New York City, even though I have never driven in New York City. I only know that no one likens drivers here to those in Frankenmuth, Michigan. So there you have it.
Crazy ant drivers are rude and reckless. They are notorious for speeding through school zones. I hate to think that they don’t see the orange cones, the flashing yellow lights, the other cars going 15 mph, but apparently they don’t. They barrel past the “End School Zone” as if the school crossing guard is there to wave a victory flag as they sail through. They apparently don’t see the children, either.
They have no respect for pedestrian crossings or bike riders or the elderly who ride with full vulnerability on electric powered mobility scooters. Crazy ants see all three as annoying speed bumps forcing them to slow down or stop. Only they often don’t stop.
They risk sideswiping other cars just to get one measly car ahead. Any stretch of highway, no matter how short, is their Indy 500. They treat parking lots at malls like racetracks, totally ignoring shoppers going to and from their cars. They think anything that moves, whether other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians, should relinquish a path for their maniacal driving. I hate venturing out anymore because these assholes ON our roads are more dangerous than the numerous potholes IN our roads.
Too often, a line of 50 or more cars wait impatiently to get on the entrance ramp to our interstates,
blasting horns, thrusting the middle finger out their window, and engaging in hot-under-the-collar behavior. For what? The highways are at a crawl, so why the pressure to “move us along’’? If they are in such a hurry to “get out of Dodge” every evening, why did they move to “Dodge” in the first place. We were doing fine without them.
I have never liked round abouts, but even in that small circle, crazy ants rule with their infantile aggression. They won’t let you merge and if you happen to accomplish that feat, they won’t let you exit. I always feel like a hamster on a wheel, going round and round until I somehow escape the “dreadmill’’. The Kia Soul hamsters make driving look so leisurely, God bless their “Souls.”
Crazy ants are a prime pest in South America, but trust me, we aren’t crazy about crazy ants here in Florida.
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
jean.mlincek@seniorvoiceamerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/
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Every Day is National Friendship Day at Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza’s Coffee Club Serves as an Example of the Power of Friendship & Support
Sun City Center, Fla. – Freedom Plaza, a senior living community, is celebrating National Friendship Day by highlighting the incredible bond formed within its Coffee Club. Established over six years ago, this club has become a cherished gathering place for residents, fostering support, camaraderie and a sense of purpose.
Every morning, the Coffee Club meets from 7 a.m. to approximately 9:30 a.m. in The American Grille, a cozy bistro at Freedom Plaza. The core group of approximately 8-12 men, known as the "jump starters," welcomes both regulars and newcomers, creating an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate.
“The Coffee Club gives many residents the motivation to get out of bed,” said Mike Anderson, a founder of the club and a resident at Freedom Plaza. “It is truly the best way to start the day – with a cup of coffee and great friends. I always leave with a big smile on my face.”
Initially created as a safe space for men to share their emotions and discuss life challenges, such as having a spouse in a higher level of care or coping with the loss of a spouse, the Coffee Club has evolved over time. After the COVID-19 pandemic, women began to participate, and now the club is open to all residents. It has transformed into a hub of support, laughter and community engagement, offering a helpdesk, resource center and drop-in club.
In addition to their daily gatherings, the Coffee Club organizes an annual cruise, with 10% of the proceeds donated to the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund. This initiative not only strengthens the bonds and friendships within the group but also contributes to the community's philanthropic efforts.
Friendships within the Coffee Club are nurtured through personal connections and acts of kindness. The members celebrate each other's birthdays by providing donuts and cakes, acknowledging the joy of another year of life. Freedom Plaza wholeheartedly supports the Coffee Club by providing essential supplies such as coffee, creamer, and sugar, enabling this vibrant community social to thrive.
“It is heartwarming to see the incredible impact this club has on the lives of our residents,” said Tiffany Hernández, marketing and sales coordinator at Freedom Plaza. “The Coffee Club stands as a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the community, reminding us that every day can be a celebration of friendship.”
About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a vibrant Life Care community in Sun City Center set on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. It features a private lake, walking trails, and an 18-hole executive golf course and putting green. Just minutes from both Tampa and Sarasota, residents enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle, with resort-inspired services and amenities. Freedom Plaza’s pet friendly community features over 400 independent living residences ranging from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartment residences. We also offer assisted living residences; skilled nursing, including private rehabilitation suites; and memory care.
Enclosure
Photos of the Coffee Club, including:
Rocky (Robert) McCutcheon, Mike Anderson, Bill Ciota, Carl Bohnenkamp,
Mark Stefenelli, Joe Balazik, Bill Pappmeier, Dick Moore and Al Hurlbrink
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/every-day-is-national-friendship-day-at-freedom-plaza
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
813-693-5511
Freedom Plaza’s Coffee Club Serves as an Example of the Power of Friendship & Support
Sun City Center, Fla. – Freedom Plaza, a senior living community, is celebrating National Friendship Day by highlighting the incredible bond formed within its Coffee Club. Established over six years ago, this club has become a cherished gathering place for residents, fostering support, camaraderie and a sense of purpose.
Every morning, the Coffee Club meets from 7 a.m. to approximately 9:30 a.m. in The American Grille, a cozy bistro at Freedom Plaza. The core group of approximately 8-12 men, known as the "jump starters," welcomes both regulars and newcomers, creating an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate.
“The Coffee Club gives many residents the motivation to get out of bed,” said Mike Anderson, a founder of the club and a resident at Freedom Plaza. “It is truly the best way to start the day – with a cup of coffee and great friends. I always leave with a big smile on my face.”
Initially created as a safe space for men to share their emotions and discuss life challenges, such as having a spouse in a higher level of care or coping with the loss of a spouse, the Coffee Club has evolved over time. After the COVID-19 pandemic, women began to participate, and now the club is open to all residents. It has transformed into a hub of support, laughter and community engagement, offering a helpdesk, resource center and drop-in club.
In addition to their daily gatherings, the Coffee Club organizes an annual cruise, with 10% of the proceeds donated to the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund. This initiative not only strengthens the bonds and friendships within the group but also contributes to the community's philanthropic efforts.
Friendships within the Coffee Club are nurtured through personal connections and acts of kindness. The members celebrate each other's birthdays by providing donuts and cakes, acknowledging the joy of another year of life. Freedom Plaza wholeheartedly supports the Coffee Club by providing essential supplies such as coffee, creamer, and sugar, enabling this vibrant community social to thrive.
“It is heartwarming to see the incredible impact this club has on the lives of our residents,” said Tiffany Hernández, marketing and sales coordinator at Freedom Plaza. “The Coffee Club stands as a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the community, reminding us that every day can be a celebration of friendship.”
About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a vibrant Life Care community in Sun City Center set on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. It features a private lake, walking trails, and an 18-hole executive golf course and putting green. Just minutes from both Tampa and Sarasota, residents enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle, with resort-inspired services and amenities. Freedom Plaza’s pet friendly community features over 400 independent living residences ranging from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartment residences. We also offer assisted living residences; skilled nursing, including private rehabilitation suites; and memory care.
Enclosure
Photos of the Coffee Club, including:
Rocky (Robert) McCutcheon, Mike Anderson, Bill Ciota, Carl Bohnenkamp,
Mark Stefenelli, Joe Balazik, Bill Pappmeier, Dick Moore and Al Hurlbrink
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/every-day-is-national-friendship-day-at-freedom-plaza
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
813-693-5511
Solo Travel Tips
7 recommendations for venturing out alone
(Family Features) Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.
Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.
If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.
Make Sure Your Passport is Updated
Many countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.
Look for Trips with No Single Supplement
Often, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.
Use the ATM
As an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau. Plus, you can avoid additional fees by calculating how much you’ll need for the trip and making one withdrawal as opposed to multiple smaller withdrawals.
Download Entertainment Before You Leave
When traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy while you’re en route or during down time.
Join Group Tours
Once you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.
Take Precautions in Your Hotel Room
When you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.
Make New Friends
For some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.
Find more tips to prepare for your journey at oattravel.com.
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/solo-travel-tips-7-recommendations-for-venturing-out-alone
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
Senior Voice America 813-693=5511
7 recommendations for venturing out alone
(Family Features) Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.
Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.
If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.
Make Sure Your Passport is Updated
Many countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.
Look for Trips with No Single Supplement
Often, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.
Use the ATM
As an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau. Plus, you can avoid additional fees by calculating how much you’ll need for the trip and making one withdrawal as opposed to multiple smaller withdrawals.
Download Entertainment Before You Leave
When traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy while you’re en route or during down time.
Join Group Tours
Once you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.
Take Precautions in Your Hotel Room
When you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.
Make New Friends
For some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.
Find more tips to prepare for your journey at oattravel.com.
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/solo-travel-tips-7-recommendations-for-venturing-out-alone
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
Senior Voice America 813-693=5511
Understanding a Treatment Option for Advanced Kidney Cancer
(Family Features) When kidney cancer spreads or becomes advanced, it can be challenging to treat. Common signs and symptoms can include blood in urine, lower back pain on one side, a mass on the side or lower back, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
While a diagnosis of advanced kidney cancer can be overwhelming, there are steps patients can take to feel more empowered as they face the disease, starting with learning about the treatments that may be available for them.
Exploring Your Options
When facing advanced kidney cancer, it’s important for patients and caregivers to have open communication with their healthcare team to understand the diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.
Asking questions to understand where the cancer has spread, what the expected prognosis is and the potential benefits of treatment – including the possibility to live longer – can be critical to aligning on a path forward.
Fortunately, there are several types of medicines available for advanced kidney cancer today, depending on the specifics of each patient’s disease. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy are a few types of treatment that may be considered, sometimes in combination. Immunotherapy works differently than chemotherapy or targeted therapy, as it helps a person’s own immune system to fight cancer and can enable the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. For some patients, dual immunotherapy – or a combination of two immunotherapy treatments – may be recommended.
For example, Opdivo (nivolumab) + Yervoy (ipilimumab) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination of two immunotherapies for certain newly diagnosed adults whose kidney cancer (also referred to as renal cell carcinoma) has spread. It is not known if Opdivo is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age. Opdivo (10 mg/mL) and Yervoy (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous use.
This combination of two immunotherapies has the potential to work with the immune system in different but complementary ways to help fight cancer. While Yervoy may stimulate the kind of cells that help fight cancer, Opdivo may help these cells find and fight the cancer cells again.
While doing so, this immunotherapy combination can also affect healthy cells. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when Opdivo is used in combination with Yervoy.
Opdivo and Yervoy can cause problems that can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death. Serious side effects may include lung problems; intestinal problems; liver problems; hormone gland problems; kidney problems; skin problems; eye problems; problems in other organs and tissues; severe infusion reactions; and complications of stem cell transplant, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.
Understanding Overall Survival
One of the most important considerations for choosing a treatment is the potential for survival, or the chance to live longer. Overall survival is sometimes reported as a survival rate, which is the percentage of people in a clinical trial who are still alive for a certain time period after being diagnosed with or starting treatment for a disease, such as cancer.
“After my cancer diagnosis, my wife and I prayed about our future and pursuing every avenue with that goal in mind,” said Terry Broussard, who has been living with advanced kidney cancer. “I wanted a treatment that may give me a chance to live longer in order to see my youngest child graduate high school.”
Broussard’s doctor recommended treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy, which has overall survival data at five years. The FDA approval of this dual immunotherapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was based on results from the CheckMate -214 clinical trial, which included 847 previously untreated patients with kidney cancer that had spread and with one or more risk factors.
In the primary analysis at two years (25.2 months), the length of time patients lived without tumors worsening was 11.6 months for this immunotherapy combination and 8.4 months for sunitinib. There was no meaningful difference between the two treatments.
Researchers also assessed the overall response rate, which is a measure of the percentage of patients whose cancer shrunk (partial response) or disappeared completely (complete response) after treatment.
At the two-year time point, 41.6% of patients treated with Opdivo + Yervoy (95% CI:36.9-46.5) responded to treatment (n=177/425) versus 26.5% (n=112/422) of those treated with sunitinib (95% CI:22.4-31.0). Partial tumor shrinkage occurred in 32.2% of the patients treated with this immunotherapy combination compared to 25.4% of those treated with sunitinib. Tumors disappeared completely in 9.4% of patients treated with this immunotherapy combination versus in 1.2% of patients treated with sunitinib. The disappearance of any measurable tumors in response to treatment does not necessarily mean the cancer has been cured. Opdivo + Yervoy will not work for everyone. Individual results may vary.
“Advanced kidney cancer is a complex disease with many treatment options, which can feel overwhelming for people facing a devastating cancer diagnosis,” said Ulka Vaishampayan, M.D., professor, Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan. “The goal of treatment is to help patients live longer, and research like these five-year data gives us insight into what treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy may look like for patients from the trial over time.”
The most common side effects of Opdivo, when used in combination with Yervoy, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness.
Establishing and Leaning on a Support System
From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, many patients find the support from family, friends and loved ones invaluable. Identifying a friend, spouse or caregiver who can join doctor appointments, ask questions and take notes can be a helpful way to track all the details that can often be overwhelming when facing cancer. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of my wife, children, nurses and doctors every step of the way,” said Broussard. “Even in the most challenging moments, knowing they were by my side gave me the hope and inspiration I needed to continue moving forward.”
To learn more, visit Opdivo.com.
Source: Bristol Myers Squibb
Photo caption: Terry Broussard and his wife, Tracy. Broussard is an actual patient who has been compensated by Bristol Myers Squibb for his time.
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) to treat adults with kidney cancer in certain people when your cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and you have not already had treatment for your advanced RCC.
It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.
Information provided in this article is not a substitute for talking with your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information about your disease.
Important Safety Information for OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + YERVOY® (ipilimumab)
What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?
OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with another therapy.
What are the serious side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY?
Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including:
- Lung problems: new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; chest pain
- Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness
- Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heart beat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
- Kidney problems: decrease in your amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite
- Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose, throat, or genital area
- Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness.
Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include:
- Chest pain; irregular heart beat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles
- Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
- Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight
- Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps
- Low red blood cells; bruising
Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects.
Possible side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY
OPDIVO and OPDIVO + YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including:
- See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?”
- Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain
- Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications.
The most common side effects of OPDIVO, when used in combination with YERVOY, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness.
These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA- 1088.
Before receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
- have received an organ transplant
- have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)
- have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO
- have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY.
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY.
- You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
- Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of a pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO and YERVOY.
© 2023 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All Rights Reserved.
OPDIVO® and YERVOY® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
7356-US-2200719 2/23
Bristol Myers Squibb
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured
KevinLeonard@SeniorVoiceAmerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured
KevinLeonard@SeniorVoiceAmerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/poetry-corner-the-charm-of-a-midnight-soul-by-bobby-c
About 10 days ago I watched a movie in the theater called Sound of Freedom.
I had heard both positive and negative reviews of the movie but was unsure if the people with negative reviews actually watched the movie. To this date I still do not know.
The movie was actually shot in Columbia, South America in 2018. Why the delay in the release? Paramount Fox put up the proceeds but was bought out by Disney who shelved this movie for nearly 5 years. Angel Studios bought the rights from Disney in early 2023 and used Angel investors and crowdfunding to get into theaters nationwide. It cost about 14 million dollars to make and has exceeded 125 million as of July 24, 2023 and is now in more theaters. Lots of free tickets out there since someone paid it forward or you can buy a ticket yourself and then also pay it forward. See Angelstudios.com
I had heard both positive and negative reviews of the movie but was unsure if the people with negative reviews actually watched the movie. To this date I still do not know.
The movie was actually shot in Columbia, South America in 2018. Why the delay in the release? Paramount Fox put up the proceeds but was bought out by Disney who shelved this movie for nearly 5 years. Angel Studios bought the rights from Disney in early 2023 and used Angel investors and crowdfunding to get into theaters nationwide. It cost about 14 million dollars to make and has exceeded 125 million as of July 24, 2023 and is now in more theaters. Lots of free tickets out there since someone paid it forward or you can buy a ticket yourself and then also pay it forward. See Angelstudios.com
This is a true story based on the life of Tim Ballard (played by Jim Caveziel), a Homeland Security Officer who gave up his retirement to save children who were being sexually trafficked. The movie is implicit and not explicit but you will understand what is happening. Basically it reunites a brother and sister who were kidnapped. Also many more children are rescued in the movie by a sting operation and currently under Project Underground Railroad thousands more have been saved while imprisoning many traffickers and pedophiles.The Us has the highest rate of services from traffickers and currently Mexico has the most children kidnapped and sold into slavery.
For me, personally it is the best movie that I have ever seen based on the subject matter, directing, and acting. I truly mean it. Just watch the hundreds if not thousands of YouTube videos.
This movie crosses all boundaries of race, sexual orientation, liberal versus conservative, religion and many more. So no matter your beliefs this movie is for you. You can make a difference and hopefully tell others about the movie. Awareness is what they are going for.
What bothers me is that the liberal press has been advocating for the boycott of this film.
Think about it. Who are they protecting? I guarantee it is the elite in any business, government, CEOs and many others. Yes all the way to the top where many actually profit from it or use the end product (children).
Really sick? Absolutely but we will peel back this onion until all are exposed. It is literally a battle between good and evil.
I pray that this will touch the hearts and minds of all who see it.
Review by
Dr Dipak
Clearwater Florida
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/sound-of-freedom
For me, personally it is the best movie that I have ever seen based on the subject matter, directing, and acting. I truly mean it. Just watch the hundreds if not thousands of YouTube videos.
This movie crosses all boundaries of race, sexual orientation, liberal versus conservative, religion and many more. So no matter your beliefs this movie is for you. You can make a difference and hopefully tell others about the movie. Awareness is what they are going for.
What bothers me is that the liberal press has been advocating for the boycott of this film.
Think about it. Who are they protecting? I guarantee it is the elite in any business, government, CEOs and many others. Yes all the way to the top where many actually profit from it or use the end product (children).
Really sick? Absolutely but we will peel back this onion until all are exposed. It is literally a battle between good and evil.
I pray that this will touch the hearts and minds of all who see it.
Review by
Dr Dipak
Clearwater Florida
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/sound-of-freedom
I do not intend to debate gun control in the United States. I know there are some who say that banning assault style weapons won’t solve the problem of mass shootings, but neither will blaming every shooting on mental illness. We have made mental illness the scapegoat for a lot of what ails our country. Truth is, not everyone who goes on a rampage is mentally ill.
There are, however, downright evil people on this planet who have the ability to lay out their heinous crimes in horrifying detail weeks and months before they actually execute those plans, and who are fully aware of the conse-quences of their actions. Fully aware.
How on earth they have the audacity to plead “not guilty” is beyond me, oth-er than they know they can cop the insanity plea while mama stands by with heart-rending theatrics, insisting “I know my boy, and he wouldn’t do some-thing like this.” Yeah, right. Tell that to the young woman who stepped into a car thinking she was entering an Uber vehicle and subsequently ended up with 120 stab wounds on her body.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for “innocent until proven guilty”, but criminals today know they have the upper hand. They know they have more rights than the victim. Have you ever noticed how the news media are always careful to say “the ALLEGED gunman”, even though 20 videos captured his deed and 50 cops wrestled him to the ground, clutching a recently fired gun in his hands. Maybe the “law” dictates the media must use the term “al-leged” to the point of ridiculousness, but, hey, there we go again, sheltering the person responsible for the constant flow of innocent blood in our schools, our churches, our synagogues, our malls, our entertainment venues, and on our own front lawns.
Ever wonder why we don’t call the victims “ALLEGED victims”? Oh, I for-got. They are dead. Beyond-a-reasonable-doubt dead. Still, thanks to our Christian-Judeo values, we insist that no one is beyond rehabilitation, and, of course, EVERY American citizen is “entitled” to a trial by his or her peers, regardless.
After all, we don’t want any rush to judgment for these cold-blooded killers, even though the victims were not given that luxury, Bang! Bang! Bang! And an innocent life is snuffed out. We do everything possible to safeguard the “rights” of the killer, but what about justice for the victims of random vio-lence? If a law is ineffective at obtaining justice for the deceased, let’s do something about it vs. sitting back and saying we have the best system in the world. Tell that to the survivors of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 fourth-graders and two teachers were killed by a relentless moron.
Not only does the media shrink from calling a spade a spade, but they love to hype the motive for such senselessness as if knowing the motive will be a salve. Who cares about the freaking’ motive? More often than not, knowing the motive backfires, offering sympathy for the killer. Poor guy was forced to eat his own boogers as a child, or was bullied, or came from a dysfunctional household. My God, those are ALL legit reasons for random massacres, ya think?
We need to quit coddling the offender, of giving our courtrooms over to clowns representing themselves, of giving near-celebrity status to cold heart-ed murderers. We believe there are good people on this planet, so why can’t we come to grips with the fact that there are abhorrently evil people?
Not all mass killers are mentally ill.
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
There are, however, downright evil people on this planet who have the ability to lay out their heinous crimes in horrifying detail weeks and months before they actually execute those plans, and who are fully aware of the conse-quences of their actions. Fully aware.
How on earth they have the audacity to plead “not guilty” is beyond me, oth-er than they know they can cop the insanity plea while mama stands by with heart-rending theatrics, insisting “I know my boy, and he wouldn’t do some-thing like this.” Yeah, right. Tell that to the young woman who stepped into a car thinking she was entering an Uber vehicle and subsequently ended up with 120 stab wounds on her body.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for “innocent until proven guilty”, but criminals today know they have the upper hand. They know they have more rights than the victim. Have you ever noticed how the news media are always careful to say “the ALLEGED gunman”, even though 20 videos captured his deed and 50 cops wrestled him to the ground, clutching a recently fired gun in his hands. Maybe the “law” dictates the media must use the term “al-leged” to the point of ridiculousness, but, hey, there we go again, sheltering the person responsible for the constant flow of innocent blood in our schools, our churches, our synagogues, our malls, our entertainment venues, and on our own front lawns.
Ever wonder why we don’t call the victims “ALLEGED victims”? Oh, I for-got. They are dead. Beyond-a-reasonable-doubt dead. Still, thanks to our Christian-Judeo values, we insist that no one is beyond rehabilitation, and, of course, EVERY American citizen is “entitled” to a trial by his or her peers, regardless.
After all, we don’t want any rush to judgment for these cold-blooded killers, even though the victims were not given that luxury, Bang! Bang! Bang! And an innocent life is snuffed out. We do everything possible to safeguard the “rights” of the killer, but what about justice for the victims of random vio-lence? If a law is ineffective at obtaining justice for the deceased, let’s do something about it vs. sitting back and saying we have the best system in the world. Tell that to the survivors of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 fourth-graders and two teachers were killed by a relentless moron.
Not only does the media shrink from calling a spade a spade, but they love to hype the motive for such senselessness as if knowing the motive will be a salve. Who cares about the freaking’ motive? More often than not, knowing the motive backfires, offering sympathy for the killer. Poor guy was forced to eat his own boogers as a child, or was bullied, or came from a dysfunctional household. My God, those are ALL legit reasons for random massacres, ya think?
We need to quit coddling the offender, of giving our courtrooms over to clowns representing themselves, of giving near-celebrity status to cold heart-ed murderers. We believe there are good people on this planet, so why can’t we come to grips with the fact that there are abhorrently evil people?
Not all mass killers are mentally ill.
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
Call for Reservations : 727-789-2000
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Sun City Center, Fla. – Freedom Plaza’s Freedom Fairways, an 18-hole executive golf course clubhouse and pro shop, has opened its doors to the First Tee of Tampa Bay and the YMCA, offering space for their summer camp. This collaboration between the active senior community and the youth organizations aims to create a unique and enriching experience for all involved.
The partnership between Freedom Plaza and the First Tee of Tampa Bay began with Saturday afternoon events, providing a positive opportunity for residents to learn and engage in the game of golf. When the First Tee of Tampa Bay and the YMCA approached Freedom Plaza about the possibility of providing space for their summer camp, as they were unexpectedly asked to leave their previous facility, Freedom Plaza gladly stepped in to ensure the continuity of their summer camp for the remaining seven weeks of 2023.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Sun City Center, Fla. – Freedom Plaza’s Freedom Fairways, an 18-hole executive golf course clubhouse and pro shop, has opened its doors to the First Tee of Tampa Bay and the YMCA, offering space for their summer camp. This collaboration between the active senior community and the youth organizations aims to create a unique and enriching experience for all involved.
The partnership between Freedom Plaza and the First Tee of Tampa Bay began with Saturday afternoon events, providing a positive opportunity for residents to learn and engage in the game of golf. When the First Tee of Tampa Bay and the YMCA approached Freedom Plaza about the possibility of providing space for their summer camp, as they were unexpectedly asked to leave their previous facility, Freedom Plaza gladly stepped in to ensure the continuity of their summer camp for the remaining seven weeks of 2023.
 |  |
What sets this initiative apart is the intergenerational aspect it brings to the community. By sharing their experiences, time and space with the youth, the active seniors at Freedom Plaza are not only fostering a love for golf but also creating lasting memories and special moments. This unique collaboration showcases the power of bridging the generation gap and the positive influence it can have on both the young and the elderly.
“We’ve always enjoyed our experiences with the First Tee of Tampa Bay, so it was a no-brainer when they asked to use Freedom Fairways for their summer camp,” said Ron Larkin, director of golf and hospitality at Freedom Plaza. “We saw it as a wonderful opportunity to support the organizations, the children partaking in the camp, and our very own residents – it was a win, win, win.”
The benefits of this partnership extend beyond the immediate participants. Freedom Plaza's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity is evident in their willingness to open their doors to the public and summer camp kids. This exemplifies the kind of community that Freedom Plaza represents, making it an attractive choice for future clients who value a vibrant and inclusive environment.
“We’ve always enjoyed our experiences with the First Tee of Tampa Bay, so it was a no-brainer when they asked to use Freedom Fairways for their summer camp,” said Ron Larkin, director of golf and hospitality at Freedom Plaza. “We saw it as a wonderful opportunity to support the organizations, the children partaking in the camp, and our very own residents – it was a win, win, win.”
The benefits of this partnership extend beyond the immediate participants. Freedom Plaza's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity is evident in their willingness to open their doors to the public and summer camp kids. This exemplifies the kind of community that Freedom Plaza represents, making it an attractive choice for future clients who value a vibrant and inclusive environment.
 |  |
“We are grateful to Freedom Plaza, as they have ensured that the kids can continue their activities throughout the summer without disruption,” said Coach Chris with The First Tee of Tampa Bay. “Without Freedom Plaza’s generosity, we would have faced the challenge of traveling long distances or even the possibility of camp cancellation. This act of kindness demonstrates Freedom Plaza's commitment to doing the right thing and their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.”
Freedom Plaza is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort and looks forward to the continued success of the summer camp. This initiative serves as a shining example of how a community can come together to create a better future for all its members, young and old.
About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a vibrant Life Care community in Sun City Center set on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. It features a private lake, walking trails, and an 18-hole executive golf course and putting green. Just minutes from both Tampa and Sarasota, residents enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle, with resort-inspired services and amenities. Freedom Plaza’s pet friendly community features over 400 independent living residences ranging from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartment residences. We also offer assisted living residences; skilled nursing, including private rehabilitation suites; and memory care.
Freedom Plaza is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort and looks forward to the continued success of the summer camp. This initiative serves as a shining example of how a community can come together to create a better future for all its members, young and old.
About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a vibrant Life Care community in Sun City Center set on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. It features a private lake, walking trails, and an 18-hole executive golf course and putting green. Just minutes from both Tampa and Sarasota, residents enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle, with resort-inspired services and amenities. Freedom Plaza’s pet friendly community features over 400 independent living residences ranging from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartment residences. We also offer assisted living residences; skilled nursing, including private rehabilitation suites; and memory care.
Contact
Lyndsey Brzozowski / Alyssa Rudd
Enclosures
Photos from the Summer Camp
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/freedom-plazas-freedom-fairways-provides-space-for-summer-camp-fostering-intergenerational-connections-promoting-golf
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
KevinLeonard@SeniorVoiceAmerica.org
Lyndsey Brzozowski / Alyssa Rudd
Enclosures
Photos from the Summer Camp
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/freedom-plazas-freedom-fairways-provides-space-for-summer-camp-fostering-intergenerational-connections-promoting-golf
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org
KevinLeonard@SeniorVoiceAmerica.org
By Jean Mlincek
(Editor’s note. This is the first column in a series explaining why the author was almost void of humor this past year. You will find her restored sense of humor elsewhere in this newspaper.)
I hit my “Stop -the-world-I-want-to-get-off” moment early in 2021. Nothing seemed funny to me anymore, so I “retired” from writing humor for Senior Voice. It felt as if my soul had flat lined.
Our world is changing. People are changing. Norms are changing, and it isn’t pretty. It is hard to believe, considering how the masses function today, that man and woman are God’s highest creation. We alone are created in His likeness, His image. We often forget that wonderfully astounding fact.
You look at people today and you know something has gone sideways. Too many people are rude, violent, selfish, unkind. And so ignorant of the fact that they sabotage themselves, so needy that they compromise self-worth, so bent on power and “perfection” that they ruin the original work of God. I hate what I see.
One thing that troubles me a lot is the rampant abuse of our own bodies. It’s not just the internet ogres who are body shaming; we do it to ourselves, especially women. The death of Lisa Marie Presley is a classic and tragic example. She lost 50 lbs. in 6 weeks so she could “look good” at the Golden Globe Awards. Dear God, she looked terrible: frightfully pale. eyelids half shut, steps precarious. Was her attempt to “look good” a case of stupid vanity, or was she just another victim of our cultural demand that women must look beautiful 24/7? Either verdict still is cause for an untimely and unnecessary death
I grew up hating my nose, my thighs, my big ears, my rounded shoulders, my inability to grasp left-brain tasks. I wasn’t born with this self-hatred. It came from the outside, one blow after another. Even now, I am still beating myself up because I fall short of “beautiful” per my culture, the beauty industry, Hollywood, the Kardashians, and everyone else who dictates what beautiful looks like. I hate my body. No, in reality, I hate ME--the one graced with the image of God! My body works hard for me, but I rarely sing praise about it. . And I easily dismiss my true beauty--the twinkle in my hazel eyes, my soft hands, my creative mind, my nurturing spirit, my deep empathy. Thanks to my body, I can walk, talk, touch, laugh, hug, pray, share kindness, encourage.
I never realized how brutal, how unforgiving I was of my own body until I read Jen Hatmaker’s wonderful book titled “Fierce, Free and Full of Fire; The Guide to Being Glorious You.” Women in particular consider their bodies an “it.” And we are unmerciful towards “it.” Hatmaker says we should address our bodies as “she” or “her”--because our body is us, not something we are forced to drag around. She is so right. My body IS glorious; “she” has served me well. She deserves daily celebration. I need to cut her a break.
I hate that we have been pummeled into self-loathing. We need to find joy in being ourselves, in being accepted “as is”, in loving and being loved. Unfortunately, our world has become too dark, too demanding to allow those rights.
Next: The clowns in Congress.
Jean Mlincek is a free lance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
jean.mlincek@seniorvoiceamerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/category/jean-mlincek
(Editor’s note. This is the first column in a series explaining why the author was almost void of humor this past year. You will find her restored sense of humor elsewhere in this newspaper.)
I hit my “Stop -the-world-I-want-to-get-off” moment early in 2021. Nothing seemed funny to me anymore, so I “retired” from writing humor for Senior Voice. It felt as if my soul had flat lined.
Our world is changing. People are changing. Norms are changing, and it isn’t pretty. It is hard to believe, considering how the masses function today, that man and woman are God’s highest creation. We alone are created in His likeness, His image. We often forget that wonderfully astounding fact.
You look at people today and you know something has gone sideways. Too many people are rude, violent, selfish, unkind. And so ignorant of the fact that they sabotage themselves, so needy that they compromise self-worth, so bent on power and “perfection” that they ruin the original work of God. I hate what I see.
One thing that troubles me a lot is the rampant abuse of our own bodies. It’s not just the internet ogres who are body shaming; we do it to ourselves, especially women. The death of Lisa Marie Presley is a classic and tragic example. She lost 50 lbs. in 6 weeks so she could “look good” at the Golden Globe Awards. Dear God, she looked terrible: frightfully pale. eyelids half shut, steps precarious. Was her attempt to “look good” a case of stupid vanity, or was she just another victim of our cultural demand that women must look beautiful 24/7? Either verdict still is cause for an untimely and unnecessary death
I grew up hating my nose, my thighs, my big ears, my rounded shoulders, my inability to grasp left-brain tasks. I wasn’t born with this self-hatred. It came from the outside, one blow after another. Even now, I am still beating myself up because I fall short of “beautiful” per my culture, the beauty industry, Hollywood, the Kardashians, and everyone else who dictates what beautiful looks like. I hate my body. No, in reality, I hate ME--the one graced with the image of God! My body works hard for me, but I rarely sing praise about it. . And I easily dismiss my true beauty--the twinkle in my hazel eyes, my soft hands, my creative mind, my nurturing spirit, my deep empathy. Thanks to my body, I can walk, talk, touch, laugh, hug, pray, share kindness, encourage.
I never realized how brutal, how unforgiving I was of my own body until I read Jen Hatmaker’s wonderful book titled “Fierce, Free and Full of Fire; The Guide to Being Glorious You.” Women in particular consider their bodies an “it.” And we are unmerciful towards “it.” Hatmaker says we should address our bodies as “she” or “her”--because our body is us, not something we are forced to drag around. She is so right. My body IS glorious; “she” has served me well. She deserves daily celebration. I need to cut her a break.
I hate that we have been pummeled into self-loathing. We need to find joy in being ourselves, in being accepted “as is”, in loving and being loved. Unfortunately, our world has become too dark, too demanding to allow those rights.
Next: The clowns in Congress.
Jean Mlincek is a free lance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.
jean.mlincek@seniorvoiceamerica.org
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/
https://www.seniorvoiceamerica.org/featured/category/jean-mlincek
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