Men of Style Rocked the Runway
By Rachel Galvin
A fantastical carnival of delight welcomed guests of the Men of Style event held Dec. 1 at the Galleria Fort Lauderdale. Greeted by interestingly-attired people on stilts and a shirtless man wearing a metal hoop skirt holding champagne indicated that things were about to get interesting. Burlesque dancing by a long-haired scantily-clad man cinched it. But the core of the event revolved around food, spirits provided by local restaurants and purveyors, and the highlight was the fashion show. The runway was graced with men decked out in fashions by Dillards and Macy’s representing 12 different local charities. Joining them were some real male models. Once they strutted down the catwalk, the real fun began, as zealous fans hooted and hollered, and held up signs with the faces of the man they were supporting. The event was hosted by Nicole Perez, WPLG Local 10 anchor. It was presented by Signature Grand.
The event is in its 16th year and raised $100,000+ more than last year toward charities, as people could pay to vote for their fav. In the end, the winner was Jorge Hernandez, vice president of Supply Chain Services and Chief Procurement Officer, Broward Health. His charity was (Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center. The other men included the following:
- Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner (The Pride Center at Equality Park)
- David Cooley, Owner/Agent, State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Pompano Beach (Henderson Behavioral Health)
- Gregg Goldstein, Chief Strategy Officer, EM Consulting Group (Leadership Broward Foundation)
- Andre Gonzalez, Project Wealth Advisor, Synovus Bank (Florida Children’s Theatre)
- David Greenberg, President, Greenberg Capital and Strategic Advisor, Florida Panthers Hockey Team (Junior Achievement of South Florida)
- Chris Hawk, Interventional Cardiologist, MSPB Cardiology Group (Jack & Jill Center)
- Mike Linder, Owner, SilverLining Inflight Catering, JET Runway Café, YOT, Canyon and Event Effects Group (Kids In Distress)
- Justin Nepola, Attorney, Nepola Yonta Attorneys at Law (FLITE Center)
- Marc Spoto, AVP of Marketing, JM&A Group (HANDY)
- David Smith, Executive Vice President and CFO, Memorial Healthcare System (Art and Culture Center/Hollywood)
- Andrew Wurtele, Private Investor (Heart Gallery of Broward)
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our fun and fashionable Men of Style for its 16th year, which is a testament to and celebration of the achievements of 12 philanthropic men and the charitable nonprofits they serve,” Melissa Milroy says, senior marketing manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “Galleria Fort Lauderdale is a steadfast community partner committed to making a difference year-round. We are grateful to continuing sponsor Signature Grand and our many supporters that make this a most memorable and meaningful event.”
Following the event, there was an after-party at Blue Martini downstairs.
For more information about Galleria Mall, visit www.galleriamall-fl.com.
Tickets on Sale for Men of Style –Dec. 1
Front row (l. to r.): Chris Caputo, David Greenberg, Justin Nepola, Andrew Wurtele, David Cooley and Jorge Hernandez
Back row (l. to r.): Gregg Goldstein, Mike Linder, Marc Spoto, Andre Gonzalez, Chris Hawk, David Smith
The 2022 Men of Style honorees will make their runway debut during Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s Men of Style presented by Signature Grand on December 1.
Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography
Ready. Set. Strut! Tickets are on sale for Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s Men of Style presented by Signature Grand, the most fashionable social event of the season, on Thursday, December 1, from 6 – 9 p.m.! This 16th annual high-energy event will showcase a stellar roster of prominent men who are making a positive impact in our community. Last year’s record-breaking event raised over $203,000 for 12 respected local charities that impact the quality of life for those they serve and the community-at-large.
“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to host our fashionable Men of Style event, now 16 years strong, which is a testament to and celebration of the achievements of philanthropic men and the charitable nonprofits they serve,” said Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “We’re excited to continue this tradition as a valued community resource to nonprofits year-round and to feature leading men who generously commit their time, money and means to worthy causes.”
The 2022 Men of Style who are graciously donating their time and resources to worthy causes and will work the runway on behalf of their participating nonprofits are:
- Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner (The Pride Center at Equality Park)
- David Cooley, Owner/Agent, State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Pompano Beach (Henderson Behavioral Health)
- Gregg Goldstein, Chief Strategy Officer, EM Consulting Group (Leadership Broward Foundation)
- Andre Gonzalez, Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America (Florida Children’s Theatre)
- David Greenberg, President, Greenberg Capital and Strategic Advisor, Florida Panthers Hockey Team (Junior Achievement of South Florida)
- Chris Hawk, Interventional Cardiologist, MSPB Cardiology Group (Jack & Jill Center)
- Jorge Hernandez, Vice President of Supply Chain Services and Chief Procurement Officer, Broward Health (Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center)
- Mike Linder, Owner, SilverLining Inflight Catering, JET Runway Café, YOT, Canyon and Event Effects Group (Kids In Distress)
- Justin Nepola, Attorney, Nepola Yonta Attorneys at Law (FLITE Center)
- David Smith, Executive Vice President and CFO, Memorial Healthcare System (Art and Culture Center/Hollywood)
- Marc Spoto, AVP of Marketing, JM&A Group (HANDY)
- Andrew Wurtele, Private Investor (Heart Gallery of Broward County)
Guests will be treated to gourmet selections from area restaurants and an open bar with Stoli Vodka, wines from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and award-winning original Miami handcrafted spirits from HARRY BLU’S®. The highlight of the evening will be the fashion runway show hosted by WPLG Local 10 Anchor Nicole Perez that will feature the Men of Style honorees wearing the season’s top trending styles from Macy’s and Dillard’s.
Event sponsors and contributors include Signature Grand as a presenting sponsor, Memorial Healthcare System, Dillard’s, Macy’s, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, City & Shore magazine, OutClique, WPLG Local 10, Stoli, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, HARRY BLU’S® , The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Arc Culinary, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Sicilian Oven, Blue Martini, Canyon, Funky Buddha and YOT Bar & Kitchen.
Tickets, available through the participating charities, are $150 per person including complimentary valet parking. Online voting is $25 per vote and is available by visiting www.galleriamall-fl.com/events/men-of-style-2022. The Man of Style and his respected charity that sells the most tickets and secures the most online votes will be recognized during the event with an additional $1,000 contribution.
Film Review: Along comes a spider… “Holy Spider’s” grisly tale hits very close to home
By Rachel Galvin
As the streets of Iran have erupted with protestors enraged at the killing of a 22-year-old woman who dared to show a little too much hair from beneath her head scarf, a film called “Holy Spider” comes along to throw focus on Iran’s societal ills wrapped in a crime drama based on a true story.
Directed by an Iranian director from Denmark named Ali Abbasi, the grisly tale follows a determined journalist who has come from Tehran to Mashhad to uncover the truth about a serial killer who is prowling the streets seeking to rid the city of corrupt women. The killings really happened from 2000 to 2001 but some fictional elements have been added to the tale, including the addition of the reporter.
The journalist, Rahimi, undergoes a very dangerous journey to try to find the killer, who thinks he is doing something righteous. The story follows her quest and his and how they intersect, as well as examining the community around them that has shaped their lives in one way or another.
The close-up camera work adds extra focus to the brutality of the killings in this film. That plus the treatment of women in the culture and the desperate conditions of some who live there makes the film difficult to watch yet important.
Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, who plays Rahimi, garnered a Best Actress award at Cannes this year for the role. Mehdi Bajestani, who plays the killer Saeed, also gives a nuanced performance showing love for his family and disgust for corruption, as well as anxiety at times and ego at others.
The film has also been entered as an Oscar contender in the International Film category. The film is told in Persian with English subtitles.
You can watch “Holy Spider” on Sunday, Nov. 6, 4 p.m. at the Tower Theater as part of GEMS Miami Film Festival.
Palm Con brings comic book lovers & more to West Palm Beach
By Rachel Galvin
Cosplayers and comic book aficionados flocked to The Palm Beach County Comic Book & Collectibles Show (Palm Con) on September 17th at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach. Martin Pierro’s latest creation was bigger than last year and he was happy to return to the convention center. “I’m really happy how the community came out to support the show,” he said.
“This is one of the best local conventions I have ever done,” said Mark Baumgarten, owner of Mark Who 42 Books, purveyor of Dr. Who merchandise and podcast contributor on supspace radio network.
So what was it that made this con so inviting? Unlike other conventions, it seemed like a more intimate and interactive experience. There was an area set up to play board games hosted by Crawl Board Games and another with video games hosted by Flynn’s Arcade. There were sword fights from Way of the Sword, demonstrations on Medieval dancing by the Society of Creative Anachronism, book talks, science experiments by Cox Science Center, informational panels, a costume contest and more.
There were plenty of photo ops. You could pose with characters from GI-Joe to the Ghostbusters; hop in the Batmobile; sit in the captain’s chair, which would be on the deck of the starship enterprise, while holding a tribble, with Delta Force; and more.
You also could peruse the many tables of vendors. There were comic book artists hard at work, places to buy merchandise like Smurfs, figurines of superheroes and villains, comic books, pop culture coasters and other fun items.
Guests could engage in role-playing games, a Mad LIbs Draw Off, a Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle or learn about ghost hunting. There were also actors and filmmakers sharing information about their careers. It seemed like the list of activities went on and on!
It was a family-friendly atmosphere that brought in a fun clientele looking to spend time meeting with others and having fun. Many guests chose to dress up as well.
Did you miss Palm Con? There is always next year. For more information, visit https://palmcon.net.
Eat Your Heart Out on October 13
Chef Peter from The Capital Grille. Photo by Michael Murphy Photography.
“We are thrilled to return Galleria Fort Lauderdale to showcase our region’s top restaurants that are committed to helping children in need find loving homes,” said Dr. Mary Kinirons, executive director of Heart Gallery of Broward County. “This year’s Child Advocate honoree, City Furniture, is rooted in South Florida philanthropy and has been championing home and family for more than 20 years. We’re delighted to share their growth and accomplishments.”
City Furniture, this year’s “Eat Your Heart Out” honoree, is a leading furniture and home accents retailer with 20 statewide showrooms and an online presence dedicated to style and value. Through its #CITYCARES program, the company gives 5% of its profits, annually, back to nonprofit organizations that foster a sense of home, service, education, health and diversity.
An impressive roster of dining venues will spice-up the event as they show their support for Heart Gallery. Past restaurants providing guests with a dazzling array of epicurean bites have included Boatyard, The Capital Grille, Cooper’s Hawk Restaurants & Winery, Culinary Republic, Eddie V’s, Lips Fort Lauderdale, MOKSHA Indian Brasserie, Press & Grind Café, Riverside Market and Café, Seasons 52, Sicilian Oven and Tarpon River Brewing. This year’s participating restaurants will be named at a later date.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a variety of raffle prizes including a three-night Lago Mar suite stay including breakfast for two each morning and dinner plus additional gifts.
Heart Gallery of Broward County launched in 2007 as a traveling photography exhibit of foster children who were waiting to be permanently adopted and has evolved to work closely with ChildNet and local foster care providers to seek adoptive families and other connections for these children. Now in its 9th year, this event, the largest and most successful fundraiser that the organization hosts, benefits not only the children, family and partner organizations it serves, but the whole community.
Event sponsors include City & Shore magazine, Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club and OutClique magazine.
Tickets are $150 per person and include complimentary valet parking. Tickets are on sale at www.heartgalleryofbroward.org. For sponsor opportunities or more details, call -954-918-3008.
and the Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar restaurant team. Photo by Michael Murphy Photography.
Sips & Sounds
Pictured: Mary Csar, executive director of the Schmidt Boca Raton Historical Museum, with performers: Joanna Marie Kaye, executive director from the Festival of the Arts BOCA, who sang with Rick Krive, on keyboards/ vocals, and Scot Klarman on saxophone, vocals.
By Rachel Galvin
A crowd assembled within The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum on July 20 for the 2nd Summer Sips & Sounds event. People could first peruse the museum, which was completely renovated last fall. Next, they could mingle and enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and wine provided by The Seagate Hotel, before sitting down to enjoy the concert. The music theme was the ’70s this time and guests were delighted to hear some old tunes they had not heard for some time. Joanne Marie Kaye, who also is the executive director for the Festival of the Arts BOCA, took on the role of singer for the event, with Rick Krive also singing and playing the keyboard, and Scot Klarman playing the saxophone. They sang songs from The Carpenters, Carole King, Elton John, the Eagles, Manhattan Transfer and others.
“The 1970s was an exciting decade in Boca Raton as the town was experiencing exponential growth and change: the Historical Society was founded, I-95 was completed through Boca, Arvida was building gated communities, and IBM had arrived bringing an influx of new families,” says Museum Executive Director Mary Csar.
There will be one more Sips & Sounds on September 21. That one will focus on music from World War II. It will again be held at the Historic Town Hall, 71 North Federal Hwy., in downtown Boca Raton. Tickets for the concert are $30 for Boca Raton Historical Society members and $40 for non-members. For more information, visit www.bocahistory.org.
Film Review: “My Name is Sara”
By Rachel Galvin
As World War II rages and Jews are being rounded up by Nazis, a young 13-year-old Polish Jewish girl named Sara and her brother are instructed by their parents to escape before it is too late. As they venture far from home, Sara comes to a stark realization that she would make it more easily if she were alone, so leaves her brother behind to seek a new life. She knows she must survive at all costs. After all, she promised her mother.
She eventually makes her way to a family’s home seeking employment. In order to stay and work, she has to pretend she is not a Jew. In the process of living with them, she finds out some secrets about their lives and those of people around them. At such a young age, she is forced to not only keep secrets about herself, but others as well, and deal with on-going struggles with Nazis and those who would resist them. The conflicts all around her are in front of the background of on-going fighting and bombardments.
This is a true story made into a film named “My name is Sara,” directed by Steven Oritt, which opens July 29 in select theaters in South Florida. (See more information below).
Zuzanna Surowy plays a wide-eyed Sara with ease, subtly showing a quiet resilience and fortitude brushed with naivety. She is countered by the roughness of Eryk Lubos, as the farmer she lives with, Pavlo, and his strong-willed wife Nadya, played by Michalina Olzanska. The cast overall does a commendable job in their portrayals.
The film is made great not only through its acting, but the locations, authentic wardrobe and props and high quality of production. Director Steve Oritt has created a poignant film that shows the depths to which humanity will stoop and to which it will soar in times of trouble. He shows that the brutality of war is not just about bombs and guns, but it rests in people’s hearts and the actions they let themselves take against others when society is on their side.
This gem will be showing at several local theaters and the director will be available for a Q&A at the following:
- Friday, July 29, 7 p.m.: Regal Shadowood (9889 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL)
- Saturday, July 30, 7 p.m.: MDC’s Tower Theater Miami (1508 SW 8 St, Miami, FL)
- Sunday, July 31, 2:50 p.m.: Regal South Beach 18 (1120 Lincoln Rd. Mall, Miami Beach, FL)
- Sunday, July 31, 6:45 p.m.: Regal Oakwood (2800 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL)
For more information, visit www.mynameissara.com.
Film Review: “How to Please a Woman”
By Rachel Galvin
Photos by from Michelle Shwarzstein (Brainstorm Media)
In the new Australian film “How to Please a Woman,” directed by Renee Webster, Gina (Sally Phillips) is a frustrated woman in her 50s in an unsatisfying marriage and unappreciated at work. She has lost her voice and feels jealous of her friends’ relationships. Then, she loses her job to a younger and more… ahem… robust woman. Unsure where to turn, she redoes her resume and gets ready to send it out but an unexpected birthday gift gives her a novel idea for a business venture that will eventually change her life.
The business is converting a moving business into household cleaning, but the catch is that the ones doing the cleaning are young men, who do it topless. When the women demand more than just cleaning, Gina is horrified… at first… but eventually is convinced that letting women have the pleasure they demand may be just the right business model. In the process, she not only finds business success but also is able to find her voice, stand up for herself and pave a new path.
This is a film that women, especially, will appreciate. It features actors who have not only been in many Australian productions, but also in the United States. Phillips was in “Veep” and the Bridget Jones movies. Alexander England, who played Tom, one of the housecleaners, was in “Alien Covenant.” Erik Thomson, who played Steve, who ran the moving business initially, was in “Somersault,” and the Amazon series “Back to the Rafters.” These are just a few examples. If you are looking for a light but thoughtful comedy that you can watch with the girls, this is a great bet.
There will be a special screening on July 21 at Movies of Delray, at 7421 W Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. It is Ladies Night. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. They promise a sexy night with Dr. Stacy Friedman, a Clinical Sexologist and Certified Sex/Intimacy Coach doing a Q&A following the film, as well as a party before with Angel’s Secrets, specializing in lingerie and adult novelties, and an all male burlesque revue too! And there will be a sexy drink special. Who knows what the night will bring!
The movie opens on July 22 at Movies of Delray and Movies of Lake Worth.
For info. on the theaters, visit www.moviesofdelray.com.
Film Review: “Tiger 24”
By Rachel Galvin
They may not be officially the king of the jungle, but being bigger than lions, with its bright orange fur with white and black stripes, the stately tiger certainly makes his presence known in the forest. The question is, is the solitary hunter a friend or foe to humans? William Blake’s poem “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” may fit the way many see the carnivore, as a fearful creature. While others find pride in having a thing of beauty such as this in the world living its own life. The question of the intention of a tiger is at the forefront of a new documentary called “Tiger 24,” which follows the story of one such predator named Tiger 24, who ends up being put away essentially after being accused of murdering a fourth victim. But is his conviction so cut and dried?
Filmed over 8 years in and around Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in India, the movie shows the beauty and compassion of T24, otherwise known as Ustad by locals, as he spends time with his family, his mating partner, Noor, and two cubs. It includes statements by those who say Ustad did nothing wrong. It was the men who ventured into its territory who were in the wrong and the big cat should not be punished. There are others who claim that it was not even T24 who did the killing. But it also provides statements from officials who claim T24 was not only the killer of these men, but also did it deliberately.
Despite pleas from the community to give T24 leniency and let him live in the huge landscape he has always enjoyed, he was taken away to a zoo, away from the public, and made to live in a small area offering nothing more than a little walking space, apart from his home and family, and unable to live like a tiger should. The fight to save him has gone to the supreme court, and has exposed the failings and limitations of the systems in place designed to protect these endangered animals. To the locals, T24 is the “King of Kings” and beloved. They are proud to have him in their backyard.
Director Warren Pereira does a great job at showing all aspects and showing the people’s emotions on all sides of the argument. He also brilliantly captures the solitude and majesty of the tiger’s daily routine– hunting, swimming, spending time with family, peacefully walking and more. For those who are animal lovers, this film will tug at your heart strings. Be aware, there are graphic images of the victims who were mauled by a tiger.
The film will be shown in its east coast premier at Living Room Theater in Boca Raton, FL at the Florida Atlantic University campus (777 Glades Road). There is a special advance screening on June 16 followed by an exclusive one-week engagement from June 17-23. Pereira will introduce the film and participate in audience Q&As on Thursday, June 16 at 6:45 p.m., Friday, June 17 at 6:45 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 at 6:45 p.m. On Wednesday, June 22 at 6:45 p.m. join Mark McCarthy of McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center for an intro and post-screening Q&A. On June 23, the 6:45 p.m. screening will feature a Q&A with the participation of Carole Baskin of the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King.
“Pereira hopes Tiger 24 will bring focus to issues he encountered while making the film. Pereira says, “I believe that this film can start a discussion on the boundaries between the little remaining space large carnivores occupy, and desperately need, as they get squeezed by a growing concrete jungle.”
Warren Pereira is a creatively driven, award-winning filmmaker whose work has garnered the industry’s top accolades, including the Cannes Gold Lion. His work has been showcased at top international film festivals. Additionally, Pereira founded The Tiger Fund LLC, which produces content relating to tiger conservation including films for the government of India.
Tickets are available at https://fau.livingroomtheaters.com/movies/4254.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2022
By Rachel Galvin
A conglomeration of cultures was presented to attendees at Seatrade Cruise Global, held April 25-28. Being there was like being welcomed to the world. Different cities and countries were represented. More than 500 exhibitors had “booths” there, representing more than 1,350 cruise lines from over 110 countries, and they went all out in terms of beckoning guests– using everything from over-the-top design to food and drinks, and swag.
Besides being able to pick up a slew of information, people could also have in-depth conversations with the representatives there, to really get a sense of what each place is like and what is available. This reporter found people to be warm, welcoming, friendly and forthcoming, sharing about their home and about themselves. The passion for what they do was first and foremost in their minds, as was the happiness to be back live talking to others, instead of only a pop-up like last year or being closed altogether, due to COVID.
Besides places being represented, as well as cruise line companies, there also were many companies featuring everything from boat building to entertainment on ships, to new technology. Alex Wilfand says they do all types of entertainment, from ice skating (on plastic) to dancing in water and more. He not only works with cruise lines, but also more terrestrial locales, like setting up the events for Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.
One futuristic bit of tech on display was the Proto M. This hologram was cutting-edge, using shadows and lighting to present a more realistic presentation. The person being “beamed in” could see and hear what was on the other side, making it possible for people standing next to the box to communicate with someone who was possibly half a world away as if they are sitting in the room. They are trying to implement the tech into more cruise ships and elsewhere.
In addition to the plethora of information that people could receive in this space and the many interactions that a person could have here, there also were separate talks on various industry topics, covering technological advances, health and safety, global ports and destination updates, as well as sustainability and environmental advances.
More than 8,000 people attended this three-day conference. If you were unable to make it, you can look forward to it next year or maybe catch another event they are hosting soon. For more information on everything related to Seatrade Cruise events, visit https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com.
cigar rolling in Tampa Bay … Florida Beer Company had beer and cider samples.
Tlingit 