Open for just over a year, Intense Fitness isn’t a stranger to the gym game. Prior to opening Intense Fitness, many of the gym’s staff worked at a local gym where they began their philosophy for excellence in training. At Intense Fitness, they believe that they have perfected that model. Adam Jurgaitis, Founder and Co-Owner of Intense Fitness, has a bachelor’s of science degree in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin. He has been training for over 11 years and has been recognized both locally and regionally for his service. Scott Camoin, another co-owner,holds several certifications as well as 9 years experience as a personal trainer. He has also been recognized numerous times locally, regionally and nationally for his excellence. Khalifa “TK” Salmon, co-owner of iF, has bachelors degrees in both Public Relations and Liberal Arts from the University of Florida. He has been training for over 5 years.
“We are not your run-of-the-mill gym,” TK tells us. “We utilize non-traditional equipment rather than machine weight commonly used in most gyms. Battle ropes, olympic rings, trx and kettle bells, are just the tip of the iceberg. Clients can expect a high level of expertise and professionalism at Intense Fitness. We pride ourselves on our results and innovative style of training.”
Call or visit today for a free fitness assessment.
Intense Fitness
1536 E Commercial Blvd
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-514-7054
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One man who has made a local commitment to bring the crusade against bullying to a younger segment is Norman Rea, the creator of the “Wishaphants,” a campaign that features a group of superhero elephants who combat bullying where it starts, at the earliest of ages.
The Wishaphants campaign targets children in grades K-3, which Rea and Steven Billing, the campaign’s coordinator, say is the ideal age to curb negative behaviors.
As Billing notes, providing a support system for kids who don’t have one is just the beginning. “The Wishaphants are targeting children K-3, much younger than anyone,” he explains. “We will be educating them through books, traveling musical, activity sheets.”
According to Billing, “education is the key.” He notes that the national awareness of the importance of combating bullying when it first starts makes the Wishaphants campaign so appealing. He reports that in “a blind study done with an independent college,” the campaign “received 100 percent positive feedback.”
The idea for the characters and their interaction with bullied kids (or “wishers,” in the lingo of the campaign) began with the headlines of the past two years. “With so many bully-related deaths and suicides, we felt something needed to be done, so we incorporated the characters into a campaign,” Billing explains. The Wishaphants are portrayed as relatable to kids who may be targets of bullying. “Even our mascot has glasses!” he says.
Billing says that the consequences of bullying strike especially close to home, for both him and the campaign’s creator. “We were also victims of bullying. Norman Rea was bullied on a daily basis, both mentally and physically.”
Billing says that they plan to promote the Wishaphants’ anti-bullying, positive choices messages through a variety of media. “We are in the process of developing a traveling musical, mixed with animation,” he says. “We are also planning a web or TV series, as well as creating animated, non-violent video games.”
But what about the elephants? “Norman and I love elephants,” Billing acknowledges with a laugh. “In 2004, we had a musical on Broadway called ‘Tusk.’ Elephants are so spiritual. They protect the young, work as a team, grieve for the death of their family, and they are just wonderful communicators. “For such a large animal they have such a gentle caring side.
Since a large part of hate and other negative reactions is learned, Rea and Billing hope that the Wishaphants can serve as a counterpoint, encouraging tolerance, acceptance, and non-violence among children in a world that very much needs it.
For more information about the Wishaphants, visit www.indiegogo.com/wishaphants.
]]>HIV testing, client services, STD’s testing & treatment, AHF Pharmacy.
2097 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors
Brian Neal Fitness & Health Foundation
Weekly group workouts, gym membership, nutrition and life mentoring classes by professionals, online programs, exercise, and health monitoring for persons living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions.
2435 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors
Broward House
HIV services, shelter, empowerment, housing, client services
1726 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Lauderdale
Care Resource
HIV Testing, case management.
830 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park
3510 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Covenant House
Emergency/temporary shelter & crisis intervention.
733 Breakers Ave., Ft. Lauderdale
Drag it OUT, Inc.
Drag it OUT’s mision is to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community and their supporters who are interested in exploring gender identity, self-expression and community activism by way of educational workshops, social opportunities and artistic projects.
1310 SW 2nd Ct. #103 Fort Lauderdale
Family Therapy Center
Anger management.
2415 University Dr., Coral Springs
Fusion
Program open to the GLBTQ community. Activities include meditation, social events, groups, movies, games, classes, and condom distribution campaign.
2304 NE 7th Ave., Wilton Manors
Gay & Lesbian Youth Support Group
Provides support to gay and lesbian youths 16 to 24 years of age.
Sunshine Cathedral Campus
1480 SW 9 Avenue 2nd Floor Ft Lauderdale
LAMBDA
Support groups, substance abuse.
1231-A E Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 761-9072
Latinos Salud
Free HIV rapid testing, Free one-on-one counseling and life coaching for gay Latinos. Free peer networking dinners and leadership training for gay Latinos 25 to 44. Free clubhouse for Latinos 18 to 30, planning alternative social events.
2330 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors
(954) 765-6239
(954) 533-8681
facebook.com/somoslatinossalud
Legal Aid Service – Broward Human Rights Initiative
Low-income gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) individuals in need of legal services, Gay/Lesbian/Bisex/Trans; Legal Services.
491 N State Rd. 7, Plantation
(954) 358-5635
Men’s Wellness Center
HIV & STD’s Testing & treatment.
6405 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 205, Ft. Lauderdale
(877) 259-8727
Minority Development & Empowerment
HIV Testing, case management.
5225 NW 33rd Ave., Building 5, Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 315-4530
Out of the Closet
HIV Testing, referrals.
2097 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors
(954) 358-5580
Poverello
HIV Testing, Free meals
2302 NE 7th Ave, Wilton Manors
(954) 561-3663
Pride Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Gay/Lesbian/Bisex/Trans; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Detox; Substance Abuse Inpatient
(954) 463-4321
(954) 453-8679
(800) 585-7527
Red Hispana
HIV Testing, Hispanic support groups, emergency relief fund assistance, pre-case management.
1350 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 129, Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 462-8889
South Florida Gender Coalition
Support groups for Cross-dressers, trans-sexuals and significant others; Age 18 and older.
3233 NW 34th Ct., Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 578-9454
(954) 677-2587
Spectrum Programs
Case Management, Marriage & Family therapy, Outpatient Counseling, Psychiatric Services, Substance Abuse Residential Treatment.
450 E Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach
(954) 580-0770
(954) 781-4405
SunServe
Counseling, mental health intake and referral, Noble McArtor Senior Day Care Center, youth and family services.
1480 SW 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 764-5150 (Main)
(954) 764-5055 (Noble McArtor Senior Day Care Center )
Teen Space 211
Tough teen issues, bullying, counseling.
3217 NW 10th Terr., Suite 308, Ft. Lauderdale
954-567-8336
The Community
Anger management, counseling Self pay/Sliding Scale $25-$85.
16 NE 4th St., Suite 130, Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 533-9819
The East Health Center
HIV/STD’s Testing, screening and treatment, Immigration medical examination.
2421 SW 6th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 298-1749
(954) 467-4705
The Pride Center at Equality Park
HIV Testing, support groups, elderly, youth resources, transgender resources, bereavement.
2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors
(954) 463-9005
The Wellness Center
Support groups, Lipoatrophy (Facial Wasting).
2921 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors
(954) 568-0152
]]>“We are now getting about 40 new members per month in our branch,” reports Yamnitz. “With people dumping their big banks, and the corporate greed of the system, people are fed up with fees.”
Part of the success of CCCU is Yamnitz’s empowerment of his staff to help members’ needs. “Contrary to the policies at big banks, I allow staff the flexibility to waive a fee that’s been charged to a member. They don’t have to wait for me to approve or to get clearance from the home office, it’s their discretion. I want our members to feel like they are part of the family, which quite frankly they are,” he adds with a smile.
Yamnitz is often asked to explain the differences between banks and credit unions. “We are member owned,” he says of the latter. “When you bank here you are a part owner. Several years ago when the economy was at its height, that year, CCCU gave back over 1 million dollars to its members in dividends.” He illustrates the numbers and their benefit to members. “Let’s say, for example, you had $5.00 on deposit: on average, you got a dividend of $20.00. Personally, I got about $1,500. And it always comes in handy,” he added.
Of its community involvement, Yamnitz points to Father Bill of the Poverello Center, who, in December 2010 needed transportation to continue his ministry for people living with HIV/AIDS. A.J. Cross and others held a benefit to raise enough money to purchase a car. It raised nearly $9,000, but it was not enough to purchase the vehicle for Father Bill. Enter CCCU and its affiliate, Auto Branch. Between the two companies working with other vendors, a little gentle “arm twisting,” and the $9,000, Father Bill was given a nearly-new Toyota, a year of paid auto insurance, and a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
“We are very involved in the community,” Yamnitz notes proudly. “If you open a new checking or savings account, City-County will pay for your first year Pride Center membership in the amount of $40.00, and will make a matching donation in your name to the Pride Center Building Fund. We also support four of the Pride Center’s teams: Youth, Hispanic, Senior, and, of course, Gay. Our motto is ‘People Helping People.’ It’s a motto that we truly believe in and live by,” Yamnitz told me.
2242 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
(954) 745-2400
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It’s hard to believe that Wilton Manors Art Walk is now turning seven years old. What began as an art gallery owner’s vision to entice residents to stroll along “the Drive” for an evening of art, wine, and cheese has become a call to action to explore everything that Wilton Manors has to offer, with a new group of owners having plans to grow Art Walk into a citywide event.
Those new owners will look awfully familiar to many locals, as the event was purchased by the Wilton Manors Development Alliance (WMDA) President and CEO, Krishan Manners, and his right hand, WMDA Vice President, Tony LoGrande.
“We would like the Island City Art Walk to expand to encompass the whole city of Wilton Manors, not just Wilton Drive,” says Manners, the event’s new co-owner. “We want to encourage other businesses across the city to get involved in ‘the Walk,’ particularly along Dixie Highway.’” “Over the past six years, it has grown consistently, and we want to see it grow even more,” adds LoGrande.
Art Walk started as a way to expose people who were walking along the Drive to the street’s many art galleries. But just as the Walk kicked off, so did the economic collapse. That didn’t influence the new owners, whose fervor and “drive” is bound to make a difference.
“We don’t want this to be a craft fair but a chance for local artists to come out and show their talents,” Manners explains. “We want to showcase local talent, and we want to sustain this for the community and show the diversity of art.”
Says LoGrande, “We were concerned that if Island City Art Walk were to end, it would be one of those monthly events during season that so many people look forward to, and it is truly a networking event for so many, and also a social event where neighbors get out at a time when the weather is so nice.”
The first Island City Art Walk is scheduled for November 16, and then on the third Friday of every month through April. Galleries or individual artists can get more information by emailing Info@islandcityartwalk.com, or visit Facebook, Island City Art Walk.
“This is a real call to action,” LoGrande says. “We really want to reenergize those talented people in the area to come on board. We want to see more galleries on the Drive, but we also want to see other businesses get involved and host showings of local artists.”
“Through our work at WMDA, we are in the process of finding sponsors to bring the Full Sails Fort Lauderdale project into Wilton Manors,” says Manners. “These boats are 7’ high and 5’ long, and we will have local artists paint them with their special talents and they will be displayed, similar to the ‘Cow Parade’ in Chicago. It would be great to have these lining Wilton Drive – they would benefit the community with art and the businesses with another attraction for visitors.”
Seven years ago, Paul Renaldo witnessed the suffering being experienced at several local food pantries and service agencies, in the aftermath of the Summer of Hurricanes (better known as “2005”). Among these, Shadowood II suffered a significant loss: With no generator, this home for some 70 souls lost all of its clients’ food.
Renaldo—who passed away in April from complications due to pneumonia—was and is better known in the community as “Guido.” A well-recognized photographer, he stepped up to the plate and launched a food drive to help replace those precious foodstuffs.
Hosting a food drive is never easy, but that first “Guido to the Rescue,” with the help of many of the house drag performers at Monkey Business Bar on North Andrews Avenue, collected over 1,000 pounds of food.
Despite Guido’s passing, his efforts on behalf of others will continue. This weekend, Guido’s Annual Canned Food Drive will continue the legacy of a man who was dedicated to helping others.
“Guido was truly one in a million,” says Gus Sanchez, the owner of Monkey Business. “At one time, we thought that we wouldn’t continue, since Guido was gone. Many of our loyal customers kept asking, ‘What are you going to do to honor Guido?’
Then one day it hit me: Let’s keep his name going with the Canned Food Drive, and our goal this year is for at least 1,000 pounds of food. We can take canned goods or dry goods like pasta.”
This year’s event will support Pantry of Broward, which helps both the homeless and the elderly. “Our shelves are nearly empty,” said one pantry volunteer who asked not to be named. “I’ve volunteered here for nearly two years, and I have never seen it like this. Times are tough, and people have really cut back on donations.
We just can’t help all those who need the support of our services.” Says Sanchez, “Between now and Sunday [October 14], people can drop off items, and each donation will receive a free raffle ticket. On the final day we will draw the winner at 3 p.m.” According to Sanchez, plans are still in the works to continue the “Sleazy Awards,” which Guido started 10 years ago (when he was published “Rimmer” magazine), once again to support local charities.
“We’re looking to make the ‘Sleazies’ another annual event, to once again remind people of how big the ‘little guy’ from New York was, and what a difference he made in so many lives here in our community,” adds Sanchez. Monkey Business is located at 2740 N Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors. For more information, call (954) 514-7819.
]]>On September 23, Women In Distress of Broward County (WID) held a fundraising event at Lips Cabaret: The Ultimate in Drag Dining (1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park). The evening, entitled “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” was a tribute to the late Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, a one-night event that was a virtual sellout, and helped to generate nearly $6,000 for the organization, the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County.
The Ladies of Lips performed such classics as “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Step by Step,” and “I Will Always Love You,” and the cast included show hostess Nicolette, and performers April, Alexis, Martina, Champagne, and others. As well as the stage show, a Silent Auction also helped rake in extra funds, and the entertainers donated their tips to benefit the cause, which in this case will support the agency’s 24-hour crisis intervention hotline and emergency shelter, as well as counseling and support for victims and their children. WID also provides education and professional training about the tragedy of domestic violence and related topics in Broward County schools and in the community.
“Women In Distress is very grateful to Lips and other businesses that support our mission of keeping families safe,” said Mary Riedel, the agency’s president and CEO. “This event is always enjoyed and looked forward to by our supporters and we, of course, look forward to the funds that are raised to help keep the families safe with support groups and emergency shelter,” she added.
The organization’s name is something of a misnomer, as they assist not only women, but men and transgendered people who are in personal distress. They have extended their umbrella to an increasing need in the community.
“We have really grown in the last few years,” one attendee—who left before I could get her name, shame on both of us—told me. “Of course, we were an advocate for women to protect them from abusive relationships, but we’ve seen a need to expand our services, and we are truly elated that we have been so accepted, and that we have been able to help so many others in need.” Lips superstar Diva created the Glitz & Glam fundraiser in 2010 to benefit Women in Distress. Each year the event has a different theme, but a single purpose: to help Women in Distress with a great meal, a great time, and the talent of the Ladies of Lips.
For more information about Women in Distress of Broward County, Inc., visit womenindistress.org. For more about Lips Caberet, and to make reservations, visit lipsusa.com.
]]>Few individuals have been as vocal and visible as Terry De Carlo, a familiar face to both community members and colleagues in the non-profit sector, in which Terry has worked admirably and with dedication for two decades, with a focus on HIV-AIDS.
De Carlo, the Director of Development for Broward House (the county’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization), previously worked with Care Resource, helping to produce the nearly 30-year-old White Party, one of the world’s “crown jewel” circuit parties attended by thousands of hot international men who come to Miami for a magical weekend of dancing, food, and, of course, a few cocktails.
It would surprise many people who know of DeCarlo’s grinding work schedule that he lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a condition that has reduced his lung capacity by 60 percent. But—like the Energizer Bunny—he just keeps on going. He helps organize Broward House’s successful community events, including the wildly popular “Amazing Race,” and “Broward Bares It” fundraiser benefiting persons with HIV/AIDS.
“We once again produced ‘Broward Bares It’ at the Seminole Hard Rock, and we once again had a sold out crowd,” says DeCarlo. “It is a major production. You just can’t put people out there on a stage—you have to rehearse and work with sound and lighting. It has to be done right,” he adds.XXX “Our first year, we had 3,000 people and then our next year we had to move to the Passion Room, and now, with the growing popularity, we hope this year to move to the Paradise Theatre,” he explains. “For me, it’s been a labor of love to see this grow.”
Like all great motivators, DeCarlo knows success, in life and work, is a team effort. “My rock is my husband, Bill Huelsman,” he says without hesitation. “We have now been together for 16 years, and he has been there every step of the way.” Are there challenges to a long-term, successful partnership, we wonder? “So far, there has been no ‘water-boarding,’” DeCarlo jokes, “and I love him to death.”
DeCarlo and the Broward House team have lined up world class entertainment to help raise community awareness for its projects and the clients it assists. As well as the smashing success of Typhoon Lagoon during June’s Orlando Gay Days, “We are bringing in Wanda Sykes for a [December 2] concert at the Broward Center, and we just booked Joan Rivers for June 2013,” he says with barely contained excitement. “Last year, we had a fantastic turnout with Margaret Cho, and each year we try to step it up,” he explains, and adds, “But, frankly, it comes back to one thing: We have to get the message out that HIV is still out there, and is still a threat.”
To learn more about Terry DeCarlo and the ongoing community efforts of Broward House, as well as its many fun and supportive activities, visit browardhouse.org.
David Kitchen has such a familiar face that it might take a second for you to remember exactly from where you know him. The ever-conscientious, ever-smiling Kitchen, who works at Rosie’s Bar and Grill in Wilton Manors, will once more participate in the Smart Ride. What’s different for Kitchen is that this year, as well as giving back to the community, he is taking stand against a national outrage: The bullying of LGBT teens. “This has to stop,” says Kitchen.
“This is my fourth Smart Ride,” notes Kitchen, who says that the beneficiary this year of his fundraising—and cycling—efforts will be the Oakland Park-based Live Free Be Strong Foundation, which has a self-described mission of taking a stand to end bullying, by supporting grassroots organizations which provide education and outreach services.
“There are many members of the LGBT community who have experienced bullying,” says Kitchen, noting something that has become alltoo- familiar in today’s headlines. “One thing that I have found is that there is no age range,” he adds. “It can be a young man or woman coming out and dealing with their sexuality, or it can be someone older.”
Kitchen says that Live Free Be Strong attempts to impact three different groups which are ‘impacted’ by bullying: “Those who are bullies, those who are being bullied, and those who stand by and do nothing.”
The Arizona State alum has done more than take his bicycle on the road. “I recently made a presentation at Fort Lauderdale High School,” he explains, and notes that “on September 23, we will be collecting money at the Royal Palms Resort T Dance. There will be a fashion show presented by the Pride Factory, and eyewear provided by Chic Optique, and an open bar for one hour sponsored by Bud Light. Then on November 10, we are holding a yard sale, with all money going to the organization.”
Kitchen recognizes that there are individuals, businesses, and organizations that help make life better in our gay corner of the world. “Sidelines Sports Bar has been so supportive of the Smart Ride,” he notes. “They are hosting a Bar Olympics which will feature pool tournaments, poker, and darts, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Smart Ride.”
He has high hopes to be part of an ambitious agenda set by the organizers and sponsors of the event. “It’s our wish to raise $1 million this year for the Smart Ride,” he says. Those who want to be a part of that projected success, and to assist the Live Free Be Strong team riders in accomplishing it, can visit smartride.org, navigate to team 959, and enter the amount they would like to donate.
Kitchen says that he has excellent role models for giving back to the community, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. “I learned everything from John Zieba and Cliff Mulhahy, the owners of Rosie’s,” he says, with real gratitude. “I’ve watched these guys, and they truly love the community.” That sentiment seems to be catching.
]]>Just like Betty White in an episode of “Golden Girls” trying to hold her breath in a hospital elevator so she wouldn’t get sick, many of us disdain even the idea of visiting a hospital for fear we might catch something that’s airborne. It makes the fear of getting sick worse for some than the potential cure! Fortunately, times have changed, and hospitals are no longer the breeding ground for illness they once were. They have also changed when it comes to serving the disparate members of the community. One case in point is Imperial Point Medical Center (6401 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale).
Tom Kester, Regional Director of Surgical Services for Imperial Point—part of the Broward Health system—is a true friend to the LGBT community. He, along with Imperial Point’s new CEO, Abigail Fortey, have established meaningful ties to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT community, recognizing the relationship between community partnership and trust, and providing health care to that community. “One of the reasons that I joined Imperial Point was that we embrace domestic partnership rights,” notes Kester. “That is huge in the medical field. Of course,” he adds, “all of the Broward Health facilities recognize domestic partnerships.”
Kester points to the region’s changing needs in health care. “At one time we had a huge HIV/AIDS department. Now, thanks to medical treatment advances, we don’t see that need as it was 25 years ago,” he explains. “At that time, Father William Collins of The Poverello Center served as chaplain. He did so much good work, and he still does,” Kester adds, flashing a smile. He goes over some of the essential services Imperial Point provides.
“Women have so many services offered to them, such as mammograms and other health screenings.” And then there’s “the Man Van.”
“That is not the official name of the project,” Kester explains, laughing. “The idea behind it is that men have health issues, and this van will operate like some of the HIV screening vans do. We are eventually looking at the following tests to be done on site, or we will refer the patient to the proper specialist for further testing: Gastrointestinal/ colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, urology and prostate exams, cardiac screening, eye exams, diabetes screening, weight control, skin health, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and basic health education—and that’s just scratching the surface,” he adds.
Imperial Point is about to celebrate 40 years of providing uninterrupted service. The medical center plans to mark the occasion on Saturday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with something for everyone including screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and more. The event will also feature free therapeutic chair massages, a Halloween-themed corner and bounce house for kids, caricature artist and face painting, food, refreshments, all sorts of prizes and giveaways, live entertainment, and the blood bank bus.
For more information, call (954) 759-7400, or visit browardhealth.org/40years.
