Free screenings of “GEN SILENT,” the critically acclaimed documentary, from filmmaker Stu Maddux, will be held at various locations on Monday, August 6, Thursday, August 9, and Friday, August 10. “GEN SILENT” addresses the question, Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet? For many LGBT elders, the wrenching decision to enter a nursing home is just one of the problems they are facing. Presented by Creative Arts Enterprises, in association with Treece Financial Group, Inc. Free and open to the public, free parking. The screening will be followed by a panel of experts addressing issues discussed in the film. Dates and times: Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m., Temple Israel (137 NE 19 St., Miami). Thursday, August 9 at 7 p.m., The Pride Center at Equality Park (2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors). Friday, August 10 at 2 p.m., at Art Serve (1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale).

For more information, contact Ellen Wedner at wednerfriends@ hotmail.com, or Michael Vita at michael@davidtreece.com.

“BABY GIRL”

What if you were conceived twice in one lifetime: once by the illegitimate passionate sex of a young couple in love, and next by a “missionary position”-loving, conservative couple who long to have a child, but the “little guys” never make it to the egg? What if you were adopted by the married couple, only to find out you are everything they can’t stand—I mean, understand? After coming out as a lesbian, and being alienated by her adoptive family, Ashley, a spirited young daydreamer, goes on an extraordinary journey to find love, and a place to call home. When Ashley’s fantasies meet reality, expect the unexpected! Baby GirL runs now through August 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. All performances are at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale.

For tickets visit: smarttix.com or empirestage.com. WARNING: This play contains ADULT CONTENT.

NATHAN SAWAYA: THE ART OF THE BRICK

Through August 19 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works. For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces. Also in conjunction with the “The Art of The Brick,” the Center is presenting again the Florida BRICK Creation Challenge. Florida residents ages 6 and older can use their own LEGO pieces to create and compete in this exciting, statewide contest and exhibition. Pieces will be displayed in the Center’s gallery and each participating group of entrants will be awarded prizes according to the contest’s categories. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $6 for students, seniors, and children ages 4 to 17; free to Center members and children under 4.

WOMENFEST

The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women.

For more information: womenfest.com.

BROWARD BARES IT!

The immensely successful show returns to the Paradise Live at the Seminole Hard Rock on Friday, August 17. In a departure from last year’s engagement, this year’s show will definitely “TILT” the hot and steamy meter. Superstar comedian Lois Bromfield will perform her hit SNL Skit, “Sorority Girls From Hell” (“Irma, Irma, Irma—stupid, ugly Irma!”) live on stage. This year’s Celebrity Co-Emcee is Power 96 superstar radio personality Nicki Ramirez. Ticket prices are $35 for general admission, $75 for the regular VIP area (currently 80% sold out), and $1,200 for the UBERVIP Party Sections for 14 people, (which includes a lot of amenities).

For more information and tickets, visit BrowardBaresIt.com.

FRANK SINATRA, JR.

Thursday, July 12, at 8 p.m., at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 Northwest 40 Street, Coconut Creek). Don’t miss the classic sounds of Frank Sinatra Jr., part of Seminole Casino’s monthlong 1960s celebration. Admission: $40-$65.

FORT LAUDERDALE

SEA TURTLE WALKS

Through July 24 at the Museum of Discovery and Science and AutoNation IMAX Theater (401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale). Starts at the museum at 9 p.m., and ends by 1 a.m. This summer, the Museum of Discovery and Science hosts evening Turtle Walks. The whole family can participate in an evening of discovery while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. Nature permitting, participants will have a chance to watch a 300 pound Loggerhead sea turtle venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs. A female loggerhead sea turtle may travel thousands of miles to return to the beach where she hatched as a baby to lay her own eggs as an adult.

At 9 p.m., the adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with an informative hands-on session about turtles (land, fresh water, and salt water) with an expanded focus on sea turtles. The adventure continues to Fort Lauderdale beach where Museum expert guides will lead guests to the sea turtle’s nesting grounds to look for amazing sea turtles. We cannot guarantee a sea turtle will be spotted on every walk but when it does happen it is a natural wonder that no one will ever forget. Guests should be prepared to walk approximately one to two miles, and provide their own transportation and snacks.

Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Remaining 2012 dates: July 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, and 24. Admission: $18 for members, $20 for non-members.

MIAMI

“THE DONKEY SHOW”/THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER

Described by The New York Times as “Passion. Sex. A Rollicking Cool Party,” “The Donkey Show” opens on Friday, July 13, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The celebrated smash hit is described as “the ultimate night fever—a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-solight sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.”

Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. Founded in July 2006 as an annual summer lifestyle event for gay men and women from around the world, Miami Beach Bruthaz includes a series of social, educational, and personalized activities that promote unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. The event is focused around central themes of Knowledge, Culture, and Fashion. Miami Beach Bruthaz features an upscale White Party with a celebrity guest, a serious hip hop party, a rooftop pool party, and a men’s fashion show. The Saturday night party features the sounds of Brazil, and Sunday brunch at the Palace on Ocean Drive is surely not to be missed.

For more information, visit shop. miamibeachbruthaz.com.

WOMENFEST

The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women.

For more information: womenfest.com.

HOLLYWOOD

NATHAN SAWAYA: THE ART OF THE BRICK

Through August 19, at the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works. For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces.

GEAR UP FASHION SHOW AT BOOM
On Friday, November 18, at 10 p.m., BOOM will host the Gear Up Fashion Show, in association with MyTropixxx and Tropixxx Video, which will benefit Broward House. For more information, call 954-522-5988.

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBERANCE
US Congressman Alcee Hastings will speak at this year’s local Transgender Remembrance Day candlelight vigil on Saturday, November 19 at 6 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Ave in Fort Lauderdale. Hastings will speak on the injustice and struggle suffered by transgender individuals and what action Congress must take to protect the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. A reception will follow the vigil. This is a free event and all are welcome to participate.

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING
Friday, November 18 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Pet Project Thrift Store, 1164 E Oakland Park Blvd in Ft.

Lauderdale. Fifty percent off everything storewide. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails available. Raffles with great prizes.

“SUNSERVE BOULEVARD”
A fundraising dinner and movie to benefit SunServe on Monday, November 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The evening includes a 3-course seated dinner, screening of the classic Sunset Boulevard, and a cash bar. Dinner includes a Norma Desmond Caesar Salad, a choice of Cecil B. DeMeatloaf, Mr. DeMille Chicken Parmesan, or Max von Whitefish for your entrée. Dessert choices are Not So Silent N.Y. Style Cheesecake or Suicide by Chocolate Cake. $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SunServe.org. All proceeds benefit SunServe.

WORLD AIDS DAY RALLY AND MARCH
Comedienne Margaret Cho will headline this year’s Broward House’s World AIDS Day Rally and March, which will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors on December 1.

Mack Mixer
Date: October 11, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Announced
www.mackplanet.com

NonProfit Committee Meeting-GFLCC
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Trustee Reception-GFLCC
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rare Las Olas
401 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

GLBX Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel
620 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

INTRO-Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States

BIZ PERKS-GFLCC
Date: October 14, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Edward Jones Investments/ Leann Barber
1719 E.

Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Business After Hours East Side-GFLCC
Date: October 20, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Great Florida Bank – Wilton Station
1201 NE 26th Street Bay 109
Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Member Orientation-FTL-GFLCC
Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Cocktail Fundraiser Smartride
Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Manor
2345 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Downtown Council
Breakfast-GFLCC
Date: October 27, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Tower Club
Atop Regions Bank Bldg
100 Southeast Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

GLBX Afterhours-GFLCC
Date: October 27, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Determined

Board of Directors/Trustee Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 28, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites – Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
1100 S.E. 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Net@Noon-GFLCC
Date: October 28, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

The City of Oakland Park will be holding its 7th annual Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday, September 30  (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and October 1  (1 p.m. to 11 p.m.) at Jaco Pastorius Park on North Dixie Highway and N.E.38 Street. Oakland Park’s Oktoberfest is not only the largest in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, but it has also become one of the most popular in Florida.

“Everything about our event is as authentic as possible, from the food and the beer to the bands performing traditional Oktoberfest party music,” said Siegi Constantine, Executive Director of Oakland Park Main Street. “We fly the Oktoberfest beer in from Munich so we have the real stuff. Our event has always been branded as an Authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest so everything about it is authentic as possible.”

Ambry Restaurant (located on Commercial Boulevard) will operate  the Bavarian-style “Biergarten” at Oktoberfest offering a selection of popular German favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, Black Forrest Cherry Cake, German potato salad and apple strudel along with a selection  of German wines. “We try to stick  with authentic German food,” said Constantine, “but we have loosened it a little bit. We now have chicken fingers and roasted corn because not everybody likes German food – especially kids. But we do not allow hot dogs or hamburgers.”

Large tents will be set up to replicate the authentic atmosphere of a Bavarian village celebration including a stage and dance floor.

“We have increased our entertainment budget to book several of the best authentic Oktoberfest bands in Florida,” said Constantine.

Included  in the entertainment schedule will  be performances by Edelweiss Schuhplattlers, a children’s dance troupe, and the Original Auerhahn Schuhplattlers, an adult dance group. The musicians scheduled to fill the air with drinking songs, original oompah and polka dance music until closing each evening include the popular Oktoberfest bands Euro Express and the Swinging Bavarians.
“This is our seventh year and we started out with maybe 1,500 people,” said Constantine. “Last year, we drew up to 10,000 people.

Last year I insisted that we should hold it over two days and it was a great success.”

Through the years, the Oakland Park Oktoberfest has added additional events to make the huge party more fun for the whole family. “I thought, what could we do differently from everybody else?” said Constantine. “Dachshunds are Bavarian dogs so we have a Dachshund race every year called the ‘Dachshund Dash.’ The first year we had 30 some dogs and last year we had 57 of them.”

Registration for the Dachshund Dash is currently taking place at the Central Bark Doggie Daycare center on N. Dixie Highway.

Some of the other events planned are a Beer Keg Roll and a Beer Stein Race where participants loose points for every drop of beer they spill while racing. The popular Apple Strudel Eating Contest is also returning again this year. “There’s this little kid and he started with us about 5 years ago and I’m sure he’s going to win this year. He always ends up with the apple pastry all over his face.”

The first Oktoberfest was a celebration by the people of Munich to honor the marriage of the popular Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in October, 1810, and became an annual event to celebrate their anniversary. About 8,000 people attended that first Oktoberfest – last year almost 10,000,000 people attended making it the largest single festival in Europe.

Beer is a major component of Oktoberfest and only beers brewed in Munich (located in the Bavarian region of Germany) are served at Oktoberfest. Many of the breweries brew a special beer that  can only be obtained during Oktoberfest. This beer has a higher alcohol and sugar content making it 2% stronger. Oktoberfest has been held at the same location for 200 years and has only been cancelled 24 times in its history due to war, disease or other emergencies.

Every year, the traditional festival opening is done by a twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 noon by the Mayor of Munich with the cry “O’ zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!” in the Austro-Bavarian language). The mayor then gives the first beer to the Minister-President of the State of Bavaria. Over 7-million liters (that’s 1,849,204 gallons) of beer get served during the 16 to 18 day festival.

The first Oktoberfest lasted 12 days, starting the first weekend in October. However, the schedule was changed to September, allowing the festival to end on the first weekend in October to take full advantage of the longer and warmer days of September.

“The reason we do Oktoberfest,” concluded Constantine, “is that Main Street is about economic development and we partner with the City of Oakland Park in that we’re tasked with marketing the downtown area and promoting the downtown. One of the ways we do it is to bring people downtown. But Oktoberfest has been growing and growing and it has become the number one signature event for the city.”

After a long, hot summer, fall is approaching and so is South Florida’s theater and culture season.

Broward County has one of the largest and most diversified theater seasons south of Broadway itself, and why shouldn’t it? With so many New Yorkers migrating to

South Florida every year, our “snowbirds” deserve a little New York even when it’s December and 80 degrees.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Parker Playhouse, Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and “Broward Presents” at Miramar Cultural Center/ Artspark have been busy all summer putting together one of the best and most diverse theater seasons to date. But heed this warning: plan ahead and get your tickets early because sell-outs can be expected.

“Broadway Across America” at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts “RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles” (Oct. 4-16), Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (Nov. 15-27), “Jersey Boys” (Jan. 11-29), “Billy Elliot: The Musical” (Feb. 29-Mar. 11), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” (Apr. 10-22) and “La Cage Aux Folles” (June 12-24). The series also features a special offer for tickets to “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” (Dec. 27-Jan. 1). Season tickets for the six-show package range from $145 to $540 and may be renewed or purchased any time at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or by calling (800) 764-0700 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ “Classical Series”

Violinist Hilary Hahn with pianist Valentina Lisitsa (Nov. 6); New York Pops, (Dec. 8); Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, (Jan. 3); Tchaikovsky St. Petersburg State Orchestra (Jan. 31); Denyce Graves with pianist Louis Salemno (Mar. 16) and Chanticleer (Apr. 18). Ticket prices include pre-show lectures which are offered at all concerts. Full series subscriptions are priced at $161.30 – $339.80 with a three-orchestra series available from $108 – $216. Season ticket holders may add “From Villa-Lobos to Samba” for $20. Tickets are available through the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office at (954) 462-0222 and BrowardCenter.org.

Broward Center/Parker Playhouse “Off-Broadway Series”

The Capitol Steps in “Desperate Housemembers” (Jan. 12-15); “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” (Jan. 17-22); Marc Salem’s “Mind Games” (Jan. 21); “Improvised Shakespeare!” (Feb. 11); “Forbidden Hollywood” (Mar. 11) and Seth Rudetsky’s “Big Fat 70s Show” (Apr. 1). Flexible subscriptions of any four of the six shows offer a savings of 20 percent on each ticket. Single tickets to individual productions will go on sale throughout the season. Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased through the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office at (954) 462-0222 and BrowardCenter.org.

Broward Center/Parker Playhouse “Pride Series”

“Jon and Juan’s Wedding” (Oct. 12-23), The Kinsey Sicks’ “Oy Vey in a Manger” (Dec. 3) and Leslie Jordan and Varla Jean Merman (Apr. 7). Subscriptions range in price from $114.50 to $123 and, if purchased prior to Oct. 23, offer a savings of 15 percent on each ticket.  Subscribers to the full three-show series also may purchase single tickets prior to public sale to “La Cage Aux Folles” (June 12-24). Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased through the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office at (954) 462-0222 and BrowardCenter.org.

Aventura Arts & Culture Center’s “Melodies & Memories Series”

The Melodies & Memories Series features the gold standards of the American songbook. “How Lucky Can We Get? The songs of Kander and Ebb” (Dec. 14-18); “The Song is You: The Songs of Jerome Kern” (Jan. 18-22); “At Last: The Songs of Harry Warren” (Feb. 8-12) and “Thanks for the Memories: the Music of the Paramount Pictures Era” (March 7-11). Four show subscriptions are available for $112 offering a $16 savings. Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased through the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office at (954) 462-0222 or go online to AventuraCenter.org.

Aventura Arts & Culture Center’s “Foreign Film Series”

The Aventura Foreign Film Series of four internationally acclaimed films consisting of “Kawasaki’s Rose” (Jan. 31), “The Piano in a Factory” (Feb. 28), “Revanche” (Mar. 27) and “My Afternoons with Margueritte” (May 1). Subscriptions to the four-film series are $36 and represent a savings of 10 percent on individual tickets. Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased through the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office at (954) 462-0222 or go online to  AventuraCenter.org.

Aventura Arts & Culture Center’s “Comedy Series”

Michele Balan (Dec. 3), Cory Kahaney (Jan. 7) and Sarge (Feb. 18). Subscriptions to the three concert series are $96 and represent a savings of 10 percent on individual tickets. Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased through the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office at (954) 462-0222 or go online to AventuraCenter.org.

For more information on the Broward Center’s “Family Fun Series,” “Smart Stage Matinees,” on-site hospitality options, pre-show dining, Sunday brunches, membership options, educational  programming, sponsorship options and more, visit www.BrowardCenter.org.

BIZ PERKS Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 9, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Location: The Salvation Army
100 SW 9th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Non-Profit Committee Meeting Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Beach Council Luncheon
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Westin Hotel
Fort Lauderdale Beach
321 N.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Trustee Reception
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: City National BANK -
Las Olas Banking Center
450 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jazz In The Hall
Date: September 15, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Member Orientation-FTL
Date: September 16, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Downtown Council Breakfast
Date: September 22, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Location: Tower Club
Atop Regions Bank Bldg
100 Southeast Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

GLBX Afterhours
Date: September 22, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Hamilton Gallery
615 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Net@Noon
Date: September 23, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

“This time,” says Coco, “I’ve decided to do something a little different. I wanted to try something a bit lighter, a night of pure fun with Coco.” For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/183543.

LAY-BEAR DAY POOL PARTY
Sunday, September 4, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. Last year, 500 people attended, and this year it will be bigger and better than ever. This will also be a kick-off party for Beach Bear Weekend 2012, that will be happening May 10th-14th of next year. A $12 beer bust along with the $8 rum buckets and $4 Russian Standard Vodka specials. D.J. Daddy-O will once again be spinning his signature mix of music, so big thanks to him for making all the parties sound so great. There will be a Hospitality Suite at the hotel for the guests that want to take a play break. No cover. At The Depot, 2935 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Parking is available up and down the street and they have rented the Citibank parking lot on the corner of Oakland Park and Federal for the over flow.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Celebrate two amazing years with Adam and Gallery 101 along with the debut of Fresh Catering and Events. Bring a friend to eat, drink and view art. On Saturday, September 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Gallery 101, 3350 NE 33rd Street in the Galt Ocean Village Shoppes in Fort Lauderdale.

PET ADOPTION WEEKEND
A Pet Adoption Weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at The
Pet Project, 1164 E. Oakland Park Boulevard. Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats will be available for adoption. Rescuers and shelters are welcome to bring “adoptees”. Water and treats for the pets will be provided and hot dogs and sodas will also available for sale. There will also be a tent sale with 50% off selected merchandise at The Pet Project Thrift Store. For more information, visit www.petprojectforpets.org.

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POKER TOURNAMENT
Women in Network (WIN) will be holding a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament taking place on three nights, Saturday, September 17, Saturday, October 15 and Saturday, November 5. Tournaments will be limited to the first 32-40 players who sign up. To register, please visit womeninnetwork.com/Poker.html.

Judging! We all do it. ALL DAY LONG! It gets us through the day. Will they buy from me? Are they nice? Will they help my business? Do I like them? All these questions do nothing for our success. All they do is distract us from the most important aspect of our business. We all need to create an army of colleagues to network our businesses!

Everyone we meet at a networking event is a potential “worker”. Judging only stands in the way of gathering more workers for your business.

I recently had a realization about how I lack focus on the present moment and how important it is to always be focused. Kevin and I had to put down our eldest dog not too long ago. He was a 16 year old beautiful chocolate Lab/Retriever mix. Before we were taking him to the vet, I attempted to take Barcly on a walk around the block. While on our walk, I judged the neighbor’s yard on its appearance. WHAM!!! It hit me. How much time do I spend judging and not focusing on what’s important? I immediately turned my attention back to my good (non-judgmental) friend Barcly.

I have been hearing the words “live in the moment” or “be present in life” all around me. Oprah talked about it with Eckhart Tolle when they were talking about his 2 books, “The Power of Now’ and “A New Earth”. My book club discussed it over several months.

Meditation teaches you to clear your mind for this moment. Yoga is about clearing your mind and focus on your movements and breath. All around us, people are seeing the benefits of living in the moment without judgments.

Lately, with my 21 days of positiveness, I have been noticing how much time in my life is spent in the presence of negativity and judgments. Conversations I  am having, people around me, stories I hear, judgments keep popping up making me want to look more closely at my judgments.

My inspiration for this column was a custom tailor I met recently at a networking event. I was wearing a polo and khaki pants and he said, “You don’t wear suits much do you?” I replied “not really, I  have a more casual comfortable feel to what I wear”. He gave me his card, said “If you’re ever in need of a custom suit, let me know”. I didn’t even get a chance to learn more about his business.
I thought about both of our missed opportunities. He could have introduced me to business owners, movers and shakers, decision-makers that can afford a custom suit. If I was living in the moment, I wouldn’t have judged him for judging me. I would have shared my knowledge about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the vast opportunities available for meeting people who CAN afford custom suits.

Just the other day, I was discussing this subject with my friend Kip Reynolds, a Realtor® with Atlantic Properties International. He mentioned a referral he received from another Realtor®. A couple from another country was looking for a home here in town. Past experiences and general gossip about tourists looking for homes in our area left Kip reluctant to call them, not recognizing them as serious buyers. By not giving in to judgments and living in the moment, he made the call. As it turned out, they were really nice people he enjoyed spending time with. They followed all his advice to the “T” and submitted a contract on a home. Most importantly, his army of workers is one person stronger.

I asked my friend Jeff Corbett, a life coach, how can I come up with a plan or contest for myself to eliminate judgments FROM my life. His reply was simple: “Wouldn’t a contest on judgments really just be about judging your judgments?” “Ah, I see what you mean,” I said.

For me, on that one special day with Barlcy, I realized what “Be present in life” really is. For me now, I want live a life in the moment, with fewer judging thoughts and more attention to the  beauty around me enjoying inspirational stories. Seeing everyone I come in contact with as a potential army of workers vs. judging them as a good fit for me and my business. My question to you is, are you judging if this could work for you?

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

Business Networking Schedule

GLBX Leads Group
August 3, 2011 and August 17, 2011
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Biz to Biz
August 3, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
2400 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NonProfit Committee Meeting
August 10, 2011
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Trustee Reception
August 10, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
2000 N. Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
GLBX Afterhours
August 11, 2011 and August 25, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location To Be Determined

BIZ PERKS
August 12, 2011
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
1922 Cordova Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Business Afterhours East Side
August 18, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
China Grill
1881 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Member Orientation-FTL
August 19, 2011
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Biz to Biz
August 24, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Solita Las Olas
1032 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

“THE PILLOWMAN”
Empire Stage (1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale) presents the thriller, “The Pillowman” now through July 30th, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. “The Pillowman” centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders. “Comedies don’t come any blacker than ‘The Pillowman,’” stated the New York Times. “Even those familiar with this British dramatist’s blithe way with murder, mutilation and dismemberment may be jolted by the events described and simulated so picturesquely. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the door (cash only). To purchase tickets via credit card please go to www.infinite-abyss.com. For information and reservations, call (954) 678-1496.

21st Annual Poverello Center Bowl-a-thon
The teams are forming for the 21st Annual Bowl-A-Thon to be held on Saturday August 13th. Registration at 11am Bowling begins at Noon.

To Register visit www.poverello.org and for more information contact Dale Madison, 954-561-3663 Ext. 123. The event will be held at the Sawgrass Lanes 8501 North University Drive, Tamarac, FL, 33321

Broward Bares it 2011
Friday, August 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. Voted Fort Lauderdale’s #1 fundraiser. Bigger, badder and bawdier – this year is being super-sized for your pleasure!
Have you ever wanted to see some of your favorite local and national singers, dancers, comedians and performers take their clothes off? Well, here is your chance because on Friday, August 19th, inside the Paradise Live Theater at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Drive in Hollywood, FL.), a host of them will be getting together for one night and taking “IT” off for you – all in the name of a good cause. Broward Bares It is a hilarious, sexy, steamy and zany night of burlesque, comedy and vaudeville dance acts and songs presented onstage in a Broadway atmosphere.

For more information, visit www.Browardbaresit.com.