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Gliding through the ‘Venice of the U.S.’

A great way to show visitors the sights of South Florida along the water is to take a scenic boat ride. My twenty-something kids were visiting recently, and we decided to try Fort Lauderdale’s Carrie B Cruises. We are glad we did.

Cruising the area on the largest sightseeing boat in Fort Lauderdale has been a local highlight for residents and visitors for more than 30 years. Carrie B Cruises likes to call it the “Venice of America Tour.” It’s a 90-minute, fully narrated, paddlewheel-propelled boat ride for around $30 a person (or $19 for children). You can buy tickets for one of three time slots: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. You get to ride along the historic New River as well as on the Intercoastal Waterway. You can see the impressive Millionaires Row and learn about the mansions of the famous and wealthy. You glide past super yachts and can catch a glimpse of the busy Port Everglades.

For our tour, we bought our tickets in advance online and printed them out. As recommended, we arrived at the downtown waterfront area around 30 minutes early to find parking. The dock is located on New River Drive East, just a block off Las Olas Boulevard. We found street parking a couple blocks away from the dock and paid through one of the parking kiosks nearby. There also are parking garages in the area. After parking, we got to the dock area a little early and sat on benches facing the New River, a nice area with beautiful views of the waterfront.

When it was time for our tour, we showed our ticket printouts and then it was a quick process to board the boat. The lower level is enclosed, with an air-conditioned interior, a full bar, a snack bar, tables to sit at, and restrooms. We headed upstairs for fresh breezes and great views. The upper level is huge and there was plenty of seating to pick from, in rows facing forward, in the shade or in the sun. We ended up moving around this deck during the journey, viewing different sides of the water and getting pictures from various angles. Most people didn’t stay put, roaming around the vessel as needed. It was very casual and fun.
We started our cruise heading out the New River from downtown Fort Lauderdale, passed lots of lovely canals (reminiscent of Venice, Italy, as in the tour’s nickname), and went onto the Intercoastal, heading all the way toward Port Everglades before making the return trip back. Our tour guide was very entertaining and comprehensive and gave us a lot of fun facts about the glitzy mansions and beautifully landscaped properties that we slowly passed by, along with the mega-yachts docked along the way, and other landmarks and points of interest. Occasionally gliding past us in the opposite direction were other fun tourist and party boats.
It’s been said that sightseeing rides like these are the water version of Hollywood, California’s celebrity star tours. For my kids and me, our highlights that day were discovering the variety of large mansions in Millionaires Row and learning their fascinating stories; going out in the wide-open waters toward the colorful, bustling Port Everglades (a very busy cruise-ship port); and gawking at the Bahia Mar Marina displaying a surprising array of massive yachts. We thought that some of the mega-mansions and surrounding scenery were stunning. Our guide gave us a little history about the area, interesting information about the company CEOs and other multimillionaires who owned some of the homes, and some witty anecdotes about these properties.
The Carrie B staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable, for both the tickets and the refreshments. The ride was smooth, and the boat—which can hold up to 300 passengers although that day was not too crowded—is big enough so that we never really felt any swells. We got to see the sights of this beautiful city and all the water features from a different vantage point than we normally would. What’s not to like?
There are other tour boats you can take for a longer day and for more of a party experience. But for showing family members visiting from out of state all the beauty and opulence of the area in a compact time, the Carrie B provides the perfect excursion!

For more information and tickets, go to carriebcruises.com.

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Feeding your body, feeding your brain

Being healthy means taking care of your brain as well as your body. This is especially important as we age, because the risk of dementia increases over time. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia for adults, affecting more than 6 million Americans ages 65 and older, it isn’t the only type.

Other illnesses and conditions—such as Parkinson’s disease, alcoholism, stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic head injury—also can cause dementia. Additionally, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of dementia, so managing these conditions is important.

Making healthful lifestyle choices, including getting regular physical activity, socializing, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking, can help to reduce your risk for dementia. Scientific evidence has shown that eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet may be beneficial to your body as well as your brain, helping to protect against cognitive decline. Certain nutrients are especially important for brain health and may help maintain and improve cognitive function. These include the following:

Omega 3 fatty acids. About 60% of the brain is composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most abundant type is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid. Some research suggests that diets rich in omega-3s, combined with a low saturated-fat intake, may lower the risk of cognitive decline.

B vitamins. B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, are known for their role in metabolizing homocysteine, one of the amino acids in protein. High levels of this amino acid are considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins are involved in many other aspects of brain function, and deficiencies may affect mental health and lead to cognitive decline. However, research on B vitamin supplementation and cognitive function remains unclear.

Antioxidants and phytonutrients. The brain is particularly susceptible to damage caused by free radicals, which are substances that attack healthy cells. Vitamins C and E, as well as the mineral selenium and phytonutrients such as lycopene, are antioxidants and are known to help minimize damage caused by chronic stress and free radicals. Other well-known phytonutrients—such as anthocyanins, which give certain fruits and vegetables their color—are thought to have a positive effect on brain function.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in nearly every cell in the body, so it’s no surprise this vitamin is present in brain cells. Vitamin D is believed to have protective effects against cognitive decline, and research has suggested that low blood levels of vitamin D may affect brain health.

Choline. Choline is an essential nutrient required for fat transport and metabolism. It is necessary for normal brain and nervous system function, muscle control, and other functions.

Focusing on an overall healthy eating pattern that includes these nutrients from foods is important for good health. You can get these nutrients from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and healthy fats. Some examples:

  • Berries, including strawberries and blueberries, citrus fruits, grapes, and watermelon
  • Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli
  • Whole-wheat bread, oats, quinoa, and other whole grains
  • Seafood including shellfish and fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring
  • Nuts and seeds such as chia, flaxseed, walnuts, and almonds
  • Beans and lentils, including chickpeas, black beans, and lima beans
  • Whole eggs, skinless chicken and turkey
  • Sources of unsaturated fat such as avocados and olive oil

Remember: While making healthful food choices is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, other important factors that contribute to overall health include getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and adding regular physical activity to your daily routine.

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Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse: A historic treasure

One of the brightest lights in the world shines from Hillsboro Inlet—the light beam emanating from the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, which can be seen from 28 nautical miles (just over 32 miles) away. Built in 1907, the lighthouse has withstood major hurricanes and fires to guide ships through the shallow waters and coral reefs of Hillsboro Inlet for the past 118 years.

In 1855, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designated Hillsboro Inlet as hazardous to the safe navigation of ships and recommended that Congress authorize the funding of a lighthouse. However, due to a lack of funds, more than 50 years passed before the approval and construction of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse began.

During that time, Hillsboro Inlet continued to challenge ships. In 1900, the SS Copenhagen, a British cargo steamer, sank after striking a reef in 25 feet of water off the coast of Pompano Beach. Finally, in 1901, the United States Lighthouse Board persuaded Congress to authorize the construction of a lighthouse at Hillsboro Inlet. “The sinking of the SS Copenhagen really jumpstarted getting this lighthouse,” says David Velez, a Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society (HLPS) volunteer. The HLPS, a nonprofit organization, works with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain the lighthouse.

At 147 feet tall at its highest point, the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses on the East Coast. One hundred and sixty-seven winding steps lead to the watch deck of the lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the coast and overlooks part of the Florida Reef, where sharks and fish are commonly spotted.

One of the lighthouse’s most unique features is its second-order, bivalve Fresnel Lens, which dates back to 1907 and was the most technologically advanced at the time. “The lens is original from 1907,” says Amber Velez, membership chair of the HLPS, whose grandfather was one of Hillsboro Inlet’s original lighthouse keepers. “Only a few of these lenses are still active, one being ours. Others are on display in museums. Ours is rotating just as it was in 1907.”

The lens comprises 356 glass pieces that form a large diamond. “When it was first put into service, the lighthouse had a vaporized kerosene light visible up to 15 nautical miles out,” explains David Velez. “They created the lens in such a way that no matter where the light was coming from the kerosene flame, it would refract and create a horizontal beam shooting out into the ocean.”

In 1932, the lighthouse went from kerosene to electrical power, and in 2021 it switched to an LED light visible from 28 nautical miles out. “That’s only at 50% brightness,” says David Velez. “If we increased it to maximum brightness, we’d probably get complaints from residents.”

Originally the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse used a mercury bath to rotate its Fresnel lens, which weighs about 3,500 pounds. Floating the heavy lens on a pool of liquid mercury allowed it to rotate quickly with minimal effort, creating the bright flashing signal that lighthouses are known for. “This was done on mercury because mercury is frictionless,” explains Ralph Krugler, a historian with the HLPS and author of “The (Almost) Complete History of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse.”

“Once the lens was floating, with one finger, you could push a giant lens around in circles,” says Krugler.

The lighthouse keepers were responsible for maintaining the mercury bath. When dust, sand, or other impurities built up in the mercury, they had to strain it. “They would drain the mercury and run it through a cheesecloth,” says Krugler. “These guys weren’t wearing gloves and were doing all this by hand.” Sadly, keepers were commonly referred to as “mad hatters,” as constant exposure to the bath often led to mercury poisoning and abnormal behavior.

Throughout the years, several major hurricanes caused some mercury to spill out of the basin. Thankfully in 1998, all mercury was removed from the lighthouse, and the mercury bath was replaced with a ball-bearing system that would rotate the lens. In 1974, the lighthouse became fully automated, meaning keepers were no longer needed.

On Friday, March 14, the HLPS is hosting its annual fundraising gala. Those who attend will be treated to a private tour of the lens room and an up-close look at the original 1907 Fresnel lens, an experience not available on public tours.

Proceeds from the gala—which takes place under the full moon on the lighthouse grounds—will go toward upkeep, repairs, and HLPS’s restoration project.

The million-dollar restoration project involves a complete overhaul of the struts, cables, and turnbuckles, along with the blasting and repainting of the lighthouse to restore it to its original color scheme composed of three black sections and two white.

“It’s a 10-year restoration plan with a 10-year guarantee,” explains Amber Velez. “We’ll have 10 years of guaranteed service, so if anything happens with the paint or rust starts coming back, the restoration company will come back and take care of it.”

Because the lighthouse is located on U.S. Coast Guard grounds and is bordered by the Hillsboro Club, it is only open to the public once a month for public tours. Upcoming tours are scheduled for March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 15. Visitors meet at the Sands Harbor Resort and Marina in Pompano Beach and are transported by boat to the lighthouse grounds.

For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

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Artist John Bowen Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day

John Bowen started with watercolor when his art teacher introduced it to him in high school, and he’s been painting with it ever since.

Art is a “labor of love,” says Bowen, whose extensive artistic career has taken him from artist apprentice right out of high school at an ad agency, and on through to the U.S. Air Force. But it doesn’t stop there. This month we recognize Bowen’s longstanding career as we honor National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Saturday, March 29.

Bowen was hired as the only illustrator (technician), graphically responsible for documenting work for about 200 soldiers in the 834th Air Division Headquarters Unit. Stationed in Tansonhert Airbase during the Vietnam War, near the city of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in southern Vietnam, Bowen at times was able to go out into the countryside and document the war in sketches. Otherwise, his job was to document actual operations in action on-site. He served eight years in the Air Force, from 1961 to 1969, and in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, using mainly pencil (or pen) on paper as his medium for documentation.

Vietnam experiences. In 2013, Bowen was published by Middle River Press in Oakland Park, which recorded his physical and emotional experiences in the Vietnam War. The book is titled “Eleven Months and Nineteen Days,” and it is complemented with 43 black and white drawings made specifically for the work. The image here is a recreation of Bowen’s experience in one of his instances as he drew then. This time he was drawing from a life model as he recreated the memory. Bowen’s book could’ve been augmented with up to 60 of his original drawings; however, 43 was the magic number where he had chosen to stop. The medium was used for the purpose of keeping its authenticity as he recreated his experiences from the war.

Scratching the surface. Bowen was born in the Bronx and then grew up in Irvington, N.J., during his adolescent years. However, with his family having relocated to South Florida when Bowen left the war in December 1969, he also chose to settle in Florida, where he found a job with the Miami Herald. Some years down the road, he then worked for the Sun Sentinel. Bowen retired in 2009.

The years of painting, however, did not stop before or after the war. His work has been exhibited in major shows and has won several awards over the course of his lifetime. Bowen, from 1988, is a lifetime member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. He is a distinguished signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, and his proudest accomplishment yet has been for him to be honored with signature status from the American Society of Marine Artists, more recently.

Realistic expressionism. Bowen’s creations with watercolor may seem mastered, but according to him, he is always learning and evolving (FYI, they are pretty mastered). However, he is not a purist. He admits to the use of gouache at times, predominantly zinc white, he mentions, in combinational transparency that creates a texture, such as with his trees or foliage. His ability to bring light colors over dark to increment to some extent is an evolution to depth development. He does this by using more paints and little water, which suggests a paste-like medium applied over its primary layer. Bowen’s reversed topical application assigns dualism to his expression by the concept of light.

Viscaya. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or simply Vizcaya, is a lovely historic estate in Miami. It was built between 1914 and 1922. Bowen’s beautiful paintings of Viscaya can be found in prints and notecards in its gift shop, while some of his originals can be viewed in the cafe.

Chosen subjects. Bowen’s favorite subjects to paint are old homes, in detail, and of wicker, for example, a theme of one of his favorite artworks on the front porch of an old house. “Dove & Blackbird” (not pictured) is just one of many examples of the fine detail to that of interpretation, which extends from the door, amplifying the presence of that detail. Moreover, there are his “shoots”—what Bowen calls them—as he brings photographs of his subjects back home to his studio, where he then recreates the art. His work, inspired by the historical city of Charleston, S.C., was formed from some of his shoots, as he grasps moments of history and shares them through watercolor by hand.

“Antique Ford” (not pictured) is another exquisite artwork reconstructed from history. The work is of an old-time Ford with old-time luggage sitting in the back of its trunk. This work demonstrates quite vividly Bowen’s use of light and color dynamics as he exerts influence on already visually favorable subjects. He brings not only the past into a unique visual, but also the joy and tranquility of his subjects fluently through his artistic hand to life. They are fun to see.

The Florida Keys. The Keys is where viewers can find those wicker chairs, in his series of the area, ranging from his experiences at the Main Street Kennedy Gallery on Duval Street to those on West Atlantic Avenue.

Every little detail. Bowen’s ability to capture every little detail is indeed impressive, unveiling his acuity to vision. His unique Marine collection is no different. The use of light trickles down right to the most rustic authenticity. Dynamics in visual draws of color highlight each context unsparingly. It is easy to see how much his work exercises his bravery.

Currently, Bowen’s work aspires to the BRiC, Boca Raton’s Innovation Campus, expected to launch in May 2025, where three of his artworks will be able to be viewed. He currently resides in Tamarac. We extend a warm thanks for his service.

For more information or to contact John Bowen, go to johnbowenwatercolorist.com.

 

 

 

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Renaissance fun Local festivalgoers march into the past

The annual Florida Renaissance Festival in Quiet Waters Park kicked off on Feb. 1, and it’s scheduled to conclude on March 23. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of what life might have been back in the 16th century.

Renaissance festivals have become more and more popular since first coming onto the U.S. scene 50 years ago. These events went from a small niche in New York and California, growing through the decades, to extravagant festivals in recent years. The festivals typically feature a setting during the English Renaissance period.

These events also serve as an educational tool for many. It inspires a deeper passion for history and the arts, and it showcases fashion and music from a different era. For some, the shows spark a deeper interest to learn more about the 16th century, and how the Renaissance period impacted the world.

The modern Renaissance festival was started in California in 1963 by Phyllis Patterson, a schoolteacher. It was initially created as a fundraiser for a radio station, with the vision of blending historical reenactment with performative art. For Patterson, there was a local talent pool of performers that she was able to draw upon in the Hollywood Hills community.

Since then, these cultural events have spread across the country. You typically will find both entertainers and attendees in full costume from that time period, along with music and theatrical performance acts of that era. The outfits you see can be simple, or extravagant. Many attendees and performers go out of their way to reenact every element of the outfit to be as realistic as possible.

You also will find vendors selling outfits at the festival, if you want to check them out in person. The Florida Renaissance Festival boasts more than 100 vendors to supply you with provisions. They will also provide you with a wide range of food and beverage—from turkey legs to desserts, and from cold ale to mead.

Nowadays, you will also find a large online community to help with preparing your outfit. A quick search on online store Etsy.com shows many options for historical dresses, gadgets, and accessories, including full sets of plate armor and weapons.

Typically, the festivals will have a theme, and the Florida Renaissance Festival has a theme each weekend. This year the festival is introducing a new concept—the weekend of March 8 and 9 features “Gears and Gadgets–The Lost Inventions of DaVinci,” which celebrates the retro-futuristic subgenre of science fiction. So, expect to see many creations and outfits featuring gears and spectacles if you visit that weekend.

According to one person who attends these festivals, attendees “enjoy the fact it’s historically inspired, and might require a lot of research, and build on year after year.” It’s not like when you are dressing as a character from a book or movie, such as for Comic-Con; for Renaissance festivals, it’s a character you’ve created. This person cherishes the festivals as “a creation of an agreed-upon environment.”

So if you have a weekend free this month, don’t miss out on the final days of the annual Florida Renaissance Festival. It’s on every weekend at Quiet Waters Park. But be warned, expect long lines—the park often reaches capacity by the afternoon—so get there early if you want to partake in the festivities.

 

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Death of chocolate?

Chocolates are a favorite romantic gift for Valentine’s Day—everything from a rich chocolate truffle to chocolate-covered strawberries. Beyond the happy smiles of chocolate enjoyers everywhere this Valentine’s Day, there are changes lurking in the industry. The future of chocolate is murkier than ever before.

If you have ever seen a chocolate plant, you will find the fruit quite different from the smooth, creamy chocolate in your favorite confectionary. The cocoa fruit pod is the size of a melon, and it’s grown in hot, rainy, tropical areas around the equator. Each melon-sized pod yields around 30 to 40 cocoa beans, which are dried and fermented before the next steps in the production process.

The dried beans are further roasted, and shelled into pieces before being ground into a paste, commonly referred to as chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor is often processed to separate out the cocoa power from the cocoa butter (commonly referred to as grinding in the industry). Traditionally, chocolate is often made by adding more cocoa butter and sugar into the chocolate liquor.

It takes about 10 of the pods to yield enough dried beans to make one pound of chocolate. At a recent peak in 2022,  the world produced just under six million tons of these dried cocoa beans in 2022, mostly in Africa.

Recently, the supply of this delicious treat has been under threat. The cocoa commodity index has jumped 500% since 2022, after decades where the prices have been stable. The total cocoa supply in 2024 has fallen to around 4.4 billion tons (25% reduction since 2022), and the lowest in 45 years.

The increase in cocoa prices has impacted consumers with price increases, and it has reduced product sizes. Some manufacturers have resorted to substitutions, and some companies are offering non-chocolate products, or completely removing cocoa from their products. One potential alternative that some producers are working with is carob, from the tree of the same name grown in the Mediterranean region.

For craft chocolate makers targeting high-end chocolate enjoyers for key holidays like Valentine’s Day, they do not have that luxury. Some craft makers have increased their prices by 10% to 20% in the past few months—all due to the shortage in cocoa production.

How did the grinch steal our beloved chocolate? There are several long-term factors impacting the shortage.

Cocoa trees become increasingly prone to disease as they age. So old farms are abandoned, with new ones established in fresh forest. But this is becoming increasingly difficult due to a lack of new land to farm, and competition with mining interests in the growing area. Farmland is often sold to miners, exacerbating the production challenges.

Recent weather patterns in western Africa, often associated with the recent El Nino cycle, have been reducing production from the cocoa tree farms. The same weather phenomenon that has suppressed hurricanes in the past couple years has caused drier weather in West Africa, contributing to increased plant disease that devastated the trees in that region. The weather impacts not just total production, but also the quality of the beans produced, further stressing the craft makers who rely on top-grade beans.

Meanwhile, chocolate demand is continuing to grow at around 4% annually. So the mismatch between supply and demand is likely to be further strained. Because most manufacturers tend to hedge their long-term supply agreement pricing, according to a senior analyst at RaboResearch, the recent steepest price increases are likely to trickle to consumers in 2025.

Long term, farms worldwide may grow more cocoa trees as a result of this steep increase in price, but it will take three to four years to begin producing beans. And across many of the traditional growing regions, new farms in West Africa and South America will still face the same challenge of disease and weather patterns that has weakened production.

Carob, the alternative you can already buy, has been thriving since the 1970s as a natural sweetener and thickening agent. It is low in fat, and rich in fiber, calcium, and antioxidants, a potentially healthier alternative. But it has a distinct flavor and texture, and a more nutty and sweeter taste profile for consumers to adapt to.

Other startups have been looking at newer alternatives in trying to create a more perfect substitute for the diminishing chocolate supply aimed at a taste-conscious chocolate lover. One promising process uses fava beans. Most of the plants being looked at as alternatives have less demanding agriculture needs than the cocoa tree, mitigating the ecology impact to the chocolate supply chain.

Even further out, some other companies are looking at options of growing cocoa plant cells in a bioreactor, to produce chocolate without relying on the trees. The development is in early stages, but it uses the same technology advancements in the pharmaceutical industry for cancer drugs and nutrient supplements.

As the price of chocolate stays at all-time highs, these alternatives will likely gain more traction in the industry, especially for the price-sensitive segment of the chocolate industry. Short term as the supply drops, and the price increases, the industry is already seeing consumers pulling back on satisfying their sweet tooth. Data from a Jan. 16, 2025, report show North American chocolate grinding falling 1.2% in 2024 year-over-year, following similar trends in Europe, where its grindings dropped 5.3% in quarter 4, and fallen for two years in a row.

So expect 2025 to be a year in which you’ll likely see both a shortage of high-quality chocolate as well as increased prices. And on the horizon, if the chocolate alternative startups gain traction, we may see more and more chocolate using less and less cocoa, and the use of more alternatives to cocoa. It will be hard to conceive a world without chocolate, but we may be entering a period where consumers will be seeing hybrid offerings of both original and newer alternative chocolate.

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From Ironman to Centenarian – A Bodybuilder’s Legacy

A lifetime commitment to physical fitness, healthy and drug-free living and a passion for bodybuilding has paid off for Parkland resident and WWII veteran, Andrew Bostinto, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 11 by – what else – doing what he loves – working out at the gym.

His long and fulfilled life is defined by two passions – his three years spent in the army in the 101st Regiment, 26th Infantry – and his years devoted to bodybuilding.

In 1979 he founded the National Gym Association (NGA) a not-profit organization that supports the philosophy of natural strength training and bodybuilding with a mission to encourage drug-free athletes and is still active today.

He was the first in the industry to develop a personal trainer’s fitness certification program and in 2006 co-authored, “Become Your Own Personal Mental Fitness Trainer.”

He was friends with other well-known body-builders (or, as they called them at the time, muscle-men) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jack LaLanne and in 1977, won the title of Senior Mr. America, at Madison Square Garden.

In 1963, Bostinto opened his own gym, the Olympia Gym and Health Club, in Queens, N.Y.

He lectured at Queens College on exercise and nutrition and personally trained many well-known celebrities, including Cyndi Lauper, Regis Philbin, Al Pacino during filming of the 1993 film, “Carlito’s Way,” and his favorite, Patrick Stewart from “Star Trek:  The Next Generation.”

He officiated at numerous national and international events, such as Mr. Olympia 1970-1971, and was a guest on many local New York television shows discussing physical fitness and bodybuilding.

In May 2025, he plans to earn the title of the “World’s Oldest Bodybuilder” for the Guinness Book of World Records in a competition in Deltona, Florida.

“Andy is still in great shape,” says his wife of 34 years, Francine Bostinto, 67, who is the current president of the NGA.  The couple, who met at Jacob Riis Park beach in Brooklyn, has been together 44 years and have one son, Dillon, 27, together.  Andrew Bostinto has a son (now deceased) and daughter from a previous marriage.

Aside from some knee and balance issues, Francine Bostinto jokes, “I take full credit for his longevity; this is what happens when you marry a much younger woman.”

Looking more like 75, than 100, Bostinto says when her husband wears his hat and medals, people mistake him for a Vietnam-era veteran, not a WW II veteran.  With smooth skin and no wrinkles (his mother lived to 99), Bostinto says her husband is a “good talker,” likes to watch TV, go grocery shopping and likes to cook eggs, pasta and burgers.

For Francine, he cooks her favorite pasta dish, pasta with green peas.

He doesn’t follow a special diet but his wife says he has a good metabolism and eats mostly anything.

In Joe Bonomo’s 1943 book, “Body Power,” Bostinto was called “one of 20 of the world’s most perfect super-strongmen,” and in 1972 at the age of 46 was featured in the magazine, “Muscle Training Illustrated,” where he talked about his diet and training regimen of leg presses, bench presses, parallel dips, sit-ups, shoulder, triceps and lat reps.

In December, the couple returned from a trip to Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, (“the greatest American battle of the war”), Hitler’s last major offensive against the Western front, which paved the way for a Allies’ victory.

“This was the most meaningful event of my life,” says Bostinto about the experience, where he and other returning veterans, Louis Brown, Ed Cottrell, Jack Moran and Lester Schrenk, all of whom are between 99 and 102 years old, were treated like royalty and returning heroes.

“Going with Andy on this trip is the best decision I ever made,” says Francine Bostinto.  “These countries laid out their red carpet for these American veterans.”

Organized by Boston police officer and Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, Andrew Biggio, author of “The Rifle,” Biggio is the founder of Boston’s Wounded Vet Run, New England’s largest motorcycle ride dedicated to severely wounded veterans.

Inspired by nostalgia and to honor an uncle and namesake who lost his life fighting in WWII, Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, and had a neighbor, a WWII veteran, sign it.

This launched him on a mission to find the remaining WWII veterans and have them sign his rifle and tell their stories in his book.

Funded in part by a GoFundMe campaign which raised $32,814, Biggio, organized the trip to bring the American veterans back to the site of the battle in Bastogne, Belgium.

He told the Boston Herald in December, “What was important about this is that there isn’t going to be a 90th anniversary for these guys, same thing for D-Day. This was the last big anniversary for a big number of them.”

According to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, fewer than 1 percent, or roughly 66,000, of the 16.4 million Americans who served during WWII are still with us today.

“We’re both so grateful to have had this opportunity,” says Francine Bostinto, where in a whirlwind week, they met the king and queen of Belgium, the duchess of Luxembourg, Senator Bob Graham of Florida, the mayor of Bastogne and other dignitaries, Helen Patton, the granddaughter of General George Patton, actors from the film, “Band of Brothers,” took part in a parade, visited a castle and the Bastogne War Museum and met with many locals, who Francine Bostinto says were “profusely grateful” to the Americans.

“It was “overwhelming” Andrew Bostinto says.  “There was so much gratitude.”

He was particularly moved by the fervor of little kids who waited in long lines and turned out to shake his hand and buy an autographed copy of “The Rifle,” which he and the other veterans signed for more than five hours.

In a post from Facebook on Dec. 15, reflecting on that day, Francine Bostinto writes, “Wherever we go, people applaud and bring gifts.”

They also visited Wereth, Belgium and a memorial to 11 American Black soldiers from the African American artillery battalion, a segregated unit, who were tortured and massacred by German SS troops on Dec. 17, 1944, in an event known as the “Werenth 11 Massacre.”

They appeared on the front page of many local publications, including the German newspaper, “Bild,” (“Der Terminator und der U.S. Veteran (99)” with the sub-heading, “Arnie Owes his Career to this Friendship.”

“I think the Belgian people remember tremendously,” Biggio says in a video post. “They crowd the streets, they crowd the museums so that we can’t even walk because they just want to get a glimpse of an actual WWII veteran who liberated them.”

“They’re taught at a very young age that these guys are superheroes,” he says.  “Most of them want autographs to keep and to wear on their jackets.”

Being a hero was not on Bostinto’s mind, but being focused and methodical was.

Training since the age of 13, Bostinto still works out on the treadmill and does weight training, including his favorite lat pull-down, five days a week at the Planet Fitness in Coconut Creek.

The self-described, “very analytical, very organized and very disciplined” bodybuilder and veteran who was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and grew up poor in Brooklyn, shares the wisdom he’s garnered over a productive and meaningful century of life.

“Know yourself,” he says.  “Know your priorities and your values and who you are innately.”

Nolan McMurry, 25, the manager at Planet Fitness and a self-described “WWII fanatic” says, “As a WWII veteran, Andy is a piece of living history.  I’m honored to know him and always enjoy hearing his stories about his time serving overseas.”

McMurry says the gym plans to mark Bostinto’s birthday with cake and a celebration.

“Andy had an amazing career as a professional bodybuilder and with founding the NGA and he’s still dedicated to helping people, working out and staying fit,” he says.  “He always has interesting stories to share and I always learn a lot from him.”

“He’s one of a kind and truly a living legend.”

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25 heart-healthy eating tips

February is American Heart Month, a time to pay special attention to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease. Certain foods can lower your risk of heart disease or help to manage it, while other foods may increase your risk. Try these tips for preparing heart-healthy meals.

Choose Healthier Types of Fat and Cooking Methods

  • Use small amounts of oils, such as canola and olive, in recipes and for sautéing.
  • Make your own salad dressings with olive or flaxseed oil.
  • Blend mashed avocado into dips, or use small amounts to add flavor to dishes.
  • Try different ways of cooking foods, such as baking, broiling, grilling, steaming, and poaching, to add variety.

Eat Foods Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Add walnuts to cereal, salads, or muffins. Try walnut oil in salad dressings too.
  • Eat two 4-ounce portions of fatty fish each week. Some options include salmon, lake trout, canned light tuna (in water), mackerel, and sardines.
  • Some chickens are given feed that is high in omega-3s, so their eggs will contain more as well. When buying eggs, check the package label.

Include Sources of Dietary Fiber Throughout the Day

  • Include plant-based foods as sources of protein, including tempeh, beans, lentils, seeds, and nuts.
  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables at each meal.
  • Opt for whole fruits and vegetables instead of 100% fruit juices more often, and don’t discard edible peels. Removing the peels on produce, such as apples and potatoes, lowers their fiber content—just be sure to wash them before preparing or eating.
  • Choose whole grains instead of refined grains whenever possible.

 Limit Saturated Fat

  • If you eat meat, select lean cuts of beef and pork, especially cuts with “loin” or “round” in their name, and drain the fat off cooked, ground meat.
  • Cut back on processed meats high in saturated fat, such as hot dogs, salami, and bacon.
  • When you make a stew or soup, refrigerate leftovers and skim off the fat with a spoon before reheating and serving.
  • Replace higher-fat cheeses with lower-fat options, such as reduced-fat feta and part-skim mozzarella.
  • Thicken sauces with evaporated, fat-free milk instead of whole milk.
  • Move toward using lower-fat milk and yogurt. Start with 2% products, then move to 1%, and finally to fat-free to adjust to the new taste.
  • Choose skinless poultry, or remove the skin before eating chicken or turkey.
  • Check the Nutrition Facts Label on food packaging for saturated fat content and to see if trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils are listed. Food manufacturers have removed trans fats from their products, but some foods with longer shelf-life dates—such as cakes, cookies, crackers, pastries, pies, muffins, and doughnuts—may still contain them. These foods also are sources of added sugars and should be limited for that reason as well.

Reduce Salt (Sodium)

  • Prepare foods at home more often so you can control the amount of salt in your meals.
  • Use as little salt in cooking as possible. You can cut at least half the salt from most recipes.
  • Skip the table salt and be mindful when adding other higher-sodium condiments such as soy sauce, ketchup, pickles, and olives to your food at the table.
  • When choosing canned foods, select “reduced-sodium” or “no-salt-added” soups and vegetables.
  • Check the Nutrition Facts Label for sodium, and choose products with lower sodium content.
  • Season foods with herbs, spices, garlic, onions, peppers, and lemon or lime juice to add flavor.
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Sweet spots Exploring the best local chocolate shops around town

As February settles in, love is in the air; and what better way to celebrate than with the indulgence of rich, decadent chocolate? Whether you’re treating a loved one, helping yourself to a treat, or sharing a sweet moment with friends, local chocolate shops have you covered with everything from truffles to ice cream. Here is a closer look at the best local chocolate spots that are adding a little extra sweetness to our February.

Kilwins Coral Springs

2758 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Best known for chocolates, fudge, and ice cream, Kilwins makes many other delicious sweets, including barks, brittles, candies, clusters, taffy, truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels, Oreos, and Rice Krispies. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner frozen treat or a gift basket for someone special, Kilwins is a must-visit.

Signature treat: Signature Turtle Caramel Apple

Mindy’s Munchies

8182 Glades Road, Boca Raton

Discover Mindy’s chocolate-covered creations—from Marshmallow Mountains to its dark chocolate Coconut Bliss, Oreo delicacies, salty, chocolate-coated pretzels, and the most delectable hand-dipped creations. Mindy’s offers a complete menu of Munchies for every occasion: individually wrapped treats, holiday platters, gift baskets, corporate gifting, special events, party favors, and more.

Signature treat: Chocolate Raisin Clusters

Hoffman’s Chocolates

5250 Town Center Circle, #135, Boca Raton

Hand-crafting legendary chocolates for more than 40 years, Hoffman’s Chocolates is known for its gourmet truffles, milk and dark chocolate assortments, chocolate-covered pretzels, fudge, ice cream, milkshakes, gourmet caramel apples, and custom orders.

Signature treat: Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

1303-A SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale

Pronounced shaq-oh-LAD (a combination of “schaked” and “chocolate”), Schakolad is a name associated with three generations of chocolate making. Schakolad Chocolate Factory uses only the finest ingredients, resulting in chocolates that are preservative-free and bursting with flavor. Schakolad makes its chocolates fresh, on premises.

Signature treat: Hand Dipped Chocolate Graham Crackers

Laderach Switzlerland

6000 Glades Road, Suite 1085, Boca Raton

Läderach is known for its high-quality and varied chocolate specialties. As one of only a few manufacturers, the family business produces the chocolate itself from the cocoa bean to the end product in Switzerland, guaranteeing exceptional freshness and quality.

Signature treat: “FrischSchogg” 

Facts About Chocolate

(Courtesy of the National Confectioners Association)

  • It takes 400 cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate.

 

  • The average serving of milk chocolate has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaf coffee.

 

  • Chocolate comes from a fruit tree; it’s made from a seed.

 

  • It takes two to four days to make a single-serving chocolate bar.

 

  • Chocolate can make dogs and cats ill—meaning, no tastings for your furry friend, and more for you.
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Taking a digital detox

How often do you use your phone in a week?

According to a 2024 study by the American Optometric Association (AOA), the average person spends just over seven hours a day looking at a digital screen. For the purpose of the AOA study, excessive screen time was defined as over seven hours, which means about half of the U.S. population exceeds that.

Once upon a time, parents often told their kids to turn off the TV and run outside. Now all age groups appear equally guilty of excessive screen time. Were our parents right to ask us to limit our screen use?

The AOA study found that the cost of our excessive screen time is costing the U.S. around $73 billion a year, in vision and other related symptoms. These include blurred and double vision, eye pain, headache, migraine, back pain, and neck pain. They impact both direct medical costs and, more importantly, lost productivity and well-being.

Beyond physical symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic, excessive screen time is stressing many out, and a digital detox may help to provide relief.

Dr. Kia-Rai Prewitt of Cleveland Clinic explains, “Social media connects us with others in many beneficial ways. But at the same time, it can also have an unhealthy effect on people.” Anxiety and depression can accompany negative social media experiences, and it affects self-esteem.

Dopamine is triggered by our brain’s search and explore functions. We are wired to release dopamine when we make human connections. Stanford psychiatrist Dr. Ann Lembke explains in her book, “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence,” how social media apps can cause the release of large amounts of dopamine to our brain’s reward pathways. With every scroll or swipe, the action provides a hit of dopamine to our brain, similar to an addictive drug.

In a study published in the journal Psychology Science, researchers found that our brain reward centers were more activated by social media than by images of food or money.

When you sign off, this source of dopamine is removed, and your brain will go into a dopamine-deficit state. This is why social media feels good when you are using it, but you may not feel as good when you stop.

The long-term dopamine exposure is still being studied to see if it will lead to desensitization, as with illicit drugs.

A digital detox allows you to see if technology is affecting your productivity as well as your well-being, both physical and mental. It allows your brain to withdraw from the additive effects of excess dopamine. According to a Standard Medicine Scope article, one month is the minimum duration typically required to reset the dopamine reward pathways, and it may decrease the anxiety and depression that social media can induce. Upon returning from detox, the article recommends prioritizing app usage toward connecting with real people and consolidating its use to specific times of the day.

So if you are looking for ideas to improve your overall well-being, look into digital detox this January, and have a healthy and happy 2025!

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Discovering the newest eateries in town

The local food scene is constantly evolving, and this year has been no exception. New places to enjoy are sprouting up around the area, each bringing a fresh twist on flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re a fan of a warm, doughy bagel, want a healthy and nutritious meal, or just love exploring new eateries, these new dining spots are sure to satisfy your craving.

Just Salad

Cuisine: Healthy (options for vegan, keto, gluten-free, and paleo lifestyles)

Location: 4608 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Give in to hunger without giving up on what really matters. From its reusable bowls to its plant-centric menu, Just Salad is a fast-casual concept specializing in customized salads, warm bowls, wraps, and  smoothies.

Must-try: Earth Bowl and Almond Berry Blast Smoothie

Ella Cafe

Cuisine: Breakfast/brunch and coffee

Location: 4691 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Ella Cafe specializes in Italian-style coffee using its proprietary blend of beans, providing an extraordinary coffee experience coupled with freshly made pastries, sandwiches, and more. All items are prepared in-house, assuring you of tasty artisanal quality.

Must-try: Vanilla Latte and Nutella Coffee Cake

Schmear Bagel Co.

Cuisine: Bagel shop

 Location: 10645 Wiles Road, Coral Springs

Schmear Bagel Co. offers freshly baked bagels every day. Its breakfast and lunch menus include everything from delicious breakfast sandwiches to French toast, wraps, fresh salads, and much more.

Must-try: Nova or Lox Platter 

Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar

Cuisine: Mexican

Location: 3240 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Known for its high-quality Mexican cuisine, perfect margaritas, and lively atmosphere, Tacocraft serves up delicious, hand-crafted dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner. With its contemporary interpretations of traditional Mexican street food, all of which are made with ethically sourced, fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong at this new hot-spot.

Must-try: Tuna Poke Tacos and Blood Orange Margarita

Julian’s Bagel Place 

Cuisine: Breakfast and brunch 

Location: 11570 Wiles Road, Suite 6, Coral Springs

This cozy little breakfast and lunch spot is a hidden gem, offering a perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Its menu options are equally delightful, with omelettes, wraps, sandwiches, and delicious salads. Though small, the warm atmosphere and friendly service make it a local favorite worth returning to.

Must-try: Cobb Salad

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How to stay active in your daily life Tips and gadgets to keep you moving

Staying active doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym. With a few smart adjustments to your daily routine and the help of some innovative gadgets, you can keep your body moving and your energy up. Here are some simple tips to stay active and some fitness gadgets to help encourage you along the way.

Turn Everyday Moments into Activity

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Park farther away from your destination to account for extra steps.
  • Incorporate short stretches or squats during TV commercials or quick brain breaks.

Level Up Walking and Standing

  • Invest in a standing desk or a desk converter to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
  • Get a treadmill desk/walking pad if you’re able to add walking to your work routine.

Tip

Elevate your walks:

Bala Bangles helps tone your arms while you walk.

Track Your Activity

A fitness tracker, like an Oura Ring or an Apple Watch, can motivate you to reach daily movement goals, monitor your sleep and heart rate, and even remind you to stand if you’ve been inactive for too long.

Make Workouts Smart

Bring the entire gym experience to your home with an interactive fitness mirror such as the Tonal or a smart home gym machine like OxeFit. Various workouts and programs are available, including live-stream workout classes.

Stay Hydrated

Keep a smart water bottle like HidrateSpark to track your hydration levels and ensure that you are drinking enough water to fuel your activity level.

Encourage Active Family Time

Get the family involved with gadgets like smart jump ropes to turn family bonding into an active experience. Simple games such as playing tag or swimming with the family are also fun and great ways to stay active together.

Maximize Small Moments

Carry lightweight resistance bands for quick workouts on the go or use an under-desk pedal exerciser during meetings or downtime.

With these small shifts and a few new gadgets, staying active can seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, improving your health without overhauling your routine. Whether it’s tracking steps or standing while working, every little movement adds up!

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