PROFILES - Wellcare Rehabilitation Center Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Brighten Dental Care Keeping Their Patients Healthy Through Modern Dentistry

Dr. Chander Gupta of Brighten Dental Care in Dania Beach takes an integrated approach to his practice.

“During the past thirty years I have seen patients with terrible oral problems, some of their own making by neglect of proper care or inability to seek proper treatment, but some have even been victims of poor workmanship in the past. Although I enjoy all aspects of dental care and improvement, undertaking these challenges brings me the most satisfaction in my work.”

Good oral care has many more aspects besides just maintaining a beautiful smile, it has aspects that can affect your overall well being. There are many health risks associated with poor oral hygiene and neglecting symptoms from chronic snoring. Many people are unaware of the effects the mouth and gums have on your overall health. But the dangers of snoring could be much worse than you realize, you could have a dangerous health problem called Sleep Apnea, which can cause myriads of other diseases like: High Blood Pressure, Heart Diseases, Diabetes, Depression, Anxiety, Stroke and feeling tired and sleepy even after a full night of sleep. It all happens due to the fact that you are deprived of oxygen while sleeping. As many as 1 in 5 adults have Sleep Apnea. Up to 80% of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) sufferers are undiagnosed. CPAP has a failure rate of around 75% because many patients cannot get used to sleeping with CPAP.

Dr. Gupta can perform testing in his office that provides critical information to be sent to a sleep specialist for evaluation. Based on the recommendation, he can fit a patient with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea a customized oral orthotic device that can replace a bulky CPAP mask and machine.

Dr. Gupta’s goal and passion is not just to improve your oral health but your overall health. He wants you to be healthy and looking good with modern dental options, such as Invisalign® .

Invisalign® Braces are clear, removable aligners made of a flexible thermoplastic material that, when carefully fitted and following instructions, gradually straighten a patient’s teeth and bite. There are no brackets or wires and the appliance has none of the restrictions or discomfort that is associated with metal braces. “Not only is

Invisalign® hardly noticeable,” says Dr. Gupta, “but it is an effective correction device for any age, from teens to the elderly.”

Dr. Gupta says that most people do not realize how influential the health of their mouth is on their entire body. “Our mouths harbor Microorganisms like Bacteria and Viruses that can invade our Hearts, Lungs and Nervous System. Not only do those Microorganisms affect the individual, but they can eas ily be spread from person to person through kissing, sharing, even droplets through sneezing, coughing, shouting, and singing, as we recently have been warned regarding the spread of COVID-19.”

He adds that even if an individual is diligent in their personal Dental Care, the foods and beverages that enter their mouths contribute to the human biome that affects the entire body. Therefore, he recommends that regular dental checkups should be part of any health regime. One of the ways Dr. Gupta can give his patients great oral care is through technology. Besides traditional dental issues, Dr. Gupta has the technology to perform screenings to detect early Mouth Cancers and provide DNA Testing of Saliva to identify Bacterial Population and DNA Markers to determine if you are prone to Periodontal Disease.

Dr. Gupta points out that most people have tooth loss today due to tooth decay, Periodontal Disease or traumatic injuries. Although bridges between existing teeth may fill the gap, they are not always a feasible solution. In those cases, Dr. Gupta recommends Dental Implants to replace one, multiple or all missing teeth by creating a Prosthetic Root with the fusion of a titanium screw into the Jaw and attaching customized matching teeth to become a permanent fixture, just like your own teeth.

Another option to fix tooth loss are Dentures, “Removable Dentures are an option in replacing full or partial tooth loss,” he says, “but they often can be problematic, especially for older patients whose gums slowly continue to

shrink.” At that point, he notes that Dentures begin to slip and the individual tends to use more Denture adhesive, which gets swallowed and that is not good for their health. He says, “illfitting Dentures create sore spots on the gum line.” He continues by saying that the patient then self-medicates with an Over-The-Counter Oral Anesthetic like Orajel® that numbs the gums, but does nothing to heal the sore. He explains

dentistry with reasonable fees.” Dr. Gupta says that his office staff is happy to accommodate the patient with appointments, help complete Insurance forms and arrange for various payment plan options including Care Credit and Lending Club.

Our Health Care Coordinator, Miss Chandrally Mahajan, MPH (Master’s in Public Health, Epidemiology) has a strong belief in educating the public about Oral Health and its connection to Overall Health. She is a speaker at local Civic Organizations, schools and frequent guest speaker on the Steve Kane Radio Talk Show on WNN 1470AM discussing preventive aspects of COVID-19 Epidemic. She assures that our office surpasses OSHA and CDC Guidelines.

“As a professional team,” Dr. Gupta says,” the goal of my staff and I is to

not chew properly which upsets their stomach and takes a toll on his or her health and general well-being.

The initial care you receive when dealing with overall oral health is extremely important, but what truly sets Dr. Gupta apart from others in his field is his attention to aftercare. “Proper fitting and continued monitoring are critical in all phases of dentistry,” states Dr. Gupta, “so complete care through the process is an absolute criterion in service to my patients.” Dr. Gupta says that he and the labs he works with are fastidious in their fittings and follow up care.

“Even with all of that,” says Dr. Gupta, “most important to us is that we treat our patients as if they are our own family members and provide quality

help keep our patients happy to enjoy a healthy life with their Bright Smiles.” The readers of this article are being offered a free consultation for snoring, Implants and Ortho Treatments.

Degreed as a DDS (Doctor Of Dental Surgery), Dr. Gupta performs Dental Surgery in his office in Dania Beach. The office is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including Surgical Laser Equipment for the more up to date and professional Oral Care to improve your overall well being.

Dr. Chander Gupta DDS; MAGD Brighten Dental Care

129 E. Dania Beach Boulevard

Dania Beach Fl 33004

954-922-4633

www.BrightenDentalCare.com

Regenerative Therapy Pain Relief Treatment At Wellcare Rehab In

Hallandale Beach

Now Celebrating 20 Years In Practice!

Clinical Director and Licensed physical therapist, Michael Kenton, opened the doors to Wellcare Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in March 2003 and throughout these years, he and his staff have been providing high quality, personalized treatment for all their patients. New Regenerative therapies which help the body heal itself have been a primary focus in addressing joint and spinal pain at their facility.“ We introduced our regenerative therapy program for pain relief with the use of Class IV laser in August 2022 and the results have been amazing! It has prevented many of our patients from needing surgery and has led them back to enjoying what they love to do and back to living pain free,” Mr. Kenton states.

Class IV laser uses light energy (called Photobiomodulation) at specific wavelengths to help accelerate healing by decreasing inflammation and restoring normal cellular function. This results in pain relief as well as accelerating tissue repair and growth. Patients report feeling a comfortable warm sensation while receiving treatment. Combining manual therapies, such as massage and stretching, along with strengthening exercises with this new treatment technology helps patients return to a pre-injury and pain free state.

Wellcare Rehab’s process of personalizing a treatment plan begins with the initial visit. A detailed medical history with review of any x-rays, MRIs are performed followed by an indepth physical examination evaluating muscle strength, flexibility and any special tests for specific conditions. Following the evaluation, a detailed plan of care is developed for the patient with the intent of offering long-lasting relief without the need of harmful drugs or surgery.

What sets the team at Wellcare apart from other physical rehabilitation centers is their unwavering dedication to treating their patients with excellent care. At Wellcare, each patient is treated like a family member by profes-

sionals fully committed to offering top tier service and treating each patient in the same way that they would treat their loved ones.

A fundamental part of Wellcare’s philosophy is understanding that each patient has a unique set of goals and needs that must be met. With a personalized program designed to fit specific needs one will be able to improve strength, flexibility, reduce pain and improve function. Conditions treated at Wellcare include back, neck and joint pain as well as muscle weakness and instability. A back to Golf and Tennis program is offered at Wellcare where pre and post-operative conditions of the spine, shoulders, hips and knees are addressed as well.

To celebrate 20 years of delivering top tier therapy, the staff at Wellcare Rehabilitation is offering all new and existing patients a Complimentary Pain Relief Consultation. This offer is for a limited time and limited spaces are available. In order to learn more about the potential benefits of the state-of-the-art treatments being offered at Wellcare, it is recommended to take advantage of this offer. Please contact them at: 954-454-4280 to schedule your visit. You can also visit their website at: www.wellcarerehab.com to learn more about specific services offered and hear video testimonials of the benefits of their Regenerative Therapy Program.

Wellcare Rehabilitation and Wellness Center is conveniently located at 304 West Hallandale Beach Blvd, in Hallandale Beach, minutes form Aventura and Hollywood. Their location also offers plenty of accessible parking and most all insurances including Medicare, Humana and Auto insurance are accepted.

Gulfstream Park Village

Gets Ready For Summer With Free Cone Day, Entertainment For Everyone And Much More

As the temperatures increase, so does the fun at Gulfstream Park Village. As South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, Gulfstream offers events and happenings for all ages in an open-air environment.

FREE Cone Day

One of the most anticipated days of the year is coming up – Free Cone Day at Häagen-Dazs! Held at the Gulfstream Park Village location only, ice cream lovers will want to mark their calendars for Wednesday, May 17 when Häagen-Dazs will be offering one free mini cone/cup per guest from 5 to 8 p.m. In past years, Häagen-Dazs at Gulfstream Park Village has served over 5,700 scoops and was the number one store in the country to participate in Free Cone Day.

Free Cone Day is a fan favorite and Häagen-Dazs is pleased to announce this year’s Free Cone Day promotion will have a Carnaval theme. This highly anticipated event will feature live entertainment, and an interactive DJ who is sure to get audiences dancing. Locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. This exciting promotion invites guests to enjoy summer’s upcoming arrival with a sweet and refreshing treat.

Bring the family and see the Village Center transform into a Carnaval setting with free entertainment featuring an interactive DJ, Carnaval masks for the first 1,000 kids, unicyclists, stilt walkers and an aerialist.

“Gulfstream Park Village is ready for summer, starting with Free Cone Day, a fan favorite. Our year-round events and programming appeal to diverse audiences.” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing for Gulfstream Park Village. “From karaoke to shopping to salons and pampering, our open-air shopping center offers endless options for everyone.”

To RSVP for Free Cone Day and be entered to win a $200 Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Party, please visit: https:// gulfstreampark.com/promotion/freecone-day-at-haagen-dazs/

Don’t forget Music in the Park, Gulfstream Park Village’s favorite live entertainment series, as it continues its weekly performances with the area’s favorite musical talent. Taking place

Wednesday through Sunday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Music in the Park is sure to get audiences dancing. These openair performances take place on the center stage and feature rotating bands on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights. Saturdays are DJ/ Family Nights. Free to attend, Music in the Park has proven to be one of Gulfstream’s most popular ongoing events. For additional live music, the Casino Stage features a DJ on Friday nights from 7-11 p.m. and a live band on Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m. The Breezeway Stage features rotating DJs on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. and the Carousel Club features live music Friday-Sunday during all open hours.

Dining That Delights

In addition to 11 home stores at one address, Gulfstream Park Village offers a variety of dining options, so there is something to keep everyone satisfied! For a big night out or just a quick graband-go, guests can enjoy options including Yard House, Christine Lee’s, Texas de Brazil, Häagen-Dazs, Pastry Is Art, Belly Fish, Alma Grill and Ten Palms at the Gulfstream Park Clubhouse.

Entertainment for Everyone

Gulfstream Park Village offers a vari ety of ongoing entertainment destina tions, including PlugIN Karaoke that fea tures private rooms perfect for a night out. For the action-seeking crowd, Strike 10 Bowling offers food and fun for groups or families. Color Me Mine pot tery painting is both a romantic and creative date-night favorite as well as a fun activity for kids.

Look and Feel Your Best

Gulfstream Park Village has a variety of health and beauty options for those who want to look and feel their best. Visitors can visit Venetian Nail Spa to enjoy a manicure or pedicure or sched ule an appointment at Ideal Image Med Spa, which offers a number of cos metic medical services. Nadia Paris, an upscale French hair salon, offers services that enhance the natural beauty of guests’ hair. For those looking to get a quick workout in without all the work, Impulse Body Fitness is the latest method of personal training with a suit that does it all through science and technology. This workout can burn up to 2000 calories in just 25 minutes!

FREE CONE DAY MAY 17TH

mier entertainment, dining and restau rant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and familyfriendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of sig-

Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com or call: 954454-7000.

House Of Chi Mobile Spa & House Of Chi Education: Experience Marie Theresa’s “Magic Healing Hands”

By Austin Torres

Medicine Woman and Harpist, Marie Theresa Davis invites you to experience her unique five-star rated holistic luxury mobile spa. With over 12 years of experience, Marie Theresa has made it her mission and life’s work to care for patients and teach students and the community about the benefits of various massage therapy modalities. She along with the stellar team at House of Chi take a holistic osteopathic approach to healing the body, mind, and spirit which is suitable for people of all ages. To celebrate Mother’s the team invites you to experience the magic of House of Chi with a 10% discount whenever you mention Sun Post Articles.

As a member of the Florida State Massage Association and Board Certified with the National Certification Board of Massage Therapy and Bodyworkers, Marie Theresa is a highly skilled professional capable of offering a wide array of services. The team at House of Chi Mobile Spa is equipped to offer massage therapy, advanced Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, skincare treatment, prenatal massage, as well as ionic detox foot baths, and microcurrent treatments.

Are you struggling with Arthritic pain in the hands or feet? Marie Theresa and the team at House of Chi offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) to bring you relief. This specialized form of massage therapy involves your therapist utilizing advanced techniques to remove Arthritic enzymes from bone, tendons, and joints to relieve you of unnecessary pain. For those of you suffering from Sciatica Marie Theresa also offers a soft stretch of the spine’s dura membrane to relieve your lower back of pressure and sciatic pain.

MLD for post and pre plastic surgery is also highly recommended. Marie Theresa also offers emergency hospital service. A full body MLD for 360BBL, arms, legs, face can reduce painful inflammation and discomfort. Marie Theresa recommends to obtain her professional MLD treatment a couple times before surgery to reduce any toxin inflammation before surgery. House of Chi additionally provides packages from 5 to 10 daily treatments at the convenience of your location.

Many Lymphatic Vessels are removed permanently from the body through surgery which consequently

leads to continual bloating. Marie Theresa’s MLD treatment redirects lymph fluid to drain into Lymphatic Thoracic Duct Pathways from altered traumatized tissues. Marie Theresa strongly recommends continual periodic treatments throughout the year and annually to relieve pain from fluid buildup and avoid fibrosis lumps.

Sufferers of headaches, concussions, mental fog or low energy might find additional relief through Marie Theresa’s Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in addition to the aforementioned treatments. CST applies a light touch approach that invokes deep relaxion to release tension in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction which ultimately results in an improvement of body health and performance. By placing you into a deep state of relaxation blood oxygen flow increases to the brain and liberates the central nervous system to perform at its best.

CST is a natural approach to the elimination of pain and stress which can strengthen your resistance to disease and enhances your health and overall well-being. Studies suggest that Craniosacral Therapy improves the immune system and may improve pain and dysfunction related to a variety of conditions including: mental fatigue, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, migraines and headaches, brain and spinal injuries, chronic fatigue, ADD/

ADHD, Parkinson’s Disease, PTSD, and several others. CST’S gentle technique also makes it an effective form of therapy for all ages, from babies to the elderly.

To get the most benefits of Marie Theresa’s treatments you might combine treatments with another. For example, if you suffer from headaches, fatigue and low energy, you could try CST and Manual Lymphatic Drainage to reduce inflammation of cranial nerves and dura membrane to increase visual and mental clarity and also naturally produce more internal energy through anxiety release. By combining treatments, you get the most benefits for the greatest value.

For pregnant women you might find House of Chi’s prenatal massages to be enormously helpful in the alleviation of stress and pain. As a mobile service that places customer satisfaction and comfort at the forefront of their goals, Marie Theresa will personally come to your door with a prenatal table and offer a tension relieving massage that can reduce back and leg pain, labor pain, and reduce anxiety and stress. She can also bring a prenatal table to offer full body professional Lymphatic Drainage. Marie is fully trained to care for the mother with Cranialsacral Therapy in the labor room.

Marie Theresa is also a skincare specialist who offers clientele a wide vari-

ety of services and packages making each treatment tailor-made just for you. With House of Chi, you can schedule a variety of facials including restoration vitamin enzyme, European, acne, and stem cell. Marie Theresa also offers micro current facials, body scrubs, Thai ball facial massages and meridian facials.

These are only a few of the treatments offered at House of Chi. Marie Theresa also specializes in oriental acupressure, Thai stretch, reflexology, hot stones and seashells, electrical cupping to reach each patient’s physical and emotional balance, yoga, fitness, deep breathing meditation, channeling Archangelic realm. Marie Theresa is also a holistic life coach who is offering to educate each patient in Hatha yoga for stretching, toning, and extrasensory development as a Shalom, Reiki Master.

As a Reiki Master, Marie Theresa melds her Craniosacral Balance Treatment with neuromuscular Swedish/ deep tissue, and oriental acupressure to open up energy meridians. She additionally offers Thai massage fascia stretching, and reflexology with inspirational life coaching and yoga instruction all for the same price as a normal massage.

Marie Theresa Davis is also available for table or chair massage and/or harp engagements performing 1200-1600 medieval classical music in medieval costume for any occasion including adult/children spa parties, corporate holiday, appreciation events and yacht or sport events. Treatment engagements can include sound therapy, gong, harp, bowls, bells, Ojna Drum & Am Indian drum and flutes of your choice for ambiance.

House of Chi Spa is a mobile service that offers in-home, hotel, and corporate service. To reach House of Chi you can contact Marie Theresa for an initial phone consultation. Marie Theresa and the House of Chi treat individual patients and groups as well: children/adult party, couples, corporate, festivals, schools, healthcare facilities, faculty Appreciation Days. Business hours are Monday-Sunday 9:00a-9:00p in person or online. House of Chi is available by text/cell: 786.274.3346. You can additionally visit House of Chi’s website at: marietheresadavis.com or email them at: mtdavis9@comcast.net.

Titan Restoration Inc. Is A Company That Cares

By Erika Cartwright

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; fire, hurricanes, and floods are real and do happen, bringing with them water damage and the poten tial for harmful mold and bac terial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof, and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few. During these times you need licensed professionals with a plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is important to you in your time of need.

Titan Restoration Inc. for merly known as 1st Priority, is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida. The main office is in Broward County. Technicians are throughout; Collier, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, allowing them to arrive at the site within 45 minutes in times of emergency. With emergency calling 24/7, you’re never more than a phone call away from friendly, efficient, caring, knowledgeable professionals.

Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood, Titan Restoration Inc. is here to help. To schedule non-emergency services or to request a free estimate visit: https://www.titan restorationfl.com their userfriendly website makes scheduling appointments easy.

For emergency services call: 954-280-6950, technicians will arrive within the hour to begin the process of helping you get your life back. With services such as emergency packing and storing of salvageable belongings, following fire or flood, and standing water removal also available, they

handle it all for you from A-Z. The cost is most often fully covered by your homeowner’s insurance, leaving you with no worries about chasing down reimbursements from the insurance company. Face it, you have enough worries, this doesn’t need to be one of them. Titan Restoration Inc. works with all Florida homeowners’ insurance companies.

To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-ofthe-art leak detection, using infrared cameras. This allows for non-invasive, non-messy leak detection. No need to tear up dry wall or floors just to find the source of the leak. Once the leaks have been found, you will be referred to a trusted, licensed plumber.

After the repairs, State-ofthe-art specialized equipment is used to detect moisture levels in the air, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area, and a Florida-licensed Mold Inspector will be sent to do a mold inspection. Samples will be taken of the air and mold.

The specimens will be sent to their private laboratory for testing. This will determine which type of mold they are dealing with. Some molds are more toxic than others such as black mold, knowing the type, allows for proper precautions to be taken to ensure effective treatment and removal of the mold. Depending on the severity of the damages, drywall and flooring may need to be replaced to effectively rid your home or business of mold. Titan Restoration Inc. is a full remodeling and restoration company, specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, as well as a wide variety of other services. Throughout this process, Titan Restoration Inc. will be working with your insurance company every step of the way. You should never attempt to remove mold without a licensed professional, it is unsafe, and hazardous to your health. Mold thrives in dark, damp environments such as under the kitchen or bathroom sinks, in unventilated base-

ments, and closed in laundry rooms. It can even be found behind drywall. Because of the heat and humidity which Florida is known for, it provides a perfect environment for mold to thrive. Vigilance is key when it comes to mold remediation. Bleach and paint alone will not eliminate the problem, only hide it, allowing it to grow unseen and spread. This causes more damage to your home and health over time. People and pets all respond differently to mold and mildew. For some, it may be watery eyes, itchy throat, cough, or skin irritation. Confusion, disorientation, and even hallucinations can also be signs of mold exposure. For others, exposure to mold can cause very serious, even lifethreatening health problems. When it comes to your health and the safety of your loved ones, trust the experts at Titan Restoration Inc. to have you breathing easier, in a mold-free environment.

Once the mold has been

identified, the mold remediation process begins. Titan Restoration Inc. will dry out the affected area using fans and dehumidifiers. Followed by thoroughly cleansing and sanitizing the affected areas using antimicrobial agents effective for mold-eliminating and prevention. HEPA air purifiers are used to capture any airborne mold spores, leaving you with clean air. Green cleaners are used for mildew removal. Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery. Homeowners’ insurance covers the cost in most cases following water damage. These services are offered year-round, and it is recommended to have these done once a year to remove allergens, bacteria, dirt, and grime buildup that occurs naturally over time. These services are recommended more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or are a smoker, to ensure peace of mind and healthier living.

After the repairs are completed and your home or business is restored to its pre-loss condition, a Florida statelicensed Mold Inspector will be sent out to do a final inspection, to ensure all mold concerns were effectively eliminated. Titan Restoration Inc. takes pride in providing the best service experience to its customers from start to finish. Their goal is to have your property back to its pre-loss condition while taking the stress off you.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling from drywall and baseboards to cabinetry and flooring. It is not necessary to have damage to your home, so call on Titan Restoration Inc. for all your remodeling needs.

For a free estimate call: 954-280-6950, now offering 10% off a $350 service for out-of-pocket customers.

Toula, “and I’ve never been afraid of a hard day’s work. I still get jamming on the cook’s line and serve customers just for the fun of it because of the customer and employee interaction that I enjoy so much.” With a staff of hundreds, however, the need never does. In fact, her role as a job creator in her beloved adopted country is among her proudest achievements. “It takes a large team to make this operation work,” said Toula. “I put a lot of faith in my employees, from servers to executives. I’m delighted to say that they reward that faith with outstanding performance.”

The company’s strength was put to the test during the Covid-19 Pandemic, which saw local restaurants failing left and right. As Toula said, “Very few locallyowned chains survived those first two years. Thanks to great planning, attention to detail, and the ability to rapidly adapt, and the help of the USA Government moving fast to fund businesses, we not only made it through the pandemic – we thrived.”

In partnership with the Town of Davie and the local CRA, beloved Mayor Judy Paul, the Visionary Council members, Town Administrator the brilliant Rick Lemack and CRA Director Philip Holste, Toula transformed two more buildings into renovated workable restaurants, now 3 in a row, spanning 3.5 Acres, former LUMS into the area’s premier Diner, attracting throngs of devoted customers ranging from old-time locals to

something really special, and I’m excited to bring a touch of Mediterranean flavor to downtown Davie.”

“The Hospitality Industry has evolved dramatically to fit an active, healthier lifestyle that caters to an audience that wishes to host events everywhere and anywhere: At their Home, at the Parks, in the streets as well as other private venues. The All American Diner is transforming and we are redefining it,” she said. “Palates evolve along with society. Meatloaf and gravy now sit side-by-side on the menu with freerange chicken with Roasted Veggies and quinoa, and eggs and bacon are being replaced by more Vegan and Gluten-Friendly dishes like veggie-filled power omelets, Avocado Toast and yogurt-Berry Granola bowls.” But the allure of a 24-hour restaurant never fades. Said Toula, “No matter what, people still want comfort food and a taste of home and they want pancakes at 4 AM.” These days, Flashback Diner Davie shares the street with a host of fresh, mixed-use developments and new businesses that popped up in the wake of Toula’s innovation. She says: “Block Party, get ready!”

In the current red-hot South Florida Real Estate Market recent years this highly valuable Real Estate that Toula owns have become part of each City’s Downtown vision plan and very much sought after by Developers and Equity Firms and the pressure is mounting for Toula to come up with a new plan for

sewer systems, electricity etc., with new, cutting-edge underground utilities while encouraging Green, LEED Certified Construction Elements in the new mixed use buildings.

Toula is in alignment with the vision of each City and is currently working on proposals and discussions to team up with credible, good companies and to find good solutions as to how to accomplish the relocation of the existing restaurants so that no jobs are lost, and no downtime of the existing decades-old restaurants. She will not stand in the way of growth, but the search is difficult and the proposed plans vary greatly. “The current recession and high interest rates have created a volatile market that few credible developers can now navigate and complete projects successfully. The downtown properties I own in Hallandale Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Davie, and Boca Raton have now become the target of developers from all over the United States,” said Toula. “In their quest to acquire land, some of their practices have been rather covert and underhanded, rather than the direct communication we enjoyed in times past.” Toula is not against selling or partnering up with a credible developer, if that is the right thing for the local community. “I would never stand in the way of progress,” she said. “At the same time, I will always be a businessperson, and if we ever leave a location we need to be compensated in a way that would allow

us to relocate our business and employees.” Some of Toula’s properties are listed on LoopNet in search of just such a partnership. “There is a way for everyone to get what they want,” she said. “All it takes is HONEST and DIRECT COMMUNICATION, the right deal for the right location, resulting in progress, increased business, and community-building. It’s the American way.”

These past three years there were a lot of false rumors regarding Toula Amanna and her businesses that no one can explain how they originated. She said, “Inexplicably, during the Covid years, as all kinds of rumors surfaced, I was subject to 12 different government and regulatory audits, mostly originating from the State of Florida.” For example, two missing digits from the Federal I.D. number for Flashback Diner Hallandale triggered an eight-month long workman’s comp Insurance State Audit covering 11 companies and 265 employees. Labor Audits, an IRS Audit for the Fort Lauderdale property that the IRS agent could not reply as to why they generated neither a random or for-cause audit, 40 violation notices for the same property that had such incredible details as missing two inches from the back yard grass and the list went on and on. Toula continues: “In the beginning of Covid my Social Security number was changed at the National SBA Level (I used to be a spokesperson and small Business recipient for many years of SBA loans teaching others how to use these great 504 programs to renovate buildings and put people to work). Since two digits of my SS number was in discrepancy with the National SBA database, I could not get emergency funding EIDL loans for the first 3 months of Covid until a great, honorable person at the SBA found the problem and fixed it.” Three years of audits proved that Toula kept impeccable records, with no changes found at the end. “It was three years of a complete waste of time for my staff, my employees, and the government, not to mention taxpayers’

money, hard to believe all this was coincidental, and very sad to see it happening,” said Toula.

Among these restaurants there is a favorite spot, a restaurant she leases and she does not own: The Deerfield Beach Café at the international Fishing Pier. She went all-in on the Deerfield Beach Café, part of a massive overhaul of the city-owned property adjacent to the historic International Fishing Pier. In 2013 Toula was awarded the lease of the restaurant at the International Fishing Pier. Since then, the Deerfield Beach Café has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike, with more than a thousand Google reviews praising the “great” service and “super delicious” food served at “the most beautiful spot.” In turn, Toula praises the restaurant staff, led by General Manager Santos Melendez, as well as the community leaders who have supported the café over the years. “When it opened, the Deerfield Beach Cafe represented the greatest partnership between public, private, and community organizations of my career,” she said. “In the 10 years since, I’m proud to say that Santos and many other staff members have become more like family than employees, both to me personally and to the people of Deerfield Beach.”

There are other benefits to owning a business in such a beautiful location. “All of my other restaurants are land-locked. Every time I’m at the Café it is literally a breath of fresh sea air,” said Toula. She is even house-hunting in the area. Do you know of a place with a boat dock? Deerfield Beach as a future home best reflects Toula’s new lifestyle: BBF: Beach, Boat, Friends. Toula’s kids are all in College, might as well go for the South Florida lifestyle as reflected by the slogan of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in which she continues to be a Board Member and a Business Member: “Live in the Sun, Work in the Cloud.”

Toula has traveled a long, successful road over the past decades, with help from countless people. “I

couldn’t have made it without friends like Rochelle Matza, a business director and guiding light for so many of my efforts, and Julio Izaguirre, my top chef for 25 years. Together we participated in multiple Community events through direct and indirect contributions for catering and gift giving. This past weekend we participated in the Annual Lauren’s Kids Foundation at the Hard Rock with Senator Lauren Book and her father, Ron Book, both great motivational speakers that have brought awareness and light to so many issues that people could not talk about before. These events had simply stopped during Covid and it was a welcome opening to the new era of bringing Communities together for the benefit of all.

“There are so many more people I want to mention, but that would be a whole book!”

Toula’s work is far from over. Even now, the next exciting chapter in the life of Deerfield Beach Café is about to be written. As a city-owned property, the restaurant has been reopened to bids from interested parties, as required by the original contract. Of course, Toula’s hat is in the ring – and it’s a very big hat. While the detailed plans are under a “cone of silence,” another favorite Toula phrase, she did say this: “We have a truly outstanding concept that we can’t wait to share with the people of Deerfield Beach.” If it is anything like the many other projects Toula has shepherded over the decades, it’s something to look forward to. Fresh ideas came from the Greek Islands and Athens where Toula will be for about ten days this summer. On July 27, 2023 in Downtown Athens Greece she will receive the award for achievement for Immigrants, women, who have excelled in the International arena both in business and as Community contributors.

Stay tuned, there will be a next Chapter….

Elite Auctioneers

Free Appraisal Of Your Antiques, Modern Art, Estate & More

By Felipe Castilla

In the enterprising world of auctioneering, Elite Auctioneers, LLC stands out as a company truly dedicated to its craft.

President of the company Tracy Hayes and her husband Chris have established a team of experienced appraisers specializing in everything from designer jewelry, 20th century modern design, pottery and Chinese antiques to precious metals, art, porcelains, estates and more.

They offer a variety of unique services including appraisals, estate liquidations, consignments, outright purchases, real estate and charity auctions. Elite Auctioneers even provides free appraisals and evaluations with no strings attached.

Originally from New York, Elite Auctioneers is a full-service auction and antique gallery that has been operating for over 40 years with unrivaled professionalism.

A family of former public administrators auctioning for the state of New York, the people of Elite Auctioneers have a rich and trusted history of exceptional service.

In addition to their eclectic expertise and passion for antiques, they have a full time staff available Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ready to answer any and all questions regarding the auctioning process or their services.

Elite Auctioneers is conveniently located on 23033 State Road 7, Boca Raton Florida 33428 where interested sellers can have their items evaluated

Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

With their expansive network of buyers, Elite Auctioneers works hard to guarantee sellers a fair market value for their item and get it sold to the right buyer. They have both local and online bidders through their partner sites Invaluable, Auctionzip, Live Auctioneers and Bidsquare, making bidding easy and accessible regardless of location. That means no matter where you are in the world, you’ll have a front row view of all the items available.

“We have thousands of registered buyers throughout the world,” said Tracy Hayes.

Furthermore, Elite Auctioneers features a live auction feed for their online and remote buyers to provide opportunities for both selling and purchasing from the comfort of your home.

The process of auctioning is intuitively simple. If you want to participate in an auction you can sign up to bid online. Their website even includes notifications that inform visitors of the next auction. Once signed up with one of these vendors, you will be able to view Elite’s catalogs. If you don’t feel comfortable online, you can also save money by absentee or phone bidding.

For phone bidding, an expert staff member contacts you directly before your bidding lot enabling you to join in the bid the moment your item lands on the auction block.

Once the items are reviewed and approved, Elite Auctioneers sends out a contract to be signed, dated and

returned. Shipping can be carefully arranged at any time before the auction and once the items are sold, you receive a check in the mail after the buyer has paid. This usually takes place within 30 days of the auction itself.

Their commitment to client satisfaction doesn’t stop there, however. Elite Auctioneers is also committed to making sure the selling process is as simple as making a phone call. If you have an antique to sell, the appraisers with over 40 years of experience will personally come to your home and review your items for free and with no obligations.

If you’re looking to move and cannot take everything with you, the Elite Auctioneers team will help you decide what you might be able to sell and what can be taken to your new home. These services don’t just apply to single items but entire estates as well.

Just a few of Elite’s notable and satisfied clients include Binder and Binder Law Firm, the family of a PGA champion and the former owner of the Indiana Pacers Basketball Team.

In the case of estate liquidation, Elite Auctioneers take the added steps of providing clients with trained movers, professional photography, advertising and promotion to help move your items while doing everything in their power to secure a buyer.

Elite Auctioneers have a century of experience in liquidating partial and even full estates. Regardless of size, they will sell everything and anything of value as they have done for thousands of clients over the years.

The expert team of estate buying specialists evaluates the items of the estate and make an offer based on a fair market value. Once that is done and an agreement on price has been reached, the items will be removed from the estate and the estate itself will be meticulously cleaned.

It’s important to note that if there are items in your estate you want to dispose of, you must contact Elite for an evaluation appointment before the liquidation process can begin.

Moreover, Elite makes the consignment process just as easy. You can take photos of your items and email them to: www.eliteauction.com. You should include important item information like the age, condition, any labels, the dimensions, manufacturing tags, and provenance. In September 2019, they hosted a charity auction event at the Lifetime Montel Williams Military Makeover Charity Auction and Gala. The event was to commemorate members of armed forces as well as the victims and survivors of the tragedy that took place in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“The auction was a success for a great cause, and Elite Auctioneers was honored to donate some great items to raise money for the families of the brave who served our country,” said Tracy Hayes.

Elite Auctioneers have a deeprooted belief in the work that they do because for them, auctioning is just as much about building and strengthening communities, as it is about selling antiques.

You can visit their web-site and look through their catalog of Asian antiques, art, furniture, coins, collectibles, home décor and ashion by visiting: www.eliteauction.com/eliteauctioneer

Or contact their office directly at: (954) 205-3446 or: (305) 332-7309

Serving the Community

Auto Tags of Hallandale Celebrating Over 30 Years of Service

By Austin Torres

Among the many businesses in South Florida, few can say that they have been open for over 30 years. Thanks to the committed and outstanding customer service of founder, Randy Giunto, Auto Tags of Hallandale is one of those few exceptional businesses that are able to celebrate that milestone. Through their unwavering dedication to delivering customer satisfaction and their “old school” approach to business, Auto Tags of Hallandale can proudly say they have been around since 1987 and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Randy, whose family roots in the area can be traced back over a halfcentury, attended elementary and middle school right here in the city. As a young man, he enjoyed playing many sports like baseball and football at City

Park (Bluesten Park) and since then, not much has changed. Randy is a still a major sports fanatic and his outgoing attitude and love of people have continued to make him a pillar of the community.

Randy has built a remarkable reputation through his various relationships in the community. His love of people and desire to always give back to the community he grew up in, has garnered him an enormous and varying network of clientele from far and wide. Few can say that they have had the privilege of being in business for as a long as Randy has.

“I never left,” says Randy. “To be a part of this community for so long has really meant so much to me and our family. Through the years, even though we were based in Hallandale, we started to pick up new customers from

all over.”

Randy’s experience assisting customers with a title, tag, renewal or the proper motor vehicle documents has helped establish Auto Tags of Hallandale as a premier business in South Florida. They offer a variety of services that include assistance in registering your vehicle, updating your decal, or replacing it if it has been lost or stolen.

If you are a new resident to Florida and the city of Hallandale and need to register your vehicle, then Auto Tags of Hallandale can assist you in this process. Bring in your vehicle’s title from the state from which you are moving, proof of Florida insurance and a valid driver’s license or passport.

For those of you who have lost your plate or decal, you can come in with your valid driver’s license and your signature on the replacement form, which

can be found via a link on their website (autotagsofhallandale.com) and apply for a new one. If your plate or decal was stolen, then you can come with the same form and your license and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale will also assist you in the application process.

However, Auto Tags of Hallandale not only assists customers with tags, titles and renewals for automobiles, but they can also assist you with trucks, boats, motorcycles, mobile homes, trailers and they will even provide notary service. Whatever the issue is, you can certainly always count on Randy and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale to take care of your needs with a warm attention to detail and a commitment, that truly makes them stand out in a way that keeps clients coming back for more. Auto Tags of Hallandale’s client list include businesses such as: Chopper Zoo, Total Appliance, Wind Chill, LLC, Cusano’s Bakery and Lee’s Locksmith & Bicycle Shop. “The only way to stay in business in South Florida, is through building long lasting relationships with our customers. That’s why so many of our customers and clients will tell you that they won’t go anywhere else for their vehicle registration needs,” says Randy.

Little has changed at Auto Tags of Hallandale since they opened their doors to customers back in 1987. You can still expect the same warm welcome and authenticity from Randy that has made him such a popular figure in the area.

In October of 2022, Auto Tags of Hallandale celebrated their fourth year at their new location in the popular 7th Avenue Village Shops.

“What a great location, our loyal customers will find us quickly, but we are also excited about the new business that will walk in daily. We are right behind Marco’s Pizza and next to World Of Hearing,” said Randy.

For those of you planning on making a visit, you can rest assured knowing that in light of the Pandemic, Randy has enforced social distancing and wearing masks at his headquarters.

“People are wearing masks and social distancing. I’m only letting two people into my office at a time,” says Randy.

For those of you interested in visiting Auto Tags of Hallandale you can check out their location at 701 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. Suite 106 Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.You can also contact Randy directly at: 954.456.5771. Additionally, you can visit their website at: www.autotagsofhallandale.com

Welcome To Hallandale Medical Center:

Industry Leaders Renowned For Their Compassionate Service

Since being founded in 1979 by Dr. Hernando Giraldo, Hallandale Medical Center, part of the HG Doctors Family, has built a long-standing reputation as one of South Florida’s premier medical facilities. Doctors and staff working together as a family dedicating themselves to providing patients in Hallandale Beach and surrounding areas with a full spectrum of treatments, including primary care, geriatrics, behavioral health, podiatry, and dental services. Through their profound knowledge and commitment, the team at Hallandale Medical Center has earned accolades from community organizations for their high-quality care and value for their patients as they truly make their patients feel like they are part of the “family.”

As a one-stop multidisciplinary facility, the team at Hallandale Medical Center distinguishes themselves from other practices by offering treatment to a diverse patient population.

One of the major services offered by HG Doctors is primary care, a cornerstone of your healthcare. At Hallandale Medical Center, you have access to a team of highly skilled physicians offering comprehensive primary services to you and your family. Having a primary doctor with knowledge of your personal and family medical history is a crucial part of keeping up with your health-

care, and it’s only natural to want a doctor who is both compassionate, and knowledgeable of your history. An annual visit with a primary care physician who can conduct physical exams, laboratory testing, and other screenings can substantially help prevent and lower your risk of chronic disease. It is imperative to stay up to date with your health, even if you feel healthy. Even if you are currently seeing specialists, it’s critical that you have a primary doctor to keep all your medical records. An added benefit of having a primary care provider is that you can always reach out to them when you are feeling sick, even if it is after hours.

If you are wondering, when is the right time to visit a doctor, the professionals at Hallandale Medical Center encourage you to come in for your routine wellness exam, preventative vaccines such as your flu shot, or anytime you may feel you are dealing with an illness. You can be sure that the doctors of this facility will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the treatment you deserve.

Hallandale Medical Center also specializes in dental care. An estimated 100 million Americans suffer from the loss of at least one tooth, with decay being one of the leading factors. The highly skilled doctors and staff at Hallandale Medical Center offers patients a multitude of dental services

including dentures, crowns, implants, fillings, bridges, extractions, root canal, and clear aligners. The dental experts at Hallandale Medical Center use state-of-the-art technology to provide world class dental care and services. No insurance, no problem, at Hallandale Medical Center you can receive exceptional same-day dental care with their in-house treatment plans and flexible third-party financing programs they can ensure patients get the treatments they need and can fit nearly any budget or credit score.

For those of you encountering pain in the foot, ankle, or areas of the lower legs, you can schedule an appointment with their exceptional podiatrist. The podiatry staff offers a variety of services to treat foot & ankle pain, heel pain, fractures, ingrown toenails, as well as assist you with diabetic foot care and custom molded orthotics.

The HG Doctors Behavioral Health team offers a comprehensive integrated health model utilizing a teambased approach to improve medical outcomes for patients. Services include comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessments services. Neuropsychology is a study of brain behavior and the treatment of neurological disorders, such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline stemming from a wide range of conditions. The experienced neurop-

sychologists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of related conditions and developing customized treatment plans to facilitate positive outcomes for patients. Additional services include: Personality assessments, intellectual assessments, learning disability assessments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment, Bariatric Evaluations, Pre-surgical psychological clearance, Immigration evaluations and brief psychotherapy.

Hallandale Medical Center is part of the HG Doctors family which has two other South Florida Facilities in Coral Springs (Coral Springs Medical & Dental), and Delray Beach (Delray Medical & Dental). In May of 2022, Coral Springs Medical and Dental was honored with the 2022 Business Excellence Award in “The Heart of the Community” category, a distinguished award recognizing businesses that give back to the community through service and Philanthropy.

“This award is really a testament to our staff,” Randy Kirshbaum, COO, Coral Springs Medical & Dental, says. “It gives our healthcare workers, many whom have worked so hard and sacrificed during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a chance to be recognized.”

For more information about Hallandale Medical Center and the HG Doctors family visit their website at: https:// hgdoctors.com, or contact them by phone at: 954.362.8677. Hallandale Medical Center is located at 200 East Hallandale Beach Blvd. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.

By Austin Torres

does welcome companionship and solidarity through religion and daily tasks of life. The current form of payment plan is private pay and does not offer insurance payment options currently. The Company believes that seniors can “thrive best in a structured Faith Based Living environment, where there is peace and tranquility.” Background checks are also required here as it provides and ensures a smooth entry-point and transition for everyone.

Pastor Dorothy Roberts had run the Hollywood Family Youth and Community Center on Hollywood Blvd. pre-pandemic and she has been in homecare and assisted living for fortyseven years. Vandor Faith Based Living has been in existence for the better part of sixteen years as they have now turned their attention to aiding a pressing need for Veterans and seniors 55 and older. Many Military Members suffer from physical injuries and mental health problems when they return from deployment. Combat today is very different than it was 50+ years ago. The

available. The rooms are separated into different sections within the Home. No guests are allowed after 10 p.m. No transportation services at this time. Generally, the residents will catch a bus or provide for their own transportation. The curfew is about 10 p.m.

The Home views each resident as an individual and offers a unique variety of living options to engage senior residents of various backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences. They provide growth through recovery in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Residents are invited to engage in mindfulness activities through meditation and quiet breathing exercises. The Home truly cares about their residents and believes in an approach that is effective but also realistic in producing intrinsic motivation for change. The Home believes this is just one of the ways of sustained recovery.

Once a person is open to speaking about faith and what faith can do for them they are all ears. People have had so many success stories, those par-

enjoy the beaches. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by lush greenery the Home operates with an open floor concept. They are just 3 minutes away from a main thoroughfare with nearby restaurants and shops. They are also conveniently located just 10 minutes from West I-95.

Vandor brings together a sense of community which is many times long desired by the target market of seniors who may have faced loss or tragedy somewhere or sometime in their lives and now are looking to make a social return to living life the way life should be lived with warm supportive and caring people and an environment that is conducive to that. It is a new place to call Home. “We believe that seniors of all ages should be treated with dignity and respect, …and as we open our doors to welcome our seniors we hope

to be contributors to your peace of mind in this new chapter in life!” The Home has a “God driven desire to make sure seniors are treated in a respectable manner no matter what stage of life they are in. We strive to show love and genuine compassion to our residents because we all deserve to be treated with the (utmost respect) and live in a safe, clean, comfortable, and inclusive living environment.

“Vandor’s mission is to “show love and compassion to vulnerable seniors that are in need of a clean faith based living environment.” The current stay plans start at $900 monthly or $30 a day without meals for a shared room. For a semi-private room with 1 meal the rate is $1350 monthly and $45 a day. For a semi-private room with 2 meals as accommodated by the home keeper who will also provide laundry services if necessary is $1800 monthly or $60 a day. And finally, a private room will run you about $2550 monthly or $85 a day. The prices are very reasonable given the cost of food expense.

Vandor Home is located at 2110 North 46th Avenue in Hollywood, Florida 33021, feel free to contact them with any questions: 954-249-5931 or: 954-724-7526. You can also visit them online by Googling: Vandor Faith Based Senior Independant Living