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Volume 4, Issue 6
May 2020
Tom Pietrogallo
Poverello
Tribute to BSO Deputy Better Business Bureau
Shannon Bennett Helping Our Small Business Community
Care Resource Stacy Ritter
A Commitment to LGBTQ+ Healthcare Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
Call (855) 894-MEDS or download the AHF Pharmacy app for free delivery of your prescriptions
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Steven O. Evans, PhD
Publisher and Editor in Chief
OutClique@gmail.com
Volume 4, Issue 6 | May 2020
Arthur Wood III
Cover Story Associate Editor
TOM PIETROGALLO Arthur.OutClique@gmail.com
44 POVERELLO
Photo by Andrew Armano | www.AndyArmano.com Sach AD Group
Director of Graphic Design
7 Travel Mike Ritzi
Executive Director of Sales
11 Realtors & Brokers
Cindy Curtis
22 Professional Services Irv Scott
Sales Managers
50 Churches & Synagogues Connie Evans
Chief Copyeditor and Mother of the Publisher
53 Health, Wellness & Fitness Tom (Tomcat) Pence
Distribution Manager
Rivendell Media
National Advertising
Gregg Shapiro
Senior Entertainment Writer
Denny Patterson
Senior Lifestyle Writer
Contributing Writers
Andrew Armano, Rod Davis, Dr. Stephen Fallon,
John M. Hayden, Marty Kiar, Dr. Chris Nelson,
Kip Reynolds, Stacy Ritter, Patrick Rogers,
Eric Noel Roman, Dr. David Webb
Distribution
Robby Wagenseil & Luis Eduardo, Miami-Dade
A publication of OutClique, LLC
(954) 998-6429
www.OutClique.com
www.Facebook.com/OutClique
OutClique@gmail.com
OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or
opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.
Change. Connect. Love.
By Steven O. Evans, PhD
C
hange. That’s one of the scariest words in the English
Photo by Michael Murphy Photographic
language. But right now, we are all wanting just that,
change. A change back to normal. But what is normal?
What will normal be?
Who would have thought that an airborne virus would have
attacked our country and our world so quickly, putting everyone
in the physical lockdown. The economic and emotional impact
that this has created has been unprecedented.
Unlike other pandemics in the past, our digital world has created connections that we have
been almost forced to use. We are video conferencing each other. FaceTime™, Zoom™,
Facebook Live™, HouseParty™, and so many others. Our digital world has exploded like we
never expected. This is now our key to staying connected and to our source of information.
I know many (all?) of us are frustrated, unsure, lonely, and maybe even angry. Our
expectations of our government, relationships, religious beliefs, medical providers,
careers, and maybe even ourselves, are all shaken to the core. I know I have taken much
time to reflect on life and what is most important.
I do know this. We were built for relationships. At the end of this “mess,” we as people
were made for relationships. The current strain on our economy is only exacerbated by our
continual and uncertain disconnect from those that mean the most to us.
But this will end. Whatever the “new normal” will bring, our relationships can and will
sustain us. If I have (re-)learned anything through this personally, it is this, “A new
command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.“
So, let happiness abound.
Peace to each of you.
Steven O. Evans, PhD
Publisher & Editor in Chief
OutClique.com | 5
WE TRULY ARE GREATER TOGETHER
Photo Courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
T
ourism is the main economic driver in
Greater Fort Lauderdale. More than 13
million people visit every year and spend
over $8 billion during their visits. Those dollars
ripple throughout the community, supporting
as many as 180,000 local jobs.
Visit Lauderdale, a.k.a. the Greater Fort We are working behind the scenes to
Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau connect first responders and other travelers
(GFLCVB), develops and manages the categorized as essential lodgers with hotels
marketing and promotion of our area as a that remain open throughout the pandemic.
visitor and meetings destination. We were On our website and @VisitLauderdale social
off to a great start for 2020 with our hotels media, you’ll find our “Eat Local” campaign
reporting close to 90% occupancy in February, with lists of restaurants offering takeout,
and then the spread of the COVID-19 became drive-thru, curbside, and delivery services.
a global pandemic. The impact on the travel To stay engaged with future visitors,
industry and the U.S. economy is already we’re also promoting the many virtual
enormous, but we know that our tourism experiences offered by our area attractions
industry, and our community, is resilient. and museums.
This challenge will not define us. Until it is Our travel sales team has turned this
safe to invite visitors to return, we all need challenging time period into a great online
to support each other and remember that learning experience for kids that teaches
even during times of social distancing, our them math, science, history, geography,
award-winning Greater Together message of and more using locations and situations
welcome applies right here in our community. throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. Once
For the time being the GFLCVB is focusing on they complete all the subjects, they
several initiatives that allow us to celebrate become certified Visit Lauderdale Junior
and support local businesses and at the same Ambassadors and are encouraged to invite
time recognize the people who are emerging their friends and family members to visit
as true local heroes. while they play tour guide. I invite you to join
your kids for this engaging program found at
Every one of you probably knows at least one www.Sunny.org/Junior-Ambassador.
person who has done something selfless
or amazing during the crisis. Maybe it's an When local, state, and national travel
employer that is against all odds keeping industry partners agree it is safe, we’ll be so
employees on the payroll, or someone who excited to extend our welcoming message
has lost their job, but is volunteering to raise of diversity to visitors. Until then, stay safe,
money to deliver food to those who are out be well, and remember, we truly are Greater
of work, or someone helping to support our Together.
medical workers. We invite you to submit
their stories of courage and kindness at Sincerely,
www.Sunny.org/Lauderdale-Heroes so we can Stacy Ritter
share this news. President / CEO, GFLCVB
6 | OutClique.com
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AN APARTMENT COMMUNITY
THE JOY OF LENDING
By Kip Reynolds
L
ending in the United States is happening,
but it’s not the easiest process and can
be very invasive, stressful, and often
exhausting.
Photo Courtesy of Kip Reynolds
Any Realtor worth their salt should always
ask you if you have your pre-qualification(s)
or pre-approval letter. Don’t be surprised if
a professional agent declines showing you
property until you have this letter in hand.
Be grateful you’ve aligned yourself with an
experienced leader.
To acquire this letter, you will need to submit Settlement statement from previous home
a minor amount of information, so the lender sale, if applicable
can get a general sense of your ability to repay
the sum you require. A good lender will help Bear in mind that the above is very general. Some
you to understand the fundamental difference loan programs have specific requirements. For
between what you can afford and what you example, if you are a veteran you will need to
should afford. They will clearly share the terms provide your certificate of eligibility in addition
of the mortgages available to you for your to other specialized pieces of information.
situation.
The lender will collect all documents, review, and
The proof is in the pudding, so be prepared provide another list of requested documents.
for the standard repeated requests for Often the lender will request the same document
information. In addition to things like valid many times. The best way to handle this little
identification, some general information joy of lending is to be extremely organized. Use
needed will be: the cloud to safely store these documents
with clear file names so that you can easily
Pay stubs for the last 30 days answer any request quickly without too much
anxiety. Letters of Explanation (LOE), often
Last two federal tax returns required to “source” funds, are another slightly
invasive demand, but necessary and standard
Last two W-2s practice, if you want to acquire a mortgage.
Proof of any additional income A good realtor will coach you well in advance
so you are prepared for these requests and
Last two statements on all bank accounts requirements. Having someone in your corner
that will help you understand the lay of the
Statements for all investment and/or land will minimize many of the hurdles in the
retirement accounts home buying process.
Kip Reynolds, PA CRS
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd., Ft Lauderdale
Direct: 954-854-3048 | kipreynolds.com
12 | OutClique.comLuxurious
Oceanfront Living
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THE MARKET IS MOVING FAST ... DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND
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“James is very thorough on all details regarding a purchase, or a sale, or both!
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R James Graham
rjgraham51@aol.com 945 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 837 3472 www.rjameshomes.comPhoto Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office
2020 SENIOR EXEMPTIONS
R
esidents who have applied for communication with our office can
the 2020 Low-Income Senior be handled via email, fax, phone, or by
Exemption, but have not yet USPS mail. Residents can email any
provided the supporting income documentation directly to our Customer
documentation, still have plenty of time Service Department at CSEmgmt@BCPA.
to do so. Many residents have contacted net or fax to (954) 357-6188. If you prefer
our office concerned about having the to mail your information, our mailing
necessary paperwork in time as the IRS address is Broward County Property
has extended the 2019 tax filing deadline. Appraiser, Attn: Customer Service, 115
Applicants have until September 18, S Andrews Avenue, Room # 111, Fort
2020 to provide our office with a copy of Lauderdale, FL 33301.
their 2019 Income Tax Return Form 1040
or SSA-1099, as well as any additional Once it is safe to do so, our office will
supporting documentation for their return to our regular schedule of visiting
exemption application. communities to assist with filing for
exemptions and answering any questions
Our office will be mailing Senior residents may have. In the meantime, we
Exemption receipts in mid-June to are always here to help. Please do not
all residents who have completed hesitate to contact our office directly at
their application along with income (954) 357-6830 or email me at
verification. Any exemption applications MartyKiar@BCPA.net.
approved after this mailing will show on
the 2020 TRIM (proposed tax) Notice Take care,
mailed by our office in August.
During these uncertain times, all Marty Kiar, CFA
Marty Kiar is the Broward County Property Appraiser and longtime advocate for LGBTQ equality.
The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office is located at
115 S Andrews Avenue, Room # 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Follow our office at:
facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA
16 | OutClique.comRUNNING WITH RATS
By Eric Noel Roman
T
he temperature is typical for a January
evening, it is Saturday night, Sunday
morning 2:00AM. I just finished working
and am sitting in the Aventura Mall parking lot
lacing my running shoes. I am the only car in
the lot and there is a stillness everywhere. I
have to run a minimum of ten miles tonight
before bed. Not the safest time to be out
running, luckily I chose an affluent area to hit
the pavement. I have a goal, in three months
I have to be prepared to run a 100 mile
endurance race.
Aventura mall has become a tourist scurrying alongside me.
destination, filled with high-end shopping
and opportunity to see a celebrity. Fancy high I finished one lap around and did not see the
rises create a three mile circle using the mall eerie cat again. However, I managed to catch a
as the main gate. Just behind the mall sits glimpse of what was causing all of the rustling
Turnberry Isle Country Club and golf course. of the bushes. As soon as I noticed what was
This city is beautiful, by day the hustle and running alongside me I could not help but
bustle of commerce act as the heart beat of realize that this city has the same problems
the city. At night, the city has many wonderful every city has. Rats, and quite a few of them.
restaurants and social spaces to gather. The I have seen these rats all over Miami in the
golf course has a walking path circling it past: buildings, homes, businesses, schools.
measuring a whopping 2.8 miles. You name it they are there or have been there.
This city is gorgeous. I began my run this late Rats, found in every aspect of life, no matter
night looking around. To one side I have the how pretty things are, or how well things are
lavish lifestyles of some of the more affluent kept. There is always a dark side to things.
residents of South Florida. To my other side, Sometimes it is unavoidable to find yourself in
I have the golf course sitting quietly, unlit, the dead center of their environment. It does
seeming to hide something scary. not take much to run past these rats. Just put
a bit more distance from you and them and
As I ran along the path with Frank Sinatra in my keep running. Keep the focus on your goals and
headphones playing quietly, I noticed a black you will finish with little to no issues.
cat perched on a pole of the wooden fence
watching me. A few hundred feet later I see That night I managed three laps. I finished at
something scurrying along the same fence. I 4:00AM. Only to be nine and a half miles closer
changed my running path from along the fence to my training for my 100 mile race. I paid no
to the opposite side. I turned the volume down mind to the rats, stayed focused, and met my
lower on my headphones and could hear things goal.
Eric Noel Roman DJ, obstacle racer, motivational writer from North Miami Beach, living life one day
at a time, and making a difference one person at a time.
20 | OutClique.comFRONT STEPS PROJECT
Photos Courtesy of Michael Murphy Photographic
www.michaelmurphy.com
Michael Murphy
For more photos of this event, visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/outclique.
Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com
24 | OutClique.comFor more photos of this event, visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/outclique.
Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com
OutClique.com | 25HOME IS WHERE THE HEROES ARE
SEND US YOUR STORIES OF LOCAL HEROES
W
e know that part of the reason why we’re greater in Greater Fort Lauderdale is because
of the heroes that call our community home. During these uncertain times, we’re relying
on our local heroes more than ever. And while these selfless individuals go above and
beyond for our residents without expecting any recognition, we cannot allow them to go unnoticed
any longer. Their humility is a virtue, and that’s why we need your help identifying and celebrating
our local heroes.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is collecting these stories to share on
social media @VisitLauderdale, the CVB website, and with the news media. For example, several
local restaurant groups started the Hands for Hospitality (www.GoFundMe.com/F/Hands-For-
HospitalityFTL) fund that is raising money going directly to hourly restaurant employees now out
of work due to the shutdown of dining room service at local restaurants.
What is a Hero?
We think it’s a person who exceeds all expectations in order to help others. They’re doctors, nurses,
and first responders. They’re bus drivers and airport and seaport workers. They’re restaurant and
retail employees just to name a few. They’re our neighbors, our friends, and our family. So, join us in
recognizing those who give us hope when we’re hopeless, courage when we’re afraid, and a much-
needed reminder that home is where the heroes are.
Heroes and heroic acts include, but are not limited to:
People spreading kindness Businesses, individuals, or organizations
Doctors providing for unemployed and furloughed
Nurses workers
First responders Hospitality workers going above and beyond
County employees helping someone who is a first responder or
Bus drivers staying in a hotel during the crisis
Airport workers Groups or individuals creating something
Seaport workers beautiful like art, music, or entertainment to
Restaurant employees make people feel better
Retail employees Someone who shopped for a person that
Businesses donating to the healthcare is unable to leave their home – delivered
industry groceries, picked up medications
How to help: Share your nominations, stories, and photos so we can tell the stories of the people
doing good in the community. If you have a story of a local hero that you’d like to share, please fill
out a submission at www.Sunny.org/Partners/Industry-Updates/Submit-A-Local-Hero or email at
GFLMarketing@Broward.org.
26 | OutClique.comHELPING OUR SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
By Rod Davis
CEO, BBB Serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean
S
mall businesses are the heart of every Ways to Support Small Businesses
community. Imagine your town or city Shop Now: If you are able to make a purchase
without your favorite restuarant, gift now, contact your local business favorites
shop, bar, spa, nursery, dentist, landscaper, and find out what options are available. Most
etc. It would not be the same place. businesses are finding ways to continue to
operate within the new social distancing
According to research from Funding Circle, and safety precaution guidelines. Technology
52% of small businesses contribute to charity permits businesses to engage with
and 90% of those dollars go to support local customers, collaborate and share pictures and
charities. These same businesses also information whether using SKYPE®, Zoom®,
sponsor local events, sports teams, and or other tools. Is it time to give your landscape
other community gatherings. A study by Civic a refresh, repaint your home’s exterior, or
Economics found that for every $100 you spend power wash your roof? Talk to your favorite
with a local business, $68 are spent in our contractor, or request bids at:
communities. Only $43 stays in the local market www.SEFlorida.App.BBB.org/Connect.
when spending $100 with a national brand.
Maybe you have been putting off a purchase
Every day we see the negative impact on or know what you want to buy for a birthday
employment due to COVID-19. According to or holiday present. Local businesses can
the Small Business Administration, small use the revenue now and you will avoid
businesses employ over 60 million people last minute buying down the road. Many
and half of the non governmental workforce. restaurants and stores are also making gift
These business owners employ people in our certificates available. Two national websites
communities, live in our communities, and have been set up to help small businesses
support our communities. It is time for us promote their services: www.Kabbage.com/
to support them for all they have done and HelpSmallBusiness and www.SupportLocal.
continue to do for us. USAToday.com. If your favorite business is not
OutClique.com | 31currently on the site, you may want to reach Support Local Employees:
out and encourage them to consider it as The local unemployment rate has increased
another way to feature their great products, dramatically over the last few weeks.
food, or services. While all industries have been hit hard, the
hospitality sector, according to CNBC, has
Restaurants and bars/breweries have adapted by far the largest number and percentage
to provide food and growlers for pick up and/ of workers now unemployed. Local groups
or delivery. Many restaurants offer delivery are creating funding campaigns to help.
directly or through apps like GrubHub®, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have
Delivery Dudes®, or UberEats®. If you want GoFundMe® campaigns set up for workers
to continue to enjoy dinner out at your favorite in the hospitality sectors:www.GoFundMe.
restaurant after COVID-19 is no longer a health com/F/MiamiRestaurantEmployeeReliefFund
threat, then we need to continue to support our and www.GoFundMe.com/F/Hands-For-
local hospitality sector by picking it up, having HospitalityFTL.
food delivered, or buying a gift certificate for
future use. There are many other campaigns set up and
operating throughout our area for people
Creative Ways to Support Business: and groups negatively affected by COVID-19.
Under our current Emergency Orders, some Always review any giving options to make sure
businesses are unable to provide service to they are established for worthy causes and
the public, but many are still hard at work going to those designated in the giving request
for us. Letting other family and friends know before you share your hard earned money.
how a business is continuing to operate
in these trying times might be a lifeline to Supporting Our Front Line Heroes:
keep them afloat. A short plug on your social Nurses, doctors, firemen, police officers,
media pages with a recommendation might people working in our essential businesses,
generate some much needed customers for and those supporting their work behind the
the business. scenes are putting their lives on the line to
keep our country and communities operating.
We all have a few extra minutes on our hands Remember to share your gratitude with them
since most of us are not commuting to and every day and in meaningful ways. Contact
from work these days. Why not take a few government officials to ensure they have
minutes to share a positive review about a needed supplies and equipment, contribute to
favorite contractor, spa, dentist, or other local the charities supporting our local heroes, and
business you have visited this year that did a send a thank you note or gift basket. A gift will
great job for you? You can leave a review at show our appreciation and also help another
www.BBB.org/Leave-A-Review. local business!
OutClique.com | 33D’EVA
LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2009
REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT
KEEP
SHINING.
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used
to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.
Featured patient compensated by Gilead.
Watch D’Eva’s story at BIKTARVY.comIMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about (bik-TAR-vee)
BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare
provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION Tell your healthcare provider if you
ABOUT BIKTARVY have any new symptoms after you
BIKTARVY may cause serious side start taking BIKTARVY.
effects, including: Kidney problems, including kidney
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) failure. Your healthcare provider
infection. If you have both HIV-1 and should do blood and urine tests to
HBV, your HBV may suddenly get check your kidneys. If you develop
new or worse kidney problems, they
worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY.
may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without
first talking to your healthcare provider, Too much lactic acid in your blood
as they will need to check your health (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but
regularly for several months. rare medical emergency that can lead
to death. Tell your healthcare provider
ABOUT BIKTARVY right away if you get these symptoms:
weakness or being more tired than usual,
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, unusual muscle pain, being short of
once-a-day prescription medicine breath or fast breathing, stomach pain
used to treat HIV-1 in adults and with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue
children who weigh at least 55 pounds. hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded,
It can either be used in people who or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
have never taken HIV-1 medicines Severe liver problems, which in rare
before, or people who are replacing cases can lead to death. Tell your
their current HIV-1 medicines and healthcare provider right away if you
whose healthcare provider determines get these symptoms: skin or the white
they meet certain requirements. part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss
HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. of appetite for several days or longer,
nausea, or stomach-area pain.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take
a medicine that contains: The most common side effects of
BIKTARVY in clinical studies were
dofetilide diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and
rifampin headache (5%).
any other medicines to treat HIV-1 These are not all the possible side effects
of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY right away if you have any new symptoms
while taking BIKTARVY.
BIKTARVY may cause serious side
effects, including: You are encouraged to report negative
side effects of prescription drugs to the
Those in the “Most Important Information FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or
About BIKTARVY” section. call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Changes in your immune system. Your healthcare provider will need to
Your immune system may get do tests to monitor your health before
stronger and begin to fight infections. and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Continued on next page.
Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the
next page and at BIKTARVY.com.REAL BIKTARVY
PAT I E N T S
ZACH D’EVA HUGO CHAD NIKKI DIMITRI
Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY.
Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com
Featured patients compensated by Gilead.
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (CONTINUED)
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY BIKTARVY and other medicines
may affect each other. Ask your
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
healthcare provider and pharmacist
Have or have had any kidney or liver about medicines that interact with
problems, including hepatitis infection. BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to
take BIKTARVY with all your
Have any other health problems.
other medicines.
Are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
can harm your unborn baby. Tell your Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or
healthcare provider if you become without food.
pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to GET MORE INFORMATION
breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can This is only a brief summary of important
be passed to the baby in breast milk. information about BIKTARVY. Talk to
Tell your healthcare provider about all your healthcare provider or pharmacist
the medicines you take: to learn more.
Keep a list that includes all prescription Go to BIKTARVY.com or call
and over-the-counter medicines, 1-800-GILEAD-5
antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal If you need help paying for your
supplements, and show it to your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for
healthcare provider and pharmacist. program information.
Please see Important Facts,
including important warnings
above and at BIKTARVY.com.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, KEEP SHINING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD
Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020
© 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0229 04/20吀 䤀䴀伀吀䠀夀 匀⸀ 䠀 䄀刀吀Ⰰ 䌀倀䄀
䴀 䄀一䄀䜀䤀一䜀 倀 䄀刀吀一䔀刀
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䘀伀刀吀 䰀䄀唀䐀䔀刀䐀䄀䰀䔀Ⰰ 䘀䰀伀刀䤀䐀䄀 ㌀㌀㌀ 㠀
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吀栀愀爀琀䀀刀㌀䄀挀挀漀甀渀琀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀 簀 眀眀眀⸀刀㌀䄀挀挀漀甀渀琀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀PINK SUB & CATERING AND FABSCOUT
OUT AND PROVIDING MEALS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
By Steven O. Evans, PhD
Photo Courtesy of Michael Murphy Photographic
T
hese times of crisis have brought our community in this time of need.
out some of the best in people.
Dawn Holloway of Pink Sub & I have been onsite almost every time,
Catering and Howard Andrew from FabScout and the joy that they express cannot be
Entertainment have been working together described. I went by just this past week.
to provide free, hot meals to our community. Their smiles (even behind the masks)
Each week at various locations, they and made my day.
their teams have distributed hundreds of
hot meals. Drive by. No touch. No questions Dawn said, “It really is time to give back to
asked. And maybe best of all, cheerful people who have taken care of us. The one
smiles. thing we can do is feed people.”
I’ve been in touch with Dawn and Howard The next give back (as of this writing) will
about this project. They have been so be Friday and dedicated to Roy Rollins who
excited about being able to just give back to recently passed.
Contact Dawn or Howard on Facebook® about how to participate.
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(754) 246-3491WHAT MAKES US CLIQUE
TOM PIETROGALLO, CEO
THE POVERELLO CENTER
Photography and written by Andrew Armano | www.AndyArmano.com
44 | OutClique.comT TP
his series focuses on individuals who We still have our food pantry open
give to our community and make a and we are offering safe ways for
positive impact on the lives of others. our clients to access nutritious food. Our
Often it is through our personal adversities thrift store is closed and we rely heavily on
that we discover who we are and transform the income from the thrift store to fund our
the challenges into strength. programs, so it is difficult.
Tom Pietrogallo, CEO of Poverello, sat with We have had some immediate support from
us to talk about the good work Poverello is some of our existing relationships. AHF
doing and about his journey personally and (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) has provided
professionally. Poverello runs a wildly popular assistance. Target® has come through for
thrift store which helps fund its programs, us, and we have looked for ways we can help
including its food bank. Tom’s background others. Poverello has space in Pompano that
as a social worker with an MBA makes him we realized United Way could use to help food
especially qualified to lead Poverello. Tom’s delivery to Veterans.
personal story and values are an inspiration,
and it's OutClique’s honor to share his wisdom,
resilience, and encouragement during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
AA
career?
Have you been working with people
affected by HIV/AIDS your whole
Andrew Armano: As we speak, we are in the
midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. All but
essential businesses are closed. We are under
TP Basically, yes. Before I was at
Poverello, I was working at Care
Resource, but all the way back in the beginning
a “safer at home” guideline. Every aspect of our of my career I was in child protection and many
lives has been affected. There is uncertainty of the people I worked with had HIV/AIDS.
about the future. Those of us of a certain age They were facing serious issues such as child
lived through the worst of the AIDS crisis. custody arrangements or planning for their
Are there insights or wisdom our generation kids after they were gone. Of course, as a gay
can share with everyone now when we are all man, I also had my own thoughts about my
facing this shared COVID-19 pandemic? mortality and future. So, the personal and the
professional aspect of the crisis was difficult
Tom Pietrogallo: We understand how rich a to navigate.
single contribution to someone's life can be.
We know what a difference someone who
simply leaned into our lives made. Of course,
we have to protect ourselves, but that doesn’t
AA The face of HIV/AIDS is changing. How
does Poverello adapt to meet the
different needs of its constituents?
mean we can’t find ways to lean in, to help.
We have an advantage because we have lived
through something that taught us lessons
which can be applied now. We have a program
TP We have to listen to the people who
need our services. Just because I am
HIV positive, doesn’t mean I have the same
to help people in emergency situations, so life experiences or needs as someone else.
individuals, even those who might not be our We have to see the world through their eyes:
core constituents, can request assistance at How does it feel for someone to come into
Intake@Poverello.org. the food pantry and ask for assistance with
food? That's not an easy thing to do for a lot of
AA How has the pandemic affected
Poverello?
people. We want to ensure their reaching out
for help is not fraught with barriers and shame.
OutClique.com | 45AA What drew you to social work in the
first place?
you want to do.
TP I was the little kid that was a mess
on the playground because if someone
AA Were you raised in a religious
environment?
was hitting someone else, I would cry. It
bothered me. I've always had that sense of
deep concern and care. It's been there since I
TP Yeah. I was raised in an evangelical
home.
was a small, small kid.
AA What was that like for you growing up
with that? Some fundamental religions
AA I sense you have a spirituality within
that innate compassion you have.
can be pretty conservative and moralistic.
Would you say that is true?
TP My family is very loving and accepting.
I didn't really experience any of
TP Yes. Even as a child I was drawn to the
feeling that there is a God who cares
about you and wants to have a relationship
the judgmental culture until I got to a very
conservative Christian college I attended,
Grand Rapids Baptist College [now Cornerstone
with you. University].
AA How do you nurture that connection?
How do you prevent burn-out? AA Was that a big culture shock?
TP When I need to take time to recharge
from dealing with some really serious
problems that people experience all the time,
TP It really was. As a young kid, I guess
I expected this was going to be
kumbaya every day, but it really was something
I have to find a way to let all that go. As a very different; a lot darker than that, to be
sensitive person I have to do this. honest. For me, I think mainly because I didn't
experience that growing up in it, growing up in
AA I understand exactly what you're
talking about because, actually, I'm
like that, too. I noticed that you have a Masters
my family and in my church. It didn't shake me
to my core or it didn't deter me from faith. My
faith came out of that unscathed.
in Social Work and an MBA. That's quite an
accomplishment!
AA Yeah. I was raised to be careful
when listening to anyone in a pulpit.
TP Nobody really shows you in social work
school how to create a yearly budget
or how to manage the HR issues that you may
It doesn't matter whether they're a spiritual
guru, a church leader, a dean of a university,
or a boss. The letter of the law that they are
have. I did the weekend MBA up at FAU. It was passing down, I look at it to be sure it's fair,
an amazing experience learning that aspect of that it's not self-serving, that it's not too rigid.
what I think of as caring, the caring business.
AA That brings us to the practical side of
caring - the business administration.
TP Right. Exactly. I agree with you
wholeheartedly because the thing
that resonates with me is thinking about
It’s essential. loving God and then loving your neighbor. The
point is to ask yourself how do you best do
TP Without that you really aren't enabled
to do all of the wonderful things that
that? Well, from my perspective, you have to
prepare yourself. You have to look at what the
46 | OutClique.comOutClique.com | 47
needs are. You have to respond appropriately.
AA What has Poverello been able to
accomplish recently that you are
really excited to see come to fruition?
TP We have embarked on a project to
help people in our system who are not
virally suppressed. We needed to help them
navigate whatever difficulties that impacted
their treatment. We just did our numbers from
last year and we are at 90% viral suppression,
up from 80%. We're very proud of that.
AA That's fantastic. Poverello isn’t a
healthcare provider. How did you
achieve that?
TP I'm very proud of what our team has
been able to do. It's not just me sitting
in this office that did it. It’s the people at the
front at the food pantry who have shown
compassion and a willingness to talk with our
clients about something that a lot of people
find really difficult to talk with others in a non
threatening way. When an individual is ready
for assistance, he or she then feels safe
talking to our staff.
AA That's really innovative. Circling back
to where we started, the COVID-19
pandemic, you spend so much effort helping
others. What can others do to help Poverello?
TP We need funds. We need more
volunteers that are willing to actually
drive and do a no-touch delivery right now. If
someone's sick at home with what might be
this new virus, they still don't want to infect
someone else. We really need people and we
need resources.
AA Thank you for all that you do for others.
It's been inspirational to speak with you.
TP Thank you for helping us get the word
out about Poverello.
48 | OutClique.comOutClique.com | 49
ARE WE TAKING A TEST?
By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.
L
et’s talk about the 2020 COVID-19
pandemic. Are you feeling anxious and
restless from staying home and the
need to isolate? Do you feel lonely? Do you
miss your friends, co-workers, family, and
your social circle? Do you feel depressed? Do
you feel grief and loss from losing your daily
routine? Are you worried about or have you lost
your job? Do you miss celebrating Passover
or Easter with your spiritual family? Are you
an essential worker and undergoing risk and
danger from being exposed to the virus?
It can feel like the plagues we read about in today that this virus is punishment or a lesson
the Old Testament. Yet the water in our Fort from God! How sad! Their theology has not
Lauderdale canals haven’t turned to blood, the changed or evolved in the last fifty years since
canals also aren’t filled with frogs or flies. But, I was a child myself. What should evolve is our
Job’s story did include death and incredibly interpretation of Job’s challenges.
challenging times.
We can endure all things through strong faith! No
The most impactful difference between the matter what the cause, or how bad the situation,
time of Job’s plagues and the pandemic of 2020 love does prevail. Job’s love of God prevailed!
is how the two different times in history can Just look at the outpour of love that has sprung
be perceived by humankind. Many of us were forth regarding the challenges expressed in the
taught growing up that Job’s story is about God first paragraph of this article. There are people
testing Job’s faith. In the Bible, the plaques concerned about others who never had felt the
were actually put on to Job by Satan, not God. So need to help others before. There are multiple
often we have reconfigured the story to believe fundraisers for hospitality employees and others
that God was intentionally testing Job. It wasn’t out of work. There is food being distributed and
God, but it was Satan attempting to prove to meals cooked and given by people who care
God that he could break Job’s will, dedication, about people. Being isolated has helped us
and faith in God. A totally different story. realize the difference between being connected
electronically and in person. A real hug will never
We were erroneously taught in Sunday School be the same to me after enduring this pandemic.
and by our preachers that God tests us, God’s I will never take that for granted again. I am not
children. I don’t believe that God sits around diminishing the struggles and challenges still
and is bored and takes a look at your or my life, occurring, but I do know that God is in our midst.
and when things are going well decides to test
you or me in order for us to prove our “faith” I don’t profess to have all the answers because
and “dedication.” What loving parent would do who even knows what the future holds, but I do
that to a child? I believe in God as patient, kind, know that my faith in God has always prevailed
compassionate, loving, and forgiving! even when I questioned where God was or could
not imagine any solution. I believe in God and
Some modern-day preachers are professing that is not going to change!
Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv. – Community Activist and Senior Pastor
at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale
Photo Courtesy of Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.
OutClique.com | 51THAT DREAD YOU FEEL ISN’T COVID-19
By Stephen Fallon, PhD
T
here’s a hum of fear deep in your mind. Maybe you
blame it on the relentless COVID-19 news coverage.
The gap between ratings-pumping hysteria and the
White House’s “nothing to see here” script doesn’t make
you feel confident that the greatest nation has a handle on
The Scream by Edvard Munch
this pandemic. Compulsively checking the local tally of new
COVID-19 cases every single day probably doesn’t make you
feel calmer, either. Meanwhile, parades of faceless people in
masks everywhere remind you of some apocalyptic movies.
If you haven’t acquired COVID-19, and no one close to you
has fallen dangerously ill, why are so many of us tossing and
turning in bed, and feeling unmotivated all day?
Uncertainty is unsettling. We don’t know when that somehow your body senses you’re going
this outbreak will pass. New information about to be the next to fall ill? Actually, your mood
coronavirus keeps revising what we thought is more a function of evolution than prophecy.
was true just weeks before.
Self-isolation triggers ancient alarm bells. Our
Helplessness is unsettling.Unlike our bodies are screaming (through chemical
ancestors, we’re not used to staying on alert imbalances), trying to get our attention, and
for invisible enemies that can take people warn us to get back to the group, where we’re
down in everyday life. When people die, it’s programmed to feel safest. As the classic
supposed to make sense. Heart attack? His R&B song put it: “I’m so tired of being alone.
diet was awful. Cancer? Everyone knew he I’m so tired of on my own.”
smoked too much. Now we hear of people
dying and no one knows why. Maybe the virus Mother Nature actually hard-wired into us an
got onto the change they got back at the impulse to gather in close groups for safety.
[1] For our ancestors, it was being alone that
supermarket. Maybe the package delivery guy
coughed. Maybe it was the hand-shaking at put you at risk, not being too close to people.
church. Who knows? Alone, you could freeze to death outdoors, or
die after a fall because no one was there to
COVID-19 upsets our usual answer to the patch you up, or get killed by a predator or rival
eternal question: “Why?” It upends our “just tribe.
world belief,” the conviction that bad things
only happen for predictable reasons. That faith Even today, Mother Nature gives us positive
was never really justified; random tragedy reinforcement when we stay close to other
happens. It was just a comforting myth, until humans. Partners and close friends who see
it mocked its validity. Still, you’re pretty sure each other every day smooth out one another’s
that you’re taking the best steps you can emotional spikes through an automatic,
to keep yourself safe — maintaining social unnoticed chemical reaction called “limbic
distance from other people, and wearing a regulation.”[2] After a loved one dies, surviving
face mask when you rush through the store for spouses who maintain strong social circles
provisions. So why do you still feel a gnawing double their own survival rates. Even having
dread? Does your persistent anxiety mean a dog or a cat helps because all mammals
54 | OutClique.comunconsciously transmit this emotional tether collapse created helpful coping tools.
line to others.[3]
Allow yourself to grieve. Denial doesn’t make
On the other hand, if we’re alone too much, problems go away; they just fester. Allow
we literally risk our health. Men who live alone yourself to note that this situation is crummy
without close friends show higher levels and not fair. In your mind (or even on paper), tell
of inflammatory chemical markers in their the COVID-19 all the ways that it’s messing
bloodstream (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, with your life. Then take a deep breath, and try
and fibrinogen).[4] These chemicals make to reframe to happier thoughts.
them feel anxious. Often, solitary men try to
quiet the chemical alarms with excessive Celebrate better times. Concentration camp
alcohol use and drugs. prisoners would build community and resiliency
by describing in great detail the bountiful meals
People who are partnered or married typically they’d once enjoyed together. Veterans in war
outlive those who are single. Among the zones would fortify hopes for civilian life by
elderly, the risk of premature death is three- sharing photos of their sweetheart back home.
to-five times higher for those who live Families scraping by during the Depression
alone.[5] All ages are impacted. When minor would gather around a last treasured item,
diseases swept through orphanages in the seeing it as a talisman to a better future.
13th century[6] and again in the 1940s,[7] they
didn’t just cause a few little ones to fall ill. Tell your body that things are normal. If you
They wiped out huge numbers of infants who stay up all night binging Netflix®, and eat only
shared just one common trait: they were the junk foods, you’ll throw your body on a roller
ones not regularly cuddled and touched. coaster of chemical changes. Try to maintain
your regular diet and sleep times. If you
Loneliness isn’t “just” an emotion. When exercised in a gym, find ways to improvise at
people feel a loss of a relationship, the part of home. Select take-out food or groceries that
the brain that activates is the same part that are similar to your usual meals. You’ll keep
lights up when the body is painfully injured.[8] your daily clock (known as circadian rhythms)
Yet today, this innate security impulse for better aligned, and you’ll feel more yourself.
grouping together is the very source of our risk
of COVID-19. Our wiring hasn’t adapted. Can Even if we can’t be together during this lonely
you rewrite these primitive scripts, so that time, you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.
you can both stay safe and not feel awful? We’ll make it through these days of anxiety.
Survivors of wars, famines, and economic This won’t last forever.
Dr. Fallon is the Executive Director of Latinos Salud. www.LatinosSalud.org
[1] Diamond J. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies. New York: W.W. Norton, 1997.
[2] Money, J. Love and Sickness: The Science of Sex, Gender Difference, and Pair-Bonding. 1980, Baltimore: Johns
Hopkins University Press.
[3] Lewis, Thomas, et al. A General Theory of Love. New York: Random House, 2000.
[4] AHA Scientific Sessions 2003: Abstract 3378. Presented Nov. 11, 2003.
[5] Ornish D. Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy. New York: Harper Collins,
1998.
[6] Coulton G.G. St. Francis to Dante. London: David Nutt Press, 1906, p. 242-243. Cited in Lewis T, et al. A General
Theory of Love. New York: Vintage Books, 2000, p. 68-69.
[7] Spitz R. “Hospitalism: An Inquiry into the Genius of Psychiatric Conditions in Early Childhood.” Psychoanalytic
Study of the Child 1945; I:53-74.
[8] Eisenberger N, Lieberman M, and Williams K. “Does Rejection Hurt? An fMRI Study of Social Exclusion. Science,
October 10, 2003, 302: 290-296.
OutClique.com | 55The best part of winning awards is that we get them by treating you well. Being the only hospital in Broward County recognized as a Heathcare Equality Leader for 2019 is an important distinction we’re proud to receive. All of us at Florida Medical Center know there’s more to healthcare than medicine. There’s kindness. Attentiveness. And compassion to treat you and your family well. Every day. To learn more or find a doctor, visit FloridaMedCtr.com
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A STROKE
A
lmost 800,000 Americans suffer impaired limbs and teach compensatory
a stroke each year. Approximately strategies to lessen the impact of remaining
two-thirds of them survive and need deficits.
rehabilitation. Rehabilitation plays a vital role
in helping stroke victims regain their ability to Occupational therapy is geared to helping
take care of themselves and achieve the best patients relearn skills necessary for daily
possible quality of life. living, such as getting dressed, combing
hair, preparing meals, or doing housework.
The types and degrees of disability experienced Occupational therapists may go to a patient’s
after a stroke will depend on the area of the home and suggest ways to make it more
brain that is damaged. In general, stroke can safe and accessible. For example, they may
cause five different types of disabilities: recommend installing grab bars in the bathroom
or removing rugs that could cause a fall.
paralysis or difficulty controlling movement
Speech therapy is done to re-educate stroke
sensory problems patients about all aspects relating to speech,
including how to speak, understand, read, write,
trouble understanding or using language solve problems, and even swallow. Depending
on the extent of the language problem, speech
challenges with thinking or memory therapists can use pictures or demonstrate
how to perform tasks several times or in a
emotional disturbances different way to help the patient communicate.
Rehabilitation usually begins within a day or two It is common for patients to become
after the stroke. It may start with prompting depressed after having a stroke. Signs of
the patient to change positions often while depression include sleep disturbances, change
lying in bed and engaging in range-of-motion in eating patterns, fatigue, irritability, lethargy,
exercises to strengthen limbs affected by the weight fluctuations, and social withdrawal.
stroke. Therapy may then continue in inpatient Treating depression can include increased
rehabilitation units (where the patient stays social activity, psychological counseling, or
at the facility while undergoing therapy), antidepressant medications.
outpatient units (where patients can spend
several hours a day, but not stay overnight), The success of a rehabilitation program depends
or home-based rehabilitation (where on patient cooperation and commitment.
rehabilitation is done in the patient’s home). Although therapy sessions may be scheduled
several times a week, it is important to do
Rehabilitation typically involves three kinds of therapeutic exercises every day. Because the
therapy: physical, occupational, and speech. risk of having a stroke is higher for people
Physical therapy is designed to help patients who have already had one, following a healthy
deal with motor and sensory impairments. lifestyle is important. Stroke patients should
Physical therapists work with patients to eat healthy, be as physically active as possible,
improve strength, endurance, range-of-motion, control conditions that contribute to stroke or
gait abnormalities, and sensory problems. They recurrent stroke such as high blood pressure,
educate survivors how to regain use of stroke- and follow their doctor’s orders.
Our physician referral service can provide a wealth of information about our doctors and help you
make an appointment. Find a physician now
1-833-764-5452 or visit www.FloridaMedCtr.com for more information.
OutClique.com | 59A COMMITMENT TO LGBTQ+ HEALTHCARE
MINDFUL AND COMMITTED TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
By Care Resource
C
are Resource is a nonprofit, Federally
Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with
locations in Midtown Miami, Little
Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
Since its founding 35 years ago, Care
Resource has shown dedication to LGBTQ+
healthcare and the health of South Florida’s
underserved communities. The health center
is continuously recognized as a leader in
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
Care Resource’s best practices in LGBTQ+
care include, but are not limited to: an Equal
Employment Opportunity Policy to ensure
non-discrimination in management practices
and decisions, LGBTQ+ Patient Training for
staff, and an LGBTQ-inclusive patient non-
discrimination policy. Care Resource chats
with one of their own, Robert Goubeaux, DO,
Medical Director at Care Resource.
In this short interview, Dr. Robert Goubeaux to join Care Resource. After learning about
shares lessons and experiences gained from the center’s commitment to the community,
working with the LGBTQ+ community. In his I decided to make the change. In April 2016,
four years of service with Care Resource, he I accepted the position and began to serve
has remained mindful of the overall health as Medical Director of the Miami Beach/
needs of LGBTQ+ patients. Midtown offices in November 2016.
Care Resource: Tell us about your
professional background. How did you find
your way to Care Resource?
CR When you first began to practice,
what was the general understanding
of LGBTQ+ healthcare?
Robert Goubeaux, DO: I completed my family
practice residency in 1997 and then I joined
a group practice where I stayed for about
RG At the time, it was still very taboo
to speak of LGBTQ+ health issues;
the environment for LGBTQ+ healthcare
19 years. During that time I was also the was not positive. Often, people who were
Family Practice Program Director and it LGBTQ+ weren’t comfortable going into the
just so happened that my chief resident at doctor’s office because they didn’t know
the time was Dr. Sheryl Zayas who became whether they would be welcome. Back
Care Resource’s Medical Director after she then, because of HIV, people were really
graduated from residency! Dr. Zayas had discriminated against. Doctors refused to
reached out to me several times to invite me see patients who had HIV and would make
60 | OutClique.comYou can also read
