B16 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | CASUAL AND FINE DINING www.stlucievoice.com Chef/Family Owned & Operated 1002 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie 772-207-5165 BabalusCubanCafe.com Hours: Tue., Wed., Thur • Sun 11am 8pm • Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm Chef Favorites Wednesday-Saturday Lunch Specials Tues-Fri 11am-3pm * Appetizers * Salads * Sandwiches * Entrees * Desserts * Cafe * Kids’ Menu Dine In or Take Out WEDNESDAY KIDS’ MEALS 50% OFF 12 & under w/ the purchase of a full priced adult meal. Limited offer. Not to be combined. 1 kid per adult. Lunch Specials Wed-Fri 11am-3pm Appetizers Salads Sandwiches Entrees Desserts Cafe Kids’ Menu Dine In or Take Out SUMMER TEMP HOURS Sun 7am-3pm • Wed & Thurs 7am-8pm • Fri & Sat 7am-9pm • Closed Mon & Tues NOW SERVING BREAKFAST! 8 am-11 am
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | CASUAL AND FINE DINING November 23, 2023 B17 Full Service Catering for Breakfast, Brunch/ Lunch or Dinner. Large room with beautiful golf course views. WEDDINGS SHOWERS PARTIES MEETINGS EVENTS For Information & Reservations Call 772.281.2520 2601 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie CATERING HALL AVAILABLE Full Service The Sandpiper Room at the Saints Golf Course 12/21/23
B18 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | CASUAL AND FINE DINING www.stlucievoice.com 14” Long 1/2 lb. BLACK ANGUS CHILI DOG $12.50 includes fries or onion rings 2838 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie • 772-333-2408 Mon, Tues, Thurs-Sun 7am - 3 pm • Wednesday 7am - 7pm (Burger Night Specials) AmericanRestaurantPortSaintLucie.com BREAKFAST EGG SPECIAL $6.95 2 eggs (any style), 2 slices bacon or sausage patties or links,choice of potatoes or grits, choice of toast W/ this ad only. Not to be combined. Exp. 11/23/23
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY November 23, 2023 B19 $50K grant for ‘HANDS’ clinic champions Bank of America recently announced HANDS of S. Lucie County as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods on the Treasure Coast. Through this multi-year grant funding and leadership training for the nonprofit’s leadership, programs and services addressing health care will be able to expand. As part of the bank’s Neighborhood Builders program, one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, Neighborhood Champions provides funding and leadership training to nonprofits that are advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods. Through the program, HANDS will receive the opportunity to participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling and a $50,000 grant over two years. HANDS provides free medical care to individuals between 19 and 64 who are uninsured St. Lucie County residents living 200 percent below the poverty level. Patients are employed members of the community who earn enough to live but cannot afford healthcare. Services include primary health care, dental, women’s health services, and specialty care. This new grant funding will help expand the number of days the HANDS mobile clinic is out in the community, help start a mental health service in partnership with Florida Atlantic University, and open HANDS 340B pharmacy so that patients get the most reasonable price for medications that it cannot get free from prescription drug companies. The virtual leadership training will benefit HANDS as it looks to get additional training in philanthropy and fundraising, revenue cycle management, and best board management practices to ensure that the HANDS Clinic continues for generations. – CONTRIBUTED The Treasure Coast Community Singers will present an uplifting holiday concert – “Splendor of the Season” – on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10th. TCCS is under the direction of Dr. Douglas P. Jewett, recipient of the Council on the Aging Annual Sage Award 2023, and accompanied by pianist Carol Paul. This is the third concert of their 21st season. The 100-member chorus will feature many of your holiday favorites including “The Christmas Waltz,” “Spanish Allelu,” “Caribbean Cradle Song,” “Light the Candle, Mary” and “This Christmas,” to name a few. They will be joined by the TCCS Youth and Middle School Choruses. To add to the joy, the Youth Chorus, also under the direction of Dr. Jewett, will sing “Christmas Cookies” and “Let’s Hear It for Mrs. Claus.” The Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Marguerite Krull, will brighten your hearts singing “Carol of the Bells” and “Christmas Time is Here.” Together they will sing “This Little Light of Mine.” The Dec. 9 concert will be held at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, IRSC, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. The Dec. 10 concert will be held at Ross Hall, Pittenger Center, 701 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Both concerts begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are now available at tccsingers.org. ‘SPLENDOR OF THE SEASON’ Treasure Coast Community Singers ready to spread the musical joy – CONTRIBUTED
The future belongs to our children, and the River of Life ministry truly understands this. Under the guidance of Senior Pastor Vernon J. Shazier, the ministry has taken an incredible step by adopting C.A. Moore Elementary School in Fort Pierce and building relationships with the school’s leadership team which consists of Principal Dr. Thema Jackson, Assistant Principal Jessica Berggren and Assistant Principal Tammy Davis. River of Life’s recent donation of $2,000 toward the expenses of a trip to Universal Studios (Pastor Shazier and First Lady Shawn Shazier hold the check, above) shows their dedication to children’s education and their growth. By investing in our children, the River of Life ministry is making a significant difference in shaping the future generations. B20 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com There are big holiday shopping lists, and then there’s the Voices for Children of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast holiday shopping list. The not-for-profit is helping about 800 foster children. So the annual holiday gift drive is important and timely. “It’s one of my favorite things Voices for Children does to support foster children,” said Jenna Norvell, director. “It’s cool to see the community come together to support the children.” Voices for Children started in 2013 to raise donations for the children and youths involved in the 19th Judicial Circle’s Guardian ad Litem program; in a word, local foster children. The court’s Guardian ad Litem program is prohibited by law from soliciting donations. “Guardian ad Litem” means “a guardian for purposes of legal proceedings.” Volunteers in the court program develop relationships with children involved in dependency cases. Their task is to ascertain what those children need and want from the legal processes they’re in and communicate it to the courts. Most of the children represented by the Guardian ad Litem program are in foster homes, or with family members other than their parents, after state workers asked courts to remove them from their homes due to abuse or neglect. The state’s first aim is eventual reunification of those children with their parents through case plans that give parents the opportunity to correct problems that necessitated the removal of children. When that’s impossible, those involved in the dependency cases look for next-best alternatives such as termination of parental rights and adoption. Foster children often have financial needs that the state foster care system doesn’t cover, which is where Voices for Children comes in. “Here recently, I’ve approved three volleyball camps,” said Norvell. “These girls are getting to play volleyball for the fall season. I was able to approve a request in Okeechobee (for funds) for a kid to go march with his band in a Walt Disney World parade.” For the holidays, Voices for Children is looking for a wide variety of gifts for children ranging from birth to high school senior. Neither the Guardian ad Litem’s office or Voices for Children can give any potentially identifying information on individual foster children, and thus cannot create specific wish lists. But for the toddlers and preschoolers, “I would say any developmental toys,” Norvell said. For the elementary to middle-school youngsters, “it’s a huge variety, but art supplies,” said Norvell. “Art sets. Sports equipment – basketball, football, anything like that. Lego sets. Crafting sets like jewelry. The girls love that.” The high schoolers are the ones that donors often forget. “We definitely have a need for teens,” Novell said. “One of the most requested items for the teens is $25 gift cards.” Voices for Children is accepting unwrapped gifts at various locations until Thursday, Nov. 30. Then caregivers will have a day to go pick items for their foster children and youths. But, Voices for Children’s giving won’t be done after the holidays. “We are getting even more into enrichment,” Novell said. “That’s something we want to focus on a lot.” “Enrichment” is things such as covering fees and costs for school activities such as the aforementioned volleyball and band. “When it’s time for important occasions, we’ll pay for things like clothes and hair for prom,” explained Norvell. Oftentimes foster children’s needs are more routine. “There are other things we provide we call normalcy items,” Norvell said. For example, a set of grandparents recently volunteered to take in their grandchildren, known in dependency court as a “relative placement.” But the home needed three new beds the grandparents couldn’t afford. So, Voices for Children bought them. “We do things like that, too, car seats, clothing,” said Norvell. Interested people can learn more about donating to Voices for Children for and after the holidays at voicesforchildrenotc.org, or by calling Norvell at 772-410-3153. Her email is [email protected]. To learn more about the Guardian ad Litem program, visit guardianadlitem.org or call 772-785-5804. BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent ‘VOICES FOR CHILDREN’ ON A SPECIAL MISSION WITH HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE Goodwill flows from ‘River of Life’ – CONTRIBUTED
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY November 23, 2023 B21 In the spirit of giving and spreading holiday cheer, the St. Lucie County Fire Districts Christmas 4 Kids organization is once again gearing up for their much-anticipated annual toy drive. This heartwarming initiative has become a cherished tradition in the community, bringing smiles to the faces of countless children during the holiday season. Firefighters, their families and volunteers are already hard at work, collecting toys, gifts and donations to ensure that underprivileged children in St. Lucie County experience the joy of Christmas. The toy drive, which has been a local staple for 15 years, aims to make the holiday season brighter for disadvantaged children in St. Lucie County. Local businesses sign up to host a toy drive box to gather unwrapped gifts for children ages 0-18. SLCFDC4K volunteers then deliver gifts on Christmas Day, along with Santa on the firetruck and the Grinch. This initiative reflects the commitment of the SLCFD Christmas 4 Kids all-volunteer board and committee members to uplift the spirits of local families during the holiday season and remind us all that the true meaning of the season lies in the joy we bring to others. If you are a local resident or business that would like to participate in this heartwarming tradition, you can learn more about donating new, unwrapped toys, or by making monetary contributions on their website slcfdchristmas4kids.com. FIRE DISTRICT WARMS HEARTS WITH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS TOY DRIVE – CONTRIBUTED Over 400 runners, walkers and beer drinkers joined in the fun, along with a crowd of revelers, as the 8th Annual Sailfish Beer Mile hit the streets of downtown Fort Pierce, on Sunday Nov. 12, beginning at 4 p.m., just outside Sailfish Brewing Company. A light rain added another level of challenge to the festivities. The record attendance means record funds were raised, with two different local organizations estimated to receive $4,000 to $5,000 each. Both organizations – Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast and Treasure Coast Night to Shine – were on hand to share information about their organizations as well. Over the last eight years, the Sailfish Beer Mile has raised over $50,000 for local organizations. Two waves of runners included over 35 different teams and brave individuals, who followed beer (or root beer) mile rules: 4 cups of beer or root beer and 1 mile of running or walking. Sailfish provided the beer and draft root beer came from Sidedoor Brewing. Top individual runners were awarded in 10-year age groups and first overall male and female beer mile runners. Congratulations to Lee Kolias and Jessica Schmitt, overall beer mile winners, and Mitchell Martin and Tessa Delange, second-place finishers. Among the team honors, Team with Largest Amount of Finishers: Run, Sweat & Beers; Gym Team with Largest Amount of Finishers: Orange Theory Fitness Vero Beach; and Fastest Overall Team: The Chasers. In the Youth Division, for those who ran without stopping for libations, overall winners were Emmie Collins and Jose Santana. Second place were Bianca Santana and Grant Collins. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, runners, walkers and beer drinkers for another exciting one-of-a-kind event. – BY SUE-ELLEN SANDERS/CONTRIBUTED Raise a glass to ‘Sailfish Beer Mile’ runners Team Run, Sweat & Beers. Wave 2, ready to run. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARYANN KETCHAM Happily running in the rain: Janelle and Jas Washington. Andrew Fidgeon and Michelle Franklin.
B22 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com Sudoku Page B16 Sudoku Page B17 Crossword Page B16 Solutions from Games Pages in November 9, 2023 Edition Crossword Page B17 (Ode to a Classic) One of the most anticipated offerings through the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning is the Distinguished Lecture Series, offered by Indian River State College’s School of Continuing Education. This series is designed for men and women who are interested in exploring shared topics of interest in a college atmosphere, focused on subjects in science, the arts, environmental concerns, global issues and education. Lectures are offered once per month, starting Dec. 7 at the IRSC Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. Here are the lectures planned for the 2023-’24 season: Dec. 7: Lenny Dave – “100 Years of Comedy” Location: Mueller Campus, Vero Beach Lenny Dave is the first (and only) performer to appear in both the Red Skelton Entertainment Series and at the Oliver Hardy Festival, sustaining and preserving the enduring legacies of two of comedy’s all-time legends – Red Skelton and Laurel and Hardy. Audiences will laugh, learn and lighten up as nationally recognized comedy historian Lenny Dave takes them on a fast-paced, entertaining and nostalgic trip down comedy’s Memory Lane, back to a special time when the best comedians were both funny and clean. Jan. 11: Dr. Paul Gray Ph.D. – “History of Ornithology in America, Florida and around Okeechobee” Location: Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie Hear about the discovery of bird life in the New World, especially Florida, and man’s history of learning about them. Humans were hunting them so heavily for table meat, market meat, decorating hats with their plumes, and recreation, that many populations were crashing, some going extinct. The exploitation inspired the establishment of Audubon Societies to try to protect them. Shooting is now mostly controlled but habitat loss and degradation continue to threaten them. Dr. Gray will cover this history up to today and Audubon’s Everglades Restoration program. Feb. 22: Sandra Pearce – “Africa – A Trip of a Lifetime!” Location: Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie Sandra has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years and has earned the Master Photography, Master of Electronic Imaging, and Craftsman in her national association, Professional Photographers of America. For this lecture, Sandra will share photographs and stories of the main animals in Africa – elephants, leopards and rhinos. She also will discuss their habits and how they all work together, including the dangerous endeavor of crossing the Mara River in Kenya. March 7: Jeff Hessel – “Eyewitness to History: My Time at Cape Canaveral During the Space Race” Location: Chastain Campus, Stuart Hear Jeff Hessel as he recounts his incredible journey at Cape Canaveral, and ground zero of the U.S. Space Program. After graduating with an engineering degree, Hessel started his career at the Cape during the height of the Space Race and the time of the Apollo program. The presentation includes a history of the Cape, why the location was selected, competition with the Soviet Union, rare archival footage of JFK’s last visit to the Cape – six days before his tragic trip to Dallas – witnessing the Apollo 11 launch, and more. April 4: Dr. Stephen Kowel, Ph.D. – “Chip Intelligence: Magnificent Possibilities, Menacing Portents” Location: Chastain Campus Microchips connected over the Internet already manage much of modern life, but might become so powerful that our machines become a competitive species, or, perhaps, our salvation. They can network over the Internet, accessing all data, misinformation, and facts, plus all the implicit biases accumulated by humankind. How do we use the power of ‘artificial intelligence’ to improve health and education, and create a prosperous, sustainable world? Dr. Stephen Kowel has held faculty positions at Syracuse University, the University of California, Davis, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the University of Cincinnati, where he also served as Dean of the College of Engineering. The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning. Doors open 30 minutes before each lecture. Lectures begin at 10 a.m. and last approximately one hour; they are followed by a moderated 30-minute question-and-answer session. Registration for the fivepart series is $125 per person for new and returning members; $100 per person for lifetime members and peer leaders. Individual lecture seats are offered at $35. The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by Indian River State College Foundation and School of Continuing Education. For further information call Shauna Monahan at 772-462-7880. To subscribe to the Distinguished Lecture Series, contact the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at 772-462-7880 or visit irsc.edu/community. – CONTRIBUTED Talk about compelling! It’s the IRSC’s Distinguished Lecture Series Lenny Dave. Dr. Paul Gray. Sandra Pearce. Jeff Hessel. Dr. Stephen Kowel. An engaged group of 40 local citizens attended the Nov. 3 League of Women Voters St. Lucie County’s (LWVSLC) Community Conversations to hear guest speaker Gertrude Walker, St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections, discuss why “Voting Matters.” Walker provided critical updates that included the timetable for upcoming elections, offices up for election, and key 2023 legislation impacting the voting process. LWVSLC President Sabrina Taylor provided a brief overview of the organization and local voting history data that underscores the need for greater participation in the voting process before introducing Walker. Several first-time LWVSLC event attendees joined the local chapter at the event. A lively Q&A session concluded the luncheon event. LWVSLC’s Community Conversation series helps local citizens be fully prepared to vote in upcoming elections. As a nonpartisan grassroots chapter of the state and national organization, LWVSLC is dedicated to all voters and citizens of St. Lucie and Indian River counties and focuses on our nation’s democratic system and issues that concern all. LWVSLC advocates for free and fair elections, assisting citizens with voting access, providing fact-based information about elections and issues, and bringing candidates to the people. Interested citizens may sign up for LWVSLC’s newsletter by scrolling down to complete a form here: https:// www.lwvslc.org/take_action/ and get information about upcoming “Community Conversations.” The website and newsletter offer a wealth of information related to voting rights, legislative actions, election and candidate information, and how to participate in our democracy. If you, your neighborhood association, or other organization would like to host a “Voting Matters Community Conversation” just send an email to [email protected] or call Tenna Wiles at 561-523-7057. GERTRUDE WALKER SHARES EXPERTISE WITH LOCAL LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS – CONTRIBUTED Sabrina Taylor and Gertrude Walker.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY November 23, 2023 B23 The Port St. Lucie Newcomers Club recently elected its new board for 2024: from left, Linda Preece and Mary Ryall (Historians), Bobbi DiPesa (Inspirational Leader), Gilda DiMargo (President), Joan French (Secretary), Greg Snider (First Vice President) and Carolyn Snider (Second Vice President). Missing from photo are Margaret Borock (Treasurer) and Gayle Allison (Parliamentarian). The Port St. Lucie Newcomers Club is an organization that provides an immediate opportunity for members to become acquainted with others in the community. You do not need to be a newcomer to Port St. Lucie – only a resident of the Treasure Coast – to become a member, whether you are new to the area or have been here for several years. The club has many monthly activities you can chose to participate in, such as “Out to Lunch” and “Out to Dinner” where different restaurants are selected, a “Gathering” at a member’s home to get to know each other better, a “Day Trip” perhaps to a museum, a boat ride or a craft class, a show or a concert, a golf game, trivia or you join the book club. The club promotes charitable and humanitarian causes too, such as taking a monthly collection for Sarah’s Soup Kitchen as well as providing pasta. The club also gives donations to one or two selected local charities at the end of each year. The Port St. Lucie Newcomers Club meets the first Monday of the month at the Port St. Lucie Moose Lodge, 101 NW Marion Ave. Social hour is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the meeting starting at 10 a.m. Each month there is a guest speaker from the community to share information or talents about their organization. Dues are $45 for individuals and $65 for a family membership (two adults residing in the same residence). – CONTRIBUTED PSL Newcomers Club elects its new leaders Jamal Mosley, left, City of Fort Pierce IT staff member, stands with Colleen Gill, CareerSource Research Coast apprenticeship navigator; Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson; and Brian Bauer, president/CEO of CareerSource Research Coast, as they display the proclamation from the Fort Pierce City Commission recognizing National Apprenticeship Week. Mosley is a graduate of the program and now works as a cybersecurity and compliance leader for the city. APPRENTICE APPROVAL PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN
B24 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com The Annual Treasure Coast Hope for the Homeless Charity Golf Invitational brought a full slate of golfers to the PGA Golf Club’s Ryder course in St. Lucie West for a day of excitement, competition and camaraderie. Title Sponsor Southern Eagle Distributing once again stepped up to ensure that this 100 percent volunteer-run organization’s fundraiser got off to a great start. Many other local businesses also provided sponsorships, guaranteeing a successful outcome. They include A & G Concrete Pools, Leak Busters Roof Repair, Meating Street Restaurant Group, CPZ Architects, Day Dream Uniforms, Thomas J. Madden & Associates, Com-Tech Technologies, FoxHaven Roofing, Kristi Stewart Coastal Home Real Estate, Motorola, and more. After a hearty breakfast, golfers selected their favorite raffle items to bid on. They loaded their carts and prepared for the four-person scramble. But, before heading out, they heard from the nonprofit’s board president, Richard Del Toro, who spoke about how the organization sprang from the hearts of a caring young group of friends (aged 10 and under). Founded by Karina and Alexandria Del Toro, Kayleigh, Mallory and Ivy Cunningham, now teenagers and blossoming adults, the organization developed from its humble beginnings of a lemonade stand into a flourishing nonprofit that helps other local nonprofits. Because the event coincided with VeterChipping in for good cause at Treasure Coast Hope for the Homeless golf tourney Above: Team Robbie Gibbons, Austin Souther, Trevor Pearson and James Warinoy. Right: Team Chris Robertson, Mark Kaiser, Chad Couch and Ryan Strickland. Below: Willie Scott is delighted that his teammate sank a putt. Below right: Event co-chairs Michael Swanchak and Bill May. Above left: Team Peter Del Toro: Frank Del Toro, Pete Del Toro, Brian Johnston and Ryan Cabrera. Above right: Ethan Swanchak. Right: Founders Mallory and Ivy Cunningham with Christina and Ed Cunningham, Richard and Daniela and Joyce Del Toro, and Founder Alexandria Del Toro (founders not pictured are Kayleigh Cunningham and Karina Del Toro). PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARYANN KETCHAM
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY November 23, 2023 B25 ans Day, Purple Heart recipient Hal Davis led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then they hit the links. Two skilled teams took home bragging rights for winning first place with gross scores of 52, or 19 under par. James Warino, Robbie Gibbons, Austin Souther and Trevor Pearson shared the spotlight with Chris Robertson, Ryan Strickland, Chad Couch and Mark Kaiser. Second-place honors went to Jason Baran, Jeff Eubank, Jordan Van Duzer and Chad Gates. Eleven golfers earned entry into a competitive putting contest, ultimately won by Alain Dumont. Treasure Coast Hope for the Homeless Foundation Board President Richard Del Toro stated, “On behalf of our co-founders and the Board of Directors, we would like to thank God for providing us the opportunity to serve others within our community. We would also like to recognize and thank our dedicated group of volunteers lead by co-chairman Bill May and Michael Swanchak, and our generous golfers and business sponsors, who made this event a tremendous success. Thanks to their efforts, we can continue to serve others and their needs within our community.” For more information or to donate, visit TreasureCoastHope.org. – BY MARYANN KETCHAM/CONTRIBUTED
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | BOOKS November 23, 2023 B27 Sam Bankman-Fried is probably the most colorful and successful millennial (born 1981-1994, 25 to 40 years old) of all time. He has been in the news a lot, formerly for his business success with cryptocurrency, and lately for his federal trial in New York City for securities and related fraud, and money laundering charges, for which he was convicted earlier this month. His life, his various actions and accomplishments, and his incredible business successes, as well as his spectacular downfall, all make wonderful subject matter for Michael Lewis’ book “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.” That Bankman-Fried’s astounding ascent and descent have taken place in just the past three years gives this book additional relevance and impact: It’s all so fresh and current. That he did all of this by age 31 staggers the imagination. Lewis is perfectly positioned to write this book for (mainly) two reasons: He was a former bond trader on Wall Street (Princeton and London School of Economics); thus, he already had a good understanding of financial matters. And secondly, he met and befriended Bankman-Fried, and spent a whole year largely with him, getting more “inside” his life than most of the people in his tight inner circle. In other words, Lewis probably knows his subject better than anybody, maybe even better than Bankman-Fried’s parents. We are given a sharply focused, well written view of Bankman-Fried and his life up to the point where he was charged and arrested, but not including his trial. Bankman-Fried’s whole life, and lifestyle, is anything but normal. A precocious, highly intelligent but socially awkward child, his parents (Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried) were professors at Stanford University Law School. They refused to marry as a protest against the laws prohibiting same sex marriages; thus, they bestowed both of their names on their two children. As a child, Bankman-Fried was against almost everything and everybody, including any guidance his parents offered, so they let him think and feel and find his own way. He was a highly intelligent student, and had his own opinions on every possible subject. He attended “math camps” during his summers, went to and graduated from MIT, and interned on Wall Street. He was hired by Jane Street Capital, a “high frequency trading firm,” where computer programs executed millions of trades a day, and bought and sold all of their positions by the end of each day. Bankman-Fried saw and learned how profits were made in the open market, but also noticed and was intrigued by the up-and-coming market in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and the like. What mainly caught his attention was that it was an unregulated market, and as a result, there were huge discrepancies in prices. For example, the price of Bitcoin in South Korea and Japan was often multiples higher than in America; because of the lack of regulation, and as well because not too many people were watching from the international perspective at that time, i.e., 2017, it was possible to make huge profits, and on a daily basis. Bankman-Fried left Jane Street and formed FTX, an exchange, and Alameda Research, a trading firm, in 2017, and it was off to the races. Since America did not recognize crypto exchanges, in 2018 Bankman-Fried moved his operation to Hong Kong where he achieved massive success with crypto currencies. FTX traded the various cryptocurrencies, created its own coins to sell and broker, and invested in all sorts of different ventures. He hired known personalities to flak for his company, such as Tom Brady (paid $55 million), Steph Curry, etc., and funded different start-ups. At one point, he was on the cover of Forbes Magazine, was personally worth an estimated $31 billion, and his company was worth an estimated $100 billion. At that time, many business people wanted to be his new best friend; he was not yet 30 years young. When China became interested in regulating the crypto market and its participants, especially Hong Kong resident Bankman-Fried, he moved his operation to the Bahamas, which already had favorable crypto regulations in place, as well as a much more favorable attitude toward its new resident and his various business entities – the Prime Minister personally welcomed Bankman-Fried to his new home. In 2022, cryptocurrencies, which had exploded in value over the prior two years, took a big dive, lost excessive value, and caused problems for Bankman-Fried and his companies. He had moved too much value (i.e., the clients’ money) from FTX to Alameda Research to cover some losing investments. When the value fell precipitously low, many investors who had crypto positions in FTX wanted their money back (think owning a stock position with Charles Schwab or Fidelity; no problem getting your money back there). Bankman-Fried had transferred too much money out, and was unable to satisfy client demands for withdrawal of their funds. A panic ensued, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice got involved, and charges and indictments were obtained in New York against Bankman-Fried and his companies. Only a few of his inner circle of employees were charged, mainly because Bankman-Fried allowed them limited knowledge of what he was doing, his own “need to know” policy. Lewis gives us a very interesting, well-written story, with all the details and nuance necessary to fully understand a complex area of business and finance; and he moves the story along at a good pace. Bankman-Fried is a unique person in several ways, not the least of which are his breathtaking financial success; his understanding, creation and use of unlimited funds; his bizarre personal lifestyle (e.g., his usual business attire was a wrinkled T-shirt and cargo shorts); his unique appearance – especially the hair; and his historic financial meltdown and the attendant legal/criminal troubles which ensued. This book works as both entertainment and as a learning vehicle in the areas of securities, finance, cryptocurrency and corporate machinations. Larry David Allman is a resident of PGA Village Verano. His next book, a legal thriller, will be published in February 2024. His prior books are available on Amazon and other platforms. He is a former lawyer and currently a Broker Associate with Branca Realty Professionals. He can be reached at [email protected]. BOOK REVIEW BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN
The Telegraph How to do Sudoku: Fill in the grid so the numbers one through nine appear just once in every column, row and three-by-three square. The Telegraph SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (NOVEMBER 16) ON PAGE B15 ACROSS 1. Water barricade (3) 3. Public transport (3) 5. Curt (5) 8. Fees (5) 9. Changed (7) 10. Remain (4) 11. Brahms or Mozart, e.g. (8) 13. Attractive (6) 14. Messy (6) 17. Proof (8) 19. Close (4) 22. Hair cleaner (7) 23. Grip (5) 24. Appears (5) 25. Secret agent (3) 26. Arid (3) DOWN 1. Harbours (5) 2. Error (7) 3. Person in charge (4) 4. Add flavour to (6) 5. Catching (8) 6. Values (5) 7. Senior (7) 12. Tries (8) 13. Delights (7) 15. Eire (7) 16. Thespians (6) 18. Picture (5) 20. Answer (5) 21. Hideous (4) PREVIOUS EDITION’S SOLUTIONS, SEE PAGE B22 B28 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES November 23, 2023 B29 ACROSS 1 Prominent 6 “Dogfaces” 9 French-sauce need 14 Atahualpa was one 18 Technical difficulties phrase 21 Blind Ambition author John 22 Indubitably 23 Haywire 24 Baba and Pasha 25 Rank below LT JG 26 Faces fastballs 27 Cow or horse preceder 29 Meter starter 30 One way to end a standoff 31 Worked at, as a trade 33 Some babies 35 Part of a Jedi’s name 37 Acting assignment 39 They go with the bow 42 “Sorry!” 44 ___ Ferry 46 ___ funk 47 Baseball’s Griffey 48 One way to start a phyte 49 Pig with no pants 50 Small bird 54 Hotel abbr. 56 Long stories 58 Capek play 59 Noon in some places 60 Compass pt. 61 Service provider of a sort: abbr. 64 Zip 65 Steadied one’s 39 Across 67 Cage, to Coppola 69 Slangy fuss 71 Vaudevillian Milton, familiarly 74 Agents 75 Bar nut 77 Memoir of a sort 78 Approves 80 Put off: abbr. 81 Rare-penny inscription 82 Nail site 84 Curve 85 Bullock film 87 “___ favor to me” 88 Breakfast orders 91 Scandal figure Linda 95 Jerk 97 French month 98 Hymn start 99 “Hey, what’s ___?” 101 Keyboard feature 104 Smart and sassy 106 Drunkard 107 Bond film, Licence ___ 108 Dallas sch. 110 Poet Teasdale et al. 112 Recipe abbr. 113 Be beholden to 114 Madonna in A League of Their Own 116 Pangolin’s meal 119 Filmdom’s Joey, e.g. 120 Chinese dog, for short 121 Barley fibers 123 Blood-pressure device 127 North Pole stock 128 Notion that language arose through imitation of animal sounds 129 Hit like Ruth 130 Cut a certain way 131 Desperate call 132 Meara et al. DOWN 1 Part of a court jester’s outfit 2 Cool Hand Luke, e.g. 3 London’s royal stables 4 Comic Philips 5 Wood cylinder 6 Park spouter 7 Job-seekers’ edges 8 26 Across spelled backward 9 Wipes 10 Recycle 11 Chow down 12 Flaws and all 13 Falling star 14 Rhoda’s mom, on TV 15 Takeover result 16 Bit of spice 17 Volunteer-seeker’s query 19 Fads 20 Strike org.? 22 Actor J. Carrol ___ 28 Gave up the throne: abbr. 31 Cheats, perhaps 32 Faucet woes 34 Eject, as lava 36 It’s charged and ready to go 38 Weekend Edition’s home 40 ___ bender 41 Samurai, e.g. 43 Strong as ___ 45 Spielberg soldier 47 A nation divided 50 Toast word 51 Card game 52 Take the gold 53 Statements in a pack 55 Does darning 57 Slangy job 61 Meets, in a way 62 City SE of Nairobi 63 Solver’s cry 65 To love, to Luigi 66 Eye medicine 68 Very soft, in mus. 69 Jewish folk song, “___ Nagila” 70 Lit. collection 72 Florida metropolis 73 Jaguar model 76 ___ double-take 79 Eve’s third son 83 Avenger Peel 85 Measures 86 Attire 89 Galley features 90 “Loco-Motion” singer, Little ___ 92 Nuptial agreement? 93 109 Down, in French 94 Entrance requirements 96 Bot., for one 99 Caligula was one 100 Outcast 101 Summer ermines 102 Slippery tree 103 Denounces 104 Ra, e.g. 105 Custard-apple trees 109 Perhaps 111 Howdy from Ho 115 Hebrew measure (anagram of HEAP) 117 Procrastinator’s day: abbr. 118 Some pigs 120 Lowly worker 122 Fast flyer, familiarly 124 Use a scythe 125 Pastoral sound 126 Word on a door The Telegraph The Washington Post ...Flipping over Mother’s Day Wow, Mom! By Merl Reagle
B30 November 23, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com A new leader in the Spingold By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist After 31 of the 60 boards of this year’s Spingold Knockout Teams at the Summer North American Championships in Providence, Rhode Island, Pierre ZimmermannFernando Piedra, Sjoert Brink-Sebastiaan Drijver and Piotr Gawrys-Michal Klukowski led Paul Street-Nicolas L’Ecuyer, Massimiliano di Franco-Andrea Manno and Ron Pachtman-Piotr Pawel Zatorski by 76 international match points to 38. However, now the tide turned. Over the next 13 boards, Street scored 38 IMPs and lost only 4, to reduce the Zimmermann lead to 4. Then came Board 45. At the other table, Zatorski (East) raised four diamonds to five, which silenced Gawrys (South). To make matters worse for the Poles, Klukowski (North) led the spade two, and Pachtman (West) immediately claimed 11 tricks: two spades and nine diamonds. In this auction, Brink also opened four diamonds. I was surprised that neither West opened five diamonds. Drijver (East) passed, and di Franco (South) balanced with four hearts. East liked his defense enough to pass it out. West led the diamond ace. Declarer ruffed on the board, drew trumps, cashed the club ace and continued with the club jack. When West discarded a diamond, South won with dummy’s king. Now you might have expected di Franco to ruff a club and lead a spade toward the dummy. However, confident that West had started with 1=2=9=1 distribution (East surely would have bid with four diamonds), declarer led dummy’s spade queen, pinning West’s jack and gaining an overtrick. Plus 600 and plus 450 gave Street 14 IMPs and the three-quarters lead by 90 IMPs to 80. Dealer: West; Vulnerable: East-West NORTH Q 9 8 2 8 6 — K 10 8 6 5 3 2 WEST J J 5 A Q J 10 9 7 6 4 3 7 SOUTH 10 7 4 3 A K Q 9 7 3 2 A J EAST A K 6 5 10 4 2 K 8 5 Q 9 4 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: A Diamonds SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 4 Diamonds Pass Pass 4 Hearts Pass Pass Pass
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | SPORTS November 23, 2023 31 Six shooters make their mark with aces at PGA KEVIN’S KURES By Kevin Perkins All of us have experienced the situation: We’ve struck a wonderful, long and straight drive that finishes in the middle of the fairway. All that’s left to negotiate on our approach is to carry the lake fronting the green by hitting a short-iron shot onto the putting surface for a chance at birdie or, at worst, an easy two-putt par. We set up for our approach shot, begin the swing … and proceed to hit 3 to 4 inches behind the ball, resulting in the ball coming up 40 to 50 yards short of the green and right into the lake! The dreaded fat shot. Let’s dig in and “Kure” this all too common shot. Anytime your ball is on the ground, the most efficient way to get it into the air is to strike the ball with a descending below. In other words, the club, when it’s coming in contact with the ball, must be moving slightly down and, of course, forward. In common teaching terms, we call this reaching the low point of your swing in front of the ball. The following tips will help you reach your low point in front of the ball and strike the golf ball while the club is on a descending and forward movement: HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ELIMINATING FAT SHOTS FROM YOUR GAME PGA Golf Club saw an unbelievable run of six holes-in-one in the past fortnight. The group of ace-makers included: Jack MacCarty (Ryder course, hole 7, 154 yards, 6-hybrid); Wendy Ustach (Wanamaker course, hole 6, 110 yards, 9-iron); Barry Robinson (Wanamaker, hole 6, 148 yards, 9-iron); Gary Robison (Wanamaker, hole 6, 168 yards, 8-iron); Seong Pyun (Ryder, hole 10, 121 yards, 8-iron); and Mark Hatfield (Ryder, hole 12, 134 Yards, 9-iron). Hearty congratulations to all! 1. The left and right arms must be swinging effectively down and forward, carrying the hands and wrists. When this is done effectively, the right wrist at impact will be bent back slightly, in a concave position. The left wrist at impact will be flat to the left forearm and in a slightly convex position. 2. The club shaft will be leaning forward slightly at impact … this means the handle of the club will be slightly more toward the target than the shaft and clubhead. 3. There must be a slight down, forward and rotary shift with the lower body. Even on chip shots and small pitch shots, there must be a slight lateral movement. This lateral movement places the low point of the swing in front of the ball, producing the desired divot which is in front of the ball. 4. Lastly, the left arm must move forward, stabilizing and controlling and bearing the force of the right arm and right wrist, which, for most of us, subconsciously, wants to move too much downward, increasing the radius of the golf club and leaving you very susceptible to fat shots. Mark Hatfield and friends. Wendy Ustach and Barry Robinson. Jack MacCarty and friends. Seong Pyun. Gary Robison.