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LIGHT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER
6 Where Is The Tipping Point
10 Why Play The Trump Cards So Early 44 The Easter Holiday
BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE
14 2025 Legislative Session
20 Celebrate Earth Day With Some Family Fun
22 Shake Hands With Mike But Don’t Be Like Him 24 Cook Up Some Irish
26 Giving Back: George Schaeffer
30 Spring Cleaning
34 Endangered Species
40 Kia Ev6 2025
42 Our Common Denominator Is Slipping
48 You Want To Move To A What
52 Escapes
OTHER
18 Miami Dolphins Update 32 Miami Heat Update
56 Miami Marlins Update 58 The Scoop
69 The LightTM Contributors 72 Letter From The Editors
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Where Is
The Tipping Point
by FREDERICK R. MACLEAN
“Our national debt is approaching $1 trillion... If you had a stack of $1,000 bills in your hand only four inches high, you’d be a millionaire. A trillion dollars would be a stack of $1,000 bills sixty-seven miles high.” – Ronald Reagan, 1981
Well, Reagan’s stack of $1,000 bills is now more than 2,400 miles high and growing, putting the top of the debt pile well beyond the reach of most manned spacecraft. And, paying off that stack of debt is most likely beyond the reach of the US government under its current policies.
6 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
How did
we get here?
The story of the ballooning US national debt really begins in 1980. At the beginning of Reagan’s presidency, the debt-to-GDP ratio - the ratio of the national debt to the US gross domestic product - was 31%. Initially, there was hope that lower taxes under Reagan would generate faster GDP growth, which would keep debt to GDP at a low level, but this did not work. By the end of Reagan’s presidency, debt to GDP was just under 50%, a particularly large number at the time. In the ensuing decades, the ratio fluctuated within the 50% - 60% range until two major events - the global financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID pan- demic of 2020 – led the federal govern- ment to take on massive levels of additional debt to stimulate the economy. At the end of 2024, the national debt stood at a sober- ing 120% of GDP, or $108,000 for every person in the country.
Are we at the
tipping point?
The current debt level is alarming but not unpreced- ented. At the end of WWII, US debt to GDP reached 119%, but a combination of strong economic and productivity growth, tax reform, and spending controls enabled the country to rein in the national debt, reduc- ing the debt-to-GDP ratio to below 50% in under 20 years. This suggests that if history is any indication, the problem is not insoluble.
U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 7
Where Is The Tipping Point
Wall Street, New York City
As a modern-day comparison, Japan’s debt to GDP has been above 100% for over 20 years, and it currently sits above 250%. Despite this staggeringly high level of debt, Japan can still borrow at low interest rates while running a budget deficit of over 6% in 2024. So, the day of reckoning for the US is not necessarily immi- nent.
But where is the tipping point? No one knows how much debt is too much, and the extent of the bond market’s generosity is unpredictable. There is a limit, however, to how much debt the bond market is willing to absorb; if policy- makers do not fix the problem, the bond market will eventually fix it for them.
There are numerous examples of investors (sometimes known as “bond market vigilantes”) imposing discipline on profligate governments. US bond prices sank, and yields skyrocketed, in the early 1980s in response to runaway infla- tion; investors shunned the bonds of Portugal,
Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Spain in 2011 due to their unsustainable debts and deficits; and when UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ government pro- posed increasing the deficit with massive un- funded tax cuts in 2022, UK bond markets were thrown into immediate crisis. During a period of bond market turmoil in 1994, politi- cal advisor James Carville quipped, “I used to think that if there was reincarnation, I wanted to come back as the president or the pope or as a .400 baseball hitter. But now I would like to come back as the bond market. You can intimi- date everybody.”
What can be done?
America’s debt addiction is a chronic condi- tion, not an acute one. Despite the high levels of debt, at the end of 2024, real interest rates on US government bonds were less than half what they were in the 1980s when debt-to-GDP rose above 50%, and the dollar shows no signs
8 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
of giving up its status as the world’s reserve currency. Luckily, the bond market has been forgiving – so far.
But the government’s lack of fiscal responsibility is not sustainable. On the current trajectory, estimates of debt-to-GDP in the early 2050s range from 155% to 192%. Even at those levels, the government would be unlikely to default on the debt; after all, the US Treasury can print dollars to pay off its bonds. But doing so would likely lead to higher inflation, higher interest rates, and a loss of confidence in the US dollar – a toxic combination that would harm the econ- omy in the US and abroad.
The solution to the debt problem is simple in theory; we have had this level of debt before, and it was reduced significantly without a major crisis. But it may not be easy to implement. A significant economic expansion through higher productivity could allow us to grow our way out of debt, but absent that it will require a combination of higher taxes and lower
government spending. In a healthy political environment, these are achievable goals, but given the vitriol in Washington, making pro- gress toward them could be challenging, to say the least. A long-term solution will likely require personal sacrifices and the willingness of everyone to accept some policies that are not in their own best interest in the short term.
Another possible outcome is that the bond market forces the solution on us. If US debt levels approach the tipping point, interest rates will rise, the dollar will fall, the risk of recession will rise, and a furious electorate will demand immediate action.
Whether we address the problem proactively or the solution is forced upon us, the prob- lem will eventually be solved, because it must be solved. A robust economy may provide a simple solution, but if it does not, breaking the country’s debt addiction will involve some difficult choices.
Capitol Hill In Washington, D.C.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 9
WHY PLAY THE TRUMP CARDS SO EARLY
Following the election of Donald Trump as our 47th President, there commenced a stream of “plans” announced by his office and coalition friends regarding various subjects, including deportation of illegal immigrants, H-1B Visas, making Canada our 51st state, imposing tariffs on Mexico if that country does not assist in accepting deported illegal migrants, “purchas- ing” Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark, assuming control over the Panama Canal, and so on.
Trump’s critics immediately struck back with
multiple reasons not to proceed with these plans and how they would react if the plans were finalized. My thought at the time was to seriously question the wisdom of expos- ing these plans, giving the opposition time to gear up its machine to slap back and possibly block their implementation.
After further consideration, I’m convinced that the reasoning behind releasing these inten- tions was brilliant. Why not find out how the opposition will react and on what grounds those reactions will be founded. It is also
by LARRY TURNER
10 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
important that the man in the White House discover as early as possible how his own coalition will react, and on what bases, when he offers legislation to enact these ideas into the law of the land. Early on we witnessed “rifts” that developed within his party about some of these ideas. But, again, it is valuable for him to know earlier rather than later which direction the opposition will come from.
Once he determined the support, or lack thereof, of these proposals, he could better
calculate the success-rate of pushing them further, and what might be required to ac- complish them. For example, I doubt seriously that he truly believes that Greenland will “sell” itself to the United States, but in the nego- tiations to do so the U.S. might accomplish agreements with the government of Green- land to permit the use of its soil to keep track of the Russians and even use that geography to defend our interests, if necessary.
Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants
Greenland
THELIGHTMAG.COM 11
WHY PLAY THE TRUMP CARDS SO EARLY
The same can be said of promoting making the country of Canada one of the United States of America. It is more than a long shot to accom- plish this item on Trump’s wish-list, but the idea’s timely proposal may lead to better co- operation between the countries on a number of important border and economic issues.
So, it may be easy to criticize Trump on some
or many of these matters but, before we do, time must be devoted to analyzing what rea- sons he might have had to expose his playing cards in public before the need to do so. He may be an irritating person at times, but he has been successful in the past and we pray that he will assume that mantle in the future for the sake of our country.
Canadian-Side View Of Niagara Falls
12 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Panama Canal, Panama
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2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
by CHIP LAMARCA
14 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Aerial View Of Hillsboro
Capitol Hill, Tallahassee
The 2025 Legislative Session has begun, and we are in Tallahassee proudly representing South Florida’s most pressing issues this year. Some of the topics we’ve discussed include the My Safe Florida Home Program, arts and culture grant funding, and infrastructure re- siliency projects. As the main sponsor of the My Safe Florida Home Program, I’m happy to report that we are working with the Depart- ment of Financial Services to establish a trust fund and ensure the program operates year- round.
Property insurance is a top concern for all of us and in my office we receive numerous calls and emails about this. Since its reintro- duction in 2022, the My Safe Florida Home Program has allocated nearly $750 million and provided over 100,000 free home inspec- tions. Floridians and residents of District 100 who receive an inspection and grant save an average of $1,100 annually on their property insurance. This program has proven to deliver real results by lowering property insurance costs for residents.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 15
2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Arts and culture are vital to both District 100 and South Florida, contributing to what makes our region unique. I was disappointed when the arts and culture funding was vetoed by the governor last year. To address this, I’ve been working with the Secretary of State on legislation that would give the Secretary the authority to use a line item process to send an
arts and culture budget to the governor’s desk that supports the vast majority of our great or- ganizations. This change will help ensure that beneficial projects, such as funding for local museums, parks, and performing arts centers can continue to operate.
Resiliency is another critical issue for District 100 and South Florida with our abundant waterways,
Broward Center For The Performing Arts
16 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
including the ocean and Intracoastal. I have been working with the Depart- ment of Commerce on a loan program that would allow residents to take on critical projects like sea walls and other resiliency projects. This initiative will provide relief to those on fixed incomes and help strengthen our community.
In partnership with Representative Jim Mooney from the Florida Keys, I have also become a co-prime sponsor of HB 81, which would designate the state bird. Florida named the Northern Mockingbird as the state bird in 1927. This bill would make the American Fla- mingo the official state bird and the Florida Scrub-Jay the official state songbird. Unlike the Northern Mockingbird, which is shared by nine other states, the Flamingo and Scrub-Jay would uniquely represent Florida.
Florida Scrub-Jay
I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives to continue improving our great state. If you have any quest- ions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office, and we will do our best to assist you.
As always, it is an honor to serve you as your State Representative in Tallahassee.
American Flamingoes
THELIGHTMAG.COM 17
Finis For The Fins Time For A Makeover
by LARRY TURNER
How do you explain going from having one of the outstanding defenses in the league and the most prolific offenses to losing on both sides of the ball to perhaps the worst team in the league, all in one season?
There may be several reasons, but among them near the top of the list is coaching. The team has shown a lack of discipline with an uncharacteris- tic number of penalties, appearing surprised by the tactics used by the opposition to attack the Dolphin defense, and seemingly caught napping by the defenses thrown at the offense.They often seemed at a loss to understand how to react to whatever the other team was doing. That’s a fail- ure in preparation.
There are also personnel issues that need to be ad- dressed and resolved. First, there needs to be a quarterback who is not within one hard tackle from being back in concussion protocol. And Huntley is not the answer. He has shown some talent but lacks consistency. There are also one or two play- ers who become recalcitrant when they are not the center of attention. That affects their col- leagues, and not in a positive way. If they don’t want to run the plays called, opt for another team.
Proof of this situation can be found in the team’s resorting to “trick plays” when the scripted of- fense or defense is not producing the desired re- sults. Sooner or later those fancy fakes and flips result in fumbles or significant yardage lost.
18 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill
All is not lost. Despite the adversity
often brought on by confusion, the
team showed tremendous grit when
faced with these situations num-
erous times in games. Also, the
running backs are talented and,
when provided with opportunity, demonstrated their quickness and
toughness in breaching the defen-
sive lines for long gains. Several
receivers also demonstrated remark-
able talent in breaking free and
hauling in passes in their general
directions. Finally, we can only wish that all team members would display the effort and attitude exhibited on every play by 38-year-old defen- sive tackle Calais Campbell. May his attitude infect every friend he leaves behind when he hangs up his cleats. They are fortunate to know a man with his qualities.
Postscript: Only a few short days into the off- season, the rumors surfaced about there being
trouble in the locker room causing some of the difficulties experienced during the season. It’s hard to believe that this is the first management has heard of this and, by the way, whose responsibility is it to oversee the area that houses the team when they are not on the field?
Defense Tackle Calais Campbell
Quarterback Tyler Huntley
Photos Courtesy Of The Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins’ Defence Team Against New York Jets
THELIGHTMAG.COM 19
Celebrate Earth Day
With Some Family Fun
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
Earth Day is on Tuesday, April 22 this year and it is a holiday that we should all embrace by practicing concepts that promote the care of our environment.
International Earth Day was founded by John McConnell of Davis City, Iowa, to make earth inhabitants aware of their responsibility to care for the planet. In September, 1969, he
proposed the establishment of Earth Day to the San Francisco, California Board of Su- pervisors.
After approval, he gained support from many others. In 1970, McConnell wrote an Earth Day Proclamation which was ulti- mately signed by United Nations Secretary General U Thant on March 21, 1971.
20 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
We all know of many efforts that can be made to improve the environment, and the international Earth Day Organization has many tips on how each of us can make a difference. Their website provides 52 tips for readers to consider. Visit EarthDay.org to review this information.
One fun thing to consider that can be a family project is planting an organic vegetable garden.
If you want to start an organic vegetable garden, select a suitable spot in your yard or where you can dig a plot, build a raised bed, or set up plant- ing containers on your patio or balcony. Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.
Use Great Soil. Excellent soil filled with nutrients is one major key to a successful organic garden. Organic soils can help improve the native soil found in your garden or landscape.
Choose the right plants to start and make sure you feed your plants by adding an organic fertilizer. As nutrient packed as organic soils are, plants still need fertilizer. Make sure you water wisely and don’t overwater your plants. Maintain with mulch to keep the nutrients and moisture in the soil.
Most garden stores and home improvement stores will have the supplies you need to build and maintain your organic garden.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 21
SHAKE HANDS WITH MIKE BUT DON’T BE LIKE HIM
by LARRY TURNER
At first glance, this appears to be an article about the husband of a couple who lived next door. The real meaning, however, is intended to be a lesson to our children during the ages of between 18 and 23, or thereabouts, when they are considering careers in any number of pursuits. It contains “lessons” about what will assist their endeavors and what will ruin them.
Let’s call my friend “Mike.” He worked for a large
corporation in sales and dreamed of moving up into the executive ranks in the near future. His wife was attractive, smart and an effective con- versationalist. Mike was educated, well spo- ken, good looking, and athletic. What more could this couple ask for? Let’s find out.
I was practicing law in those days with a large corporate firm, and our clients were some of the most powerful companies in the region.
I took it upon myself to introduce Mike to some of them in the hopes of providing him with future em- ployment opportunities, if he chose that path. Here’s how one of those inter-
views unfolded.
22 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Mike entered the executive’s
large, comfortable office with
extraordinary views of the
city and sat in one of the
chairs facing the executive’s
chair. Mike ”fell” or flopped
into the chair and, instead
of bringing his body to sit
up straight, he slumped into
the chair to begin the in-
terview. A few minutes into
the meeting, Mike crossed
his legs, first one way and then the other. Thereafter, he must have run low on energy because he not only yawned but he failed to cover his mouth and didn’t hesitate to display his tonsils for all to see. Quite a set! During the balance of the get together, Mike not only listened politely most of the time but also would cut a joke about something in the conversation which was not completely appropriate or appreciated by his host. When his energy waned completely, Mike appeared to lose interest in the purpose of the meeting and at times gazed out the windows and towards the brilliant afternoon sky. As the meeting conclud- ed and we were walking towards the elevators, I could only imagine what was pouring through the host’s mind. “Let’s see, if I take Mike to lunch or dinner with a large client he will slouch in his chair, push his chair back so he can cross his legs, be obviously unable to recognize what utensils to use at various times during the meal, yawn for all to appreciate his dental work, and joke about things he doesn’t understand. Is this the type of employee I want to present to a valued client, or even a good friend?” Needless to say,
Mike did not receive an offer of employment from that company.
The lessons are apparent, but the unfortu- nate reality of the situation is that no one, not his parents or his friends, ever taught Mike the necessity of respecting people he would be introduced to in life whose acceptance of him and his personality might be instru- mental in achieving an executive position he might choose to seek following completion of his formal education. These failings in personal conduct might well relegate the Mike’s of the world to a dark computer room where the occu- pants never achieve an invitation to a partner’s lunch at a restaurant or to a dinner at his or her home. Without those invitations, career growth will likely be absent or at least less than desired.
This is a true story, but as I indicated at the top my reason for repeating it is in the hopes that our younger, professional-aiming readers will do everything in their power to avoid emulating “Mike” and conduct themselves with the dig- nity and class that compels his superiors to con- tinue to elevate his professional position until he is one of them. Good Luck!
THELIGHTMAG.COM 23
Cook Up
Corned Beef & Cabbage
This recipe yields 6 servings
Some Irish
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
Approximately ten percent of Americans say they self- identify as being of Irish ancestry. On St. Patrick’s Day, it seems like most Americans celebrate being Irish even if they’re not. What makes this holiday a fun way to celebrate? Is it the tradition of wearing green, enjoying corned beef and cabbage, Shepard’s Pie, Irish whiskey or a favorite beer? Another fun aspect of St. Patty’s Day is participating in or watching the many parades. And some prefer to celebrate this fun holiday at a local restaurant or pub.
I am of Irish and Italian decent, and my husband is of Irish and German decent. Both of us had very Irish mothers. We enjoy honoring our heritage and families by serving Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day. There are many different recipes and sauces that you will find, but this simple one is for those who are not gourmet cooks and want a simple, easy way to cook this delicious dish. The slow cooker does most of the work once the preparation is done.
Some people prefer to celebrate the holiday with Shepard’s Pie and, again, we are providing a way to prepare this meal if you prefer.
Irish Soda Bread is usually served on the side so you should check with your local grocery store or bakery for this.
• 1 pound carrots, cut into large chunks
• 3 cups water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• One 3-pound corned beef brisket with spice packet, cut in half
• 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
STEP 1
Place onion, potatoes, and carrots in a 5-quart slow cooker. Combine water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, and contents of spice packet in a small bowl; pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage.
STEP 2
Cover and cook on Low until meat and vegetables are tender, 8 to 9 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Serve with horseradish and mustard on the side.
24 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Shepard’s Pie
This recipe yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 3 large (11⁄2 to 2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 11⁄2 cups)
• 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as diced carrots, corn or peas
• 11⁄2 pounds ground round beef
• 1⁄2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Pepper and/or other seasonings of choice
Some variations to consider: Add a few spoonfuls of tomato paste, add a little flower if you like thicker sauce, and consider sprinkling cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
It’s all a personal choice.
STEP 1
Boil the potatoes:
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in medium sized pot.
Cover with at least an inch of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender.
STEP 2
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
STEP 3
Sauté the vegetables.
Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauté pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until ten- der, about 6 to 10 minutes. If you are including vegetables, add them according to their cooking time. Carrots should be cooked with the onions because they take as long to cook as the onions do.
STEP 4
Add ground beef to the pan with the onions and vegetables. Cook until no longer pink. Drain the pan of excess fat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring the broth to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth if necessary to keep the meat from drying out.
Prepare the mashed potatoes adding butter, salt and pepper.
STEP 6
Layer the meat mixture and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish. Spread the cooked filling in an even layer in a large bak- ing dish.
STEP 7
Place in a 400°F oven and cook until browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. If necessary, broil for the last few minutes to help the surface of the mashed potatoes brown.
STEP 5
THELIGHTMAG.COM 25
by WILLIAM J. GALLO George Schaeffer
Adversity, humble beginnings, and the threat of losing one’s freedom often breed people of extraordinary character. In our great country we have heard stories of individuals who have overcome persecution, have fled to our shores, and ultimately built a successful life. In most instances their personal success is just the tip of the iceberg because they typically feel the need to share their success with the people they touch, and therein lies the real story. I like to refer to this sharing as expo- nential giving back.
We tri-county residents live in a region of wonderful diversity often defined by an influx of successful people whose history and life story are defined by experiences of adversity, humble beginnings, and a threatened lack of freedom. These Horatio Alger individuals become the good fortune of all of our residents because we get to inherit people who possess the power of exponential giving back. One such individual is George W. Schaeffer, who personifies exponential giving back on steroids.
The story starts with George W. Schaeffer, the son of Holocaust survivors who emigrated back to Hungary after WWII. Their emigration back was a story in itself. His father was one of seven families forcefully removed by the Germans to work in a labor camp. Ironically, this turned out to be what saved the family. All other families who remained behind were killed
in the holocaust. After the war, they were able to return but, unfortunately, their return was met with a takeover by the Soviet Union (USSR) and its totalitarian form of govern- ment. In 1956 the Hungarian people tried a revolt against the USSR which became one of the great tragedies of modern history.TheHungarianPeoples’ 12-day struggle ended in great humanitarian tragedy as they were crushed by Soviet tanks and troops. Thousands of individuals were killed and
nearly a quarter of a million fled the country. One of the families that fled were the Schaeffer’s. In fact, they were one of the first families removed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower via the use of military aircraft. Like many immigrants to the USA, they arrived and settled in Brooklyn, NY. The family possessed a phenomenal work ethic and they were able to establish a small garment manufactur- ing business in New York City which gave them the means to survive and raise George, who was only nine years old when they arrived. George was ultimately able to attend school and attend City College of New York (one of New York’s fine public education Universities).
Upon graduation in 1970, he joined the family busi- ness. After completing a 10-year tenure, George decided to seek greater business opportunities. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1981 in order to take
26 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
over a dental products supply business that was faltering. Armed with the family work ethic, he slowly was able to turn the company around. During that time, he observed an interesting re- curring product sale. It was from a group of good- looking female manicurists who would purchase his dental porcelain to make nail products. George realized that the dental porcelain would make a stronger, longer lasting product for women’s nails. This spark combined with George’s work ethic and commitment to quality inspired him to create his own acrylic-nail system. While running the dental supply company, he and his team would also sell his nail system door-to-door at salons in the LA area. He decided to call this new company OPI Products. If you are female and reading this article you know exactly the impact OPI has had on the nail industry, and if you are a male then let me explain. First, the new nail company overshadowed and transformed the dental supply business into the new entity. Second, through creative marketing, innovation in product naming (think “Fuego On-the-Go” instead of just red), and quality, Geoge turned OPI into the dominant brand worldwide. The products are the most preferred by professionals as well as custom- ers because, in addition to being a superior product, they also offer a canvas for self-expression. In add- ition to becoming the apex predator of nail prod- ucts, OPI also became known nationally as a “best workplace” because of his philosophy of treating all personnel as family.
In 2012 George sold the company to a national conglomerate and decided to relocate to Boca Raton, Florida. During his time with OPI, he along with a local businessman established a new company in Florida in an industry not known for innovation, but soon to experience the business acumen of George. The year was 2008 and the company was Peoples Trust Insurance Company (PTIC) with corporate headquarters in Deerfield Beach. The innovation concept was to offer a solution that provides affordable rates and concierge claims service via a preferred contractor solution to satisfy all claims. After the untimely death of his co-founder partner in 2014, George assumed the role of CEO and President and took over the day- to-day operation of the company. The concept of this company was so successful that PTIC was recognized in 2013 as the Enterprise Florida Business Award Winner. It is clear that George Schaeffer is an individual of extraordinary character.
Success and fortune did not change the man. In fact, it gave him the ability to begin the process of righting the ills he and his family experienced during the horrors of war and life under a totalitarian regime. Herein begins what I am calling exponential giving back. The success of the companies offered him a platform for not only local and community giving back but to be able to make an impact on a global scale. In order to accomplish their philanthropic goals, he formed the George and Irina Schaeffer Foundation in 2009. The focus of
People’s Trust Insurance Company
THELIGHTMAG.COM 27
George Schaeffer
the Foundation was to
support a wide range
of community needs,
scholarships for stud-
ents, medical research,
humanitarian projects,
and educational efforts.
Examples of their med-
ical philanthropy have
been substantial sup-
port for The American
Heart Association, The
Leukemia Foundation,
and the National Lung Association. However, they have not limited their giving to medical needs. Both George and Irina are strong proponents of humani- tarian aid as well. They regularly support a series of Universities, Jewish cultural centers, and music conservatories.
humanity is capable of committing against one another. In George’s own words, “It will always remind us that we live in a fragile society, and we cannot afford to for- get that a world that closes its eyes to hatred and bigotry is a world that has no future.” At a local level, and most recently, Florida Atlantic
George often serves on Boards that are the recipient of the Foundation’s giving and, as such, he has received a great deal of recognition for his hu- manitarian and philanthropic efforts. One such specific focus for them has been the Bnai Zion Foundation where George currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board after previously serving as its Presi- dent. He has served on this Board for 52 years. This organization was able to build the George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in 2013 to offer music education to children and adults and to also build the George and Irina Schaeffer Cultural Center in 2017. Both of these structures are improving the lives of all Israelis.
Other awards bestowed on George have been The City of Hope Cancer Center’s most prestigious honor, the Spirit of Life Award, in 2012. In 2013, he was awarded the Senate Medal by the Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary. This award was for his great work in propagating for the continuing Institute’s Visual History Archive. The archive exists to remind future generations of the injustices that
Lucky for us, George continues as a resident of South Florida where he resides with his lovely wife Irina whom he married in 2011. Together they have three children and, as you can imagine, they are spread around the country but remain closely con- nected. George is a shining example of what I am often reminded of when researching and writing this article, “From humble beginnings come great things.” He is a person who is not ashamed of his humble beginnings; in fact, he embraces them. They are a continual reminder of how far he has come which then affords him the focus to share that success with his fellow humanity and yes to take one more step into the unknown in order to continue
his journey.
28 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Irina & George Schaeffer
University’s College of Business designated George as its 30th Business Leader of The Year for his inno- vative work in establishing Peoples Trust Insurance Company. This recognition is alongside a series of local initiatives that George has put in place to directly impact his local community. He routinely supports local food drives, clothing drives, assist- ance for families in distress, and hurricane relief efforts for Florida and the Bahamas. Our local EMS folks look forward each year to when he “gets down” with them for a PTIC-funded event honoring their efforts via a day of fun and food.
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THELIGHTMAG.COM 29
THE
THE
THE
Spring Cleaning
Now Is The Perfect Time To Clean Out Your Closet
by RENE TURNER
Are you someone who has too many clothes to fit in your closet, yet you never have anything to wear?
If you are like me you can accumulate a lot of stuff. And I tend to be a “saver”. So here are some simple recommendations on how to clean your closet and get yourself a little more organized. The benefit of being organized is you can enjoy what you wear and know what
you have instead of searching or digging for something in a messy closet.
Easy steps to follow:
1. Ask yourself when is the last time
I wore this? When will I wear it again?
2. Is the size right for you or are you saving it for when you lose weight?
3. How long has it been in your closet?
4. Does it project the image I want
to project?
5. Does it itch or scratch?
30 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
6. Does it pinch my toes? Are the heels too high?
7. Do I like the color?
8. If you wouldn’t buy it today then
get rid of it.
9. Is it age appropriate?
Consignment & giveaway
You have clothes, shoes and purses you have never worn, or worn only once. Take them
to consignment if they are like new or ask a friend or relative if they would like to have the items. If not, the giveaway pile should go to a local charity.
Throw-away pile
If something is worn, stained or simply in bad condition, put it in your throw-away pile. Organizing your closet and finally parting with your fashion past can be challenging!
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THELIGHTMAG.COM 31
A major distraction has departed the team together with his expensive salary. Although Butler is an excellent player, his departure will have the benefit of opening opportunities to other old and new team mem-
bers. The players received in return, forward Andrew Wiggins and guard Davion Mitchell, are good and solid, providing excel- lent back-up and depth for the playoff run.
Once Butler announced that he no longer wanted to be a part
of the Heat, Jovic and Jaquez have enjoyed more playing time and they both have re- sponded well. The loss of a roster spot has also opened the door a crack for Ware who
Tyler Herro
THE FUTURE OF THE HEAT JUST
BECAME MORE EXCITING
by LARRY TURNER
32 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Jimmy Butler
has also demonstrated that he can play at this level. The advan- tage he provides is not only his height at 7’; he also weighs in at over 240 lbs. and that combin- ation is sorely needed by Miami. Rozier too has registered ad- ditional minutes and can clear- ly open space for the 3-point
shooters like Herro and also spread the floor to create more scoring options for the rest of the team. Bam’s game has been off a little in the New Year, but his other contributions more than make up for this cooling off of his scoring efforts.
Whatever happens from now to the end of the regular season, the team’s book guarantees some exciting chapters before the
playoffs begin. What looked like it
would be a humdrum season is turn- ing into the type of excitement we are not accustomed to witnessing. The attendance and audience are sure to grow and experience some thrills that are long past due.
Jamie Jaquez
Photos Courtesy Of Miami Heat
THELIGHTMAG.COM 33
34 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Bamboo Forest in China
Endangered Species
GIANT PANDA
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
Giant Panda
- STATUS: VULNERABLE -
The panda is listed as vulnerable in the endangered species category because there are only about 1860 pandas left in the wild. This peaceful creature with its black and white coat is considered a national treasure in China and is adored by the world. The panda is so loved, one of the main organizations dedicated to preserving wildlife, “World Wildlife Foundation “also known as “WWF,” uses the panda as its logo. This or- ganization was invited by China to assist in their pres- ervation.
Pandas live mainly in bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China. These high bamboo for- ests are cool and wet, just as pandas like it.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 35
Endangered Species GIANT PANDA
They exist by eating bamboo and due to the low nutritional value of bamboo they must eat 20 to 40 or more pounds of it every day. Occas- ionally pandas will eat other available food, including small rodents, eggs, fish and other flora. Bamboo provides a good amount of water, but pandas need to supplement this with fresh water daily.
Pandas feed on several varieties of bamboo that bloom at different times of the year. If one type of bamboo is destroyed by development, it can leave the pandas with nothing to eat during the time it normally blooms, increasing the risk of starvation. Bamboo leaves contain the high- est protein levels; stems have less. Pandas are often seen eating in a relaxed sitting posture, with their hind legs stretched out before them.
Adult pandas can weigh between 150 and 330 pounds and are about three to four feet in height. The panda is in the bear family and they are excellent tree climbers. A panda’s lifespan in the wild is 20 years. Giant pandas are solitary. They have a highly developed sense of smell that males use to avoid each other and to find females for mating.
Pandas between 4-8 years of age reach maturity and can reproduce. However, female pandas are only able to become pregnant for 2-3 days each spring. This is another challenge in maintaining the panda population. Male and female pandas find each other through scents and calls similar to that of goats or sheep. They do not roar like other bears.
36 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Giant Panda Walking Through The Bamboo Forest
The female panda will give birth after five months. The newborn cub is blind, hairless, and tiny, weighing only 3-5 oz. The panda cub is born white and sometimes there are two panda cubs, which is difficult for the female cub to take care of. Com- pletely helpless, the cub cannot move much on its own for nearly 3 months. In turn, the mother is very protective and careful in tending to her cub during this time. The fact that pandas reproduce so infrequently, it is very difficult for their popula- tion to recover from their vulnerable status.
Pandas play a crucial role in the bamboo forests where they live by spreading seeds and facilitating growth of vegetation. In the Yangtze Basin where pandas live, the forests are home to a stunning array of wildlife such as dwarf blue sheep, multi- colored pheasants and other endangered species, including the golden monkey and crested ibis.
The panda’s habitat is at the geographic and eco- nomic heart of China, home to millions of people. Pandas bring huge economic benefits to local communities through ecotourism.
Because the panda’s home is in the heart of this county, roads and railroads fragment the forest which isolates panda population and prevents mating. Another factor why the panda is so vulner- able is forest destruction that reduces the bears’ access to the bamboo they need to survive. The Chinese government has established more than 50 panda reserves, but only 60% of the country’s panda population is protected by these reserves. While hunting the panda is not allowed, they are still often killed accidentally by hunters seeking other animals in panda habitats.
Giant Panda Eating Bamboo
Although adult giant pandas have few natural predators other than humans, young cubs are vul- nerable to attacks by snow leopards, eagles, feral dogs, and the Asian black bear. Sub-adults weigh- ing up to 110 lb. may be vulnerable to predation by leopards.
State Forestry Administration surveys have con- cluded that the panda population has increased since the Chinese government’s actions, and in 2016 the International Union for Conservation of Nature upgraded the giant panda’s status from Endangered to Vulnerable. While an increasing panda population is good news, it is predicted that climate change will eliminate over 35% of the panda’s bamboo habitat in the next 80 years.
By the end of 2017, there were 520 giant pandas living in captivity worldwide. Much of what is known about pandas comes from studying these zoo animals, because their wild cousins are so rare and elusive.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 37
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KIA EV6 2025
by RIC GREEN
There are a lot of things you can say about the 2025 Kia EV6, but I doubt you would have ex- pected to hear “641 horsepower and 258 lb.- ft of torque” when info on this top-of-the-line GT model was revealed. And that is one of the positives the new model has in its quiver.
The EV6 gets an extensive update for 2025, its first since the electric crossover went on sale three years ago. The changes include revised styling, greater battery capacity, new feature content and, in the case of the afore-mentioned 2025 Kia EV6 GT, greater performance.
But there are better options out there if you are after a comfortable ride or lots of cargo space. If you want a fun EV SUV to drive, there are few options that are as entertaining as the EV6. The Kia’s suspension tuning is stiffer and the whole car is distinctly sportier. The EV6’s sharp steer- ing makes it responsive and easy to control around turns.
It is also quick. Our all-wheel-drive GT-Line test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than a comparable Ford Mus- tang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 and about the same as the Tesla Model Y Long Range. The EV6 is also easy to drive thanks to its smooth power and adjustable brake regeneration.
The standard battery increases in size from 58 kWh to 63 kWh, and the long-range battery that is standard on all but the Light trim goes from 77.4 kWh to 84 kWh. Kia says this will result in a range of 319 miles in long-range rear-wheel- drive models, up from 310 miles. The bigger battery also allows for a 400-pound increase in towing (to 2,700 pounds), and the EV6 now automatically detects trailer weight and adjusts distance-to-empty accordingly.
40 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
The EV6’s infotainment system does boast new features as well. There is a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Kia Connect Store lets drivers add entertain- ment and connectivity apps including matching the interior colors to your favorite NBA team.
But I think the best changes for 2025 are its looks.
The design is subtly different than before, center- ed around new triangular-shaped headlights. A thin LED daytime running light above the main unit meets up with an illuminated strip spanning the gloss black trim piece, while the lower grille gains a new trapezoidal geometric pattern. The
shape of the curved full-width taillights stays the same, but the LED graphics have been up- dated, and the rear bumper gets a fresh look too. The wheel designs are also fresh, with 19- or 21-inch sizes, depending on the trim.
All EV6s but the GT switched over to Tesla’s NACS charge port and, not only that, but the port itself has been moved to the left rear fender to match Tesla’s location and, therefore, make it easier to park at Superchargers.
If you are looking for an Electric Vehicle, I re- commend stopping by a Kia Dealer to check out their inventory of the EV6s.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 41
Our Common
Denominator Is Slipping
by LARRY TURNER
Years ago, there were certain common denom- inators among our citizens, whether they were Americans by birth or originally from a foreign country.
Some of those common features included being well spoken, again notwithstanding their country of birth. Residents from foreign countries made the effort and took the time to learn how to speak and understand English as Americans speak it.
Other common features were that the people were nicely dressed, not necessarily in expensive wear but they looked clean and neat. They were generally neighborly and, if they had children,
they were good parents. That did not mean lavishing their kids with everything they wanted but being stern when it was in the best interests of the kids.
Let’s return to the first common denominator mentioned, that being well spoken. I spend an inordinate amount of time in doctors’ offices and, when I do, I cannot help but overhear conversations among staff in the lobby offices that serve as check-ins for patients. They dis- cuss patients’ requirements but also matters of personal interest. There knowledge and use of English is at times appalling. What do you think
42 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
is going to happen to their children and grandchildren?
There are a few more categories of language users that catch my atten- tion almost on a daily basis:
• Telephone operators who can barely speak the language but who you are required to deal with on various matters from credit card
issues to placing orders for ‘phone services.
• Sales personnel in retail stores who are barely aware of the basic attributes of the products they are selling and believe that obfuscation is easier than learning about them.
• Waiters in restaurants who believe that act- ing aloof provides them with the appearance of professionalism regardless of the actual quality of their service.
• Unfortunately, I could continue indefinitely but there is one last category that makes my skin crawl. Entertainers, including sports figures, when permitted to carry
on unrestrained by interviewers elicit a style of speech that would make the toughest language professor cringe.
The lesson is that no matter the country or re- gion we choose to reside in, we owe the occu- pants of those areas a diligent effort to speak the language correctly and to bring up our children and grandchildren to emulate us. The same applies to cleanliness and dress, as well as to develop a neighborly relationship with those around us.
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THELIGHTMAG.COM 43
The Easter Holiday
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
The origin of the Easter Bunny dates back hundreds of years, beginning in pre-Christian Germany. There, the hare was said to be the symbol of the Pagan Goddess of Spring and Fertility. As Christianity spread across Europe, Pagan traditions were blended with Christian holidays, which saw the Easter Bunny lay a nest of colorful eggs on Easter Sunday.
The act of painting eggs originates from a Ukrainian tradition. For countless generations, Ukrainians have been decorating eggs as a calling out to the Gods and Goddesses of health and fertility. This colorful custom didn’t take off until Ukrainian immigrants came to the U.S.
44 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
It was during the 19th century that the Fry family of Bristol ran the largest chocolate factory in the world and produced the first chocolate egg, in 1873. It was two years later in 1875 that saw Cadbury’s make their first Easter egg. The Creme Egg is the most popular egg-shaped chocolate in the world.
If you ever wondered why Easter Sunday changes date every year, it’s down to the lunar calendar and the position of the moon. Easter in fact falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that takes place on or after March 21st, which is the begin- ning of spring.
Americans spend the most money on food for Easter. While that includes traditional main courses like ham and lamb, the biggest food purchase is
eggs. According to Insider, a whopping 180 mill- ion eggs are purchased for Easter every year.
Candy is another major purchase during Easter that’s a lot of chocolate bunnies and eggs!
THELIGHTMAG.COM 45
Trevor Sandford / Shutterstock.com
The Easter Holiday
Most of the Easter candy purchased is chocolate. It is estimated that over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced every year. Sixty million of those are consumed in the U.S. alone.
Americans consume an average of 91 million choco- late bunnies, 16 billion jelly beans and 1.5 billion Peeps each year for Easter, Insider reported. The United States is the leading importer of chocolate worldwide. Nestle is arguably the world’s largest F&B company with over 2000 brands across 191 countries. Its confectionery division, which dates back to 1875, is however its most innovative having created the world’s first milk
chocolate in 1875, and invented white chocolate in 1936. They em- ploy an estimated 330,000 people.
Americans will consume more than 16 million jelly beans. Cherry is the most popular jelly bean flavor.
Other popular categories for Easter spending include flowers where the anticipated spend was 1.5 billion, decorations at $1.43 billion, and greet- ing cards at $1.08 billion.
Americans do their Easter shopping at the big- box retailer Walmart followed by The Dollar Store and Target.
The reasons people spend so much on Easter is because it is considered a social event to celebrate with family and friends. Other factors are store displays and decorations.
Easter has a long history in- cluding “The White House Eas- ter Egg Roll” event that has been celebrated by the Presi- dent of the United States and their families since 1878.
Easter is a very good time for retailers.
46 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025
Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com
You Want To Move
My wife and I have reached that time in life when couples start thinking about whether they should depart from their single- family home in favor of a condo near a beach and a gorgeous body of water.
There are literally dozens of
pros and cons with respect to
each style of living, many of a legal nature which we will not address. Although I strong- ly favor one choice over the other, I will try to be as fair and objective as possible in intro- ducing some of the factors to be considered
in reaching a decision on this issue.
Let’s start with my favorite chore around the house, tak- ing out the trash. Our routine is to take it from the kitchen daily to the trash carts, as they are now called, which reside on the side of the house. Not
a long walk, but it helps not to have to dodge rain drops. Then, twice a week the carts have to be dragged to the street so the city can have them emptied by their disposal service. Again, not a big deal, weather permitting.
To A What
by LARRY TURNER
48 THE LIGHT MARCH / APRIL 2025