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If there was anyone who knew the rewards of slavery, it was George Washington. Over a period of about 50 years, the nation’s first president enslaved about 577 Black Americans, starting when he was 11 years old. What Florida Gets Wrong about George Washington and the Benefits He Received From Enslaving Black People. In this 1853 painting, George Washington stands among Black field workers. Buyenlarge/Getty Images One of them was a Black man named Morris who was skilled in carpentry and became an overseer of other enslaved men and women working on a farm at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. Though Morris’ skills afforded him a few extra benefits, he was still unable to buy what he coveted most – freedom. Despite the existence of voluminous public records that reveal Washington’s treatment of Morris and other human property he owned, Florida officials want public school educators to instead emphasize Washington’s efforts to abolish slavery. As a scholar of slavery in the U.S., my research has shown that Washington’s efforts to free Black people pale in comparison to how he fought to keep Black people enslaved. Washington’s benefits from slavery After marrying the widow Martha Custis in 1759, Washington had big plans for Mount Vernon. Not content to grow only tobacco, he diversified, planting over 60 crop varieties and producing value-added products like flour, beer and whiskey. In addition to operating five separate farming units, Washington wanted to nearly triple the size of his Mount Vernon mansion from 3,500 square feet to 11,000. To accomplish that goal, Washington put skilled enslaved carpenters like Morris to work. Washington hadn’t paid anything for Morris or his carpentry training. Morris was born enslaved to Martha Custis’ first father-in-law, and when Custis and Washington got married, the fruits of Morris’ labor became Washington’s property. By the time Washington brought him to Mount Vernon in Virginia’s Fairfax County, Morris was 30 years old and had already trained as a carpenter in nearby New Kent County. In addition to using Black enslaved people, Washington hired white overseers to deploy their “utmost endeavours to hurry and drive” Black workers. The work never ended for enslaved Black people. Because skilled carpenters were scarce in Fairfax County, Washington hired them out to neighbors to make money once their work was finished at Mount Vernon. According to economist William A. “Sandy” Darity Jr. and folklorist A. Kirsten Mullen, the lost wages cost generations of African Americans the modern equivalent of $14 trillion in stolen wealth. A portrait of George Washington with an enslaved Black boy.Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images Life as an enslaved overseer Washington had different plans for Morris. Impressed by his carpentry skills, he decided to keep Morris at Mount Vernon and promote him to work as an overseer. Morris may not have wanted to oversee a dozen other enslaved workers, but Washington held out a carrot. Morris’ wife, Hannah, an enslaved woman who worked on another farm, could live with him. Washington permitted only 1 in 3 married people to live together at Mount Vernon. George Washington’s slave quarters at Mount Vernon, Virginia.Independent Picture Service/Universal Images Group via Getty Images At 37, Morris started his management career. It was hard work. Morris oversaw teams of farm workers, making sure other enslaved people kept shoulders to the plow. He sent progress reports up the management chain and was responsible for crops and livestock. Morris accounted for tools, responded to emergencies and was accountable for thefts and runaways. When a killing frost struck in 1768, he had to control damage. He had all the headaches of a middle manager with a small fraction of the pay and no ability to move on. After two seasons, Washington started paying “my overseer Morris” about one-tenth the salary of a free overseer. That bought Morris and Hannah a few comforts but wasn’t enough to save any money. Unlike white overseers, who could parlay a few years’ wages into their own farms, Morris and Hannah built no wealth. And a path to freedom was out of the question, even though his master called the farm “Morris’.” Based on Morris’ success, Washington promoted other enslaved people into management. Davy Gray was about 16 years old when Washington brought him to Mount Vernon from his home in Hanover County, 80 miles away. By the time Gray turned 27, he had become overseer of Washington’s Mill Tract farm and went on to manage other farms for three decades. Whenever Mount Vernon had management troubles, Gray filled in. But unlike the white overseers, Gray couldn’t quit and start his own farming business. Washington’s legacy on slavery After winning the American Revolution, Washington expressed hesitation over slavery but said of the children he enslaved, “I Expect to Reap the Benefit of their Labour Myself.” Washington recognized Black talent, even if he didn’t reward it. While president, he commended Gray and wrote that he “carries on his business as well as the white Overseers, and with more quietness than any of them.” That same year, Gray begged his master to no avail for adequate food, reporting that “what his people received was not sufficient, and that to his certain knowledge several of them would often be without a mouthful for a day.” Despite opposition from abolitionists, as president, Washington signed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 that authorized federal police power to recapture runaway human property. In one instance, Washington doggedly pursued one of his wife’s enslaved maids for nearly 50 years. Ona Judge escaped and never returned to enslavement. In his will, Washington set free 123 enslaved people, including a Black woman named Kate who was “old” and presumably freed in 1799, the year Washington died. In this 1800 painting, George Washington watches over a group of enslaved Black people working in a field at Mount Vernon.Hulton Archive/Getty Images Kate became a midwife at Mount Vernon and performed surgery on infants. She was married to another enslaved manager named Will. When she applied for the job of midwife, or “Granny,” she argued that “she was full as well qualified for this purpose as those into whose hands it was entrusted.” At the time, Washington was paying about what an entry level nurse earns today to Mount Vernon’s white midwife, who was married to a white overseer. Though Kate got the job, with all the responsibility of delivering babies, she received none of the pay. She did receive her freedom, but her husband, Will, Davy Gray and Morris did not. Morris died at age 66 on the farm he managed for 25 years. Like Morris, Gray was property of the heirs of Martha Washington and likely ended his days enslaved by one of Martha’s grandchildren. By Calvin Schermerhorn Professor of History, Arizona State University. Special thanks to The Conversation

The Hellenic Cultural Society has announced that on October 14, 15 & 21, 2023, the 1st South Florida Greek Film Festival will be held in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida’s film program celebrates and promotes the work and talent of established and emerging Greek, Cypriot and Hellenic Heritage filmmakers. A celebration of film as art by presenting an eclectic selection of full-length films, documentaries, and shorts. All screenings will have English subtitles. The mission of the not-for-profit organization is to promote Hellenism, explore its relevance in our modern world, and to enrich South Florida’s cultural landscape. Through the South Florida Greek Film Festival, The Hellenic Cultural Society hopes to bring communities together in appreciation of film and language. To learn more visit https://hellenicculturalsocietyofsouthflorida.org/ Cheers to foreign films! By ML Staff. Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

The battle between The Walt Disney Co. and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over LGBTQ rights and whether those rights should be acknowledged – let alone taught – in schools has spurred an unlikely alliance between progressives and one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies. Is Disney really a ‘woke’ corporation? AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack Progressive groups such as The Human Rights Campaign have welcomed Disney to their cause, while progressive columnists at The Daily Beast and MSNBC have cheered Disney’s recent lawsuit against DeSantis. The suit, filed in April 2023, alleges that DeSantis violated the company’s free speech rights by retaliating against Disney for opposing a Florida education law that would prevent teachers from instructing early grades on LGBTQ issues. DeSantis has decried Disney as a “woke” company and sought to punish the media conglomerate by stripping the company of its powers to control development in and around Disney World in Orlando. While joining forces with corporations to achieve political ends can be advantageous, given their tremendous resources, it also poses risks for progressives, who may suffer setbacks when their principles no longer align with corporate profits. Just look at how quickly Bud Light backed away from a transgender social media influencer promoting the beer when conservatives threatened boycotts and sales slipped. Before the backlash, a top marketing executive had said the brand needed to become more inclusive; afterward Bud Light said it would focus marketing on sports and music. I am a professor of political science who studies corporate political rights and the role corporations play in the public square. Disney v. DeSantis raises questions of how advocates of free speech and democracy should approach a situation when a corporation joins their side. Power to persuade Business interests have long tried to influence public policy, even before the landmark Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC lifted restrictions on corporate spending on elections. Corporations spend billions of dollars each year to lobby Congress and billions more lobbying state legislators. They finance think tanks and foundations that promote their views and interests. They place “advertorials” in local newspapers’ op-ed pages. Citizens United, decided in 2010, cemented corporations’ right to participate in politics. The High Court ruled that political spending amounts to protected speech, and governments cannot infringe on corporations’ right to free speech by limiting the money companies can spend to influence voters through advertising and other means. Progressives have blasted the decision for unleashing torrents of corporate cash that they say is corrupting the political system. Ironically – at least for progressives – Disney’s lawsuit against DeSantis is based in part on the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling and the free speech rights it established for corporations. In the statement that caused trouble with DeSantis, Disney showed itself a reasonable partner for advocates of LGBTQ rights. The statement went beyond just criticizing the legislation. Disney vowed to help overturn the law, which critics derided as “Don’t say gay.” “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts,” the company said in the statement. “We remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.” Disney has since demonstrated its willingness to use its resources and power to take on DeSantis over the issue of LGBTQ rights, including filing the lawsuit, which centers on Disney’s advocacy against the Florida law. In May, Disney canceled a US$1 billion office project in Orlando that would have brought an estimated 2,000 jobs to Florida. These actions show the extraordinary resources that corporations can bring to bear in support of political causes, and progressives have welcomed these resources in advancing their issues. For example, many progressives supported Major League Baseball when it moved its 2021 All-Star Game from Atlanta to protest Georgia’s restrictive voting laws and lauded two Atlanta-based companies, Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, for their support of MLB. Before coming out against DeSantis’ bill, Disney stayed quiet, which prompted some employees to stage a protest in early 2022.AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack Politics and profits But progressives’ efforts to harness the powers of global companies come with risks. Corporations’ loyalties tend to lie with profits and shareholders, and the political principles that companies embrace may get quickly discarded when profits are threatened. The Vanguard Group’s retreat from the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to reduce carbon emissions when it felt pressure from investors reveals this vulnerability. Political alliances, of course, can shift as circumstances change. Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, branded candidate Donald Trump as a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” in 2015 but became one of the former president’s staunchest supporters following Trump’s election in 2016. Corporations are not unlike other players in the political sphere. As the previous examples show, most groups or people – whether businesses, advocates, or political leaders – will pursue their own interests and adjust their positions to achieve them. But because corporations are market-oriented, they can be even more inconsistent allies than is usually the case with politicians, parties, and interest groups. Target Corp., for example, altered some displays and merchandise promoting Pride month – the annual celebration of the LGBTQ community – after a backlash from some customers. The graver danger comes if corporations take actions or positions inimical to those of their allies and turn corporate power and resources to positions contrary to the groups with which they are momentarily aligned. Thus, conservatives were staggered to learn that Chick-fil-A, a reliable supporter of conservative causes, hired a vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. They even threatened to boycott the fast-food restaurant chain. Progressives would be naive to reject the power and influence of corporations when their interests intersect, as they have in Disney v. DeSantis. They would be just as naive to assume that corporations would consistently support a cause or treat employees, customers or the communities in which they operate with fairness because of laudable positions on public policies. Corporate interests – including profits, share prices, customer bases, and employee relations – are the primary drivers of business decisions, not a commitment to the range of progressive issues from racial diversity to LGBTQ rights to climate change that critics deride as “wokeness.” So, while DeSantis and other conservatives may sound alarms about Disney and the rise of the “woke” corporation, in reality, there may be no such thing. By Steven Gerencser Professor of Political Science, Indiana University. Special thanks to The Conversation.

On Monday, Aug. 21, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) celebrated the first day of school with a tropical theme in all cafeterias. Throughout the district, cafeterias were decorated with flowers and other tropical décor and staff dressed in Hawaiian shirts and leis. Students enjoyed Cool Tropics Raspberry Passion Fruit Slushies and ABC cookies and received handouts, stickers and plenty of tropical cheer in their cafeterias. In an act of solidarity, the district stands with those affected by the recent devastating fires in Maui. Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata was present at Pembroke Lakes Elementary to wish students a wonderful – and delicious – first day of school. Cool Tropics, a BCPSFNS partner, hosted the 2022–2023 school year surfboard design contest where then eighth grader Helen Sarmiento was named the grand prize winner. She was present at Western High School in Davie where she was starting her freshman year and enjoyed a Cool Tropics Raspberry Passion Fruit Slush with her winning design. BCPS is also pleased to announce it is offering free breakfast and lunch to ALL District students during the 2023/24 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and a new pilot program for Universal Free Lunch. Through the Community Eligibility Provision program, BCPS is providing free breakfast and lunch at no cost for all students at 180 eligible District schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers CEP to schools where 40% or more of the student population qualifies for programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid and Extension of Benefits. Families at these schools do not need to complete an application to participate. The new Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot will be implemented in the remaining 47 non-Community Eligibility Provision (non-CEP) schools. The Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot will provide reimbursable lunch meals to all students in non-CEP schools, regardless of students’ eligibility. To sustain the Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot and to be eligible for additional District benefits, parents are urged to complete the online application for Meal Benefits and the Income Survey Form. Both forms are available at www.myschoolapps.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of BCPS.

Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea® is dedicated to fulfilling the special needs requirements for persons who want to travel but may need mobility aides, oxygen or other equipment. Officer Reyes from the Broward County Sheriff Office’s Homeless Outreach Unit stopped by Special Needs Group’s warehouse alerting the company that someone had their belongings stolen after falling asleep on a city bus. Without the assistance of a walking aid, he is unable to walk. Special Needs Group immediately knew that they had to do something to help, so they donated a walker for them to keep. Special Needs Group is grateful for Officer Reyes and Broward County Sheriff Office’s Homeless Outreach Unit for giving them the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. More on Special Needs Group ® / Special Needs at Sea ® Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea®, a medical equipment and supply company, is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. It also offers a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, and convention centers. Special Needs Group is the travel industry’s only total special needs travel solution. Special Needs Group provides service in 217 metropolitan areas and cities located in 70 countries. It is located at 302 NW 1st Street, Dania Beach, FL 33004. For more information, visit www.specialneedsgroup.com or call 1-800-513-4515. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Special Needs Group.

It’s time to “GO ORANGE!” Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – will host its Annual Outrun Hunger 5K in Palm Beach County in celebration of Hunger Action Day which also takes place on Saturday, Sept. 23. Runners, families and community leaders of all ages will come together to take steps in the beautiful Okeeheelee Park to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida. Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative created by Feeding America®, takes place throughout September and is designed to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in America and inspire others to take action toward ending it. Throughout the month, Feeding South Florida will offer a range of events and activities to encourage South Florida residents to “GO ORANGE” and engage in various hunger-relief efforts. Outrun Hunger race day check-in opens at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. After the race, an awards ceremony and a raffle will take place. Participants can join the event as an individual or a team and conduct online fundraising prior to race day. Register at: feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ For more information about Feeding South Florida’s Annual Outrun Hunger 5K or Hunger Action Month visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Feeding South Florida

Spencer T. Kuvin, Esq. B.C.S., chief legal officer with GOLDLAW, was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation ― Plaintiffs in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is the 13th year that Kuvin has been included in The Best Lawyers in America. He was first recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2012. A Board Certified® civil trial lawyer by the Florida Bar, Kuvin handles many of the firm’s critical personal injury cases, particularly the litigation process in high-profile cases related to wrongful death, nursing home abuse/neglect, sexual assault and brain injury. Kuvin is widely known for litigating against Jeffrey Epstein over the past decade, where he has represented nine of Epstein’s victims, as well as other celebrity cases such as representing sexual assault victim Chloe Goins in her pursuit of justice against her attacker, disgraced comedian Bill Cosby. He has obtained numerous multi-million dollar verdicts on behalf of injured clients. Kuvin is recognized by the Martindale Hubbell peer review process with an “AV Preeminent” rating, a ranking issued by other lawyers for the highest level of legal professional excellence and ethics. He teaches extensively, educating other attorneys at continuing legal action seminars, and is widely regarded as an expert in sexual assault civil litigation. He holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, with honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami Gardens, Florida; and a Bachelor of Science in economics from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. “It is a great accomplishment for Spencer to have been selected for The Best Lawyers in America list for 10 years,” said Craig M. Goldenfarb, Esq., founder of GOLDLAW. “This designation reflects the longtime respect he has earned from his peers for his dedication to the personal injury litigation field when representing plaintiffs. Spencer is a great asset to our firm.” “I’m honored to be recognized once again by Best Lawyers,” said Kuvin. “I enjoy the challenge of standing up for those that seemingly have the odds stacked against them and have achieved great success for my clients.” For the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 13.7 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 76,000 leading lawyers included in the milestone 30th edition. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. Best Lawyers® has published its list for more than four decades, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 75 countries. The entire The Best Lawyers in America list can be viewed at www.bestlawyers.com/America. More About GOLDLAW ― Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.: Founded in 2002, GOLDLAW has offices in West Palm Beach and St. Port Lucie, Florida, representing clients injured in auto accidents, slip-and-falls, nursing home abuse, inadequate security, or any other incident where someone’s negligence causes another person to be injured or killed. With more than 250 combined years of legal experience, GOLDLAW is prepared to handle any personal injury cases in Florida. Visit GOLDLAW.com or call (561) 222-2222. By ML Staff. Image of GOLDLAW

Durée & Company, an award-winning full-service public relations and marketing firm founded in 1999 in Fort Lauderdale, recently won Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s Best PR Agency of 2023 award. The magazine’s readers cast more than 35,000 votes to determine winners of its “Best of Fort Lauderdale 2023” rankings. The recognition reflects Durée & Company’s deep roots in the Fort Lauderdale community, its dedication to serving its clients with the highest standards of PR excellence, and its standout work in public relations. Fort Lauderdale Magazine is a reflection of the people, places, events, issues and concerns that shape local residents’ lives, influence their decisions and provide for a vibrant existence in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Magazine informs, challenges, delights, and inspires the people who live, work, and play in the city. With strong connections in the area and extensive local knowledge, Durée & Company has been a pivotal force in the Fort Lauderdale story, assisting businesses and spearheading initiatives. The firm’s understanding of the community's pulse and its invaluable network of local connections have enabled it to create compelling PR campaigns that resonate. Founded by Durée Ross, who was born and raised in South Florida, the firm comprises a team of seasoned professionals who understand clients’ needs and deliver impactful campaigns, taking a hands-on and strategic approach. “Receiving this recognition from the readers of Fort Lauderdale Magazine is especially significant because it's not just an award; it's an affirmation from the very heart of the community that we serve and support,” said Ross. “This award is as much a celebration of our contributions as it is of the vibrant city we proudly represent.” Durée & Company’s practice areas include real estate, nonprofit, hospitality, business, lifestyle, health and wellness, legal, yacht and marine as well as cannabis, psychedelics, and other emerging industries. While the firm’s longtime headquarters is in Fort Lauderdale, it also maintains a satellite office in Aspen, Colorado. For more information about Durée & Company’s services, visit https://dureeandcompany.com/ or call the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office at 954-723-9350. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Durée & Company

This September Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties – embarks on Hunger Action Month with free and affordable events the entire community can participate in to take action and stand against hunger. Currently, one in nine individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal, in addition to the 1.1 million hungry families who are receiving food assistance from Feeding South Florida. This is why, Feeding South Florida encourages the community to prepare in advance of September to determine how their municipality, company, civic or social group, friends and family members will “GO ORANGE” and mobilize the various hunger-relief events found on feedingsouthflorida.org/events/. An online auction during the month will allow bidders to access to fun, unique items while supporting hunger-relief. Go Orange t-shirts and orange moustaches will be available for purchase to raise awareness about hunger and inspire others to take action towards ending it. Monetary donations will go further during September with a one-to-one match. Every donation is critical as $1 donated allows Feeding South Florida to provide approximately four meals to a family in need. Hunger Action Events: Special Hunger Action Volunteer Shifts (Sept. 1 – Sept. 29) – The community is invited to volunteer to sort food and pack meal boxes for families, children and seniors and be part of the hands-on efforts to feed South Florida. Orange-themed events, prizes and more will be available to Go Orange during the month. Cost: FREE Moustache Monday (Sept. 18) – Purchase an orange moustache to wear on this day to show support for the Feeding South Florida’s hunger-relief efforts. Capture a selfie to post and tag: @FeedingSouthFlorida on Facebook, @feedingsouthflorida on Instagram and @feedingsouthfl on Twitter using hashtags: #hungeractionmonth, #endhunger, #goorange. Cost: $5 Outrun Hunger 5K (Saturday, Sept. 23/Also Hunger Action Day) – This event takes place at the beautiful Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33413). Participants can run or walk as an individual or a team and raise funds online before race day for Feeding South Florida. This is a great event for running groups and fitness classes to attend to obtain a benchmark run time. Cost: $25 for registration; $40 for registration + 5K T-shirt; $250 for Hunger Hero package. “Hunger Action Month is a great opportunity for the community to come together and be a part of the solution. This month-long initiative has a tangible and lasting impact on Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in South Florida,” stated Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “It’s important to remember that our community is still experiencing the effects of increased inflation with rising food costs, fuel prices, ballooning insurance premiums and increased housing costs. Earning at or below minimum wage and living on it in South Florida is not easy to do in this environment, this means more families will continue to need food assistance for a longer period of time as this trend continues.” For more information about Hunger Action Month, please visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ or contact Kimberly Heimiller at 954-518-1818 x1856 or kheimiller@feedingsouthflorida.org. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Feeding South Florida

Sea Tow, recognized throughout the marine industry as Your Road Service at Sea®, has seen another busy summer on the water, and unfortunately, too many boaters lacking in preparedness and education. With an estimated 100 million Americans that go boating each year, advocating for safety is critical for the enjoyment and wellbeing for all who spend time on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2022 there were 636 boating fatalities nationwide – the rate of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels – resulting in $63 million worth of property damage. Nearly three fourths of these fatalities happened on a boat where the operator didn’t have safety training. Alcohol was also the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 88 deaths, or 16% of total fatalities. As this trend continues, Sea Tow is urging boaters to educate themselves and properly prepare. While many safe boating tips may be second nature, there’s additional tips that boaters should keep in mind. To ensure boaters stay safe, Sea Tow is sharing some top safety tips boaters should be cognizant of when heading out on the water. One hand for oneself and one for the ship – When on a moving vessel, boaters should always use one hand to steady themself, and one to work with. Wax and water make fiberglass a very slippery surface, so always have one hand free and one hand holding onto something when moving about the boat. This is especially true when the waves are making the boat rock back and forth. Take a boating safety class. Knowing how to boat properly and safely is essential for a fun time on the water. Many insurance companies even offer discounts for boaters who take an accredited boating safety education course. Don’t overload the boat – with people or gear – and consider weight distribution. Check the owner’s manual for the boat’s capacity and make sure to distribute weight evenly without blocking the captain’s visibility. Overloading a boat can cause hazards such as capsizing and difficulty navigating. Interior lights impair outward vision. Just like a car, boaters should shut off the boat’s interior lights and dim the GPS at night, so they don’t impair the captain’s sight. Have life jackets on board. When it comes to life jackets, everyone should be wearing them while making way, not just children. For those over 16 years of age choose an inflatable suspender style life jacket. Now available for $100 or less they are super comfortable and allow boaters to stay cool in the sun. Never bow ride. Just like an amusement park ride – keep hands, feet, legs, arms, etc. inside the boat and never sit on the gunwale of the bow. Only sit in seats that are designed for bowrider boats. Just because a boat may have bow deck cushions, doesn’t mean anyone should be sitting there while under way. Always make sure the engine is off and the key is out when people are in the water. No one should jump in the water before the captain says it’s safe to do so and the captain should never start the engine without checking to ensure there is no one swimming nearby. Taking the key out makes it harder to restart the boat and prompts the driver to double check for swimmers before starting the engine. This is done to avoid someone getting caught in the prop and getting severely injured or killed. Invest in new technology and designs for comfort and safety at the same time. Federal law now requires the use of engine cut offs in boats 26’ and less. Instead of having to wear the engine cut off kill switch coiled lanyard, invest in a wireless version. This allows captains to wear a fob around their neck or wrist which gives them the ability to move around the boat more freely. All passengers can also wear fobs so if someone falls overboard the engine is killed immediately. Appoint a look-out to assist the driver. Having someone else to keep an eye out for debris in the water, fishing pots or crab/lobster pot markers, kayakers and paddleboarders, approaching boats and other watercrafts helps avoid damage to the boat, prop entanglements and accidents. Always have an additional look out person to assist the captain while partaking in water sports such as wake boarding and tubing to keep an eye on those in the water and their location. Avoid running down battery while at anchor. Be careful how much the boat’s battery is used when the engine is not on. For example, if the radio is on all day, the boat’s battery may run down and the boat may not be able to start at the end of the day. Have a backup plan. A membership to Sea Tow is hands down the best value in boating. It’s having the peace of mind that if anything happens out on the water, someone is standing by to come help. “At Sea Tow, we are always prepared for the unexpected, as many mishaps can occur even under the best conditions. Our network of captains serves as a resource for boaters, both on and off the water,” said Sea Tow President, Kristen Frohnhoefer. “We want to empower boaters to become educated and anticipate potential issues before they arise, and that starts with a foundation of knowledge and good safety practices.” With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate of $199/year for Gold Card membership and $119/year for Lake Card membership and receive the most comprehensive on-water assistance services available. With more than 500+ ports nationwide, Sea Tow has boats on the water to service with 24/7 dispatch. Sea Tow offers its members free boat towing in their home area, tow coverage to repair facilities on all covered vessels, alternatives to towing such as battery jumps, fuel delivery, covered ungroundings and nationwide offshore coverage, along with additional paid on-water services such as boat salvage and recovery, vessel for hire and environmental response. Visit seatow.com to learn more or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. My ML Staff. Images courtesy of Sea Tow.

ATOOF, a new luxury artisanal heirloom brand, celebrated and unveiled a distinguished collection of meticulously handcrafted Jewish ritual objects this month in the Hamptons. Atoof brings forth an exquisite blend of thoughtful design, unmatched craftsmanship, and a profound respect for Jewish heritage and culture. The event featured a full moon meditation, sound healing, and dinner. The collection is available for purchase at atoofcollective.com. Atoof’s vision is to establish a new standard of elegance and sophistication within the Judaica category. Every piece in its collection is thoughtfully designed in New York City by its founders and meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in Mumbai, with a commitment to exceptional quality. Drawing inspiration from Jewish heritage and ancient Rabbinic text, Atoof's products embody a deep sense of spirituality and artistic expression. "At Atoof, our passion lies in infusing Jewish ritual objects with a renewed sense of beauty, artistry, and luxury. We believe that Judaica items should not only fulfill their religious purpose but also serve as cherished heirlooms that connect the user to his/her higher self. Atoof wishes to provide individuals with a profound connection to their faith through stunning Judaica pieces that enhance their spiritual journey." – Daniella Kahane, Co-Founder, ATOOF The debut collection from Atoof encompasses a collection of 13 unique Tallit Bags, Tefillin Bags, Challah Covers, and a Matzah Cover and Afikomen Set. Each of the 13 designs represents one of Jacob’s children – the gamut representing the diversity of the Jewish people. What sets Atoof apart is its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. Every item in its first collection is entirely handmade in Mumbai, India, by skilled artisans who possess a deep understanding of traditional techniques passed down through generations. By collaborating with these artisans, Atoof supports their livelihoods while ensuring that each heirloom piece attains the highest standards of quality and artistry. To celebrate its launch, Atoof revealed “WE ARE ATOOF” – a campaign that leans into the theme of its first collection - the children of Jacob, and feature the diversity of the Jewish people through an elevated portrait campaign that includes a diverse spectrum of individuals: including a Black Jew, Yemenite Jew, Asian Jew, a Holocaust survivor, and others. “Given the divisive times we are living in and the strong climate of antisemitism, we wanted to put together a campaign that would showcase the diversity of the Jewish people, a patchwork of different races and ethnicities from unique and diverse backgrounds, and highlight that what we share as a culture, a faith and a people is so much more powerful than what divides us.” - Maya Abitbol, Co-Founder, ATOOF About ATOOF: Atoof is a luxury Judaica brand dedicated to redefining elegance in Jewish ritual objects. With a focus on timeless design and unparalleled craftsmanship, Atoof creates exquisite Judaica pieces that elevate traditions and celebrate the beauty of Jewish heritage. Each item, including tallit bags, tefillin bags, challah covers, and a matza cover and afikomen set, is designed in New York City and entirely handmade by skilled artisans in Mumbai, India. Atoof is committed to supporting sustainability and ethical practices while delivering remarkable Judaica items that resonate with artistry, sophistication, and spiritual connection. Website: www.atoofcollective.com Instagram: @atoof.co By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Atoof

The CFDA Award-Winning Designer Milliner, Eugenia Kim, celebrates her 25th anniversary this year. Her timeless designs are modern and innovative, yet offer a playful approach to luxury by marrying clean, classic shapes with fresh, feminine styles. Her hats and handbags are the perfect accessories for a day on the beach, a boat, or a special event. "Hats are the ultimate cosmetic as the right hat can instantaneously transform the shape of the wearer's face." - Eugenia Kim Eugenia Kim is based in New York City, and originally caught the attention of the downtown scene after the milliner designed a feathered cloche to hide a bad haircut. Barney’s New York placed their first order in 2001, the same year that Jennifer Lopez wore the iconic camel felt floppy hat with a gold chain to the VMA’s, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, Eugenia Kim has gone on to dress celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, Charlize Theron, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Diane Kruger, Dakota Fanning, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kirsten Dunst. Eugenia Kim is sold online at www.eugeniakim.com and at major retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-A-Porter, and Neiman Marcus. Tried and true, the Timeless Collection showcases carefully selected evergreen staple pieces. These styles bring together the most popular silhouettes carried throughout the year. For example, the Mirabel oversized sunhat, made with natural textured straw and a grosgrain bow in multiple colors, or the Carlota straw tote with a satin bow – perfect for packing beach essentials like the Trixie visor, which marries the perfect combination of coverage and packability. With a velcro closure, the visor can be rolled up and easily added to your bag, tote, and luggage. Website: www.eugeniakim.com Instagram: EugeniaKimNYC