Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanians are volunteers changing the world through service to children and communities. Kiwanis members help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged, and care for the sick. They develop youth as leaders, build playgrounds, raise funds for pediatric research, and much more. No problem is too big or too small.

Why? Because working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!

No, we are not an airline (That’s Quantas) We are a service organization that helps kids. Here is a quick video that explains what Kiwanis is.

https://vimeo.com/170642705

"Dear Fellow Floridian,

I've been hearing from Floridians and folks across America asking questions about what's happening with the federal government's investigation of the assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump, the murder of an innocent American and serious injury of others during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13th. There is a lot of information out there, some real and some not, and like I told President Biden in my letter, when there is a lack of transparency, people naturally assume the worst. 

While we are grateful beyond words for the heroic actions of the Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers on the ground who put themselves in danger that day to protect President Trump, it's now clear to every American that there were gross failures in the leadership of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal law enforcement agencies that led to the assassination attempt, murder and severe injuries that occurred at this event. It is a miracle that President Trump is alive and well, but absolutely inexcusable that the deranged would-be assassin had a direct line of sight to the former president and the leading candidate for President of the United States.

It's imperative that the American people know that the U.S. government is answering questions and holding people accountable for the failures that led to this totally preventable tragedy. The Biden administration can't wait until the investigation is complete to release details. It needs to start today. FBI Director Wray, USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas should be holding a daily public press conference to share updates with the American people and answer questions about what happened, who is being held accountable and how we make sure it never happens again.

As I have stated multiple times since Saturday, the security of our Republic is being questioned and we, as a nation, deserve answers.

 
Sincerely,

Rick Scott
United States Senator"

Health insurance giant United Health Group has confirmed that a ransomware attack on its health tech subsidiary Change Healthcare earlier this year resulted in a huge theft of Americans’ private healthcare data.

United Health said in a statement that a ransomware gang took files containing personal data and protected health information that it says may “cover a substantial proportion of people in America.”

The health insurance giant did not say how many Americans are affected but said the data review was “likely to take several months” before the company would begin notifying individuals that their information was stolen in the cyberattack.

Change Healthcare processes insurance and billing for hundreds of thousands of hospitals, pharmacies and medical practices across the U.S. healthcare sector; it has access to massive amounts of health information on about half of all Americans.

United Health said it had not yet seen evidence that doctors’ charts or full medical histories were exfiltrated from its systems.

The admission that hackers stole Americans’ health data comes a week after a new hacking group began publishing portions of the stolen data in an effort to extort a second ransom demand from the company.

The gang, which calls itself RansomHub, published several files on its dark web leak site containing personal information about patients across an array of documents, some of which included internal files related to Change Healthcare. RansomHub said it would sell the stolen data unless Change Healthcare paid a ransom.

In a statement provided to Tech Crunch, United Health spokesperson Tyler Mason confirmed the company paid the cybercriminals. “A ransom was paid as part of the company’s commitment to do all it could to protect patient data from disclosure.” The company would not confirm the amount it paid.

RansomHub is the second gang to demand a ransom from Change Healthcare. The health tech giant reportedly paid $22 million to a Russia-based criminal gang called ALPHV in March, which then disappeared, stiffing the affiliate that carried out the data theft out of their portion of the ransom.

RansomHub claimed in its post alongside the published stolen data that “we have the data and not ALPHV.”

In its statement Monday, United Health acknowledged the publication of some of the files but stopped short of claiming ownership of the documents. “This is not an official breach notification,” UnitedHealth said.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the criminal hacking affiliate of ALPHV broke into Change Healthcare’s network using stolen credentials for a system that allows remote access to its network. The hackers were in Change Healthcare’s network for more than a week before deploying ransomware, allowing the hackers to steal significant amounts of data from the company’s systems.

The cyberattack at Change Healthcare began on February 21 and resulted in ongoing widespread outages at pharmacies and hospitals across the United States. For weeks, physicians, pharmacies and hospitals could not verify patient benefits for dispensing medications, organizing inpatient care, or processing prior authorizations necessary for surgeries.

Much of the U.S. healthcare system ground to a halt, with healthcare providers facing financial pressure as backlogs grow and outages linger.
United Health reported last week that the ransomware attack has cost it more than $870 million in losses. The company reported it made $99.8 billion in revenue during the first three months of the year, faring better than what Wall Street analysts had expected.

United Health CEO Andrew Witty, who received close to $21 million in total compensation the full year of 2022, is set to testify to House lawmakers on May 1.

Envision a community thriving at every turn, where well-being, growth, and unity are not aspirations but everyday realities, thanks to the vibrant small businesses at its core. These enterprises transcend the ordinary, infusing the community with innovative health solutions, exemplary workplace wellness, and robust economic support. Their distinctive contributions enrich community life, elevating health and wellness beyond mere products to a holistic lifestyle embraced by all. This guide, courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Cocoa Beach, will highlight just a few of the ways small businesses can boost the vibrancy of their communities.
 
Unique and Locally-Sourced

Small businesses excel in bringing to the table what mass producers cannot—uniquely crafted, locally-sourced products that enrich your lifestyle. These offerings not only support your health and wellness journey but also carry the authenticity and care of the community they come from. Shopping locally means you're not just buying a product; you're investing in sustainability, quality, and the well-being of your community, making every purchase a step towards a healthier lifestyle for all.

Innovation in Health Solutions

In the quest for wellness, small businesses stand out as beacons of innovation, offering products and services you won't find on the shelves of large chains. Their flexibility allows them to quickly adapt and respond to the community's health needs, filling gaps with creative and effective solutions. This innovative spirit not only caters to niche demands but also introduces new ways to approach health and wellness, making small businesses indispensable partners in your health journey.

Pioneering Workplace Wellness

Small businesses are not just commercial entities; they are communities within themselves, often setting standards for workplace wellness that extend beyond their doors. By fostering healthy work environments and implementing comprehensive wellness programs, they benefit employees and inspire other businesses to follow suit. This ripple effect boosts community health standards, proving that the impact of small businesses goes far beyond their immediate surroundings.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

By establishing a small business, local artisans and producers gain a sturdy platform to showcase their crafts, cultivating an environment rich with health-conscious entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever thought of starting your own venture, it’s important to ensure that you have a measure of protection, and forming the right structure is key. The good news is, you can start a Florida LLC through ZenBusiness quickly and easily with online resources. This strategic move not only offers the benefits of limited liability, tax advantages, and operational flexibility but also significantly reduces the paperwork hassle.

Fueling the Local Economy

The economic impact of small businesses on their communities is profound. By keeping money circulating locally, these enterprises help sustain and grow the community's economic health, which in turn can be reinvested in local health and wellness initiatives. This cycle of investment and return ensures that communities not only prosper financially but also advance in their collective well-being, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between economic health and physical health.

Championing Sustainability

The commitment of small businesses to sustainable practices has a direct impact on the health of the community environment. By prioritizing Eco-friendly methods and products, these enterprises not only contribute to a healthier planet but also encourage a lifestyle that values sustainability. This approach demonstrates how business practices can align with environmental stewardship, promoting a healthier community and planet alike.

Strengthening Community Ties

Small businesses act as catalysts for community engagement, creating spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and support each other. This role in fostering social connections and resilience is vital, as strong communities are foundational to individual and collective well-being. Through their efforts, small businesses help weave the fabric of a tightly-knit community, where every member feels supported in their health and wellness goals.

Small businesses are much more than economic entities; they are the lifeblood of community health and wellness. Through their unique products, innovative solutions, commitment to workplace wellness, and support for the local economy, they create a ripple effect of well-being that touches every member of the community. By choosing to support these businesses, you play a part in not just sustaining a vibrant local economy but also in fostering a healthier, more resilient community.

Kiwanis Club of Cocoa Beach is a strong supporter of the local community. Get in touch today to learn more.

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

It began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, during which they called for a shorter work day and decent wages.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. It was officially designated a holiday in in the U.S. in 1975.

Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

The IWD 2024 campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

The first reported news of a Groundhog Day observance was arguably made by the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in 1886: "up to the time of going to press, the beast has not seen its shadow". However, it was not until the following year in 1887 that the first Groundhog Day considered "official" was commemorated there, with a group making a trip to the Gobbler's Knob part of town to consult the groundhog. People have gathered annually at the spot for the event ever since.

Clymer Freas (1867–1942) who was city editor at the Punxsutawney Spirit is credited as the "father" who conceived the idea of "Groundhog Day". It has also been suggested that Punxsutawney was where all the Groundhog Day events originated, from where it spread to other parts of the United States and Canada.

The Groundhog Day celebrations of the 1880s were carried out by the Punxsutawney Elks Lodge. The lodge members were the "genesis" of the Groundhog Club formed later, which continued the Groundhog Day tradition. But the lodge started out being interested in the groundhog as a game animal for food. It had started to serve groundhog at the lodge, and had been organizing a hunting party on a day each year in late summer.

The chronologies given are somewhat inconsistent in the literature. The first "Groundhog Picnic" was held in 1887 according to one source, but given as post-circa-1889 by a local historian in a journal. The historian states that around 1889 the meat was served in the lodge's banquet, and the organized hunt started after that.

Either way, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was formed in 1899, and continued the hunt and "Groundhog Feast", which took place annually in September. The "hunt" portion of it became increasingly a ritualized formality, because the practical procurement of meat had to occur well ahead of time for marinating. A drink called the "groundhog punch" was also served. The flavor has been described as a "cross between pork and chicken". The hunt and feast did not attract enough outside interest, and the practice was discontinued.

The groundhog was not named Phil until 1961, possibly as an indirect reference to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

In 2024, during the 138th and most recent event, the groundhog did not see its shadow, calling for an early Spring.

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah, commemorates the re-dedication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Hanukkah 2023 begins on the evening of Thursday, December 7 and ends on the evening of Friday, December 15. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.