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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shining a spotlight on the local impact of federal service cuts
Stand Up Lockport will make its public debut Tuesday with a Niagara County Town Hall event at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theater. The nonpartisan citizens group, formed in response to wide-ranging federal spending cuts mandated by the Trump administration, is aiming to raise awareness of the possible local impacts of those cuts and give a voice to the 'silent majority' of the local electorate. The town hall is part panel discussion, part Q&A. The panelists and their subject areas are: Michelle Roman, education; Alissa Ellman, veterans' services; Todd Vaarwerk, chief of public policy at WNY Independent Living, social services; and Carla Speranza, local government. The moderator is Jim Shultz, and the panelists will field general questions from him, specific questions developed by members of Stand Up Lockport, and questions from the audience. The discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Stand Up Lockport started in March with a conversation among five people, according to Shultz. The group has since grown to more than 100 people who have attended one or more meetings and/or joined in a local protest. Some, like combat veterans Luke Udell and Alissa Ellman, were drawn to Stand Up's centrist orientation. Turned off by the partisan bickering and blaming that permeate social media, they each found relief in face-to-face conversations with people focused on what unites, rather than divides, us. Udell was tipped off to Stand Up by chance as he rode his bike on Niagara Street one day in March and passed by a protest outside Republican U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney's district office. The retired Army officer stopped to check it out, and although he was skeptical at first, he said, he stayed and talked to enough people to feel 'reassured' it wasn't a partisan thing. When the group gave itself a name and started organizing meetings, he was in. Udell was, and still is, gravely concerned about funding cuts to the Veterans Administration as well as the overall tenor of the Trump administration. 'Coupled with real threats to services that people deserve, the attacks on our institutions, our democracy, I felt I had to do something,' he said. In their biweekly meetings over coffee, members of Stand Up Lockport discuss kitchen table issues — how family, friends, neighbors and this community may be affected by reductions in veteran benefits, Medicaid, SNAP, education and other aid — and getting updated on the latest developments in Washington, then considering what actions they can take locally. Ultimately, Udell said, their aim is 'to let our (congressional) representatives know, what's happening is not good.' For instance, the newly House of Representatives-approved 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' takes an ax to Medicaid funding, and the Congressional Budget Office has warned that more than 7.6 million people nationwide will lose their benefits over the next 10 years. Stand Up Lockport has determined that 54,000 residents of Niagara County — about 25% of the population — are Medicaid recipients. 'So now, every fourth person I see in the grocery store could lose their health insurance. That could be deadly,' Udell said. Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who was fired from her job at the VA office in Buffalo under a directive of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), derides the 'waste, fraud and abuse' excuse for gutting federal agencies and cutting services/direct benefits to citizens, and says bluntly that blame for the cuts belongs to the electorate. 'We have to take responsibility: it's our fault (Trump was elected). If this country fails, we failed,' Ellman said. 'The middle, what was called 'the silent majority' in the eighties, needs to speak up now. Our lives, our loved ones' lives, will be greatly affected by what's about to happen,' she said. 'We need to start talking about what we agree on: (protecting access to) Social Security, Medicare, benefits that people earned and deserve.' Stand Up Lockport gives Ellman a place to focus her energy. 'I am seething,' she acknowledged. 'But instead of posting on Facebook, I want to actually do something. I think other people joining (Stand Up) feel the same way.' Robert Barton said joining Stand Up Lockport was a way 'just to not feel helpless.' His wife Tiffany Barton, who found out about the nascent group, is now leading the 'action/protest' portion of its activities. 'I knew that we were heading into a dark time with this administration, and I'm tired,' she said. 'I can't wait around anymore… I have to try to do something.' Tiffany Barton said Tenney, who's on the record enthusiastically supporting President Trump and his administration, has been invited to the Niagara County Town Hall. She doubts Tenney will attend, though, so her hope is that fellow concerned citizens will and will get informed enough about the federal cuts and policy changes to address Tenney themselves.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Spotlight on: Local effects of federal service cuts
Stand Up Lockport will make its public debut Tuesday night with a Niagara County Town Hall at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theater. The nonpartisan citizens group, formed in response to wide ranging federal spending cuts mandated by the Trump administration, is aiming to raise awareness of the possible local impacts of those cuts, and give a voice to the 'silent majority' of the local electorate. The town hall is part panel discussion, part Q&A. The panelists and their subject areas are: Michelle Roman, education; Alissa Ellman, veterans' services; Todd Vaarwerk, chief of public policy at WNY Independent Living, social services; and Carla Speranza, local government. The moderator is Jim Shultz, and the panelists will field general questions from him, specific questions developed by members of Stand Up Lockport, and questions from the audience. The discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Stand Up Lockport started in March with a conversation among five people, according to Shultz. The group has since grown to more than 100 people who have attended one or more meetings and/or joined in a local protest. Some, like combat veterans Luke Udell and Alissa Ellman, were drawn to Stand Up's centrist orientation. Turned off by the partisan bickering and blaming that permeate social media, they each found relief in face-to-face conversations with people focused on what unites, rather than divides, us. Udell was tipped off to Stand Up by chance as he rode his bike on Niagara Street one day in March and passed by a protest outside Republican U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney's district office. The retired Army officer stopped to check it out, and although he was skeptical at first, he said, he stayed and talked to enough people to feel 'reassured' it wasn't a partisan thing. When the group gave itself a name and started organizing meetings, he was in. Udell was, and still is, gravely concerned about funding cuts to the Veterans Administration as well as the overall tenor of the Trump administration. 'Coupled with real threats to services that people deserve, the attacks on our institutions, our democracy, I felt I had to do something,' he said. In their biweekly meetings, over coffee, members of Stand Up Lockport are discussing kitchen table issues — how family, friends, neighbors and this community may be affected by reductions in veteran benefits, Medicaid, SNAP, education and other aid — and getting updated on the latest developments in Washington, then considering what actions they can take locally. Ultimately, Udell said, their aim is 'to let our (congressional) representatives know, what's happening is not good.' For instance, the newly House of Representatives-approved 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' takes an ax to Medicaid funding, and the Congressional Budget Office has warned that more than 7.6 million people nationwide will lose their benefits over the next 10 years. Stand Up Lockport has determined that 54,000 residents of Niagara County — about 25% of the population — are Medicaid recipients. 'So now, every fourth person I see in the grocery store could lose their health insurance. That could be deadly,' Udell said. Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who was fired from her job at the VA office in Buffalo under a directive of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), derides the 'waste, fraud and abuse' excuse for gutting federal agencies and cutting services/direct benefits to citizens, and says bluntly that blame for the cuts belongs to the electorate. 'We have to take responsibility: it's our fault (Trump was elected). If this country fails, we failed,' Ellman said. 'The middle, what was called 'the silent majority' in the eighties, needs to speak up now. Our lives, our loves ones' lives, will be greatly affected by what's about to happen,' she said. 'We need to start talking about what we agree on: (protecting access to) Social Security, Medicare, benefits that people earned and deserve.' Stand Up Lockport gives Ellman a place to focus her energy. 'I am seething,' she acknowledged. 'But instead of posting on Facebook I want to actually do something. I think other people joining (Stand Up) feel the same way.' Robert Barton said joining Stand Up Lockport was a way 'just to not feel helpless.' His wife Tiffany Barton, who found out about the nascent group, is now leading the 'action / protest' portion of its activities. 'I knew that we were heading into a dark time with this administration, and I'm tired,' she said. 'I can't wait around any more… I have to try to do something.' Tiffany Barton said Tenney, who's on the record enthusiastically supporting President Trump and his administration, has been invited to the Niagara County Town Hall. She doubts Tenney will attend, though, so her hope is that fellow concerned citizens will, and will get informed enough about the federal cuts and policy changes to address Tenney themselves.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The best celeb engagement rings of 2025: Selena Gomez, Zendaya
Selena Gomez can't stop, won't stop showing off her engagement ring. Since record producer Benny Blanco proposed to Gomez in December, the 32-year-old actress has shared a flurry of Instagram pics of the big rock on her finger: an elongated marquise sparkler, set on a diamond-studded eternity band. 'I've just dreamed of this moment my whole life,' she wrote. Indeed, in her 2015 song 'Good for You,' Gomez compared herself to a marquise diamond, a rare, unconventional cut with pointed ends that originated in the 18th-century French court of Versailles. (It was reportedly named after Louis XV's mistress, La Marquise de Pompadour, and modeled after the shape of her lips. Ooh la la.) 5 Getty Images; Courtesy of London Jewelers 'It's definitely a style for somebody who wants to be a little different or avant-garde,' Vice President of London Jewelers Scott Udell tells ALEXA. 'It's for somebody who wants to stand out, or at least to not have a shape that you see on everybody.' Gomez is not alone. It seems that these days, everyone wants to stand out. Forget the demure stones and subtle designs that characterized the restrained COVID era. Quiet luxury is over. The 'boom boom' aesthetic is in: slick business suits, towering bouffants, flamboyant furs and diamonds as big as the Ritz. 'I'm starting to see these retro styles that were popular in the 1980s and '90s come back,' Udell says. In terms of engagement rings, that means marquise cuts, pear shapes, bold yellow-gold bands and a general more-is-more ethos. 'These styles were phased out for a while, but they're now being rejuvenated.' 5 Getty Images; Courtesy of London Jewelers Take Adele's enormous pear-shaped stunner from sports agent Rich Paul — an ostentatiously old-fashioned cut that matches the 36-year-old diva's powerhouse voice and classic style. 'I think it's stunning,' Udell says of the ring, adding that the slim platinum band gives the 1980s staple a modern twist. 'I love the super thin band that the diamond kind of floats on. It really lets it pop.' 5 Getty Images; Courtesy of London Jewelers Lady Gaga debuted a similarly over-the-top engagement ring at the Venice Film Festival this past September. Though the 39-year-old performer and her fiancé, Michael Polansky, went for something utterly original. Designed by Sofia Jewelry, it features a brilliant oval set on an 18-karat white-and-rose-gold diamond pavé band, which is then adorned with natural pink ombré diamonds. There's even a hidden white-diamond halo under the center stone, in case anyone thought there wasn't enough sparkle. 5 Getty Images; Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Challengers' and 'Dune' actress Zendaya also chose a cushioned oval diamond for her engagement ring to 'Spider-Man' co-star Tom Holland. Yet, the 28-year-old fashion plate is known for doing things her own way. The Georgian-style cut-down setting — in which a layer of metal surrounds the stone — has a vintage feel. And instead of a vertical diamond, the stone has an east-west setting, said to symbolize an equal relationship with both partners working alongside one another as a team. 'It's both antique and modern,' Udell says. It's the perfect ring for a woman who wears the most cutting-edge couture and classic vintage styles with equal elegance and aplomb. 5 Getty Images; Courtesy of London Jewelers Like Zendaya, actress Emma Roberts also unveiled a vintage-inspired engagement ring. Hers (bestowed by actor Cody John), features a round, European-cut diamond with — like Zendaya's ring — a thicker gold band. While thinner bands are still a more popular way to show off a big stone, Udell says he's seen more brides recently gravitate toward heftier bands to balance out round stones and add texture and depth. 'If it's done to scale properly, it can look really nice and elegant,' he says. 'And it can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and that's the whole point. You gotta design something that you can wear day to day.'
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
The best 2025 jewelry gifts and trends, according to London Jewelers
London Jewelers rises to every occasion. From Mother's Day and engagements to anniversaries, the venerable retailer has the perfect gifts for all of life's precious moments. And next year, the company will mark a milestone of its own: a century of excellence. 'Having a business that has survived 100 years with four generations involved is very rare today,' says Candy Udell, London's president, who runs the company alongside her husband, Mark; their children, Randi and Scott; and their nephew, Zach. 'We have built this with a lot of pride and integrity and my customers know how hard we work. We started out with four people and now we have 18 stores in New York and New Jersey carrying all the top luxury jewelry and watch brands, and we've built wonderful relationships along the way.' Advertisement Buccellati Hawaii necklace in 18-k yellow gold, $15,000 Courtesy of London Jewelers Buccellati Opera Tulle earrings in 18-k yellow and white gold with diamonds, $16,500 Courtesy of London Jewelers So many of London's partnerships — and friendships — were established decades ago. 'If I want to give us any kudos,' says Udell, 'it's that we were able to establish valuable relationships with so many of the founders of these iconic brands way before they were as successful as they are today. We go back a long way and have a great history,' she continues, mentioning legacy names like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Panerai and Buccellati. 'It's been pretty incredible building personal relationships with these brands over 50 years.' Advertisement And the future looks even brighter. 'We are working on some incredible projects,' says Udell. 'Rolex just unveiled a new store in Manhasset last week and a Rolex Boutique will be opening this August in East Hampton, the first of its kind in the world. There will be more exciting news next year when our new watch boutique opens with even more brands and a separate Patek Philippe salon within. All in time for our 100th anniversary!' Verdura Pebble bracelet in 18-k yellow gold with aquamarine, $39,500 Courtesy of London Jewelers To commemorate its centenary, London is planning a series of glittering functions, from in-store parties to brand events to specialty product introductions. Philanthropy is important to the company, which hosts fundraising initiatives for causes, offers scholarships and helps others via generous actions like funding hot meal deliveries to five hospitals during the COVID pandemic. 'London's personal mission is to give back to the communities that support our business by helping the many local charities,' she says, adding that the company will be doing a symbolic 100 good deeds, one for every year. Advertisement Giving is a theme at London, whether it's helping those in need, sharing expertise or finding a gift that mom will cherish. 'It's wonderful to give a watch or a piece of jewelry, and it creates great memories,' says Udell, noting that the Manhasset flagship will be offering tulip bouquets and handmade silk flowers over Mother's Day weekend and providing exceptional hospitality throughout the store. 'We have pieces that you can pass down to generations to come.' She loves the purity of modern classics like diamond studs, tennis bracelets and tennis necklaces — the staples of every jewelry wardrobe today. Moms are layering and stacking their metals and customizing them with charms. 'The London Collection has something for everyone, from an adorable newborn and a sporty teen to a glam grandma. We have a wide array of fashion and classic jewelry for self-wearing and gifting.' Pasquale Bruni Giardini Segreti ring in 18-k white gold with diamonds, $22,800 Courtesy of London Jewelers Advertisement Brilliantly hued gemstone rings, necklaces and earrings make unique and eye-catching additions. 'People often tend to overlook color, like jewelry set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines. If you have a favorite color, like pink, green, turquoise or yellow, we have a multitude of options in our collections.' Retro designs are increasingly trendy. 'Vintage has become very popular and it is something that we are definitely getting into,' says Udell. 'We're looking forward to heading into it with a purpose.' Speaking of bold and bright: Last year London added Verdura to its mix. 'They have a wonderful history, like all our other brands, and design for royalty and movie stars alike. Coco Chanel was often the muse, and the Maltese Cross cuff was created for her.' Sounds like a future family heirloom. Norman Silverman eternity bands in platinum with diamonds, prices upon request Courtesy of London Jewelers Timeless appeal: Celebrate Mother's Day with meaningful treasures from London Jewelers London Jewelers is the ultimate destination for all things shiny. While the Manhasset flagship carries a dazzling array of fine jewelry and watches, the store's Gift Gallery (temporarily housed in the Wheatley Plaza store at 180 Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale, LI) is arrayed with gleaming designer accessories for the home. The tempting assortment includes luxurious and up-to-the-minute décor and objects, from high-end crystal and china to cozy blankets, scented candles, desk accessories, games, prestige pens and much more. Advertisement 'We have things for every occasion and price point,' Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers, tells Alexa. 'We cover newborns to grandmas, and everyone in between. Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations and birthdays — whatever it is we have something.' Venus et Fleur Fleura vase with 34-36 Eternity Roses, $429 Venus et Fleur Of course, you don't need a special event to shop for creature comforts there. 'A lot of people pick out beautiful things for themselves,' says Udell. 'Custom safes are also available for homes, which is a specialty for us.' Catching the light are crystal wonders from brands like Lalique and William Yeoward. Meanwhile, Baccarat's famous figurines and colorful butterflies, Champagne flutes and faceted bowls make sparkling keepsake gifts. So do exquisite silver frames from Buccellati. Advertisement The tabletop display includes MacKenzie-Childs' graphic platters and plates and Michael Aram's coveted cheese board and knife sets. Georg Jensen's Indulgence Grand wine cooler, Rosenthal's swirly Squall gold porcelain vase and Jonathan Adler's brass and acrylic Futuristic Fantasy Globo Tripod bowl make every party more enchanting. The selection for little ones is also irresistible. Mon Ami stuffed bears, bunnies and ballerinas are squeezably soft, while Elegant Baby beribboned baby socks and cable sweaters and hats are equal parts cute and useful. These nursery essentials can be assembled in darling gift baskets. Michael Aram Dandelion frame, $160 Courtesy of London Jewelers As for Venus et Fleur's everlasting floral arrangements, they're currently available at the Two by London store at 2032 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset. Advertisement Udell is a dog lover and active dog rescuer who has saved 10,000 pups, so there are plenty of goodies for furry friends. 'Our Cause for Paws line of jewelry is designed to give back to shelters, rescues and other animal-related causes,' she says. 'This product is also available online, and is popular for every holiday as a wonderful way to give to people who love animals.' William Yeoward Harlequine footed crystal bowl, $850 Courtesy of London Jewelers The friendly Gift Gallery staff is on hand to help customers find just the right items and wrap them gorgeously. That way, the presentation is just as wonderful as the present inside. Advertisement Heart of gold London Jewelers' VP Randi Udell Alper selects sensational stunners for mom. Keep-snake Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace in 18-k rose gold with diamonds, $58,000 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'This is a signature, iconic Bulgari piece that stands the test of time. It's perfect for every occasion, from casual to dressy and from day to night. Mom will treasure this versatile and sophisticated necklace.' Moving message London Collection I Love You customizable bracelet in 18-k rose gold with diamonds, $5,960 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Customizing your own jewelry should be effortless and personal. Create a meaningful piece with the London Collection's personalized slider with diamond letters and numbers. Wear it as a stand-alone piece or make a statement and stack.' Love match Verdura I Love You bracelet in 18-k yellow gold, $15,500 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'More than beautiful, this piece also holds deep sentimental value. It's a chain-link bracelet that creates an unbreakable bond between two people, and it lasts forever. It's a very romantic design.' Tennis, anyone? London Collection tennis necklace in 14-k white gold with diamonds, $39,915. Courtesy of London Jewelers London Collection earrings in 14-k white gold with diamonds, $28,640 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Diamonds symbolize love, eternity, strength, purity and commitment. They're everlasting, like this gorgeous trio from our London Jewelers brand. It makes a meaningful and glamorous gift for every mother in your life.' Best and brightest Honor moms with diamond dazzlers approved by London Jewelers' VP Scott Udell. Lucky charm Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $69,000 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Celebrate the timeless elegance of motherhood with this necklace, inspired by the lucky clover leaf. It's a special gift for a special mom on Mother's Day, wishing her love, luck and joy throughout the year.' Forever chic London Collection eternity band in platinum with diamonds, $29,230 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Always a popular choice, an eternity band is a classic piece in every woman's jewelry wardrobe. The continuous line of stones around the ring represents endless love. What could be more appropriate for Mother's Day?' Arm candy Chanel Coco Crush bracelet in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $12,800 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'You can't go wrong with a Coco Crush bracelet. They come in every color of gold, from white and yellow 18-karat to Chanel's signature beige alloy, with or without diamonds. They're great for stacking and you can wear them with anything.' In the flow London Collection Candy Cane dangle earrings in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $70,000 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'When the weekend rolls around, every mom needs a gorgeous pair of going-out earrings. This drop style is elegant and timeless and adds dazzle to every outfit. She'll get a lot of use out of this pair.' Good times are here again London Jewelers' VP Zach Udell clocks watches with magnificent designs for Mother's Day. Warm regards Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust watch in Everose gold with diamonds, $46,400. Courtesy of London Jewelers 'Rolex has its own foundry and its Everose gold is one of the best materials out there. This 18-karat alloy won't tarnish or change color over time. Chocolate dials have been trending and we're also seeing a demand for smaller cases, like this 28 mm size. This watch is sleek and sophisticated for day and the diamond bezel and diamond markers add sparkle for evening.' Linked in Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $43,600 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'This Panthère cuff ticks two boxes: It's a stunning piece of jewelry and also a timepiece. The links are small, rounded and smooth, so it's very comfortable to wear. The design dates back to the '80s — it's updated for today but still very true to the original. And it has Cartier's signature blue sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals on the dial.' New neutral Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce self-winding watch in rose gold with diamonds, $55,850 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'You can wear this versatile Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce for all occasions. The taupe color is warm and feminine but still neutral enough for everyday use, and the rounded octagonal bezel enhanced with 48 diamonds dresses it up for a casual evening out. The Ref. 5268/200R is water-resistant to 30 meters and the strap is made of a composite material, making it a beautiful and durable Mother's Day gift.' Triple play Bulgari Bulgari Tubogas watch in 18-k yellow, rose and white gold with diamonds, $43,100 Courtesy of London Jewelers 'This double- and triple-wraparound style is iconic. It's not an easy feat to produce an ultralight, flexible, tubular design and Bulgari really is the best at it. The mix of 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold metals gives you wearability: This watch will work with all of your jewelry. The black lacquer dial with minimalist diamond markers is both chic and modern.'
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Monday is Mr. George Hadley Day: Do you know his connection to Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor?
There's the origin story about Dania Beach icon Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant that founder Monroe Udell liked to tell customers, and then there was the truth. The popular-yet-untrue version is that Udell, a Connecticut native, named Jaxson's after his father — in other words, Jack's son. But the real reason is firmly rooted in the racist and segregationist laws of the 1950s: Neither Blacks nor Jews could own business licenses in Dania Beach, so Udell pretended to be gentile, naming his scoop shop not after his father, Harry, but after Jackson Street in nearby Hollywood because it sounded fittingly Southern. It wasn't in Udell's nature to talk about the antisemitism he faced — and he especially kept quiet his practice of hiring Black employees in the Jim Crow South — including the soft-spoken ice cream man who made the banana splits and kitchen sinks at the soda fountain window for 38 years: George Hadley. Hadley, who worked at Jaxson's from 1958 until his death in 1996 at age 53, is now the focus of two Black History Month tributes. First, the city of Dania Beach has declared Feb. 24 as Mr. George Hadley Day, saluting one of the first Black employees at Jaxson's. And Jaxson's owner Linda Udell Zakheim has donated an original 1950s 'Kitchen Sink,' the parlor's signature dessert vessel (minus the 4 pounds of ice cream, flags and sparklers), for History Fort Lauderdale's permanent exhibit 'Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,' which debuted Feb. 19. The show traces the county's Black residents through historic artifacts, photos and oral histories, from slavery through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement to present day. 'When you think of George, you think of Jaxson's Kitchen Sink,' Jerry Hadley, George's brother, tells the South Florida Sun Sentinel. 'It's a great symbolic gesture to recognize him for the thing he did best, so it means a lot. It shows that he was worthy.' And he was a vital member of the Jaxson's family, if you ask Udell Zakheim, Monroe Udell's daughter, who took over the ice-creamery after her father died in 2014. She remembers Hadley as a 'stoic, friendly and generous' man whom Udell hired in the waning years of the Jim Crow era, when segregation banned hiring Black employees in white businesses. Besides prepping Jaxson's 50-plus flavors from bubble gum to Grape Nuts, Hadley made whipped cream and syrup toppings from scratch, she recalls. Before segregation laws lifted in 1966, Hadley initially worked in the Jaxson's kitchen, hidden from view. But afterward, Hadley spent the next three decades running the soda fountain, preparing orders at lightning speed. Hadley was a friendly fixture of her childhood, she says. And his Kitchen Sinks, those mini-mountains of ice cream crowned with sugary, patriotic goodness? 'Perfection,' Udell Zakheim recalls, especially his 'expert whipped cream technique … He put these triangles of fluffiness on top — and that's not easy with our cream dispenser.' As an infant, George Hadley, his parents and 11 brothers and sisters moved from Titusville to Hollywood's Liberia neighborhood in the 1940s when their father took a job with Florida's East Coast Railroad. Jaxson's hired him at age 15, when 'Black folks were lucky to get a job anywhere,' recalls brother Jerry Hadley, now 75 and living in Dania Beach. 'The fact that [George] was working, if you ever needed money, you could ask him, and he would not hesitate to give you a couple of dollars or buy you school clothes,' his brother says. 'He was a good person who ran track and played tennis at Attucks [High School].' He says he never visited his older brother at Jaxson's — and never visited the ice-cream parlor until 2023, when he retired to Dania Beach after a 56-year career as a New York City accountant. 'I moved away when the area was still segregated,' he says. 'And I'm sure people had prejudice toward George at the soda fountain, but he always took it in stride. Jaxson's always treated him so special, so it's an honor for him to be celebrated.' Raised in a working-class Connecticut neighborhood where he was bullied and beaten for being Jewish, Jaxson's founder Monroe Udell felt compassion for other victims of discrimination, which is why he secretly hired Blacks during racial segregation, his daughter says. He 'didn't tell the city' his ethnicity, and even conjured a fake Jaxson's origin story to 'stay under the radar of being Jewish.' 'Dad didn't want anyone knowing what his political views were, and he didn't feel the need to make waves,' she says. 'For him, it was all about ice cream.' When she shared Jaxson's true story and diverse hiring practices with local researcher Mary Russ-Milligan recently, the duo came up with a plan to donate a Kitchen Sink vessel to History Fort Lauderdale in Hadley's memory. Russ-Milligan, who helped create the 'Roots of Resilience' exhibit, says Hadley was more than just a 'very special employee who impacted Mr. Monroe's life' — he helped the Liberia community around him. 'During segregation, George was in the back of Jaxson's as a hidden figure, but once he was in the front, he could serve Black people,' Russ-Milligan says. 'Black people couldn't sit inside the restaurant, so the soda fountain gave him the opportunity to serve Blacks ice cream outside.' Udell Zakheim says he and her father worked side by side to make the parlor's signature desserts perfect. 'Dad mentored him as an employee, but they were also close friends,' Udell Zakheim says. 'George was the face of the takeout window at a time when no one hired people of color. And he was the best.' Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant is at 128 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach. Visit or call 954-923-4445. WHAT: 'Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward' WHERE: History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW Second Ave. COST: Self-guided tour costs $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students Guided tours are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students Entry is free for accompanied children age 6 and younger, and for active and senior military members INFORMATION: 954-463-4431 or go to
