Page 10 - BoomertimesFebruary_2021

From The February Cover

“An icon”: Sidney Poitier, 93, hits a new milestone

SOUTH BEACH AT WAR: by becoming the namesake of a new film school
In 1963, Sidney Poitier made a film in Arizona, “Lilies of the Field.”
Sun, Sand and Soldiers During WWII The performance led to a huge milestone: He became the first Black
Camp Miami Beach — winner of a lead-acting Oscar.
Now, Arizona is the site of another milestone for the legendary actor
The Most Beautiful Boot Camp In America and filmmaker. Arizona State University has named its new film school
after him. It was unveiled as The Sidney Poitier New American Film
Author: Judith Berson-Levinson, Ed.D. — Reviewed by Anita Finley, Gerontologist School at a ceremony. Be sure to read about his family and friends.

Where were you between the was to move to Florida and enjoy To read this entire article, go to BoomerTimesFL.com.
years 1942 and 1945? If you lived the warm weather, beaches and
in Miami Beach or were in the mil- exciting lifestyle.
itary and lucky enough to be sent Nearly half a million men trained
to Miami Beach for training, this on the beaches and it was seri-
book will bring back so may mem- ous work since it was known that
ories. Before Miami Beach was German subs were lurking out
turned into a military in the ocean. When I
training camp, it was read many stories of
a small resort city and how important it was
home to many elders to go through this
who enjoyed sitting training, knowing that
on their hotel porches many of them would
watching the waves and be sent overseas, and
people passing by. this time in their young
Judith Berson-Levin- lives might be the best
son, the author, has memories they had.
spent over 19 years collecting This book has created events
photos and stories from men and for many of the military who came
women from all branches of the here, finding long lost friends and
military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air being able to recount what it was
Force). It is a captivating story that like during 1942 through 1945 on
has never been told in this person- Miami Beach.
al way. The servicemen came from Growing up in Miami Beach
all over the U.S. and it was cele- since my family arrived in 1946 THE
brated that they were the lucky from New Jersey, I loved the PRINTERS
ones who saw beach and ocean stories and photos and felt such P L U
for the first time in their lives. a kinship. The photos brought S !
We all know that men in uniform back for me many of the stores 2681 West McNab Road • Pompano Beach, FL 33069
are attractive to young women and streets that I shopped and
especially, and so lots of dancing walked and are no longer there.
and partying was an added bene- There was only one Miami
fit. Many of the stories oozed with Beach and Judith Berson-Levin-
amazement of what Miami Beach son captured that time and place.
meant to these trainees. What I She still asks for photos and sto-
found especially meaningful was ries to add to her collection. I’m Beautiful
when the war was over, the dream sure she will be writing a second
of so many of these servicemen edition. wholesale printing

About the author:
Judith Berson-Levinson, Ed.D. holds a doctor- to the trade
ate degree from Florida International University
in Adult Education and is retired from a long ca-
reer as a college administrator. She now works
with her husband managing real estate holdings. 2681 West McNab Road • Pompano Beach, FL 33069
A native of New Jersey, she has lived in Miami quotes @ theprintersprinter.com
Beach since 1974. www.theprintersprinter.com
(954) 917-2773
(To purchase SOUTH BEACH AT WAR:, go to Amazon.com)
10 / BoomerTimes & SeniorLife BoomerTimesFL.com FEBRUARY 2021