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The South Florida Sun Times • The Aventura Digest • PROFILES

Life on a day-to-day basis can be complicated enough. We certainly do not need all the unnecessary stress, headache and additional problems caused by incorrect accounting. Simple mistakes happen easily, records being inaccurate or not having access to the most up-to-date tax information can be costly. This is especially true these days, when everything is changing at such a rapid pace, whether it be technology, financial markets or the political scene. It makes it difficult to stay up to date with the newest information.

New events and attractions are coming to Gulfstream Park! South Florida’s favorite entertainment destination is excited to welcome Supercar Saturdays, The Hallandale Beach Food & Groove and Music in the Park concerts to its roster of can’t-miss events taking place this season. With a world-renowned racetrack, casino, live performance venue, countless dining options and plenty of shopping and entertainment, Gulfstream Park truly has something for everyone.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is officially in session. From January 1st to March 31st all Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) will have the option to switch from their current plan to another MA plan, or to original Medicare. Unlike The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that takes place from October 15th to December 7th, the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) corresponds only to those already enrolled in MA. Additionally, recipients are able to make only one change to their plan during this period. Any change that is made during this time will be effective the first of the following month after you make this change. As part of the HG Doctors family, the team at Hallandale Medical Center knows how confusing it can be to make sense of all the Medicare plans available and encourages you to take this opportunity to learn about open enrollment, review your coverage plan, and ensure that you are optimizing your healthcare while also choosing options at a reasonable cost.

Dr. Chander Gupta of Brighten Dental Care in Dania Beach takes an integrated approach to his practice. “During the past thirty years I have seen patients with terrible oral problems, some of their own making by neglect of proper care or inability to seek proper treatment, but some have even been victims of poor workmanship in the past. Although I enjoy all aspects of dental care and improvement, undertaking these challenges brings me the most satisfaction in my work.”

Anyone who might be interested in sharpening their collection of edge weaponry and antique tools from the 17th century till today and the times of the World Wars should be in touch with Vlad Krechmar at Zev Antiques. The name Zev meaning “given by god is derived” from the Hebrew origin word and meaning “my wolves” which is something Vlad knows about.

February is a fun month here in South Florida! The weather is gorgeous, love is in the air, and foodies from near and far get ready to indulge at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) presented by Capital One. Now in its 22nd year, SOBEWFF is one of THE MOST anticipated events of the year and the City of Hallandale Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency has once again partnered with SOBEWFF to host the annual Hallandale Beach Event Series. 

Tickets are now on sale for a Celebrity Chef Dinner at Icebox Café on Friday, February 24, 2023, and a 1001 Arabian Nights Themed Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience at Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Park Village on Saturday, February 25, 2023. These culinary events will not only spotlight Hallandale Beach’s eclectic international food scene, but also the budding art and cultural hub the City has become.


A New Aventura Company With A Rich History And A Heart Of Gold www.Winbidsauctions.com is an Online Auction House established in 2021, in Aventura, Florida. Owned and operated by Javier Linari and Janaina Basilio, specializing in Antiques, Art, Collectibles and Fine Jewelry. For Janaina, the Jewelry Trade has been a family business for three generations. www.Winbidsauctions.com is your one stop Online platform for exquisite finds at exciting reserves, whether you’re looking for a Vintage Rolex for yourself, a unique art piece, or a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.

“The IRS …”, just hearing these words can cause anxiety. With the ever-changing tax laws, it is easy to get frustrated. That’s when you need an expert, a professional, that can handle tax issues for you. Afterall, you don’t want to stress over taxes, or make a costly mistake. Freedom Tax Center is an established, reputable, south Florida business. Highly trained tax professionals will handle your personal information with the utmost care, leaving you peace of mind.

Joseph Scarano’s proud Italian Heritage has taught him compassion, warmth, hospitality and most importantly, the importance of family! At Joseph A. Scarano Funeral Homes their #1 Priority is to guide and support you through every step of your arrangements and help you to pay Tribute to the Memory of your loved ones. They think it is important for you to understand that Scarano Funeral Home is not just any Funeral Home - they are one with many years of experience. What sets them apart from other Funeral Firms? It's the human factor. “The difference is in the caring. It's not Business, it's Personal. Our reputation is earned…not inherited” Scarano states.

As an owner of multiple operating businesses, mostly restaurants and Real Estate in downtown areas, Toula Amanna currently employs over 200 people in south Florida. Among her businesses are the Deerfield Beach Café, which she received through the RFP Award of the Pier Restaurant, an honor for which Toula is grateful. She is the owner of the Flashback Diner Chain, with three locations in Boca Raton, Davie and Hallandale Beach. Flashback Diner has been named one of Florida’s top restaurants for over 30 years. Toula, daughter of a Greek emigrant family, began waitressing when she was 17 at LUMS Restaurant, where the first unit of the original Flashback Diner is currently located in Hallandale Beach.

Among the many businesses in South Florida, few can say that they have been open for over 30 years. Thanks to the committed and outstanding customer service of founder, Randy Giunto, Auto Tags of Hallandale is one of those few exceptional businesses that are able to celebrate that milestone. Through their unwavering dedication to delivering customer satisfaction and their “old school” approach to business, Auto Tags of Hallandale can proudly say they have been around since 1987 and are showing no signs of slowing down.

In the enterprising world of auctioneering, Elite Auctioneers LLC stands out as a company truly dedicated to its craft.

If you are having a Special Assessment on your property Miami-Dade County is Offering Some Condo Owners Loans up to $50,000. This Program will assist owner occupied condominium homeowners with limited finances, address special assessment requirements associated with rehabilitation/repairs as a result of applicable building integrity recertification requirements. Surtax funds will be in the form of a loan and the annual household median income may not exceed the maximum limit of 140% as indicated in the Miami-Dade County income limit chart.

The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Color Your Cares Away, e-Device Help, Creative Kids and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register at: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura Or for more information prior to attending the event, call: (305) 931-5512.

If gift-giving isn't your strong suit, occasions like Valentine's Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease. Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.

So you take Ives Dairy Road each day and you notice a lot of construction happening in the area, so what's going on? The Florida Department Of Transportation (FDOT) started an intersection project along Northeast 203rd Street/Ives Dairy Road during the middle of November. The project will increase safety and ease traffic flow through this busy intersection by elevating westbound Northeast 203rd Street over the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) tracks and West Dixie Highway, constructing a pedestrian bridge over the FEC tracks, widening the roadway along southbound US-1 and eastbound Northeast 203rd Street, including the bridge, improving drainage along the corridor, updating pedestrian ramps, signage, pavement markings, lighting and installing a bicycle lane along West Dixie Highway, between Northeast 206th Street and Northeast 202nd Street.

Join some of Miami's top ceramic artists for a hands-on turn at the pottery wheel every Friday night in February! Watch or participate, it's your choice, as potters from the Ceramic League of Miami work their magic on wheels installed in our streetside Bridge Tender House (Josephine Baker Pavilion).

The Museum Of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) invites the community to experience “Welcome To Paradise,” a dynamic new commissioning program featuring temporary public art projects by local South Florida artists. This program invites artists to create ambitious and experimental art installations to activate MOCA's Paradise Courtyard. The first season centers on artists working at the intersection of ecology and technology.

Floridians are Deficient in Vitamin C, according to a comprehensive study carried out by drug and medication information site: www.DrugGenius.com They analyzed Google search trends data over 2022 to identify which supplements people have searched for the most over the year, which revealed some interesting results.

Love will be in the air this Valentine’s Day - so shopping early and being ready is a great thing, but even if you're a last minute shopper the experts at Brand International Perfumes can help you find the perfect gift and even gift wrap it! With February 14th coming closer, there is one place you have to make a stop at - to look around and get inspiration from all the romantic gift-giving ideas they have in store. Jacqueline and her team at Brand International Perfumes have gotten into the romantic spirit, they are extending savings right through the end of February on fragrances and eyewear!

The Third Annual Fur the Love Pet Fest will return to Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, February 26th, 2023. Event organizers will take the much-anticipated annual event to new heights, literally, as the 2023 edition sets its sights within The LOOP District on the rooftop of the Las Olas Beach Garage. The celebration of Fort Lauderdale’s love for their furry companions is once again hosted by the dynamic mom and pup duo behind the award-winning Instagram @TourwithTeddy and blog "Living A Fairytail." Profits from the event will benefit upcoming pet-friendly experiences at The LOOP in 2023, including the popular free Dog Days of Summer Movie Series and December’s HOWLiday Party.

Located in the heart of Miami, Wynwood is the most eclectic neighborhood in the city and home to various popular nightlife locations— soon to include El Chinito Latino Bar, the newest addition to the Wynwood scene. El Chinito, whose doors will be opening in February, presents a new intimate bar that combines Latin and Asian cultures to create a unique environment for guests. Boasting the fresh tastes of their craft cocktails and fusion cuisine, this new venue plans to be a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

After his father’s premature death and his mother’s downward spiral into Acoholism, David Dennis was removed from the only home he’d ever known by Child Protective Services. Years later, his mother died in a house fire of her own making. The trauma was overwhelming.

You'd think the cost of renting an electric vehicle would be falling, with Tesla slashing the price of its cars by up to 20 percent last week. Not exactly. The EV premium is alive and well. Electric car rentals still cost roughly 20 percent more than gas-powered vehicles, according to a random sampling of prices I conducted. But there's also a hidden cost of renting an EV that has shocked some travelers. It includes extras for charging the car or spending too much time at a charging station.

The City of Aventura invites residential and commercial property owners who have practiced environmental sustainability to apply for its annual Go Green Recognition Program Award. To be considered, all property entries must contain an address within Aventura city limits. Online applications are available on the City’s website and must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24th, 2023.

Sing along to classic hits and songs in February as artists pay tribute to the soundtracks of our lives with musical performances that will leave you dancing in the aisles.

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its partners in Boca Raton, Aventura and Miami-Dade County, celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Aventura and Boca Raton train stations recently. Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Mayors Daniella Levine Cava, Scott Singer and Howard Weinburg were joined by officials from the City of Boca, the City of Aventura, Miami-Dade County and Brightline Executives to officially launch the highly-anticipated opening of the two new stations.

A 22-year-old visionary TikTok creator is trending on the platform to the tune of 1.1 million followers. Taylor Price, a witty, self-taught financial activist, is focused on empowering her fellow Gen Z followers through @Pricelesstay, a personal finance platform aimed to teach her peers to prioritize financial literacy and increase their “FIQ,” or Financial IQ. Now that tax season is upon us, Price is reframing the way in which her generation views money.

In-demand single-family homes drove 2022’s rental-price roller coaster. Prices are finally settling down, but just in case you’re planning a move, new data from Dwellsy pinpoints the 20 American cities where it’s most expensive to rent a house.

Reversing Osteoporosis could one day be as easy as taking a pill. A team of FIU Drug Development Scientists found a possible new way to counteract the effects of the disease that turns bones into honeycomb-like structures — so fragile even a cough can cause a fracture or break. The discovery, recently published in Communications Biology, is the first step toward cheaper, effective, easy-to-take treatments for Osteoporosis and other diseases associated with bone loss.

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; Fire, Hurricanes and Floods are real and do happen, bringing with them Water Damage and the potential for harmful Mold and Bacterial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few. During these times you need licensed professionals with a plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is important to you in your time of need.

For many years cities around the country have been upgrading water meters to Advanced Metering Infrastructure. The old system required meter readers to physically go out and read each meter. While this worked the readings were delivered and processed by the billing department all manually. There was no real time information and bills were adjusted after reading. This created lags in the system and if there were any issues that customers needed addressed took much longer to address. The AMI was considered a true benefit and we decided to upgrade our system many years ago.

A federally funded beach restoration project is underway on Broward County beaches and Hollywood Beach is next in line to receive its share of 887,000 cubic yards of upland sand along the shoreline. Hollywood is included in Segment III of the Broward County Shore Protection Project to restore areas impacted by erosion and create a natural barrier against storm surge. which is currently ahead of schedule. Work is nearly complete at Von Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. After this, work will progress to the northern part of Hollywood Beach at New Hampshire Street.

Finding a job and recruitment for business owners is made easy in Broward County. Whether you are relocating your company or expanding and are in need of qualified employees, the support and network to find the right candidate are now within reach. CareerSource Broward helps businesses find trained, qualified employees. Employer Services include local recruiting, pre-screening services, customized training and more. Here are some of Hollywood's larger employers that invite you to apply for a position.

The sweet sounds of multiple Grammy® Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter James Taylor and his All-Star Band will fill the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation’s 2023 Annual Celebration, presented by Dr. Lee and Brigitte Mandel, South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. Proceeds from the evening benefit the education and enrichment programs at the Broward Center.

It takes a special kind of evil to prostitute and traffick a child for sex and yet this evil walks among us every minute of every day. Consider this: every two minutes, a child is bought and sold for sex. Hundreds of young girls and boys—some as young as 9 years old—are being bought and sold for sex, as many as 20 times per day.

The Museum Of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) invites the community to experience “Welcome To Paradise,” a dynamic new commissioning program featuring temporary public art projects by local South Florida artists. This program invites artists to create ambitious and experimental art installations to activate MOCA's Paradise Courtyard. The first season centers on artists working at the intersection of ecology and technology.

Beautiful Harlow (ID 663650) is a fun-loving, 68-pound gal who is sweet, playful and loves to play with her friend Haywood who looks identical to her. While they don’t have to go home together, if you adopted the duo, you would have constant entertainment. This two-year-old lovebug is social, likes to play in the baby pool and enjoys meeting new people. She would love to be your sweetie for this Valentine’s day and many more.

Friday February 3rd, 2023 At 7:30 p.m. At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center - Tickets Are Available At The Box Office 305-466-8002 On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 90 Minutes Prior To Show

This Ticketmaster Link is The Best Way To Get Tickets:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005D63BC01C6EE?brand=aventuraacc&camefrom=cfc_aventura_web

“The IRS …”, just hearing these words can cause anxiety. With the ever-changing tax laws, it is easy to get frustrated. That’s when you need an expert, a professional, that can handle tax issues for you. After-all, you don’t want to stress over taxes, or make a costly mistake. Freedom Tax Center is an established, reputable, south Florida business. Highly trained tax professionals will handle your personal information with the utmost care, leaving you peace of mind. Freedom Tax Center specializes in reviewing and correcting returns prepared elsewhere.

The Surf, located at 2307 North Surf Road on Hollywood Beach’s Broadwalk, has officially debuted as the area’s newest beachfront boutique hotel. What was once the Surf Terrace Apartments has been gutted, renovated, and repurposed as a luxury hotel catering to longer term stays.

Millions of people saw Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapse on the football field on January 2. He was tackled, fell down, and at first stood up. Even to aficionados of the game, this looked no different from what usually happens throughout the game. But then his heart stopped, and he collapsed.

For those wondering what to expect from the government in 2023, it looks like we’re going to be in for more of the same in terms of the government’s brand of madness, mayhem, corruption and brutality. Digital prisons. Unceasingly, the government and its corporate partners are pushing for a national digital ID system. Eventually, a digital ID will be required to gain access to all aspects of life: government, work, travel, healthcare, financial services, shopping, etc.

Over the past few articles, I have been updating our residents on our Infrastructure Projects. In all there is a current need of over $230 Million Dollars in projects that must be completed to secure our Water, Wastewater and Stormwater needs. These projects will span over many years and will be funded from Revenue Bonds, GO Bonds and other Funds secured through Government Grants. $181 Million Dollars in costs are planned to be paid for by Revenue Bonds and the rest will come to voters in the form of a GO Bond. It needs to be noted that the cost of construction has increased so these projections will vary depending on future cost increases or decreases.

As part of the Safe Route to School Grant Program, the Federal Highway Administration through the Florida Department of Transportation is funding approximately $765,407 of sidewalk improvements in Hollywood’s North Central neighborhood. The scope of the project includes adding 13,225 linear feet of new 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalks to fill in missing links along 26 different blocks that serve Oakridge Elementary School, Beachside Montessori Village, the Avant Garde Academy and Dowdy Field in Hollywood. 

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, will present a free book signing and meet & greet with Mike McGinness and Jeff Davies, authors of “Florida: A History in Pictures” MacIntyre Purcell Publishing Inc., on Saturday, February 11th, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Their appearance is part of History Fort Lauderdale’s “Florida Scribes & Stories,” a meet the author monthly series that offers literary and history enthusiasts a chance to speak with local authors, purchase their latest releases and have them signed.

Filled with epic fairytales that will take audiences into the woods and under the sea and poignant stories of faith, love and acceptance, Slow Burn Theatre Company announces its 2023/2024 season of five Broadway musicals in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The five musicals are Into the Woods, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, The Prom and Spongebob The Musical.

After nearly three years of challenges and uncertainty, cruise lines are gearing up for a strong year with travel demand rising and Americans eager to set sail. A new AAA survey finds 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before the pandemic. That number is up from 45% one year ago.

Gulfstream Park is heating up in 2023! Peak season has arrived at South Florida’s favorite entertainment destination where a number of exciting events and happenings will take place under the Florida sunshine. Home to a world-renowned racetrack, casino, live performance venue, countless dining options and plenty of shopping and entertainment, Gulfstream Park is excited to usher in another year of signature events that attract visitors both near and far.

This past month My Hollywood Pride announced that the 2023 My Hollywood Pride Street Festival will take place on Sunday, January 29th, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Downtown Hollywood and will be followed by a Tea Dance at Karma Lounge, also located in Downtown Hollywood from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Over the past two weeks I have been writing about our City’s plan to address our underground Infrastructure. It is not a surprise that these projects are a major expense. A good example of just how expensive they are is our 14th Avenue/ Southwest Drainage Improvements. Thanks to a joint lobbying effort between staff, Congresswoman Wasserman-Shultz, our DC Lobbyist Maurice Kurland and myself, we received over $20 Million Dollars to build the pumping systems. These Funds were combined with City Funds and CRA Funds to complete the projects. Another is the addition to our Water Plant to ensure access to safe drinking water. To add one skid to process and filter water costs $6 Million Dollars.

The City of Hollywood is seeking to commission one artist or artist team to design, fabricate and install a site-specific Memorial to recognize those lost to COVID and to honor the Health Workers and First Responders who dedicated their lives to the care of COVID patients. The Memorial should be a place for reflection and remembrance.

Dozens of Miami teenagers are helping change the lives of special needs children by simply spending time with them. While special needs children may have the best doctors and therapists, they don’t necessarily have friends and safe places they can go for social interaction. The Friendship Circle of Miami offers a solution to these issues.

Starting on a path toward healthy habits is often easier than maintaining them long term. This year, you can avoid a major pitfall of healthy resolutions and build healthy habits that stick by working small, positive steps into your daily life.

While Tobacco use has been declining for decades, 14.7% of Florida residents still smoke and Tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state. Through the new “Tobacco-Free ‘23” campaign, the American Lung Association in Florida is sharing key reasons why 2023 is the year to quit Tobacco, as well as sharing tips and resources.

This morning there was an upheaval in my home. I have two adult daughters home for the holidays and one of them has children. Unfortunately, my daughter miscarried two weeks ago. Our hearts are broken and she is devastated. As I was talking to her this morning about everyone getting along, she teared up and said, “Mom, I’m the one that lost a baby last week and everyone acts as though nothing has happened. No one even talks about it.”

Regardless of your motivation, opting for meatless meals regularly provides plenty of benefits that extend from the health of you and your loved ones to your wallet and the environment.

Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

The Hallandale Community Council Scholarship Fund has recognized the achievements of hundreds of Hallandale Beach resident high school graduates with financial awards ranging from $100 to $5,000 each, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Gulfstream Park is heating up in 2023! Peak season has arrived at South Florida’s favorite entertainment destination where a number of exciting events and happenings will take place under the Florida sunshine. Home to a world-renowned racetrack, casino, live performance venue, countless dining options and plenty of shopping and entertainment, Gulfstream Park is excited to usher in another year of signature events that attract visitors both near and far.

The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers, a Book Discussion Group, Building Blocks Family Club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register at: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura Or for more information prior to attending the event, call: (305) 931-5512.

Comedian Bobby Collins has distinguished himself as one of the Premier Comedians in our country and has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events.

With Musical Direction by Rick Leonard During this memorable evening of showtunes, catharsis and joy, Lindsey Alley takes us on a comedic musical journey...and her quest for the elusive “Happily Ever After.” Having played all over the country, as well as internationally, Lindsey Alley has entertained audiences everywhere from 54 Below in New York City to the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. “There are very few entertainers who are able to truly connect with people the way Lindsey does.

One of the most iconic bands of all time will be honored with 'Absolute Queen,' the most authentic Queen Tribute Show Band on the planet. Absolute Queen has spent hundreds of hours in the studio studying Queen's many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation to bring you the most authentic sounding Queen Live Experience.

Darrian Ford, a Chicago native began his professional theater career at age 13 in Oscar Brown Jr.'s THE GREAT NITTY GRITTY. At 15, the dance prodigy joined The Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater and at 19 moved to New York City to dance in the companies of Alvin Ailey and Donald Byrd/The Group. He made his Broadway debut as Charlie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s STATE FAIR, about which the New York Times said “...note the irrepressibly comic Darrian Ford.”

Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance, that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4 legged performers. Deemed ‘A Must See’ by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart and then your socks!

While perusing the aisles at the sparkling-new Plum Market on Biscayne Boulevard, I encountered a retired couple from New Jersey rummaging through containers of pre-packaged tropical fruit. The husband and wife of over 40 years randomly approached me and asked for a second opinion on which item to select for a picnic. “Pineapple or mango,” she asked as she held up each choice. After recommending the mango slices for their holiday date, she and her spouse thanked me while walking away, whispering ardent advice to me before finally departing to the check-out line.

So how have the first two weeks of 2023 been going for you? Well The Broward Center For Performing Arts would like to keep you busy the second half of the month. A diverse schedule of productions are ready to take the stage as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts goes to the movies with one of the world’s leading astrophysicists, presents two Broadway tours, legendary comics, iconic musicians, celebrations of some of the greatest rock and roll bands and family theater. Here is the run down for the rest of January.

The danger signs were everywhere in 2022. With every new law enacted by federal and state legislatures, every new ruling handed down by government courts, every new military weapon, invasive tactic and egregious protocol employed by government agents, we were reminded that in the eyes of the government and its corporate accomplices, “we the people” possess no rights except for that which the Deep State grants on an as-needed basis.

Mark Graham is planning a trip to Sicily and France with his wife this summer. He's still working out some of the details, but one thing he is sure of: getting travel insurance. Graham can't imagine traveling without it. "We feel better knowing we have the safety of insurance," says Graham, a retired telecommunications worker from Danville, California.

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands is commemorating its 75th Anniversary with a Hometown Celebration and Inaugural Two-Day Arts Festival, happening Saturday, February 4th, 2023 through Sunday, February 5th, 2023, from 11:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. The Bay Harbor Islands Arts Festival will showcase art from all genres, exhibited on the beautiful Kane Concourse in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.

In my last article, I reviewed the process we are going through in our City to address our Infrastructure. City Infrastructure includes everything in our public right of way and everything that is underground up to the property lines. They also include: our buildings, park systems and transportation systems. Obviously, these assets are very expensive to maintain and replace. In Hallandale Beach’s case, we are looking for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, Friday, January 13th, 2023 at MLK Day FUN DAY with free, family-friendly events in the City of Hollywood.

After another challenging year, this time with high food and gas prices and a summer of travel chaos, it's not surprising that many people want to pack it all in and live somewhere completely different. But if we had the choice, where would we go?

The killjoys who canceled a lot of Dr. Seuss’s delightful books didn’t get around to How The Grinch Stole Christmas - yet. But comparing what I have seen this season with the magical celebrations of my childhood, I think there’s a real Grinch out there. And he is not going to be converted, will not bring the goodies back and definitely will not carve the roast beast.

Gulfstream Park is heating up in 2023! Peak season has arrived at South Florida’s favorite entertainment destination where a number of exciting events and happenings will take place under the Florida sunshine. Home to a world-renowned racetrack, casino, live performance venue, countless dining options and plenty of shopping and entertainment, Gulfstream Park is excited to usher in another year of signature events that attract visitors both near and far.

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its partners in Boca Raton, Aventura and Miami-Dade County, celebrate the ribbon cutting of its Aventura and Boca Raton train stations. Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Mayors Daniella Levine Cava, Scott Singer and Howard Weinburg were joined by officials from the City of Boca, the City of Aventura, Miami-Dade County and Brightline executives to officially launch the highly-anticipated opening of the two new stations. The first day of service for Boca Raton and Aventura is December 21st, 2022.

Close to two hundred local young Jewish professionals gathered in a private ranch in South Florida for a unique event at the end of December. While many such mixer events exist for this large and diverse demographic, this wasn’t just another singles event. Curated and hosted by the folks at Met @Chabad, participants were treated to something that actually delivered on its promise and premise.

As we begin the year 2023, our Staff in the Department Of Public Works and Finance have been busy developing strategic work plans to address our City’s Infrastructure. As I wrote last week, we have been focused on our lift stations replacing and repairs and water main projects. Our City was founded 95 years ago and many of our underground pipes are over forty to fifty years old. The current preliminary plan projects an 8 – 10 year build out of the most critical priorities.

Most Americans are aware that the nation is deeply divided and that politics is intruding everywhere. They seem to think that we have two equal opposing forces, as shown by razor-thin majorities in Congress and in many key elections.

Whose music has been featured at EVERY major sporting event in the world including the Super Bowl, World Series, Conference Championships, The NBA, Collegiate Bowl Games National Championship Games, the NASCAR racing circuit and championships, The World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Kentucky Derby, EVERY Holiday Parade include the famous Macys Thanksgiving Day parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade, Political Party Conventions, Presidential Campaigns, and nearly EVERY wedding, confirmation, and bar mitzvah in the world? Whose music has been featured on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks?

There will come a time in the not-so-distant future when the very act of thinking for ourselves is not just outlawed but unthinkable. We are being shunted down the road to that dystopian future right now, propelled along by politically correct forces that, while they may have started out with the best of intentions, have fallen prey to the authoritarian siren song of the Nanny State, which has promised to save the populace from evils that only a select few are wise enough to recognize as such.

Got a solid idea for a product or service? Let us help you make your business idea a reality. The City of Hollywood is launching the 4th cohort of its free FastTrac® Start-Up Program to assist entrepreneurs and business owners in Hollywood. The application portal opens: January 9-22, 2023.

In the weeks and months immediately following a Stroke, an early rehabilitation program offers the best possible recovery outcomes. While each person's Stroke Recovery journey is unique, starting the path toward rehabilitation as soon as it's medically safe allows Stroke Survivors to mitigate the lasting effects.

We’re all familiar with Newton’s First Law of Physics; A body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force, a body in motion stays in motion… This also applies to the human body. To live a happier and longer life, it is vital to stay active and fit. After all, you only have one body, so treat it right. The trained fitness instructors at Premier Health & Fitness can help you do just that. Beginning January 2nd, 2023, Silver Sneakers will be returning to Premier Health & Fitness, conveniently located at 1250 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.

Chabad of South Broward celebrated their 43rd Annual South Florida Chassidic Chanukah Festival Thursday Dec 22 with a concert at the Glamorous Venue Hard Rock Live Casino and Hotel, in Hollywood, only 2 years removed from a quarantined-style drive in concert at the Big Easy parking lot in Hallandale. Modi Rosenfeld, a popular Jewish comedian, has called Florida “a year round Pesach program.”

Put on your best neon colors and ring in 2023 at Gulfstream Park! On Saturday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., the community is invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve while enjoying food, drinks, music and plenty of entertainment. The walking ring will be transformed into a neon nightclub with a laser show that will be shown throughout the night, set to DJ beats by DJ Mike Locke. The band 30 Vice, with roots in Miami and Nashville, will perform live and will have guests dancing to the very best in Pop, R&B, Disco, Rock, Latin and Country.

The holidays are a joyful time of year with family and friends to celebrate. Christmas is just a little over a week away, Hanukkah begins the evening of December 18th and New Year's is right around the corner, there is plenty to be excited for. One thing all of these holidays has in common is the exchanging of gifts and getting dressed up to look our best.

The first two weeks of January are action packed and more than two dozen productions take the stage this January as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts goes to the movies with one of the world’s leading astrophysicists, presents two Broadway tours, legendary comics, iconic musicians, celebrations of some of the greatest rock and roll bands and family theater. Here is the run down for the first two weeks of the New Year.

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves defines the spirit of a community. The Hallandale Beach Police Department in conjunction with the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League brightened the lives of 110 deserving children showering them with gifts and encouragement building gingerbread houses together celebrating the annual tradition of Shop With A Cop.

What a year 2022 has been. We started off with the Omicron Variant and now are still dealing with COVID-19. It has been a full two years this January that we have been dealing with the virus. Currently we are still hearing about case after case. I keep hearing of individuals and children traveling and ending up with COVID-19. So, the virus is still as insidious as it has ever been. The message is, if you are at risk go get the new shot.

Broward County’s Regional Communications System provides critical tools to our law enforcement and fire rescue community. The same call-takers and dispatchers that answer emergency calls to 911, also answer the police and fire non-emergency number (954.764.4357).

The Miami Dolphins Football UNITES™ Program and Air Pros USA, a local residential and commercial air conditioning services company and the official Air Conditioning partner for the NFL team, came together to provide new A/C Units for those in need in the community. The first recipient was Sergeant First Class Select Guillermo Oeding of Homestead. He was surprised with a new unit after being nominated by The Wounded Warrior Project, a Miami Dolphins Football UNITES™ Community Partner.

You’ve probably seen Menorahs going up all around town. This year you will also see a lot more Car Menorahs, proudly displayed on the roofs of private vehicles throughout Florida and beyond. That’s because Chanukah is coming and the Mitzvah on the holiday of lights is to share the light. What better place to share that, than with those we share the roads with?

Entertainment Legends: Manhattan Transfer, Chris Botti, Seth Rudetsky and Chita Rivera, the Mavericks and Tauren Wells join Comic Trevor Wallace and Celebrations of Salsa, Doo Wop and the musical geniuses Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston in Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker this January.

The New Year is a time of resolutions. It's a time when people commit to making a change in their life. Losing weight, changing jobs, saving money, making money, a new relationship, getting in shape, going back to school, or giving up smoking, are just some of the goals people set for themselves on January 1st.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center invites arts lovers of all ages to start the New Year by becoming volunteers and enjoy expanding their horizons, exploring new interests and contributing to the cultural community of South Florida.

Last week, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24 District), Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee, introduced the American Teacher Act to incentivize states to increase the minimum K-12 teacher salary to $60,000 and provide adjustments for inflation. This financial incentive supports ongoing state efforts to provide competitive wages for teachers and address the national teacher shortage.

The holiday season is here, and for most people, like the song says, it’s “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, for some, holidays can be especially difficult, particularly for those who have suffered a recent loss or who cannot seem to shake the grief related to losses that occurred a while ago. The fact that those who are grieving are around so many people who seem to be happy and having a good time can exacerbate negative feelings in those who have suffered or are anticipating a loss.

Happy Hanukkah! For years our City had always done Menorah lighting. Sadly, the tradition had stopped. After I was reinstated the COVID-19 Pandemic struck the world and no one was gathering in large groups. This coupled with no budgeting of holiday lights really put a damper on the Holiday Spirit around town. Thanks to Vice Mayor Taub, Commissioner Lazarow and the entire commission the tradition has started again.