Chanukah Festival 2022: Annual “Fried & Ribo” Event Hits South Florida November 17, 2022 Share In honor of Shnas Hakhel, the Biblical Year of Gathering, Chabad of South Broward is going all out with its Annual Chanukah Festival, hosting together for the first time in America, the dynamic duo of Avraham Fried and Ishay Ribo, who will be bringing their magical Annual Chanukah Show to the shores of Miami. For the first time, the 7,000 seat Seminole Hard Rock Concert Hall in Hollywood, Florida, will be the venue of the Annual Chanukah Concert hosted by Chabad of South Broward, led by Executive Director, Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus. The Concert will feature the dynamic duo of the two greatest contemporary Jewish singers from Israel and the United States, Avraham Fried and Ishay Ribo. The two share a close bond and will be singing together one week before, at the Annual Chabad Hosted “Tzamah” Event at Binyanei Haumah in Yerushalayim. Avraham Fried Avraham Shabsi Hakohen Friedman better known by his stage name, Avraham Fried, a popular musical entertainer in the Orthodox Jewish Community. Fried was encouraged towards a music career by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Rebbe of Lubavitch and by Mordechai Ben David. Fried began his career with the release of his first album "No Jew Will Be Left Behind" in 1981. The title song was composed by Yossi Green and the song “Kel Hahodaos” was written by Kol Salonica. Fried went on to collaborate with Green on eight albums. Green is credited with some of Fried’s biggest hits, including “Aderaba,” “Tanya” and “Didoh Bei.” His music is mostly categorized as Pop Jewish Music, similar to Mordechai Ben David and tends to integrate many styles of popular music, including: Pop, Rock and Jazz with Jewish lyrics and themes. He also has a few “cantor” style songs on most of his albums, as well as many songs written in Yiddish. He sings his Yiddish songs with a Chabad flavor. Ishay Ribo Ishay was born and raised in France and at the age of 13 he began writing songs, composing and recording them in his home. He learned to play the guitar at 18. In 2014, he launched his debut album, "Tocho Ratzuf Ahava," which was certified Gold for selling more than 25,000 copies in Israel. At the same time, the song "Kol Dodi" reached the number one spot for Israeli Religious Radio Stations. Ishay has collaborated on singles and performances with prominent Israeli artists, including: Shlomo Artzi, Idan Raichel and David D'or, as well as famous Jewish Musicians: Avraham Fried, Yaakov Shwekey, Mordechai Ben David, Yonatan Razel, among others. Ishay Ribo participated in the three "Tzama" project albums, which showcase Chabad melodies. In 2016, he released his second album, "Pachad Gvahim," which also achieved Gold album certification. At the same time, Ishay also worked on collaborations with Composer Yossi Green, as well as a new single with Moti Steinmetz. He managed to break down sectarian walls on his way to the top, in his own way, by mixing a unique combination of spiritual influences, catchy and inspirational Western melodies and his one-of-a-kind, soft voice. This has made Ribo one of the most prominent and beloved young artists in the Israeli Music Scene, with millions of YouTube views and his third album "Shetah Afor" that become one of the most intriguing on the charts. The Dynamic Duo For the last five years, Fried and Ribo have been hosting a 12,000 person joint Chanukah Concert in Israel, night after night. The show was supposed to hit New York last winter but had to be canceled at the last minute due to the third wave of Corona and the lockdown in Israel. This year, for the first time ever, the two are heading out directly from the Israeli Concert to the shores of Miami. Flying together from Israel with an enormous team of 14 musicians and an entire staff of light and sound technicians, a production team, directors and stage managers, as well as the videographers and photographers. Rabbi Tennenhuas told numerous media outlets: “The Rebbe gave us a special Brachah for our Chanukah Festivals that they should continuously grow each year. We have merited to see the fulfillment of the Rebbe’s Brachah - over time; the event has attracted tens of thousands of participants. Inspired by the Rebbe’s call to initiate gatherings of Yidden in honor of Shnas Hakhel, this year we have gone all out.” Considering the enormous costs of the event this year, for the first time, tickets will be sold at various rates to accommodate the entire community and beyond. In addition, there are opportunities for sponsorships, with perks including front-row seats or couches, an ad in the program directory, a meet and greet with Ishay Ribo and Avraham Fried and a deluxe dinner before the festival. Tickets and sponsorships are available on the event website: www.Chanukahfestival.com < Previous News Next News >

The Workforce Isn't Burned Out. It's Grieving - How Job Loss, Role Erosion, And AI-Driven Instability Are Reshaping Risk, Identity, And Performance South Florida Sun Times Feb 11, 2026 Burnout Has Become The Default Explanation For Nearly Every Form Of Workplace Distress. It Gets Cited After Layoffs, During Reorganizations, And Whenever Motivation Drops Without An Obvious Cause. But Burnout No Longer Explains What People Are Actually Experiencing. Across industries, professionals are not depleted by effort. They are destabilized by loss. Loss of role. Loss of trajectory. Loss of trust in the basic contract that once made work feel coherent. This is not burnout. It is career grief. That distinction matters because when the diagnosis is wrong, every proposed solution misses the mark. People keep calling it burnout because the symptoms look familiar on the surface. Disengagement. Fatigue. A collapse in motivation. But the underlying mechanism is different. Burnout implies depletion from effort. It suggests that rest, time off, or a lighter workload will restore equilibrium. Career grief is not about effort. It is about loss. Loss of identity. Loss of continuity. Loss of confidence that investment will still be rewarded. You did not just lose a job. You lost coherence. Career grief shows up quietly at first. Motivation drops in ways that feel unfamiliar. Focus fragments. Confidence wobbles even in people with long track records of competence. The future starts to feel vague or threatening instead of challenging. People blame themselves. They assume they have lost resilience or ambition. They have not. Their nervous system is responding to instability exactly as it is designed to. The past few years have rewritten the effort reward contract that underpinned modern careers. For decades, the logic was simple. Work hard. Build skill. Stay relevant. Progress would follow. That logic no longer holds. Layoffs arrive without warning. Roles disappear overnight. Entire professions reshape faster than people can adapt. AI accelerates the pace and removes human buffering along the way. When predictability collapses, the nervous system does not interpret it as a professional inconvenience. It reads it as a threat. That is where career grief begins. This is not fear of hard work. It is chronic instability. When the ground keeps shifting, the body stays alert. Risk tolerance changes. Long term planning narrows. People become more cautious, more guarded, more reactive. Not because they lack courage, but because their system is trying to preserve safety. You see this everywhere once you know what to look for. High performers who hesitate to commit. Leaders who avoid decisive bets. Professionals who feel inexplicably numb toward roles they once wanted badly. These are not motivation problems. They are regulatory signals. Career grief is physiological. Loss registers in the body before it becomes a story in the mind. When identity and role dissolve without ceremony, the system adapts. It tightens. It pulls inward. It prepares for further loss. That is why mindset based advice falls flat. You cannot reframe your way out of a state your body is maintaining for protection. Optimism does not restore coherence. Hustle does not rebuild trust. Many people keep pushing anyway. They apply to more roles. They are up-skill. They optimize routines. They follow productivity advice with discipline and hope. None of it lands. Each failure deepens the sense that something is wrong with them. Nothing is. What is broken is the environment that once provided stability, pacing, and relational calibration. Work used to include human rhythm. Informal conversations. Shared stress. Feedback loops that regulated uncertainty. Much of that has disappeared. Automation removes friction. Remote structures thin micro interaction. Performance becomes abstracted from presence. The result is a system under constant cognitive demand with diminishing relational support. That combination erodes coherence. Career grief often masquerades as fatigue or disengagement. But listen closely to how people describe it. They say they feel unreal. Disconnected from their own momentum. Less invested in outcomes that once mattered. These are not the words of exhaustion. They are the language of loss. Grief does not resolve through rest alone. It resolves through meaning making and reconnection. Career grief is no different. The implications extend beyond individual wellbeing. Organizations feel this too. Teams carrying unresolved career grief show subtle but costly shifts. Trust thins. Collaboration slows. Conflict rises under pressure. Decision making becomes conservative or erratic. No performance framework compensates for that. AI intensifies this dynamic without presenting itself as the cause. Each tool promises efficiency. Each removes another layer of embodied competence or relational rehearsal. Over time, work becomes cleaner and lonelier. Faster and flatter. The nervous system absorbs the cost. This is not a call to reject technology. It is a call to recognize its side effects. Career grief requires a different response than burnout. It requires stabilization before optimization. People need environments that restore coherence. Clear roles. Predictable pacing. Human feedback. Shared processing of uncertainty. Most importantly, they need containers that hold transition without forcing premature reinvention. Grief has a timeline. When it is rushed or ignored, it hardens. People either disengage or cling to identities that no longer fit. Neither leads to growth. The people navigating this moment do not need motivational speeches. They need space to recalibrate. To rebuild trust in their own signal. To reestablish belonging before performance. Career grief does not mean you are failing. It means something you invested in has ended or fundamentally changed. Naming that truth is not weakness. It is orientation. Burnout language lets systems off the hook. Grief points to loss. And loss requires reckoning. When coherence returns, ambition often follows. Not the brittle kind driven by fear, but a steadier form rooted in clarity and self trust. That is how people re-engage. Not by pushing through grief, but by moving with it. Career grief is not the end of motivation. It is the beginning of recalibration. The sooner we stop calling it burnout, the sooner real recovery becomes possible. Owen Marcus Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD. A pioneer in the field of men’s emotional health, his retreats, workshops, coaching, training and other programs serve to enhance relational dynamics as well as men’s personal and professional growth and leadership development. For nearly three decades, MELD has stood as a trusted guide for men navigating the complex terrain of modern life: stress, relationships, leadership, and identity. Marcus is also author of 'Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Emotional Maturity. In it, Marcus leads readers along an enlightening path toward the authentic self, revealing the extent to which men need clarity, purpose, connection and the support of other men to thrive. A founding member of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and a member of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, Marcus integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic mindfulness to help individuals and groups cultivate emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. Previous Next

Shaping the Future: The City of Hollywood's Comprehensive Plan Update June 21, 2024 Share A comprehensive plan acts as a blueprint for the future, driving bold visions and long-term decision-making. These plans form the policy foundation for local planning and land use decisions, guiding municipalities in growth, development, and resource management. Since the last update, the City of Hollywood has seen significant growth and transformation. Population increases, economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving community needs all necessitate an updated plan. State laws governing land use and planning have evolved. The updated plan will incorporate these changes, ensuring compliance with current legal requirements. The updated comprehensive plan will guide the City's growth and development through 2050, addressing emerging trends and challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, and demographic shifts. The updated plan will set clear strategic goals and initiatives in housing, transportation, economic development, environmental sustainability, and public services. These goals aim to promote equitable growth, enhance quality of life, and create opportunities for all residents. Robust community engagement is essential. The City will continue to seek input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders through public meetings, workshops, and other methods to ensure the plan reflects diverse perspectives and aspirations. Updating the City's comprehensive plan is crucial for shaping a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future. The City is prepared to guide visionary growth and development through 2050. Active community engagement and a focus on strategic goals will make the plan a powerful tool for realizing our shared vision of a thriving City. Make plans to attend the Hollywood 2050 Project Launch & Public Workshop on Monday, June 24th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Boulevard Heights Community Center. For more information on the Hollywood 2050 Comprehensive Plan, please visit: https://city-of-hollywood-kimley-horn.hub.arcgis.com/ or connect via email at: hollywood2050@hollywoodfl.org . < Previous News Next News >

Hike Where The Wildflowers Bloom - Banff Sunshine Village In The Heart Of The Canadian Rockies By www.Newswire.com Jul 18, 2025 Banff Sunshine Village Is Excited To Welcome Guests Back To Sunshine Meadows, For Another Unforgettable Summer Season In The Heart Of The Canadian Rockies. Named The Number-One Day Hike By Lonely Planet, Sunshine Meadows Offers Accessible Sightseeing And Hiking For Nature Enthusiasts Of All Levels. Guests Enjoying Sunshine Meadows, Known For Its Postcard-Perfect Lakes And Stunning Wildflowers, Often Proclaim That They Traveled Back In Time As They Admire Untouched Nature And Infinite Mountain Views. Banff Sunshine's Summer Season Will Run From Friday, June 27th 2025 Through To Sunday, September 21st, 2025. With a large uncrowded parking lot, guests wishing to see the beauty of Sunshine Meadows this summer can access the Banff Sunshine Gondola from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, with access to the Standish Chairlift from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From the top of the Standish Viewing Deck - the highest lift-accessible sightseeing deck in Banff National Park, guests will be gobsmacked by the 360-degree beauty of the Canadian Rockies including views of Rock Isle, Laryx, and Grizzly Lakes. From the viewing deck, guests will be encouraged to choose their own adventure down - fly down in comfort on Standish Express, hike amongst the wildflowers and alpine lakes or walk down the meadow park trail. Unlike other hikes in the region, Sunshine Meadows is a true family-friendly experience, with easy-to-moderate hikes perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Open daily throughout summer, guests can catch a free shuttle bus from Banff or park in the resort parking lot. No reservation or pre booking is required to enjoy summer at Banff Sunshine Meadows. "Summer at Sunshine is truly a place of rare beauty. There are days I still pinch myself that something so beautiful exists. Escaping to Sunshine Meadows is the perfect reprieve from the hustle of modern life. My family and I love to stay at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, hike amongst the wildflowers, and soak in the night sky in the resort's hot pool," explains Kendra Scurfield, VP of Communications at Banff Sunshine Village. If you find yourself in Banff this summer, travel eight miles west of the town of Banff to enjoy the region's best kept secret: Sunshine Meadows. Hike where the wildflowers bloom and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of one of Canada's most iconic alpine landscapes. While there, stop by the resort's interpretive center to book an interpretive walk and to learn more about the unique ecosystem of Banff Sunshine Meadows. About Banff Sunshine Village: Perched at 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) above sea level, Banff Sunshine Village is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park. Renowned for its all-natural snow, this world-class resort attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe during its impressive seven-month winter season, running from mid-November to late May. Come late June, the landscape transforms as summer arrives at Banff Sunshine Meadows, where Alberta's native wildflowers blanket hundreds of pristine, protected alpine acres in a vibrant display of color. From carving turns on Canada's Best Snow in the winter to hiking through breathtaking mountain meadows in the summer, Banff Sunshine offers an unparalleled year-round escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The resort remains open for summer operations until Sunday, September 21st, 2025. Previous Next

The Graveyard of COVID-19 Missed Information By Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD August 12, 2021 Share The CDC’s own analysis of COVID hospitalizations, showed that the risk of death while hospitalized, was 0.3% for patients with no comorbidities The British social hierarchy of the Middle Ages and beyond was divided into "three estates of the realm:" the king, the clergy and the commoners. More modern times, brought the fourth estate, the non-establishment, independent journalists. Our founders knew, that for a successful Democratic Republic, the press had to be a watchdog. Journalists now have become morticians, who embalm and bury stories at the bidding of their puppet masters. In many cases, the government with its media accomplices, quietly plucked from the public square information, that is not to their liking, irrespective of its factual accuracy. COVID-19 has brought the practice out of the shadows. With our health at stake, it is imperative that all sides of the science, are available. Let the people decide. Welcome to the cemetery. The PCR test used to diagnose an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was found to have as high as 97 percent of false positives for infectiousness, because the test was so sensitive, that it measured dead viruses that could not cause disease. Even the inscrutable Dr. Fauci, agreed with that assessment. After the Vaccines that were going to bring us back to the old normal, the CDC set strict rules for the testing of Vaccine "breakthrough" cases. It wanted "only specimens," that were collected with a PCR test, that was much less sensitive. Was this done to make the Vaccines look, more effective? It’s unlikely, anyone saw that the CDC, will soon abandon the PCR test. What a coincidence? A consortium backed by Bill Gates, bought out Mologic, a company with a yet-to-be-approved COVID test. Then there’s a CDC analysis, of infections and mask-wearing. "In the 14 days before the illness onset, 71 percent of case-patients and 74 percent of control participants, reported always using cloth face coverings or other mask types when in public." Only 4 percent of the case-patients "never" wore a mask. The explanation was that the masked case-patients, frequented restaurants and got infected, when they removed their masks to eat. The mainstream reporting of COVID-19 deaths is sensationalism, at its worst. The newscasts implied any infected person, would surely be on death’s door, at some point. Again, the CDC’s own analysis of COVID hospitalizations, showed that the risk of death while hospitalized, was 0.3% for patients with no comorbidities. The analysis showed that the strongest risk factors were obesity, Diabetes with a complication and anxiety disorders. Yet, we did not hear that we should lose weight and exercise. (How unfortunate, that the gyms were closed.) Our mental health was tested, by lockdowns and lack of socialization. Even French Virologist and Nobel Prize Winner, Luc Montagnier, was ghosted, when he posited that mass Vaccination against The SARS-CoV-2 Virus, during the Pandemic, was creating variants. His science appears to have been borne out. The CDC reported an outbreak in Massachusetts, where 90 percent of SARS-CoV-2 Infections were identified as the Delta variant. Moreover, 74 percent of the infected, were fully vaccinated. There are similar findings, in the United Kingdom and Israel. In another instance, 75 to 80 percent of recently infected Staff Members at two University of California, San Francisco hospitals were fully Vaccinated. The most devastating missed information, is the effectiveness of early treatment of COVID-19. Since February 2020, clinicians had successfully treated patients, early in the disease process with Hydroxychloroquine. A campaign to discredit these successes, has followed. When Dr. Fauci’s pet drug, Remdesivir was found to be ineffective, the media buried the study. Despite studies showing its benefits, Ivermectin and The Hydroxychloroquine Smear Treatments were given. Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin, are fully FDA-Approved, have a long record of safety and remain on the World Health Organization's List Of Essential Medicines. What’s the problem? They are very inexpensive and are generics. With early treatment sidelined, the experimental Vaccines became the Panacea. But why are we expected to ignore the RNA Vaccines’ role, in encouraging variants and serious side effects, such as heart inflammation, paralysis and death? Could money be a motivator? Pfizer reports, that it will have $33.5 Billion from COVID-19 Vaccine sales, in 2021, with even more revenue, being anticipated, from the Booster Shots. Was the Drug And Health Product Manufacturers’ $171 Million given to lobbyists in the last 6 months, be intended to ensure the government’s cooperation and are the pharmaceutical companies the Fifth Estate? The politicians’ hypocrisy says it all. In their personal lives, Nancy Pelosi and her nephew, California’s Governor Newsom, flaunt their own directives, being mask-less getting haircuts, going to fancy dinners and sending their children, to summer camps? More galling is, the "let them eat their cake," attitude in their political lives. Newsom demands, that all state workers, except the powerful prison guards union, get vaccinated or submit to continuous COVID-19 Tests. Pelosi commands her subjects, aka congresspeople, to don masks, subject to fines and arrests, for noncompliance. Her majesty, removes her mask for a photo op, so, how can anyone trust anything, these soulless, grifters have to say? Do some digging. The truth is out there. < Previous News Next News >

Be Part of The Celebration June 8, 2021 Share The Karmic ice-cream truck will be a part of the June 22nd celebration to pass out some delicious treats. Conviva Care Centers is having a celebration and you’re invited. Conviva Care Centers is a primary care center for seniors committed to aging well. They are reinventing excellence in healthcare with a simple idea - that meaningful patient relationships lead to better health outcomes. The team at each center has a unique goal in mind, for their patients to reach their fullest potential, while always feeling respected, understood and cared for. Success for each patient is measured with their patients' clinical outcomes and long term health. They best accomplish this success by forming a strong relationship with each patient as an individual, so they understand them, along with their individualized health needs. The relationship and understanding between patients and physicians, enables their approach to focus on lifestyle, prevention, allows their patients to maximize the time they spend focusing on their health, in and out of a clinical setting, to help them live their lives to the fullest. Conviva physicians are respected and established community physicians, dedicated to helping each patient live their best life. They are a team of professionals, that work together to create the gold standard of Primary Care for Seniors. A Little About the Team Yiliam Castillo, M.D., specializes in Internal Medicine. She holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Basic Life Support as well as Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, ECFMG Certification. Dr. Castillo completed an internal medicine residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York, in 2020. She earned her medical degree from the Calixto Garcia School of Medicine of the Institute of Medical Sciences in Havana, Cuba, in 2007. Prior to her residency, Dr. Castillo served as a patient aide in Louisville, Kentucky. Yanayra Becerra Duque, M.D., is board certified in family medicine and holds certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. At Conviva Hallandale, she leads a team of compassionate, patient-focused health care professionals with a dedication to medical excellence. Juan Emilio Rodriguez Linares, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Conviva Hallandale, he provides compassionate, patient-focused primary care with a dedication to medical excellence. If you would like to find out more and meet the newest members of the care team, stop by on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 between 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. to learn more about joining the Conviva family. While there, you will have a chance to meet Yanayra Becerra Duque, M.D., Yiliam Castillo, M.D. and Juan Emilio Rodriguez Linares, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. These care team members will be available to talk with you and answer any questions about the center. Also, the Karmic Ice-Cream Truck will be there to pass out, some delicious treats. Conviva Care Center in Hallandale in its new location is now accepting new patients. Visit anytime or call to schedule a tour at: (954) 456-5533. The center is located at 1740 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, their hours are: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, the office is closed. ABOUT CONVIVA Conviva continues to reinvent excellence in healthcare by embracing meaningful patient relationships focused on producing optimal health outcomes. With more than 90 convenient locations throughout Florida (Broward County, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and Tampa/Gulf Coast) and Texas (Corpus Christi, El Paso and San Antonio), the vast community of Conviva Care Centers is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of more than 300 Primary Care Physicians and over 800 Affiliated Specialists that provide a wide range of vital healthcare services that patients require daily, including the advantages of senior care activity centers and 24/7 on-call providers. The success of Conviva is measured by its patients’ clinical outcomes and long-term health benefits. To learn more, visit: www.ConvivaCareCenters.com Or call: (833) CONVIVA. < Previous News Next News >

An Unexpected Journey: Man Overcomes Devastation of War and Builds Thriving New Life in US May 26, 2022 Share Is it possible to overcome the turmoil of war and emerge with an unfailing optimism toward a better future? Somehow, through providence and sheer determination, that’s exactly what John Livens did. In his captivating true story, An Unexpected Journey, Livens recalls with remarkable detail the path that led him from his native, war-torn Latvia to a life well lived in the United States. Livens eloquently recounts his past, walking readers through his early years of privileged life in Latvia; appearing on the KGB’s wanted list at age 7; his father’s deportation to Gulag in Northern Siberia; the loss of everything during World War II and his resettlement in the United States. “My life shows that we as humans cannot always change or control our circumstances. We cannot anticipate all the obstacles in our path,” Livens writes. “We can, however, choose our attitude, our actions and how to overcome the obstacles we face. This will define our character, values and faith.” In his new life in the United States, he flies in the U.S. Navy, earns two degrees from Harvard and enjoys a rewarding career. Through it all, family is an ever-present element, undercurrents remind readers that tangible possessions and social standing are transitory and fleeting. What lasts is character, intellect and determination to seek a better future. Told with a strong voice and ethical code, An Unexpected Journey is a deeply profound, human story of survival, serendipity and resilience in the face of inconceivable upheaval and devastation. It’s also a potent reminder of the unlimited opportunities and freedoms that U.S. Citizens often take for granted. “The reason why the lights looked so much brighter, the colors more vibrant, the laughter more cheerful and the joy so much more intense was because I would have been denied the opportunity to experience this had it not been for the freedom and democracy of the United States,” Livens writes. “No wonder all this meant so much more to me.” About the Author John H. Livens was born in Riga, Latvia, in North-East Europe. He and his family (except for his father who perished in a Gulag) survived and escaped the Soviet/Russian Occupation in 1940. In 1950, the family came to the United States. With limited knowledge of English and having missed two years of school due to the war, Livens graduated from high school in six months, received a scholarship to Boston University and then transferred to Harvard College where he graduated, Cum Laude. Livens was encouraged to pursue an academic career but opted to go to the Harvard Business School. He received an MBA and spent several years as a U.S. Navy Officer flying different Aircraft Carriers. He enjoyed a rewarding business career as a partner of a prestigious Boston investment management firm and later as the president of a small investment firm. He is now retired. < Previous News Next News >

Matisyahu Ancient Child Unplugged To Appear At Boca Black Box Aventura Digest Jan 20, 2026 Internationally Acclaimed Artist Matisyahu Brings His Powerful Acoustic Experience, Ancient Child Unplugged, To Boca Black Box On Monday, February 2nd, 2026 At 8:00 p.m. For One Intimate Evening Of Music, Story, And Spiritual Exploration. Described by the Miami New Times as “tremendous, zen-like, and enlightening,” Matisyahu’s stripped-back acoustic show highlights the raw essence of his artistry. Presented in two parts, the performance features songs from his seminal breakout album Live at Stubb’s, selections from his latest studio release Ancient Child on October 3rd, 2025 and beloved fan favorites spanning his influential career. In this minimalist setting, Matisyahu’s voice and signature beat-boxing take center stage, expanding through lyrical intensity, improvisation, and deep emotional resonance. The evening charts a musical and spiritual journey—from his breakout anthem “King Without a Crown” to global hits like “One Day” and “Sunshine,” through introspective tracks such as “Surrender” and “Searchin,” and into the profound themes of Ancient Child, his eighth studio album. With Ancient Child, Matisyahu returns to a deep connection with Judaism and explores the existential search for universal meaning in dark times, with standout tracks like “Sound Foundation” and “Crosswinds.” The unplugged format allows audiences rare access to the stories and reflections behind the songs, creating a uniquely close artist-fan experience. Event Details What: Matisyahu – Ancient Child Unplugged When: Monday, February 2nd, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. Where: Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite#: 10, Boca Raton, Florida 33434 Social Handles Facebook- @bocablackbox Instagram- @bocablackbox Youtube- @bocablackbox8967 For tickets, visit: https://bocablackbox.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=45 Previous Next

The Virginia Beach Vibe - A Shore Thing For Every Traveler's Wish List By BPT Jul 10, 2025 Where The Chesapeake Bay Meets The Atlantic Ocean, Travelers Are Greeted By The Welcoming Shores Of Virginia Beach. While Its Iconic Boardwalk And Sun-Drenched Shores Beckon Millions Every Year, This Vibrant Coastal City Continues To Blossom Into A Sophisticated, Diverse And Utterly Irresistible Destination That's Tailor-Made For Every Traveler's Wish List. "Virginia Beach is truly a destination that surprises and delights," says Nancy Helman, Director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We've intentionally cultivated an experience where the thrill of the ocean is balanced with a rich tapestry of arts, history and family fun, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect adventure here, regardless of their passion." No Virginia Beach experience is complete without a leisurely stroll or invigorating bike ride along the three-mile boardwalk. Here, the rhythmic cadence of the ocean serves as a soothing soundtrack while the sun paints the sky in hues of tangerine and rose. Early mornings see dedicated joggers embracing the fresh ocean air while families glide by on surreys, soaking in the city's infectious energy. Yet, beyond this bustling core, a world of discovery awaits including stunning public art, creative culinary delights, adventure-packed parks and serene pockets perfect for quiet contemplation. A few blocks away from the beach in the ViBe District, a sanctuary of creativity awaits, thanks to a diverse community of artisans, musicians and entrepreneurs who have collectively enriched the city's cultural landscape. With an impressive array of public artworks including murals, sculptures and creatively designed crosswalks, the area is a dynamic open-air canvas that captivates all who stroll the district and shop the handmade creations of local artisans. ViBe also has emerged as a culinary hotspot, offering an eclectic mix of more than two dozen dining experiences that reflect the area's creative spirit. From farm-to-table to international flavors, the taste buds of visitors and locals are invited on a gastronomic journey that complements its artistic surroundings. For the adventure seeker, Virginia Beach is a natural playground. Make those steps count and explore any of the city's 293 parks and park facilities like First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, or the 300 miles of bikeways and trails in the destination. And for an experience truly unlike any other, ascend the innovative 65-foot-high Nautilus Lookout Tower at Owl Creek Landing, an engineering marvel offering a unique spiral path to an open-air observation deck with panoramic views. Need more thrills? Soar high above the waves on an exhilarating parasailing excursion, test your balance paddleboarding through the tranquil Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or catch a wave like the pros and learn to hang ten in the birthplace of East Coast surfing. For guaranteed perfect surf breaks year-round, dive into the innovative Atlantic Park with the nation's first Wavegarden Cove, offering customizable waves for every skill level. The destination also boasts a rich history, inviting visitors to uncover the stories that shaped this coastal city. Immerse yourself in early Colonial life at the Adam Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest surviving brick homes in the country, or explore fascinating maritime heritage at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum housed in an authentic 1903 U.S. lifesaving station. Climb the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federal construction project authorized by the U.S. government, for panoramic views and a glimpse into the nation's early navigation efforts. Delve into the lives of early settlers and the trials of the American Revolution at sites like the Ferry Plantation House and the Francis Land House, each offering a window into Virginia Beach's vibrant and diverse past. For a quick getaway with the kids, Virginia Beach offers myriad family-friendly activities that guarantee smiles all around. Spend a day exploring the wonders of marine life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, cool off at Ocean Breeze Waterpark with its exhilarating slides and lazy river, or unleash energy at Mount Trashmore Park with its vast open spaces and playgrounds. When it comes to lodging, Virginia Beach caters to every budget: You'll find affordable and comfortable inns for great value, mid-range hotels offering reliable amenities and convenient access and even upscale family resorts complete with pools, kids' clubs and diverse dining options for a truly memorable family escape. Whether you're an art lover, an outdoor adventurer, a history buff or a family creating new memories, Virginia Beach effortlessly delivers. It's not just a coastal city; it's a destination where every traveler's wish list finds its perfect fulfillment. In Virginia Beach, the destination's casual vibe makes it a shore thing for your next unforgettable escape. Ready to discover your Virginia Beach adventure? Start planning your visit at: www.visitvirginiabeach.com . Previous Next

Predicting The Likelihood Of Complications During Cardiac Procedures For Children? - Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital-Based Database Does That, And Helps Doctors Prepare Accordingly South Florida Sun Times Feb 19, 2026 America’s Fastest-Growing Registry Of Data On High-Risk Cardiac Catheterization Cases Is Housed At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital In Hollywood, Florida, But Its Life-Saving Impact Extends Far Beyond South Florida. The Catheterization RISk in Pediatrics (CRISP) registry is a database of more than 10,000 procedures performed at 20 Congenital Cardiac Centers in the U.S. where complications occurred. For each child, an internal score that quantifies risk factors (age, weight, diagnosis, etc.) now helps guide the treatment plans of Interventional Cardiologists performing Transcatheter-based procedures on their own Congenital Heart patients. “CRISP assists in predicting when a serious adverse event is likely to occur in the catheterization lab, allowing the team to hopefully avoid the event or be prepared if it does occur,” said Dr. Tom Forbes, a Pediatric Cardiologist and Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Services at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We’re saving lives by predicting circumstances that are likely to arise and being prepared to expedite care in a way that leads to better outcomes.” The registry also helps determine whether the riskier cases are better resolved in the cath lab, through a hybrid procedure that combines a Cardiac Interventionalist and surgeon or through traditional surgery with a surgeon alone. Dr. Forbes founded the CRISP registry in 2007 and brought the database with him to Joe DiMaggio in 2022. The registry is the fastest growing of its type in the world, with 20 centers already participating and another 30 currently being enrolled. While the CRISP registry is assisting physicians in predicting complications that may be encountered in the catheterization lab, it has, since 2018, also collaborated with an affiliated consortium, FDA and industry to assist in developing and attaining earlier approval of medical devices in the U.S. “This important work benefits every child having a Cardiac procedure here at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and in children’s hospitals around the world. Being part of the majority of U.S. clinical trials allows our patients to receive earlier access to State-Of-The-Art Equipment, care and allows us to lead and contribute to advancements in the field,” said Caitlin Stella, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Because of registry data, the first stent approved to open narrowed vessels in the pulmonary artery was approved in the U.S. More recently, the registry allowed for another device to be introduced in the U.S. that helps close a vessel in infants that are born prematurely, with Joe DiMaggio currently the highest enroller in America for this trial. “Collaboration with both the FDA and industry through the registry has allowed Joe DiMaggio to be seen as the epicenter for Pediatric Cardiovascular device research in the U.S.,” said Dr. Forbes. “We’re seeing devices being approved in half the time it used to take using CRISP registry data. I’m very blessed to be at Joe DiMaggio, an institution that has the capability and desire to truly further care and make a difference in the lives of critically-ill children.” Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, the hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System, combines advanced technology, the expertise of one of the largest and most diverse groups of board-certified pediatric specialists in the region, and a focus on patient and family-centered care to heal the body, mind, and spirit. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. For each child, an internal score that quantifies risk factors (age, weight, diagnosis, etc.) now helps guide the treatment plans of interventional cardiologists performing transcatheter-based procedures on their own congenital heart patients. Dr. Thomas Forbes (Credit: "Memorial Healthcare System") Previous Next

Traffic And Flooding In Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Oct 15, 2025 There Are Two Key Issues That All Residents Talk About In Our City And Others, Traffic. Traffic Has Always Remained The Top Issue Throughout All Major Cities Around The World. While We Are Not A Major City With A Population Of 40,000, We Are Part Of Broward County That 2 Million People Call Home. The Miami-Dade County Area Is Called Home By 2.7 Million People. This Number Does Not Include Part-Time Visitors That Come To Enjoy Our Weather. So, We Are All Connected And Yes There Will Be Traffic. Traffic is not new to modern days; it has been an issue for centuries. The first traffic light was installed in the year 1868 in front of England’s Parliament due to excessive horse and buggy traffic. It was gas lit and functioned with two green and red gas lamps. It worked for a month but then exploded. It was not until 1914 that in Ohio the first electric traffic signal was installed. It was manually controlled. The design of today was patented in 1923. History is important when it comes to this topic so residents understand there will be traffic. There will always be rush hours. This fact does not mean we will not stop trying to improve traffic flow. We have contracted with Broward County to control our lights through the FDOTs live traffic HUB. We continue to address traffic within the confines of state and county regulations. We have implemented more Cloud buses. We have added micro transit in the form of 10-dollar Uber vouchers so residents can visit our entertainment areas. We also do not require excess parking requirements on developments which add more cars. I also hear that development needs to stop. This too is not a reality. Since the dawn of our country the 5th and 14th Amendments have protected real property rights. Individual owners have certain entitlements. Interference in those rights as far as seizure without just compensation is against the law. Governments and cities have developed land use patterns and codes to manage growth but reducing the ability to redevelop can result in what are called Burt Harris Claims. The State of Florida recently upended our City home rule with the Live Local Act. This gives property owners the right to build up to 90 units per acre so long as 40 percent of the units created or deemed affordable by Housing and Development Standards. This means that in addition to being able to develop by right, the existing regulations the owners have, additional rights to redevelop. Development and redevelopment will happen. This is a double-edged sword. Yes, there will be impacts but some older buildings have served their useful life and need replacement. It has also become quite evident that the older properties need improvement due to climate change and sea level rise. This brings me to the second biggest concern. Flooding. We here in South Florida have been ground zero for years. As former Chair of the US Mayors Water Council I saw the report from Nasa and the changes that were happening globally. In Florida, however, our state would not even allow us to use the words Climate change. Just like traffic, it did not mean we were not going to do anything about it. We have had a Stormwater Management Plan and have implemented the plan with a focus on low-lying areas in the northeast and southwest. I fought alongside our former City Manager Renee Crichton and lobbied to acquire over $20 Million in funding for pumping stations. These two systems were also intended to be a beginning, we knew then that matters would only get worse. That $20 Million now would only cover 1 and a half pumps. With the two 1,000-year storms last year we have all now witnessed the changes that we were warning everyone about come to fruition. The recent combination of King Tides and microburst storms dropping 4 inches of rain in three hours now have all residents on edge, not just the traditional low-lying homes. Last year after the storms we made many changes operationally and began a full rewrite of our Stormwater Master Plan. I will be updating our readers next week on this issue. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Sunny Spaces Art Contest: The City of Sunny Isles Beach Wants You To Show Your Creative Side May 24, 2024 Share The City of Sunny Isles Beach is shining a spotlight on their talented local artists with the Sunny Spaces Art Contest. This contest offers artists, who are residents of Sunny Isles Beach, the chance to create a lasting impact in our community. Participants will either paint or hand draw an original 8” X 8” piece that incorporates the theme of Parks and Open Spaces. The contest is open to residents of Sunny Isles Beach only. All artwork must be either painted or hand drawn to cover an 8” x 8” surface encompassing the theme of “Parks and Open Spaces, which must be in color. Use of any copyrighted and trademarked materials, including characters or symbols, is strictly prohibited and each entrant must ensure that no artwork submitted infringes upon the rights of privacy, or intellectual property rights, of any person or entity. The artwork must be original and 100% created by the entrant. Entries that do not conform to the entry guidelines or fail to provide the requested completed waiver form may be removed from consideration. Any minors must obtain written permission to participate from their parent or legal guardian. If a participant is a minor, his or her parent or legal guardian must agree to these official rules on behalf of the minor child. The contest will run from May 1 to July 31, 2024 and during that period you may enter the contest by completing the waiver form and submitting the form with your artwork, which must be submitted in person at the Sunny Isles Beach Visitor Center, 18070 Collins Avenue, during business hours no later than 5 p.m. on July 31, 2024. Up to two (2) entries are allowed per person. Contest entrants must provide their name, Sunny Isles Beach Resident ID Card, and method of contact such as email or phone number to be eligible to win. Up to five winners will be selected. Winners will be chosen by a selected group of Sunny Isles Beach staff members. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Contest winners will be notified by November 2024 via the contact information provided in the waiver. By participating in the contest, entrants consent to the use of the entrant’s name, photograph, likeness, voice, and/or video, for promotional purposes, including, but not limited to, online and on-air announcements, signage, posters, television, magazine articles, websites, social media sites (including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube), and any other publication at the City’s discretion, without limitation. A Few Past Winning Artists Tony Mendoza - A native of New York raised in Miami’s Little Havana, seeks to capture the spirit and vibrancy of South Florida in his artwork. His pieces have been showcased at galleries, museums, and art shows across Florida and various venues nationwide. Daria Petrova - With nine years of drawing experience, has showcased her work at prominent galleries, including the renowned Louvre. Luis Eduardo Martinez Mejia - Painter and photographer Luis Eduardo Martinez Mejia, originally from Bogota, Colombia, resides in Sunny Isles Beach for the past four years. Morea Fen - South Florida native Morea Fen is inspired from the unique natural environment of her upbringing. Her designs and illustrations reflect a deep appreciation for nature, where colors capture the hidden patterns and compositions found in the details. Tammy Seiske - She and her husband moved to Sunny Isles Beach from Wisconsin, after retirement. They vacationed here for 19 years and fell in love with the city. She is honored to have her art piece being presented in the city she holds close to her heart. Tammy’s favorite thing to do is sit on the beach and draw the beauty surrounding her. Vanessa Charles - An electric, eclectic, loud, and colorful artist. She is a self-taught artist from Haiti and moved to Miami in her teen years. While studying fashion, she gravitated towards art and illustration. Her specialty lies in fabric painting, especially denim clothing. Olivia Rey - Olivia is a 12-year-old student at Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8. Born in Spain, now living in Sunny Isles Beach for the past five years, is a player at the SIB select volleyball team. She also finds joy in expressing herself artistically. Shirley Ramirez Coll - A proud Puerto Rican, holds degrees in Science, Graphic Design, and Television Production from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. A resilient individual, she embraces creativity and artistic passion, guided by her faith. Taylor Waldroup - A self-taught artist living in Sunny Isles Beach since 2018. Waldroup has a passion for integrating nature and animals into artwork. To see more of the past selected artworks and learn more about the artists, visit: https://www.sibfl.net/sunnyspaces/ Frequently Asked Questions Does the artwork need to feature Parks and Open Spaces? Yes. The artwork must highlight any of our City’s parks and open spaces where people gather for recreational, aesthetic, educational or cultural use. It’s up to the artist’s interpretation as to how the park or open space is depicted. What size should the artwork be? The paper or canvas you submit must be at least 8″ X 8″ or larger. The dimensions must be a perfect square. What material can be used for the artwork? We recommend using either paper or canvas. Winning pieces will be professionally transferred to become art installations at various locations around the city. What medium can be used to create the artwork? Various mediums can be used, including paints, pencils, charcoal, and pastels. The artwork must be hand-painted or drawn. Digital artwork will not be accepted. Can I copy another piece of art? You may not use any copyrighted character. The artwork must be original and created 100% by the artist. How old do I have to be to participate? This contest is open to all ages; however, minors must obtain permission from their parent or legal guardian to participate. If a participant is a minor, his or her parent or legal guardian must agree to the official rules on behalf of his or her minor child. Do I have to create my art within the boundary box of the submission form? No, your artwork can be completed on your own paper or canvas that is at least 8″ X 8″. Should I sign the painting? Please include your name, whether it is on the front or the back of the painting, so that we may identify you. If you do sign the front of the painting, please print your name on the back just so we are able to clearly read your name. Do I need to be a resident of Sunny Isles Beach to enter the contest? Yes. To qualify, artists must show their Sunny Isles Beach Resident ID Card when submitting their artwork. How do you submit my artwork? Entries must be submitted in-person at the Sunny Isles Beach Visitor Center during regular business hours. The Visitor Center is located at: 18070 Collins Avenue 1st Floor Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM - Sunday: Closed. General Rules: The City reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process and/or to cancel, modify, or suspend this Contest should entrant fraud or misconduct or other causes beyond the control of the City corrupt the administration, integrity, security, or proper operation of the Contest. The City is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, or in the administration, of the Contest. Each Entrant releases and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against any and all claims and liability arising from or in connection with participation in this Contest. Once the drawing is submitted as a contest entry, it becomes property of the City of Sunny Isles Beach and the entrant should not expect the return of the drawing. Entrants are prohibited from submitting entries that: i) contain material that is copyrighted, protected by trade secret or otherwise subject to third party proprietary rights, including privacy and publicity rights, unless the Entrant is the owner of such rights or has the permission from the rightful owner to grant the City of Sunny Isles Beach all of the license rights granted herein; ii) publish falsehoods or misrepresentations that could damage the City of Sunny Isle Beach; iii) contain material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, give rise to civil liability, violate any law, or is otherwise inappropriate. By participating in this contest, the entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the City of Sunny Isles Beach and all of its representatives, agents, and employees from any and all liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses, or damages, of any kind arising from or in connection with, either directly or indirectly, participation in the Contest. For a complete list of contest rules visit: www.sibfl.net/sunny-spaces-art-contest-rules-conditions/ Residents and city staff are excited to see your submissions and showcase local artists’ work for everyone in Sunny Isles Beach to enjoy! < Previous News Next News >