Let The Good Times Roll October 3, 2024 Share For A Great Cause During South Florida's Beach Ball 2024 - The YMCA of South Florida kicks off the fall season with its annual Beach Ball, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, in Hollywood. The Beach Ball benefits the water safety and drowning prevention programs at the YMCA. The YMCA of South Florida kicks off the fall season with its annual Beach Ball, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, in Hollywood. The Beach Ball benefits the water safety and drowning prevention programs at the YMCA. The YMCA’s Beach Ball is one of the hottest social events to kick off the season, with more than 600 philanthropic and business professionals in attendance. Guests are encouraged to dress to the theme, “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” (Let the Good Times Roll) During the evening guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the Beach Ball supports Financial Assistance for Aquatics programming so that anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, can come to the Y to learn water safety. Unfortunately, South Florida leads the nation in childhood drownings, and the Y’s mission is to work with the community to stem this tide. “Just because the calendar changes to fall, does not mean our children and families are safe from drowning, particularly here in South Florida,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “Our programs continue to have an impact on local communities, providing swim lessons and water safety education to more than 175,000 children and their families. We can only do that with the generous support from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and all our Beach Ball sponsors and guests. Together we can save lives.” For only $125 per child, the Y teaches a proven, eight-lesson drowning prevention course that empowers children to learn to swim and develop the confidence needed to be safe in and around water. A limited number of sponsorships for Beach Ball 2024 are still available, including Ruby, Gold and Silver sponsorship options for $7,500, $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. For further information on Beach Ball 2024, including sponsorships and tickets, please visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/. For sponsorship opportunities or additional questions, please contact Aimee Fretwell at: AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org - Or at: (954) 334-9622, Extension#: 1045. Florida leads the country in child drownings of all ages, with Broward and Miami-Dade counties reporting the most drowning deaths in the state. At least 40% of children have little or no swimming ability, a figure which rises to 64% among some minority groups. In addition, for every child who loses their life to drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. The Y’s swimming programs are paramount because formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. Annually, more than 25,000 children and adults are taught drowning prevention and water safety techniques at the YMCA of South Florida. Many of these lessons are funded through the Y’s Aquatic Financial Assistance Program, making them accessible to all. The Y has an eight-lesson drowning prevention program, where children learn to be safe in and around the water. The Y’s Mobile Aquatics program also travels to low-income neighborhoods to teach water safety to children and their caregivers. In addition to presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Beach Ball 2024 is supported by Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, Related Group, Spirit Airlines, Miami Herald, and Milner, among many others. YMCA of South Florida For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting via: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/. < Previous News Next News >

The Book Of Mormon - The Nine-Time Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical Returns To Miami This Summer South Florida Sun Times May 28, 2026 The Adrienne Arsht Center For The Performing Arts Of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) And Broadway Across America (@bwayamerica) Close The 2025 – 2026 Broadway In Miami Series With The Anticipated Return Of The Book Of Mormon (@bookofmormon), Playing A Limited Engagement From Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 - Sunday, June 14th, 2026 In The Ziff Ballet Opera House. Back By Popular Demand, This Outrageous Musical Comedy Follows The Adventures Of A Mismatched Pair Of Missionaries, Sent Halfway Across The World To Spread The Good Word. With Standing Room Only Productions In London, On Broadway And Across North America, The Book Of Mormon Has Truly Become An International Sensation. Tickets to The Book of Mormon are $47.97-$187.20* and may be purchased now at: www.ArshtCenter.org . Or at the Arsht Box Office by calling: (305) 949-6722. For guests with accessibility needs, the Arsht provides accessible seating and complimentary assistive listening devices for all performances, along with sign language interpretation, open captioning and audio description at select shows to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests. The Book of Mormon closes the 2025 - 2026 Broadway in Miami Season presented by Florida Theatrical Association in association with the Adrienne Arsht Center, with generous support from presenting sponsor Bank of America and supporting sponsors Lexus and Geico. The Book of Mormon features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. The Broadway production is Directed by Parker and two-time Tony Award Winner Casey Nicholaw and Choreographed by Nicholaw. The tour is directed and Choreographed by Jennifer Werner based on the original Broadway direction and Choreography. Set Design is by three-time Tony Award Winner Scott Pask, Costume Design is by Tony Award Winner Ann Roth, Lighting Design is by five-time Tony Award Winner Brian MacDevitt, Sound Design is by two-time Tony Award Winner Brian Ronan and Hair Design is by Josh Marquette. Orchestrations are by Tony Award Winner Larry Hochman and two-time Tony Award Winner Stephen Oremus. Music Supervision and Vocal Arrangements are by Stephen Oremus. Casting is by Carrie Gardner. Since opening on March 24, 2011, The Book of Mormon has become one of the most successful shows in Broadway history, breaking the Eugene O’Neill Theatre house record more than 50 times. In addition to nine Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, The Book of Mormon won five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the Drama League Award for Best Musical and four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical. The West End production opened in February 2013, winning four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, and breaking the record for the highest single day of sales in West End history. The first-ever UK and European tour launched in Manchester in June 2019, winning ‘Best Theatre Show’ at the Manchester Evening News City Life Awards before touring throughout the UK and Europe. The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents and has won over 30 international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and in cities across the U.S. and the world. The Original Broadway Cast Recording for The Book of Mormon, winner of the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on Ghostlight Records. Networks Presentations (Producer) is an industry-leading producer of touring theatrical productions, committed to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide for more than 25 years. Visit: www.networkstours.com *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices include fees. Visit: www.ArshtCenter.org for up-to-date information. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, and the state of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations. About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County Since opening in 2006 in the heart of downtown, the Arsht proudly serves as the cultural pulse of Miami – the heart of magical live arts experiences that spark the imagination and connect people to one another. Whether on our stages or in your neighborhood, the Arsht is alive year-round with international artists, innovative programming from resident companies and local arts partners, free community events that reflect Miami’s unique identity and more than 100 culturally diverse and impactful learning experiences for 80,000 children every year. For more information, visit: www.ArshtCenter.org . Sam McLellan in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes Charity Arianna in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes Jacob Aune in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes (L-R) Sam McLellan, Charity Arianna, Jacob Aune, and company in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes Sam McLellan and company in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes Previous Next

They Fought for This Country. They Shouldn't Have to Leave It to Heal. By Aaron Seibert Jul 24, 2026 Veterans With Severe PTSD And Depression Are Increasingly Traveling Overseas For Treatments They Cannot Legally Access In The United States. After exhausting medications and conventional treatments, many are traveling to clinics in countries like Mexico to pursue psychedelic-assisted treatments. Others are seeking underground providers outside any regulated medical system. That should concern everyone -- not because these treatments are necessarily unsafe, but because Veterans are being pushed outside the safeguards of the American healthcare system to access them. If promising medicines exist, the United States has a responsibility to study them and, if they prove safe and effective, make them available through a regulated system here at home. Today, too many Veterans have nowhere safe to turn. Seventeen Veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. Many more live with PTSD and depression that existing treatments fail to address. These are stubborn, complex conditions. Many Veterans spend years cycling through medications, therapy programs, and referrals with little meaningful relief. It has been more than 25 years since the United States has approved a new treatment for PTSD. With conventional treatments failing, some Veterans are traveling overseas to access psychedelic-assisted treatments being used abroad. Veterans are navigating unfamiliar providers and inconsistent standards because they believe these treatments may offer their best chance at recovery. But seeking care abroad comes with a lot of risks. For starters, it's harder to verify if a provider has a legitimate medical license or credentials. Many of these clinics operate outside the oversight and safeguards of the U.S. medical system. As CBS News has reported, there are no standardized health screenings before treatment, required monitoring protocols, or requirements to track adverse effects. That wouldn't be the case on American soil. It is time to create a safe, regulated pathway for Veterans to access these medicines within the protections of the American medical system. For decades, skepticism surrounding psychedelic compounds largely shut down research in the United States. But over the past twenty years, that has begun to change. Major academic institutions have restarted carefully controlled clinical studies. Governments and regulators are beginning to respond. In 2023, Australia became the first country to permit limited clinical use of MDMA and psilocybin under strict psychiatric supervision. U.S. policymakers have recently shown greater openness to expanding psychedelic research. The clinical evidence continues to grow. Psilocybin medicine has produced rapid reductions in symptoms of major depression. MDMA-assisted treatment has shown substantial reductions in PTSD symptoms. In one trial, 67% of participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment. These treatments are being held to the same scientific and regulatory standards applied to any other medicine seeking approval. Nothing should move forward without rigorous FDA review. But if research continues to demonstrate strong results, Veterans should not be forced to leave the country to access care that may help them heal. Veterans are already seeking these treatments. The real question is where -- and under what conditions -- they receive them. They deserve the safest option. Aaron Q. Seibert serves as a Wounded Warrior Liaison, host of the "Combat Vet Vision" podcast, Vice President of the Warrior Built Foundation, and heads the West Coast offices of the PTSD Foundation of America. He served three combat tours as a Navy Corpsman and is the recipient of a Purple Heart. A version of this piece originally ran in Townhall. Previous Next

Chug's - A Coconut Grove Institution Wed Oct 18 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Meet Flat Fee Legal Service: Professional Attorneys Serving Victims of Property Damage at no Cost Thu Sep 16 2021 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate at Gulfstream Park Village: Symphony in Lights is Back for Another Dazzling Holiday Season November 10, 2023 Share As South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Gulfstream Park Village is decorated for a holiday to remember. The highly anticipated Symphony in Lights is dazzling viewers again this holiday season, running now through December 31st. Set to a soundtrack of holiday music favorites, the interactive lights display runs for 10 minutes at the top of every hour from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. daily. Featuring over 250,000 LED lights, Symphony in Lights is a holiday experience like no other. Viewers can revel in the festive décor, including a new Christmas tree, regal Santa chair and archway, elegant street light post ornaments, LED entrance lighting and a show-stopping tree topper. An expanded music program includes new remixes of holiday classics and today’s top hits. Throughout the holiday season, Santa will be making scheduled visits to Gulfstream Park Village. Available on a first come, first serve basis from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Santa will be stationed in the ground level Village Center on select dates from November 25th, 2023 – December 24th, 2023. Families can enjoy the ambiance of Symphony in Lights while sharing their wish lists with Santa. Holiday dates include Saturday, November 25th; Saturday, December 2nd; Saturday, December 9th; Saturday, December 16th; Wednesday, December 20th; Saturday, December 23rd and Sunday, December 24th. More information on Symphony in Lights and Santa visits, can be viewed online here: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/oh-what-fun-gulfstream-park-village-to-host-annual-symphony-in-lights/ Make Gulfstream Park Village your destination for holiday shopping! When it comes to gift-giving, the Village offers an array of shops and boutiques for everyone on the list. Williams-Sonoma offers professional-grade cookware that will delight home chefs, along with gourmet foods, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils and seasonal décor at all price points. The Container Store, known for expert storage solutions and custom closet designs, offers organization solutions for the festivities. The store’s holiday gift wrap shop is not to be missed! For those who love to decorate and create an inviting holiday atmosphere, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate & Barrel offer an array of stylish furniture and decor pieces designed by talented artisans from around the world, making them fantastic sources for holiday home inspiration. The holiday season is the perfect time to make a stylish entrance at holiday parties and celebrations. The Rene Ruiz Collection offers opulent designs that seamlessly blend Miami's glamour with luxury craftsmanship, radiating festive charm. Allure offers indulgent luxury shopping for all budgets and styles, ensuring a holiday wardrobe that is extraordinary. Shopping is not complete without a stop at one of Gulfstream Park Village’s many dining options. Yard House offers an extensive Tap Beer Selection while Christine Lee's features some of South Florida’s best Asian-inspired delights. For heartier options, Bissaleh is a modern, Kosher Steakhouse offering the finest cuts of meat and Texas de Brazil is known for its authentic Churrascaria experience. Some room for something sweet! Häagen-Dazs’s unique holiday ice cream flavors, including the ever-popular peppermint bark, are sure to satisfy. Looking to gather with friends, colleagues or family this holiday season? Strike 10 Bowling & Sports Lounge and PlugIn Karaoke offer the perfect setting to catch up and have a good time. “As South Florida’s top entertainment and event destination, we are excited to again host our Symphony in Lights holiday lights display,” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing for Gulfstream Park Village. “Families, friends and colleagues are invited to enjoy a festive atmosphere and make lasting memories this holiday season.” About Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining, and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events, and additional information, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/ - Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

Strawberry Moon Miami Beach - The Goodtime Hotel Introduces Fresh Coastal Flavors And Vibrant Cocktails To Its Signature Restaurant And Pool Club South Florida Sun Times Jul 23, 2026 Strawberry Moon, The Signature Restaurant And 30,000-Square-Foot Pool Club At The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Has Unveiled A Reimagined Culinary Program With New Breakfast Offerings, All-Day Dining And An Elevated Beverage Experience Designed To Capture The Playful Spirit And Sun-Soaked Energy Of South Beach. A New Take on Poolside Dining The pool menu introduces a range of dishes designed for group dining and long afternoons under the sun. Highlights include the Stracciatella Honey Pepperoni Flatbread ($23) with mozzarella, honey and tomato sauce; the Frita Burger ($24), topped with crispy potato sticks and guava ketchup; and the Harbor Fish Sandwich ($32), featuring breaded catch of the day with chipotle slaw. Shareable favorites include Dirty Nachos ($21) layered with queso fresco and cheddar sauce; Crispy Chicken Wings ($21 for 6; $36 for 12), available with a selection of signature sauces; and Shrimp Cocktail ($28) served with charred lemon and mustard aioli. For guests seeking lighter options, the Green Goddess ($20) salad combines arugula, romaine, cucumber and green peas with house-made dressing, while Tropical Sunshine Salad ($12) with seasonal fruit, berries and agave is a refreshing starter. Breakfast & Brunch Favorites Strawberry Moon’s updated breakfast and brunch menus offer a broader selection of morning favorites inspired by tropical flavors and indulgent weekend dining. New additions include the Dulce de Leche Waffle ($19), topped with banana, Chantilly cream and candied walnuts, and the Avocado & Sweet Potato Toast ($22), featuring feta cheese, heirloom tomato and everything seasoning on multigrain toast. Guests can also enjoy signature breakfast staples, including the Strawberry Moon Breakfast ($21) with eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast; the Seaside Benedict ($32) with bluefin lump crabcake and lemon hollandaise; and the South Beach Lox ($23), served with smoked salmon, cream cheese and roasted garlic vinaigrette. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weekend brunch is complemented by $39 bottomless sips, featuring guests' choice of mimosas, rose or Bloody Marys, creating the perfect pairing for a leisurely South Beach afternoon. Signature Cocktails The restaurant’s beverage program has also been revamped with tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and large-format pitchers designed for social gatherings. Standouts include the Strawberry Moon ($18) made with Ketel One vodka, strawberry purée and St-Germain; the Purple Reign ($21), featuring Codigo Reposado tequila and butterfly pea-infused lavender; and the Spicy Mango-Rita ($21), combining tequila, mezcal, habanero and mango puree. The menu also offers frozen Pina Coladas ($18) and Strawberry Margaritas ($18), wellness shots ($6), cold-pressed juices ($12) and an expanded champagne and bottle service program for poolside celebrations. Meetings, Events & Catering Beyond dining and pool experiences, the property offers versatile venues for private events, corporate gatherings and social celebrations. Options include the ocean-view Arigato penthouse suite, Washington Ave event space, indoor-outdoor dining areas, tropical pool deck, Mangrove lounge and library. Events are complemented by customizable catering from Strawberry Moon’s culinary team, with menus available for breakfasts, lunches, cocktail receptions, dinners and special occasions. For private events, catering packages or group bookings, visit the hotel’s Meetings & Events page or contact Patricia “Patty” Joseph at: pjoseph@thegoodtimehotel.com. A New Culinary Era at The Goodtime Hotel Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch offered Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Strawberry Moon serves as both a culinary destination and social hub, known for its pastel palette, vintage Miami glamour and high-energy weekend pool parties. Now through the end of August, guests with a valid Florida ID can enjoy 25% off at Strawberry Moon, including the new brunch menu and all other dining offerings. Those looking to elevate the experience can reserve the signature Full Moon Experience during weekend brunch. Available for parties of two to 10, the $75 per person experience, plus tax and service, includes a choice of one brunch entree, one mimosa or Bloody Mary and general admission to the weekend pool party at The Pool at Strawberry Moon, with access through sundown on the day of the reservation. Visit website to reserve. Restrictions apply. For more information, reservations, pool bookings and private event inquiries, visit online or contact the team directly. About The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, is a boutique hotel located in a central, historic section of South Beach. Designed by internationally acclaimed designer Ken Fulk, the seven-story property spans an entire city block and comprises 266 stylish rooms, including a luxurious specialty suite. Conceived as a collection of intimate spaces, it offers a transportive, escapist retreat with Instagram-ready moments at every turn. The hotel’s centerpiece is The Pool at Strawberry Moon, a 30,000-Square-Foot, high-energy Pool Club. Inspired by vintage Miami glamour, the pool deck is dappled with scalloped cabanas and a pastel palette of mint, coral and pink. Guests can take in the scene while enjoying the hotel’s signature weekend pool parties hosted by top DJs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Strawberry Moon serves classic comfort cuisine alongside craft cocktails. For a quiet escape, the hotel’s library offers a cozy space to relax, or guests may also choose from a selection of rejuvenating spa treatments, offered in-room or on the pool deck by request and subject to availability. Just a few blocks away, beach entrances are located along iconic South Beach, where guests can lounge with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Centered on the simple state of having a good time, The Goodtime Hotel is your universal passport to an unforgettable South Beach experience. For more information about The Goodtime Hotel, visit: www.thegoodtimehotel.com . Or follow: @thegoodtimehotel on Instagram. Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel Previous Next

Bringing Joy To Those In Need By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jan 1, 2026 Last Week I Had A Chance To Attend The 21st “Hope For The Holidays” Presented By PAL And Hosted By Sandy Atkins Of South Florida Educational Development Center. We Know That Holidays Are Not Always Joyous For Everyone. Many Residents Are Struggling During These Times And Quite Often Christmas Adds More Financial Burden Especially For Families. Sandy Atkins created Hope for the Holidays over 20 years ago. She worked at the time for Broward County addressing homelessness. She has been a member and treasurer of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church right here in our City. As part of the youth ministries, they founded SFEDC to help young students with hands-on educational help. Since 2009, South Florida Educational Development Center, Inc., located at 620 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, has provided individual and group counseling, nutritional education, HIV/AIDS and STD prevention education, substance abuse counseling, job training, job placement and job retention, homeless assistance, outreach, mentoring and tutoring to over three hundred youth and young adults in Broward County, Florida. They have an excellent track record of results. They have documented an 85% success rate from individual and group counseling, tutoring and mentoring and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy prevention programs. They partner with other Non-Profits to leverage support services programs which have resulted in the successful job placement of 90% of young adults into permanent employment and have documented 60% home ownership from our housing program. In addition, we have a 95% success rate among our students who have received tutoring from our staff. A few years back Sandy took a break from Hope For the Holidays. The years of volunteerism had taken a toll. I had watched her hard work and truly loved what they do for our struggling families. I asked her if I could do the event. So for a couple of years I picked up the baton. Gulfstream Park graciously hosted the event. The past three years, I along with the group have done the event. PAL, which is housed at the Dr. Martin Luther King Dream Center, formerly Foster Park, hosted the event once again. Obviously, it takes a village to put together this type of event. I helped with fundraising alongside Sandy. We had many gracious supporters. Westway Towing, Gulfstream Park, Memorial Healthcare System, Wellcare, Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen and FHBPA Association, Eric George Funeral Home, Healing Foundation of America, Design2Form, Jessi Smatt Tennis, many members of the tennis club and myself. This event is not just about toys. They also provided clothing, food, bikes and made sure everyone that attended was able to have lunch. There was entertainment as well as a visit from Santa. 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

Making Perfect Meatballs With The MOBB: Culinary Maestro Turned Inmate Turned Author Reveals His Secrets May 24, 2024 Share From owning acclaimed eateries to forging unexpected alliances in a federal detention center, Frankie “Spice” Morelli has made his mark as a culinary maestro who respects the power of authentic Italian food. Now, in his publishing debut, Morelli creates and compiles delicious recipes, healthful nutrition and decades of experience into MOBB Cookbook & Diet: Savor and Slim the Italian Way. Frankie "Spice" Morelli, Dr. Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND, and James "The Raptor" John are an unlikely team who brought The MOBB Cookbook & Diet to life. Frankie and James–the founding fathers of Our MOBB–met while doing time in federal prison. This may not sound like the start of an inspiring, positive story, but this was the perfect environment for these two to meet to share goals and philosophies. It was here that Frankie and James realized that they could beat the allure of "The Mob" by creating a new life with their MOBB (Mercy and Optimism Beyond Borders), expanding interaction and loyalty outside of organized crime to build trust, self-fulfillment, and success with individuals around the world who are looking for a place to belong. When they paired their experiences with the credentials and background of Dr. Sandra Frank, their MOBB grew with another significant leader. The "MOBB Cookbook & Diet" book is a pizza box-sized, full-color coffee table cookbook blending 70-plus recipes, along with nearly 200 original full-color photos and tantalizing mob lore with a vital ingredient: a priority on health. Teaming up with Dr. Sandra “Diet Duchess” Frank, Ed.D., RDN, FAND, who nutritionally vetted the recipes in the book, Morelli guarantees that every dish in this book can be enjoyed as part of a well-balanced, nourishing diet. Whether cooking on-camera, providing b-roll footage for the perfect virtual demo, or just chatting with the host, producer or editor, Frankie can share his five secrets for making the BEST Spaghetti and Meatballs ... this side of The Clink: 1. Undercook your pasta because even when you take it out of boiling water it is still cooking! 2. To prepare the sauce, sauté Fresh Garlic in Oil, deglaze with White Wine … and mix in Salt and Black Pepper. 3. To make the sauce, use only San Marzano Tomatoes—they are imported from Italy and are naturally sweet without an acidic taste. With a stick or a home blender, pureé the Tomatoes and combine with the Sautéed Garlic Mixture. Do not add Sugar! Simmer it all on “low” for 4 hours. 4. Make the Meatballs as big as a softball … the smaller you make the balls, the harder they become when you cook ‘em. Use 80/20 Ground Beef/Ground Pork, Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Parsley, Eggs, Cream, Salt and Pepper, and Olive Oil. Says Frankie, “The better the meatball, the more protection I had in The Joint!” Put the balls into the oven for 30 minutes at 325 degrees … take ‘em out, flip them and cook for the same amount of time … and that’s it. 5. Simplicity is the essence of Italian cooking! MOBB Cookbook & Diet includes an array of recipes, like Don Pasquale’s Shrimp Scampi, Lucky Luciano’s Luscious Lady Fingers and even Lou “The Hebrew Hammer’s” favorite Matzo Ball Soup. It’s filled with “fun” facts about notorious and alleged mobsters, including “Tommy Guns,” Jimmy “The Beast,” Jeremy “The Jett” and other members of the author’s diverse circle of acquaintances from the Sicilian Mob, Italian Cosa Nostra and the wide multicultural world of gangsters. Meet The MOBB Frankie "Spice" Morelli As a way to make use of his time behind bars, Frankie had been hand-writing an Italian cookbook and enlisting the help of other inmates to type it up during their library time. Frank lost around 100 lbs during his incarceration, and the principles he was implementing in his cookbook supported that weight loss, helped him develop healthier coping mechanisms, and allowed him to gain some control over the severe depression that had settled in when he entered a rough, long-term prison situation without ever having been incarcerated before. As the Frank Sinatra song, "That’s Life," illustrates, Frankie had been knocked down and had to pick himself back up several times. This resilience is a fitting trait, as four generations of Frankie’s family have dealt with both alleged and convicted ‘Mafia’ members for over a century. This connection with generations of his family would help him gather time-tested recipes to build his cookbook. Enter James "The Raptor" James crossed paths with Frankie while working together in the prison kitchen. When Frankie shared the details of his cookbook project, James was eager to help. As another person looking to make more of his life and use his time to help people, James was quickly drawn to Frankie's mission. They began working together to create a brand that is about self-help, self-love, and making life changes for the better. James' motto is that, in changing your life, you must give to get, so he got to work. Dr. Sandra Frank They enlisted the help of Dr. Sandra Frank, who has over 40 years of experience in Nutrition and Dietetics and is a highly accomplished Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She accumulated those credentials after struggling to find a healthy, sustainable balance in her body weight. Sandra's journey and unwavering commitment to maintaining weight control have not only transformed her own life but have also inspired her to delve deeper into the science and psychology behind successful weight management. How He Became Frankie "Spice" Frankie "Spice" Morelli is a resilient culinary maestro and entrepreneur with an innate understanding of delicious and nourishing, authentic yet innovative Italian food. He owned and operated the Award-Winning Morelli’s Ristorante Italiano in Florence, Colorado, and founded Nona Morelli Pasta, an international pasta and sauce company that supplied prominent retail chains, engaged in private-label partnerships with respected brands like: Kraft Foods’ Budget Gourmet, and pioneered the introduction of microwave pasta. After divesting the restaurant in 1990 and selling the company in 1992, he applied his business savvy to taking companies public through reverse mergers. Check out one of their recipes in action: https://youtu.be/HhwbV3iHu5I and for more information, please visit: www.ourmobb.com < Previous News Next News >

Just In Time For Halloween: A Wickedly Inspired Re-imagining of The Mel Brooks’ Comedy Masterpiece Thu Sep 15 2022 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Take Advantage of Your Medicare Wellness Visit October 19, 2023 Share Everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness (BPT) - Most of us know that it's important to see a doctor for an annual checkup. During your working years, that annual checkup typically means a full physical. But once you become eligible for Medicare, you'll likely start hearing about something called an annual wellness visit. Unlike a standard head-to-toe physical, an annual wellness visit is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and goals - then create a long-term plan to help you meet those goals and maximize your well-being. While Original Medicare doesn't cover an annual physical, some Medicare Advantage plans do. However, everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness visit at no additional cost. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for an annual comprehensive physical exam, ask your provider if the annual wellness visit and the physical can be scheduled during the same visit. The misconception that the annual wellness visit is the same as a physical could be part of the reason why so few Medicare enrollees take advantage of the benefit - only about 23% of beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare attended a wellness visit. Below you'll find an overview of what to expect from your annual wellness visit - and hopefully the motivation to schedule one. Taking Stock of Your Medical History Your doctor's office may send you a form ahead of your appointment that includes a list of questions. Filling out this form in advance can help ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your health history and also remind you of questions you might want to raise at the appointment. If you don't get a form before your visit, you should still be prepared to be as detailed as possible when describing any past medical procedures and illnesses. Knowing specific diagnoses and dates will certainly help, but even giving a rough description of any major medical events in your life will help your physician understand both your past and current medical issues. Your primary care provider will review your relevant medical history, including major illnesses, surgeries, your current medical condition and medications you're taking. The Who's Who of Your Health Care Team Keeping you healthy is a group effort, and the primary care provider you see for your wellness visit will want to know who's part of your health care team. So be prepared to give the person conducting your visit a list of your current health care providers, including contact information and field of specialty. You may have chosen a Health Care Surrogate or a Proxy who will speak on your behalf should you ever become too sick to speak for yourself. If so, bring a copy of your completed forms to your appointment. If you haven't made your choices yet, this is a good time to get your physician's advice on your personal advance care planning. An Rx For a Productive Medication Review Getting a full rundown of all your Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Supplements and Prescription Medications can help the doctor spot potential Drug Interactions that could be harmful to your health. They will also want to ensure you have a complete understanding of each Medication, its purpose and any Potential Side Effects. Make a list, including how often you take each Medication and the dosage. Or, bring all your pill bottles with you to your appointment and show them to the provider. Stats & Screenings A clinician will check your height, weight and Blood Pressure, and then your provider will likely ask you some questions, including how you have been feeling recently. These questions are designed to test your cognitive function and screen you for Depression. Answer them as honestly as possible and come to the appointment well rested so you can perform your best on the tests. Creating a Wellness Plan After completing all tests and assessments, your provider will be ready to assess your current health status and work with you to develop a plan to meet your health goals. That plan will address how to treat your current conditions and how to help prevent future health problems. If you have any risk factors for developing new conditions, your provider will give you some options for managing those risks. You can also set up a schedule for preventive care or screening tests and discuss treatment options for any newly diagnosed conditions. Don't be shy to ask questions throughout the annual wellness visit; your provider may have more time than usual to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. It's also important to be honest about your health goals. Not everyone sets out to exercise daily or lose 10 pounds in the next year - and that's OK. Maybe your goal is to ride a bike with your grandkids around the neighborhood or to cut back on your alcohol consumption. Whatever your health goals are, your provider can't help you reach them if they don't know about them. So be as open and honest as possible during your visit. Things To Keep In Mind To avoid surprises, pay attention to these details as you get your visit on the calendar: • Make sure the appointment is scheduled specifically as an annual wellness visit, or the provider may bill it as a normal office visit, which could be subject to a copay, depending on your plan. For UnitedHealthcare Members, a dedicated customer service advocate can even help schedule your appointment for you. • If your provider orders a test during the annual wellness visit, you may be charged any applicable lab or diagnostic copay for the recommended services. The Bottom Line When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit is more than just an office visit. It is your opportunity to take charge of your health and help ensure you're on the right path to living the life you want. If you haven't scheduled yours yet, use this as the push you need to get it on your calendar. It could be one of the most important conversations you have all year. To learn more about how your Medicare plan can help you access the care you need, visit: www.medicare.gov < Previous News Next News >

The Most Influential Rabbi In History - 30 Years Later… By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil July 11, 2024 Share The 3rd of Tamuz, this year on Tuesday, July 9th, marks the 30th Hilula of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Known affectionately and simply as The Rebbe, he was probably the most influential Rabbi in history. With his Shluchim emissaries dispatched to every corner of the world, his impact is felt everywhere you turn. After the decimation of the Holocaust, the Rebbe breathed new life and vitality into the Jewish people, urging them (and demonstrating by example) to celebrate Judaism and live life optimistically, to ‘reclaim’ countless individuals and communities to living a Jewish way of life, and to feel personal responsibility for all others everywhere. In so doing, The Rebbe altered the much-prophesied demise of Judaism, forever shifting the course of history and transforming the landscape of Jewish life. The Rebbe took breathtaking responsibility for the material and spiritual welfare of Jews in the Soviet Union (including masterminding the exodus of thousands), Morocco, Iran, and more, while reaching out to Jews in Curacao, Japan, and Alaska... Israel’s leaders turned to the Rebbe for counsel on public health policies; military strategy; economy; relations with the U.S., Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia and more; and, above all, its educational system. Growing up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, just a few short streets away from The Rebbe, I was fortunate to see The Rebbe all the time. I prayed with him in his Shul, sang by his Farbrengens, stood at his public gatherings and rallies, and watched every glimpse I could. As a child, I would look around at the thousands of people that would constantly come from all over the world to seek his counsel, hear his talks, or just to see his holy face; and I remember thinking how privileged I was to live right there. Every Sunday for hours,The Rebbe would stand, giving out dollars and blessings to thousands of people from all walks of life. He gave the dollar to be given to a charity of choice. People would of course exchange that dollar for one of their own to give to charity, and keep the dollar they got from The Rebbe’s holy hand as a sign of blessing. The Rebbe was remarkably accessible and counseled countless individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, including statesmen and artists as diverse as Ronald Reagan, Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Elie Wiesel, and Bob Dylan, as well as countless “nameless” individuals who were each showered with his individual attention and love. He spoke out about and was active in large public issues like public school education, charity for employees’ distribution, large families, moral education, the energy crisis, a universal moral code for all, creating and bolstering the Food Stamp/WIC System for America’s underprivileged, the responsibility of government, and much more. He believed and taught that the age-old ideals and text of Torah is as real and relevant today as it was at Sinai, over 3,300 years ago. Today, thank G-d, The Rebbe’s teachings and ideals have already become ingrained in our society and inspire millions of Jews and non-Jews. More people than ever are learning his teachings and acting on his wishes of spreading Judaism to Jews, and moral ethics to all people. People of all walks of life flock to his Shul as well as his resting place (known as the Ohel) to pray to G‑d for blessing, guidance and inspiration. In 2013, on the night preceding his election to the Senate, Democratic Candidate Cory Booker, an African-American Christian, went to pray at the Rebbe’s Ohel. And in 2016, preceding his election, President Trump sent his family to pray at the Ohel on his behalf. Go there any day, any time, and you will see people from all walks of life praying to G-d at that holy site. The Rebbe was a wide-ranging Torah personality whose vast knowledge spanned the entire spectrum of the Torah. His teachings include ideas in Jewish philosophy and theology, commentary on biblical, talmudical and kabbalistic texts, perspectives on world events, and moral and practical directives. At Chabad Chayil we have a group study of The Rebbe’s teachings each Saturday right after Kiddush lunch, which all are welcome to join and thoroughly enjoy. Although the Rebbe was treated as royalty by all who met him, he personally lived modestly and even frugally. While presiding over a vast world empire of institutions and activity, his own Synagogue was simple and in need of a face lift. As a child I always felt bad how simple his synagogue was, and made a promise to myself that when I can one day afford it, I would rebuild his synagogue in the most beautiful way. Over the next few weeks, thousands of communities worldwide will be marking this holy day with special events. I urge you to contact your local synagogue or Chabad to find out what they have planned, but more importantly to see what extra good deed you can do, to perpetuate the Rebbe’s legacy and make the world a better place. You’re of course invited to join us at The Family Shul for a Special Shabbat Dinner & Lunch honoring the Rebbe, which you can RSVP for at: www.ChabadChayil.org - Or call: (305) 770-1919. We will also be hosting a Farbrengen entitled Defying All Odds, on Monday, July 8th, at 8:45 p.m. at Chabad Chayil. Men, women & children are invited and encouraged to join. If you would like to join a group of South Floridian’s traveling to the Rebbe’s Ohel on the actual Hilula, feel free to reach out. We will, G-d willing, be leaving Florida Tuesday morning and returning the same day. If you are not able to personally attend, but would like to send a letter or have prayers said on your behalf, it would be an honor to do it on your behalf. Reach out via: www.ChabadChayil.org/Contact and we’ll be in touch. Let’s try to emulate even one aspect of The Rebbe, and the energy will grow from there, bringing the world one step closer to perfection, one step at a time. The Rebbe’s 30th Hilula begins the evening of Monday, July 8th and concludes the evening of Tuesday, July 9th, 2024. To learn more about this saintly man, visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/Rebbe About The Author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an Afterschool Program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org < Previous News Next News >