‘Gender Affirming’ What Does That Mean for A Child? By Jane M. Orient, M.D. September 1, 2022 Share The Biden Administration is planning to reinstate rules withdrawn by the Trump Administration that add Gender Identity to Nondiscrimination Protections. It would also expand requirements to include any providers who accept Medicare Part B. It’s not altogether clear what this will mean. There is no evidence that Transgender or Gender-Nonconforming Persons are failing to get Prenatal Care or delivery of babies, treatment for Heart Attacks, Gall Bladder Surgery, Trauma Care, or other types of care that all types of patients might need — though it is possible that some Caregivers might use the “wrong” pronouns. The issue seems to be “Gender-Affirming” Care. Physicians might be pressured to provide care they think is morally objectionable or harmful to a patient. This was the reason why the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) objected to the rule in the first place. But exactly what kind of care? Language is the tool we use for thinking and the meaning of words is critically important. “Affirming” sounds like a good thing, a positive thing. It’s replacing the term “sex change.” Unarguably, it is impossible to change the Biological Sex, to switch out the Y or the Second X Chromosome present in every cell of a person’s body. Also, advocates claim that people “know” themselves “really” to be of a Gender different from the one “assigned at birth,” so the Gender is essentially not being changed. Puberty confirms and exhibits Biologic Sex, but in Newspeak this is not called “affirming.” After going through natural Puberty, the vast majority of Gender-Confused Children accept the Biological Reality that their bodies constantly manifest. So, many Transgender Activists insist that “affirming” therapy must be started before Puberty, using a Puberty Blocker such as Lupron™ (Leuprolide). It works by stopping production of the Pituitary Hormones that tell the Testicles to make Testosterone or the Ovaries to make Estrogen. Its main approved use is in Cancer Chemotherapy. It is also used in Infertility treatments and to delay precocious Puberty. Using it to suppress normal Puberty is an unapproved, “off-label” use. Lupron has numerous severe adverse effects. It stops the maturation of Sex Cells and may result in Sterility. It stunts growth and reduces Bone Density, among other consequences. It is not a harmless on-off switch that can delay a child’s development to give the child time to “explore” Gender Identity. While it may prevent or diminish irreversible changes such as a deepening voice, it causes its own, probably irreversible changes in many bodily systems. The next step is Cross-Sex Hormones to “affirm” (cause), the development of some secondary Sex Characteristics of the Nonbiologic Gender, such as Facial Hair, Voice Changes and Breast Development. But Sex Hormones are not magic potions; many characteristics of the Biological Sex will persist despite years of therapy. The next and clearly irreversible step is Surgery. Surgery does not affirm body parts. Surgery merely removes functional organs and replaces them with non-functional imperfect replicas. For example, a skin-covered wound that requires constant dilatation to remain open will never have the functionality of Female Genitalia. Transgender Extremists may try to steer a child into this course, even without the knowledge or consent of a Parent. Female-to-Male Transgender people might enjoy showing off their “top surgery”—if they had extremely expensive Cosmetic Surgery. If they haven’t, they will not look like the models shown on the internet, but will simply have a flat, deeply scarred, female-sized chest. How many surgeons explain the possible Urinary problems? Some patients will have to spend 10 minutes emptying their Bladder and will constantly drip Urine. “Bottom Surgery” is complex, painful and fraught with complications, while its results are typically far from the wishful expectations. Are these interventions “affirming” – or denying? Biological Women are denied their prospects for Femininity. They can lose their smooth skin, their Breasts, their beautiful Soprano singing Voice and their ability to bear children. They are likely to permanently lose their attractiveness to men who desire a lifelong Female partner, wife and mother. Biological Men are denied their full height and strength, their Potency, Fertility and attractiveness to Women who desire a lifelong Male partner, protector and father to their children. Post “Transition” they will probably still have a distinctly Male Bone Structure and other typically coarser Male features. “Affirmative Treatment” negates the ability to experience intimacy in relationships in the way that normal Women or normal Men do. All patients will need lifelong Medical Care—continuous Hormones and management of adverse effects. But will the “Affirmed” people be happy with their identity and less likely to commit Suicide? We have very little long-term follow-up and for now well-funded Woke Activists are in control of Research, Treatment and are in a position to punish or cancel all Non-Affirming opinions. “Affirming” a delusion and denying reality can only lead to harm. This article has been published Online by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons at: https://aapsonline.org/what-does-gender-affirming-mean-for-your-child/ Gender-Affirming Care, Defined According To The Department of Health & Human Services Office of Population Affairs Gender-Affirming Care is a supportive form of Healthcare. It consists of an array of services that may include: Medical, Surgical, Mental Health and Non-Medical Services for Transgender and Non-Binary people. For Transgender and Non-Binary Children and Adolescents, Early Gender-Affirming Care is crucial to overall health and well-being as it allows the child or adolescent to focus on social transitions and can increase their confidence while navigating the Healthcare System. About Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her Undergraduate Degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, in 1974. She completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, then became an Instructor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a Staff Physician at the Tucson Veteran's Administration Hospital. She has been in solo private practice since 1981 and has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, (AAPS) since 1989. She is currently President of Doctors for Disaster Preparedness. She is the author of YOUR Doctor Is Not In: Healthy Skepticism about National Healthcare and the second through fifth editions of Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis Published by Wolters Kluwer. She is the editor of AAPS News, The Doctors for Disaster Preparedness Newsletter, Civil Defense Perspectives and is the Managing Editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. < Previous News Next News >

Targeted For Tyranny: We’re All Suspects Under the Government’s Precrime Program By John & Nisha Whitehead July 26, 2023 Share We’re all being targeted now. We’re all guilty until proven innocent now. And thanks to the 24/7 surveillance being carried out by the government’s spy network of fusion centers, we are all now sitting ducks, just waiting to be tagged, flagged, targeted, monitored, manipulated, investigated, interrogated, heckled and generally harassed by agents of the American Police State. Although these precrime programs are popping up all across the country, in small towns and big cities, they are not making us any safer but they are endangering individual freedoms. Nationwide, there are upwards of 123 real-time crime centers (a.k.a. fusion centers), which allow Local Police Agencies to upload and share massive amounts of surveillance data and intelligence with state and federal agencies culled from surveillance cameras, facial recognition technology, gunshot sensors, Social Media monitoring, drones and body cameras, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive policing algorithms. These data fusion centers, which effectively create an electronic prison—a Digital Police State—from which there is no escape, are being built in partnership with big tech companies such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon, which helped to fuel the rise of police militarization and domestic surveillance. While these latest expansions of the surveillance state are part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to combat domestic extremism through the creation of a “precrime” crime prevention agency, they have long been a pivotal part of the government’s plans for total control and dominion. Yet this crime prevention campaign is not so much about making America safer as it is about ensuring that the government has the wherewithal to muzzle anti-government discontent, penalize anyone expressing anti-government sentiments, and preemptively nip in the bud any attempts by the populace to challenge the government’s authority or question its propaganda. As J.D. Tuccille writes for Reason, “[A]t a time when government officials rage against ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ that is often just disagreement with whatever opinions are currently popular among the political class, fusion centers frequently scrutinize peaceful dissenting speech.” Indeed, while the Biden Administration was recently dealt a legal blow over its attempts to urge Social Media companies to do more to combat so-called dis- and mis-information, these fusion centers are the unacknowledged powerhouses behind the government’s campaign to censors and retaliate against those who vocalize their disagreement and discontent with government policies. Already, the powers-that-be are mobilizing to ensure that fusion centers have the ability to monitor and lockdown sectors of a community at a moment’s notice. For instance, a 42,000-square-foot behemoth of a fusion center in Downtown Washington is reportedly designed to “better prepare Law Enforcement for the next Public Health Emergency or January 6-style attack.” According to an agency spokeswoman, “Screens covering the walls of the new facility will show surveillance cameras around the city as well as Social Media accounts that may be monitored for threatening speech.” It’s like a scene straight out of Steven Spielberg’s Dystopian Film, Minority Report. Incredibly, as the various nascent technologies employed and shared by the government and corporations alike—facial recognition, iris scanners, massive databases, behavior prediction software, and so on—are incorporated into a complex, interwoven cyber network aimed at tracking our movements, predicting our thoughts and controlling our behavior, the dystopian visions of past writers is fast becoming our reality. What once seemed futuristic no longer occupies the realm of Science Fiction. The American Police State’s take on the dystopian terrors foreshadowed by George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and Phillip K. Dick have all been rolled up into one oppressive pre-crime and pre-thought crime package. In this way, the novel 1984 has become an operation manual for an omnipresent, modern-day surveillance state in which ordinary Americans find themselves labeled domestic extremists for engaging in lawful behavior that triggers the government’s precrime sensors. With the help of automated eyes and ears, a growing arsenal of high-tech software, hardware and techniques, government propaganda urging Americans to turn into spies and snitches, as well as Social Media and behavior sensing software, government agents are spinning a sticky spider-web of threat assessments, behavioral sensing warnings, flagged “words,” and “suspicious” activity reports aimed at snaring potential enemies of the state. It’s also a setup ripe for abuse. For instance, an investigative report by the Brennan Center found that “Over the last two decades, leaked materials have shown fusion centers tracking protestors and casting peaceful activities as potential threats. Their targets have included racial justice and environmental advocates, right-wing activists, and third-party political candidates.” One fusion center in Maine was found to have been “illegally collecting and sharing information about Maine residents who weren’t suspected of criminal activity. They included gun purchasers, people protesting the construction of a new power transmission line, the employees of a peacebuilding summer camp for teenagers, and even people who traveled to New York City frequently.” This is how the government is turning a nation of citizens into suspects and would-be criminals. This transformation is being driven by the Department of Homeland Security, the massive, costly, power-hungry bureaucracy working hard to ensure that the government is all-seeing, all-knowing and all-powerful. Yet here’s the thing: you don’t have to do anything illegal or challenge the government’s authority in order to be flagged as a suspicious character, labeled an enemy of the state and locked up like a dangerous criminal. In fact, all you need to do is live in the United States. It’s just a matter of time before you find yourself wrongly accused, investigated and confronted by police based on a data-driven algorithm or risk assessment culled together by a computer program run by artificial intelligence. Before long, every household in America will be flagged as a threat and assigned a threat score. Without having ever knowingly committed a crime or been convicted of one, you and your fellow citizens have likely been assessed for behaviors the government might consider devious, dangerous or concerning; assigned a threat score based on your associations, activities and viewpoints; and cataloged in a government database according to how you should be approached by police and other government agencies based on your particular threat level. Combine predictive policing with surveillance, overcriminalization and precrime programs, then add in militarized police trained to shoot first and ask questions later, and as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, you’ll be lucky to escape with your life. If you’re not scared yet, you should be. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Stylish, Savory And Sensational: Fort Lauderdale’s Sunness Supper Club Now Open January 29, 2025 Share Fort Lauderdale’s newest restaurant & bar sensation – Sunness Supper Club (SSC) – has officially arrived on historic Sunrise Boulevard as the restaurant made its grand debut just in time to welcome the new year. Named in honor of Owner/Operator Michael Stanley’s late grandfather, the completely renovated space at 2465 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 which Michael helped curate, ushers in a delicious new dining destination delivering soulful American cookery, craft cocktails and hospitality befitting a restaurant designed, as it was, to deliver a fine dining-level experience without the formal trappings. At its heart, Sunness Supper Club was created to be the type of restaurant any great neighborhood would want and deserve. “Sunness Supper Club is named after my grandfather so to say it’s something close to my heart is an understatement,” says Michael, who is no stranger to the industry though SSC is the first brick n’ mortar concept under his belt. Prior to SSC he owned and operated MK Takeaways, a ghost kitchen concept which delivered fresh, made-from-scratch, Chef-prepared meals to homes; before that he enjoyed many successful years in food service as the founder of an organic baby food company – Yummy in my Tummy – and prior to that, as the Director Of Operations for Tequila Ranch at The Park Sports Club. Speaking to his first full-service dining concept, he adds “I wanted to create a space where people can come together to enjoy delicious and high-quality food and drinks with a touch of magic in the air. Mood, music and lighting are key and no detail has been overlooked in the design. I want the Sunness Supper Club to be a place where memories are made and good times are had.” Drawing inspiration from his childhood as well as South Florida’s diverse cultural makeup, SSC’s tempting menu was conceptualized by Michael in collaboration with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Allen Susser. Blending classic American cuisine with global influences, and showcasing mindfully-sourced ingredients, the vibrant menu ranges from fresh raw bar items and flavorful appetizers to main plates starring steaks, chops and seafood as well as modern-day comfort dishes. Among the starting plates, highlights include East and West Coast Oysters; Crudo; Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes with Corn Salsa and Tartar Sauce; French Onion Soup topped with a Cheesy Crouton; Wood Fire Blistered Elote with Queso Fresco and Peruvian Verde; Brooklyn Burrata served with Cherry Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic; and a “Table Tossed” Caesar for two. The menu also features seriously tantalizing options from the land and sea such as Filet Mignon served with Red Potato Mash and Demi-Glaze; Wagyu Beef Skirt Steak & Frites accompanied by Chimichurri Sauce; Heritage Pork Chop with Crispy Red Bliss Potato Mash; Lobster Tail served with Jasmine Rice and Tangerine Ginger Butter; and a special Catch of the Day with Broccolini and Fire Roasted Lemon. Additional favorites include modern-day comforts such as a Double American Cheese Burger prepared with a Brisket, Chuck and Short Rib Patty and topped with Pickles and Sautéed Onions; Cabernet Braised Short Rib served with Mashed Red Potatoes and Honey Garlic Carrots; and Shrimp & Grits with Shallots, Cheddar Cheese and Bacon. Make sure to save room for dessert as the restaurant’s lineup of dazzling sweet temptations – as photo worthy as they are indulgent – include S’mores Galore Brownie topped with Hershey’s Chocolate, Graham Crackers, Whipped Cream and Jumbo Marshmallows toasted tableside and a Berrylicious Shortcake made with a Buttered Biscuit topped with Fresh Strawberries, a cloud of Cotton Candy and a Grand Marnier Strawberry Drizzle poured tableside; among several other confections. The true star of the dessert lineup is a whimsical Wonder Wheel, featuring a mini-Ferris wheel filled with an assortment of Sweet, Fruity and Chocolate Treats, but the real magic lies in that a portion of each Wonder Wheel sale benefits a local charity. Overseeing the creation of the restaurant’s sure-to-be dazzling bar program is mixologist Ally Champion, formerly of Gastrotech and Apothecary 330. For Sunness Supper Club, she has created a vibrant beverage list that expertly pairs with the culinary offerings including a lineup of handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and artisanal spirits. Cocktails include: Silver Springs – Soto Sake, Walcher Melon, Fresh Lemon Juice and Kiwi; Weird & Unusual – Bayab Gin, Singani63, Rocky’s Botanical Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Grape and Thyme; Live Love Chuckle – Chuckle Rum, RumHaven Coconut Rum, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sweet Matcha and Watermelon; Hippie Invasion – GinRaw, Lemon Juice, Basil Syrup, Egg White, Balsamic Glaze, Fresh Cracked Pepper and Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Garnish; Devils Den – Lost Explorer Blanco Tequila, Lime Juice, Sweet Pepper Syrup, Orange Infused Salt and Tajín; and Southern Gentleman – Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon, house made Dr. Pepper Syrup, Black Walnut, Cardamon, Filthy Cherry and Orange Twist; among several other handcrafted libations. Though SSC enjoys great frontage on East Sunrise Boulevard, the actual entrance is in the rear of the building, adjacent to more than 75 free parking spots. Upon entering and checking in, guests are led down a winding hallway reminiscent of a secret passage, leading into the close to 6,000 square-foot restaurant seating 130. Its thoughtful design showcases a chic yet warm color palette of sage green and neutrals complemented by artisanal touches of wood, marble, leather, and gold. A focal point of the space, an expansive U-shaped marble bar adorned with hanging wood-finished wine racks that seats close to 30. Adjacent to the bar, two spacious banquettes which can be turned into an ad hoc private space. Table seating includes a mix of low- and high-top tables, half-moon booths and two elongated booths suited to comfortably seat large parties. Adding dimension between the bar area and dining room, bottle selections are displayed in elegant glass and wood cabinets at the center of the restaurant. A wood-fired oven just on the other side of the bar further contributes to the warmth of the space, more figurative than literal. In the Spring of 2025, the second phase of the concept, an upstairs speakeasy overlooking the dining room, will be open and operational. With its eye-catching design, exceptional cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and dedication to service, Sunness Supper Club is poised to become a bright spot on Fort Lauderdale’s dining map in 2025. Sunness Supper Club is located at 2465 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The restaurant is open daily for dinner served Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Happy Hour is offered daily from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Stay tuned for news on the launch of Lunch and Weekend Brunch. For more information, visit: www.thesunness.com ; Telephone: (954) 491-6611. Follow on Instagram: @SunnessSupperClub. < Previous News Next News >

Is It A Lemon? Is It A Lime? Try...An Etrog October 3, 2024 Share Jewish Community To Celebrate Sukkot Holiday This Month - As the seasons change from summer to fall and families spend more time inside, the Jewish community of South Florida will celebrate the Annual Holiday of Sukkot by heading outdoors. Sukkot, also known as the holiday of booths, begins this year (5785/2024) at sundown on Wednesday, October 16th and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, October 23rd. As the seasons change from summer to fall and families spend more time inside, the Jewish community of South Florida will celebrate the Annual Holiday of Sukkot by heading outdoors. Sukkot, also known as the holiday of booths, begins this year (5785/2024) at sundown on Wednesday, October 16th and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, October 23rd. The two day holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah immediately follows Sukkot, beginning the evening of Wednesday, October 23rd and ending on Friday, October 25th. During Sukkot, we remember G-d's kindness to us during our journey through the desert by dwelling in a Sukkah--a hut of temporary construction with a roof covering of branches--for the duration of the Sukkot Festival. For seven days and nights, we eat all our meals in the Sukkah and otherwise regard it as our home. The temporary booths emphasize how the world and the Jewish people rely on G-d’s protection. Eating under the stars allows us to truly thank G-d and see the blessings that surround us. Sukkot is a wonderful way for us to continue celebrating and connecting with our Judaism after the High Holidays. Another unique holiday practice is the gathering of four different species. The taking of the Four Kinds: an Etrog (a rare citrus fruit, originally from Italy, but now also commonly grown in Morocco & Israel), a Lulav (palm frond), Hadassim (myrtles) and Aravot (willows), tied together with Lulav Leafs. On each day of the festival, except for Shabbat, we take the Four Kinds, recite a blessing over them, bring them together in our hands and wave them in all six directions. The Four Kinds represent the diverse types and personalities that make up our community, and whose intrinsic unity we emphasize on Sukkot. Chabad Houses and many synagogues throughout Florida will be available to help each family plan a Sukkah during the weeks leading up to the start of the holiday. They will also all be equipped with a Lulav & Etrog set for anyone to use, free of charge. Many Chabads will also have available Etrog and Lulav sets for you to order, as it is preferable to actually own your own set. They will be offering guidance and classes for all community members interested in learning more about the holiday. If you would like to learn how to bind together your own Lulav set, you can join me for a hands-on class on Sunday, October 13th, 10:00 a.m. at Chabad Chayil in the Highland Lakes section of Miami North (Aventura). The class will be free of charge and open to anyone who reserves at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Sukkah. Drawing from the gravity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot gives us the chance to celebrate the sweetness of nature and to thank G-d for His protection. Sukkot touches all five senses: the sweet smell of the Etrog, the feel of the palm branch and twigs in your hand, the sights and sounds of the Sukkah around us and the taste of the festival’s feasts. Sukkot, referred to as the holiday of rejoicing, comes just five days after Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. The group of four plants, including the Etrog fruit, are replete with symbolic meaning, including the fall harvest and gathering season, and the unity of the Jewish people. We encourage you to contact your local Chabad or synagogue to celebrate the holiday. You’re of course welcome to join us at Chabad Chayil for a community meal in the Sukkah, Shabbat or any of the holiday nights. Reservations can be made via: (305) 770-1919. Or: www.ChabadChayil.org/High-Holidays. You can also use our Sukkah any time of day or night 24/8. We’ll leave the lights on for you, and keep a set of Lulav and Etrog for use any time during the day. To learn more about the holiday, or to order a Lulav & Etrog, visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/Sukkah. 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 >

Dedicated To Helping You Achieve Your Goals: The City Of Hollywood Small Business Assistance Center Opens At City Hall June 13, 2024 Share The City of Hollywood's Economic Development Team will hold monthly assistance to new and existing businesses, no appointment necessary. Whether you're just starting out, already established, or aiming to expand, the City’s Economic Development team is dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals. Experts will provide you with assistance and guidance to help your business thrive and succeed. One-on-one consultation for your business: • Local Business Tax Receipt Assistance • Permitting & Licensing Resolution • Certificate Of Use Assistance • Business Planning • Access To Funding • Commercial Property Facade Improvement Grants • Marketing & Branding Strategies • General Business Concerns/Questions The Economic Development Team looks forward to assisting you! For more information, call: (954) 921-3620. Or visit: https://www.choosehollywoodfl.com/240/Small-Business-Assistance-Center Juneteenth Celebration at ArtsPark
The Celebration at the ArtsPark is a FREE family-friendly event in the magnificent Hollywood ArtsPark Amphitheater, celebrating the vibrant cultures of South Florida through music, food, culture. The ArtsPark at Young Circle is located at Hollywood Boulevard and US-1. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show from the giant lawn. This venue is plastic and foam FREE. Single-use containers are prohibited inside the park. Join in the fun Friday, June 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a family fun day to celebrate Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in Texas at the end of the Civil War. Local artists will perform from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., followed by the Reaction Band with Jimmy "Bo" Horne. For parking information, visit: http://hollywoodcra.org/DocumentCenter/View/3/downtown-parking-map?bidId= < Previous News Next News >

Spend Your Summer In Hollywood March 28, 2024 Share The City of Hollywood is the place to be for summer fun with a variety of camps that appeal to every child’s interest and fit every parent’s pocketbook. Maximize Out of School Time (M.O.S.T.) Camps are Grant Funded by the Children Services Council of Broward County and open to all Broward County Residents. This camp is designed to provide a fun supervised environment that helps improve the participant’s academic performance, provides social skills development, daily physical fitness opportunities, and skills to teach children how to work together while conducting community service learning projects. Activities include emphasis on Reading, Math and Science, Swimming, Arts & Crafts, weekly themes, Sports, games, group activities, and field trips. M.O.S.T. Camp runs from June 17th through August 9th at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington Park, McNicol and Kay Gaither Community Centers in Hollywood. Camp Fees are based on a sliding fee scale with income verification. For those who like the outdoors, kids can spend their summer at Hollywood’s popular Science, Education and Adventure (S.E.A.) Camp at the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center. S.E.A. Camp offers a classroom without walls with a focus on Marine Life and Natural Sciences. Campers will explore our Beach Areas, Marshes, and other Natural Areas of interest, and learn about fascinating creatures, Natural Habitats, Ecosystems and Environmental Issues. S.E.A. Camp Sessions are 3 weeks, beginning on June 17th. Field trips, indoor and outdoor fun and games, arts & crafts, special performances, and events happen all summer long at the Driftwood Community Center Summer Camp operated by Sunshine Child Programs. Weekly sessions start June 12th and run through August 11th. Children ages 8 to 17 can learn all about Ocean and Beach Safety at the Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety Junior Lifeguard Program. Campers learn Life Saving Techniques, Rescue Board and Ocean Kayak Skills, Ecology, First Aid and have a chance to compete in Ocean Lifeguard Events. For more information on City of Hollywood summer programs, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/summercamps. Or call: (954) 921-3404. Cloudy With A Chance Of MARSHMALLOWS! Let’s Try This Again! Celebrate the season at the Spring Marshmallow Drop on Saturday, March 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Boulevard Heights Community Center, 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. This fun-filled family event for children ages 10 and under begins with an open house featuring a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, music, games and bounce houses. At 3:00 p.m., baskets will be provided for the Annual Egg Hunt for children ages 3 to 6. At 3:30 p.m., kids ages 7 to 10 will line up to watch more than 30,000 marshmallows drop from the sky. Youngsters will gather the sweet treats and turn them in for Prizes like Bicycles and Gift Baskets. Kids should bring a basket or bag to collect marshmallows. Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day. Adult supervision is required for all children. The City of Hollywood’s Spring Marshmallow Drop is presented by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. For additional event information please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 967-4235. Or email: events@hollywoodfl.org . RSVP is required at: www.hollywoodfl.org/specialevents. < Previous News Next News >

Calling All Veterans: Aventura's Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony To Honor Heroes Thu Nov 02 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Free Artificial Intelligence Care Companion: Apply For A Complimentary ElliQ, Promoting Independence, Connection And Engagement June 15, 2023 Share The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County (AAABC) is proud to partner with Intuition Robotics to add ElliQ®, an AI care companion, to the agency's lineup of comprehensive services helping Broward County's older adults age in place. AAABC has launched its online application to identify eligible older adults in Broward County who would benefit from the technology. ElliQ® is an innovative new product for older adults that has a digital display and a light-up "head" that moves and reacts to users' conversations. Voice-activated, ElliQ® is designed to help older adults live happier, healthier, more connected lives while maintaining independence. ElliQ® aids seniors with Health and Wellness support, such as medication reminders, as well as entertainment and companionship with trivia and cognitive games. They can also stay connected to family and friends through video calling, audio, text messaging and notification to primary contact(s) with consent if concerns arise. ElliQ® learns and remembers customized interactions and uses humor and a friendly nature to build a meaningful connection with the user. "We have long recognized the significance of technology in keeping older adults connected and engaged with their communities,” said Charlotte Mather-Taylor, CEO of AAABC. “As we continue to expand our range of tech-powered initiatives for seniors in Broward County, we are thrilled to partner with Intuition Robotics and incorporate the groundbreaking AI Technology of ElliQ®. This device does not replace interactions with human caretakers, but it can facilitate communication and focus on what matters to all of us: memories, family and friends, good health and humor." The Broward-based initiative is now accepting online applications. Those eligible are English-speaking adults ages 60 and older, with Wi-Fi in residence and with no significant impairments. Interested older adults in Broward County can learn more and sign up to get an ElliQ® for free by visiting: https://www.adrcbroward.org/elliq "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County to bring ElliQ® to the aging community of Florida," said Dor Skuler, Co-Founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics. "We're getting positive feedback from ElliQ® users across the U.S. and are seeing great results with 90% of users reporting ElliQ® has made them feel better mentally and physically. With the continued toll loneliness is taking on the health of older adults aging alone, it's vital for local communities and tech companies to come together to make solutions like ElliQ® accessible to more people." In addition to ElliQ®, AAABC's range of Senior Technology Programs features a diverse array of offerings, including animatronic companion pets, an affordable connectivity program that provides discounted broadband services to low-income households, engaging content applications and wireless tablets tailored for seniors, as well as medical communication and emergency personal response systems that ensures a swift response to any in-home emergencies. The agency's helpline is also accessible round-the-clock at: (954)745-9779, providing seniors and family caregivers with answers to any questions about its extensive suite of programs and resources designed to support older adults aging independently in their own homes. About AAABC (Area Agency on Aging of Broward County) Sponsored by the Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County is the nonprofit umbrella organization charged with the responsibilities of planning, coordinating, monitoring and funding programs designed to meet the needs of over 476,486 year-round Broward senior residents including an Elder Helpline, Medicare Counseling, Health & Wellness classes and more. As the prime advocate for local Older Americans, the AAABC contracts with administering organizations for the following programs; senior centers; senior day care; site meals; home-delivered meals; Alzheimer’s in-home and facility respite; minor in-home repair; legal; transportation; homemaker personal care; respite; emergency response; and case management. To learn more, please visit: https://www.adrcbroward.org About Intuition Robotics Intuition Robotics is on a mission to empower older adults to live happier, healthier and more independent lives at home. The company’s Award-Winning Product, ElliQ®, is a proactive care companion for older adults. ElliQ® helps keep users healthy, engaged and informed, while alleviating the effects of loneliness and social isolation. Intuition Robotics has won several awards for its work with ElliQ® including Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and the CES Best of Innovation Award. The company was founded in 2016 and investors include: Toyota Ventures, Samsung NEXT, iRobot, OurCrowd, Terra Ventures and Venture Capital firms from California, Israel, Japan and Asia. To learn more, please visit: www.intuitionrobotics.com < Previous News Next News >

Making A Life Changing Difference October 10, 2024 Share This October, Pubbelly Sushi, known for its fusion of Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes, proudly marks its fifth year partnering with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, Pubbelly Sushi, known for its fusion of Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes, proudly marks its fifth year partnering with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, a portion of the proceeds from each Butter Krab Roll sold and from the Sushi-Making Class on October 17th at the Brickell location will be donated to Sylvester's Wig Program. “Pubbelly Sushi’s continued support of Sylvester’s wig program is an incredible example of how local businesses can make an impact on our community and on those who are navigating their Cancer journey,” said Shawn McGee, Executive Director of UCARE Community Fundraising, UHealth. “We, at Sylvester, are incredibly proud of our Cancer support services, as we embrace and support our patients. However, we could not it without the help of great partners like Pubbelly Sushi. The difference they are making is literally life-changing.” Pubbelly’s Instagram-famous Butter Krab Roll — made with: Goma Soy Paper, Kanikama, Ponzu, and Warm Clarified Butter — is a fan favorite, and during October, it takes on special meaning, symbolizing the restaurant’s commitment to giving back. “The Butter Krab Roll not only showcases our culinary creativity but also represents our dedication to supporting Breast Cancer patients,” said Chef José Mendín. “This campaign is something we look forward to every year as a way to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause." For more than 30 years, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been a beacon of hope for Cancer patients and their families. As South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Sylvester offers Cutting-Edge Cancer Research, innovative clinical trials, and compassionate care that is second to none. The Center’s Wig Program, funded in part by Pubbelly’s initiative, provides essential emotional and psychological support, helping patients regain their sense of self during the most challenging of times. "Being able to receive a wig fitting at the Cancer Center relieves a significant source of stress, helping patients restore their confidence and self-image,” said Tangela Hillery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Concierge Coordinator. “We are deeply grateful for Pubbelly's partnership and look forward to continuing our work together." For more information about Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit: https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center - To learn more about Pubbelly Sushi, visit: https://www.pubbellyglobal.com . Pubbelly Sushi Pubbelly Sushi brings a hyper-creative fusion of Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes by Founding Chef-Partner José Mendín, a Five-Time James Beard Award Semifinalist for “Best Chef, Southeast.” Pubbelly became an instant favorite for locals when it opened in 2010. A decade later, it continues to be embraced by the market, winning the 2020 Miami New Times Readers’ Choice Award for Best Sushi and maintaining a spot on every tourist’s "must" list. < Previous News Next News >

Florida: A History In Pictures: Book Signing & Meet The Authors, Mike McGinness And Jeff Davies January 26, 2023 Share History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, will present a free book signing and meet & greet with Mike McGinness and Jeff Davies, authors of “Florida: A History in Pictures” MacIntyre Purcell Publishing Inc., on Saturday, February 11th, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Their appearance is part of History Fort Lauderdale’s “Florida Scribes & Stories,” a meet the author monthly series that offers literary and history enthusiasts a chance to speak with local authors, purchase their latest releases and have them signed. Mike McGinness and Jeff Davies have put together the definitive photographic account of the Sunshine State. With more than 130 photographs ― many of them seen for the first time ― “Florida: A History In Pictures” offers a stunning portrait of this one-of-a-kind state. From the stone forts at St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, to the Everglades or “The Big Swamp” as it was called at the beginning of the 20th century to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, the Fort Myers Beach arches and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, it is all here. Mike McGinness is a native of Florida, born in Orlando and raised in Altamonte Springs and Tampa. He has lived in Florida for more than 50 years. He has a passion for studying history, the great outdoors, bass fishing, music and rooting for his favorite sports teams. He works in Data Center Operations for AdventHealth in Altamonte Springs and has been with the same company for 38 years. Boca Raton resident Jeff Davies’ passion for history has spanned many decades. His family relocated to North Bay Village from Brooklyn when Jeff was just five years old. Davies was always interested in the history behind old pictures and became known as the family historian. He eventually became the third generation in the audio/video electronics business and continues with this profession today. Guests may RSVP at: www.bit.ly/HFLFloridaScribesMcGinnessDavies2023 History Fort Lauderdale is proud to host a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. Permanent exhibits include “From Dugouts To Dream Yachts,” a visual narrative weaving the story of the ever-changing use of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways by following the strokes of the first people to today’s sightseers, “The Bryans Of Fort Lauderdale” which allows visitors to experience the story of the City of Fort Lauderdale as told through the pioneer family that shaped its development from an agricultural outpost in 1896 to a bustling city in the 1920s to its current status as a leading Metropolis, “Juliette Lange: A Portrait Of A Mezzo Soprano,” a fashion and lifestyle glimpse of the socially prominent Fort Lauderdale resident with a lauded career as a star vocalist of musical comedy, plus “Archaeology Of The New River” and a multitude of stories and photos sharing the history of other founding families of Fort Lauderdale. The nonprofit museum also hosts an artists’ collective collaborative space. For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: www.historyfortlauderdale.org Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory On Instagram at: @ftlhistory - On Twitter at: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory History Fort Lauderdale History Fort Lauderdale, celebrating 60 years of being the proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, brings the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - The History Museum Of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, The 1907 Pioneer House Museum, The 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and The Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Tickets are available online at: http://bit.ly/HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. < Previous News Next News >

Art of Drag Fundraiser: The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Raises over $10,000 November 18, 2021 Share Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Executive Director Joy A. Satterlee, APR (Center) with performers at the Art of Drag fundraiser at Lips Fort Lauderdale The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood raised over $10,000 at its annual The Art of Drag fundraiser at Lips Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, October 28th, 2021. Board Members John Mabry, Randy Gilbert and Elena Hershey, performed for the lively crowd alongside special guest Michael Dean as Cher. Funds were raised through ticket sales, a chance drawing and tips that were received during the engaging performances. This was Mabry’s encore appearance and he wooed the crowd with an entertaining Donna Summer set. Gilbert and Hershey made their debut at this year’s event with crowd-pleasing performances too! Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and drinks plus performances by the ladies of Lips and special friend to the Center, Michael Dean as Cher. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood presents contemporary gallery exhibitions and high-quality education programs for adults and children. The Center cultivates creativity and the support of the arts in our community through education, innovation and collaboration. Free Arts! Family Day Enjoy free admission from noon to 4 pm on the third Sunday of every month! Each monthly Free Arts! Family Days explores a new theme through a S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering art and math) lens, giving families time to interact and create something inspiring by that month’s topic. All activities are designed to be accessible for young visitors while also engaging the young at heart. Free Arts! Family Days use each monthly focus to encourage creativity and collaboration among families and friends. November Theme: Feel The Beat! If you listen closely, you can hear unique rhythms made from the sounds all around you. We walk to the beat of our own drum every day so let’s come together to create unique percussion instruments inspired by the Japanese Den-Den Daiko Drum. November's Activity will be held at 1626 Harrison Street, the Arts School located just east of the main building. Downtown Hollywood Arts District Extend your visit to the Center by experiencing Hollywood Beach and the outdoor murals, indie films, art galleries, ArtsPark and dozens of restaurants just blocks away in Historic Downtown Hollywood. For more information about Hollywood, visit: www.FloridasHollywood.org . Historic Downtown Hollywood offers a growing arts and culture hub that includes outdoor murals, art installments, galleries and the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle, which hosts weekly activities for families, foodies, art enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike. Looking for delicious food? Downtown Hollywood has numerous options for any budget and taste. A free, electric golf cart service called the Sun Shuttle is available to take you from Hollywood Beach to Downtown Hollywood and back. Just download the “Ride Circuit” app to arrange for your pick-up or flag one passing by. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is located one block south of Hollywood Boulevard at the corner of South 17th Avenue and Harrison Street, across from ArtsPark at Young Circle, Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. There is ample free parking in two lots on the east and west sides of the Art and Culture Center. For directions, call Visitor Services at: (954) 921-3274. About the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation; and the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work. < Previous News Next News >

A Night of Laughter And Luxury: Bryan Callen Takes Center Stage In Aventura Thu Dec 28 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)