GOT OCD - There's Help: Clinical Trial Is Recruiting People With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder August 3, 2023 Share In the world of Mental Health, there exists a silent, yet powerful force that affects millions of individuals around the globe. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not simply an inclination towards neatness or organization; it is a complex and often debilitating condition that disrupts the lives of those who suffer from it. In this article, we delve into the intricate layers of OCD, exploring its manifestations, impact, and avenues for treatment. Understanding OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors. These obsessions, often distressing and intrusive, can range from fears of contamination, harm to loved ones, or even the fear of causing harm to oneself. In a desperate attempt to alleviate the anxiety triggered by these obsessions, individuals with OCD resort to compulsions, which are repetitive actions or mental rituals. These compulsions serve as temporary relief but eventually feed the cycle, reinforcing the disorder. Many misconceptions surround OCD, and it is essential to dispel these myths to better understand the disorder. OCD is not a mere quirk or an idiosyncrasy but a Clinically Diagnosed Mental Health Condition. Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not just about cleanliness or a desire for orderliness; it can manifest in various forms, affecting every aspect of an individual's life. Imagine being trapped in your own mind, unable to escape the relentless stream of distressing thoughts that hijack your consciousness. For those with OCD, this is an everyday reality. It's like walking on eggshells, where even the simplest of actions can set off a chain reaction of anxious thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Meet Sarah, a 32-year-old Marketing Professional, who has been battling OCD since her early teens. Sarah's obsessions revolve around the fear of contamination, causing her to spend hours each day washing her hands. This behavior not only consumes her time but also prevents her from engaging in activities she once loved. Social events become a dreaded ordeal, and her professional life suffers due to constant handwashing interruptions. The Weight Of Stigma The Stigma surrounding Mental Health is often a significant barrier for those with OCD seeking help. Due to the misconception that OCD is a mere personality quirk or exaggerated behavior, individuals may hesitate to share their struggles or fear of being judged. This Stigma can lead to Isolation, worsening the already challenging experience of living with OCD. It is essential to recognize that OCD is not a choice; it is a Medical Condition that requires understanding and empathy. Support from Friends, Family, and Mental Health Professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with OCD. While OCD is undoubtedly a source of Immense Pain and distress for those affected, it is crucial to acknowledge that individuals with OCD often demonstrate incredible resilience and strength. Many go on to lead fulfilling lives, pursuing successful careers, and maintaining meaningful relationships. While living with OCD may seem like an insurmountable challenge, there is hope. Various treatment approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication, have proven effective in Managing OCD Symptoms. There is even a Clinical Trial to Conduct New Research about the Disorder. Clinical Trial South Florida Research Phase I-IV, Inc. is actively recruiting people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aged 18-65 for a New Clinical Research Study evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of an Investigational Treatment in adults. OCD is a Mental Health Disorder that affects one in 100 people and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors. This Multicenter, Placebo Controlled, Phase 3 Clinical Trial is studying Adjunctive Troriluzole to treat the symptoms of OCD by targeting Glutamate. Glutamate is a Chemical found in the Brain that is believed to be a contributing factor to OCD. “Alarmingly, it can take from 14 up to 17 years from the onset of symptoms for a person to get an appropriate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment for OCD,” said Silvia I. Silva-Duluc, Psychiatrist at South Florida ResearchPhase I-IV, Inc. and Investigator in the OCD Clinical Trial. “Unfortunately, one third of people with OCD do not respond to currently available Medications so new therapies are urgently needed. It’s been over two decades since the FDA-Approval of a new OCD Medication, which is why it is so important for people to participate in Clinical Trials. We are hopeful Troriluzole will help these individuals to better manage their Disorder and, in turn, have a better quality of life.” Clinicians at South Florida Research Phase I-IV, Inc. are now seeking eligible participants for the Study. To Enroll, participants must be between age 18 and 65, believe they have symptoms of OCD or have been diagnosed with OCD, and not be taking Fluvoxamine (Luvox). For more information about participating in the Study at South Florida Research Phase I-IV, Inc., call: (305) 418-0841. Or visit: www.ocdtrials.com Study Details The Study will Enroll approximately 2,000 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 who will receive Adjunctive Troriluzole or Placebo for the treatment of OCD. The Efficacy of Adjunctive Troriluzole compared to Placebo will be measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, a scale designed to rate the severity and type of symptoms in those with the Disorder. < Previous News Next News >

This Is Not Freedom, America: The Profit Incentives Driving the American Police State By John & Nisha Whitehead October 12, 2023 Share Pay no heed to the circus politics coming out of Washington DC. It’s just more of the same grandstanding by tone-deaf politicians oblivious to the plight of the citizenry. Don’t allow yourselves to be distracted by the competing news headlines cataloging the antics of the ruling classes. While they are full of sound and fury, they are utterly lacking in substance. Tune out the blaring noise of meaningless babble. It is intended to drown out the very real menace of a government which is consumed with squeezing every last penny out of the population. Focus instead on the steady march of the police state at both the national, state and local levels, and the essential freedoms that are being trampled underfoot in its single-minded pursuit of power. While the overt and costly signs of the despotism exercised by the increasingly authoritarian regime that passes itself off as the United States government are all around us—warrantless surveillance of Americans’ private phone and email conversations by the FBI, NSA, etc.; SWAT team raids of Americans’ homes; shootings of unarmed citizens by police; harsh punishments meted out to schoolchildren in the name of zero tolerance; drones taking to the skies domestically; endless wars; out-of-control spending; militarized police; roadside strip searches; privatized prisons with a profit incentive for jailing Americans; fusion centers that collect and disseminate data on Americans’ private transactions; and militarized agencies with stockpiles of ammunition, to name some of the most appalling—you rarely hear anything about them from the politicians, the corporations or the news media. So what’s behind the blackout of real news? Surely, if properly disclosed and consistently reported on, the sheer volume of the government’s activities, which undermine the Constitution and dance close to the edge of outright illegality, would give rise to a sea change in how business is conducted in our seats of power. Yet when we're being bombarded with wall-to-wall news coverage and news cycles that change every few days, it’s difficult to stay focused on one thing—namely, holding the government accountable to abiding by the rule of law—and the powers-that-be understand this. As with most things, if you want to know the real motives behind any government program, follow the money trail. When you dig down far enough, you quickly find that those who profit from Americans being surveilled, fined, scanned, searched, probed, tasered, arrested and imprisoned are none other than the police who arrest them, the courts which try them, the prisons which incarcerate them, and the corporations, which manufacture the weapons, equipment and prisons used by the American police state. These injustices, petty tyrannies and overt acts of hostility are being carried out in the name of the national good—against the interests of individuals, society and ultimately our freedoms—by an elite class of government officials working in partnership with megacorporations that are largely insulated from the ill effects of their actions. Everywhere you go, everything you do, and every which way you look, we’re getting swindled, cheated, conned, robbed, raided, pickpocketed, mugged, deceived, defrauded, double-crossed and fleeced by governmental and corporate shareholders of the American police state out to make a profit at taxpayer expense. Not only are Americans forced to spend more on taxes than the annual financial burdens of food, education and clothing combined, but we’re also being played as easy marks by hustlers bearing the imprimatur of the government. Examples of this legalized, profits-over-people, government-sanctioned extortion abound: On the roads. In the prisons. In the schools. In the endless wars abroad. In the form of militarized police. In profit-driven schemes such as asset forfeiture. By the security industrial complex. By a government addicted to power. This perverse mixture of government authoritarianism and corporate profits has increased the reach of the state into our private lives while also adding a profit motive into the mix. And, as always, it’s we the people, we the taxpayers, we the gullible voters who keep getting taken for a ride by politicians eager to promise us the world on a plate. This is a far cry from how a representative government is supposed to operate. Indeed, it has been a long time since we could claim to be the masters of our own lives. Rather, we are now the subjects of a militarized, corporate empire in which the vast majority of the citizenry work their hands to the bone for the benefit of a privileged few. Adding injury to the ongoing insult of having our tax dollars misused and our so-called representatives bought and paid for by the moneyed elite, the government then turns around and uses the money we earn with our blood, sweat and tears to target, imprison and entrap us, in the form of militarized police, surveillance cameras, private prisons, license plate readers, drones, and cell phone tracking technology. With every new tax, fine, fee and law adopted by our so-called representatives, the yoke around the neck of the average American seems to tighten just a little bit more. All of those nefarious deeds by government officials that you hear about every day: those are your tax dollars at work. It’s your money that allows for government agents to spy on your emails, your phone calls, your text messages, and your movements. It’s your money that allows out-of-control police officers to burst into innocent people’s homes, or probe and strip search motorists on the side of the road. And it’s your money that leads to Americans across the country being prosecuted for innocuous activities such as growing vegetable gardens in their front yards or daring to speak their truth to their elected officials. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, this is not freedom, America. 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 >

Flavorful Grape Recipes: Take Summer Gatherings To The Next Level By Family Features August 24, 2023 Share Summertime celebrations with friends, family and neighbors are a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and camaraderie. To satisfy a hungry crowd, though, you'll need recipes fit for the occasion. Turn to a versatile signature ingredient like Grapes from California, which can be used in dishes of all kinds from refreshing Salads and Entrées to Flavorful Condiments and Sweet Desserts. Grapes are crisp, juicy and sweet, making them a fantastic addition of flavor and texture for a wide range of recipes. Whether Fresh, Sautéed, Roasted, Grilled or even Pickled, Grapes make it easy to take meals to the next level. For example, you can start the festivities with Grapes as an easy, portable and healthy snack perfect for summer days or use them as a juicy addition to this all-in-one Honey-Lime Quinoa and Grape Salad that's ideal as a light Appetizer or a meal all on its own. Follow it up (or pair it) with a summertime staple - Hot Dogs - given a sweet-tart twist from Pickled Grape Relish that takes these Sweet and Tangy Pickled Grape Hot Dogs to new heights. Dessert can't be much easier than Creamy Vegan Grape Ice Cream as a Dairy-FREE alternative to traditional summer sweets. Oat Coffee Creamer and Puréed Grapes are all you need to create this delicious frozen treat. Simply freezing Whole Grapes also makes for an easy and healthy frozen dessert. To discover more summer entertaining inspirations, visit: www.GrapesFromCalifornia.com Honey-Lime Quinoa and Grape Salad Prep time: 15 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chill time Cook time: 22 minutes Servings: 6 (1 1/3 Cups per serving) Lime Vinaigrette: • 1/2 Cup of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1/3 Cup of Lime Juice • 2 Tablespoons of Honey • 3/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt • Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste Salad: • 1 1/2 Cups of Quinoa • 2 Cups of Vegetable Broth • 2 Cups of Halved Grapes from California • 1/2 Cup of Minced Red Onion • 1/4 Cup of Chopped Fresh Cilantro • 2 Tablespoons of Minced Jalapeño Pepper • 1 Large firm, Ripe Avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into bite-size pieces • 1/2 Cup of Chopped Peanuts (optional) To make the Lime Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk the Olive Oil, the Lime Juice, the Honey, the Sea Salt and the Pepper, to taste. To make the salad: In a fine mesh strainer, rinse the Quinoa; drain well. In a medium saucepan, bring the Broth and the Quinoa to boil; reduce the heat and simmer covered for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand for 10 minutes then fluff it with a fork and let it cool, then transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Vinaigrette over the Quinoa; stir it well to coat it. Add the Grapes, the Onion, the Cilantro and the Jalapeño Pepper; cover it and chill it for at least 1 hour. Lightly stir in the Avocado and transfer it to a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with the Nuts, if desired. Notes: Salad may be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead without the Avocado and the Peanuts. Add the Avocado and the Peanuts just before serving. Nutritional information per serving: 520 Calories; 10 Grams of Protein; 52 Grams of Carbohydrates; 32 Grams of Fat, 55% Calories from Fat; 4 1/2 Grams of Saturated Fat, 8% Calories from Saturated Fat; 0 Milligrams of Cholesterol; 490 Milligrams of Sodium; 7 Grams of Fiber. Sweet and Tangy Pickled Grape Dogs Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour marinating time Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 8 (1/4 cup relish per serving) • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns • 1/2 cup wine vinegar • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 2 1/4 cups quartered or coarsely chopped Grapes from California (red, green, black or combination) • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 turkey or chicken hot dogs • 8 hot dog buns, lightly toasted Place the Mustard Seeds, the Coriander Seeds and the Black Peppercorns in a small resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, crush the Seeds and the Peppercorns. In a small saucepan, stir the Vinegar, the Sugar, Seeds and the Peppercorns; bring it to a boil. Remove them from the heat and stir them to dissolve the Sugar; let it cool. Stir in the Grapes and the Onion; set it aside to cool and marinate it for 1 hour, stirring it occasionally. Heat grill to medium heat. Grill the Hot Dogs for 5 minutes, turning them occasionally, or until they are charred and heated through. Place the Hot Dogs in the buns. Using a slotted spoon, top them with the Pickled Grapes. Nutritional information per serving: 280 Calories; 10 Grams of Protein; 39 Grams of Carbohydrates; 10 Grams of Fat, 32% Calories from Fat; 2 Grams of Saturated Fat, 6% Calories from Saturated Fat; 35 Milligrams of Cholesterol; 630 Milligrams of Sodium; 1 Gram of Fiber. Creamy Vegan Grape Ice Cream Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes Servings: 8 (1/2 Cup per serving) • 1 Pound of Stemmed Black Grapes from California • 12 Ounces of Vanilla Oat Coffee Creamer, well chilled • 12 Ounces of Unsweetened Oat Coffee Creamer, well chilled In a high-speed blender, purée the Grapes until they are smooth. Transfer them to a medium saucepan and bring them to a simmer. Reduce the Heat to Low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1 Cup. Cover and refrigerate it until it is well chilled. Stir the Creamer into the Puréed Grapes and pour them into the bowl of the Ice Cream maker. Freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze until it is firm. Substitution: For lighter color, use 3/4 Pound of Black Grapes and 1/4 Pound of Red Grapes. Note: Make sure the Ice Cream maker bowl is well chilled or frozen before making the Ice Cream. Nutritional information per serving: 140 Calories; 0 Grams of Protein; 22 Grams of Carbohydrates; 6 Grams of Fat, 39% Calories from Fat; 0 Grams of Saturated Fat; 0 Milligrams of Cholesterol; 45 Milligrams of Sodium; 1 Gram of Fiber. < Previous News Next News >

Hit The Streets This Summer: Grab A Cool Ride At Aventura BCycle August 15, 2023 Share Are you tired of searching for parking spaces or dealing with the hassle of bringing your own bike everywhere you go? Look no further than the Aventura BCycle System. This innovative bike-sharing program continues to revolutionize the way people get around town, offering a convenient, economical and Eco-Friendly solution for short trips. Whether you need to run an errand, grab lunch, or simply enjoy the fresh air, BCycle is there for you. But what exactly is BCycle? In essence, it's a network of bikes strategically placed throughout the city, available for members to use whenever they need them. It's like having a personal bike fleet at your disposal, without the commitment and maintenance of owning your own bicycle. The beauty of BCycle lies in its simplicity: when you need a bike, it's there and when you're done, you can simply return it to any BCycle Station. You can check out the station list at: https://aventura.bcycle.com/station-map BCycle Bikes are designed with both rider comfort and city practicality in mind. The adjustable seat post ensures that riders of all sizes can find a comfortable position, while the spacious front basket provides a convenient place to stow your belongings while you ride. Say goodbye to water-splattered clothes, thanks to the fenders, skirt guards and chain-guards that keep you clean and presentable. Automatic lights ensure your safety, no matter the time of day. With three speeds, the BCycle is perfect for short commutes and leisurely rides alike. Trust us, you're going to love it! One of the biggest advantages of BCycle is its affordability. Once you've paid the membership fee, you can take an unlimited number of rides for 30 minutes or less, completely FREE! This means that running quick errands or making short trips around town becomes incredibly cost-effective. BCycle is not just good for your wallet, though. It's also great for your health and the environment. By opting for a BCycle instead of a car or even Public Transportation, you reduce your Carbon Footprint and contribute to a Cleaner, Greener city. Day Passes can also be purchased directly at a kiosk using a credit card and following the options on the screen. Single Use Pass: Up to 30 minutes: $5.35 includes a 30-minute ride. 31 - 60 minutes +$1.00, 61 - 90 minutes +$2, 90+ minutes +$4/30 minutes. $51 Pre-Authorization is applied and removed in 1 - 7 days. 7 Day Membership: Unlimited 30-minute rides for a week cost $26.75! For each ride, 31 - 60 minutes +$1, 61 - 90 minutes +$2, 90+ minutes +$4/30 minutes. $51 Pre-Authorization is automatically refunded. Annual Membership: Unlimited 30-minute rides for a year costs $48.15! For each ride, 31 - 60 minutes +$1, 61 - 90 minutes +$2, 90+ minutes +$4/30 minutes. $51 Pre-Authorization is automatically refunded. The Aventura BCycle System encompasses various locations throughout the city, ensuring that you're never far away from a BCycle Station. Whether you're near the mall, or in a residential area, there's likely a BCycle Station nearby, making it convenient to hop on a bike whenever you need it. And the best part? The BCycles are available for checkout from 5:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and you can check in a BCycle at any time. This will give you plenty of time to explore the city or run your errands at your own pace. To join the BCycle Community, simply visit their website at: https://aventura.bcycle.com - There, you'll find all the information you need to sign up, including membership options, pricing and station locations. Once you're a member, you'll be provided with a unique access code or card that allows you to check out a BCycle whenever you want. It's that easy! If you're looking for a convenient, affordable and Eco-Friendly way to get around town this summer, look no further than the Aventura BCycle System. With its easy-to-use bikes, extensive station network and flexible checkout hours, BCycle is the perfect solution for short trips. Say goodbye to parking headaches and hello to a Healthier, Greener way of getting around. Join the BCycle Community today and experience the joy of cycling in Aventura! < Previous News Next News >

Holocaust Memorial And Immigration - Hallandale Beach Has Taken A Strong Position When It Comes To Law And Order By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper January 29, 2025 Share This Monday was the 80th Anniversary of the Remembrance of the Holocaust. As a daughter of a WWII Veteran, it is also in my opinion to remember the many Veteran “Liberators.” (Pictured: Such as we do on Veteran's Day in Hallandale Beach) Yes, it is true that America sadly sat by the sidelines while the final solution was being conducted. Winston Churchill pleaded for our country to help Europe as they fought against Hitler and the Nazi Extremism. My father did not speak about the war until he himself was reaching his late seventies. He met a group of Holocaust survivors at an event at our wonderful Chabad. One of the survivors kindly reached out to get his attention and thanked him for being a WWII hero and helping to end the war and liberate the camps. Words cannot express how this changed my father’s view of WWII. He had carried his memories like many soldiers. They were too painful and guilt ridden. These few heartfelt words of thanks opened his heart and lifted the guilt he had from bombing his parents’ home country of Italy. He felt a weight lifted and was able to talk about his missions. He had gone on over fifty-four such bombings and bailed out twice, receiving two Purple Hearts. Over the past year watching the many misguided pro Palestinian youth I have recommitted myself to ensuring our younger generation is taught the facts about hatred and Antisemitism. I could only imagine the words my father would have for such ignorance. We are blessed to have the Holocaust Documentation and Educational Center minutes away in Dania Beach. Now that the survivors are passing away, we need to make sure their stories are remembered and told. The true stories and lessons surrounding how Nazis turned hatred of the Jew and other marginalized groups through propaganda and lies needs to be taught. It is the law in Florida that students are taught about the Holocaust. Since COVID-19 these efforts have been woefully short. I am partnering with the center and retired teacher and friend Marilyn Santiago to make sure our students visit the center in the coming months. If you want to help us, please reach out to me for more information. As Jews, we need to realize it does not matter if there are Republicans or Democrats in charge. We need all individuals to support the efforts against Antisemitism. We all dropped the ball when it came to our college campuses. Hate Speech is not Free Speech. It should be stopped, and every student should be able to feel safe at school. I personally agree that all public funding should be cut off from these institutions that are spreading lies and misinformation. My friend and former Mayor of Philadelphia teaches a class at Columbia. He 100 percent confirmed that most of these individuals were not students and simple agitators showing up, camping out and starting problems. The past week we have seen a world wind of change sweep across our country. It is a result of the election that was lost by the Democrats. Yes, it was close, but President Trump won. People are simply tired of the lack of common sense and failure of our institutions to uphold the law. The days of everyone should get a second chance and it is ok to break the laws is over. The pendulum has swung all too far. If you are here illegally, it is illegal. If you are a criminal, you should be in jail. If you are here illegally and a criminal, you should be in jail and sent back. That is only common sense. Either way the commitment to crackdown on undocumented immigrants is sending a chilling effect throughout every city in our nation. The weekend of the inauguration was also the winter leadership meeting of the US Mayors. Our key issues are housing, Infrastructure and immigration. As an organization we are non-partisan so many Mayors share varying positions on immigration. It needs to be made extremely clear that the super majority of cities are not “so called” sanctuary cities. Hallandale Beach has never been a sanctuary city. We swear to uphold the laws of our country, state and city. We have taken a strong position when it comes to law and order. If you break the law, you will be arrested. We make arrests but then criminals are booked into the Broward County system. The Broward County Sheriff’s Department executed an agreement with ICE in 2019. The question becomes are the rules being followed. The MOU between ICE and BSO constitutes an agreement between ICE and delegates to BSO personnel the authority to perform certain immigration enforcement functions as specified herein. The purpose of this collaboration is to promote public safety by facilitating the custodial transfer of specific aliens in BSO's jail correctional facilities to ICE for removal purposes at the time of the alien's scheduled release from criminal custody. I have set up a meeting with the Chief and City Manager to further educate myself on this extremely critical issue. Our main goal as a city is to keep our residents safe. As a smaller public safety organization, diluting our staffing levels for training and providing services not intended for local law enforcement could put our residents at risk. Our lane per say is fighting street crime, thefts, robbery, domestic violence and day to day policing. Obviously, if we catch an undocumented immigrant during an arrest they will go to jail and be reported to BSO. It is only the beginning. We will be keenly watching as rules and regulations are rolled out. We are also concerned about funding freezes and cuts to our Infrastructure programs. I will continue to keep our residents informed. 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 News Next News >

Attorney Gerald Cowen Sat May 15 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zero Tolerance: Cracking Down on Illegal Dumping Thu Feb 10 2022 05:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Next Generation: Pembroke Pines Native Serves With U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters Fri Jun 21 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

"Can't Help Falling In Love" Start The New Year Off With Music Theater and Comedy Thu Dec 29 2022 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Four Reasons NOT To Sell Florida Real Estate "Furnished" - Part 2 Fri Jun 21 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Behind On Rent & Utilities Because Of The Pandemic? August 12, 2021 Share If You Are Having A COVID-19 Financial Hardship, You Are Encouraged To Submit An Application If your income has gone down or COVID-19 has affected your financial situation and made it hard to pay rent, contact your landlord right away. Reach out early to discuss your potential options for relief. You may be eligible for financial assistance through a state or local program or your landlord, may know of other helpful resources. Communicate With Your Landlord If you’re having trouble paying rent, contact your landlord as soon as possible to discuss your payment options. Here are some tips for talking with your landlord. Be open about your financial situation, share how your income has been affected by COVID-19 or other difficulties. Be clear about your needs and keep in mind, your landlord may be struggling financially, too. Explain how your family would be impacted by a loss of housing, even if it's temporary. Ask for flexible payment arrangements or payment plans. Keep a written record of your conversations, including any email and text conversations, also keep track of the dates and times when you spoke. Emergency Rental Assistance State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance through Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs. ERA programs help you pay rent and utilities, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, by providing funding to states, territories, local governments and tribes. You can apply to an ERA program, if you have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and need help staying in your home. Both tenants and landlords (acting on behalf of a tenant), can apply. ERA funds will help you to stay in your current home or find new rental housing. You can search for an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program on the U.S. Department of Treasury’s website by state, territory, or tribe at: https://home.treasury.gov Note: You should also check with your city or county for additional ERA programs, since some may not be listed on the Treasury’s website. For more detailed information on ERA programs and the rental assistance available to you, visit CFPB’s website at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov Local Assistance Broward County has received $53 million in federal funding for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which for eligible residents, provides 100 percent of past due rent and utility payments, as far back as March 2020. Up to 12 months of assistance for past due rent, is available for eligible residents who have experienced financial hardship, are at risk of eviction, homelessness and up to three months of future payments, to provide housing stability. Residents behind on their rent and utility balances due to a COVID-19 financial hardship, are encouraged to submit an application for Emergency Rental Assistance. Three new customer service centers offer in-person assistance, if necessary or desired and an appointment, is required. While completing the application does not guarantee the renter will receive assistance or that the landlord won’t begin eviction proceedings, it is likely to deter landlords, who would rather not go through the eviction process, if their tenant has submitted an application for assistance and is waiting to hear if they qualify. To schedule an appointment at an in-person service center, call: 800-204-0557. An agent will help applicants, to ensure they have all of the required documentation to complete the process. Applicants who are missing documentation, will be given a checklist and be asked to return with the proper documentation. Locations for in-person assistance include: Housing Foundation of America 2400 North University Drive, Suite 200 Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Housing Foundation of America 1773 North State Road 7, Suite 101-D Lauderhill, Florida 33313 Crisis Housing Solutions (at the Northwest Family Success Center) 10077 Northwest 29th Street Coral Springs, Florida 33065 An on-line application option, is available and encouraged, for faster response. To apply online, visit: Broward.org/RentAssistance or call: 888-692-7203 for assistance over the phone in English, Spanish and Creole, Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 5PM. Tenants or landlords who have already filed an application can also call: 888-692-7203 to check the status of their application. Please have the case number, handy. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together to complete the application process. Rental assistance funds will be paid to either the tenant or the landlord. Utility assistance payments, will be paid directly to the utility provider. As of the end of June, in Broward County, 4,600 individuals have completed the application process and another 6,300 have started the process, but have not yet, completed it. “We have funds available and a program in place to help,” said Broward County Family Success Assistant Director, Natalie Beasley. “We will continue to accept applications, but strongly encourage, those who have started the application process and not completed it, to do so, as soon as possible.” For more information, visit: Broward.org/RentAssistance Hallandale Beach Senior Rental Assistance Program In order to assist seniors during the Pandemic, the city of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, has created The Senior Rental And Utility Assistance Program. The program provides assistance to senior households within the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency boundaries who spend more than 30% of their total income on housing costs and are income eligible. This program provides, up to $100 a month toward rental or utility expenses, for up to six months. Applicants must be income-eligible (50% Area Median Income), senior households (age 60+), reside within the HBCRA boundaries and spend more than 30%, of the household’s income, on housing costs. If you meet these qualifications, you can download the application at: https://cohbcra.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HBCRA-Senior-Rental-Utility-Assistance-Application.pdf You can also contact, the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency at: 954-457-1422. Be Aware of Scams Scam artists, often offer fake help to people in crises. This includes scams on the COVID-19 Vaccine, fake charities, false unemployment claims, people posing as someone in need, among other types of fraud. They do this to steal your money or your personal information. Be wary of people selling access to government goods and services. Always check the legitimacy of offers and don’t feel pressured to “take immediate action.” The best way to protect yourself, is to say "no" if anyone contacts you and asks for your personal information such as your Social Security Number, Bank Account Information, Medicare ID or even, Driver’s License Numbers. < Previous News Next News >

The Nutcracker: Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Hosts The Holiday Favorite December 8, 2022 Share The Nutcracker is the most popular ballet enjoyed by audiences around the world during the holidays and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is now making it more accessible for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida will present a sensory-inclusive performance of The Nutcracker Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m. This modified, shortened version of the holiday classic ballet is intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for guests who will also enjoy complimentary pre-show arts and crafts provided by the Museum of Discovery & Science and a post-show character meet & greet. A holiday favorite, The Nutcracker serves as the perfect introduction to ballet for young audiences. Based on the tale of Ernst Hoffmann, the ballet includes the fun of the party scene and a trip to the enchanting kingdom of the sweets. This awarded professional company features their own ballet stars performing the principal roles, as well as a community cast made up of local character artists and children. Tickets to the sensory-inclusive performance are $20. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida also presents its full-length production of The Nutcracker on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $50. The company celebrates its 25th anniversary season with The Nutcracker Silver Anniversary Event Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 with a $100 VIP ticket offering a Silver Anniversary souvenir and drink voucher. This performance supported by the Broward Center's Sensory-Inclusive Season that is made possible through the generous support of The Batchelor Foundation, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at www.aventuracenter.org - by phone at 877.311.7469 or 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call 954.660.6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >