The Curtain Rises: A New Theatre Company Takes Center Stage August 1, 2024 Share Pompano Beach Arts is thrilled to announce the arrival of the Pompano Players, a brand-new resident professional theater company at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. Debuting this fall, Pompano Players promises an exciting six-show inaugural season featuring a delightful mix of great comedies and high-energy musicals. Each production will have a limited run of eight performances. "We are so proud to be joining the South Florida theater community,” says Ty Tabing, Director of the Pompano Cultural Affairs Department. “We successfully partnered with theater veteran Kevin Barrett on a few programs last year, and now we are excited to expand our offerings with a carefully curated theater season.” ACM Theatricals, part of Arts Center Management (ACM), will produce all six shows at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center this season, as well as their acclaimed Broadway at LPAC Series at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Florida. Kevin Barrett, the Founder and CEO of ACM, is a veteran theater executive with 32 years of experience running venues in Massachusetts and Florida, and is the long-time Executive Director of the historic Delray Beach Playhouse in Delray Beach and the former General Manager of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts (1999-2016). "When crafting Pompano Beach's inaugural season we selected engaging shows that both our actors and audience members will embrace,” Barrett explains. “Get ready for a delightful blend of humor, song, and heartwarming nostalgia!" Pompano Players 2024-2025 Season: LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE October 11th – October 20th, 2024 By Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memory covering all the important subjects – mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses, and why we only wear black. I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE November 8th - November 17th, 2024 Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro Music by Jimmy Roberts A comedic exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change has been updated for the 21st century. Act I navigates the journey from dating to marriage, while Act II dives into the joys and challenges of family life, from in-laws to newborns. This delightful revue celebrates the highs and lows of love, paying homage to those who've experienced the ups and downs of romance and dared to ask, "Hey, what are you up to Saturday night?" Directed by Jeremy Quinn JERRY’S GIRLS January 10th, 2025 - January 19th, 2025 Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Concepts by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman An exhilarating two-hour musical extravaganza celebrating glamor, optimism, love, melody, and women! Featuring music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, this Broadway sensation showcases the greatest hits for women from Herman’s timeless musicals such as Mame, Hello, Dolly!, Milk and Honey, Mack and Mabel, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, and La Cage Aux Folles. Directed by Michael Ursua RESPECT: A MUSICAL JOURNEY OF WOMEN March 28th, 2025 - April 6th, 2025 By Dorothy Marcic Based on the book by Dorothy Marcic - “Respect: Women and Popular Music” A vibrant musical revue that celebrates the resilience and strength of women in America through popular music - from 1900 to today. From the dependency of "I Will Follow Him" to the defiance of "These Boots are Made for Walking" and the empowerment of "Hero," Respect captures a spectrum of women's experiences. Featuring excerpts from 60 songs and real-life stories of dreams, love, work, and independence, it's an exhilarating ride through history. With classics like "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “As Long As He Needs Me” and “Whatever Lola Wants,” and modern standards like "The Greatest Love of All," “Where the Boys Are,” “It Must Be Him,” and “Stand by Your Man.” Directed by Jeremy Quinn THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND April 25th, 2025 - May 4th, 2025 Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Conceived by Susan Stroman, David Thompson, and Scott Ellis A dazzling tribute to the legendary Tony Award-Winning musical duo Kander and Ebb, The World Goes 'Round (winner of three Drama Desk Awards), takes audiences on a journey filled with humor, romance, drama, and irresistible melodies. Through hits like "Cabaret," "Chicago," and "New York, New York," it celebrates the resilience and vitality of life. Follow five individuals as they navigate love, parenthood, and the daily grind, all set to unforgettable tunes. With gems like "Mr. Cellophane" and "Maybe This Time," this high-energy musical extravaganza is a harmonious celebration of the enduring spirit of musical theater. Directed by Jeremy Quinn I DO! I DO! May 23rd, 2025 - June 1th, 2025 Book by Tom Jones Music by Harvey Schmidt Lyrics by Tom Jones I Do! I Do! is an intimate musical that chronicles the ups and downs of one couple's fifty-year journey through love and marriage. From wedding night nerves to raising a family, facing midlife crises, and overcoming infidelity, the couple's bond is tested time and again. Yet, through it all, they rediscover the depth of their love and commitment to each other. As they bid farewell to their home after five decades together, their story leaves a lasting impression on the next generation of newlyweds. Directed by Jeremy Quinn Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes Visual Arts, Digital Media, Music, Film, Theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City’s premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the Artist in Residence (AiR) initiative. Subscriptions as well as individual tickets for the entire season are on sale now and can be purchased online at: www.pompanobeachculturalcenter.com . Subscription Prices start at $99 and Individual Tickets range in price from $45 to $65. Performance days and times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is located at: 50 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060. For more information about the Pompano Players, or any of the productions listed, please contact Carol Kassie at: carol@carolkassie.com . Or call: (561) 445-9244. < Previous News Next News >

A Surprise for Mom Culinary.net April 21, 2022 Share Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress. Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note. With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal. For more brunch recipes, visit http://www.culinary.net/ Brunch Fruit Tart Recipe adapted from https://www.homemadeinterest.com/ Crust: 4 cups granola mixture 1/2 cup butter, softened 4 1/2 tablespoons honey nonstick cooking spray Filling: 2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package gelatin Toppings: strawberries, sliced blueberries kiwis, sliced To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper. Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely. To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely. Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis. < Previous News Next News >

Preserving Legacy Or Inviting Litigation - How Well-Meaning Estate Planning Language Can Either Preserve Family Harmony Or Become Evidence In Probate Court By Merilee Kern, MBA Mar 26, 2026 As Wealth Transfers Accelerate And Multi-Generational Planning Becomes More Sophisticated, Families Are Increasingly Looking Beyond Traditional Wills And Trusts To Articulate Values, Purpose, And Long-Term Vision. One Tool Gaining Attention Is The Family Mission Statement. While Often Viewed As A Unifying Document Designed To Preserve Legacy And Harmony, Estate Litigation Attorney Don Ford Cautions That These Statements Carry Legal Implications That Families May Not Fully Appreciate. When Disputes Arise, Even Informal Writings Can Influence How Intent Is Interpreted In Court. Estate planning disputes rarely begin with bad intentions. According to Probate, Trust and Estate Planning Attorney Don Ford, Managing Partner at Ford + Bergner LLP, most probate and trust conflicts arise because family members disagree about what someone meant, what they wanted, or how much discretion a fiduciary was expected to exercise. Ford, a seasoned Probate and Trust Litigation Attorney, frequently speaks about the growing use of family mission statements in estate planning. While these documents are not legally binding in most jurisdictions, he explains that they can significantly influence how courts interpret intent when disputes arise. “A family mission statement can either clarify a legacy or complicate it,” Ford says. “It depends entirely on how it is drafted and whether it aligns with the governing estate documents.” A family mission statement typically outlines a family’s values, long term priorities, and philosophical approach to wealth. It may address stewardship, philanthropy, education expectations, work ethic, entrepreneurship, or the broader purpose behind trusts and multi-generational planning. Unlike a will or trust, it is generally informational rather than legally enforceable. However, Ford cautions that informational does not mean irrelevant. “In litigation, anything that sheds light on intent may become evidence,” he explains. “If a dispute involves discretionary distributions or fiduciary judgment, opposing parties often look for supporting language wherever they can find it.” When carefully coordinated with estate planning documents, family mission statements can reduce the likelihood of conflict. They can provide context for trustee decisions, clarify why distributions are structured a certain way, and help beneficiaries understand the reasoning behind unequal allocations. According to Ford, clarity often discourages litigation by managing expectations early. At the same time, poorly drafted statements can create problems. If the language contradicts a will or trust, beneficiaries may argue that the legally binding documents do not reflect the decedent’s true intent. Vague phrases such as treating everyone fairly or supporting family success can invite competing interpretations in court. “Ambiguity is the oxygen of litigation,” Ford notes. “The more room there is for interpretation, the greater the risk of dispute.” He also warns against attempting to impose moral or lifestyle directives through non-binding language. Beneficiaries may challenge fiduciaries who try to enforce expectations that lack legal authority, while others may accuse fiduciaries of ignoring stated family values. Generally speaking, family mission statements are not enforceable unless their provisions are formally incorporated into a valid will or trust. Even so, courts may consider them when evaluating fiduciary discretion or alleged breaches of duty. This makes alignment between the statement and the estate plan essential. Ford advocates what he calls litigation aware estate planning. “Estate planning is not just about transferring assets,” he says. “It is about anticipating human dynamics. If you understand how disputes unfold in court, you can draft documents that reduce the risk of conflict.” For families considering a mission statement, Ford recommends ensuring it aligns with all governing documents, clearly stating that it is non-binding, avoiding subjective language, and reviewing it periodically as circumstances change. “A thoughtful mission statement can strengthen a legacy,” Ford concludes. “But it must be drafted with precision and with an understanding of how it could be used in a courtroom.” About Merilee Kern, MBA Entrepreneur Leadership Network member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand and leadership strategist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all B2B and B2C categories. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Previous Next

Blown Away: A True Cinderella Story at WMODA By Louise Irvine - www.wmoda.com September 1, 2022 Share It’s true what Cinderella says, “One shoe can change your life!” and we have 50 of them at WMODA! Thanks to the brilliance of Miami Glass Artist Rob Stern, our latest exhibition caught the attention of Deco Drive, the daily entertainment news magazine program on Channel 7 which reports on trends and celebrities in South Florida. WSVN Reporter Alex Miranda visited WMODA and was so dazzled by Stern’s Stilettos, he reenacted Carrie Bradshaw’s urban shoe myth scene from Sex & The City. Rob’s new obsession with designer shoes was inspired by his wife’s vast collection which includes: Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Alexander McQueen. However, Rob’s stilettos are even more extreme in glass with wild bejeweled designs to make even Lady Gaga swoon. His play on words and punning titles bring an entertaining new dimension to the designer shoe fetish. Step into WMODA soon to see Stern’s Stilettos. You will also be amused by his wiener dog inspired by Jeff Koons’ balloon sculptures. Rob’s “hot dog” has become the museum’s new mascot and helps us explain the glassmaking process to kids. It is just like blowing up a balloon or a bubble of soapsuds although the shards are very sharp when the bubble bursts! Over 25 summers, Rob has had lots of fun blowing giant glass bubbles at Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State where he began as a student and became a master gaffer and teacher. Rob Stern has been exploring glass “beyond the bubble” at WMODA ever since we launched our Art on Fire Exhibit in 2019. We were excited to discover that he was trained by the modern maestros of glass, including Dale Chihuly, Pino Signoretto and Lino Tagliapietra. In fact, he was in Pino’s Studio on the day that the three masters began collaborating on the Venetian Putti series. We invited Rob to talk about his relationship with his mentors at our spectacular Chihuly & Chocolate event in 2019 and began to showcase some of his work in our Hot Glass Gallery. A new star was born at WMODA when we installed Rob’s Constellations of Windstars which are dedicated to his father, a consummate stargazer fascinated with the cosmic phenomenon. Rob has been involved in our museum events and exhibits celebrating art and nature, including Out of this World and Earth · Air · Fire · Water where he presented his leaves of glass, bamboo forest, and giant shells. At one of these events, Arthur Wiener, the founder of WMODA, became enamored with Rob’s work. He acquired many of his favorite pieces for the museum’s permanent collection, including the conceptual Memory Loss symbolizing Dementia. Rob was born in Miami and grew up in Atlanta where he trained initially for a career in the performing arts and toured as a singer, dancer and actor. It was during his art studies at San Francisco State University that he discovered glassmaking. After a five-year apprenticeship at an industrial glass casting facility in Oakland, California, he toured glass factories in Europe before coming under the spell of Dale Chihuly, Pino Signoretto and Lino Tagliapietra. Rob has also been influenced by the Bohemian glass-making tradition. He was a teaching assistant to Petr Novotny, also a Chihuly collaborator and worked for several years at the Ajeto Glassworks in the Czech Republic. Rob returned to Miami in 1997 to complete his MFA at the University of Miami and he helped develop and run their glass sculpture program for many years. In 2000, he set up his own Studio in Wynwood, Rob Stern Art Glass, where he works with his team making signature works, site-specific installations and lighting designs. Rob exhibits his work widely and has been invited to give demonstrations and workshops at famous glass institutions around the country as well as international symposiums. For the Glass Art Society Conference in Murano, Rob created a mirrored top hat and illuminated suit in honor of his mentor Pino Signoretto. Rob’s work is sold through the Studio Collection at the WMODA Shop. You can also commission custom designs through the museum, including wall art, lighting installations and garden sculptures. The WMODA (Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts) is a world-class museum in South Florida. The museum features thousands of works from the world’s most renowned ceramic and glass artists. The WMODA (Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts) is located at 481 South Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 inside the Gallery of Amazing Things. For more information, call: (954) 376-6690. ‘Blown Away’ Season 3 on Netflix Blown Away is back for a third season — and the hot shop’s hotter than ever. This season, 10 new contestants from an array of backgrounds and experiences face 10 creative challenges that push their technical and conceptual skills to the limit and result in deeply personal art pieces. Miami Born Rob Stern is part of the Season 3 Cast. Rob has been blowing glass for 35 years and is coming into the competition as the most experienced of the bunch. He says his passion for glass and living with ADHD has made him the artist he is today. His extensive experience in glass includes years of teaching, exhibitions, commissions and much of his work explores the connection between humans and nature. Whoever wins the final challenge in the Season 3 competition - thereby becoming Best in Glass — will take home the biggest prize package yet. But who will it be? Watch Rob at work in the Blown Away Netflix Season 3 Series which premiered in July: https://www.netflix.com/title/80215147 < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach State Of The City Part 4 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Sep 17, 2026 Last Week Was Part 3 Of My State Of The City Address Hosted By The Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce. This Week In Part 4, Let's Talk About Flooding & Resiliency- Preparing For The Water. There will be flooding. That is an uncomfortable statement, but it is an important one. We cannot engineer our way out of every extreme weather event. We have experienced storms capable of dropping extraordinary amounts of rain in less than 24 hours. No drainage system can guarantee that every street will remain dry under every circumstance. Think of the first hurricane that creates a 10-foot surge. What we can do is prepare. Last year, I updated you on the steps we have taken to address these emergencies. We have reevaluated our entire emergency response systems and protocols. These protocols include all types of events, from storms and mass-casualty incidents to cyberattacks, not just weather events. Not only did we reevaluate we expended money to make sure that we have an Emergency Notification System for floods, but we also have high-water rescue vehicles and a multitude of other resources to help our community through emergencies. I'm extremely proud to say that our Staff continues to do an excellent job of keeping us safe. As South Floridians, we understand hurricane preparedness. We focus on shutters, impact windows, generators, and roofs. But increasingly, we must think about water. As a Former Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council, I have spoken nationally about these issues. My greatest concern has always been flooding. King Tides have become more noticeable. Extreme rainfall events are becoming more disruptive. And addressing flooding isn't simply about installing another pump. It means drainage. It means pumping capacity. It means seawalls. It also means helping homeowners and businesses understand how to make their properties more resilient. There are now products and programs for waterproofing. In fact, just this July a new state law that waives all permitting fees core these types of improvements was just implemented. Hallandale Beach, due to my request, is now part of A1A regional resiliency projects. Water doesn’t recognize city boundaries. The Project is being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with Broward County, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach. Our neighbors have faced similar challenges. Hollywood and Dania Beach have experienced significant flooding in areas surrounding A1A and their waterways. These projects take years to plan and implement and are expensive. Vital and also necessary to sustain our economy. National lending agencies are looking at cities and evaluating if they're taking measures to invest in resiliency. Without these types of programs projects in the pipeline, it directly impacts our economy. Hallandale Beach cannot solve regional flooding alone. Water coming from surrounding communities ultimately affects us, which is why cooperation with Hollywood, Broward County, FDOT and our other regional partners is so important. Two years ago, I talked about beginning what I called our "Year of the Shovel." Today, approximately $330 Million in projects are underway throughout the city. For those of you who live or work here, sometimes it feels like there is construction on every street. I understand the frustration. But we aren't tearing up Hallandale Beach to tear it up. We are rebuilding Infrastructure that must serve this city for decades to come. Our drainage planning includes connecting Existing Pumping Infrastructure while identifying areas where additional pumping capacity will be necessary. Residents understandably wanted these improvements yesterday. But resilience requires tremendous investment and takes time. That does not mean we wait to address problem areas. We continue implementing targeted improvements and projects throughout the city while the larger systems are being designed. 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: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

A State Of Never-Ending Crisis: The Government Is Fomenting Mass Hysteria Thu Apr 27 2023 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

One Family’s Quest To Prevent Future Tragedies - An Unethical Decision Resulted In A Fatal Car Accident Of Local Teenager December 30, 2024 Share Broward College Foundation recently hosted a comprehensive business ethics workshop for Broward College students in the Automotive, Aviation and Marine Engineering Pathways led by Broward College faculty and local business leaders. The Grimmé family, a beloved benefactor of the Broward College Foundation, established and funded the Michael J. Grimmé II Ethics Program in perpetuity in loving memory of their son, Michael, who died tragically in a car accident at 17, as a result of poor ethical decisions made at a car dealership. “As our family tried to cope with this devastating loss, we made several dedications and awarded scholarships through my Rotary Club in his name, but we felt it was still not enough, something was missing,” said Michael Grimmé, Sr. “We needed to find a way to really make a difference and hopefully prevent another family from going through what we went through, so we established the Broward College Business Ethics Program in Michael’s memory.” With the goal of bringing business ethics to the forefront for students at Broward College, business leaders including Attorney John Uustal, Founding Partner at Kelley Uustal, shared powerful real-life examples and the devastating ramifications which resulted from unethical behavior during the Ethics and the Law session. Industry leaders from JetBlue and Spirit, among others, served as conversational facilitators at breakout tables where they had deep discussions about ethics. Broward College students were prompted to define what ethics means to them and discuss why ethical business practices are so important. An associate professor from Broward College’s Philosophy Department led a captivating discussion about morality versus ethics, the definitions and differences, and delved into core ethical principles - honesty, fairness, respect and accountability. Students recounted ethical dilemmas they have experienced when the core principles were conflicted. “We thank the Grimmé family for their unwavering devotion and support for this incredibly important ethics program,” said Scott Rivinius, Interim Vice President, Advancement & Executive Director, Broward College Foundation. “We also appreciate the many business and community leaders and our faculty who took the time to join us in mentoring our students.” The Michael Grimmé story: In 2006, Michael J. Grimmé, II, 17, bought his first car with his parents. The car was purchased at an auto dealership and several items needed to be fixed on the car. The car was “fixed” earlier than planned, and due to his father being out of town, he picked up the car with his mother and they were assured all was fixed with the car. Michael left the dealership with his mother following behind. Ten minutes later, on I-95, Michael was killed instantly when due to mechanical issues caused by a lack of business ethics at the dealership, he had no control of his car and hit a disabled tractor trailer. His mother watched it happen. The initial impact on the family was complete and overwhelming devastation for the family followed by many years of incredible difficulty in coping with this unnecessary and, what could have been avoided, tragedy if someone, anyone, had just said no to the actions taken while it was being serviced and prepared for sale. The Grimmé family continues to offer scholarships but decided more needed to be done to prevent another family from going through what they went through. So, the family created the Broward College Ethics Program in Michael’s memory to educate students and others how short cuts, faulty parts, improper procedures and false statements can have a devastating impact on companies, industries and families. Anyone interested in supporting ethical decision making training for Broward College students, please contact Nancy Botero at: nbotero@broward.edu . < Previous News Next News >

Abortion & Gun Laws: Have You Been Following What is Taking Place, It Is Abhorrent Thu Mar 30 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Elections Are 47 Days Away: Hallandale Beach Will Have Elections For Commission Seats 1 And 2 And Charter Amendments By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 22, 2022 Share Today marks 47 days until Election Day! Here in Hallandale Beach, we have Elections for Commission Seats 1 and 2 and for Charter Amendments. A committee of appointed citizens proposed the Charter Amendments. The Commission approved and supported them with a 5-0 Vote to be placed on the Ballot. Voters should support all these Amendments that improve the governance and operations of our City. I typically do not get very political in these articles, but Voters really need to understand what is at stake in our City this Election Year. I have already heard many Voters are being misled. Hallandale Beach now has a system of seats. The Commission seats are 1 – 4 and the Mayor's Seat. This year two seats are on the Ballot are: Seat 1 and 2. Vice Mayor Mike Butler is running for Re-Election in Seat 1. That is not the news. The alarming news is that Keith London is running against him. I will not call it shocking even though Mike was at one time his friend and Former Running Mate. This is the type of arrogant behavior that is typical to Keith. His past cruel behavior against colleagues, business owners and employees may not be known to all new residents. To those of us who know the real truth, there is a reason that London lost his appointed Mayor’s Seat. He lost because residents had enough! I am writing about this because we all need to not forget this horrific chapter in our City’s History. This is a call to action from Vice Mayor Mike Butler, Commission Michelle Lazarow, Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub and myself. It is hard to imagine that this is taking place but after years of disinformation about corruption, personal attacks against those that called him out or those burned by his reckless actions our City Commission is united in the message about the news. We are all formally and publicly denouncing his attempt to once again fleece our City and misinform Voters. It was an agonizing time for many. The residents united to Vote him out and we all need to unite once more for the wellbeing of our now vibrant Community! Obviously, I was not on the dais for a year and half and was finally vindicated. Sadly, during that period, the arrogant power-hungry London was even worse. His attacks on Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub were despicable. Hallandale Beach made national headlines over anal bleaching. We were slammed with costly Lawsuits that are still hanging over the heads of our taxpayers. One with a price of $5 Million Dollars. Over the past three years, our City has been moving forward without the shenanigans of years past. We have worked collectively to overcome the bad headlines. Correct a Budget that was fully mismanaged and in 2018 had the lowest reserves in the history of the City. Now we are all fully united to keep him out and protect our City. We need your help to continue the peace that has been brought to our City by empathic, caring and smart leadership. In other news, it has been brought to my attention that other misinformation is out there regarding our BSO Merger. We all can agree that Public Safety is one of the most important services and duties we perform as Elected Officials. Without Health and Safety, we do not have anything! When the City Commission Voted 3-2 on the Merger, they were put in a box due to a Pension Lawsuit and collective bargaining. It needs to be noted that the two other Unions, The International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), which is the Police, were negotiating going to FRS (Florida Retirement System) and AFSCME (American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees) already went to FRS. This change did save money all around. In my opinion, it should have and could have happened without the BSO. The BSO’s Contract was all Union and did not have to do with staffing even though the public was led to believe it. There was a report of an incident with a female Firefighter going into a house during a kitchen fire on her own. What has been left out of this story is there was another Firefighter and the Chief was on the scene. In Fire Response, there are typically multiple trucks responding. She claimed she was told to go in on her own. This is totally against protocol but after a thorough review it became a point of “she said, he said.” As the Chief said, he was behind her while the other officer was running the hose. This Fire Incident created the push to have three Personnel on a truck. The other incident that has been pointed out from what I can gather, I was not on the dais at the time, was a response to a Heart Attack by a Single Responder. I do not know if the Fire Truck Personnel only had a Certified Driver and one Paramedic. While we do not want any of these types of incidents occurring, they are outliers. There is not one single perfect Department in Broward County and human error is always possible. Even with the BSO Merger, we had a tragic Incident due to BSO Protocols. There was a call for an Asthma Attack that turned tragic due to the fact the response could not go in. Ironically, people are not sharing this story. Since I have been on the dais, I have only heard good comments and accolades for our wonderful First Responders. It was my understanding our City was to work on Certifications. I have heard debates over staffing levels for years. We have three on EMS and three on Fire only because of a SAFER Grant. This had nothing to do with the Merger. I also need to share that in a four-square mile City, we have more coverage than other cities with 3 Fire Stations housing Fire and EMS at the Beach, Main Stations and EMS on Three Islands. We still pay for all other related expenses, trucks, stations, equipment for trucks and life saving apparatuses. The other issue is training. Due to staffing, training hours were interrupted. I am not saying this is not an issue. Training is important. Currently, our Grant is over. We will be losing a position. We will still be in the BSO Contract, while spending $1.2 Million Dollars. If lost, we will go to three on a Fire Truck and two on EMS. I firmly stand with getting out of the contract and stop wasting money on upper management and focus on boots on the ground. Wishing all our friends and neighbors a Blessed Rosh Hashanah! As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

Work-From-Home Benefits Thu Mar 31 2022 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Building The Future: FPL Engineer And Former Competitor Helps Students Build Award-Winning Robots April 4, 2024 Share The clock is ticking, and Zach Dean is rushing to put the final touches on a robot that’s minutes away from battling other machines. His high school Robotics Team, S.P.A.M., is preparing to enter the makeshift arena inside Broward County’s Convention Center where game controllers connected to laptops weave robots through a speed and obstacle course. For the last six weeks, these teenagers have been building a robot from scratch, complete with high-powered brushless motors and 3D vision systems, out of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse the Martin County School District provided them this year. It was an investment the community made for its schools, enabling them to expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Programs and reach more students. Now, S.P.A.M. must battle other high schools from around the world in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. Students are wielding power drills, hex wrenches and laptops to fix any bugs in the robot’s coding before the match. “We learn how to build, code and wire robots,” Dean said. “I’m a mechanical lead, so I help design the robot and build parts to protect it as well.” Dean credits Team Mentor Elizabeth “Lily” Pawlak for expanding his machine skills and teaching him how to use the power tools and industrial machinery it takes to build the robots. Twelve years ago, Pawlak was a machinist for S.P.A.M. too, participating in the same competitions her mentees are in now and crafting robot parts from scratch. Today, she’s an equipment reliability engineer supporting Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Nuclear Fleet. This is Pawlak’s first year mentoring and FPL's twelfth year sponsoring the competition. “I wanted to come back and be a mentor because I want to show them that it's not just a fun thing to do in high school, that it really can be an opportunity for your future,” Pawlak said. “I've taught them basic skills like how to use a tape measure to more advanced skills like how to use a mill, a lathe and Computer Numerical Control machining.” One of the main benefits of STEM Education is helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which they can apply beyond the classroom. It also equips them to succeed in a rapidly changing world driven by technology and innovation. Pawlak said robotics geared her toward engineering. It also helped her start a career at FPL. “I met a lot of incredible people back then, professionals who volunteered their time at these competitions, and I maintained those connections throughout college,” she said. “These connections really make a difference for the children involved. It shows them that companies care, that companies are interested in them and that they have a future if they ever want to look forward to career opportunities with them.” Other FPL employees volunteered at the event in the form of judges, mentors, emcees, referees, robot inspectors and even robot doctors. FPL sponsors a Robot Urgent Care, which is a portable machine shop, where company machinists and engineers fix broken robots, so students don’t have to drop out of the competition. Luckily, S.P.A.M. didn’t need a robot doctor this year. The team took home first place and the quality award for their machine. Two weeks later, they won the Tallahassee Regional as well and are hoping to keep the streak alive at the upcoming FIRST Championship in Texas. “It’s amazing watching all of their hard work come to fruition,” Pawlak said. “These students feel so great knowing that the county, the school board and companies like FPL are investing in them, supporting them and giving them all of the tools they need to succeed.” FPL has opened its FPL Robotics Scholarship Application for 2024 to all public and private high school students across FPL’s service area within two or more years in a FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition. Interested students can submit their application through May 15 at: www.FPL.com/Education - under STEM Grants and Scholarship. < Previous News Next News >

“Lead With Love” In Dania Beach: The Community Foundation And Business For The Arts Broward Debuts Third Mural South Florida Sun Times Mar 6, 2025 The Community Foundation of Broward (CFB) and Business for the Arts Broward are proud to debut the third artwork of nine in its “Lead with Love” mural initiative, with a vibrant mural painted by renowned artist Cey Adams at the Dania Beach Marina. Located at 151 North Beach Road, Dania Beach, Florida 33004, painting on the mural began on February 27th, 2025. The “Lead with Love” mural project is a transformative public art initiative in collaboration with Adams designed to spread a message of love and unity across Broward County. The project, running from fall 2024 to 2027, aims to create nine distinctive murals, each in a different city. Spearheaded by a partnership between the Community Foundation of Broward and Business for the Arts Broward, the project has a goal to enrich and unify the community and promote cultural engagement. Supporters will join Adams to paint the finishing touches on the nearly completed mural at Dania Beach Marina on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Community Foundation of Broward President and CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D.; representatives from Business for the Arts Broward, City of Dania Beach officials and other sponsoring organizations will be in attendance. Media are invited to attend, engage and even pick up a paintbrush to help bring the mural to life. The project seeks to foster a sense of unity and pride within each community by creating public art that reflects local identity and spirit. Each mural will serve as a cultural landmark, enhancing local character and providing a space for communal gathering and reflection. The murals are intended to be lasting symbols of love and cultural diversity, contributing to the artistic landscape of Broward County and fostering a deeper appreciation for art and community collaboration. Adams tapped into the Broward County arts community and invited select artists to join him in the mural creation process. The project’s first artwork, the “LOVE Las Olas” mural, is located on the western exterior wall of Hoffman’s Chocolates at 601 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 facing Tunnel Top Park. The second artwork, the “ONE LOVE PLANTATION” mural, is at Kingsley Park at 4680 Northwest 9th Court, Plantation, Florida 33317. The “Lead with Love” mural project is supported by various sponsors including the Community Foundation of Broward, Business for the Arts Broward, Dara and Jarett Levan Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward, Florida Power & Light, The City of Dania Beach, the BBX Capital Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward and the Broward Cultural Division. “The inspiration behind my LOVE murals is to encourage viewers to think and see beyond the surface. The goal of my art is to make a direct connection with the public,” said Adams. “Incorporating vibrant colors and positive messages, I hope to create better communication and understanding to bring people together. Thank you to the City of Dania Beach, the Community Foundation of Broward and my friends at Business for the Arts Broward for inviting me to create this mural.” “Philanthropy means the love of humanity, and we felt this message was especially appropriate for our growing community,” said O'Flannery Anderson. “This transformational project aims to inspire a movement in Broward to do what is right: to support others, to be kind, to share, to be patient, to demonstrate compassion, to listen, to learn, and to LOVE our community. These murals help Broward grow and develop into a place where we all feel a greater sense of pride and belonging.” “We are happy to bring the third LOVE mural to Broward County at Dania Beach, and once again merge business and art to uplift and strengthen our community,” said Jarett Levan, President and CEO of BBX Capital, CEO of IT’SUGAR and Business for the Arts of Broward Board Chair. “The ‘Lead with Love’ mural at Dania Beach Marina beautifully reflects our ‘Sea it, Live it, Love it’ spirit, uniting our community through art,” said Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis. In 2025, the Community Foundation of Broward is proud to launch Lead With Love – its new mantra moving forward as an organization. Lead With Love emphasizes the heart behind giving, inspiring donors to invest not only financially, but also emotionally, socially and collaboratively in Broward County’s future. Lead With Love fosters collective action, encouraging more people to participate in philanthropy that uplifts Broward. Lead With Love highlights the role of philanthropy in creating equitable opportunities for all residents, strengthening connections between donors and the causes they care about, and empowering NonProfits with sustainable resources to expand their missions. About the Community Foundation of Broward Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 571 charitable funds represent $300 Million in Assets, distributing more than $195 Million in Grants over the past 40 years. The Community Foundation transforms our community through focused leadership that fosters collaboration, builds endowment, advances equity and connects people who care about causes that matter. The Foundation empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community we love. Visit: www.cfbroward.org About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or visit: www.bfabroward.org About Cey Adams Adams is a New York City native who emerged from the downtown graffiti movement to exhibit alongside fellow artists Jean-Michael Basquiat and Keith Haring. As the founding Creative Director of Hip-Hop’s Def Jam Recordings, Adams co-founded the Drawing Board, the label’s in-house visual design firm where he created visual identities, album covers, logos and advertising campaigns for Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5, Jay-Z and many more. He exhibits, lectures, and teaches art workshops at institutions including: The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, MoMA, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of the City of New York, School of Visual Arts, Temple University, MoCA Los Angeles, Howard University, among others. He designed the award-winning Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap (Smithsonian/Folkways), a box set including a 300-page book and 9 CD set; designed Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label (Rizzoli); and co-authored DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop (Harper-Collins). Adams has collaborated with many global brands including Levi’s, Mattel, The Recording Academy, Apple, Hampton Water Rose, Bacardi, IDEO, Foot Locker, Converse, Pabst Blue Ribbon, YouTube, and Google. To learn more, go to: ceyadams.com. Local Supporters Will Join Adams to Complete The Painting on March 12. Previous Next