Hurricane Milton, Stormwater Management And A New City Park By Josh Levy Mayor Of Hollywood October 16, 2024 Share Fellow Hollywood Residents, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your diligence and preparedness as we faced the potential impact of Hurricane Milton. Your cooperation, readiness, and care for the well-being of one another made a significant difference during this time. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our first responders, especially the remarkable teams from our Police Department, Fire Rescue, Public Utilities, and Public Works for their work to prepare our city for the storm. Our teams deployed a record 20 Stormwater Pumps throughout Hollywood to be ready to reduce any flooding. Our new High-Water Rescue Vehicles were placed on standby. Over 12,000 sandbags were distributed to our residents. City parking garages were made available for vehicle storage, essential equipment and teams were ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Throughout this period, our city communications team kept everyone informed via text messages, e-mails, voice alerts and social media. I’m proud to say that while the forecasted rain and wind thankfully did not materialize due to the ultimate structure and trajectory of Hurricane Milton, our city’s level of preparedness for a windstorm has never been higher. Thank you everyone for your resilience and cooperation. Together, we stand strong, ready to meet any future challenges. As we continue to pray for our fellow Floridians who were in the catastrophic path of Hurricane Milton, below I am sharing some updates on our Stormwater Master Plan with Short-Term and Long-Term Flood-Prevention Projects that are being implemented to enhance Hollywood’s resilience for generations to come. I’m also sharing below some great news about a $7.5 Million Federal Grant that we were awarded to assist us in creating what will be our newest green space and largest city-owned park. Yours always, Josh Levy Mayor of Hollywood Implementing our Stormwater Master Plan When more frequent “history-making” rainfall events are coupled with higher water tables, South Florida’s cities and counties understand that we must embark on large Infrastructure upgrades to shore up our region’s Stormwater Defenses. All cities have Stormwater Management Systems that work to contain and control rain water in order to minimize flooding and enable the community to live through rain events with as little interruption to our daily lives as possible. In Hollywood, the Stormwater System includes: miles of Pipes, Channels, Ditches, Swales, Natural Waterways and Drainage Easements. It also includes: thousands of Manholes and Inlets, various Pumping Stations and Retention and Detention Basins. Stormwater Systems always need maintenance and frequently need updating, especially when they no longer deliver an adequate level of service for a community experiencing changing climate conditions. The good news for us on this front in the City of Hollywood is that we recently completed a 2-year project that our City Commission embarked upon - to create a comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan for the city. Following 2 years of engineering analysis, the plan provides us with a list of projects, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, enabling us to better address stormwater management throughout the city - with consideration to Flood Control, Water Quality Protection, Aquifer Recharge, Supply Conservation and Reuse Conservation, Operation and Maintenance Stormwater Utility Sufficiency, Long Term Financing, Community Acceptance, Adaptability, Resiliency, Fairness in execution and Sustainability. To reach a better level of service for our city, the 20-year Stormwater Master Plan itemizes and recommends a selection of $980 Million to $1.9 Billion dollars of Infrastructure Improvement Projects, including the upgrading and addition of our Exfiltration Systems, Gravity Pipe Collection Systems and Inlets, Stormwater Pump Stations, Outfalls, Stormwater Gravity and Injection Wells, Storage and Detention Storage, Swales, Backflow Prevention Devices, Raise Seawalls/Shoreline Armoring, and Road Raising in conjunction with new collection systems. Our next steps are to determine the near-term budget and select initial projects within the budget. We’ll also need to determine the city’s Long-Term Financing Plan and continue to pursue Regional, State and Federal Grants in parallel. The same need exists for the hopes of converting and connecting our many septic-tank neighborhoods to our City’s Sewer System for Proper Wastewater Treatment. This is a top-most priority for our city and we will embark on these projects year-after-year to achieve the level of service goals that we desire for neighborhoods throughout our city. Below is an excerpt and example of 3 areas of focus. These same Capital Improvement Plans exist for all areas of our city east to west. Federal Grant Awarded to Create a New City Park - Congratulations Hollywood I am pleased to report that our city has been awarded a $7.5 Million Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program grant (ORLP) for the creation of Sunset Park. (This is the old and long closed-down 45-acre golf course property on the corner of Johnson Street and I-95, which we purchased in 2020 to create a new park for our city.) The ORLP Program is a nationally competitive program that enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. The program focuses on voluntary conservation and restoration efforts to address the nature and climate crises, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and strengthen the economy. This award represents the first of four grants that staff is actively pursuing to support the Sunset Park Project. More information about this exciting award and a contract for approval is forthcoming to the City Commission. Established by Congress in 2014 and administered through the National Park Service, this program is processed through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — and it's a great example of how the shared policy goals of our federal, state and local governments can result in a great outcome for a local community. Thank you to everyone who worked hard on this, from our residents and city staff to our elected officials at the federal and local level. #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork < Previous News Next News >

Rhythm By The River: A Festival Celebrating Black Voices Thu Mar 16 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tear Off the Rearview Mirror: Don't Be Obsessed With Looking Backward By Bryan Golden August 18, 2022 Share When driving in your car, the rearview mirror lets you see what is coming up behind you. On the road, vehicles in back of you can follow too closely, hit you, or pass you. But if you try driving by looking only in the mirror you won't get very far before you crash. The highway of life is different. On this road, the events behind you stay behind you and move farther away with each passing day. Yet there are people who are obsessed with looking backward rather than forward. Although they would never try this stunt while driving, they habitually refuse to look through the front windshield of life. There are only 24 hours in each day. Therefore, any time spent looking behind you, into the past, robs you of time to look forward into the future. The fascination with the past stems from the desire to change history. As intriguing as this concept might be, the chances of accomplishing this are zero. Yet, people get caught in a quagmire of what could have been if only they had done this or that. Thoughts of could have, should have, or would have seized hold of the mind and clogged it with useless and pointless activity. The value of the past is that it can teach you what to change, refine and improve when moving forward. But when you dwell in the past, forward movement stops. Although most people would make at least subtle changes, if they could do things over, there are no do overs. As you age, the speed at which you move down life's highway seems to increase yearly. As this perceived velocity grows, obsessing with the past can be very disconcerting. You don't know where the time has gone and the reality of mortality becomes clearer. This phenomenon of the accelerated passage of time is another reason why all of your attention, energy and effort should be focused forward. Only with this directional orientation can you fully realize the potential of each day. Imagine how boring life would be if each day was spent watching a video of what you did yesterday. You wouldn't have time to do anything new. This is exactly how people spend their time when they get trapped in the past by looking only in their rearview mirror. Being consumed with what has already transpired causes a great deal of stress, anxiety and even depression. You feel powerless to change what has already happened, because you are. The only control you have is what direction to go while moving forward. You can't go backward, but you can stagnate. An acceptance of the past is the first step to being at peace with yourself. You may not like what has transpired, but you can't change it. Learn from the past. Repeat those things that produced desirable results and avoid behavior that didn't. It's easy and tempting to second-guess yourself. Others will also throw in their opinion of what you should or shouldn't have done. This combined with your own tendency to analyze, over assess and redo the past makes it difficult to stay focused on moving forward. But move forward you must. To live in or dwell in the past ensures that you will squander the present and short change your future. Whenever you find yourself drawn to the past, remind yourself that you are wasting time and immediately try to refocus on the present. You will realize that more time than you had thought was spent looking in life's rearview mirror. With consistent practice you will be able to reverse your orientation so that a minimum amount of time is spent looking backwards. Tear off the rearview mirror and devote yourself to looking forward. The results will be a happier and more rewarding life! Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2022 Bryan Golden < Previous News Next News >

STP Recovery Plan: The Process Of Loss & Dealing With Recovery By Tracy Renee Lee - Certified Grief Counselor January 19, 2023 Share This morning there was an upheaval in my home. I have two adult daughters home for the holidays and one of them has children. Unfortunately, my daughter miscarried two weeks ago. Our hearts are broken and she is devastated. As I was talking to her this morning about everyone getting along, she teared up and said, “Mom, I’m the one that lost a baby last week and everyone acts as though nothing has happened. No one even talks about it.” Wow, what a kick in the pants. It is true that everyone has avoided the subject of her losing the baby, partly because it has been a holiday and we all wanted to celebrate without the trauma of loss. Mostly; however, we were wanting to shield our grandchildren from their pain. This is their third lost sibling. My grandson, who is their first surviving child, takes the loss of a sibling very traumatically. He was devastated by the loss and of course, the adults in our family were trying to shield him from further pain. Unfortunately, protecting our grandson increases the pain his mother suffers. After my daughter said those words to me this morning, I felt terrible. The new baby will be buried here at the funeral home beside his brother or at the cemetery in the same grave as my mother. My daughter and her husband have not made a final decision yet. Tonight, my family will have a family gathering. We will pray, sing songs, play games, hear a devotional and enjoy dessert together. Our devotion tonight will be centered on our newest loss. My daughter has asked me to say a few words about miscarriage to help her family process their loss and begin their recovery. I will give them a little plan to help them. I call it my STP oil tip. When I was a young girl, I used to ride motorcycles with my dad. After our rides, my dad would maintenance check his bike. If it needed oil, he would add STP brand oil. I have always remembered this as a special time and memory from my childhood. I will suggest that my daughter and her family use STP oil as their healing plan. S: SAY HIS NAME Saying the name of the decedent helps the family to validate the existence and importance of their loved one. It gives them confidence that their loved one matters and will not be forgotten. T: TRADITION It is important that the family incorporate a tradition that commemorates their loved one. This tradition can be something that was important to the decedent or something that reminds you of the decedent. In the case of a miscarriage, a yearly tradition might be to donate to miscarriage research, revisit the baby’s sonogram images by sending out words of encouragement on special image cards to those who loved the baby or perhaps visit his burial place. There are infinite options for a miscarriage tradition. Another might be to buy a beautiful baby outfit and give it to a newborn within your circle of friends and family. P: PRAYER Prayer is the most effective and rewarding proactive thing you can do for yourself after a loss. Asking the powers of heaven to lift your sadness and replace it with peace is a blessing you can give yourself. Asking and relying on Christ to lift your burdens and help you find your way back to living, trusting, feeling and loving is a glorious gift he offers each of us. If you have suffered a loss this holiday season, my heart and prayers go out to you. If you would attempt to follow this STP plan for recovery, I would hope that you might find comfort in it. Recovery does not mean that we forget our loved ones. Indeed, recovery means that we reconcile our hearts to a place where we can move our lost loved one from a living participant in life to a loving memory. Losing another grandchild breaks my heart, but for my daughter, it is devastating. I ask the Lord’s blessing upon her and her sweet family during this tragic time in their lives. If you have suffered a recent loss, I ask the same for you. God be with you. My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor GC-C, Funeral Director FDIC, Published Author, Syndicated Columnist, Podcaster and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. < Previous News Next News >

Parking Charge Community Forum July 19 / Patriots Meet July 20 By Beverly Carawan July 15, 2021 Share There is an online petition to sign at: www.Change.org/StoptheHallandaleParkingMeters The Patriots continue seeking transparency in the local government by encouraging Hallandale residents to attend the City Commission of Hallandale Beach Virtual Community Meeting on the Topic of Proposed Parking Charge Ordinance, Monday, July 19th at 6:00 p.m. Those Residents of Hallandale, who wish to learn more or to comment on the City Wide Digital System, you can sign-up to access details for the meeting and/or to speak at: WWW.COHB.ORG/PARKING Two or more members of the City Commission or other City Boards may attend this meeting. To view the full agenda, go to: www.COHB.org/Agenda or visit the City Clerk’s Office. There is an online petition to sign to protest the new parking program at: www.Change.org/StoptheHallandaleParkingMeters The Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 20th at the Las Vegas Cuban Restaurant, located at 1727 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, FL, the meeting is at 7:15 p.m. The goals are to *Reestablish Family values, Freedom of Speech & Religion;* Establish Transparency & Accountability in LOCAL Government; *Promote equality, legal immigration, Jobs & hard work without divisive rhetoric & division; * Counter the lies & anti American, pro-socialist, Pro Muslim, Anti-Israel indoctrinations of our children by promoting civics, constitution, Civic responsibility & Patriotism; * Stop the wasteful spending going on at local, state & national levels; * Stop defunding & discouraging police. Promote obeying the law; * Stop reducing our energy production capabilities, while simultaneously inflating fuel prices, losing good paying American jobs, raising all of our taxes and much more. Meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7:15 p.m. (We suggest to arrive at 6:30 p.m. to order) for an educational, action-packed meeting to learn more & TAKE ACTION!!! Follow us at: Facebook/@SFLPatriots. Or e-mail us at: HallandaleandBeachesPatriots@gmail.com . < Previous News Next News >

True Holiday Spirit - The Impact of Giving Isn't Limited to Just the Holiday Season Thu Dec 19 2024 19:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Local EDM Artist Epidemika Kicks off July 4th Weekend in South Beach By Austin Torres June 24, 2021 Share A evening of drinks, dancing, & Electronic Dance music at Treehouse Nightclub Epidemika (Jesse O’Hara) is one of these homegrown artists, and on Saturday July 3rd he will be kicking off the evening with an intimate 90-minute set at Treehouse in South Beach from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. When you think of South Florida, several different associations come to mind. The lovely beaches, warm sunny days, diverse and delicious cuisine from a variety of cultures, postcard sunsets, and of course, Electronic Dance Music. EDM has been closely associated with South Florida for several decades now and our nightclub scene is known worldwide for hosting some of the most exceptional EDM artists and throwing some of the most memorable parties with exceptional local talent. Epidemika (Jesse O’Hara) is one of these homegrown artists, and on Saturday July 3rd he will be kicking off the evening with an intimate 90-minute set at Treehouse in South Beach from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Epidemika’s sound - a unique blend of progressive house and trance - has been embraced by the EDM community and supported internationally by world renown DJs. What better way to spend the Saturday before July 4th than to come out with friends for a fun night of exceptional music, drinks, and laughs at one of South Beaches’ most popular and happening clubs? For Epidemika, playing music is both a passion and a blessing. Since he first began playing guitar at the age of 10 years old, Epidemika has gone on to record and produce a multitude of original music. After playing his first concert at the age of 13 years old, he knew this was something he was going to do for the rest of his life. Before transitioning into electronic music Epidemika played in a variety of rock, hardcore, and metal bands and also toured across North America playing over 600 shows alongside several other artists and some of his own musical heroes as well. “I have a diverse musical background. While playing in bands before producing electronic music, I’ve played concerts and festivals with the likes of Strapping Young Lad, Poison the Well, Alexisonfire, Hatebreed, and many more,” said Epidemika. Since then, Epidemika has only continued to expand his knowledge of music and the music industry by enrolling and graduating from an advanced music and mastering program, honing his skills on a multitude of instruments including drums, bass, and synthesizers. Epidemika’s astute ear and natural understanding of popular music sensibilities has earned him a stellar reputation as a prolific and highly skilled producer. Since kicking off his career as an EDM artist, Epidemika has released music on a variety of labels around the globe such as Elliptical Sun Recordings (RUS/USA), Nanostate Music (USA), Intricate Records (RUS), Infrasonic Recordings (UK), and Freegrant Music (EU). Additionally, Epidemika’s music has been featured in numerous compilations for the Amsterdam Dance Event, a 5-day music festival in Amsterdam that is similar to our own Ultra Music Festival, and also compilations for Ibiza, otherwise known by many as the motherland of electronic dance music. He has also had more recent success with his track ‘Heartbeat’, which was featured as the opening track on the Progressive Trance Selections Volume 12 compilation and his track ‘Hold On’ – a collaboration featuring vocalist Odell from TV’s The Voice. This fervent passion for production has also earned Epidemika a special position as an A&R for UK record label, Infrasonic Recordings. As an A&R, Epidemika has had the privilege of reviewing a vast number of demos from aspiring musicians around the world and has helped countless others refine their production skills to bring out the best in artists. He assists up-and-coming music producers hone their craft to create catchy, memorable music that’s ready for nightclubs and the radio. “In the past I’ve acted as a ghost producer for other artists and I’ve helped artists write music and mix and master songs,” said Epidemika. For Epidemika the greatest joy that he derives from performing live is the connections he creates with the crowd. As perhaps one of the most impactful art forms music has the ability to move audiences in ways that are direct and at times deeply intimate. Few individuals are able to experience the beauty of performing for a venue full of lively listeners eager to connect through the medium of music, and for Epidemika doing so is a dream come true and a blessing all on its own. “Being able to play original music for live audience and seeing the reaction it evokes is my favorite part of performing live,” said Epidemika. “It’s a unique opportunity to test out new and unreleased material to get a sneak preview on how well it's received in a live setting.” For more information regarding the event, you can visit www.treehousetickets.com where you can also purchase ticket for the event which will also feature trance legends Sean Tyas, Chris Schweizer, Luccio. Suzy Solar, Solid J, and Tanner Wilfong. You can also visit www.epidemika.com where you can find out news, hear new music, watch music videos and also purchase merchandise such as hats, shirts, hoodies, and much more. For bookings you can reach out to alexkaplanmgmt@gmail.com (After Dark Music Management). < Previous News Next News >

Israel Is Under Attack Thu Oct 12 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Who Pays First? How Medicare Works With Other Health Insurance September 19, 2024 Share In the labyrinthine world of healthcare coverage, understanding how Medicare interacts with other forms of insurance can be crucial for millions of Americans navigating their medical expenses. Whether you're enrolled in Medicare alongside a group health plan, retiree coverage, or Medicaid, each insurer plays a distinct role as a "payer" in what is known as coordination of benefits. The Concept of Primary and Secondary Payers When you have multiple sources of health coverage, one insurer typically becomes the "primary payer." This primary payer settles bills up to the limits of its coverage. Any remaining balance, which may include deductibles, co-payments, or services not covered by the primary insurer, is then forwarded to the "secondary payer." For instance, if you have an employer-sponsored health plan and Medicare, your employer's plan would often be the primary payer, and Medicare would act as the secondary payer. The primary payer is obligated to process claims first and provide an explanation of benefits detailing what they cover. The secondary payer steps in to cover costs that exceed the primary plan's limits. Medicare Part B and Group Health Plans A crucial aspect of coordinating Medicare with other insurance plans, particularly group health plans, is the requirement to enroll in Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and medical supplies not covered by Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Many group health plans stipulate that Medicare Part B must be activated to ensure they will cover services as the secondary payer effectively. Conditional Payments and Their Implications One of the most complex areas within this framework is Medicare's ability to make conditional payments. These payments are made when Medicare believes another insurer is primarily responsible for covering your healthcare costs but hasn't paid promptly (usually within 120 days). A conditional payment is essentially an advance made by Medicare to cover your medical bills temporarily. This ensures that you are not personally liable for these expenses while Medicare seeks reimbursement from the primary payer. It's important to note that these payments are contingent upon repayment once you receive any settlement, judgment, or other forms of compensation related to your healthcare expenses. If Medicare issues a conditional payment and you later receive a settlement or other payment related to your medical expenses, it's crucial to inform Medicare promptly. Failure to report such payments can lead to complications, including Medicare seeking full reimbursement, potentially affecting any settlement or judgment you receive. Steps to Report a Settlement or Judgment • If Medicare has made a conditional payment on your behalf and you receive a settlement, judgment, or any form of payment related to your medical expenses, you must report it to Medicare. • Contact the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center at: 1-855-798-2627 (TTY: 1-855-797-2627) to provide details of the settlement or payment. • This reporting ensures that Medicare can reconcile the conditional payment and determine any repayment obligations accurately. The Role of Coordination of Benefits The overarching principle governing these interactions is coordination of benefits. This ensures that each insurer fulfills its responsibility appropriately, minimizing Out-Of-Pocket Costs for the individual and ensuring timely payment to Healthcare Providers. Understanding these intricate dynamics can significantly impact individuals' Financial Health and Well-Being, particularly as medical costs continue to rise. Navigating Medicare alongside other insurance requires diligence in understanding policy terms, reporting requirements, and timelines for reimbursement and settlement. While Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, its interaction with other forms of insurance necessitates careful consideration and proactive management. By comprehending the roles of primary and secondary payers, the significance of Medicare Part B enrollment, and the implications of conditional payments, individuals can better navigate the complexities of healthcare financing. As the landscape of healthcare evolves, staying informed about these nuances remains paramount. By doing so, individuals can ensure they receive the comprehensive coverage they deserve while effectively managing their healthcare expenses. Understanding how Medicare interfaces with other insurance plans involves grasping the roles of primary and secondary payers, the necessity of Medicare Part B Enrollment, and the implications of conditional payments. These elements collectively define the coordination of benefits and play a crucial role in managing healthcare expenses efficiently. If you have questions about who pays first, or if your coverage changes, call the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center at: 1-855-798-2627. Tell your doctor and other health care provider about any changes in your insurance or coverage when you get care. < Previous News Next News >

Construction Underway for New Jewish Education Center By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayll December 9, 2021 Share This past Sunday marked the groundbreaking for Chabad’s new education center. Located in the North Miami-Dade neighborhood of Highland Lakes, Chabad Chayil has broken ground on a new five story building that is estimated to cost $12 million, with construction costing close to $9 million. Chabad Chayil was founded as the local Chabad Center in the 1980’s by the late Rabbi Dovid Bryn who passed away in 2002. Brought to Miami by Rabbi Bryn to replace him during his illness, Rabbi Moishe Kievman and his wife Layah have run the center ever since, and expanded its services. Daily prayer services, as well as an array of classes, weekly Shabbat & Holiday dinners & Kiddush lunch and an array of community programs are still held in a small synagogue and are available for men, women and youth of all ages. But the primary focus of this Jewish center is CHAP, Chabad Chayil’s uniquely designed Community Hebrew Afterschool Program - an all encompassing daily after-school program geared towards Jewish children in public schools who have no formal Jewish education. The new center has been designed to serve thousands of students. It measures 37,737 square feet of indoor space and approximately 10,000 square feet of outdoor terraces including a rooftop park. The design includes 14 regular classrooms and 2 specialty classrooms, an indoor playground, jungle gym, social hall, a children's library and a library for adults, which will double over as a synagogue. Strategically located at the Northern border of Miami-Dade and close to the Southern edge of Broward, Chabad Chayil is centrally located between 9 major public schools. CHAP curriculum Includes: Traditions, Holidays, Jewish History, Parsha, Jewish Art, Prayer & Judaic study with a primary focus on Hebrew Reading custom designed to teach each child at whichever level they may be. The program offers a first taste of Jewish learning in a creative, joyful, hands-on and interesting way. “We try to impart a sense of tradition using modern and innovative teaching techniques” says Mrs Layah Kievman who directs the program. This is a Hebrew School of the highest quality that kids can’t wait to go to! During its construction phase, Chabad Chayil’s synagogue and classrooms have been relocated to a number of small homes that are adjacent to the location where the new building will be located. Children ranging in age from 5 to 18 are taught the importance of being kind to one another, and how each and every person can bring good and light into the world. Arts and craft is incorporated into the daily assignments, and the children especially love working on holiday related creations. This year each child created their own unique menorah creation which were displayed at Chabad Chayil’s 18th annual Chanukah Fair. Combining the Groundbreaking with The Chanukah Fair made for a festive atmosphere. Thousands of children attended and had a great time playing in the bounce house, obstacle course, laser tag, and having their faces painted. Smashing pinatas for kosher candy was a big hit. A delicious BBQ was available for lunch or dinner, and for dessert, both children and adults loved the assorted array of donuts that were served (donuts are traditionally served on Chanukah). The Kievman family crowded onto the stage for the lighting of the menorah, singing the holiday blessings for the entire crowd. “This center has touched the lives of so many adults and children over the past 40 years” says Rabbi Kievman, “we are very excited by our expansion which allows us to reach even more people.” The adults were inspired by speeches from local political leaders that included Aventura Mayor Enid Weisman, State Rep Christopher Benjamin, school board member Lucia Baez-Geller, Miami-Dade commissioner Sally Heyman and others. Rabbi Avraham Korf who heads Chabad’s operations in the entire State of Florida was in attendance to wish a mazal tov (congratulations) to the community. Korf was sent to Florida over 60 years ago and is one of The Rebbe’s first emiseries. It was a tremendous honor to have Rabbi Korf in attendance, and a special treat to hear Korf’s stories from the old country. He knew Kievman’s great-grandfather since he was only a small child in Russia. Kievman’s great-grandfather officiated at Korf’s older brother’s Bar Mitzvah, in Samarkand, a city in Uzbekistan. Rabbi Korf spoke of Chasidic dynasty leaders, “The Rebbe Rashab said it was worth establishing the entire Lubavitch Yeshiva just for Reb Dovid Hordoker (Kievman).” “It was worth me being sent to Florida, just to see the tremendous work done by Kievman’s great grandson at Chabad Chayil” Rabbi Korf said with emotion. Please visit https://charidy.com/chabadchayil to have a part in this tremendous undertaking or to learn more about its' programs. Rabbi Kievman can be reached at (305) 770-1919. < Previous News Next News >

Stroke Risks: It's The Leading Cause of Death Among Women September 1, 2022 Share It may not be widely known that women face unique risk factors for Stroke throughout their lifetime. Things like pregnancy, preeclampsia and chronic stress can increase the risk for High Blood Pressure, a leading cause of Stroke. Cardiovascular Disease, including Strokes are the leading cause of death among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 1 in 5 women will have a Stroke. However, a large majority of Strokes can be prevented. Caring for yourself by understanding your risk factors can help reduce your risk for Stroke and provide a better quality of life. Start managing your Stroke risk with these tips from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association: Monitor Your Blood Pressure The first step you can take in reducing your risk for Stroke is knowing your Blood Pressure and keeping it in a healthy range. High Blood Pressure is the Number 1 preventable cause of Stroke, according to the American Heart Association. The best way to know your Blood Pressure is to have it measured at least once per year by a health care professional and regularly monitor it at home then discuss the numbers with a doctor. For most people, a normal Blood Pressure should be 120/80 mm HG or less. In addition to properly monitoring Blood Pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthfully and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco usage can help control Blood Pressure. If you do develop high Blood Pressure, work with a healthcare professional on a plan to help manage it. Plan for Pregnancy In the United States, high Blood Pressure during pregnancy is becoming more common, according to the CDC and medical conditions including preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes and Blood Clots during pregnancy all increase Stroke risk during and immediately following a pregnancy. Managing conditions like high Blood Pressure before getting pregnant helps keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy and beyond. In addition, your health during and immediately after a pregnancy can shape the lifelong health of you and your child. If you're planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, it's important to regularly monitor your Blood Pressure. Take Care of Your Mental Health Some stress is unavoidable but constant stress is not healthy. Chronic or constant stress may lead to high Blood Pressure and other unhealthy behavior choices, which can increase risk for Stroke. Based on findings in a Stress in America 2020 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, the top sources of stress are money, work, family responsibilities and health concerns. Managing your stress and Blood Pressure can improve your overall health and well-being. Reclaim control of your schedule and build in time to invest in your health. Find 10 minutes every day to do something for you, like listening to music, meditating or going for a walk. Learn the Warning Signs A Stroke can happen to anyone at any point in life. Immediate treatment may help minimize the long-term effects of a Stroke and even prevent death. Learn how to spot a Stroke F.A.S.T: * Face drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? * Arm weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? * Speech difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like "The sky is blue." * Time to call 911 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your well-being and help prevent Stroke. Find more wellness tips at: www.stroke.org < Previous News Next News >

Thank You Hallandale Beach! The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Was A Huge Success By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper January 18, 2024 Share Congratulations to Qunea Gordon and the entire Community Civic Association for creating such a wonderful Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Weekend. Our City is extremely proud of the work of the entire CCC Team, our Staff and every partner who made it a great breakfast parade and festival at OB Johnson Park. I also want to recognize Ms Qunea Gordon as our 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Recipient. For our readers who do not know “Q” she is truly a worthy recipient. Ms. Gordon was born and raised in Hallandale Beach. She attended Hallandale High School where in addition to excellence in academics she was part of the State Championship Girls Basketball Team. This was the first award received by a team in the new Hallandale High School. Qunea went on to college and then began her career right here in Broward County. She recently retired from Broward County where she worked on a special team implementing county wide GIS. She has always given back to our City and community. She has served on our Human Service Board working side by side with our Staff ensuring their safety nets are available for our underserved. Our Hepburn Center has Food Distribution, Adult Care After School Care and their other vital services for those in need. She volunteers on the scholarship board and collaborates very closely with our local High School. She is incredibly involved with Ebenezer Baptist Church and her neighborhood. Since her retirement she has focused her attention over the past few years collaborating with the members of the Hallandale Beach Community Civic Association to revitalize their group and membership. The HBCCC started well over 40 years ago as the Northwest Civic Association. Their mission was to advocate for the Northwest Quadrant of our City which before the 1970’s was Segregated. Their focus was to create and address Fair Housing, Equal Educational Opportunities, Access to Health Services, Public Safety and the Overall Well Being of the area. Approximately 15 years ago they changed their name to Hallandale Beach Community Civic Association to focus on the entire west side of our City. The super majority of our Single-Family Homes are west of Federal Highway. These homeowners share many of the same concerns and issues. They meet the last Tuesdays of every month at OB Johnson Park. I encourage our residents to participate. Visit their Facebook page at Hallandale Beach Community Civic Association at: https://m.facebook.com/ccahb/ - for more information. While our City has, and society has evolved there is still plenty of work to be done. We all continue to focus on fair housing that is affordable not just in the west but throughout the City. There are many issues facing our schools. Currently the Broward School Board is working to hire a new principal at Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach K-8. We all need to follow this critical issue since Principal Carlton Campbell passed away. He certainly was amazing and while he cannot be replaced we need a leader that will emulate his legacy. We all also need to focus on the changes taking place when it comes to Voting. Every single resident needs to double check their Voting Registration. Currently there was a change on the State and County Levels that moved many Voters that have been inactive. They have not all been purged but if you have not Voted in the past two years your Registration is at risk. There are proposed changes to Vote By Mail. We are not sure how this proposal will play out. If you want to Vote By Mail you do have to request it annually already. In a previous Legislative Session, the Law was changed to prevent Voters from automatically staying on the Vote By Mail List. As we move into a presidential year it is crucial everyone who can Vote is Registered. Everyone should be Voting as there are many Elections in our State, County and Municipality taking place. There will also be Ballot Initiatives that will profoundly impact our day to day lives and liberties. I spoke at the MLK Festival about not sitting out Elections. Dr. King gave his life for Democracy. As we have seen it is very fragile and needs to be nurtured and cared for. We may not like the choices we end up with on the Ballot in November. We all need to remember we cannot let perfect get in the way of good. Do not sit home saying I do not like either candidate. My one Vote will not matter. With a close Election and a polarized citizenry every Vote will certainly matter. Visit the Broward Supervisor Of Elections by searching: www.BrowardVotes.gov - or Check your Registration, register to Vote and if you need to request a Mail-In Ballot. Save The Date Saturday, February 10th at OB Johnson Park there will be a Family Field Day and Resource Fair presented by ONE City which is a project of Memorial Hospital. Over the past months I have been collaborating with PAL, Project Love, and Advise Athletes to put together a day to unite the entire city. There will be a field day, entertainment with the goal of unity and community healing and many community partners with vital city and county services to help all ages. If you are interested in becoming a vendor please reach out to me at: joycooper@aol.com . Wishing You A Blessed New Year! As always please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place. I am available at jcooper@cohb.org , joycooper@aol.com , office number 954-457-1318 or cell/text 954-632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >