The Tragic Event of Champlain Towers Is Still Resonating Around The Globe By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 1, 2021 Share CADENA Israel is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assist in emergencies and prevention of natural disasters around the world. ( Cadena Israel Facebook Photo June 26th Surfside Fl - www.facebook.com/cadenaenisrael/ ) Words cannot express the deep sadness many of us felt when we heard the news. As of Monday, there was still hope and officials continued search and rescue operations. Our prayers need to continue. I am so proud of our City and the help that we are providing to assist Mayor Burkett and their staff. A special prayer also goes out to all of the first responders that have been working around the clock. A special thank you goes to Cadena Israel, a special search and recovery team from Israel and there are others from around the state that came to help. The speculation and theories that have been presented over the building failure, is now on all of our minds. I want to inform our Residents and Our Staff, that on Thursday, when we went to work to evaluate all of our condominium's statuses and audits of those that have or have not filed building inspections. In 2005, Broward County adopted the 40 Year Building Safety Inspection Program. It was created after a tragic building collapse in Miami. In 1974, there was a garage collapse that killed seven people, as well as numerous balcony collapses. Ironically, Dade County, has had a program since the 1970’s, which provides mandatory inspections of structural, integral and electrical of all buildings that are 40 years old, except for single family homes. We are different from Dade County, which has set a threshold 6 stories or more. There is an annual schedule that has been established by the County. Every June, The Property Appraiser, sends a list to the Board of Rules and Appeals. BORA is a separate, statewide agency that has individual boards in each County which regulates building codes and standards. Each BORA, sends the city building departments their list of buildings due for inspections. Each building official, in turn, sends written notifications to each building by August. Upon receipt of the notice, building boards have 90 days to hire an engineer, provide the completed building's inspections check list and if there are findings, then the building has 180 days to complete all of the repairs. As with any regulations, there are some interpretations that impact repairs that are dependent on the engineer’s report. Repairs that are deemed eminent or life threatening are prioritized, those that are not are handled differently. These decisions are the building official’s responsibility. There is a point in which the official report can reveal any unsafe building structures. The building officials can also deem emergency closures of the buildings. Over the years, I have heard complaints from so many unit owners about condo boards and having to pay assessments for repairs. Sadly, due to this event, hopefully it has driven home, that the fact of living in a condo, your responsibly does not stop when you shut your front door. Monthly maintenance payments do not mean, that you have paid for everything to maintain your building's safety structures. Just like a single-family home, you need to replace the roof, the paint, sealant and repairing of structural issues. On the other hand, we also have boards that do not do their jobs in ensuring their buildings are maintained. Many buildings waive reserves that result in large lump sum assessments and then many unit owners cannot pay. I blame our state legislators for this issue and those that lobbied for this waiver. As we have heard, out of Surfside, there are two buildings that were built the same way, at the same time, but they were maintained differently and they are in different conditions. Even putting off painting and sealing, can have adverse impacts and the worse impact structural integrity, which can lead to failure, as we have witnessed with this grave tragedy. Even though our Commission takes a break over the 4th Of July holiday, I along with my colleagues are following up on these issues. I am sure, that we will be working with Broward County and other cities, who are evaluating the current programs, to see if there is a need of much more rigorous inspections, particularly for those along the coast. I want to thank our City Manager Earle and Assistant City Manager Sandoval for being very proactive by doing an audit of our buildings. I also want to recognize the hard work of Commissioner Lima Taub. We joined together, to make sure the Condominium Transparency Act was passed in our City. Each Condo is required to register on-line with our City. Included in the registry is: Whether or not, the building has had its forty year inspection, current projects, budgets and other critical information, this will assure residents of what is, or is not taking place in their respective buildings. This program has been endorsed by realtors in Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County, I am sure we will be looking at it again. Wishing you all, a very safe and blessed 4th of July! As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City, a great place to live, work and play! I am available on my phone or by text at: (954) 632-5700. You can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Or you can visit, my web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com < Previous News Next News >

Rosebud Restaurant Blooms In Boca Raton: Chicago's Iconic Rosebud Restaurant Group Is Now Open Thu Jun 20 2024 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Attention Condo Residents: A New Regulation Will Impact Every Condominium With Three Stories or More By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 14, 2022 Share During the Special Session, our State Legislators Passed a new Regulation that will impact every Condominium with three stories or more. We know about the tragedy of Champlain Towers. As we heard more about the collapse, we understood how Boards Deferred Maintenance. Also changed Boards to stop Assessments and or watered down what truly needed to be done. While one may argue that the original construction was at fault the reality is continued maintenance of a building is essential. Items as simple as painting and waterproofing are needed to preserve a building's integrity. This is even more important with buildings that are along our Coast. I want to make something extremely clear. As cities our Building Departments are Required to make sure that Florida Building Codes are followed. This is for everyone’s Safety. Permits are Required. Most Contractors know, understand and follow the Rules. There are some that simply do not want to File Permits or do not have the capacity too. They file with mistakes or omissions that delay the Permits. This is often blamed on the City when it is simply finger pointing. The responsibility does not simply lay with the City or Contractors. Condominium Boards, Maintenance Staff and Residents all have a role to play in the process! Daily maintenance and observation of areas of concern are vital. Residents must understand that monthly maintenance does not cover major items. Reserves are what is put aside to make sure roofs, building envelopes and systems can be fixed or replaced. Once these Reserves are Waived it simply means that what should be done is kicked down the road. The result is Deferred Maintenance and then large lump sum Assessments. The ability to Waive Reserves has set up the type of disaster we saw play out in Surfside. Thankfully, the new Law that was passed has broad financial impacts to every building. Work must be performed. Condominium Buildings with three or more stories are now subject to “Milestone Inspections,” meant to ensure their structural Safety. A Licensed Architect or Structural Engineer must complete this Inspection. During the Inspection, the Architect or Structural Engineer must first complete a “Phase 1” Inspection of the building, which consists of a Visual Inspection and a Qualitative Assessment of the building’s condition, documented in a Written Report. That Report must be given to both the Associations and any Local Building Official who has Authority over the Association. Our City, thanks to the work of Commissioner Lima-Taub, has an On-Line database already setup that provides Condominium Documentation. We also have set up an inventory of buildings citywide covering 40 year and 50-year Inspections. This new Law Requires direct distribution to all unit Owners and Renters. The result must be posted in a conspicuous place on the property and on the Association’s Web-Site if it has one. In addition, it must be maintained in the Association’s Records for at least 15 years. If any Structural Deterioration is noted during that first Inspection, then an additional “Phase 2” Inspection is Required. “Phase 2” includes any Supplemental Testing that is Required in the Initial Inspection Report. The Inspection Requirements also include: any other item with deferred Maintenance or Replacement Expenses in excess of $10,000 which, if not performed, would negatively impact the aforementioned components. Visual Inspection must be performed by a Licensed Architect or engineer, but other “qualified” persons can perform other portions of the Reserve Study. For example: Electrical and Plumbing. While many buildings have or are doing their Inspection the need to save for future needs has changed. Also, buildings with Certificates of Occupancy issued prior to July 1st, 1992, the Initial Inspection is due on December 31st, 2024, and every ten years thereafter. The Law also speeds up and changes new Building Requirements. Condominiums and Cooperatives with CO’s issued on July 1st, 1992, or after Inspections due by December 31st of the year in which the building reaches 5 years of age. For buildings within three miles of Coastline, or 30 years of age and for buildings not within three miles of Coastline every 10 years thereafter. Upon Notification from the Enforcement Agency of a Past-Due Milestone Inspection, the Association must submit the Inspection Report within 180 days. There are also now teeth that impact every board. Willful and knowing failure to obtain Milestone Inspections Constitute a Breach of officers and directors’ fiduciary duties. Repairs recommended pursuant to Milestone Inspection must commence within the earlier of 365 days from submission of the report. If it is deemed by the Local Authority repairs will be required sooner. Failure to perform repairs within the mandated time period requires the Local Enforcement Authority to Conduct a Review to determine if the building is Unsafe for Human Occupancy. Next Week's Article: What Is A Reserve Study and What Must Be Included? As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook & Web-Site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com . < Previous News Next News >

Gospel Music Legend, Bill Gaither Kicks Off 2025 Love Like I’m Leaving Tour In Florida February 20, 2025 Share Multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will kick off the LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour this Spring, as he brings his multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band to 16 cities during February, March, April and May. The first weekend of stops will take place in multiple cities throughout Florida, including the stop at the Community Christian Church, located at 10001 West Commercial Boulevard, Tamarac, Florida 33351 on Thursday, February 20th. For nearly half a century, Gaither, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner, has been a musical trailblazer. Together with his long-time songwriter partner and wife, Gloria, the two have collectively written more than 900 songs and were honored to be named ASCAP Christian Songwriters of the Century. The couple’s reputation as performers, songwriters and mentors for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. Their beloved series of Homecoming CDs and DVDs continues to top the sales charts and attract an ever-increasing audience. Honors and accolades have flowed their way in bunches, including the most recent Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album of the Year for the Gaither Vocal Band Shine recording, which also received the Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year from the Gospel Music Association. Taking the stage with Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band during the Spring 2025 LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour, featuring Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith, will be popular female vocalist, Ladye Love Smith, talented male vocalist, Gene McDonald and newcomer phenom and The Voice winner, Chris Blue, as well as Gaither’s musical entourage, comprised of Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt and Michael Rowsey. The 2025 Spring Tour affords Gaither the opportunity to continue to share the message he has been proclaiming for nearly seven decades. Considered one of the oldest living musicians who is still actively touring, recording and performing, Gaither, who turns 89 in March, says it’s that desire to spread the message of hope through music that keeps the Indiana native thriving. “The truth is,” Gaither says smiling, “I just love doing what I do, and I believe in the message in the songs. Songs like ‘we have this moment to hold in our hands…’ ‘because He lives I can face tomorrow…’ ‘I just feel like something good is about to happen…’ ‘Jesus only will never fail…’ ‘I’m gonna love like I’m leaving, give more than I’m receiving, laugh until it takes my breath away, say what needs saying, pray what needs praying, I’m gonna love like I’m leaving today…’ - those are pretty important messages. Each night we try to create moments that will allow our audience to walk away feeling differently than when they came. That’s why we continue to do what we do. I still love it!” Tickets for the 2025 LOVE LIKE I’M LEAVING Tour are on sale now. Make plans to join Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band in Tamarac at the Community Christian Church on Thursday, February 20th. This exciting evening begins at 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or obtain additional details, visit: www.gaither.com . < Previous News Next News >

Pandemic Retirement Panic July 8, 2021 Share Research has found that over 1 in 5 (21%) people say the financial stress brought on by the pandemic has forced them to reassess the retirement age they had originally planned The average Floridian Starts Stressing about Their Retirement at The Age of Just 28. One in five say the financial stress brought on by the pandemic has forced them to reassess the retirement age they had originally planned. 36% of over 55’s say the pandemic has quashed any plans of relocating to a different city after retirement. For any working American, there’s something inevitable looming at the end of their career: retirement. And along with that is the need to have some retirement savings to live comfortably, after earning a - hopefully - decent salary over the years. But what’s the right time to start thinking about this? CreditNinja.com polled 3,000 everyday people to find out - and made the somewhat surprising discovery that the average American starts panicking about their retirement - or potential lack of one - at the age of just 25! That’s not long into most people’s careers, but any advance planning has to be a good thing. Interestingly, women seem to be slightly more relaxed, only starting to stress about it at age 27 (while men start at 25). When compared across the country, CreditNinja.com found that Floridians begin to panic about their retirements at 28 years old. However, it is laid-back Arkansans who appear to be the most relaxed on the issue. They don’t start worrying until around the age of 42. The research also found that over 1 in 5 (21%) people say the financial stress brought on by the pandemic has forced them to reassess the retirement age they had originally planned. In addition, 1 in 3 (32%) say that following the pandemic, they now won’t be able to retire at the original age they intended. More than half of respondents (52%) say it’s likely they will not be able to fully financially retire once they’re older and may have to keep doing some kind of part-time work. For some, the idea of moving to a new place to retire may provide comfort and excitement at the thought of a fresh start – especially if you’ve worked and lived in the same neighborhood or town for years. Sadly, a third (36%) of those aged 55 and older who had plans to move say the pandemic has also quashed any plans of relocating and resettling to a different city after retirement. This could have to do with the 15% of respondents who say they will have to withdraw from their retirement fund early as a result of the financial difficulty brought on by the pandemic. When asked, the main financial advice the late Gen Xers and Baby Boomers would give to younger generations was: • Start a retirement fund in your 20’s (45%) • Start an emergency fund (18%) • Educate yourself on the stock market (10%) • Save for a house deposit as soon as you can (8%) • Learn how to do your taxes (1%) Lastly, almost all respondents (90%) say the concern of financial issues would worry them more than being single and alone in their retirement days. "The idea of retirement and pensions can be daunting, however, not nearly as difficult as you may think. The key is to start looking into it as early as possible once you’re financially secure in your job, in order to maximize your retirement benefits,” says a spokesperson for CreditNinja.com. “In fact, we have created a whole retirement calculator to find out at what age you can retire: When Can I Retire: Calculator.” www.creditninja.com/when-can-i-retire-calculator/ < Previous News Next News >

Free Memory Screenings Every Weekday: November Is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month November 9, 2023 Share Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine for all of us. As part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is reminding everyone to prioritize their brain health and get a memory screening. AFA offers free memory screenings every weekday through its National Memory Screening Program, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites, through secure videoconference technology. Individuals can learn more or request a screening appointment by clicking here or contacting AFA at: (866) 232-8484. “Annual screenings are important, including for our brains, which is why everyone should make getting a memory screening a priority during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and throughout the year,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Just as we regularly check other facets of our health, we should all get a checkup from the neck up, regardless of whether or not we are having memory problems.” “You are never too young or too old to get a memory screening and be more proactive about your brain health,” said Donna de Levante Raphael, Director of AFA’s National Memory Screening Program. “Many people don’t think about their cognitive health when they get their regular medical checkups. If you are 65 years or older, a memory screening is a part of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. It is very important to make sure you keep your mind sharp, and there are many ways to do that in order to combat cognitive decline. I always remind people that the first step is to get a screening to see if there might be any memory issues. It is better to know early rather than later.” Alzheimer’s Disease currently affects more than 6.2 million Americans, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that number will more than double by 2060. Memory screenings are an important first step toward early detection of memory issues. Screenings take just a few minutes and are noninvasive, consisting of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other intellectual functions. Results are not a diagnosis of any particular condition, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation. People experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline may be reluctant, embarrassed or in denial about seeking help, but early detection of memory issues is essential. If the memory issues are caused by Alzheimer’s disease, early detection affords greater opportunities to begin medications sooner to slow the progression of disease symptoms, participate in a clinical trial, take advantage of therapeutic programming, and have an active role in developing your care, health, legal and financial plans. Just as important, not all memory issues are caused by Alzheimer’s Disease. Vitamin Deficiencies, Thyroid problems, Urinary Tract Infections, Sleep Apnea, and Depression are examples of conditions that can cause memory impairments—and all are treatable or curable—but you can’t address them if you aren’t aware that they exist. To schedule a free virtual memory screening appointment, or for more information about brain health and lifestyle choices that can help promote healthy aging, visit AFA’s website at: www.alzfdn.org - Or call AFA’s Helpline at: (866) 232-8484 (open seven days a week). < Previous News Next News >

Mayor Joy Cooper Discusses Sanitation In Hallandale Beach - Part II By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Aug 27, 2025 As Part Of Our Budget, We Have Been Evaluating Our Sanitation Division. During The Last Budget Workshop, We Agreed To Some Changes To Ensure We Remain Competitive With Fees And Remain Sensitive To Our Customers’ Needs. As mentioned in my last article our existing recycling program will be discontinued. The cost of disposing recycling increased and if there was any contamination in the blue bins we were charged the regular garbage tipping rate. The truth is over the past year, or two recycled materials were placed with regular trash and transferred up north. This is not just with our City but it is the case in many municipalities. Yes, there are some smaller programs depending on the City. Broward County is in the process of re-inventing their programs through a comprehensive plan. The programs will not be operational for years. While it is disappointing, we desire to be open and transparent and stop wasting our resources on separate pickups and charging for something that is not working. The Basic Residential Service per month will be increased from $27.87 to $30.00 for the green bins. If residents would like to request a second bin the fee will be $15.00. If a resident wants twice a week pick up it will be an additional $30.00. Staff did not originally recommend the second pick up at this rate, it was to be $15.00. The commission raised the point that if the cost for pick up is $30.00 then the minimum cost should be covered by whoever wants the service. Our City has been providing FREE Bulk Pick Up once a month for every single-family home and multi-family-4 units and under. This equates to 5000 customers that may only use the service only once or twice a year. This is where the biggest challenge has been. Rather than 12 times a year FREE, residents will receive 6 FREE Bulk Pick Ups a year. This will not be automatic, but it will be a requested and scheduled service. After the 6th pick up, it will be $36.00 and up depending on the amount of trash. Our Staff has been providing services that are not in line with our ordinance. Over size Bulk Pick Ups were picked up. They would go back to customers that called saying they were missing when we did pick up and they just had additional waste. They picked up overflowing bins when there should be larger roll outs of our additional pick ups scheduled. For the past year through the evaluation Staff began simply exercising the authority under ordinance. The service is convenience so our customers do not have to take items to the county drop off. It is for items like old furniture, appliances and other small household items. The service was never intended for apartment cleaning outs and construction debris for home remodels. Another exploitation of the service was for large landscape projects such as tree removal. Bulk was to be limited to residential landscaping and not to provide commercial vendors with the ability to avoid hauling their waste or avoid paying for pick up. This abuse of Bulk Waste was costing everyone money and adversely impacting those customers that were following the rules. Currently, if residents cut their own grass the trimmings and small clippings from shrubs or palm fronds can be placed with regular garbage in the large green bins. If you have a need for a second bin that would be $15.00. If you have additional items our residents always have the ability to take items to the county drop off. Construction debris is also strictly forbidden. Cost of haul construction and demolition must be through the rental of bins specifically for these materials. For smaller jobs, you can rent a smaller bin rather than a larger roll out. Your contractor should be making these arrangements. We want to continue to provide services rather than contracting out. For example, Hollywood is $47 dollars a month, but their contract has a built-in increase until 2029. Many newer communities and many HOAs now require residents to arrange their own pick up with private service providers. Many are a minimum of well over $75 and up. There will be other base increases in services for multi-family and commercial. To find out more you can review our budget presentation that was on August 6th. Visit: https://cohb.org - And click on agenda to find this information and other Pertinent Budget Items. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Tackle Wellness Goals By Adding A Touch Of Green - Better-For-You Recipes Inspired By Savory Salad Kits Family Features January 8, 2025 Share Around the start of a new year, many people are setting their wellness intentions, from incorporating a variety of greens into meals to boosting daily step goals, drinking more water and practicing gratitude. As part of the journey, it's important to rethink nutrition and your recipe repertoire to include better-for-you meals. For example, you can satisfy seafood cravings while getting your protein fix with Italian Crusted Salmon with Creamy Truffle Caesar Salad. This one-pan solution is paired with a Fresh Express Twisted Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit, inspired by high-end dining experiences with flavors that transport you to the finest restaurants around the world. The kit allows you to indulge in crunchy Garlic Brioche Croutons paired with garden fresh crispy Romaine Lettuce, delicate sprinkles of Truffle Parmesan Cheese shreds and creamy dressing, transforming every bite into a sensation to be savored. With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, Fresh Express can also provide recipe inspiration and support on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. The unique blend of little Red and Green Baby Butter Lettuces in the Sweet & Crunchy Salad Blend is perfect for adding to Grilled Zucchini Nachos, a delightfully tasty alternative to traditional Nachos. This veggie-forward version offers a healthier dinner idea or an easy snack for game day gatherings and other group celebrations. Italian Crusted Salmon with Creamy Truffle Caesar Salad Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 2 1 Clove of Garlic, minced 1 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice 2 Teaspoons of chopped, Fresh Rosemary 1/2 Teaspoon of Honey 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt 3 Tablespoons of Panko Breadcrumbs 3 Tablespoons of finely Chopped Walnuts 1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil 2 Salmon Fillets NonStick Cooking Spray 1 9.3 ounce Bag of Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Kit Salad 2 Lemon Wedges (optional) Heat the oven to 425 F. Line a sheet pan with the Parchment Paper. In a small bowl, combine the Garlic, the Lemon Juice, the Rosemary, the Honey and the Salt. In another small bowl, combine the Breadcrumbs, the Walnuts and the Olive Oil. Place the Salmon on a prepared sheet pan. Spread the Mustard Mixture over the Fish, sprinkle it with the Panko Mixture, pressing to adhere. Lightly coat it with the NonStick Cooking Spray. Bake it for 12-15 minutes, or until the Fish flakes easily with a fork. Place the Greens from the Salad Kit into a large bowl. Drizzle it with the dressing and mix it well. Evenly divide the Salad among two plates. Top the Salad with the Salmon. Serve each with Lemon Wedge, if desired. Grilled Zucchini Nachos Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Servings: 4 4 Medium Zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds 1 Tablespoon of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 1 Cup of Cheddar Cheese, shredded 1 5 Ounce Bag of Fresh Express Sweet & Crunchy Salad Blend 1 Cup of Canned Corn, cooked and drained 1 Cup of Canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained 1 Cup of Tomatoes, diced 1/4 Cup of Green Onions 1/4 Cup of Red Onions 1 Jalapeño, finely diced (optional) 1 Avocado, diced 1/4 Cup of Cilantro, chopped 1 Tablespoon of Sour Cream Heat the grill to Medium Heat. In a large bowl, toss the Zucchini and the Olive Oil to coat. Season it with the Salt and the Pepper, to taste. Place the Zucchini on a grill pan and grill it for 4-5 minutes until it is just tender. Top the Zucchini with the Cheese and cook it until the Cheese melts, for 1-2 minutes. Remove it from the grill and place it on a plate or a large platter. Top the Cheesy Grilled Zucchini with the Salad Blend, the Corn, the Black Beans, the Tomato, the Green and Red Onions and the Jalapeño, if desired, the Avocado, the Cilantro and the Sour Cream. Visit: www.freshexpress.com to discover more than 380 fresh recipes and find a store near you. < Previous News Next News >

Surfside Tragedy: What Now? By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil July 1, 2021 Share Above: Rabbi Noach Bernstein and Chabad Chayil volunteers Motty Sternberg & Sholom Brashavitzsky together with Rescue Workers in Surfside The horror that unfolded early Thursday morning when a large portion of the beachside condominium building in Surfside suddenly collapsed is unfathomable. On Thursday, when Wolf Blitzer from CNN asked Chabad’s Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar, who's the spiritual leader of The Shul of Bal Harbor & Surfside, on live television: “As a man of faith, how do you try to understand and explain something as horrific as this?” “You can’t explain it, so let’s start from there,” Rabbi Lipskar answered. “There is no rationality for it…” He described the shocking situation as a surreal space with hundreds of people waiting for “the ultimate judgement” of life and death of their loved ones. “There is hope in the air, but it’s a strange kind of feeling.” This past Shabbat, we had the honor of hosting a couple that was in the part of the building that did not fall, at the time of the tragedy. They benched gomel, which is a special blessing made when surviving a catastrophic danger. At the Kiddush lunch following services, they elaborated on their experience and of those dreadful 40 minutes it took them to escape to safety, in the darkness of night, not even knowing what they were running from. While hundreds of rescue workers and local volunteers work around the clock to save lives and support the survivors and relatives, there is just confusion and sadness for the rest of us. Is there a way we can process this so that we are not paralyzed by fear of the unknown? The Torah portion of the week the tragedy took place, records the story of how two evil anti-Semites sought to destroy the Jewish people. Balak king of Moav hired a prophet named Bilaam to annihilate the Jews with a curse. Bilaam’s curses had destroyed mighty nations before and he was delighted to focus his deadly power on the people he hated most. This was the only time the Jews were in mortal danger without knowing it. All other enemies confronted us directly and we dealt with them either through negotiations, battle or by praying for a miracle. But this time the Jews were oblivious to the pro-blem and unaware of the great miracles that saved them. This story teaches us that there's alot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about; way more than we can control and manipulate on our own. Trusting in G-d - known in Hebrew as bitachon - means realizing that even when we feel safe, secure and in control, it is G-d who is truly running the show. As we must always do our very best naturally, we must always know that our success is ultimately in G-d’s hands. In person and on national television, Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar has echoed the words of The Rebbe, who rejected any and all explanations for tragedy. In the aftermath of a 1956 terror attack in Israel, the Rebbe insisted that while “we should not allow ourselves to” sink into depression or helplessness, there were no words, spiritual or otherwise, that can give reason to the loss. “There are few words that could give anybody consolation because you are dealing with an unimaginable, horrific tragedy that struck in the middle of the night,” said Rabbi Lipskar. He added that “we live with consistent and constant hope … but at the same time, we have to get used to the fact that the soul has eternal existence.” As we grieve for the loss of so many and hope and pray for many miracles to come, don’t be paralyzed by fear of the unknown because G-d is with us every step of the way - even if it feels irrational. The Rebbe emphasized that each of us have immense G‑dly potential to change the world, and when we are met with darkness and destruction we need to remember that we each have it within ourselves to be an agent for positive change. In this moment of darkness, we must all seek to bring more G‑dly light into a world that desperately needs it. Let’s not underestimate the power of a Mitzvah. Each of us being more kind to one another. Jewish women should light Shabbat candles on Friday before sundown. Jewish Men should put on Tefillin. Be sure to have a kosher Mezuzah on your doorpost and have a dedicated charity box in your home for daily giving. If you are not sure if your Mezuzah is Kosher, please contact us, so we have a Sofer - Certified Scribe, inspect it to make sure it is still okay. And there are so many other Mitzvahs one can do (see Chabad https://www.chabadchayil.org/mitzvah for ideas). The good deeds we do consistently help us nurture a stronger trust in G-d so we can confidently move forward bringing more hope, light and joy to our world, preparing it for the era of Moshiach when peace and tranquility will reign for all. Please continue praying for those still trapped, as well as their family and friends. The complete list of names is available at https://jewishflorida.news May G-d bless the rescue workers and their families. Those who put their life on the line every day, for people they don’t even know. I would like to especially thank the volunteer members of Hatzalah and other groups that flew in from Israel and so many other places, just to help fellow human beings. There are also so many local people who are not professional helpers, but came together to bring clothing and other essentials to survivors and family members waiting for news on their loved ones. It’s heartwarming to see so many people that gave money and time and whatever they can to help! May you never know of any such challenges. And may G-d bless each and every one of you with good health, happiness, nachas, prosperity and only good things. May you always be on the giving end. About the author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . < Previous News Next News >

Have A Loved One With Dementia? Holiday Travel Tips To Make Their Trip As Smooth And Comfortable As Possible December 1, 2022 Share With one of the busiest travel times of the year approaching — and an estimated 54.6 million Americans planning to travel more than 50 miles during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA — the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering tips to help families traveling with a loved one with a dementia - related illness make their trip as smooth and comfortable as possible. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and the normal challenges of travel are amplified for someone living with a Dementia - related illness, which is why families need to be proactive and prepare,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “Regardless of how far you’re traveling, taking a few simple steps in advance can go a long way to making the trip easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable for everyone.” Before the trip: Make sure travel is advisable. Someone in the early stages of Dementia may still enjoy traveling, but as the disease progresses, it may become too overwhelming. Depending on the trip duration and/or the stage of the person’s illness, consult with their physician to make sure travel is advisable. Plan around the person’s abilities. Plan the travel mode and timing of your trip in a manner that causes the least amount of anxiety and stress. Account for the person, their abilities, and needs when making arrangements; if they travel better at a specific time of day, consider planning accordingly. Preserve the person’s routine. Small or unfamiliar changes can be overwhelming and stressful to someone with Dementia, so to the greatest extent possible, preserve the person’s routine. For example, if they normally eat around a certain time, build that into the itinerary. Stock up before leaving. Bring snacks, water, activities and other comfort items (i.e., a blanket or the person’s favorite sweater), as well as an extra, comfortable change of clothing to adapt to climate changes. Take important health and legal-related documentation, a list of current medications, and physician information with you. If traveling by mass transit: Know the security procedures. Inquire in advance with airports/train stations about security screening procedures. This way, you can familiarize the person beforehand about what will happen at the checkpoint to reduce potential anxiety. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can offer assistance with the screening process to air travelers with certain medical conditions, including Dementia-related illnesses; contact their TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours prior to your flight to learn more. Advise the airline. Let the airline know that you’re traveling with someone who has memory impairment and inform them of safety concerns and special needs. If traveling by car: Build in break time. Take regular breaks on road trips for food, bathroom visits, and rest. Families with questions about traveling with someone who has a Dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by phone at: (866) 232-8484. Text message: (646) 586-5283. Or webchat at: www.alzfdn.org - The helpline is available seven days a week. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline at: (866) 232-8484 staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials and “AFA Partners in Care” Dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call: (866) 232-8484. Or visit: www.alzfdn.org < Previous News Next News >

Shop With A Cop: Santa Claus Stopped in Hallandale Beach last Week Thu Dec 16 2021 05:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Breeze Into Summer With BCT - Just Try It! - See More. Spend Less. Let Us Be Your Tour Guide! By Jose Paz - BCT Sep 3, 2025 There’s A Special Kind Of Energy In Broward When Summer Rolls Around. Maybe It’s The Golden Sunsets Over The Coast, The Sound Of Flip-Flops Hitting The Pavement, Or Just The Way The Air Feels Lighter When School’s Out And The Days Stretch Longer. Whatever It Is, It’s The Perfect Time To Grab Your Friends, Your Sunscreen, And Surprise Your BCT Pass! This summer, a group of five friends made a simple decision that changed the way they explored their county: they tried the bus. At first, it was about saving money. With gas prices high and rideshares adding up, they looked for a better way to get around. What they didn’t expect was that Broward County Transit would become part of the adventure. With just $2 for a one-way fare or affordable all-day passes, hopping on board gave them the freedom to roam without worrying about parking, traffic, or draining their wallets. One morning, they caught Route 11 headed east and rode it all the way to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Windows down, music in their ears, and laughter in the air, they were tourists in their own city. They grabbed iced coffees along Las Olas, laid out their towels under a shady palm, and watched the waves roll in. Later, they checked the real-time app, found the next bus, and decided to ride up to the Galleria Mall for an impromptu shopping stop. It wasn’t just a ride; it was an experience. The buses were clean and air-conditioned, the drivers welcoming, and the schedule surprisingly easy to navigate. By the end of the week, the group had a new routine. Sunrise at the beach. Midday markets. Sunset photo ops. And BCT was with them every step of the way. So, if you’ve never tried riding with BCT before, consider this your invitation: Just Try It. Let us show you that public transit isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about discovering what’s in between. Let this be the summer you explore more and spend less. Ride BCT! Plan your trip and check out hot spots across Broward at: Broward.org/BCT/destinations - Or call: 954-357-8400. Previous Next