Stage 954: One Of The Hottest Concert Venues In Broward County For Live Music December 1, 2022 Share December in Dania Beach is filled with live concert performances at Stage 954, one of the hottest concert venues in Broward County for live music. At the beginning of the month is SoulTown To MoTown featuring The Sensational Soul Cruisers on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. “Soultown to Motown” is the new show for 2022 from The Sensational Soul Cruisers. This 11 piece, choreographed band delivers a show that has audiences on their feet, singing and dancing to the greatest hits of the Temptations, the Jackson Five, The Spinners, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and so many others. It is a full multi-media show with an incredible live band that many described as a cross between Kool and the Gang, Chicago and the Temptations, delivering a “WOW” show, time after time. “Soultown to Motown” will take you on a musical journey from Memphis to Philly to Detroit. The music that reflected a generation that wanted to be heard…and they were! Tickets are $30-$35 and VIP Tables are $65 per person. Next up is An Intimate Evening with Jeffrey Osborne on Sunday, December 4th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Five decades into a genre-crossing and prolific career, Osborne’s chart-topping hits include: “On The Wings Of Love,” “‘Back In Love Again,” “Love Ballad” and more. The special benefit concert returns by popular demand to raise funds for the non-profit that provides uplifting, girl-centric programming for hundreds of girls in public and private elementary and middle schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Tickets are $65-$150 per person. Where else can you hold a beauty contest in the middle of December? The Lady Of World International Beauty Contest will grace South Florida on Stage 954 on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Watch and root for your favorite international beauty as they compete for the prestigious title, Lady Of The World. Tickets are $30-$50 and VIP Tables are $125 per person. One of the most iconic bands of all time will be honored with 'Absolute Queen,' the most authentic Queen Tribute Show band on the planet. Absolute Queen has spent hundreds of hours in the studio studying Queen's many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation to bring you the most authentic sounding Queen Live experience. The show is more than just a Queen Tribute band, the music and stage production will blow you away. The Oscar Winning Bohemian Rhapsody film's success has elevated Queen music to a whole new level and has exposed them to a new generation of fans. They are excited to play the entire movie soundtrack at every show plus all of the hits! This show is returning to Stage 954 on Thursday, December 15th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Performing the beloved band’s iconic hits and meticulously reproducing layered harmonies and instrumentation, the performance has been blowing audiences away for years. Tickets are $25-$30 and VIP Tables are $60 per person. Have you ever thought that you could live the Pink Floyd Experience in your city? Get ready, that moment has come with PRISMA - The Pink Floyd Experience, the Latin American band that reproduces faithfully the essence of Pink Floyd. In the middle of the month PRISMA will perform Pink Floyd’s timeless classics on Friday, December 16th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Composed of nine extraordinarily talented musicians who are passionately dedicated to carrying on Pink Floyd’s legacy, PRISMA will perform songs from classic albums such as: “The Wall,” “The Dark Side Of The Moon,” “Animals” and “The Division Bell.” Without a doubt you’ll be seeing the most passionate interpretation of Pink Floyd’s music. Tickets are $35-$45 and VIP Tables are $65 per person. The always hilarious Marvin Dixon, comedian extraordinaire who makes people laugh all over the United States and beyond is back by popular demand. Marvin will be joined by Special Guest Comedians: Malik S., Damon Williams and Ashima Franklin for the Marvin Dixon: 50 Shades of Comedy “The 30th Anniversary Edition” on Saturday, December 17th, 2022 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$40 and a VIP Table is $75 per person. Who remembers the 80's? Well if you are a fan of that era this is the band to see. Los Angeles based STRANGELOVE - The Depeche Mode Experience delivers a career spanning, pitch perfect “best of” concert that transports the listener through time and touches on several key points in Depeche Mode’s 40+ year career. Songs from throughout the Depeche Concert are lovingly recreated; from favorites on DM’s debut Speak and Spell to the newest fare from ‘Mode’s latest- 2017’s “Spirit.” No detail of STRANGELOVE’s presentation has been overlooked. The visual presentation with stage set pieces and in-show costume changes reflecting different eras of Depeche Mode’s story. STRANGELOVE – The Depeche Mode Experience will also have a Special Guest, Electric Duke – A David Bowie Tribute. Both artists will be taking the stage on Friday, December 30th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The full-production, arena-scaled performance recreates a classic-era Depeche Mode concert and the audience will be mesmerized by Julian Sah-Tayler’s impeccable tribute to David Bowie which pairs flawlessly with its fellow British band. Tickets are $27-$32 and VIP tables are $65 per person. For ticket information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Stage954/ Or call: (954) 920-1511. < Previous News Next News >

Parking & Building Maintenance: Hallandale Beach Is Examining Problems & Looking For Solutions By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 22, 2021 Share “It is difficult to look at parking as a service, but it is. We have had a parking program in our city for years. It simply was at the beach and at Joe Scavo Park. We are now looking at expanding it." Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper This Monday, we held a Town Hall forum to present the new proposals to our Parking Ordinance. The purpose was to answer questions and concerns over the new citywide proposal. There are various views on these changes. Residents that have been using free on street parking services for many years, obviously, are the most impacted, some living in the residential areas are supportive and other outside of parking zones, have not been vocal. I have been fortunate to travel over the past weeks to both Denver, Utah and Winter Park CO. Each City has unique parking programs that fit their demands. I have to say every city does have one. My son works in downtown Denver and must pay to park a dollar a day as part of their on-street parking. Depending on the neighborhoods, each area has different plans. Denver itself, has an amazing and robust public transit system and whether it is blazing hot in summer or freezing cold in winter, people have grown accustomed and walk to and from their stops. Park City Utah has a program. Their downtown is a mix of all types of housing and on each street, spots are regulated. There are various rates and passes depending on the season. Their program is based on sustainability. They discourage people from coming and planning to park. They would rather like people to park and ride or simply take public transportation. This is a means to reduce their emissions and during special events, they have special rates. It is difficult to look at parking as a service, but it is. We have had a parking program in our City, for years. It simply was at the beach and at Joe Scavo Park and now, we are looking at expanding it. The biggest misinformation that I have heard, was charging for parking at our parks. We have two types of parks. Small neighborhood parks intended for residents to walk to and recreate. We also have large parks that have parking built into their footprint. The plan does not include charging to park in our parks, but to have the surrounding on street parking to be for a fee. This is mainly to stop the storage of cars and commercial vehicles. At the original workshop, we also brought up that we could do special sports event waivers. This program change was conceptually supported, but, not finalized. On-line, you can find out more information. You will get to listen to the commissioner workshop, examine the original documents and there is a good Q and A section. There are many changes we are going through as a City, that are tied to our budget. I wrote about them in my last article. If you want to read any past articles, you can find them on the South Florida Sun Times Newspaper's web-site at: www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news While everyone is still alarmed about the Surfside collapse, we as a City, are here to work with all of our residents. I have received so many calls from residents in regards to the lack of maintenance in their buildings. Our staff has been sending letters and monitoring the 40-year inspections. The process does take time and we can make sure they get done and police the process. It is not simply, a City issue. As separate corporate entities, the responsibility does fall on all of the boards and the residents in every building, this is to ensure that they are abiding by the laws and not cutting corners in order to reduce costs. I also have been hearing plenty of the blame game, when it comes to our permitting process. We are pursuing the hiring of a new building official and replacing clerks that have resigned. These staff losses have delayed the process, but it is not simply our building department. I have spent hours over vacation fielding calls and emails about the department. Typically, we can work through the issues. In many cases though, I have been finding that, the contractors are not filing the proper paperwork. Timelines are being exaggerated in some cases. In one case, I found that a permit was never filed and other permits, had comments that were not addressed. Often the same comment was not addressed multiple times. These all add to delays. I have been asking everyone that has a permit, to please go on-line and review the permits. Our system allows you to put in the permit number and review the permit history and all of the comments. You can simply search, the permit number or click on the permit link and search, go to: www.cohb.org . I will continue sharing this information, as it does have a direct impact of getting this work completed in a timely manner. If it is a City issue, we will address it. If it is a contractor issue, it is up to the owners or boards to follow up. Everyone is human and there is a good chance during this complex process, that items could be missed. It seems that our neighbors, both in Haiti and in Cuba, need our help. I have been following the news and my prayers go out to those that have family and friends in these two countries. While I personally do not believe, our country should be a vehicle for another country’s war, I do believe that we do have, an obligation to help those is harm’s way. I pray that we will all come together, to make sure humanitarian aid, makes it way to these troubled areas. In the past years, the International Committee of the US Conference of Mayors, debated aid to Haiti. We supported the aid, but, there is a reality that the aid does not go to who it is intended for. We will all need to make sure, that we work with our global allies and with the UN, this is to make sure that food and medical necessities, are in fact, getting into to the right hands. 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 e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

Giving Hope for the Holidays By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper December 16, 2021 Share Hope for the Holidays was a great success thanks to many of our partners! On Monday I had the opportunity to work with About ComYOUnity,Inc. a local non-profit that provides a hand up too many of the needy residents within South Broward. Our toy giveaway was one of the three giveaways that are scheduled. Gulfstream Park graciously opened the Sport of Kings theatre to over 270 children. In addition to the space, they served cookies, cakes, lemonade and hot chocolate while the children gathered and waited for their gifts and enjoying a visit with Santa. The saying goes it takes a village and here are our village members that helped brightening up the lives of many children. Rodrigues Charites, The Big Easy Casino, Paul Bange Roofing, Dr. Amir’s Weight Loss and Metabolism Center, Florida Horseman’s Benevolent & Protective Association, Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach / Aventura, Higher Vision Ministries, Dunn’s River Island Café, Smokin Bones Chef Holmes Foundation, Five Below, Memorial Hospital, Hallandale Beach PAL, the team at our Hepburn Center and Eve Paul Chateau De Everose and more. Every child that attended receive three toys of their choice. A special shout out goes to Eve Paul. She has been an amazing partner all year. If it were not for her many of the events that I have hosted over the past two years would not have taken place. Her production company is top notch. The Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach / Aventura has also done amazing work. In addition to helping give out gifts this week they partnered with Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach Early Childhood Learning Center for a toy give away. Each child that attend the school will have a Merry Christmas. Also, Santa will be paying them a visit on his sleigh. Rotary’s sleigh is back after two years of a Covid hiatus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be out visiting the city on Christmas Eve. Please visit the Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach / Aventura’s Facebook Page for the route and schedule. Our Chief of Police Michel and our Police officers also have been busy brightening the lives of our school children. Due to Covid rather than doing Shop with a Cop at Walmart they did a hybrid event at the school where needy children wrote a letter to Santa to ask for what they wanted. The command staff gathered and delivered the holiday wishes. I also need to thank our citywide staff who have adopted families this holiday. Our Hepburn Center social workers and staff compiled a list of families who without help would not be able to celebrate. If you want to help a family in need you can reach out to our center at 954-457-1460. Our center provides social services to many of our seniors and families. They also provide adult and after school activities. 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 E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

You're Invited To The Best New Musical March 14, 2024 Share Slow Burn Theatre Company presents The Prom, winner of The Drama Desk Award for Best New Musical, from Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, April 7 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Variety raved, “It’s so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst.” The Prom features a book by Tony® Award winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), music by Tony® Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Tony® Award nominee Chad Beguelin. The cast features Margot Moreland, Henry Gainza, Michael Hunsaker, Shannon Mullen, Luca Torrens, Regina Brown, Chaz Rose, Shelley Keelor and Darius J. Manuel. They are joined by a talented ensemble comprised of Lauren Abraham, Dalton Bertolone, Tim Canali, Austin Carroll, Daniella Castoria, John Cavaseno, Madeline Dunn, Melissa Goldberg, Kevin Hincapie, Nicole Piro, Joey Rodriguez, Emily Tarallo, Paul Tuaty, Ashley Valent, Corey Vega and Anneliese Wolfanger. Director Patrick Fitzwater leads a creative team with Choreographer Reynel Reynaldo, Music Director Ryan Crout, Scenic Designer Timothy Dickey, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Lighting Designer Clifford Spulock and Sound Designer Dan Donato. The technical team behind The Prom are Technical Director Timothy S. Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jackie Lawlor, Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik and wardrobe assistants Liz Ortega and Fionnegan Amygdalitsis. The 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Company Season is presented by American National Bank. The Prom is generously sponsored by Our Fund Foundation and Funding Arts Broward. Major support for the Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Performance times vary with an open captioned performance generously underwritten by the Amaturo Family Foundation on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. in which spoken dialogue scrolls across a digital screen as the action takes place on stage. This production is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2023/2024 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at: 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

How Much Are You Carrying? Constant Worrying Is Deleterious To Your Mental And Physical Wellbeing By Bryan Golden May 11, 2023 Share You wouldn’t be able to lift a 55 gallon drum filled with water. Although you could easily pick up a cleaning bucket filled with water, you wouldn’t want to hold it for a long time. If you tried, it would feel as if it were getting heavier rather quickly. Holding a cup filled with water is a cinch. Anyone can do it. But how long can you hold it for? The longer it’s held, the heavier it seems. At some point in time, you would need to put it down. Just as a seemingly light object becomes heavier the longer it’s held, so do the burdens you carry around with you on a constant basis. An issue that initially appears minor grows in significance the longer you hold onto it. The weight increases steadily as you clutch onto numerous concerns. You become bogged down even faster with the cumulative mass of your collected burdens. Your Stress level rises while your energy and enthusiasm drops. Because the progression is gradual, it’s not readily noticeable until it starts to become overwhelming. Every time you pick up a minor burden it appears to be no big deal. It gets added to your load without much thought. Since the mental weight increases gradually, you adjust to it and incrementally adjust to the growing load. Each issue alone may be relatively insignificant. Even though you may not be consciously aware of its presence, you are still affected subconsciously. Since the weight you are carrying rises so gradually, you accept the increasing burden as normal and tolerable. As such, you don’t readily perceive the incremental additions to your stress level. Although you may feel anxious, more irritable, less energetic and less patient, there is no one obvious culprit you can identify. This fact further compounds your frustration. Over time, you forget exactly why you are carrying many of the burdens. The details fade, leaving behind only emotions or bad feelings. You become weighed down by accumulated Mental Debris that is no longer identifiable. Worry makes things worse. It intensifies whatever you are carrying. Worrying drains your energy without accomplishing a thing. Worry doesn’t help you in any way. There is not one good reason to accumulate Mental Issues. It’s a bad habit that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. In order to accomplish this, you must change your approach. Let’s consider an alternative scenario. Each time you pick up a small burden you let it go rather than carrying it. It’s that simple. With this approach your burden never grows. This works because there’s no point dragging problems around with you. Here’s how you deal with new issues. For each, ask yourself the following questions: Does this really matter? If not, let it go. Is this worth my energy? If not, let it go. Do I have any control over the issue? If not, let it go. If yes, take the appropriate action and then let it go. Also, stop worrying. It’s OK to be concerned and take action when and where appropriate. When you let your burdens drop, it’s easier to release the accompanying worries as well. Constant worrying is deleterious to your Mental and Physical Wellbeing. Furthermore, it causes you to hang onto those very things you should be letting go of. Stay vigilant. Be aware of what you are picking up. It’s too easy to revert back to your old pattern. As you empty your Mental load you’ll feel lighter. You will quickly realize how pointless it is to pick things up in the first place. Bryan is the Author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com < Previous News Next News >

Dishing Out The Facts On Good Fats Family Features April 7, 2023 Share For those seeking to be more health-conscious, the idea of eating nutritiously seems simple. However, understanding what's truly "good for you" can sometimes be confusing. In honor of National Nutrition Month and Healthy Fats Day in March, Avocados From Mexico is sharing how Avocados - a super good food and source of good fats and several vitamins - make everything better. Avocados From Mexico conducted a survey and found that while 76% of respondents believe fat is an essential component of a healthy diet, less than one-third are confident they know why it's important to have "good fats" in their diets. For starters, according to the survey, nearly half of Americans didn't realize foods with good fats, like Avocados, can help with weight management. However, Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats found in Avocados can lower the risk of becoming overweight, according to research published in "Nutrients." "Most people are aware of the Mediterranean Diet, but nearly half (40%) of survey respondents didn't realize that this eating pattern does not limit fat coming from plant sources like Avocados," said Nutrition Expert and Registered Dietitian, Barbara Ruhs. "These types of Unsaturated Good Fats are also recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health. Eating Avocados in place of foods containing Saturated Fat is an easy and delicious way to approach healthy eating." Virtually the only fresh fruit with good fats, Avocados can help people meet both Good Fat and Fruit and Vegetable recommendations in the same bite with approximately 6 grams of Good Fats per serving (one-third of a medium Avocado). They are nutrient-dense, making Avocados a superfood with super benefits. Avocados are also free of Cholesterol and Sodium and have nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Another finding from the survey is that while people believe fat is essential to a healthy diet, one-third of survey respondents believe Saturated and Trans Fats are associated with health benefits, indicating confusion about the various types of fats. Many Americans need to balance their overall fat intake by reducing "Bad" or Saturated Fat intake and increasing "Good" or Unsaturated (Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated) Fat intake. Replacing Saturated Fats with Unsaturated Fats can help reduce LDL or Bad Cholesterol levels. Dietary fat helps the body absorb Vitamins A, D, E and K. These Vitamins are fat soluble, which means they can only be absorbed by the body with the help of fats. Per one-third of a medium Avocado (50 grams), Avocados contribute 6 grams of Unsaturated Fats, which are known to be essential for normal growth and development of the Central Nervous System and Brain. Make Good Fats a part of your next trip to the grocery store with this Avocado-inspired Harvest Bowl Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette certified by the American Heart Association. To find more nutritional facts and figures, along with recipes featuring the superfood, visit: www.AvocadosFromMexico.com Harvest Bowl Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Servings: 8 Balsamic Vinaigrette: • 1/2 Avocado From Mexico, diced • 1 Tablespoon of Avocado Oil • 2 Tablespoons of Shallots, minced • 1 Tablespoon of Dijon Mustard • 3 Tablespoons of White Balsamic Vinegar • 1 Tablespoon of Honey • 3 Tablespoons of Water Salad: • 2 Avocados From Mexico, diced • 2 Sweet Potatoes, roasted and diced • 2 Cups of Quinoa, cooked • 2 Cups of Arugula • 2 Cups of Kale • 1 Cup of Brussels Sprouts petals, roasted • 2 Honeycrisp Apples, diced • 2 Tablespoons of Roasted Pecans, unsalted • 2 Tablespoons of Roasted Pepitas, unsalted • 2 Tablespoons of Dried Cranberries To make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a food processor, process the Avocado, Avocado Oil, Shallots, Dijon Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey and Water to a smooth consistency and set it aside. To make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the Avocados, Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa, Arugula, Kale, Brussels Sprouts petals, Apples, Pecans, Pepitas and Dried Cranberries. Pour the Balsamic Vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss the salad to coat it. Keep it refrigerated until it is ready to be served. Nutritional information per serving: 390 Calories; 16 g Total Fat; 0 g Saturated Fat; 0 g Cholesterol; 370 mg Sodium; 55 g Total Carbohydrates; 11 g Dietary Fiber; 12 g Sugar; 15 g Protein. < Previous News Next News >

Kassandra Timothe, MPA, Appointed As Vice Mayor Of North Miami Thu Feb 13 2025 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

I Found Myself During Lockdowns: My Career, My Crisis, My Journey, My Testimony By Tracy Renee Lee February 24, 2022 Share For me, studying the sciences created a weakness in my testimony. It has taken me a very long time to come to terms with this, but through it, although confused, I was determined to find the truth in my soul. Once I began the study of science, the spiritual companionship that I had always relied upon was weakened. In other words, the function of living became the study of biological functioning. If biological functions end, so too does life. With the cessation of life, a different biological function takes over and the body begins decomposing. Through my scientific studies, there was no study nor premise of spiritual matter sustaining, or being involved, with life. Working with death confused me because the body is so different once it dies. The warmth and beauty which accompanied the person while living are instantly gone. As a student of science, I equated warmth and beauty with oxygenated blood pumping through one’s veins. Upon cessation of these actions, the body instantly loses its appealing color, immediately changes odor, steadily loses warmth as it adjusts to the surrounding temperature, and remains unresponsive to any treatments applied to support life. Based on scientific learning, life depended on scientific balance. If a body moved out of scientific balance life would become unsustainable, and death would occur. Before I entered college for my science degree, I had been a successful portrait artist. Art had never been a part of my life until I had children. The birth of a baby is wondrous and miraculous. Being a mother motivated my creativity, it magnified the love within my soul, and it inspired me beyond what I had ever dreamt possible. I experienced the world through possibilities and unparalleled joy. I painted the beauty of the soul, the light that I saw within the eyes, and the purity that touched my heart. Painting was a spiritual experience. Science nullified the spiritual communication of art and replaced it with emotionless scientific processes for me. I felt the loss deeply within myself. It was difficult and a little frightening to suddenly feel as though my life’s beliefs had been wrongly placed. What I had perceived as spiritual knowledge and communication, now seemed to be emotional weakness. I was confused but seemingly more emotionally controlled. One might say I had gained emotional maturity. On the other hand, one might say that I lost my spirituality to a large degree. Whatever the interpretation of this change in my life, I felt it very strongly. Friends and relatives noticed it immediately. They would comment on it incessantly. Many were impressed by it, but others were concerned over it. I thought about it and decided that it had to be related to age. Not being subject to hormonal influences was very liberating to me. I felt in greater control of myself than ever before, and I liked the strength to reason based on facts rather than emotions. At least, that is what I told myself. I began questioning the existence of deity. I wondered if I had passed through 50 plus years of life placing my trust in superstitions and crazy tales of spiritual interactions and history. Had the stories of ancient prophets and people of the Bible been based on imaginations? Life became very different for me. I questioned the consequences of dishonesty and unkindness. Where did justice fit in? Were there consequences after death or did everything just stop without continuation after breathing ended? I had confusing questions swimming around in my head that I had never considered. I found that my confidence was somewhat affected by it and my happiness was eroding. I stopped painting because I no longer understood what was behind the eyes and how such beauty could just vanish. Life lost its luster for me, its purpose, and I began to falter. Then, without warning, the most horrific thing in my life happened. I lost my grandson. His death ripped my soul right out of my body. I suddenly couldn’t understand why life even existed. There seemed no logical reason for elements to join together to form bodies that functioned so magnificently. What was the purpose? How could elements on their own, cooperate in perfect concert to produce scientific creation without divine orchestration, instruction, and purpose? It just didn’t make sense to me, it was not justifiable. The year 2020, although difficult for the world, was a Godsend to me. Due to shelter in place mandates, I was afforded the time to redirect myself through personal evaluation. I was able to discover and define who I truly was and what I truly believed. I studied scriptures, scientific theories, prophets, and scholars, and finally realized that returning to the beginning was my answer. It became evident to me that physical life and function are based on the balance of scientific elements working together, but that their possibilities operate under the orchestration, direction, and permission of deity. They have a purpose; I have a purpose. My testimony was rekindled and my spiritual strength began to return. My happiness and confidence have returned and I have begun painting again. I have started gathering friends again and I have a new grandbaby. Spiritual strength, paired with scientific studies and understanding, encourages me to allow growth in knowledge without fear of personal loss. Science no longer confuses me. It no longer robs me of my hope or knowing and fulfilling my spiritual purpose. Together, science and spirituality have enlightened my mind to understand more fully the trials of life, the purpose of its journey, and the consequences of eternity. Moreover, I once again feel the existence of spiritual comfort. I know who I am, I understand my purpose, and my fears of death are gone. I am free to love, to be emotionally moved, and to exercise spiritual growth. My mind is open to guidance and enlightenment. It has clarity, wonder, and order. I am happy again, my creativity is returning, and I am grateful for my blessings. Following the loss of my grandson, I sustained many additional losses of loved ones. Without the enlightenment of 2020, I would not have been able to understand and accept those losses as I have. The journey of growth and understanding comes together with enlightenment. Without such blessings life and loss would have no meaning, they would be unbearable. I hope that if you are confused, lonely, sad, or depressed that you will take the time for personal reflection and study. I don’t know that I could have continued on much longer, lost in a world without spiritual awareness. I am glad that that chapter is closed in my life. I am glad that I feel my Savior’s love again, and that I am free to share it with those seeking solace. I am grateful for my family and their love, and I am thankful that life does not end when breathing ceases. I believe in miracles and have benefited from the miracle of spiritual companionship that saves lives; that saved my life. I am thankful for Christ's love and forgiveness. 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. For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” at https://open.spotify.com/show/7MHPy4ctu9OLvdp2JzQsAA or at https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at "Deadline_TracyLee". < Previous News Next News >

How to Live and Lead from a Place of Balance and Authenticity October 7, 2021 Share “The Kid and the King will take you on an epic journey into your soul and will help you come out feeling like you can conquer the world! Read it. Live it. Love it!” — NY Times best-selling author John Assaraf You’re on the perfect career trajectory. You live in a dream home with a view. You have a beautiful family, and your Instagram is populated with pictures from exotic locations around the world. Everything — at least on the surface — screams success. Inside, a battle wages. You’re supposed to be on cloud nine. Instead, you’re burned out, disconnected and just going through the motions. Why? Because these are the unintended negative consequences of goal setting and discipline, of having an adversarial relationship with yourself, and beating yourself up to get results, explains Executive Consultant Shasheen Shah. In his revolutionary new book, The Kid and the King, Shah opens his field-tested playbook to reveal the approach he has used one-on-one with top executives from companies such as Tesla, LinkedIn, Hewlett Packard, IBM and Ashley HomeStores, as well as many at the helms of startups, to help them realize not only outstanding business results, but also rewarding, balanced personal lives. “There is an inherent duality within the human psyche: one that seeks to protect and operates from fear (the Kid) and the other that knows no bounds (the King or Queen),” Shasheen explained. “Understanding and allowing this duality to peacefully coexist is the key to living a successful and fulfilling life.” In The Kid and the King, Shasheen takes readers on a step-by-step journey through the Emotional Mastery Process (EMP™), a system he uses to empower professionals worldwide, and provides compelling success stories that show his methods in action. His proven, life-changing insights and strategies include: • A 3-minute exercise that immediately reveals the hidden inner struggle that individuals face; • 5 questions that help empower individuals to choose emotions and take actions consistent with outcomes that are most important to them; • Powerful letter writing exercises that reframe the relationships individuals have with themselves and others from adversarial to a truly loving and compassionate perspective; • A series of tactical exercises designed to help individuals eliminate much of the inner struggle, learn what not to do when strong emotions surface and how to move from reaction to action; • And so much more. Practical, applicable and filled with meaningful life lessons, The Kid and the King equips you with the knowledge and the power you need to break through imagined limitations and propels you into a reengaged and reignited life. “Ultimately, fighting battles every day is exhausting and has a lot of undesirable side effects,” Shah added. “What is motivating the individual to get to the destination is a promise that life will all work out and they will feel good when they finally get there. I'm here to tell you that without doing the inner work — really doing the inner work — you'll be chasing that for the rest of your life and never find it ‘out there.’ It’s an inside job and not that complicated. You just have to have the courage to do it.” About Shasheen Shah As the founder and CEO of Coherent Strategies Consulting and Coaching, Shasheen Shah leads and guides his clients by example. Whether he’s pivoting to a plant-based diet to drop 40 or summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to ring in his 51st, Shasheen embodies and practices his own principles to shatter expectations. For more than 20 years, he has integrated wellness, lifestyle and business leadership strategies to consistently deliver paradigm-shifting results for executives all over the world. For more information, please visit: www.shasheen.com Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at: @shasheen < Previous News Next News >

An Evening Of The Impossible: A Great Way to Introduce The Whole Family to Live Theater Fri Mar 10 2023 17:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cast, Catch And Learn - South Florida Offshore Fishing University For Women Aventura Digest Mar 16, 2026 Cast Lines, Catch Fish And Learn From The Pros At The South Florida Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing University, From Friday, April 17th, 2026 - Sunday, April 19th, 2026 In Fort Lauderdale. Designed To Build Skills And Confidence In A Welcoming Environment, The Award-Winning “No Yelling School Of Fishing” Teaches Women How To Fish Offshore Through Classroom Instruction, Hands-On Practice And Optional Charter Fishing. The weekend begins Friday evening with an informal networking meet-and-greet (location to be announced). Saturday's classroom and skill sessions will be held at the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, 221 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 - a sponsor committed to expanding participation in fishing and boating. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., attendees will learn Fishing Basics with Capt. Lee Lavery, Offshore Fishing with Capt. Jeanne Towne and Conservation with Founder Betty Bauman. Afternoon hands-on practice includes knot tying, dehooking, proper releasing techniques, bait rigging, spin casting, cast netting and more, concluding at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, participants may register for an optional half-day offshore charter targeting sailfish, mahi, tuna, wahoo, mackerel, snapper and more, followed by a fillet demonstration. Registration starts at a new low price of $69 and includes $25 worth of gifts. Optional half-day offshore charter fishing is $210. Teens are welcome to attend with mothers. More than 10,000 women have graduated from the program nationwide. “Our mission is to make fishing welcoming, educational and accessible to women,” said Founder Betty Bauman. “When women gain skills and confidence in a supportive environment, they’re far more likely to get out on the water and keep fishing.” The LLGF series is supported by major partners including Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Power-Pole, Penn, Lowrance and Fish Florida. Largest Annual Sponsors are ICOM, CCA Florida STAR, Bob’s Machine Shop, AFTCO, Smith Optics, Frogg Toggs, Hubbards Marina, Star Brite, Egret Baits, Flambeau Outdoors, Danco, Preferred Marine Sales Group and Big Rock Sports Conservation Foundation. Top donors are Yeti, Fishing Headquarters, Engel, Egret Baits/Vudu, Flying Fisherman, Pelagic Gear, Flanigans, Guy Harvey, TTI Blakemore, Danco, Flambeau, Guy Harvey and Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts. The local sponsor is the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. Supporters and other contributors are listed on the website. Advance registration is suggested at: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com . Upcoming 2026 LLGF Events, with on-water fishing: • Saturday, March 21st, 2026 – Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 South Gulf Coast Saltwater Weekend, Fort Myers, Florida • Friday, April 17th, 2026 – Sunday, April 19th, 2026 South Florida Offshore Seminar & Fishing, Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Saturday, April 25th, 2026 Naples, Florida Offshore Fishing • Friday, May 15th, 2026 – Sunday, May 17th, 2026 Screamin’ Reels Learning on the Water, Tavernier, Florida Keys • Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 – Monday, June 22nd Isla Mujeres, Mexico Fishing • Saturday, September 12th, 2026 Freshwater Bass Seminar & Fishing, Dania Beach, Florida • Friday, October 16th, 2026 – Sunday, October 18th, 2026 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar & Fishing, Islamorada, Florida Keys • Saturday, November 21st, 2026 – Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy Contact: (954) 475-9068 | info@ladiesletsgofishing.com Website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing About “Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a NonProfit 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to introducing women and families to fishing while promoting conservation and responsible angling. Dubbed the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” LLGF offers hands-on training, immersive seminars, and fishing trips across Florida and internationally. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, the organization has educated over 10,000 graduates and gained national recognition in outlets such as NBC Nightly News, CBS, USA Today, Inside Edition and The Wall Street Journal. Previous Next