Military Parents Turn Lived Experience Into Lifeline For Families Navigating Autism Aventura Digest May 20, 2026 For Many Military Families Raising A Child With Autism, The Most Trusted Guidance Doesn’t Come From Programs Or Policies, But From Other Parents Who Have Walked The Same Path. In This Time Of Increasing Uncertainty And More Frequent Or Unexpected Deployments, That Peer-To-Peer Support Can Become Even More Critical. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and Autism specialist Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, say that firsthand guidance became an essential source of support when their son was first diagnosed. As they navigated a complex maze of healthcare, education and support services — all while managing frequent relocations and the demands of military life — they found their most trusted resource in other families facing similar challenges. “We learned quickly that the best resource available was other families just like us who had already walked part of the journey we were just beginning,” Jaime Parent said. “We made a pact that when it came time for us to give back, we would.” Today, they are fulfilling that promise with their new book, The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum. Based on decades of experience, their insights blend practical strategies with empathy, helping readers manage healthcare, education, benefits, and transitions during service and beyond. “Even when services technically exist, waitlists, eligibility differences between states, and gaps between military and civilian systems can leave families feeling like they’re always starting over,” Tracy Parent said. “The emotional labor of this repetition — on top of the everyday demands of military life — can be exhausting.” Honest and thorough, The Mission at Home is the only book of its kind that goes beyond school and healthcare concerns and provides additional information to help families: • Ease transitions for children with Autism after a military move • Manage a military career with a child with Autism or another disability • Plan for school transitions and advocate effectively for their child • Navigate TRICARE, EFMP, and other military programs with confidence • Develop a long-term financial strategy • Prepare for life after service, including housing and employment options • Reduce stress and strengthen family resilience through proven tools “Autism requires lifelong work and strategies,” Jaime Parent added. “Your mission at home matters as much as the one in uniform.” The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum Publisher: Bloomsbury Release date: February 19, 2026 ISBN-13: 978-1538196823 Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Home-Navigating-Assignments-Education/dp/1538196824 Previous Next

Wai Lana's 'Namaste' Music Video Explodes - A Timeless Yoga Anthem Is Blowing Up On TikTok - Showing That Meaningful Messages Can Light Up The Internet South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 Originally Released 10 Years Ago And Recently Re-Released, This Highly Resonant And Relevant Music Video Is Proving That Authentic Spiritual Content Can Thrive On Tiktok. Wai Lana's "Namaste" Was Originally Created In Honor Of The First International Yoga Day In 2015. At The Time, It Was Broadcast At The United Nations Yoga Day Celebration And Featured At Times Square Where Thousands Of People Gathered To Celebrate. Now In 2025, It Has Exploded To Over 15 Million Views On Tiktok In About One Week, Demonstrating The Platform's Power To Inspire People Of All Ages With The Timeless Wisdom Of Yoga. The phenomenon began when the video hit one million TikTok views in 24 hours following its anniversary re-release, but what started as a milestone has transformed into something deeper. Unlike typical viral content with short lifespans, "Namaste" has maintained steady growth throughout the week as viewers continue showing overwhelming support with their likes, comments, and shares. The song's message that the choices we make as individuals can create meaningful change has proven prophetic in this digital age. "We can be little lights / Together shining bright / Lighting up the world," Wai Lana sings, and that's exactly what's happening as viewers enthusiastically spread the message. Each like and share represents someone choosing to be a "little light" - proving that small individual actions can indeed illuminate the world when multiplied across a global platform. This organic spread comes at a particularly significant time. As mental health concerns reach critical levels and global tensions escalate, the message of interconnectedness in "Namaste" is resonating with people wanting peace and authentic connection. "What fascinates me is seeing people of all ages embracing a message I humbly introduced a decade ago," says Wai Lana. "That so many people are being touched by this authentic and uplifting message shows they are hungry for wisdom, not just entertainment." The "Namaste" music video is available at TikTok, at: https://wailana.com - and other online platforms. About Wai Lana: Wai Lana has been at the forefront of bringing authentic Yoga wisdom to mainstream audiences for over four decades. As creator and host of "Wai Lana Yoga," the longest-running fitness series on public television, she was a major pioneer in making the Eastern practices of Yoga and meditation accessible in the West. Her approach emphasizes Yoga as a complete lifestyle rather than merely physical exercise, offering a gentle and effective approach to improving physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. With content now spanning traditional television, streaming platforms, and Social Media, Wai Lana continues to adapt ancient wisdom for contemporary seekers of all ages with her music videos and new Wai Lana Insights series. Wai Lana - Official Sites: Official Website - https://wailana.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/wailanayoga Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wailana Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wai_lana Check out another video from Wai Lana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02vaNfhIKCA Previous Next

New Shuttle Buses Coming To Aventura March 21, 2024 Share The City of Aventura has some great news for those who utilize the city's shuttle bus service. Here's what's new! Starting this month, on March 4th, Freebee will operate a brand new fleet of Aventura shuttle buses. There will be new shuttles and new drivers and the routes and schedules will remain the same. With no interruption in service. Keeping What Works Freebee has proven to be an excellent partner with their point-to-point service. This FREE, door-to-door, on-demand transportation service, brought to you by the City of Aventura is extremely reliable and Aventura residents deserve nothing but the best. The service caters to any and all ages, from children to seniors, and all types of pets. Simply download the Freebee App and start riding. More than just a mode of transportation, Freebee is a unique platform transforming the way people commute within the community. How can I request a Freebee ride? Free rides can be requested daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with the Ride Freebee Mobile App. The Ride Freebee Mobile App is available in both the Apple and Google Play Stores and for those unable to access the Mobile App, rides may be requested by contacting the Freebee Dispatch Line at: 1 (855) 918-3733. Once the App is downloaded, open the App, request a FREE ride pickup to your destination, wait for your friendly driver to arrive, and enjoy the ride! Freebee is 100% FREE. You are welcome to tip your driver, but tipping is not expected. The service can be used by anyone in Aventura, whether they are a resident or a visitor. Best of all Freebee will pick you up and drop you off anywhere in Aventura. Freebee is your FREE ride anywhere within the city! Rides can also be requested by flagging down an available Freebee. Freebee Service in Aventura provides another transit option for residents and visitors in the City by taking them to major points of interest within the city limits including: Aventura Government Center, Aventura Community Recreation Center, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Founders Park, Peace Park, Veterans Park, Waterways Dog Park, Waterways Park, Aventura Mall and Aventura Hospital. If you need Wheelchair Assistance, Freebee XL Vehicles have a Wheelchair Ramp. Aventura currently has two of these vehicles. If you utilize a Wheelchair, you can add that to your profile in the Freebee App so that a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle will be sent to you. If you have any questions about the Freebee point-to-point service or the New Shuttle Buses, please contact the Public Works Department at: (305) 466-8970. To start riding today download the Ride Freebee Mobile App or call the Freebee Dispatch Line at: 1 (855) 918-3733. < Previous News Next News >

Bah Humbug Snowflakes: Christmas Has Become Yet Another Trigger Word Wed Dec 20 2023 05:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Southern Charm & Comfort Food Arrives In Miami - Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley, Opening Saturday, January 17th, 2026 Aventura Digest Dec 18, 2025 Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Offers Elevated Southern Soul Food, Handcrafted “Kocktails,” High-Energy Dining, And Signature “Welcome Home” Hospitality. After Thriving In Six Other U.S. Cities, The Restaurant Brings Its Modern Take On Authentic American Southern Comfort Food To Miami. Guided By The Belief That Every Guest Should Feel At Home From The Moment They Walk In, Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Is Known As Much For Its Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere As Its Flavorful Dishes And Creative “Kocktails,” Setting A New Standard For Southern Cuisine And Hospitality In The Magic City. “We’re excited to bring this concept to Miami – a city that feels like home,” says Founder Kevin Kelley. “The diversity, the culture, the energy, there’s nothing like it. With Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, we want to bring Miami the very best in Southern comfort food and hospitality, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.” Founder Kevin Kelley, a Dallas-based attorney & hospitality entrepreneur is the force behind this rapidly expanding national restaurant group. Miami marks the seventh location of the concept, following success in Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and most recently Philadelphia. In addition to Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, the portfolio also includes KANVAS by Kevin Kelley, a multi-level sports bar and Club VIVO, a Latin nightclub, both located in Dallas, Texas. The Wynwood location will boast over 8,000-Square-Feet of dining space and features a signature Blue Onyx Bar, known for its bold, luminous design. Guests can also expect to find the restaurant’s signature, spectacular Rose Wall, a core brand element across all locations, and the perfect photo spot to mark the occasion. The space will blend modern luxury with Southern warmth, incorporating rich textures, dramatic lighting, and vibrant artwork that creates a sense of culture and community. The scratch-made menu features more than 50 rich and elevated Southern comfort favorites, showcasing dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Southern Fried Catfish, Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops, Candied Yams, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood Gumbo, Blackened Salmon, and many more guest-favorites. The beverage program shines with hand-crafted “kocktails” including True Flame, a fiery concoction of premium spirits, warm citrus, and spice built over a torch-kissed orange peel, crafted tableside with a live fire presentation, a Blackberry Margarita, and the Peach D’usse Frose, among others. Reservations for Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley are available at: https://kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami . The restaurant will open to the public on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Located at 2838 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Building#: 2, Miami, Florida 33127. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley will have a 208 seating capacity. Follow on Social Media at: @kitchenkocktailsusa. Previous Next

Retiring Well: 68% Of Americans Say It's Living A Little By Affording Experiences That Bring Joy (BPT) February 20, 2025 Share What makes for retiring well? For most Americans, it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research. Big and little joys Most agree satisfaction in retirement includes the ability to pay bills on time and in full (68%) and living debt-free (63%) - including owning a home outright (55%). Some 42% of people say it comes down to experiences, like the ability to travel the world, and to give back by volunteering (25%). Everything in its time Having a clear timeline brings peace of mind for many - 66% say they have a goal retirement age in mind, including 73% of men and 61% of women. Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) have savings milestones to reach before retirement - goals that they're striving for - including setting aside funds for emergencies (57%), travel (33%) and leisure activities like starting a new hobby (32%). About the same number (68%) say their happiness in retirement depends most on reaching their retirement savings goal. Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%). Travel and leisure When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire. Some 37% prioritize proximity to family and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it's more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists - 23% describe their current location as their happy place. Many see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement. MethodologyEmpower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024. < Previous News Next News >

The Rivkah Davidow Summer Learning Program Thu May 26 2022 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Felicia Ray The Artist Wed Jan 05 2022 10:00:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Provide Feedback on the Comprehensive Plan for Aventura’s Future Mon Aug 16 2021 04:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Friends Of The Underline Celebrates Milestone Anniversary And Expansion To Five Continuous Miles Jewish Connection News May 19, 2026 The Underline, A Multimodal Corridor And Linear Park Running Beneath Miami’s Metrorail, Has Officially Opened Segment 4 (Southwest 27th Avenue To Douglas Road), Marking The Completion Of Five Continuous Miles Of Trail Within Its Fifth Year Since The Project Began. A Defining Moment In The Underline’s Fifth Year, This Milestone Represents A Major Step Forward In Transforming More Than 120 Acres Of Underutilized Land Into A World-Class, Connected Corridor That Offers Residents And Visitors A Safer, Dedicated Pathway For Walking, Biking, Jogging, And Connecting With Nature And The Community. Friends of The Underline commemorated the milestone with a “Five Years, Five Miles” ribbon cutting led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, District 7 County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, City of Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and Commissioner Rhonda Anderson and the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), as well as key public, private, and philanthropic partners who have played a role in bringing The Underline to life. “This is what it looks like when Infrastructure puts people first,” stated Mayor of Miami-Dade County Daniella Levine Cava. “The Underline is transforming underutilized space into something that improves daily life by creating safer ways to move, more opportunities to connect, and a shared place for our community to come together. Reaching five miles in five years is a meaningful milestone for Miami-Dade County.” The Underline’s achievement reflects the leadership and coordination with Miami-Dade County and its agencies, including the Mayor’s Office, Board Of County Commissioners, and DTPW, alongside critical construction and operations contributions from the cities of Miami, Coral Gables, and South Miami, the Florida Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and a growing network of philanthropic and private sector partners. “Projects like The Underline require clear vision, strong partnerships, and the discipline to deliver,” highlighted Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 7. “This milestone shows what’s possible when we invest in Infrastructure that not only connects communities, but also strengthens how our county grows, moves, and plans for the future.” Public and private partners have helped shape The Underline into a model for collaboration, where Infrastructure, programming, and community engagement come together to create lasting public value. “Five years ago, we opened the first half-mile segment of The Underline beginning community promise to transform an overlooked space into a community asset that connects all of Miami and creates a safe alternative for multimodal use. Today, five years later, seeing people using these five miles on The Underline validates our vision and mission,” said Meg Daly, Founder and Chair of Friends of The Underline. “The Underline offers a national blueprint and a new standard for delivering connected, multimodal Infrastructure that enhances how people move through and experience urban spaces,” noted Eulois Cleckley, CEO of Friends of The Underline. “These five continuous miles have created an important mobility corridor that improves safety, expands access, and strengthens connectivity across Miami’s urban core.” With the opening of Segment 4, The Underline extends its reach into new neighborhoods, reinforcing its role as a connected mobility corridor for walking, biking serving as and access to transit a civic asset for the city and county. “This milestone represents another step forward in transforming how people move in Miami-Dade County. This nearly one-mile stretch of The Underline between 27th and 37th Avenues, is yet another example of what strong partnerships can achieve, building five of 10 total miles in five years. It creates a safer, more connected corridor that enhances access to transit and each other. It strengthens our communities and keeps Miami-Dade moving forward,” remarked Stacy L. Miller, P.E., Director of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works. Through its “Five Years, Five Miles” campaign, Friends of The Underline is reflecting on its journey, sharing milestones, programming, and partnerships across digital and social platforms. For updates on events and activities, follow @theunderlinemia on Facebook and Instagram. To learn about how you can donate and volunteer, please visit: www.theunderline.org . About Friends Of The Underline Friends of The Underline is the nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, activation, and stewardship of The Underline, a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and living art destination transforming the land beneath Miami’s Metrorail into a world-class public space. The Underline connects communities through nature, music, art, wellness, and year-round events and activations. With more than 200 free programs annually, The Underline has become a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike. When complete, it will span from the Miami River in Brickell to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station in Kendall. Learn more at: www.theunderline.org . Previous Next

City of Hollywood Offers Work Skills Training Scholarship Program Thu May 27 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Find The Next Big Thing: The Alternative Products Expo Is Coming In March February 24, 2022 Share The largest trade show event for alternative products is coming to Ft. Lauderdale March 11 -13! Discover the products and services revolutionizing traditional markets, at ALTPRO EXPO Ft. Lauderdale. Many industry buyers discover products by seeing them in other stores or browsing through distributor catalogs, but who discovers the products in these catalogs in the first place? Innovative buyers will tell you that the best place to find disruptive and unique products with the potential to become the next big thing is at trade shows. Brands like Redbull, Juul, and 5 Hour Energy were all discovered at these types of events before they went mainstream. The problem then lies in finding the right show to attend. Most trade shows tend to be industry-specific events, and so they only showcase specific types of products. This has made it difficult for buyers to choose which events to attend, never being able to find an event that manages to encompass multiple industries and types of products under one roof, that is, until now. Alternative Products Expo has emerged as an upgrade of the nation’s largest CBD and Hemp event, USA CBD Expo, to incorporate new audiences, new markets and new buyers in the most innovative industry event. The Alternative Products Expo - or ALTPRO Expo - was created with the idea of bringing together an assortment of industries (and the disruptive products & services within) under one roof. With this in mind, the organizers behind this show, ZJ Events, have consistently adjusted and evolved their scope to remain at the vanguard of industry trends. This evolution has meant reaching out to include thousands of business owners from all spectrums of the alternative product market. The largest gathering of: hemp-derived products, semi-synthetic extracts (Delta8/10), functional beverages, non-psycho-active mushrooms, kratom & other botanicals, nicotine alternatives, nutraceuticals, and other new, disruptive, innovative, trending, and high-demand products/services. A prime opportunity for: convenience stores, smoke shops, tobacco chains, health, wellness & sports centers, big-box retailers, and industry buyers. “...our team has been working tirelessly to create a new kind of event where we could incorporate the wide plethora of products, services, and brands that make up the alternative product’s industry.” - said Jason Monti, Director of Sales at ZJ Events. Join hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees who will gather in Ft. Lauderdale this upcoming March 11th to the 13th at The Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center to experience an industry event where alternative products will take the spotlight. Participate in expert talks on the new Delta 8 craze, medicinal mushrooms extracts, and many other subjects relating to alternative product developments (where it's going, trends, categories, etc). To learn more about attending, exhibiting, sponsoring, or speaking at the ALTPRO Expo, visit altproexpo.com, email media@altproexpo.com , or call 631-777-3455. Booth design, travel, and accommodation assistance are all available via the website, https://altproexpo.com About the ALTPRO Expo Alternative Products Expo x USA CBD Expo is a B2B and B2C networking event for disruptive industries such as hemp-derived products, semi-synthetic extracts, functional beverages, delta8, kratom, nic-otine alternatives, nutraceuticals, & more. If you plan on attending the Alternative Products Expo you can take 25% off your ticket by visiting https://events.american-tradeshow.com/CBDFL and entering promo code SUNTIMES or scan the QR code above to be directed to the site. < Previous News Next News >