Planning Holiday Get-Togethers: Tips For Easy and Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers Wed Dec 13 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Aventura Calls For Youth Council Applications June 20, 2024 Share The City of Aventura is paving the way for its young residents to step into leadership roles and actively participate in shaping their community. With the announcement of openings on the Youth Council, the city is seeking dedicated high school students to join its ranks and contribute to the betterment of Aventura. The Youth Council serves as a vital bridge between the city's administration and its youth population, aiming to foster engagement, leadership, and civic responsibility among Aventura's teenagers. Through a variety of educational, civic, and community initiatives, council members play an integral role in representing their peers and addressing the issues that matter most to them. As the application period opens, Aventura's high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to step forward and take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a difference in their community. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be residents of Aventura and enrolled as juniors or seniors in a public or private high school for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year. The Youth Council is not just about being a voice for the youth; it's about empowering them to be active participants in shaping the future of our city. City officials are excited to welcome new members who are passionate about making a positive impact and are committed to serving their community. Candidates selected for the Youth Council will be tasked with a range of responsibilities, including attending scheduled meetings, participating in community events, and engaging in volunteer opportunities as they arise throughout the school year. By dedicating their time and energy to these endeavors, council members will have the chance to develop invaluable leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and leave a lasting mark on Aventura. The Youth Council comprises seven members, each chosen through a meticulous selection process overseen by the City Manager. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the online application available exclusively on the City of Aventura's official website at: www.cityofaventura.com . This call for applications signals Aventura's unwavering commitment to fostering youth engagement and empowering the next generation of leaders. By providing a platform for young voices to be heard and valued, the city is laying the groundwork for a brighter and more inclusive future for all its residents. As the deadline approaches, Aventura eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new cohort of passionate and dedicated individuals ready to embark on this rewarding journey of service and growth. Through their collective efforts, the Youth Council will continue to be a driving force for positive change and community development in the City of Aventura. For those seeking further information or assistance, the Office of the City Clerk stands ready to provide support. They can be reached at: (305) 466-8901. Or via email at: cityclerk@cityofaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >

How to Find the Right Doctor Thu Mar 17 2022 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Family Matters: Why Genetic Cancer Testing Is Important By BPT Oct 15, 2025 When Someone In Your Family Is Diagnosed With Cancer, It Can Raise Questions. Is It A Coincidence, Or Is There Something That Runs In The Family That Makes Others More Likely To Get It Too? For Jodi, Whose Mother Was Diagnosed With Cancer At The Age Of 51, And Whose Maternal Grandfather Was Diagnosed With The Same Disease At 55, Those Questions Were Top Of Mind From A Young Age. Her Family History Instilled A Fear Of The Unknown - Was She At Elevated Risk Too? For women like Jodi who have a family history of Cancer, the possibility of what genetic testing might reveal can be scary, yet having answers can be empowering. "You know, I had always been very afraid of Cancer because of my family history," Jodi shared. "And not just Breast Cancer. I've also wondered if I'm predisposed to developing other types, too." According to the latest Cancer Risk Survey by Myriad Genetics, 80% of women report being afraid to get screened for Cancer, primarily due to fear of the results. That said, 75% say they would actually find screenings like genetic testing reassuring if they were facing a potential health concern. Getting tested: Jodi's decision When Jodi's healthcare provider, Linda New, PA-C, learned about Jodi's extensive family Cancer history, which includes types of Cancer that raise red flags, she was surprised Jodi had not been offered hereditary Cancer testing before. She immediately let her know that she meets guideline criteria for genetic testing. Linda recommended the MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore® to determine if she had an inherited genetic mutation that increased her risk for hereditary cancers. Though Jodi was nervous about the results, she knew that if she carried an inherited gene mutation, the test would help ease her fear of the unknown, and her results would likely give her the power to act early. She moved forward, for herself and for her daughter. "It was a hard decision, but I did it knowing I've always been afraid of Cancer," said Jodi. "I decided to get tested with my daughter Kaila in mind because she could have the same genetic mutation." A simple test that gives you options The MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore evaluates a patient's risk of developing 11 different types of hereditary Cancer and provides a 5-year and remaining lifetime personalized risk for Breast Cancer. The testing process is straightforward - a quick blood draw at the clinician's office. If Jodi was found to be at high risk, she and her healthcare provider would have multiple options available, including changes in medical management, earlier screenings or increased screening frequency. For Jodi, the most difficult part of the process was the waiting, but in just a few weeks, the results confirmed what she suspected. She tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation that could increase her risk of developing Breast, Ovarian and other Cancers. Instead of letting this piece of information weigh her down, Jodi saw a path forward. Linda guided Jodi through a plan for early detection and prevention, which included breast MRIs, pelvic ultrasounds and a referral to a breast specialist - steps that ultimately led her to remove her ovaries and undergo a double mastectomy. These were big decisions, but they gave her a sense of control and the confidence that she was doing everything she could for her health and her future. Inspiring others, saving lives Jodi also encouraged her daughter Kaila to take the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore. Knowing she had a 50/50 chance of sharing her mother's gene mutation, and with Jodi's encouragement, Kaila decided to get tested, too. The result: She was also positive for the BRCA2 mutation. Given her risk, Kaila immediately discussed risk-reducing measures with her healthcare provider, which included breast and uterine ultrasounds and potential ovary and breast removal down the line. "I'm 33 and haven't had kids yet," said Kaila. "I want to, and I want to be able to breastfeed. So, I'm trying to keep everything intact until that happens. But once I've had children, I'll be considering other preventative options." Know your risk and plan for the future. Knowing your family history (both maternal and paternal) as part of a comprehensive Cancer risk assessment can provide you and your provider with clear information to make informed decisions about managing Cancer risk. If you're on the fence about getting tested for BRCA1, BRCA2 or other hereditary Cancer mutations, consider if you have the following risk factors: • A family history of Cancer that is diagnosed at a young age (50 or younger), like Breast Cancer diagnosed at age 45 • Multiples of the same type of Cancers on the same side of the family, like three Colorectal Cancers on the paternal side • Rare Cancers like Ovarian or Pancreatic Cancer Jodi hopes her story will empower those who may be hesitant to get additional screenings if they qualify. "I would say just get tested. If you have a family history of Cancer and the slightest doubt that you could carry a gene mutation associated with Cancer, get this simple blood test. It's better to know whatever decision you make, you will have the tools and information you need to make it with confidence." Talk with your health care provider to see if you meet guidelines for a hereditary Cancer risk assessment, like the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore. Understanding your results can empower you and your care team to create a personalized plan to manage your risk and take proactive steps for your health. To learn more, visit: www.GetMyRisk.com . Previous Next

The Museum of Contemporary Art: Experience MOCA’s Free Art Education Programs for Children, Teens & Adults May 30, 2024 Share The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) aspires to be a welcoming center at the heart of North Miami where art and art experiences flow in and out of the building — activating parks, schools, homes, and civic spaces; and connecting local and global conversations about art. MOCA taps into the cultural energy of the region to bring new art and perspectives to the public, building on North Miami’s legacy as a cultural destination. Visitors and the community can expect thought-provoking exhibitions that feature under-explored art and artists, and lift up diverse voices and stories. Over the next few weeks the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami has a full line up of creative exhibitions scheduled, starting with an extraordinary evening of art, fashion, and music at MOCA's Art x Couture Night on May 31st! The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in MOCA's Paradise Courtyard for the Annual Teen Art Force Fashion Show, where guests can experience the creativity and talent of MOCA's Teen Art Force Fashion & Textile Design students as they model their own handcrafted designs. Enjoy food, music, and fun their hard work is celebrated! Then, celebrate the opening night of Teen Art Force: Our Minds exhibition, where the Museum Experiences class will be conducting a short tour of their exhibition. Curated entirely by the students, the exhibition explores a variety of themes and emotions that are characteristic of teenage experiences, such as societal perception, self-discovery, overwhelming emotions, and experimentation. Finally, end the night under the stars with JAZZ at MOCA featuring Inez Barlatier starting at 8pm. Don't miss out on this magical evening! RSVP today for Art x Couture Night at MOCA! JAZZ at MOCA I May 31, 8:00 PM Next up on MOCA's Plaza, to wrap up Haitian History Month, is JAZZ at MOCA featuring Inez Barlatier. Inez Barlatier is an international touring musician, actress and teaching artist of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent, produces memorable and dynamic experiences. Her interactive children’s show, Ayiti: Stories & Songs from Haiti, is co-produced by Dandelion Artists. Inez Barlatier’s music is inspired by restorative justice, spirituality and a life-long passion for multicultural music, wisdom and history. Come celebrate Haitian heritage at MOCA, rain or shine! Seating starts at 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m. miniMakers with Art on the Plaza In her kinetic Art on the Plaza installation, multidisciplinary artist Yanira Collado uses geometry and symbols of the African Diaspora to inspire both memory and play. This month, June 1 at 2:00 PM the artist leads MOCA miniMakers to create vibrant pinwheels, exploring themes of movement, shape and color. In this hands-on workshop, participants learn about Collado's creative process and the inspiration behind her joyous installation. The Art on the Plaza program invites artists to activate MOCA’s Plaza with temporary public installations of site-specific art works, engaging and connecting the community with their unique and inspiring works of art. Ready, set, create! miniMakers are your opportunity to dive into different art mediums once a month at MOCA. Workshops are for families with children ages 6-12, designed around artists, art history, and current MOCA Exhibitions. Summer Art Camp MOCA’s Summer Art Camp 2024 is offered to children ages 6-13, a diverse range of activities will ignite their creativity. From Studio Arts Camp to Dynamic Design Camp, the young artists will explore their creativity in a stimulating and supportive atmosphere. Studio Art Camp (Ages 6-9) MOCA’s Studio Arts Camp provides a platform for campers to explore their individual artistic projects while drawing inspiration from MOCA exhibitions, fine art techniques, and renowned artists, both contemporary and historic. Engaging discussions, impressive showcases for family and friends, and hands-on projects await your young artists! Hot lunch is free for all students but campers are welcome to bring lunch and snacks that do not require refrigeration. Studio Arts campers will have a morning snack at 10:15 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Dynamic Design Camp (Ages 10-13) Spark your child's imagination and discover the magic of design. The Dynamic Design Camp introduces campers to the applied arts, including architecture, graphic design, textile design, digital art, and more. Through enriching field trips, captivating discussions, and exciting 2D and 3D projects, your child will develop a newfound appreciation for the world of design. Hot lunch is free for all students but campers are welcome to bring lunch and snacks that do not require refrigeration. Dynamic Design campers will have a morning snack at 10:25 a.m. and lunch at 12:40 p.m. About MOCA MOCA is known and respected locally and nationally for its innovative curatorial approach and research-driven exhibitions that are supported by educational programs for all ages. As a meeting place for cultural expressions and exchanges, MOCA has become a center for cross-cultural understanding and inclusion, connecting diverse communities through the arts. The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is located at: 770 NE 125 Street North Miami, FL 33161. For more information call: 305-893-6211 or visit: www.mocanomi.org < Previous News Next News >

ChatGPT On Your Face December 20, 2023 Share Innovative Eyewear Unveils Its Seamless Smart Eyewear Experience. Just in time for Christmas, Innovative Eyewear, Inc. is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated 2.0 Version of its Lucyd App, which along with their Smart Eyewear give you an experience like no other. This upgraded release introduces seamless integration with ChatGPT, a revolutionary Artificial Intelligence Technology, allowing users to experience an entirely new dimension of interaction with their smart eyewear. AI Meets Smart Eyewear In response to the ever-evolving demands of technology enthusiasts, Innovative Eyewear has seamlessly merged ChatGPT into the Lucyd App. This innovative integration empowers users to engage in natural and fluid voice conversations, transforming the way they interact with their smart eyewear. By leveraging ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities, users can do much more than simple voice commands. They can now engage in interactive conversations, get instant answers to questions, draft messages, and even schedule appointments without the need to touch their devices. With the Lucyd App 2.0, the future is here, and it's more conversational than ever. Innovative Eyewear’s Lucyd App 2.0 opens up new horizons for smart eyewear users. Seamlessly connecting your glasses to the power of ChatGPT, you can now stay connected, informed, and productive while on the go. The 2.0 Release ensures that your smart eyewear experience is more intuitive, interactive, and tailored to your needs. This remarkable advancement reflects Innovative Eyewear's commitment to pushing the boundaries of Technology and enhancing user experiences. With the 2.0 Release of the Lucyd App, the possibilities are endless. From drafting messages hands-free to receiving instant information updates, ChatGPT integration elevates smart eyewear to a whole new level. "We are excited to unveil the Lucyd App 2.0, a true testament to our commitment to innovation and enhancing the way people interact with technology," said Harrison Gross, CEO of Lucyd. "With the integration of ChatGPT, users can now experience a new level of convenience and connectivity through their Lucyd smart eyewear. This release reinforces our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions that bridge the gap between style and function." The Dock The Lucyd Dock is a first-of-its-kind charging accessory for smart eyewear. Users can simply drop Lucyd Lyte eyewear on the Dock to charge, just as they would drop traditional glasses on the nightstand or desk before bed. Several core improvements have been added to the Dock 2.0, while maintaining the MSRP of $34.99. The new features include: • Cordlessly connects to all Lucyd Lyte Models with new auto-adjusting magnetic contacts. • Works with all Lucyd Models including: Petite, Medium and New XL pairs. • Indicator light turns on when charging and shuts off when charging is complete. • Two USB-A and one USB-C charging port to simultaneously charge your smartphone, smartwatch and other devices in addition to Lucyd Lyte. • USB Data capability so you can use the Dock as a USB Hub for your computer - read flash drives, connect your mouse and keyboard, and more. • More compact and travel-friendly than the Dock 1.0. • New 99% Post-Consumer Recycled Packaging with 5-Language Product Information for Global Sales. Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear, said "We are closer than ever to our goal of the world's most user-friendly smart glasses with the launch of the Lucyd Dock 2.0. I am confident our customers will enjoy using the Dock to keep their various devices charged and their cables more neatly organized. By adding the new USB Data functionality enabling the Dock to be used as a USB Hub for computers, we have made it even more of a must-have accessory for our smart eyewear customers." The new Dock, and all models of Lucyd Lyte eyewear with dozens of custom and Rx lens options, are available at: https://lucyd.co/ To see Lucyd Lyte and its seamless voice access to ChatGPT in action, watch the new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dObeAawsq2g Innovative Eyewear, Inc. Innovative Eyewear is a Developer and Retailer of Cutting-Edge Smart Eyewear, under the Lucyd®, Nautica® & Eddie Bauer® Brands. To learn more and explore our continuously evolving collection of Smart Eyewear, please visit: www.lucyd.co < Previous News Next News >

Invitation From The Consul General Of Israel In Miami To Go On A Mission To Israel With European And North American Mayors - Part II By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jul 16, 2026 This Article Is Part II Of A Series On My Recent Visit To Israel. After leaving the Ramat Gan emergency operation center we walked to a location that was directly hit by cluster bombs. They were one of the hardest hit by these types of bombs. The warhead actually opens in the air sending anywhere from 100 - 2000 smaller bomblets. The Germans designed them in WWII, and they are banned in over 111 countries. The ban is due to the fact they cover areas as large as football fields and weather conditions may expand the area. Often the Bomblets do not detonate creating additional hazards to small children that may pick them up. The bomblets still have armor piercing capabilities. The area where this bomb struck was residential. The building that took the direct hit stood across from a school, which was damaged and is now a grassy lot. The blast blew out windows around the building and could be felt within a five-block radius. Thankfully, it happened at 6:30 a.m., before school children arrived. Many people were injured. Another bomb struck the top floor of a building where a couple was sitting in the living room. I know where all have been seeing reports on TV, but you cannot understand the magnitude of what one bomb can do. It is also against so many laws that Iran is using this weapon against civilians carrying on their daily lives. The Deputy shared that rebuilding has been essential since many structures are not to any current standard. There were many high-rise condominiums that had been built and the one hit was fairly new. The other major concern is housing those that are displaced. The town, actually, with state funding assistance housed many residents in a tower that was originally getting ready to open since it was not occupied yet. Others are out in hotels. The city’s major goal is to have full access to bomb shelters for their residents. Currently when they are rebuilding it is mandatory to have a safe room or dedicated shelter area. Civic buildings are also built with larger shelters and even the new train station has been built as a multipurpose and outfitted for sheltering those that are unable to get shelter during the workday or simply out in the town. They have also found it is not simply about the safety of the shelters but the operations. While in the shelter. Mental health is a huge issue for all ages. The shelters are planned with different areas that are either separate rooms or simply an area for scheduled activities for children. The ceasefire is in place, and the city continues to move forward with many planning objectives. We were all amazed by the resiliency of the community. 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

Melissa Errico Crowns The Season: Aventura Broadway Concert Series Finale March 7, 2024 Share The City of Aventura presents the finale to the Aventura Broadway Concert Series as Broadway, TV and Film Star Melissa Errico performs The Life & Loves of a Broadway Baby this Sunday, March 10th at 7:00 p.m. During this incredible show, Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and offers both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and sometimes wicked stories about an ingenue's life on the Great White Way. This show is a sexy, sublime study of American songs from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe, Taylor Swift and more. Her Life As a Musical Theater Actress, Errico is a Tony Award-Nominated Broadway star — an Actress, Singer and Author who contributes regularly to The New York Times. In summer 2023, she sang a concert in Paris which was broadcast internationally and nationally on Radio France, followed by a sold-out cabaret at the historic Le Bal Blomet. Also last summer, she opened for music icon George Benson at the Montreal Jazz Festival. A knocked-out writer from London Jazz News wrote of Montreal: “Errico was energized, making sure with every breath that she would get the audience in the 3,000-seater Pelletier really on her side. Every high note was heroically held, and she got a standing ovation from this audience. Montreal audiences always want to show their warmth and this one made her deservedly welcome.” In November of 2022, she made her Carnegie Hall debut in the concert Broadway Blockbusters with The New York Pops, where her performance included three Sondheim numbers including: “Losing My Mind,” and “Move On.” As she entered to begin with a song from “My Fair Lady,” Steven Reineke, Principal Conductor of New York Pops, introduced her with flair: “Melissa Errico is a unique force in the musical life of New York City: a Broadway star, a concert artist and an author who regularly contributes essays to The New York Times. There’s really no one like her!” First known for her starring roles on Broadway, including My Fair Lady, High Society, Anna Karenina, White Christmas, Dracula, and Les Misérables, Melissa has had a wide ranging career from television and film to recording. She starred in the CBS show “Central Park West,” and played roles on “Blue Bloods,” “The Knick,” and more, as well as “Billions” on Showtime. She has starred in many non-musical roles by Shaw and Oscar Wilde, including “Dear Liar” in the spring of 2023, playing George Bernard Shaw’s original Eliza Doolittle. Though a constant in the New York theater, she has become equally known for her music and concert work worldwide. Her 2018 album, Sondheim Sublime, called by The Wall Street Journal “The best all-Sondheim album ever recorded,” led to sold-out concerts dates from Ravinia to Caramoor and Wolftrap — San Francisco to Singapore to London, and including the 92 Street Y, Joe’s Pub, Town Hall, and Lincoln Center’s Allen Room. Errico’s history with Sondheim began when he selected her to star as Dot in Sunday In The Park With George at The Kennedy Center, then as Clara in Passion at Classic Stage Company; then in the New York City Center Encores! production of Do I Hear A Waltz? In 2020, she sang “Children And Art” in the Sondheim 90th Birthday Concert “Take Me To The World,” and was featured on PBS Television in a documentary special in which she sang “Finishing The Hat” and joined Adam Gopnik and Raul Esparza on Poetry in America. She was also featured in The New York Times Tribute to Sondheim in November 2021 as the top ten interpreter of his work. Her second Sondheim album, “Sondheim In The City” was released on February 16th, 2024. In addition to Sondheim, nothing in her work has been more constant than her association with Composer Michel Legrand. Having starred in his sole Broadway show, Amour, she went on to collaborate with him on the iconic album Legrand Affair. After his death in 2019, she was asked to write his eulogy by The New York Times and was then invited to be the sole American performer in the extraordinary two-day memorial to Legrand held in April, 2019 at Paris’ Le Grand Rex Theatre. Warner Music/Ghostlight Records also reissued her symphonic album, which Legrand arranged & conducted, as Legrand Affair (Deluxe Edition). Her most recent album Out Of The Dark: The Film Noir Project was released by Warner Music/Ghostlight Records, which garnered rave reviews, the 2023 Bistro Award, and was supported by coast-to-coast noir concerts, including Feinstein’s/54 Below, with the Ronnie Scott’s Band in London, and at New York City’s Birdland Jazz Club for in a sold-out 10 performance Valentine’s Week residency. “Melissa Errico’s new album, “Out of the Dark: The Film Noir Project” gives us noir music the way we imagine it…melancholy, bittersweet tales of isolation and loneliness, beauty and betrayal—especially relevant at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” – The Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal applauded her talents, reporting "She's so sexy you won't believe your eyes and sings so beautifully you won't believe your ears and talks so charmingly you won't believe it's happening!" She is currently working on expanding her collected New York Times essays into a book. She has 3 daughters and is married to Tennis Player and Journalist Patrick McEnroe. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m., Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. < Previous News Next News >

Support Local Community Access To Fresh Produce: Invitation Homes Restores Garden Beds For The Dania Beach Community Fri May 24 2024 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hallandale Beach Residents: There Are Programs To Help If You Are In Need Thu Aug 17 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Annual Back To School Giveaway: Celebrate Community And Support Students At The August 12th Event July 25, 2024 Share As the summer days wind down, the city of North Miami is gearing up for its annual Back to School Giveaway, a cornerstone event dedicated to ensuring local students are well-prepared for the upcoming academic year. Scheduled for Monday, August 12th, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Joe Celestin Center, located at 1525 Northwest 135th Street, this event promises an afternoon filled with festivities, free school supplies, and community spirit. The Back to School Giveaway is more than just a distribution of supplies; it is a vibrant celebration that brings together families, educators, and community organizations to support North Miami's youth. The event, organized in collaboration with the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade and 99 Jamz, aims to alleviate the financial burden on families by providing essential school supplies free of charge. "This event is a testament to the strength and unity of our community," said a local resident, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the initiative. "It's not just about backpacks and notebooks; it's about fostering a supportive environment where every child has the tools they need to succeed." In addition to free backpacks and school essentials, attendees can look forward to a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage children of all ages. Live musical performances by the School of Rock North Miami and DJ Lucky C's vibrant mixes will provide a lively backdrop to the day's events. Ashley Gaitan, alongside DJ Lucky C, will co-host the festivities, ensuring a memorable experience for all. The Back to School Giveaway is not just an event; it's a celebration of our community's commitment to education. The giveaway is about showing our children that we believe in them and are here to support their journey. The event also serves as a platform for local organizations and businesses to connect with the community. Representatives from various support services will be on hand to provide information about health services, after-school programs, and other resources available to North Miami families throughout the school year. Community involvement is crucial to the success of the Back to School Giveaway. Residents are encouraged to contribute by donating school supplies at designated drop-off locations across the city, including the North Miami Public Library, North Miami Police Department, City Hall, Joe Celestin Center, and Scott Galvin Community Center. • North Miami Public Library, 835 Northeast 132nd Street, North Miami, Florida 33168 • North Miami Police Department, 700 Northeast 124th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161 • North Miami City Hall, 776 Northeast 125th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161 • Joe Celestin Center, 1525 Northwest 135th Street, North Miami, Florida 33168 • Scott Galvin Community Center, 1600 Northeast 126th Street, North Miami, Florida 33181 Cash and checks made payable to the City of North Miami are also accepted to support the purchase of additional supplies. "This event wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our community," remarked a spokesperson from the event. "Every donation, whether it's a backpack or a financial contribution, makes a meaningful difference in a child's life." For those interested in sponsorship opportunities or wishing to volunteer their time at the event, the Office of Mayor and Council can be contacted at: (305) 895-9818. < Previous News Next News >

Evil Walks Among Us: Child Trafficking Has Become Big Business In America By John & Nisha Whitehead February 2, 2023 Share It takes a special kind of evil to prostitute and traffick a child for sex and yet this evil walks among us every minute of every day. Consider this: every two minutes, a child is bought and sold for sex. Hundreds of young girls and boys—some as young as 9 years old—are being bought and sold for sex, as many as 20 times per day. Adults purchase children for sex at least 2.5 million times a year in the United States alone. In Georgia alone, it is estimated that 7,200 men (half of them in their 30’s) seek to purchase sex with adolescent girls each month, averaging roughly 300 a day. On average, a child might be raped by 6,000 men during a five-year period. It is estimated that at least 100,000 to 500,000 children—girls and boys—are bought and sold for sex in the U.S. every year, with as many as 300,000 children in danger of being trafficked each year. Some of these children are forcefully abducted, others are runaways and still others are sold into the system by relatives and acquaintances. Child rape has become Big Business in America. This is not a problem found only in big cities. It’s happening everywhere, right under our noses, in suburbs, cities and towns across the nation. As Ernie Allen of the National Center For Missing And Exploited Children points out, “The only way not to find this in any American city is simply not to look for it.” Like so many of the evils in our midst, sex trafficking (and the sexualization of young people) is a cultural disease that is rooted in the American police state’s heart of darkness. It speaks to a sordid, far-reaching corruption that stretches from the highest seats of power (governmental and corporate) down to the most hidden corners and relies on our silence and our complicity to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. It is estimated that the number of children who are at risk of being trafficked or have already been sold into the sex trade would fill 1,300 school buses. The internet has become the primary means of sexual predators targeting and selling young children for sex. “One in five kids online are sexually propositioned through gaming platforms and other social media and those, non-contact oriented forums of sexual exploitation are increasing,” said Researcher Brian Ulicny. It’s not just young girls who are vulnerable, either. According to a USA Today investigative report, “boys make up about 36% of children caught up in the U.S. Sex Industry (about 60% are female and less than 5% are transgender males and females).” Every year, the ages of the girls and boys being bought and sold get younger and younger. The average age of those being trafficked is 13. Yet as the head of a group that combats trafficking pointed out, “Let’s think about what average means. That means there are children younger than 13. That means 8, 9, 10-year-olds.” “They’re minors as young as 13 who are being trafficked,” noted a 25-year-old victim of trafficking. “They’re little girls.” This is America’s dirty little secret. But what or who is driving this evil appetite for young flesh? Who buys a child for sex? Otherwise ordinary men from all walks of life. “They could be your co-worker, doctor, pastor or spouse,” writes Journalist Tim Swarens, who spent more than a year investigating the sex trade in America. According to criminal investigator Marc Chadderdon, these “buyers”—the so-called “ordinary” men who drive the demand for sex with children—represent a cross-section of American society: every age, every race, every socio-economic background, cops, teachers, corrections workers, pastors, etc. America’s police forces—riddled with corruption, brutality, sexual misconduct and drug abuse—represent another facet of the problem: police have become both predators and pimps. As the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “Hundreds of police officers across the country have turned from protectors to predators, using the power of their badge to extort sex.” Young girls are particularly vulnerable to these predators in blue. Former Police Officer Phil Stinson estimates that half of the victims of police sex crimes are minors under the age of eighteen. According to The Washington Post, a national study found that 40 percent of reported cases of police sexual misconduct involved teens. For example, in California, a police sergeant—a 16-year veteran of the police force—was arrested for raping a 16-year-old girl who was being held captive and sold for sex in a home in an upscale neighborhood. A Pennsylvania police chief and his friend were arrested for allegedly raping a young girl hundreds of times—orally, vaginally and anally several times a week—over the course of seven years, starting when she was 4 years old. Two NYPD cops were accused of arresting a teenager, handcuffing her and driving her in an unmarked van to a nearby parking lot, where they raped her and forced her to perform oral sex on them, then dropped her off on a nearby street corner. The New York Times reports that “a sheriff’s deputy in San Antonio was charged with sexually assaulting the 4-year-old daughter of an undocumented Guatemalan woman and threatening to have her deported if she reported the abuse.” And then you have national sporting events such as the Super Bowl, where sex traffickers have been caught selling minors, some as young as 9 years old. Whether or not the Super Bowl is a “windfall” for sex traffickers as some claim, it remains a lucrative source of income for the child sex trafficking industry and a draw for those who are willing to pay to rape young children. Finally, as I documented in an earlier column, the culture is grooming these young people to be preyed upon by sexual predators. Social media makes it all too easy. As one news center reported, “Finding girls is easy for pimps. They look on … social networks. They and their assistants cruise malls, high schools and middle schools. They pick them up at bus stops. On the trolley. Girl-to-girl recruitment sometimes happens.” Foster homes and youth shelters have also become prime targets for traffickers. Rarely do these children enter into prostitution voluntarily. Many start out as runaways or throwaways, only to be snatched up by pimps or larger sex rings. Others, persuaded to meet up with a stranger after interacting online through one of the many social networking sites, find themselves quickly initiated into their new lives as sex slaves. According to the National Center For Missing And Exploited Children, nearly 800,000 children go missing every year (roughly 2,185 children a day). For those trafficked, it’s a nightmare from beginning to end. Those being sold for sex have an average life expectancy of seven years and those years are a living nightmare of endless rape, forced drugging, humiliation, degradation, threats, disease, pregnancies, abortions, miscarriages, torture, pain and always the constant fear of being killed or, worse, having those you love hurt or killed. A common thread woven through most survivors’ experiences is being forced to go without sleep or food until they have met their sex quota of at least 40 men. As David McSwane recounts in a chilling piece for the Herald-Tribune: “In Oakland Park, an industrial Fort Lauderdale suburb, federal agents in 2011 encountered a brothel operated by a married couple. Inside ‘The Boom Boom Room,’ as it was known, customers paid a fee and were given a condom and a timer and left alone with one of the brothel’s eight teenagers, children as young as 13. A 16-year-old foster child testified that he acted as security, while a 17-year-old girl told a federal judge she was forced to have sex with as many as 20 men a night.” One particular sex trafficking ring catered specifically to migrant workers employed seasonally on farms throughout the southeastern states, especially the Carolinas and Georgia, although it’s a flourishing business in every state in the country. Traffickers transport the women from farm to farm, where migrant workers would line up outside shacks, as many as 30 at a time, to have sex with them before they were transported to yet another farm where the process would begin all over again. This growing evil is, for all intents and purposes, out in the open. Unfortunately, as I document in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the government’s war on sex trafficking, much like the government’s war on terrorism, drugs and crime, has become a perfect excuse for inflicting more police state tactics (police checkpoints, searches, surveillance, and heightened security) on a vulnerable public while doing little to actually protect our children from sex predators. That so many children continue to be victimized, brutalized and treated like human cargo is due to three things: one, a consumer demand that is increasingly lucrative for everyone involved—except the victims; two, a level of corruption so invasive on both a local and international scale that there is little hope of working through established channels for change; and three, an eerie silence from individuals who fail to speak out against such atrocities. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >