Pigs Do Fly Productions - The Long Weekend October 24, 2024 Share Pigs Do Fly Productions will present Canadian Playwright Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend, a comedy of manners filled with numerous plot twists and a hilariously tangled web of truths, deceptions, and surprises. The production will run from November 1st - November 24th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. “Norm Foster’s plays definitely resonate with our audiences,” says Pigs Do Fly Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “This is the third one of his plays we have produced. They are clever, and funny, but they also examine life and circumstances in ways that ring true – whether he’s analyzing established relationships or observing emerging or fluctuating ones. “His characters are often over the age of 50, which is great for us – that’s our target audience and that ties in perfectly with our mission statement.” She continues. “But - and this is a wonderful caveat – we have found over the past 8 and a half years that as our audiences have grown, they have diversified; it’s been so great to see younger people at the theater and enjoying what we’re offering. As I often say, good theater has no age limit!” As The Long Weekend opens Max and Wynn are preparing to show off their beautiful new summer home to their best friends, Roger and Abby. What is meant to be a relaxing holiday weekend turns into a battle of wits as their pasts catch up with them, the gloves come off and old scores are settled in comedic fashion. The production will be directed by Christopher Michaels: "The Long Weekend had me in absolute stitches on the subway while I gave it a first read," Michaels says. "It is hilariously well-written and all I could think was how much it felt like a sitcom: unit set, key cast, set-ups and punchlines, the overall pacing... And there was the challenge of putting a large country home in the intimate space at Empire Stage." Michaels is making his Pigs Do Fly directorial debut; this is his second South Florida theater directing credit, following his acclaimed production of Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story at Wilton Manors' Island City Stage last season. The Long Weekend cast consists of 2024 Carbonell Award Nominee and Silver Palm Award-Winner Karen Stephens as Abby, along with Janice Hamilton as Wynn, Alan Goodman as Roger, and Michael Coppola as Max. Norm Foster is considered Canada’s most produced playwright. An extremely prolific writer, frequently referred to as the Canadian Neil Simon, Foster has had more than fifty plays produced on professional stages. His plays are known for their humor, accessibility, and insight into ‘the everyday tribulations of life.’ The Stage Manager for The Long Weekend is Larry Buzzeo. Dean Landhuis is the show’s Scenic Designer, David Hart will do the Sound Design, and Preston Bircher will create the Lighting Design and serve as Technical Director. Costumes are by Saul Mendoza and MNM Theatre Company will build the sets. Jessica Kaschube is the Company Manager, and Patrick Vida will handle the Box Office. Tickets for The Long Weekend are $45 and are available online at: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com . Or by calling: (954) 678-1496. Performances are on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. < Previous News Next News >

Helping Patients Regain And Improve Their Mobility And Balance - Holy Cross Health Unveils State-Of-The-Art Jon & Helaine Ayers Rehabilitation Center South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 Holy Cross Health Celebrated The Blessing And Unveiling Of The Jon & Helaine Ayers Rehabilitation Center With A Special Dedication Ceremony And Ribbon Cutting. Previously known as the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Holy Cross Health completely renovated the facility and significantly invested in State-Of-The-Art physical rehabilitation equipment, thanks to a generous $2 Million gift from Jon and Helaine Ayers. As part of this capital project, Holy Cross Health introduced eight new pieces of equipment. Holy Cross is the only facility in Broward County with many of these unique therapies that help patients regain and improve their mobility and balance. “Jon and Helaine’s support has helped shape the future of Holy Cross Health in lasting and meaningful ways,” said Pierre Monice, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “Jon and Helaine believe in our mission and in the people we serve. This new space represents the very best of what healthcare can be – compassionate, innovative and focused on the whole person.” The Center provides expert care in physical, occupational and speech therapy for patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries or are living with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and more. The care model is rooted in a one-on-one, team-based approach that addresses not only the physical side of recovery, but also the emotional and cognitive journey each patient experiences. “I am deeply grateful to Jon and Helaine Ayers for their generosity. This Center is possible because of their incredible support and commitment to improving patient care,” said Laura Denoux, Vice President and Chief Development officer at Holy Cross Health. “This is more than a building. It is a place where patients will regain strength, mobility and confidence.” Located at the main hospital in Fort Lauderdale, the welcoming and comfortable environment ensures an unparalleled rehabilitation experience for patients and their families. “This Center is positioned to be a leader in the treatment of neurologic, vestibular, oncologic and complex orthopedic conditions. We are ecstatic to have this technology at our disposal to provide our patients with the best chance at making significant and complete recoveries,” said Tim Day, Director of Outpatient Rehab for Holy Cross Health. “My team and I are looking forward to witnessing our patients progress and benefit from our new facility and equipment. One small step in rehab is a giant leap in recovery.” Rehabilitation hits close to home for Jon, the former Chairman and CEO of IDEXX Laboratories, a global leader in pet healthcare innovation. In June 2019, his life was forever changed when he was seriously injured in a catastrophic bike crash, caused by another cyclist, leaving him a quadriplegic. “My spinal cord injury six years ago has given me a great appreciation for physical and occupational therapy. Even in this phase of my injury, I continue to advance function, strength and wellbeing by spending roughly 20 hours a week dedicated to therapy,” said Jon, a Fort Lauderdale resident and member of the Holy Cross Health Board of Directors. “I am so appreciative of the professional support, received from over 25 different therapists in multiple locations in the past six years.” “Helaine and I, through this amazing Center and staff, wish to inspire and enable other patients by providing access to great therapists, supported by the latest technology and treatments,” Jon continued. “Many patients, with the proper support, patience and perseverance, will return from a setback to full physical function and health. Others will benefit in enduring their condition through a continued commitment to professional physical therapy.” Rudy Molinet, RN, MPH, FACHE, Chair of the Holy Cross Health Board of Directors, added, “We’re grateful for Jon’s leadership and service as a board member. He and Helaine helped build something truly meaningful for our community. We are so blessed to have them as a member of the Holy Cross family.” The rehabilitation team was also on hand during the reception to give attendees a tour of the facility and demonstrate how the innovative equipment works. Holy Cross has added: The Balance Quest TRV Chair diagnoses and treats patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). When the patient is strapped securely into the chair, the seat can be rotated 360 degrees along a semicircular plane to put the patient in an inverted position. The patient wears video-enabled goggles so their eye movements can be monitored. According to manufacturer Interacoustics, vertigo accounts for approximately six million clinic visits in the U.S. annually. Nearly 50% of these patients experiencing dizziness are diagnosed with BPPV, and nearly 10% of the population will have an occurrence in their lifetime and the likelihood increases by 38% every 10 years, with the highest number of cases in people between 50 and 70 years of age. The C-Mill balance and gait treadmill incorporates virtual and augmented reality on a large screen to simulate walking in various challenging settings that a person is likely to encounter when out and about. There are adjustable handrails and an optional harness to provide patients with stability as they stroll. The immersive and interactive experience adds a bit of fun to rehab. The Biodex Balance System™ SD is a platform that a patient stands on while holding on to handles for stability. The platform moves, challenging the patient to balance and build muscle in their legs and core. Athletes also use this for agility training. It assesses fall risk and is used in concussion management. The MyoCycle Pro is a functional electrical stimulation (FES) stationary bicycle used to help patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis (MS), strokes, brain injuries or other neurological disorders. Patients strap their feet and calves into boots attached to the pedals. The motorized pedals go in a circular motion to simulate riding a bike, giving patients the ability to exercise and build and maintain muscle tone even if they are not physically capable of initiating the pedaling. Small adhesive electrodes that emit electric impulses are placed on the arms or legs to activate the limbs. For patients who are in a wheelchair, they can remain seated in their wheelchair while using this bike. The EksoNR is a robotic exoskeleton designed to retrain the body how to walk, with the goal of patients one day regaining the ability to walk without assistance. The exoskeleton has leg braces and a vest that is strapped onto a patient’s body to help the appendages move. It’s the first exoskeleton that’s FDA-cleared to rehabilitate people with brain injuries, strokes, MS and spinal cord injuries. RT300 UE/LE FES cycle, designed for a wide range of neurological impairments, provides real-time biofeedback, data-tracking and sophisticated control algorithms. Guldmann gait and balance system is a walking sling for users who have sufficient leg strength to stand upright but need support and to feel safe during training due to reduced balance. The Gait Trainer sling provides the needed support during walking and gait training and helps the user maintain standing. Strolll® is a revolutionary all-in-one digital therapeutic software solution for commercially available augmented reality (AR) glasses. A form of immersive rehabilitation, it seamlessly blends digital content with your physical space and adapts to any room layout, aiding patient rehabilitation. For more information on Holy Cross Health’s outpatient rehabilitation services, visit: holy-cross.com/services/rehabilitation-and-therapy/outpatient-rehabilitation/jon-and-helaine-ayers-rehabilitation . About Holy Cross Health: A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospital rankings and was named among the 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. Holy Cross has been designated as a High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ healthcare access. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, an urgent care center and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit: www.holy-cross.com . Connect: @holycrossfl. Previous Next

MJ Is Startin’ Somethin’ - The Four-Time Tony Award-Winning  New Musical Is Coming To South Florida November 28, 2024 Share The Arsht Center (@arshtcenter), Broward Center (@browardcenter) and Broadway Across America (@bwayamerica) are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the smash-hit musical, MJ, went on sale starting Friday, November 22nd at 10 a.m. Fans will have two opportunities to catch the Tony Award®-winning musical beginning at the Arsht Center from March 18th, 2025 - March 23rd, 2025 and the Broward Center from April 8th, 2025 - April 20th, 2025. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to South Florida in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. It’s thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, and in London’s West End…and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Miami and Fort Lauderdale as it makes its premiere at the Arsht Center in March 2025. Jamaal Fields-Green plays the title role of ‘MJ’ after achieving the distinction of being the first and only person to have played the role in all three global productions: on Broadway, on the National Tour and in London’s West End. He is joined on tour by Jordan Markus (MJ – Alternate) who will play the role twice a week, Erik Hamilton (Michael), Josiah Benson (Little Michael), Bane Griffith (Little Michael), Devin Bowles (Joseph Jackson/Rob), J. Daughtry (Berry Gordy/Nick), Josh A. Dawson (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones), Anthony J. Garcia (Alejandro), Bryce A. Holmes (Little Marlon), Cecilia Petrush (Rachel), Jed Resnick (Dave) and Anastasia Talley (Katherine Jackson/Kate). The ensemble includes JoJo Carmichael (Swing/Dance Captain), Joshua Dawson (Swing), Alaman Diadhiou (MJ/Michael Standby), Croix DiIenno (Ensemble/Assistant Dance Captain), Kellie Drobnick (Ensemble), Zuri Noelle Ford (Swing), Ui-Seng François (Swing), Jahir L. Hipps (Swing), Amber Jackson (Ensemble), Faith Jones (Swing), Rajané Katurah (Swing), Matteo Marretta (Ensemble), Jay McKenzie (Ensemble), Kendrick Mitchell (Swing), Zion Mikhail Pradier (Swing), Avilon Trust Tate (Ensemble), Brion Marquis Watson (Ensemble), Charles P. Way (Swing) and Malcolm Miles Young (Ensemble). The MJ creative team features Scenic Design by two-time Tony and Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by seven-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe and Makeup Design by Emmy nominee Joe Dulude II. The creative team also features Musical Supervision by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg, Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb, and Music Direction by Nathanael Wilkerson and Jason Yarcho. Casting by The Telsey Office / Rachel Hoffman, CSA, Lindsay Levine, CSA. The MJ First National Tour is generally managed by Bespoke Theatricals. The stage management team is led by Production Stage Manager Nicole Olson, Stage Manager Xavier Khan and Assistant Stage Managers Alexander Pierce, Christopher K Anaya-Gorman and Lauren Taylor Winston. The company management team is led by Company Manager Justin T. Scholl and Assistant Company Manager Bianca Jean-Charles. Tickets: Tickets to MJ at the Arsht Center are $49-$199* and may be purchased now at: www.arshtcenter.org - Or at the Arsht box office by calling: (305) 949-6722. Tickets to MJ at the Broward Center start at $45.00 and may be purchased now at: www.browardcenter.org - Or at the Broward Center AutoNation box office by calling: (954) 468-0222. For more information worldwide, visit: www.mjthemusical.com < Previous News Next News >

Swing Into Spring At The Parker: Music, Laughter And Dance Take Center Stage This March Thu Feb 13 2025 17:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Holly-Go, Hollywood’s Free Community Shuttle Service September 26, 2024 Share A new fixed-route community shuttle service is coming to Hollywood, made possible by Broward County Transportation Surtax Funding. The shuttle will be free for all riders and is set to launch on four routes starting October 1st. Orange Line (BCT Route 766): Operating between City Hall/Central Library and Margaritaville Beach Resort, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Estimated cycle time: 43 minutes. Red Line (BCT Route 770): Operating between the Walmart SuperCenter on East Hallandale Boulevard and Hollywood North Beach Park on A1A, Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday - Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The schedule will shift the Off-Peak Season to Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Estimated cycle time: 24 minutes. Blue Line (BCT Route 764): Operating between City Hall/Central Library, Young Circle and Pembroke Road daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Estimated cycle time: 39 minutes. Green Line (BCT Route 765): Operating between Kay Gaither Community Center, Hollywood Plaza and Memorial Regional Hospitals North and South daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Estimated cycle time: 54 minutes. The shuttles, provided by Broward County, will accommodate 34 passengers, feature bike racks and offer ADA Accessibility. Powered by propane gas, these shuttles provide an Eco-Friendly transportation option. For more information on the Holly-Go Community Shuttle service, please visit the City’s Transportation webpage at: www.hollywoodfl.org/transit - Or email: Transit@hollywoodfl.org . The Kick-Off Celebration Join in the fun October 1st at City Hall for guided inaugural rides and kick-off ceremony! Seats are limited to the first 18 people on each bus route. The Pre-Ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m., Orange line departure, returning to City Hall at approximately 12:44 p.m. The Kick-off Ceremony will be at 12:45 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ribbon-Cutting. The Post-Ceremony will be at 1:02 p.m., Blue line departure, returning to City Hall approximately 1:43 p.m. < Previous News Next News >

Smart Starts For A Healthy Heart: Improve Hydration, Skip Added Sugars With Better-For-You Beverages By Family Features August 8, 2024 Share How you start your morning can impact the rest of your day. If you’re looking to incorporate healthier choices into your morning routine, try a concept known as “habit stacking.” Building tiny, healthier habits into routines you already have, like enjoying a morning beverage or breakfast before you check your email instead of jumping right into the day’s tasks, can make it easier to stick to a new habit when it’s built into an existing routine. If you already enjoy the routine of breakfast to start the day, consider swapping sugary drinks for beverages without Added Sugars like Unsweetened Green or Black Tea. When incorporated as part of an Overall Healthy Diet, Unsweetened Tea can help support Heart Health. If you need help getting started, Lipton, a proud National Sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Campaign, created these easy-to-make, Better-For-You Tea Recipes. A small handful of ingredients makes a big splash in Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies, ideal for an on-the-go breakfast. For a little refreshment any time of day, simple Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers offer a solution with 0 grams of Added Sugars while Non-Alcoholic Green Tea Mojito Mocktails provide Natural sweetness with 100% Fruit Juice. Choosing beverages with no Added Sugars can contribute to a Healthy Heart, according to the American Heart Association, making these recipes perfect for daily habit stacking. Water is needed to keep your body running at its best, and because Unsweetened Tea is 99.5% Water, it provides a delicious way to help hydrate. Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving) • 4 Cups of Water • 4 Single-Serving Green Tea Bags • 1 Cup of 100% Cranberry Juice or 100% Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice • 2 Cups of Ice Cubes • 1/2 Cup of Seltzer (flavored or plain) or Low-Sodium Club Soda, chilled • 4 Orange Slices or Lime Wedges (optional) In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the Water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Submerge the Tea Bags. Steep for 4 minutes. Discard the Tea Bags. Let the Tea Mixture and let it cool for 30 minutes. Pour it into a pitcher. Stir in the Cranberry Juice. Refrigerate it for 2 hours, or until it is chilled. At serving time, put the Ice Cubes in four glasses. Pour the Tea Mixture into the glasses. Top each serving with the Seltzer. Garnish them with the Orange Slices. Tip: To create Cranberry-Flavored Ice Cubes, fill the Ice Cube Tray with 100% Cranberry Juice and freeze it. Nutritional Information per serving: 32 Calories: 0 g of Total Fat, 0 g of Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat and Monounsaturated Fat; 0 mg of Cholesterol; 4 mg of Sodium; 8 mg of Carbohydrates; 0 g of Fiber; 8 g of Total Sugars, 0 g of Added Sugars; 1 g of Protein. Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving) • 3 Cups of Water • 8 Single-Serving Green Tea Bags • 16 Ounces of Frozen Mixed Berries (about 3 cups) • 2 Medium Bananas, peeled, cut in half and frozen • 1 Cup of Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt • 2 Teaspoons of Fresh-Grated peeled Gingerroot (optional) • 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract (optional) • 2 Teaspoons of Chia or Flaxseeds (optional) In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the Water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Submerge the Tea Bags. Steep for 4 minutes. Discard the Tea Bags. Let the Tea Mixture cool for 30 minutes. Pour it into a pitcher. Refrigerate it for 2 hours, or until it is chilled. In a Food Processor or a Blender, process the Tea, the Berries, the Bananas and the Yogurt until it is smooth. Add the Gingerroot and the Vanilla, if desired, and process it until it is smooth. Pour it into four glasses. Sprinkle it with the Chia Seeds, if desired. Nutritional Information per serving without optional ingredients: 136 calories; 1 g of Total Fat, 0 g of Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat and Monounsaturated Fat; 3 mg of Cholesterol; 23 mg of Sodium; 29 g of Carbohydrates; 5 g of Fiber; 18 g of Total Sugars, 0 g of Added Sugars; 8 g of Protein. Green Tea Mojito Mocktails Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving) • 4 Cups of Water • 4 Single-Serving Single-Serving Green Tea Bags • 32-40 Sprigs of Fresh Mint, plus additional for garnish, divided • 2 Cups of Ice Cubes • 1 Cup of 100% White Grape Juice • 1/2 Cup of Fresh Lime Juice, about 4 Medium Limes • 1 Medium Lime, cut into four wedges or Lime Zest twists (optional) In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the Water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Submerge the Tea Bags. Steep for 4 minutes. Discard the Tea Bags. Let the Tea Mixture cool for 30 minutes. Pour it into the pitcher. Refrigerate it for 2 hours, or until it is chilled. At serving time, add the Mint Leaves to the four glasses. Using a Muddler or a Wooden Spoon, mash the Mint Leaves several times to release the Juices. Don’t mash into pulp and add the Ice. Stir the White Grape Juice and the Lime Juice into a Tea Mixture. Pour it into the glasses. Garnish each one with the Lime Wedges and the Mint Leaves. Tip: To get more juice from Citrus, before slicing, microwave the Fruit on high for 30 seconds, or until it is warm. When it is cool enough to handle, use the Citrus Reamer or a Handheld Juice Press to Juice the Citrus. Nutritional Information per serving: 45 calories; 0 g of Total Fat, 0 g of Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat and Monounsaturated Fat; 0 mg of Cholesterol; 7 mg of Sodium; 13 g of Carbohydrates; 0 g of Fiber; 10 g of Total Sugars, 0 g of Added Sugars; 1 g of Protein. Discover more ways to improve daily routines at: www.Heart.org/eatsmart < Previous News Next News >

Dystopia Disguised as Democracy: All the Ways in Which Freedom Is an Illusion Thu Feb 17 2022 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Are Americans Safe from ‘the Law’? Thu Apr 27 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Gardening With Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families Fri Mar 22 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Get Ready For A Summer Of Fun In Hallandale Beach July 26, 2023 Share As the temperature rises, it's time to gear up for an unforgettable summer in Hallandale Beach. The City's Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department are thrilled to present the highly anticipated 2023 Free Summer Fun Program Series. With a diverse range of activities and events, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer. One of the highlights of the program takes place at the Cultural Community Center, where individuals of all ages can gather for a variety of exciting events. Seniors can test their luck and have a blast at Senior Bingo, while toddlers can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of stories during Toddler Storytime. Additionally, the Outdoor Flea Market offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide selection of Goods and Treasures from Local Vendors. If you're interested in setting up your own booth, make sure to reserve your spot early as space is limited. Families are in for a treat with the Family nights at the OB Johnson Center. These special evenings are designed to bring loved ones closer together through engaging and entertaining activities. Whether you're a fan of dancing, games, or arts and crafts, there's a Family Night event that will surely tickle your fancy. Let loose and show off your dance moves during Family Dance Night, test your skills and bond over friendly competition at Family Game Night, or unleash your creativity at Family Craft Night. To top it all off, the Free Summer Fun Program concludes with the highly anticipated 3 on 3 Basketball Event held at the OB Johnson Gymnasium. Basketball enthusiasts of all ages are invited to form their teams and compete in this thrilling event. Lace up your sneakers, practice your dribbling, and get ready to showcase your Skills on the Court. The City of Hallandale Beach Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department are actively seeking Sponsors, Vendors, and Volunteers to make this Summer Program a resounding success. If you're interested in being a part of this incredible initiative, don't hesitate to reach out to them at: (954) 457-1452. Or via email at: HBParksRec@coHB.org . Your Support will contribute to the Community's enjoyment and help create unforgettable memories for all participants. Remember, Registration is Required for each activity, but the best part is that all activities are entirely FREE. The only exception is the Flea Market Booth Fees, which apply if you're interested in setting up shop and showcasing your wares. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a summer packed with laughter, joy, and boundless fun. The City of Hallandale Beach's 2023 Free Summer Fun Program Series is your ticket to an unforgettable summer adventure. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with your community. Get involved, participate, and make this summer one to remember! For more information call: (954) 457-1452. < Previous News Next News >

Why Are Airlines Being So Nice To You? By Christopher Elliott July 18, 2024 Share Airlines are shedding fees, giving away free stuff, and being extra nice to their customers. Has the world gone mad? "That's what I've been asking myself," says Gail Clark, who complained to American Airlines after a recent flight delay and received a lightning-fast response, including a personal apology and 7,500 frequent flyer miles deposited to her account. Clark, a retired CEO from Bluffton, S.C., says she's used to foot-dragging and canned apologies. She says something feels wrong. Sébastien Long has seen it with Southwest Airlines. The flight attendants keep pouring him free drinks whenever something is less than perfect on the plane. And when they do, they dismiss it in their Southwest way, with an, "Oh, I forgot to charge you, and we're about to land." "Honestly, it's almost too nice," says Long, who runs an apartment rental company in Houston. "I feel like someone's going to get in trouble for not charging me." The niceness is contagious. Last month, Spirit Airlines killed its unpopular flight change and cancellation fees. Frontier Airlines did the same. And JetBlue announced that all customers - even those with a "basic" economy class ticket - will get a free carry-on bag in addition to one small personal item. "After the Pandemic and the bad press the airline industry was getting this past spring, it seems natural that they would put more emphasis on smoothing nerves and garnering more trust from passengers," says Anthony Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor. Why Airlines Say They're Being Nice The biggest changes by far are the low-fare carriers like Spirit and Frontier removing their fees. Barry Biffle, Frontier's CEO, said the airline made the change because of its promise to "make travel with Frontier as flexible and worry-free as possible." "We understand that plans can change, and we want to ensure that when they do, our passengers can adjust their bookings without the stress of additional fees," he said in a prepared statement. Spirit's Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Klein, said in a press release that the airline wanted to change the game by offering "unparalleled flexibility and peace of mind." He added, "It's just the beginning of our pursuit to make affordable travel easier and more seamless than ever." But they left out a very important detail. This spring, the government announced a new rule that requires airlines to tell consumers upfront if they charge fees for changes or cancellations. And that regulation would have made their fares look more complicated and probably led to fewer bookings. "The airline industry had to be forced by legislation and regulation to do the right thing," says Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project. Another possible reason: We complained last year. A lot. The U.S. Department of Transportation last week reported that airline complaints for 2023 were the highest ever, except for the Pandemic year of 2020. The agency received 96,853 grievances about air travel, compared to 86,240 in calendar year 2022. The government hasn't released any numbers for this year yet. But it's not just regulation, fed by an almost constant stream of passenger complaints. There are other reasons behind the change in customer service attitudes. What's Really Going on With "Nice" Airlines? When it comes to airlines, things have changed since the Pandemic - in a good way. “Market dynamics have shifted,” explains Jason Block, CEO of WorldVia Travel Group. “Airlines are looking for ways to attract and retain customers in a more competitive environment.” One way of doing that is by taking better care of their customers instead of taking them for granted. Airlines are also seeing an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the competition, according to Andy Palacios, a Vice President at App in the Air, an app for frequent air travelers. "Customers have had many negative experiences with airlines, from poor customer support to hidden fees and unsatisfactory onboard experiences," he says. "They're trying to win back some of that business and appeal to customers who previously avoided them." Which Airlines are The Nicest? It's difficult to say which airlines are trying the hardest to woo their passengers with better service. As a group, the "low-cost" carriers like Spirit and Frontier have generated some positive buzz recently - mostly because of their new relaxed rules. There have also been reports of legacy airlines like American, Delta and United going the extra mile for customers. And, of course, there's always Southwest, which has a legendary reputation for customer service to live up to. Here's the thing: The reports of great service are sporadic. Amid the steady stream of complaints I receive as a consumer advocate, I've been getting surprise reports of truly outstanding, pre-deregulation-level customer service. But it's hard to predict when it will happen -- or which airline will deliver it. Can the Nice Airlines Last? Don't get used to the niceness. Because even if it lasts -- and it probably won't -- there's a price to pay. "There's no free lunch here," says Mike Taylor, J. D. Power's resident airline expert. For every dropped fee, and indeed for every nicety airlines add, you should expect to pay a higher fare. (Just maybe not yet. As the Department of Transportation recently noted, airfares are down 6 percent over the last year, and they are below Pre-Pandemic prices.) But ultimately, airlines have a corporate culture, shaped over the last four decades, that does not favor customers. And for most domestic airlines, it's one that thinks of passengers as self-loading cargo, as walking dollar signs, to be manipulated with addictive loyalty programs and squeezed for every fee it can legally charge. "I don't think it will last forever," says Radchenko of AirAdvisor, noting that customer service moves in cycles, and we're just in a brief phase that happens to benefit passengers. Real change will only come when airlines start thinking of their passengers as people who should be served with dignity, regardless of their loyalty status. And, unfortunately, the only way that will ever happen is if airline passengers start to prioritize service over cheap fares. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at: chris@elliott.org . < Previous News Next News >

Florida's Fentanyl Crisis: The Attorney General Wants To Classify It As Weapon of Mass Destruction Thu Aug 04 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)