Meet Flat Fee Legal Service: Professional Attorneys Serving Victims of Property Damage at no Cost Thu Sep 16 2021 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Satisfying Sweets For Spring In SoFlo South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 As Spring Settles Into South Florida, The Season Brings More Than Just Sunshine And Ocean Breezes—It Ushers In A Fresh Wave Of Indulgent Desserts That Capture The Vibrant Spirit Of SoFlo. From Artfully Crafted Pastries To Playful, Over-The-Top Confections, Local Restaurants And Cafes Are Celebrating The Season With Sweets That Are As Beautiful As They Are Delicious. Whether You’re Craving Rich, Decadent Flavors Or Lighter, Fruit-Forward Creations, This Curated Lineup Offers Something To Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth. Inspired By Global Traditions And Elevated With Modern Flair, These Standout Desserts Highlight The Creativity And Diversity Of South Florida’s Culinary Scene. So, Whether You’re Planning A Leisurely Brunch, A Night Out, Or Simply Searching For Your Next Sugar Fix, These Must-Try Treats Promise To Deliver The Perfect Taste Of Spring—One Unforgettable Bite At A Time. Hellenic Restaurant A signature creation by Chef/Owner Nikol Zarbalas at her new restaurant Hellenic, this indulgent dessert features a rich New York–style cheesecake topped with a decadent dulce de leche baklava layer and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet, it’s a delicious fusion of classic cheesecake and traditional Mediterranean baklava flavors. Hellenic is located at 10436 West Atlantic Boulevard, Coral Springs, Florida 33071. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon - 10:00 p.m.; Brunch is served exclusively on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. Noon - 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.orderhellenic.com/ . Or phone: (954) 323-2450. For reservations, please visit: www.OpenTable.com . Follow: @eathellenic on Social Media. Rose Cafe & Restaurant The famed desserts at Rose Cafe & Restaurant, the Mediterranean/Italian-inspired restaurant, include sweet and indulgent creations. Each dessert is truly a work of art and reflects the restaurant’s commitment to both flavor and wellness. Standouts on the menu include the Cuore Scarlatto Red Fruit Mousse, delicate and vibrant, inspired by the elegance of Rose Cafe & Restaurant; Tiramisu, a reimagined classic with mascarpone, coffee, and cacao layers that create a visual and gustatory spectacle; and Millefoglie, classic puff pastry layered with silky pastry cream, light and sophisticated. Also not to be missed is the Aurora - Soursop and Milk Chocolate Mousse, served family-style with pistachio crumble on the side; and the homemade pistachio gelato is another must-try. These desserts are also available at the restaurant’s to-go counter. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy or OpenTable. For more information, visit: www.rosecafeandrestaurant.com . Telephone: (786) 653-3891. Rose Cafe & Restaurant is located at 16690 Collins Avenue, Suite#: 102, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Complimentary valet parking is available and recommended. Toro Toro Chef/Restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s Pan-Latin Steakhouse Toro Toro is well known for its iconic and interactive La Bomba dessert. Served in a chocolate half sphere, the La Bomba is filled to perfection with cream cheese mousse, dulce de leche, strawberry ice cream, fresh berries, cookie crumbles, and vanilla and berry sauce. Once the decadent treat is served, guests are encouraged to drop it onto the table where the dessert figuratively and literally explodes with flavor, the final sweet touch to a decadent meal. Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, Florida 33131 in the InterContinental Miami. For more information, visit: www.torotoromiami.com/ . Telephone: (305) 372-4710. Sweet Melody With three locations in South Florida, Sweet Melody Ice Cream, the beloved ice cream shop known for its nostalgic, music-inspired spirit and small-batch flavors, features a menu of beloved staples and creative concoctions with the brand’s 12 classic flavors alongside four rotating, seasonally-inspired flavors, giving sweet seekers something new to try every time. Seasonal scoops featured in Sweet Melody’s Spring Series include Banana Pudding – vanilla pudding ice cream with layers of banana brown sugar, brandy caramel and buttery bites of housemade Nilla wafers; Tres Leches – vanilla scented coconut ice cream with silky Italian meringue and Tres Leches cake chunks; Jon Dough – cookie dough ice cream with chunks of housemade brown butter cookie dough and swirls of milk fudge; and Revenge of the Twix – Twix flavored ice cream with housemade Twix and gooey caramel. Additionally, sweet seekers can enjoy year-round signature staples such as Kooki Monster, Strawberry Fields Whenever, Abuela’s Flan and Cookie Buttah, Pistachio and Bourbon Pecan, among several other delicious flavors. For Sweet Melody’s locations and more information, visit: www.sweetmelodyicecream.com ; follow on Instagram: @SweetMelodyIceCream. Sweet Paris Texas-born Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, the ultra-popular restaurant brand specializing in sweet and savory crepes, waffles, croffles, salads, sandwiches, specialty hot drinks, milkshakes and more, now has three locations in Florida – Doral, Downtown Miami and Coral Gables.The French-inspired concept is known all over the country for its Instagram-worthy delicious creations. Spring-forward crepe creations include the classic Lemon Sugar – fresh lemon, whipped butter and vanilla bean sugar or the Bonne Maman – spread of cherry, strawberry, red currant & raspberry preserves, with sweet cream. For the perfect year round sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with the Dubai Chocolate, drenched in Belgian chocolate and pistachio sauce, filled with kunafa crunch, crowned with pistachio and vanilla bean ice cream. South Florida locations include Downtown Doral, located at 5335 Northwest 87th Avenue, Doral, Florida 33178; Coral Gables, located at 3005 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 and Miami Worldcenter, located at 851 Northeast 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132. For more information, visit: www.sweetparis.com . And follow along on Instagram: @SweetParis. Hellenic Restaurant Baklava Cheesecake Rose Cafe & Restaurant Cuore Scarlatto Red Fruit Mousse Toro Toro - La Bomba - Credit: @rmstudiocorp Sweet Melody Ice Cream Sweet Paris Dubai Crepe Previous Next

The Power Of Sharing A Table - How Americans Are Reviving ‘IRL’ Experiences With Drinks, Dinners And Beyond By Feature Impact Jun 4, 2026 Real-World Connection Has Become Increasingly Rare And If You’ve Felt The Effects, You’re Not Alone. After Years Of Digital-First Habits Becoming The New Norm, Many People Are Looking To Rediscover Face-To-Face Social Interaction – “IRL,” In Real Life, Not From Behind A Screen. With many Americans now spending less time together than ever before as in-person contact continues to decline, according to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Teremana Tequila is inviting people back to something simple: the table. Rooted in the philosophy of Mana – the brand’s guiding core philosophy and belief that good energy is contagious and the best moments in life happen when people come together – its “Share the Table, Share the Mana” initiative and partnership with Timeleft, a global app that matches strangers into small groups for real-life meetups, is a call for real-world connection. A gradual rebalancing is underway, according to Teremana. In a world where people are more digitally connected yet more personally disconnected, sometimes all it takes is one small gesture, like pulling up a chair and sharing a table to unlock something transformative. Activity-Based Communities According to the American Psychiatric Association, 1 in 3 American adults went at least a week in 2024 without feeling genuinely connected. In response, many people are shifting toward connection rooted in shared activities rather than conversation alone. Consider Eventbrite’s 2026 Social Trends Report, which found 58% of people now prefer events where socializing isn’t the primary focus, signaling a growing appetite for in-person gatherings built around common interests and experiences. Recurring events – such as weekly trivia nights or monthly potlucks – reflect this shift toward activity-based connection. With a built-in rhythm and shared interest, they reduce the pressure of constant planning and allow relationships to develop more naturally over time. Whether it’s a standing “taco Tuesday” or “trivia Thursday,” these gatherings create structure that makes it easier for people to simply show up and enjoy the moment together. This shift is also extending beyond traditional community spaces into experiences that transform everyday environments into opportunities for connection. Third Spaces, Reimagined Building on its spirit of good energy and shared moments, Teremana Tequila’s “Share the Table, Share the Mana” campaign kicked off with a series of out-of-home billboards across the country, but took a surprising turn when what appeared to be a standard billboard concealed a hidden bartender, drinks and an open invitation to share the table – turning a street corner into an unplanned gathering space for strangers. More experiential moments like this are on the way. While digital tools remain central to how people connect, they’re increasingly being used to facilitate in-person moments – helping organize meetups, dinners, and shared experiences in the real world. For example, by partnering with Timeleft, a global app that matches strangers into small groups for real-life meetups, Teremana’s idea is becoming a nationwide movement. Every Thursday from now through August, the Share the Table series will bring curated groups of people together at bars and restaurants across 13 U.S. cities, creating a consistent space for the kind of unscripted human connection no screen can replicate. The nationwide initiative offers a key to unlocking something much bigger than one-off moments as an investment in Infrastructure for connection, providing strangers opportunities to match with groups of people with similar interests and compatibilities. Neighborhoods as a Nexus for Connection By meeting and greeting neighbors and attending local events, the reliance on digital tools can be reversed. Proximity lowers barriers like time and distance, increasing the likelihood of repeated encounters for after-work drinks or dinner parties that allow for relaxed, low-pressure socializing. For an easy way to break the ice with those near you, sharing a drink, or the mana, lets you open up your home in a low-stress setting without the pressure of cooking for a crowd. These simple at-home cocktail recipes for a Cucumber Serrano Margarita or Mana Paloma make hosting a breeze – and will leave neighbors thinking you’re a natural bartender. To discover more ways the philosophy of Mana can revitalize human connection, visit: www.Timeleft.com . Cucumber Serrano Margarita 2 Ounces of Teremana Blanco or Reposado 1 Ounce of Fresh Cucumber Juice 3/4 Ounce of Fresh Lime Juice 1/2 Ounce of Agave Nectar 3 thin slices of Serrano Pepper, divided ice Cucumber slice, for garnish Salt, for rim Tajin, for rim In a cocktail shaker, combine the Tequila, the Cucumber Juice, the Lime Juice, the Agave Nectar and two slices of Serrano Pepper; shake them with ice. Strain it over fresh ice into rocks glass. Garnish it with the Cucumber Slice and the remaining Serrano Pepper slice. Rim half of the glass with the Salt and the Tajin. Mana Paloma Ice 2 Ounces of Teremana Blanco 1 Ounce of Grapefruit Juice 3/4 Ounce Lime Juice 1/2 Ounce of Simple Syrup Club Soda 1 Pinch of Salt Lime Wheel or Grapefruit Peel, for garnish In a highball glass over ice, combine the Tequila, the Grapefruit Juice, the Lime Juice, the Simple Syrup, the Club Soda and the Salt. Gently stir them, then garnish them with the Lime Wheel or the Grapefruit Peel and serve them. Sometimes all it takes is one small gesture, like pulling up a chair and sharing a table to unlock something transformative. Mana Paloma Cucumber Serrano Margarita Previous Next

Hallandale Beach State Of The City Part 1 By Hallandale Beach, Mayor Joy Cooper Jun 5, 2025 This Week, I Will Present The State Of The City Address, And I Will Be Sharing This With You Over The Next Upcoming Weeks. It Was Such An Honor And Privilege To Partake In The Annual State Of The City Presented By The Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce. It Is Truly An Honor To Be Your Mayor In Hallandale Beach. A Special Thank You To Executive Director Norma English, And The Entire Board Of Directors For Your Hard, Year-Round, Work Helping Businesses Here. You Are Genuinely Appreciated. A special thank you to our partners here at Gulfstream Park for the beautiful venue. I also want to thank all of the sponsors for the luncheon; Amsterdam Hallandale, City of Hallandale Beach, Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc., American Family Care, Memorial Healthcare System, Signarama, Angels On The Ocean HomeCare, LLC., and David iPhoto Professional Photo & Video. Without their generous support and continued partnership, this wonderful event would not be possible. Those of you that have been following past State of the City’s you know I like to share a bit of my global view of current events. Everything that happens does end up impacting us locally. Which is plenty! Since 2020, we have been on the mend and a gradual road to recovery. The roller coaster ride of two horrific wars and the global economy with major supply chain issues and cost of south Florida living sky rocketed. Keeping up to date with what is really going on has been daunting, listening to CNN, Fox News, Fox, MSNBC and BBC just to understand everyone’s views. Then hitting the internet to research. Now the saying should be “Do Not Trust- Verify.” Facts really matter especially when forty thousand people, local businesses, and visitors are dependent on your leadership. Even with all this unrest I like to say, we are the government that provides vital life services. The federal and state government are not worried about keeping your water running, or toilets flushing. Our strategic plan was bold. We stuck to it and made tough political decisions which led to a path of stability. If you recall my theme last year, Promises Made Promise Kept. Cities were finally seeing our tax dollars coming back. This year my motto is “Dig Baby, Dig!” And I do not mean for oil. As a side note, we heard drilling permits were being issued once again. Luckily for us, they will not be digging off our coast. Southeast Florida was off the table during Trump’s first term, and we found out last week the same will hold true. Supply chains had started to free up which meant projects were moving. Even with the cost of construction material going up we can continue with our goals. Dig Baby Dig! 2024 was an election year. People were hurting when it came to our economy. It was a few months ago eggs peaked at $8.17 per dozen and now the average is $4.38 a dozen. In 2020, they were $1.48. Inflation continued wars in Ukraine, Israel, unrest in Africa. Crime in the U.S. was on the rise. National crime statistics show a downward trend in violent crime. The same goes for our city. Thank you to our Chief Michel and for the steadfast leadership of the City Commission. We are here due to a unified commitment to our oath to keep our City safe! In this case Crime = Quality of life issues. The ones that create a sense of lawlessness. Homelessness, drug addiction and petty crimes that often go unreported. 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

Tom Cotter Brings A Night Of Unstoppable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Audiences Won’t Want To Miss A Fantastic Night Of Humor With One Of Comedy’s Most In-Demand Performers, Tom Cotter, Who Brings A Night Of His Undeniable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center On Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. As Part Of The Aventura Comedy Series Presented By The City Of Aventura. Before his historic finish on NBC’s “America's Got Talent,” where he famously lost to a dog, Cotter had already been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and internationally. His global credits include performances in London and on British TV, as well as major wins at the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the Boston Comedy Festival, in addition to being voted “Best Stand-Up” at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Cotter’s long list of television and radio appearances features “The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” multiple “Comedy Central Presents… Tom Cotter” specials, “Comics Unleashed,” “The Late Late Show,” his stint as Celebrity Host of “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS-TV and “The Howard Stern Show.” Known for his rapid-fire sarcasm, sharp satire and clever word play, Cotter remains one of the most sought-after comedians in the business. There’s never a dull moment when he’s on stage. Tom McTiernan, one of the East Coast’s top comedians, opens the evening with a hilarious preface to Cotter. McTiernan has appeared at premier comedy clubs in New York City and Los Angeles, including Comic Strip Live, Gotham Comedy Club and the world famous Improv. His television appearances include Comedy Central, NBC’s “Friday Night” and Gotham Comedy Live. He has also performed in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, opening for major acts including Brian Regan, Jeff Dunham and Tom Jones. This event contains adult language or content. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. 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 Next

Protect Individuals With Dementia From Wandering: Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Offers Information To Families Thu Aug 15 2024 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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

Millions Of Mobile Gamers Prize Stress Relief Over Winning By Sheeka Sanahori Sep 10, 2026 In The School's Car Pickup Line, Five Minutes Before It Starts Moving. In The Doctor's Office Waiting Room For An Appointment That You've Been Heavily Anticipating. In Bed, Just Before Going To Sleep. In These Transitional Moments, Many People Reach For Their Phones - Not To Scroll, But To Play. According to a June 2026 survey of more than 128,000 KashKick mobile gamers, playing a mobile game is more than a way to pass the time. Stress relief and relaxation are the top reasons respondents play, beating out entertainment and fun. As KashKick reports, for many people, this means mobile games are less a simple distraction and more a coping mechanism for the daily stress of life. A quick reset for life's transitional moments Most respondents identify as women, and 60% live in households that earn less than $50,000 per year. In the ranking of their reasons for playing, stress relief and relaxation topped the list, with boredom relief, entertainment and fun close behind. The ranking reads less like a profile of a gaming hobby and more like a profile of a coping behavior. More than half of the respondents play games daily or multiple times a day. When they reach for a mobile game, about 53% of the time it's for a short session-usually 30 minutes or less. Where and when people play tells its own story: 58% play in bed before going to sleep and 40% play in the bathroom. These are private, solitary moments, not the times people typically plan entertainment into their day. Coping with stress by gaming To understand why respondents play games for stress relief more than for fun, it helps to look at who they are. Among those surveyed, 19% say they're unemployed or looking for work, and 60% live in lower-income households. There are likely some areas of their life where they must make every dollar stretch to cover the things they need. The survey findings coincide with research from the American Psychological Association's 2025 Stress in America report. According to the report, 18% of men and 22% of women under age 65 rate their stress level at eight or higher on a scale of one to 10. Although the KashKick survey didn't measure stress, respondents are mostly women and fall within the age and income groups the APA found to carry the most stress. The APA's report also describes loneliness as a major strain for Americans. The KashKick survey didn't measure feelings of isolation, but 55% prefer to play alone, and 60% rarely or never discuss their gameplay with friends or family. Overall, the survey identifies a group of people who have found a routine, low-cost approach to cope with stress. They're not necessarily there to get the highest score. They're playing a mobile game to help them navigate a day that, with all of life's to-dos and challenges, could quickly feel overwhelming. Methodology The KashKick Gaming Habits Survey was fielded from June 8, 2026, through August 10, 2026, among KashKick members in the United States who play mobile games. The Gaming Habits Survey was available to all members on KashKick's Surveys page post-profile completion. The survey received 128,218 total responses, with question-level response counts ranging from approximately 109,793 to 128,218 depending on attrition. All findings describe KashKick mobile gamers and should not be interpreted as representative of U.S. mobile gamers overall. Industry and stress context references publicly available data from the American Psychological Association, Statista, and Newzoo. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

A Delicate Balance - Award-Winning Actors Tackle Dramatic Family Dynamics In This Milestone Production December 30, 2024 Share Family secrets, friendship and loyalties drive the heart of Island City Stage’s milestone production of Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Delicate Balance, running January 16th, 2025 – February 9th, 2025. This ambitious creative endeavor featuring highly acclaimed regional actors will be the first time Island City Stage has produced a show penned by America’s greatest playwright of the last half of the 20th Century. “I’ve always loved A Delicate Balance. This multiple award-winning work was quite a departure for Edward Albee after his Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. It’s dark and funny; a brutal comedy of manners,” said Michael Leeds, Associate Artistic Director of Island City Stage and the show’s director. “To me, the title refers to the delicate balance between life and death, love and hate, and how the balance can shift so easily and suddenly from sanity to madness. I think the play is incredibly relevant in this age where the richest 1% of the world owns 95% of its wealth. A Delicate Balance is a reminder that no one is immune to the passage of time and the inevitability of death. I know it doesn’t sound it – but it’s also very funny!” In Albee’s three-act play, audiences are introduced to Agnes and Tobias, a wealthy, middle-aged couple whose complacency is shattered when unexpected friends Harry and Edna disrupt their household with unfounded anxiety. Add-in Agnes’ witty, yet alcoholic, sister Claire with her quick quips and their troubled daughter Julia’s return home and a pressure cooker of drama and dysfunction ensues. A Delicate Balance premiered in 1966 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1967, the first of three Albee received for his work (the others being Seascape (1975), and Three Tall Women (1994). The Master American Dramatist also received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (2005), the gold medal in Drama from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters (1980); as well as the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts (both in 1996), among many other prestigious theatre and literary awards. The original Broadway production of Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance starred Hume Cronyn as Tobias, Jessica Tandy as Agnes, Rosemary Murphy as Claire, Henderson Forsythe as Harry, Carmen Mathews as Edna, and Marian Seldes as Julia. It has been staged several times since, in the U.S. and abroad, with notable stars of stage and screen including Dame Maggie Smith, Glenn Close, Imelda Staunton, Clare Higgins, Bob Balaban, Martha Plimpton and John Lithgow. In 1996, a revival production starring Rosemary Harris, George Grizzard, John Carter, Elizabeth Wilson, Elaine Stritch and Mary Beth Hurt won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, as well as Tony Awards for acting and directing, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play. Island City Stage’s riveting revival of A Delicate Balance is directed by Leeds and stars highly acclaimed Carbonell and Regional Award-Winning actors Patti Gardner (Agnes), Tom Wahl (Tobias), Betty Ann Hunt Strain (Claire), Margery Lowe (Edna), Christopher Dreeson (Harry) and Sabrina Lynn Gore (Julia). Patti Gardner (Agnes) returns to Island City Stage, where she last appeared in The Goldberg Variations in 2017. A South Florida theatre veteran, Patti has performed across the region for over 30 years and toured nationally with Menopause the Musical for 17 years. Recent performances include Caroline, or Change (Actors' Playhouse), Fiddler on the Roof (The Wick Theatre), Into the Woods (Slow Burn Theatre), and The Last Yiddish Speaker (Theatre Lab). Patti is a recipient of Carbonell, Silver Palm, and New Times Best Awards and is the music and drama instructor at ABC Montessori Academy of Jupiter Farms. Tom Wahl (Tobias) has performed at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Geva Theatre Center, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. In Florida, his credits include work with Palm Beach Dramaworks, Zoetic Stage, Actors' Playhouse, and Miami New Drama, among others. His film and TV credits include Pulse, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, New in Town, and recurring roles in Moon Over Miami. A recipient of Carbonell, Silver Palm, and Curtain Up awards, Tom is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. Betty Ann Hunt Strain (Claire) will be making her Island City Stage debut. She was recently seen as Boo in The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Boca Stage). Strain moved to NYC from Memphis to pursue her passion for theatre. As an Equity actress, she has performed in regional theatres and national/international tours. Favorite roles include Mama Rose (Gypsy), Dolly (Hello Dolly!), and the Baker's Wife (Into the Woods). In South Florida, she has appeared in Sunshine Quest ( Founders Theatre), Sweet Delilah and Savannah Sipping (CCP), Bell, Book and Candle (AOD), and Grumpy Old Men and The Lost Virginity Tour (DBP.) Margery Lowe’s (Edna) recent credits include world premieres of Museum Plays (Miami New Drama), Wicked Child (Zoetic Stage), and The Messenger (Palm Beach Dramaworks). She was named Wall Street Journal’s "Best of Theatre" for her portrayal of Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Lowe has performed in New York and across the U.S. in national tours and at venues such as Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Canadian Stage. In Florida, she has worked with Maltz Jupiter Theatre, GableStage, Actor’s Playhouse, and more. A Stratford Shakespeare Festival company member, she received the Tyrone Guthrie Award and has won Carbonell, Silver Palm, and other accolades. Christopher Dreeson (Harry), also making his Island City Stage debut, made his South Florida professional debut in 2018 as Tennessee Williams in the Carbonell-recommended one-man show Confessions of a Nightingale. His most recent Carbonell nomination was for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (John aka Fountainhead) in Water by the Spoonful (New City Players). Other recent roles include Horace Vandergelder (Hello Dolly!), Mr. Simmons (Memphis), Victor Velasco (Barefoot in the Park), Lt. Schrank (West Side Story), G.W. Nethercott (Sordid Lives), Edward Duchamp (A Class Act), Brother Jeremiah (Something Rotten!), Herr Schultz (Cabaret), Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Jack Lawson (Race), Mr. Paravicini (The Mousetrap) and Ernst Janning (Judgment at Nuremberg) among many others. Sabrina Lynn Gore (Julia), a three-time Carbonell nominee and Silver Palm recipient, returns to Island City Stage where she last appeared in Bette and Barry. Her notable credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Precious Little, 9 to 5, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Murder Ballad, Xanadu, Wild Party, Next to Normal, Lizzie the Musical, Head Over Heels, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, and Disenchanted. As a director, Gore has helmed acclaimed productions such as Ragtime, Fun Home, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Sweat. A Delicate Balance is co-produced by FAB (Funding Arts Broward) and Jeffrey Danielson. Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett, Set Sponsor is Glenn Goldberg and Costumes Sponsor are Arthur and Fran Greenberg. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., the SHS Foundation, The Maval Foundation, the Warten Foundation, OutClique and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Island City Stage kicked off its 2024-25 Season of powerful storytelling focusing on the nature of families with sold out performances of The Fantasticks. Upcoming shows include Fat Ham by James Ijames from April 3rd, 2025 – May 4th, 2025; The Dying Gaul by Craig Lucas from May 22nd, 2025 – June 15th, 2025 and At The Wedding by Bryna Turner from August 21st, 2025 – September 21st, 2025. Individual show tickets start at $43. A Mimosa Sunday Brunch sponsored by Judith Paskoski will take place on January 26th, 2025 with tickets at $60. A special Women’s Night sponsored by Leslie Fine will take place on January 31st, 2025. The show runs for two hours and 40 minutes with two intermissions. Island City Stage will also be offering two Flexpass options this season. The Flexpass5 ($215) offers five tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased ($52 upfront savings). The Flexpass3 ($130) offers three tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased ($33 upfront savings). Discounts are available for groups. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org , call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL - And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage1. About Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional theater committed to sharing stories of universal interest, engaging diverse audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs, often exploring the LGBTQ+ culture. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation in each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . < Previous News Next News >

Haydee Lopez Arencibia: February 24, 1933 – July 11, 2024 Fri Jul 19 2024 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Teens & Tweens Writing Club, Creative Kids, LEGO At The Library And Much More May 15, 2024 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Preschoolers, a book discussion group, Chess/Checkers Club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512. Creative Kids Thursday, May 16th, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a dynamic art program designed to help kids explore their inner creativity, from painting to collage. Presented by local art magnet student instructors. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 6 - 11 Years of age. Homework Help And Tutoring Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide Homework Help and Tutoring in Reading, Math, and Science. Students are encouraged to bring homework material or school assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. For more information, contact: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor - Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Furry Tales Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Read your favorite stories alongside a friendly dog! Reading aloud to a Registered Therapy Dog may help improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 0 - 12 Years of age. Local Author Series With Sita Singh - "Mango Memories" Saturday, May 18th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Experience a mango-licious storytime with Local Author Sita Singh as she reads her book, "Mango Memories," a celebration of family, tradition and mangoes! Narrated by a determined young Indian child, the story honors generational traditions and introduces readers to South Asian culture. Enjoy a craft activity after the reading. Registration is required. For information, contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 4-8 Years of age. Introduction To Computers Saturday, May 18, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn computer basics, including how to use a mouse, get on the internet, set up and use an email account and more! Use one of our laptops or feel free to bring your own device. Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Online Event: Teen Advisory Board Saturday, May 18th, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Earn community service hours while helping us make the library an even better place for you and your friends! Participate in planning and implementing events and providing feedback about books, movies, video games and more. Registration is required. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 13 - 18 Years of age. Talking Is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers Monday, May 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 18 Months - 3 Years of age. Online Class: Reading Circle Monday, May 20th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Practice your English-Language reading skills while improving your listening comprehension. Participants will take turns reading parts of a selected story aloud and then discuss it with other learners. Registration is required. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Chess Club Monday, May 20th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sharpen your Chess skills by playing with others! Fun for beginners and more advanced players alike. Meets in the auditorium. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 8 Years of age and up. Online Event: Falun Gong Meditation & Exercises Wednesday, May 22nd, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Falun Gong is an ancient, high level Chinese practice that uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety With Meditation Wednesday, May 22nd, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join experienced meditation instructor Steve Pollack to learn simple meditation techniques and apply them during a brief guided session. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Teens & Tweens Writing Club Wednesday, May 22nd, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Do you enjoy writing stories, essays or poems? Join our vibrant and supportive community for aspiring writers. Share insights, learn valuable tips and engage in open discussions. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 8 - 18 Years of age. LEGO® At The Library Thursday, May 23rd, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Auditorium Bring your creativity and have fun building with LEGO® blocks! Adult supervision recommended for younger children. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or at: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 5 - 12 Years of age. Essential Customer Service Skills For Jobs Thursday, May 23rd, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. In this workshop you will learn key customer service skills and how to develop them at your job. You will also learn how to improve your skills so that you will have more confidence. Registration is required. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Some of the above events are On-line. To register, go To: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch At: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

Where Fun And Safety Collide: Aventura Parents Night Out 2023-24 Series Thu Sep 28 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)