Check Out This October Lineup: Highlighted By Song, Music And Dance Thu Aug 15 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

March Roars And Soars With Broadway Hits, Musical Legends, Comedy And Family Fun Thu Feb 13 2025 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Moving On Without Letting Go: Widower’s new book shares keys to surviving the journey through grief Fri Jan 26 2024 17:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Changing The Lives of Students: A Pathway Through Education To Economic Success June 6, 2024 Share In July 2022, Cristo Rey Miami High School opened in North Miami and will serve over 400 students by 2025 across 9th-12th grades. Cristo Rey Miami is the 39th member of a nationwide network of private, Catholic schools utilizing an innovative educational model that combines rigorous academics with professional work experience. It is the only college-and-career preparatory high school in Miami exclusively providing hard-working students from families with limited resources a clear pathway through education to economic success. The Cristo Rey Network are the only high schools in the nation to offer four years of rigorous college-prep academics combined with professional work experience through its Corporate Work Study Program. The Miami High School location is the only college-and-career preparatory school in the South Florida community exclusively serving hard-working students from low-income families. The Corporate Work Study Program enables students to earn and pay for more than half of their tuition, gain valuable job experience, and prepare for future employment. How The Corporate Work Study Program Works: • Students work in a professional corporate environment five days each month to earn a majority of their tuition and gain valuable experience for life after college. • Students are transported to and from their work sites. • Students must attend a three-week Summer Success Institute, a job training/school prep program. During Cristo Rey Miami’s founding 2022-23 school year, Cristo Rey Miami students earned over $500,000 toward their education working at 18 partner companies. Cristo Rey Miami’s student population is a reflection of Miami’s diverse community and its immediate neighboring area - 48% Haitian, 30% Black and 22% Hispanic, with an average family household income of $37,000 (family of 4). For students tuition ranges from $100 - $750 annually based on each family's income, 30 - 40% of tuition is covered through one of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarships, 10% is covered by the contributed support of donors, and families contribute to the cost of education based on financial ability. “By providing high-quality, college-preparatory education, particularly for underserved communities, Cristo Rey Miami High School is changing lives,” said Griffin. “I am honored to support its innovative integration of academics with work experience to empower students with the skills they need to be successful.” Growing To Meet The Needs of The Community Cristo Rey Miami High School is South Florida’s only college-and-career preparatory high school exclusively serving students from families with limited economic resources. With the generous support of South Florida's philanthropic leaders, the school is celebrating a major milestone in its “Built for the Future” capital campaign, reaching 90% of its $16 million goal. “As we celebrate meeting this significant goal in our capital campaign, we extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, partners, and the entire South Florida community,” said Amelie Ferro, President and CEO, Cristo Rey Miami High School. Continuing its trajectory of growth and excellence, Cristo Rey Miami High School is proud to announce a transformative gift of $2.1 million from Griffin Catalyst, the civic engagement initiative of Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin. This generous donation supports the construction of a 38,000 square-foot academic building necessary to accommodate a full student body of approximately 425 students and lays the groundwork for future strategic endeavors. Griffin Catalyst’s donation serves as a testament to the success of Cristo Rey’s education model. With students attending college at higher rates than any other socio-demographic group and graduating from college at two times the rate of their peer group, Cristo Rey schools equip students from low-income backgrounds to excel in college and beyond. The success of Cristo Rey Miami capital campaign would not be possible without the generous support of South Florida's donor community. Key supporters such as the Miguel B. Fernandez Family Foundation, the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, and the Smith and Shay families have played a pivotal role in realizing the school’s vision, demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering future generations through education. “Together, we are building a brighter future for our students, empowering them to realize their full potential and become leaders of tomorrow.” said Amelie Ferro. Cristo Rey Miami prepares students to enter and graduate from college by providing transformative learning opportunities both in the classroom and in corporate offices across Miami. A key element to the curriculum is the four-year, integrated Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). Beginning freshman year, every student takes a full load of college preparatory coursework while also working five days each month in a professional office setting. The CWSP enables students to earn and pay for more than half of their tuition, gain professional work experience, cultivate a strong network of relationships, and realize the relevance of higher education to career goals. The Cristo Rey model has proven highly successful, graduating 25,800 students nationwide. Cristo Rey students enroll in college at higher rates than high and low-income populations and earn a bachelor's degree at twice the rate of their peers. For more information on Cristo Rey Miami High School, please visit: www.cristoreymiami.org . < Previous News Next News >

Haydee Lopez Arencibia: February 24, 1933 – July 11, 2024 July 19, 2024 Share Haydee Lopez Arencibia, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Havana, Cuba, on February 24, 1933, to Lazaro Arencibia and Antonia Martinez, Haydee was a joyful and energetic child. She loved the performing arts and continued to enjoy music, dance and theater throughout her life. Haydee met the love of her life, Tomas Lopez, and they married on February 27, 1953. In 1969, Haydee and Tomas, along with their four children, left Cuba and emigrated to the United States. Their 71 year marriage was a testament to their devotion to each other, and to their growing family. After living in New Jersey for many years, Haydee and Tomas settled in Florida. Haydee enjoyed gardening and she prepared delicious Cuban dishes. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, who affectionately called her Mimi. She is survived by her doting husband, Tomas, four devoted children, daughter, Rosa (husband Jesus) Ruiz, son, Tomas (wife Stacey) Lopez, daughter, Susana (husband Darryl) Farquhar, son, Juan Lopez. Haydee leaves her nine adoring grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer (husband Martin) Mennicke, Jessica (husband Ryan) Chalmers, Jaclyn (husband Andrew) Witmer, Julia (husband Adam) Finkelstein, Isabel (husband Mac) Ahsler, Joshua Lopez, Stephanie (husband Hunter) Mills, Benjamin Farquhar, Sabrina Lopez. Haydee will be missed by her eight great grandchildren, Riley, Mason, Hadley, Anderson, Layla, Parker, Stella, Rowan. Additionally, she is survived by her two sisters, Mercedes Arencibia and Teresa Arencibia. A private memorial family service will be held to honor Haydee. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her. < Previous News Next News >

Covid 2022: A New Year, New Fears Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD January 13, 2022 Share By now, Dr. Fauci’s Covid “fearspeak” has become background noise. Yes, the new “Omicron” variant is making its way around the world. Fortunately, reports from South Africa as well as other studies indicate that Omicron’s illness is milder than Delta. Even Fauci-friendly public health physicians have cautioned that there is “absolutely no reason to panic.” In 2022, we should panic because opioid overdoses took the lives of 100,000 fellow Americans from April 2020 to April 2021 — an increase of 28 percent from the same period the year before. The statistic is appalling but not surprising given the Covid lockdowns coupled with millions of doses of fentanyl and other illicit drugs flooding across a porous border. We should panic because one in ten Americans has diabetes and one in three Americans has prediabetes. Moreover, 89 percent of the diabetics are overweight (Body Mass Index over 25). Just over 73 percent of the U.S. population are overweight and 42.5 percent are obese (BMI over 30). Worse yet, obesity among adults, age 18 to 25 years increased from 6.2 percent to 32.7 percent over the last 40 years. Instead of Dr. Fauci telling us we have to relinquish our individual choices when it comes to the increasingly ineffective current Covid vaccines, he should emphasize the effect of obesity on Covid outcomes. According to the CDC, about 78 percent of people who have been hospitalized needed a ventilator or died from Covid-19 have been overweight or obese. We should fear the loss scientific medical practice, when to avoid being stressed out, patients are demanding informed consent to be weighed in the doctor’s office. Yet curiously, informed consent is not required for experimental mRNA vaccines. We should fear the blatant abuse of power by our public servants in the name of public health. We should be afraid when our top health bureaucrat, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary declared “it is absolutely the government’s business” to know people’s vaccination status.” We should panic when elected representatives jump on the medical privacy-be-damned bandwagon. The House of Representatives handily approved the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 which would establish yet another government database. This one is an “immunization information system,” that can share every vaccine dose with not only with other governmental but private entities. We should be afraid when the FDA sends threatening letters to pharmacists, trying to limit the use of a safe drug shown to be 60 percent effective in improving outcomes of Covid. Why? It has side effects such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), sudden drop in blood pressure, severe skin rash potentially requiring hospitalization and liver injury. We’ve seen no such letters regarding molnupiravir, the new kid on the block for Covid treatment that can cause diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, itching, skin rash, nausea, redness of skin, vomiting, bone and cartilage damage in children, birth defects, cancer and is only 30 percent effective. We should panic knowing that pharmaceutical companies spent $266,846,347 lobbying Congress, and the American Medical Association’s top corporate donors are pharmaceutical companies. We should panic about the federal government establishing guidelines (future regulations?) for news and social media on suppression of health “misinformation.” We should worry that Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook engages in Soviet-style silencing certain political viewpoints. We should fear social engineering and panic about the media becoming the new form of re-education camps. It’s hard to miss the oohing and aahing over the first transgender person to make it to the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. Did they fawn over the first male, the first black person, the first white person, the first Asian person? No. BTW, the first Tournament winner was a woman, and a black man won years before women and blacks knew they were inferior, weak-minded oppressed persons. Someone, please come forward and enlighten us as to why a transgender person answering questions on a game show is headline news. Viewed in the most favorable light, perhaps the media were providing welcomed distraction from Dr. Fauci and his smug and smarmy self. We should fear misguided attempts to stop racism with racism. In the name of social justice, colleges, businesses, medical schools, and K-12 schools have fallen into the trap of promoting Marxist race warfare where students and employees can learn that minorities are permanent victims of the irredeemably racist white people. We should fear becoming accustomed to a new socially acceptable apartheid: segregation by race, vaccination status, and mask-wearing. Most of all, we should fear how readily our fellow Americans acquiesced to unreasonable, unscientific demands at the altar of Covid-19. When it comes to Covid in 2022, opt for prudence, not panic. Eat well, get enough vitamin D, exercise, wash your hands, engage with your friends, cough or sneeze in your elbow, and stay home if you are feeling unwell. If you do get sick, seek medical care immediately. Live your life. After all, there are 14 more letters after omicron in the Greek alphabet. Bio: Dr. Singleton is a board-certified anesthesiologist. She is past President of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). She graduated from Stanford and earned her MD at UCSF Medical School. Dr. Singleton completed 2 years of Surgery residency at UCSF, then her Anesthesia residency at Harvard's Beth Israel Hospital. While still working in the operating room, she attended UC Berkeley Law School, focusing on constitutional law and administrative law. She interned at the National Health Law Project and practiced insurance and health law. She teaches classes in the recognition of elder abuse and constitutional law for non-lawyers. She lives in Oakland, Ca. Website: https://marilynsingletonmdjd.com Twitter: @MSingletonMDJD.54January < Previous News Next News >

Romance & Finance: Openly Discuss Financial History In Your Relationship February 3, 2022 Share Marriage is the joining of two lives. That often means joining living arrangements, household items and families. But in addition to the more romantic aspects, marriage also means a joining of financial management. That means couples now have the power to work together toward financial goals to build a greater chance of long-term financial success. Certainly finance is not a romantic topic, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching but it is a must have talk between a couple who plans a future together. Before couples take a walk down the aisle, here are five essential financial tips to consider. Openly Discuss Financial History Unfortunately, financial secrets have a way of bubbling up. That's why being transparent about finances is one of the best things couples can do to ensure future financial success. Laying all the cards on the table before marriage gives a chance for partners to come up with a game plan for any debt or lingering financial issues from prior years. Plan to Update Financial and Legal Documents While someone may not submit the paperwork until they officially say "I do," it's smart to plan for updates to financial and legal documents, including wills, trusts and beneficiaries on life insurance policies. Failure to complete these updates could mean money falls into the hands of old beneficiaries and won't be there to support a new spouse if there's a sudden passing and with many types of insurance, the beneficiary designation will override even a will. Understand Tax Differences Marriage can add another layer of complexity to annual taxes, especially if one or both spouses are bringing a more complicated financial component, like a rental property, business or children. And there are certainly pros and cons to filing taxes as a couple that are worth considering before the first year's taxes are due. Since taxes can be a complicated beast, it's smart to decide if a couple will file independently or work with a tax professional once they get married. Knowing this in advance can help ensure timely filing. Decide How to Manage Future Finances There are several ways for couples to manage their finances in marriage. Some couples choose to combine everything, others keep some accounts separate and others still choose to keep financial management exactly as it was before the nuptials. Whatever a couple decides, both spouses must be on the same page. Failure to agree on an approach to future money management could lead to an unnecessary disagreement down the road. Talk About the Family Investment Strategy It's no secret that different people have different tolerances for risk regarding their investments. For example, in a couple, one partner may keep their retirement accounts invested in 100% stocks, while the other opts for a more conservative portfolio that includes bonds. Knowing about any risk tolerance discrepancies in advance allows the couple to discuss how future investments will be handled. Then, if coming to an agreement seems impossible, it could be the perfect time to pull in a financial professional to help create an investment plan that makes everyone happy. The Bottom Line Financial management will look different for every couple. But a few key tips, like being transparent, updating financial accounts and talking about future finances can help every couple get on the right track. And a couple that's aligned on finances going into marriage can often look forward to a future of financial ease. Is there any wedding present better than that? < Previous News Next News >

“The Season Of Giving,” Is Here - Spread Holiday Cheer By Helping South Florida’s Less Fortunate By John Bernardo Dec 10, 2025 Christmas Season, “The Season Of Giving,” Is Here. But Sadly, Many American Families Can’t Afford The Prices Of Holiday Toys And Food At Home. Yet somehow, someway, this year, local churches and other organizations are spreading holiday cheer by helping South Florida’s less fortunate families. Below is a list of religious groups and institutions (mostly non-profit ones) offering help. This holiday season, Christmas of Hope Inc., which operates the Hope Food Pantry at 161 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441 plans to bring hope to families encountering hardships throughout the year, especially during Christmas. More information, visit: www.christmasofhope.net . And for the 2025 Christmas season, through its “Special Touch” program, Gateway Community Outreach (an organization whose main office is in Deerfield Beach) is providing unprosperous families at its Fort Lauderdale site on 222 Southeast 10th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 with food, toys, and wrapping paper. More info on Gateway Community and its other programs, call: (954) 725-8434. Simultaneously, this December, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 in partnership with Every Mother’s Advocate (a Pompano Beach association), is running its Christmas Toy Drive to help needy children and families. For more information, contact Duane Mellor at: dmellor@crpc.org . In Hollywood, Hollywood Community Church at 1708 North State Road 7 Hollywood, Florida 33021, which regularly operates an Open Heart Food Pantry, is distributing free Christmas food boxes to hungry families throughout December. For more information, call: (954) 322-4302. Moreover, this December, The Pantry of Broward, 2800 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 is transforming its warehouse into a “toy store” where the registered grandparents can hop for new, unwrapped gifts for their grandchildren (ages 2-17). For more information, call: (954) 358-1481. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, 1005 Joe DiMaggio Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021 will also help indigent kids while throwing its Annual Holiday Toy Drive on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 Friday, December 19th, 2025, Saturday, December 20th, 2025, Monday, December 22nd, 2025, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 and Friday, December 26th, 2025. Last holiday season, the hospital received almost 1,500 toys collected from a Miami Dolphins fan toy drive. For more information, this year’s Holiday Toy Drive, email: JDCHDonations@mhs.net. On Saturday, December 20th, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the City of Lauderhill and Joy’s Roti Delight Restaurant (1205 NW 40th Avenue in Lauderhill) will have their 2025 Holiday Toy Giveaway (It is open to Lauderhill residents only, ages 2-12). For more information, call: (954) 730-2983. Also, on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 Saint Ruth Missionary Baptist Church, 145 Northwest 5th Avenue, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 is having its Holiday Toy Giveaway at CW Thomas Park, located at 100 Northwest Eight Avenue, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. The event aims at bringing smiles to needy children. For more information, call: (965) 922-2529. Meanwhile, on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunset Presbyterian Church, 3550 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 in partnership with many non-profit organizations, will host a Holiday Wish Toy Distribution Event. For more information, call: (954) 581-5470. This year also marks the 43rd year that Rick Case Automotive Group (headquartered in Sunrise) is holding their Bikes For Kids Donation Drive at its various dealerships in Broward County. Presently, Rick Case is accepting gently-used bicycles to give to local children until Saturday, December 20th, 2025. For more information, visit: www.RickCase.com . In Pompano Beach, the City of Pompano Beach plans to orchestrate its Pop the Trunk Christmas Toy Giveaway 2025 on Sunday, December 21st, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the McNair Center on 951 Northwest 27th Avenue, Pompano Beach, Florida 33069. The purpose of this occasion is that you drive through, pop your trunk, and receive a free toy for your child. All ages are welcome. For more information, call: (954) 786-4600. Regarding the Salvation Army of Broward County, this December it once again launched its Angel Tree program, which helps children get Christmas gifts. You can find the Army’s Angel Trees at Broward County’s participating malls like Coral Square Mall, Broward Mall, and Pembroke Lakes Mall and at several Walmart locations. For more information, call: (954) 488-1369. Additionally, during this Christmas season, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Broward County, 3511 West Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 is helping deprived families through its “Share the Season” campaign. The campaign provides holiday meals and gifts for children enrolled in their mentoring programs. For more information, call: (954) 584-9990. Furthermore, this December, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale is providing Christmas gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The church, at 401 Southeast 15th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, also operates a “Christmas Store” that empowers struggling families. In Miami-Dade County, MRM Compassionate Ministries, 20373 NW 36th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 is hosting its “Christmas Block Party” on Saturday, December 20th, 2025. MRM is bringing cheer to families during the holiday season by providing toys to underprivileged children in Miami-Dade and Broward communities. For more information, call: (305) 623-1174. On Sunday, December 21st, 2025 Liberty City Optimist Club, whose primary address is at 4900 Northwest 12th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127 will arrange a major “Christmas in the City: A Night of Hope for the Children” fundraiser to support its year-round programs for over 700 children with education, sports, and mentorship. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support impoverished families throughout the year and during the holidays. For more information, call: (786) 220-0645. In the meantime, this December, Touching Miami with Love (main office is in the Overtown neighborhood at 711 Northwest 6th Avenue, Homestead, Florida 33136 which will provide gifts to needy children for the 2025 Christmas season through its Christmas Store program. Since 1995, Touching Miami with Love has been serving the children, youth, and families of our communities. For more information, email: info@touchingmiamiwithlove.org . In addition, Caring for Miami (based in Palmetto Bay in Miami-Dade County) and associated with Christ Fellowship Church, whose main church is at 500 Northeast 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132 will provide assistance to poverty-stricken families for the 2025 Christmas season, including free Christmas presents, clothes, and meals. The organization typically partners with churches and social service agencies for distribution. For more information, call: (786) 430-1051. And throughout December, The Caring Place, an organization headquartered in Miami, is hosting holiday events across Miami-Dade and Broward counties to provide festive dinners to residents, homeless guests, and families in need. “Christmas Dinners” and a “Christmas Drive Thru Giveaway” are scheduled for Saturday, December 20th, 2025. For more information, email: contact@caringplace.org . Yet besides The Caring Place, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, an agency based in Doral, is actively involved in helping destitute families across Miami-Dade and Broward counties during the Christmas season and throughout the year. Neighbors 4 Neighbors is now operating its “Adopt A Family 4 the Holidays” program for the 2025 Season, which helps provide gifts and food to less fortunate families across South Florida. For more information, call: (305) 597-4404. Speaking of helping the less fortunate, during this year’s Christmas season, Toys for Tots (headquartered in Virginia) is helping South Florida’s deprived families by collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys to children through partnerships with local charities, schools, and social welfare agencies. First created in Los Angeles back in 1947, nationally, Toys for Tots has distributed many millions of toys to hundreds of millions of underprivileged children. More info on its South Florida operation, contact Ms. LaToya Jacobs at: busstopminmia@gmail.com . Finally, Christmas Tree Santas, an outfit that works with social service agencies, is giving away Christmas trees, stands, and decorations to disadvantaged families in the Miami area for this holiday season. Founded in 2011, Christmas Tree Santas has already given away over 21,000 trees to needy families. For more information, visit: www.christmastreesantas.org . The Salvation Army of Broward County Angel Tree and handmade sleigh at the Sawgrass Mall. Previous Next

The Unseen Enemy: Understanding & Managing Tritrichomonas In Cats Wed Jan 15 2025 18:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Laser Lights & Pixie Dust: July Shimmers At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts June 13, 2024 Share Fireworks won’t be the only spectacle lighting up the night when talented young performers go on a high-flying journey to bring the beloved Peter Pan fairy tale to life, and Swifties live out their dreams with an unforgettable laser light dance party this July at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Peter Pan includes a performance designed to welcome children and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals with other Sensitivity Issues or Developmental Disabilities. Pirates, Indians, fairies and flying will capture the imagination of audiences and bring young children, families, and summer camp audiences on an adventure through Neverland when the Broward Center and the Performance Project Present Peter Pan the Musical: A Summer Theater Camp Production on July 3rd through July 13th in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Directed by Performance Project Founder and Professional Actress Nina Felice and performed by the talented Young Professionals group of 13-to-18-year-old advanced students, Peter Pan is one of the most celebrated musicals and beloved fairy tales. In J.M. Barrie's classic story, siblings Wendy, Michael, and John are swept away to an enchanted land where no one wants to grow up, including the hero of the show, Peter Pan. Join the boy who never grew up and the three Darling children as they travel through Neverland with Tinkerbell and the lost boys, dodging Captain Hook and his band of pirates along the way. Performance times vary. A Special Sensory-Inclusive Performance of Peter Pan the Musical: A Summer Theater Camp Production will take place on Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 a.m. At the Sensory-Inclusive Performance, guests will enjoy pre-show activities with Young At Art and a post-show meet and greet with the cast. This performance creates a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals with other Sensitivity Issues or Developmental Disabilities. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room with a specially trained therapist to provide audience support. The Broward Center's Sensory-Inclusive Programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, Florida Support Autism Programs License Plate, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support. Calling all Swifties for an unforgettable night of singing, dancing and laser lights when the Tay Tay Dance Party Featuring DJ Swiftie comes to the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 20th at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The most epic, all-ages Taylor Swift Laser Party immerses the ultimate Swift fans in two hours of nonstop hits by the iconic pop star along with synchronized lasers and lights. The world’s number one Taylor Swift-inspired tribute DJ will have everyone singing and dancing to their favorite Taylor Swift songs for a memorable night. DOBRES TOURING, LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with Taylor Swift or any of her respective business entities or their affiliates or subsidiaries, including but not limited to TAS Rights Management, LLC. The name Taylor Swift as well as related names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Furthermore, DOBRES TOURING, LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with other third party entities that provide similar services and events to DOBRES TOURING, LLC; the similarity of any services and events are purely coincidental and does not imply any association with such third party entities. Also at the Broward Center in July, megaFLO'production’s FLO'pocalypse (July 13th). Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center 2023/2024 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level and UHealth-University of Miami Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org . < Previous News Next News >

Medicare Part D Drug Plans: Understanding What They Cover & What They Don't October 19, 2023 Share Medicare Part D Drug Plans play a crucial role in ensuring that seniors and eligible beneficiaries have access to essential prescription medications. Medicare Part D Drug Plans play a crucial role in ensuring that seniors and eligible beneficiaries have access to essential prescription medications. These plans are designed to cover a wide range of prescription drugs, offering financial assistance to millions of Americans in need of pharmaceutical treatments. The intricate world of Medicare Part D Drug Plans can be confusing, so let's explore the essential aspects of what they cover, including formularies, tiers, and the role of generic drugs. Every Medicare Drug Plan operates with a formulary, which serves as the blueprint of covered drugs. A formulary is essentially a list of prescription drugs that a specific plan covers. It encompasses both brand-name and generic drugs, ensuring that beneficiaries can access medications suitable for their medical conditions. One vital aspect to understand is that while Medicare Drug Plans are required to cover at least two drugs per drug category, they maintain flexibility in choosing which specific drugs to include in their formulary. Consequently, there may be instances where your prescribed medication is not listed in your plan's formulary. However, don't despair; there are avenues to address this issue. Exceptions: Navigating Formulary Gaps If your prescribed medication is not included in your Medicare Drug Plan's formulary, you have the option to request an exception. An exception is a formal request made when you or your healthcare provider believe that none of the drugs listed on the formulary are suitable for your medical condition. The plan will then review the request and, if approved, provide coverage for the specific drug, even if it's not part of their standard formulary. Medicare Drug Plans are not static; they evolve to accommodate changing healthcare landscapes. Throughout the year, plans may make adjustments to their formularies to align with updated medical information, new drug therapies, or emerging medications. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a role in shaping these formulary changes. Plans may swiftly remove drugs from their formularies if the FDA deems them unsafe or if the drug manufacturer withdraws them from the market. Moreover, plans meeting specific requirements can promptly replace brand-name drugs with newly available generic alternatives. These changes may impact beneficiaries currently taking the affected drugs. Therefore, it's crucial for beneficiaries to stay informed about any modifications to their drug plan's formulary. To ensure transparency and prepare beneficiaries for any formulary changes, Medicare Drug Plans are required to provide advance notice. If a change in coverage is imminent, the plan must send written notification at least 30 days before the change becomes effective. Additionally, when a beneficiary requests a refill, they should receive written notice of the change, along with at least a month's supply under the same cost-sharing rules as before the change. To manage costs effectively, Medicare Drug Plans typically categorize drugs into different "tiers" on their formularies. Each tier represents a different level of costsharing. Generally, drugs in lower tiers require lower out-of-pocket expenses, while those in higher tiers come with higher costs. Here's a simplified breakdown of the common tier structure: Tier 1 (Lowest Copayment): This tier includes most generic prescription drugs, offering the most affordable option for beneficiaries. Tier 2 (Medium Copayment): Preferred brand-name prescription drugs typically fall into this category, offering a balance between cost and brand recognition. Tier 3 (Higher Copayment): Non-preferred brand-name prescription drugs are placed in this tier, often with higher copayments. Specialty Tier (Highest Copayment): Drugs in this tier are typically high-cost prescription medications, often reserved for specialized medical conditions. Beneficiaries should note that while lower-tier drugs are generally more affordable, there are instances where a higher-tier drug may be necessary for a specific medical condition. In such cases, an exception can be requested to reduce the cost-sharing for the higher-tier medication. The Role Of Generic Drugs One key strategy employed by Medicare Drug Plans to lower costs is the promotion of generic drugs. Generic drugs are essentially copies of brand-name drugs, designed to be identical in terms of dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. These drugs contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts and must undergo rigorous FDA testing to demonstrate their equivalency. While there may not always be a generic version of the exact brand-name drug you are prescribed, there is often an alternative generic drug available that can provide the same therapeutic benefits. Discussing your generic drug options with your healthcare provider can lead to substantial cost savings without compromising the quality of your treatment. Medicare Part D Drug Plans are an essential component of the healthcare safety net for seniors and eligible beneficiaries. They provide coverage for a broad spectrum of prescription medications, offering financial relief to those in need. Understanding the intricacies of formularies, tiers, and the role of generic drugs is essential for beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their healthcare. With this knowledge, beneficiaries can navigate the complexities of Medicare drug coverage, ensuring access to the medications they require while managing their healthcare costs effectively. < Previous News Next News >

Downtown Hollywood Watch Party Brings Soccer, Music And Community Plus The Art Walk Returns South Florida Sun Times Jun 18, 2026 Downtown Hollywood Will Transform Into A Lively Fan Zone On Saturday, June 27th, 2026 As Residents And Visitors Gather For A Free Outdoor Watch Party Celebrating World-Class Soccer, Live Entertainment And Local Businesses. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Hollywood Boulevard between 19th Avenue and 21st Avenue will be closed to traffic and converted into a pedestrian-friendly event space featuring giant video screens broadcasting two highly anticipated international matches. Fans can watch England take on Panama at 5:00 p.m., followed by Colombia versus Portugal at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the matches, attendees can enjoy food trucks, retail vendors, specials from participating Downtown businesses and live entertainment throughout the evening. Following the final match, the celebration continues with performances by Los Wizzards and AleMor. The event is free and open to the public. For safety and security, the event area will be fenced with designated entry points and security screenings at 19th Avenue and 21st Avenue. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Gates will close once capacity is reached. To help accommodate visitors, the City will offer $15 flat-rate parking at City-operated garages and the Taylor Street parking lot. Free parking will also be available at City Hall, with complimentary shuttle service connecting attendees to Downtown. Hollywood Boulevard will be closed from U.S. 1 to 21st Avenue beginning at 7:0 a.m. on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 and will reopen at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28th, 2026. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for parking and event entry. Personal coolers, outside alcohol, pop-up tents, umbrellas, fireworks and weapons will not be permitted within the event area. Whether cheering for a favorite team, enjoying live music or exploring Downtown Hollywood's restaurants and shops, the Saturday, June 27th, 2026 watch party promises an evening of excitement, community spirit and family-friendly fun. Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Returns Downtown Hollywood will come alive with art, music and interactive entertainment on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, as residents and visitors are invited to explore the city’s vibrant cultural district during the monthly Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free community event will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to visit local galleries, shops and public art installations while enjoying a diverse lineup of activities throughout the evening. ArtWalk has become a popular gathering for art enthusiasts, families and visitors seeking to experience the creative energy of Downtown Hollywood. Festivities begin before the official ArtWalk kickoff with a special curator-led gallery experience at 5:00 p.m. Hosted by the Hollywood Art and Culture Center, located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 the free tour will start with a welcome and bubbly toast before guiding participants through current exhibitions. Organizers say the interactive tour is designed to encourage viewers to engage with the artwork through discussion and interpretation. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., guests can browse an Artisan Market featuring handcrafted goods from local makers while enjoying live music performances throughout the downtown area. At the same time, a guided Mural Tour will highlight some of the district’s most notable public art pieces, offering insight into the artists and stories behind the colorful works that have become landmarks in the community. Also starting at 6:00 p.m., chalk artists will transform sidewalks into temporary works of art, adding another interactive element to the evening’s festivities. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the district, explore galleries and experience the variety of creative expressions on display. A second gallery tour is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., providing another opportunity for attendees to learn more about the artwork and exhibitions featured during the event. The evening will conclude with a magic show at 9 p.m., offering family-friendly entertainment and a lively finale to the celebration. Organizers say the monthly ArtWalk continues to showcase Downtown Hollywood’s thriving arts scene while bringing together residents, artists and visitors for an evening of culture, creativity and community engagement. Previous Next