Hollywood Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 12, 2023 Share Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, Friday, January 13th, 2023 at MLK Day FUN DAY with free, family-friendly events in the City of Hollywood. The Annual MLK Fun Day takes place on Friday, January 13th, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2400 Charleston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. There will be free games and activities, bounce houses, refreshments and more. Tribute Concert at the ArtsPark Grammy Nominated Artists Magic Mojo Ike and Lady Val will be performing on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the ArtsPark Amphitheater at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood. The Miami based Blues Duo has performed throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean electrifying their audiences with high energy yet soulful Blues performances. The concert is free. Ike and Val Woods are set for a major career breakthrough with the release of their new Album “PHOENIX.” The Miami based Blues Duo completed the new LP after returning from an eighteen city European Tour where they electrified their audiences with their high energy yet soulful Blues performances. Band Leader and Lead Vocalist/Guitarist Ike Woods has enjoyed a long and productive career first as a sought after sideman and later as the front man for his own band The Ike And Val Woods Blues Band. Ike was the third of seven sons born to Pentecostal Minister Willie Woods and wife Emma Woods. He began his musical journey at the tender age of six years old when he took his first guitar lesson from his dad. He was quickly recognized as a child prodigy who went on to excel as a musician during his school years. At the age of seventeen, Ike auditioned for Jazz greats Nat Adderly and Curtis Fuller at a high school music workshop. They immediately offered this exciting and accomplished young guitarist the opportunity to travel to New York and play with them professionally. Ike, however, chose to remain in Florida to finish his education, marry and pursue his career. He went on to play professionally as a young man with Florida Bands led by Dick Knight, Richard Strahan, Forest (Tex) Beverly, Joey Gilmore, Joe Orr, Betty Wright and Jimmy BoHorne. During this period in his career Ike was also a highly sought after studio musician due to his versatility and high skill level. At the age of thirty five Ike Woods met Singer/Songwriter Valerie Hall who performed in her own band “The Valerie Hall Band” during a rehearsal of a local church choir. Val encouraged Ike to start his own band. Ike took her advice and asked her to join him as the Co-Lead Vocalist. This was a match made in heaven as the two formed The Ike And Val Woods Blues Band and later married. This dynamic duo has performed throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. In 2007, the Ike and Val Woods Blues Band competed and won first place at the Monterey Blues Festival’s “Battle Of The Bands.” They have shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Gill Scott, Ramsey Lewis, KEM, Jerry Butler, Jeffrey Osborne, Bobby Blue Bland, The Whispers, Tommy Castro, Eddie Cotton Jr., Jonathan Butler, David Sanborne, Earl Klugh, Betty Wright, Nestor Torres, The Ruppingtons, Pancho Sanchez and The O’Jays. The new LP “Movin’ Up” highlights IkeWoods virtuoso guitar performances along with Ike and Val’s soulful Blues vocals providing the listener with a musical experience second to none. The LP was produced and engineered by Grammy Award Winning Producer Gabriel Cifuentes. The first single release from the LP entitled “The Party’s Jumpin’” has held the number three spot on the Reverbnation Local Blues Chart for eight weeks. Their music is on sale now at: www.CDBaby.com Rhapsody, at: www.Amazon.com iTunes, at: www.IkeandVal.com and at: www.reverbnation.com/musicindustryprofessionals Venue Please remember, these venues are plastic and foam-free. Single-use plastics are prohibited, including plastic water bottles. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information on MLK Celebrations, please call the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3404. Or visit: www.hollywoodfl.org < Previous News Next News >

Go Green Recognition: City Of Aventura Invites Aventura Property Owners To Apply Fri Feb 03 2023 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Budgeting Process: A Message from the Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach By Mayor Larisa Svechin, www.sibfl.net July 19, 2024 Share As we approach the new budget cycle for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, I want to take a moment to discuss our budgeting process and emphasize the importance of transparency and resident involvement. Our fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30, but planning for the budget begins many months in advance. The process kicks off in May with a City Commission Vision Workshop, where the Commission shares their ideas and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The vision of the Commission is driven by you – our residents. All members of the Commission prepare their top priorities for the budget based on what we learn from speaking with and listening to the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach. Over the next few weeks, each department works diligently to plan their expenses to align with the vision of our Commission and residents. The goal is always to keep costs low without sacrificing the high level of service and quality the City is known for. Your participation is a vital part of the budget process. This year, we introduced an event interest form to encourage collaboration and gather proposals from residents. This initiative allows you to propose events for consideration during budget development. Remember, events happening now are planned many months in advance. To see your ideas come to life, they must be proposed and budgeted for during the budget season, not at the last minute. Transparency is a core value of our budgeting process and is crucial for maintaining public trust and government credibility. That’s why I encourage you to join us during our budget workshops and meetings. The tentative dates for public hearings are: • September 3 – First Public Hearing • September 12 – Second (Final) Public Hearing where the Budget is adopted, and tax millage rate is set. Please note that these meetings are tentative pending the county and school board budget hearing dates. Any changes will be updated on our meeting calendar at: sibfl.net/events. I also urge you to sign up for email notifications, download our mobile app My Sunny Isles Beach, and follow us on social media to stay informed. Lastly, I want to acknowledge our Finance Department. They have been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 15th consecutive year and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 13th straight year. These recognitions reflect the high standards of transparency and efficiency in our budgeting process. Contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: lsvechin@sibfl.net . Or: (305) 792-1753. < Previous News Next News >

Project Total Control: Everything Is a Weapon When Totalitarianism Is Normalized By John & Nisha Whitehead July 25, 2024 Share The U.S. government is working to re-shape the country in the image of a totalitarian state. This has remained true over the past 50-plus years no matter which political party held office. This will remain true no matter who wins the 2024 presidential election. In the midst of the partisan furor over Project 2025, a 920-page roadmap for how to re-fashion the government to favor so-called conservative causes, both the Right and the Left have proven themselves woefully naive about the dangers posed by the power-hungry Deep State. Yet we must never lose sight of the fact that both the Right and the Left and their various operatives are extensions of the Deep State, which continues to wage psychological warfare on the American people. For years now, the government has been bombarding the citizenry with propaganda campaigns and psychological operations aimed at keeping us compliant, easily controlled and supportive of the government’s various efforts abroad and domestically. For example, in 2022, the U.S. Army’s 4th Psychological Operations Group, the branch of the military responsible for psychological warfare, released a recruiting video that touts its efforts to pull the strings, turn everything they touch into a weapon, be everywhere, deceive, persuade, change, influence, and inspire. “Have you ever wondered who’s pulling the strings?” the psyops video posits. “Anything we touch is a weapon. We can deceive, persuade, change, influence, inspire. We come in many forms. We are everywhere.” This is the danger that lurks in plain sight. Of the many weapons in the government’s vast arsenal, psychological warfare may be the most devastating in terms of the long-term consequences. Aided and abetted by technological advances and scientific experimentation, the government has been subjecting the American people to “apple-pie propaganda” for the better part of the last century. Consider some of the ways in which the government continues to wage psychological warfare on a largely unsuspecting citizenry in order to acclimate us to the Deep State’s totalitarian agenda. Weaponizing violence in order to institute martial law. With alarming regularity, the nation continues to be subjected to spates of violence that terrorizes the public, destabilizes the country’s ecosystem, and gives the government greater justifications to crack down, lock down, and institute even more authoritarian policies for the so-called sake of national security without many objections from the citizenry. Weaponizing surveillance, pre-crime and pre-thought campaigns. Surveillance, digital stalking and the data mining of the American people add up to a society in which there’s little room for indiscretions, imperfections, or acts of independence. When the government sees all and knows all and has an abundance of laws to render even the most seemingly upstanding citizen a criminal and lawbreaker, then the old adage that you’ve got nothing to worry about if you’ve got nothing to hide no longer applies. Weaponizing digital currencies, social media scores and censorship. Tech giants, working with the government, have been meting out their own version of social justice by way of digital tyranny and corporate censorship, muzzling whomever they want, whenever they want, on whatever pretext they want in the absence of any real due process, review or appeal. Digital currencies, combined with social media scores and surveillance capitalism, will create a litmus test to determine who is worthy enough to be part of society. Weaponizing compliance. Even the most well-intentioned government law or program can be—and has been—perverted, corrupted and used to advance illegitimate purposes once profit and power are added to the equation. The war on terror, the war on drugs, the war on COVID-19, the war on illegal immigration, asset forfeiture schemes, road safety schemes, school safety schemes, eminent domain: all of these programs started out as legitimate responses to pressing concerns and have since become weapons of compliance and control in the police state’s hands. Weaponizing behavioral science and nudging. Apart from the overt dangers posed by a government that feels justified and empowered to spy on its people and use its ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and technology to monitor and control them, there’s also the covert dangers associated with a government empowered to use these same technologies to influence behaviors en masse and control the populace. Weaponizing desensitization campaigns aimed at lulling us into a false sense of security. The events of recent years—the invasive surveillance, the extremism reports, the civil unrest, the protests, the shootings, the bombings, the military exercises and active shooter drills, the lockdowns, the color-coded alerts and threat assessments, the fusion centers, the transformation of local police into extensions of the military, the distribution of military equipment and weapons to local police forces, the government databases containing the names of dissidents and potential troublemakers—have conspired to acclimate the populace to accept a police state willingly, even gratefully. Weaponizing politics. Fear is the method most often used by politicians to increase the power of government and control a populace, dividing the people into factions, and persuading them to see each other as the enemy. This Machiavellian scheme has so ensnared the nation that few Americans even realize they are being manipulated into adopting an “us” against “them” mindset. Weaponizing the dystopian future. With greater frequency, the government has been issuing warnings about the dire need to prepare for the dystopian future that awaits us. For instance, the Pentagon training video, “Megacities: Urban Future, the Emerging Complexity,” predicts that by 2030 (coincidentally, the same year that society begins to achieve singularity with the metaverse) the military would be called on to use armed forces to solve future domestic political and social problems. What they’re really talking about is martial law, packaged as a well-meaning and overriding concern for the nation’s security. The chilling five-minute training video paints an ominous picture of the future bedeviled by “criminal networks,” “substandard infrastructure,” “religious and ethnic tensions,” “impoverishment, slums,” “open landfills, over-burdened sewers,” a “growing mass of unemployed,” and an urban landscape in which the prosperous economic elite must be protected from the impoverishment of the have nots. “We the people” are the have-nots. The end goal of these mind control campaigns—packaged in the guise of the greater good—is to see how far the American people will allow the government to go in undermining our freedoms. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the facts speak for themselves. Whatever else it may be—a danger, a menace, a threat—the U.S. government is certainly not looking out for our best interests, nor is it in any way a friend to freedom. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org . < Previous News Next News >

No Class Needed! Four Easy Ways to Advance your Spanish Skills By BPT August 15, 2024 Share ¡Hola amigos! Do you want to learn or improve your Spanish skills but don't have time for a class? Not a problem. There are other ways that you can advance your language learning. All you need are the right resources and dedication. Check out these four skills to improve your Spanish with ease. 1. Harness the power of apps You already have a language-learning resource right in your pocket. Your phone! There are tons of language learning apps that offer engaging, interactive lessons that you can do anytime, anywhere. During your lunch break, while you're waiting in line at the coffee shop or before you head to bed, take a few minutes for a Spanish lesson or two. 2. Join social groups Joining a social group with like-minded Spanish language learners is a fun way to practice your skills and make new friends. You can search for a local Spanish conversation group through online community boards and social media platforms. If you can't find a group in your area, consider starting one! 3. Find a language exchange partner Language exchange is a mutually beneficial way to learn Spanish while helping someone else learn English! Whether online or in-person, you and your partner can practice your language skills, give feedback and provide each other with cultural insights. 4. Immerse yourself in Spanish media By watching or listening to Spanish media - like movies, TV shows, podcasts, music and audiobooks - you can enhance your language skills, expand your vocabulary and expose yourself to different cultures. Start by picking an English movie, show or audiobook that you're already familiar with and watching or listening to it in Spanish. Once you become comfortable, branch out to Spanish language media from various Spanish-speaking countries. Bonus: Plan a trip! Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or even advanced Spanish speaker, the best way to put your skills to the test is to travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Complete language immersion works your skills in a real-life setting. Think of it as a gift to yourself for advancing your language skills! Learning Spanish isn't a sprint. Take your time and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Consistency is key. Using these tips and your own dedication, you'll be on your way to mastering Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! < Previous News Next News >

Do I need Flood Insurance If I Live On The 5th Floor? By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate June 22, 2023 Share When I hear that question, I'm pretty sure we are talking about a condominium building. Most people think of Flood Insurance in relation to Single-Family Homes, though every type of property has some exposure to flooding. Today, we are discussing Flood Insurance for Florida condo buildings and Associations, which is in addition to any individual residence unit insurance an owner may purchase. Flood Insurance is separate from any other coverage, NOT included in an Association's Hazard & Liability Policies or Windstorm Coverage. Floods are a completely separate risk, and insurance protection for them requires a separate policy. Let's start with a few definitions common to all Flood Insurance: Flood - As defined by the NFIP - “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from: Overflow of inland or tidal waters, Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, Mudflow or Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.” NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM - Flood Insurance Rate Map which shows areas/zones of relative flood risk in a specific geographic area And one real estate term as defined by the Condominium Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 718): Condominium - “Condominium” means that form of ownership of real property created pursuant to this chapter, which is composed entirely of units that may be owned by one or more persons, and in which there is, appurtenant to each unit, an undivided share in common elements, (according to attorneys, "undivided" means an individual owner's portion of the common elements cannot be sold or transferred separately). Condominium Owners Associations (COAs) are obligated and responsible under their Governing Documents to maintain insurance against possible hazards to the common structure(s) and shared areas which can include the: Entrance and Lobby, Roof and exterior walls, Parking areas, Building structure, Electrical, HVAC, elevator, and other mechanical systems or Offices, fitness/meeting rooms, clubhouse and other shared onsite amenities. Flood Insurance is an important part of required coverage for many Condominium Associations in Florida. While there are some carriers now offering their own Flood Policies, the most common form of protection is the NFIP's Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP) which requires that at least 75% of a building's floor area is residential. The areas most exposed to flood risk in a Condominium Building are usually: Ground floor entries, meeting rooms, and offices, Elevator shafts that extend below ground level and Parking areas (both under the building and ground-level). RCBAP Coverage (often called a "master flood policy") applies to the Association-owned structure, its common elements/areas, and does NOT cover individually-owned units that may be at flood risk. Flood Coverage for individual residence units can be purchased by the unit owner under what is called NFIP's Dwelling Form. Since all individual unit owners also own part of the common elements/areas and are members of the COA, they all pay a part of the Association's Flood Insurance premium in their scheduled assessments (condo "dues"). Yes, even when you live on the 5th floor as our headline question asks. A couple of years ago, the NFIP modified their risk and premium rate analysis for Single-Family Houses, depending less on Flood Maps and more on individual property physical location, design, and exposure to evaluate risk, and therefore Flood Insurance premium costs. This new method for evaluating individual properties is called Risk Rating 2.0. However, RCBAP Policies still start with a building's Flood Zone as shown on the FIRM. Buildings in any A and V Flood Zones are located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Being in an SFHA means flood risk is one of the hazards for which the Association should carry insurance protection. (V stands for Velocity and refers to moving water from wave or current action. Most Florida beachfront condo buildings are in V Flood Zones.) Here are 3 basics about the RCBAP program: • RCBAP is Single-Peril Coverage, meaning it only pays for direct physical loss by (or from) Flood Damage as defined in the policy. • Is based on Replacement Cost Value, with deductibles calculated as a % of loss value, not maximum policy limits. • Does NOT cover the Association's Personal Property such as Lobby/office furniture, fitness room equipment, etc. These items can be covered by a separate contents policy with an additional premium. RCBAP Coverage does NOT include: • Any individually-owned residence units or their contents • Damage from moisture, mold, or mildew caused by inaction to prevent or control it • Vehicles such as owners' cars and golf carts • Swimming pools • Landscaping trees, plants, fences, decks, walkways • Financial losses from business interruption • Permit costs for demolition, renovation, or repair of the condominium property Florida's Condominium Act does not require COAs to have Flood Insurance, though it may be considered irresponsible and careless if the Board of Directors does not maintain Flood Insurance for a building located in a SFHA. Each COA's Governing Documents state the Association's obligation and requirements for insuring the property and common elements. This is important - when a Florida condo building is in a Flood Zone that starts with an A or V (SFHA), very few lenders will approve and fund Mortgage on an individual unit in that building unless the Association carries Flood Insurance on the common elements/areas (a "master policy"). Not many lenders will accept the risk of lending money for the purchase of an individual unit in a condo building that should carry Flood Insurance, though it doesn't. In this case, individual unit financing is only available from portfolio lenders (usually regional banks) who hold and service the loan as an in-house investment rather than selling it to institutional investors in the secondary Mortgage market. • Insufficient or no Building Flood Coverage can result in significant Special Assessments to owners in the event of Flood Damage. • Insufficient/Lapsed RCBAP Coverage can make it difficult or impossible for a buyer to get purchase financing on an individual unit in the building. It is also important to note that Condominium Associations with multiple separate buildings usually need a separate RCBAP Policy for each building, with its own separate premium cost. Each building by itself has exposure to Flood risk. Even within the same community and same Flood Zone, individual buildings can have very different flood risks. Florida has many different designs and styles of condominium buildings, which is why Flood Risk exposure is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There are no 2 buildings that have exactly the same Flood risk. Consider this - a 15-story condominium building may have 120 individual units with just 5 individual residence units on the ground floor. Another COA also with 120 units may have 15 separate buildings containing 8 units each. In this arrangement, there are 60 individual residence units on the ground floors. In the high-rise arrangement, there is likely significant ground-floor Association area to protect from flooding (lobby, offices, meeting rooms), while in the low-rise design there can be little or no ground-floor Association-owned area to protect because all buildings contain only individually-owned units without lobby space. This is why many COAs with low-rise buildings do not carry Flood Insurance. Remember - an Association's RCBAP Flood Policy does NOT cover any individually-owned residence units. For this reason, I suggest that ALL owners of ground floor condo units in A or V Flood Zones carry their own Dwelling Form Flood Insurance. Finally - Not all Water Damage is Flood Damage. Flood Insurance only covers rising groundwater and/or tidal surge causing damage to a building and its mechanical equipment. Damage caused by other factors (like wind) is covered by other types of insurance. Windstorm Insurance does not cover flooding, and Flood Insurance does not cover damage from high winds. Let's answer our headline question: Yes, owners of residence units on the higher floors of Florida condo buildings DO need Flood Insurance because they also own part of all the ground-floor areas that are exposed to flood risk. The COA's Flood Policy takes care of this, and all owners contribute to the premium cost. It is strongly advised that condo owners also have insurance protection for their individual residence units, at least a basic HO-6 Condo Policy. And there we are, a very brief introduction to the basics of Flood Insurance for Florida Condominium Buildings and Associations. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed Real Estate attorney. < Previous News Next News >

Not In Our City! By Joy Cooper Hallandale Beach Mayor January 5, 2022 Share Hallandale Beach Uses Technology To Fight Crime In my last article I started to address the changes being implemented in our Police Department. Ironically the ShotSpotter technology was triggered on December 28th, 2021 and December 29th, 2021. On December 28th, 2021 the ShotSpotter alarmed patrol to shots being fired on Northeast 1st Avenue and along Northeast 5th Street. Patrols arrived at the scene and found multiple bullet casings. Two minutes later a car crash was witnessed at Pembroke Road and 1st Avenue. Witnesses reported a gray Charger at high speed and hit another car. The car fled and Hollywood Police pursued the car into Miami-Dade County. The car was stopped and was riddled with bullets. There were two suspects who were arrested and linked to the shooting. Hollywood Police were the arresting agencies and took over the investigation. On December 29th, 2021, the alarm sent patrols to the underpass at I-95 and West Hallandale Beach Boulevard. While on route it was reported a white male was laying on the road. At the scene, the victim told officers that an unknown person shot into his vehicle hitting both of his arms. Since the underpass is the BSO's jurisdiction, the BSO took over the investigation. While the last thing we needed was more shootings, now we know that this technology provides real time information when shots are being fired. It helps to fight crime and gets criminals off the street. Technology to fight crime is not new to our city, we have implemented body worn cameras on all officers after a trial period. These cameras assist in so many ways. They obviously document interactions between the public and the officers. The recordings help to provide evidence when an arrest is made. The films also become a training tool. In November they even captured our officers’ saving men from a burning vehicle. In addition to these technologies years ago we implemented cameras in many of our parks and municipal facilities. The ultimate goal was to have cameras throughout our City and have them linked to a main monitored hub at our new Fire Station. Regretfully with the changes in management, many new technologies and upgrades were delayed. We are now truly focused on fully implementing. In 2021, the City Of Hallandale Beach Police Department had installed Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras at eleven of the largest traffic arteries in and out of the City to include: I-95 and West Pembroke Road (East), North Dixie Highway and Pembroke Road (South), Northeast 1st Avenue and Pembroke Road(North), North Federal Highway and Pembroke Road(South), Atlantic Shores Boulevard and Northeast 14th Avenue(North and South), 2500 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard (West), Ocean Drive/A1A (North), South Federal Highway and Countyline Road (North and South), Southeast 1st Avenue and Countyline(North) South Dixie Highway and Countyline Road (South) and I-95 and West Hallandale Beach Boulevard (East and West). These readers help us to target stolen vehicles and report tags that have been in crimes. In 2022, the Hallandale Beach Police Department will expand the ALPR system and the Public Safety Camera (CCTV) system to an additional four ALPRs locations and an additional forty-nine replacement CCTVs at twelve new locations. The cameras will be strategically installed at the following locations along Foster Road and Federal Highway. Residents need to know that their taxpayer dollars and a partnership with the CRA have been helping to ensure we have a State-of-the-art Police Department. We need to continue to equip our officers to fight crime within our City. Tolls and training go hand in hand. There have been many focus groups around that country on modern day policing. I have been following this issue for awhile and I must say I cannot buy into all the rhetoric. We as a society need to realize that there is serious crime in our communities. We need to fight crime and not sugar coat it. Police are here to protect and serve. The super majority are great public servants. I have fielded so many calls about continued crime and the need for more presence and getting tougher not reducing or changing the way we police. With the proper tools, training and leadership in the department we can send the message “Not in our city!“ As residents we too need to be proactive. Please call and report crime. You may think it does not help but it truly does. The more reports and documentation we have provides much needed information to monitor and track criminal activity so that we can address the problems head on. As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my FB and website at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com < Previous News Next News >

Arbor Day Success May 16, 2023 Share The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized the City of Aventura as a recipient of the 2022 Tree City USA Award! The ceremony was held last month at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Aventura City Of Excellence School students showcased their dedication with art as well as dance performances. The City also recognized local businesses and residential communities by presenting them with 2023 Aventura GO Green Recognition Awards for their efforts to reduce energy consumption and encourage sustainability. The City’s GO Green campaign encourages all City departments and the community to practice environmental sustainability by making responsible decisions that reduce negative impacts on the environment, save energy and lower operational costs. Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of The Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs. The founders had a vision for a greener, healthier America and hoped this initiative would inspire change on a nationwide level. The first Tree City USA cohort comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Thank you to the Mayor and Commission, the Community Services Advisory Board and all of the participants that made the Arbor Day celebration a success. < Previous News Next News >

Patriots Support Israel & COHB Retaining Sanitation Department By Beverly Carawan May 27, 2021 Share Candidate Carla Spalding for 23rd, Beverly Carawan and Suzanne Vazquez of Hallandale & Beaches Patriots. Hallandale & the Beaches Patriots are all about actively taking stands on issues not only in our City but Statewide, Nationally and Internationally. On May 23rd, 2021 a group of members joined to rally with Israelis, Jews and Christians from all over to cheer, dance, pray and hear Passionate speakers. The enthusiasm and the love of Israel, was indeed, palpable. Learning of several City Commissioners’ proposals to ”farm out” the Sanitation Department, angered several members. The awesome sanitation department in our City, not only provides garbage collection and other services, they also help in times of natural disasters, to help secure our City and help clean up debris, afterwards. Outsourcing contracts, often require that there is an uncapped up-charge to be paid, in addition for those services. Mayor Joy Cooper commented by text, "I believe with the new leadership in the City Manager's office and DPW, this service can be retained and actually be provided for, efficiently.” Patriots will actively campaign for keeping the services local, caring about the workers who take pride in COHB and go beyond their job descriptions, to service our residents. At the May 18th, 2021 monthly meeting, Laurie Cardoza-Moore of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, gave a compelling presentation on what every conservative American patriot, parent and grandparent must know –“Taking Back America’s Children” brings wisdom, insight and an action plan on protecting our next generation of American leadership, turning our nation back to faith, values and freedom. She showed paragraphs from US textbooks actually rewriting history to insidiously indoctrinate children into Socialism and Anti-Semitic feelings. Ruben Young, Candidate for USC District 23, gave a passionate introductory speech. Primary candidates are all welcome to come to the meetings and the club continues to grow larger, every month. Members eagerly discussed planning and task assignment for the MEMORIAL Day Remem-brance Event to be held at 220 Southwest 6th Avenue, Hallandale Beach. Residents including Police & Firefighters are welcome, as we honor those who have sacrificed for our Country and Vets who served or are serving, now. It was decided that hot dogs and hamburgers are free for Gold Star families, Police, Fire and Active-Duty military. Others can buy $1, $2, or $5 tickets good for raffles, food and beverages. Games, contests, prizes and a variety of food should assure a good time. Remember to bring your best apple pie and wear your best patriotic outfit to win! Meetings are every 3rd Tuesday at Upper Deck Grill & Sports Bar from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the next meeting is on June 15th, 2021. For more information, e-mail us at: Hallandaleandbeachespatriots@gmail.com . < Previous News Next News >

Books & Books Is Proud To Present: On Being Jewish Now An Evening With Talia Carner, Dara Levan, Amy Ephron, Zibby Owens And Debbie Reed Fischer Pictured: Panelists Talia Carner Feb 18, 2025 On Being Jewish Now is an intimate and hopeful collection of meaningful, smart, funny, sad, emotional, and inspiring essays from today’s authors and advocates about what it means to be Jewish, how life has changed since the attacks on October 7th, 2023, and the unique culture that brings this group together. On October 7th, 2023, Jews in Israel were attacked in the largest pogrom since the Holocaust. It was a day felt by Jews everywhere who came together to process and speak out in ways some never had before. In this collection, 75 contributors speak to Jewish joy, celebration, laughter, food, trauma, loss, love, and family, and the common threads that course through the Jewish people: resilience and humor. Contributors include Mark Feuerstein, Jill Zarin, Steve Leder, Joanna Rakoff, Amy Ephron, Lisa Barr, Annabelle Gurwitch, Daphne Merkin, Bradley Tusk, Sharon Brous, Jenny Mollen, Nicola Kraus, Caroline Leavitt, and many others. On Being Jewish Now is edited by Zibby Owens, bestselling author, podcaster, bookstore owner, and CEO of Zibby Media. Books & Books Event Books & Books is proud to present an evening with Talia Carner, Dara Levan, Amy Ephron, Zibby Owens, and Debbie Reed Fischer discussing their contributions in On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates (Zibby Books, $12.99). Date and Time Monday, February 24th • 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location Books & Books 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Panelists Talia Carner Novelist Talia Carner is formerly the publisher of Savvy Woman Magazine, a marketing consultant and a lecturer at international women’s economic forums. An award-winning author of six novels and numerous stories, essays and articles, she is also a committed supporter of global human rights. Carner has spearheaded ground-breaking projects centered on female plight and women’s activism. Panelists Amy Ephron Amy Ephron is a bestselling and award-winning novelist of both adult and children’s novels. Amy Ephron has spent some of her life chronicling Los Angeles & New York and places in-between. From her Los Angeles Times’ Magazine column “Palm Latitudes” to New York Times T Magazine column “L.A. POV,” and Contributor and Contributing Editor at Vogue & www.Vogue.com . Some of these pieces appear in her collection, “Loose Diamonds.” Panelists Dara Levan Her desire to impact others through words began as a young girl. When her grandmother lived in a nursing home, she interviewed the residents and wrote their stories. She was 12 years old at the time and living in her hometown, North Miami Beach. Dara devoured books of all genres and still does but her favorites are women's fiction, family sagas, and evocative, life-affirming stories. Communicating and connecting with others continued throughout high school. Dara earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Journalism at Indiana University. Those four years prompted profound transformation. She will never forget those weeks. She didn’t fully pursue her life’s passion and purpose until 2017 when she launched Every Soul Has a Story®. The journey is all about the people she met along the way. What began as a blog has expanded to include a podcast, an inclusive space in which she interviews inspiring guests from around the globe. She's realized that we can write and rewrite our own stories. Panelists Debbie Reed Fischer Debbie Reed Fischer is a best-selling author and speaker, praised by Kirkus Reviews for “balancing weighty issues with a sharp wit.” Debbie’s father was a USAF colonel and diplomat, so she and her brothers grew up in many places, including England, Greece, Florida, New York, and the Washington D.C. area. Before the age of thirteen, Debbie had trekked through Egypt on a camel, floated on a gondola in Venice, played hide and seek in palaces and castles, gotten lost in the underground cisterns of Istanbul, climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hiked the Samaria Gorge in Crete, touched the pillars of StoneHenge, and much, much more. Through it all, she dreamed of writing novels and film scripts, and is lucky enough to have done both. She is grateful to have had an upbringing surrounded by many languages and cultures. Best of all, she had a dad who loved books and a mom who loved storytelling, especially tales about her childhood in Guantanamo. A graduate of the University of Miami, Debbie majored in Screenwriting and Judaic Studies with a minor in English. While still a student, she contributed to the critically acclaimed book Tropical Diaspora: The Jewish Experience in Cuba, the very first study on the Cuban-Jewish community, which included interviews with her mother and relatives. After graduation, she went on tour singing and dancing with the U.S.O. during Operation Desert Storm. Debbie worked for many years as a film/TV agent and model booker. Debbie has contributed to numerous anthologies, non-fiction books, and articles. She is a speaker and writing instructor, presenting at literary conferences, universities, schools, and author panels. Her short story This is What I’ll Tell You in Coming of Age: 13 B’nai Mitzvah Stories (Albert Whitman & Company) is semi-autobiographical, with a portion of the proceeds going to organizations fighting Antisemitism. When she’s not writing, Debbie can be found at concerts with her husband Eric, watching her sons Louis and Sam play hockey, or searching for the perfect café con leche. She divides her time between South Florida and North Carolina. Connect with Debbie on Instagram and Facebook. Founding member of: www.theartistsagainstantisemitism.com . Panelists Zibby Owens Zibby Owens is the creator and host of award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and has been dubbed "NYC's Most Important Book-fluencer" (Vulture). She is the co-founder and CEO of Zibby Books publishing house, Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA, and creator of "the Zibby-verse" community of book lovers. Zibby is the author of the novel Blank, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, the children's book Princess Charming, and editor of three anthologies including On Being Jewish Now. Follow her on Instagram where she tells it like it is. www.zibbyowens.com Follow her on Instagram: @zibbyowens and subscribe to her Substack: www.zibbyowens.com . About The Event The event will take place at the Books & Books in Coral Gables at 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Tickets are FREE and books will be available for purchase at the event. All profits will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism. Panelists Dara Levan Panelists Amy Ephron Panelists Zibby Owens Panelists Debbie Reed Fischer On Being Jewish Now - A USA Today Bestseller Previous Next

Get Engaged In 2024! Downloaded The App For Citizens "My Aventura" January 26, 2024 Share The landscape of urban living is rapidly transforming, propelled by technological innovations that redefine the way citizens interact with their cities. In the ever changing realm of civic engagement, the City of Aventura stands at the forefront of this revolution with seamless connectivity and participation through the My Aventura App powered by GOGov. This groundbreaking digital platform is not just an App; it's a catalyst for change, empowering citizens to shape the very fabric of their city. At its core, the My Aventura App serves as a comprehensive gateway to vital city-related information. Its user-friendly interface provides seamless access to real-time updates on Public Transportation, Traffic Alerts, Upcoming Events, and Community Initiatives. Gone are the days of searching multiple websites or grappling with fragmented information—citizens now have a centralized hub that keeps them informed and connected, enriching their daily lives. Yet, the true essence of this app lies in its ability to foster collaborative civic engagement. Engagement is not merely a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of a vibrant, thriving city. The My Aventura App bridges the gap between citizens and local authorities, offering a dynamic platform where opinions matter and voices are heard. Through feedback submissions, suggestions, surveys, and polls, citizens actively contribute to decision-making processes, providing invaluable insights that shape policy and initiatives. A key feature is its streamlined service delivery mechanism. No longer do citizens need to navigate bureaucratic hurdles or struggle to find the right channels for reporting issues. With a few taps, citizens can report concerns—be it potholes, graffiti, or other issues—complete with Geolocation Tags and detailed descriptions. This efficient reporting system ensures swift action from the City Administration, fostering a sense of accountability and ownership among residents. However, the impact extends beyond problem-solving; it's about community building. GOGov doesn't just connect users; it nurtures a sense of belonging. Through interest-based groups and collaborative projects, the app becomes a conduit for social connections, uniting like-minded individuals in shared initiatives that bolster the city's cultural richness and inclusivity. Moreover, the My Aventura App isn't just beneficial for citizens; it's a strategic move for local governments. By digitizing services and reducing reliance on traditional office setups, it's a cost-effective solution that streamlines processes and minimizes environmental impact through decreased paper usage. In an era defined by technological advancements, the My Aventura App emerges as a beacon of citizen empowerment. It's not merely about connectivity; it's about actively participating in the metamorphosis of urban landscapes. Whether it's accessing information effortlessly, engaging in decision-making processes, or fostering community bonds, this app encapsulates the essence of a city that thrives on its citizens' involvement. As we step into early 2024, the My Aventura App stands as a testament to the potential of technology in shaping this vibrant community for the better. It's not just an app for citizens; it's a tool that propels cities towards a future where connectivity, collaboration, and civic pride flourish. So, join the movement, download the My Aventura App from Google Play or the Apple App Store, and be a part of the transformative journey toward a more connected and empowered city life. The future is at your fingertips, download it today! < Previous News Next News >

Is Hebrew School An Essential? By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil August 31, 2023 Share You bet it is! And if it’s every day right after school, it’s not just essential, it’s a no brainer! Happy children of South Florida have begun a new year of Hebrew School this past Monday. CHAP, as it’s known, is not just a once a week Talmud Torah. It's an all encompassing daily after-school program geared towards Jewish children in Public Schools who have no formal Jewish Education. This Supplementary Program is designed for boys & girls ages 5-12, attending AWK8, American Heritage, BridgePrep, Charter, Country Dade, Nova, Pine Crest, Riviera, VABHOE and anyone looking for a daily after-school Hebrew School. Any Jewish child is welcome to try the program out completely FREE with No cost and No obligation! There are No memberships, background Knowledge or affiliations required to enroll. After the holidays, regular classes will continue at super affordable pricing with an option for No cost at all to parents that need it! The program starts together with Public Schools and meets daily right after school. Classes are conveniently located in Highland Lakes, at Chabad Chayil across from Aventura Waterways K-8. The Curriculum Includes: Traditions, Holidays, Jewish History, Parsha, Jewish Art, Prayer & Judaic Study with a primary focus on Hebrew Reading custom designed to teach each child at whichever level they may be. This program will offer a first taste of Jewish learning in a creative, joyful, hands-on and interesting way. We try to impart a sense of tradition using Modern and Innovative Teaching Techniques. This is a Hebrew School of the highest quality that kids can’t wait to go to! An Educational Consulting Company hired by Miami-Dade to rate All County After School Programs, has rated Chabad Chayil’s Program one of the best. After spending two weeks observing and analyzing every aspect of the Chabad’s Program, Cynthia Serure, President of A Gift for the Soul, Inc. concluded that program was exemplary. “This program scored at the top on virtually all Analytical Criteria including Quality Of Staff, Student-Teacher interaction, and Curriculum,” said Serure. “It is a model program.” According to all studies, Jewish Education is a proven factor in ensuring Jewish involvement and continuity. We seek to ensure that every single child has access to a High-Quality Jewish Education. Chabad is the place to experience Jewish Enrichment classes in a fun, yet meaningful way. It’s where parents feel comfortable and where kids don’t want to miss a day! CHAP attracts children ages 5-13 from 7 different schools and is extremely popular in the area for homeschoolers as well. There is a waiting list for some classes and the Chabad is working hard to build at their own location so they can expand accordingly. Construction is already on the way! See: www.ChabadChayil.org/build for updates! Transportation is provided for children coming from VABHOE (Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary School) and Bridgeprep Academy in the Skylake section of Aventura’s North Miami Beach. As far as other schools, there are many parents getting together to carpool and if there’s enough children coming from one school, a van or bus can be arranged. The school welcomes every Jew, regardless of Religious Background or Level Of Observance. This school does Not require membership of any sort as a condition for enrollment. Chabad Chayil's mission is to promote and strengthen Jewish Awareness, Pride, and Observance, by providing Educational, Cultural, and Social Activities to all Jewish individuals and families regardless of Background or Affiliation. One of our main programs is CHAP, whose mission is to provide affordable and effective Jewish Education to children not enrolled in Jewish Schools. Our goal is to enable parents to retain their jobs, confident that their children are safe & happy. CHAP keeps its students fit while instilling in them (and their families) a sense of warmth, pride and love for their Heritage & Israel. To register or learn about other after school activities (Leadership 4 Kids, Homework Help, Bar Mitzvah Academy, JewQ International Competition, Once-a-week options, Tutoring or Camp), please contact the School's Director, Mrs. Layah Kievman at: (305) 770-1919 Or visit: www.HebrewSchool.info 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 After School 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 , where you can also sign up for his weekly Torah Thought & Newsletter. < Previous News Next News >