Happiness and Hope Go Hand in Hand: Physician-Scientist Reveals Simple But Profound Discovery May 2, 2024 Share Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, a physician-scientist and happiness coach, reveals his groundbreaking, five-minute tool for measuring personal happiness in his new book, The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment. In it, Dr. Obayuwana explains the interconnectedness between hope, hunger and happiness, and introduces a universal unit of measure called the “Personal Happiness Index” or PHI — the operative word being “personal.” “Everybody has different issues, different hungers, different hopes, different assets, different aspirations,” Dr. Obayuwana said in a recent interview. “Yours are plugged into the equation, and we get your happiness index.” This PHI, according to Dr. Obayuwana, makes it possible, for the first time ever, to calculate and assign numerical happiness scores to human individuals by plugging their unique hopes, hungers, assets, and aspirations into an equation. But Dr. Obayuwana is quick to point out that The Happiness Formula is much more than a mathematical equation for measuring happiness. “It is a book about life, the relationship between human hope and hunger, and one’s overall feeling of personal satisfaction and subjective well-being,” Dr. Obayuwana explained. The Happiness Formula challenges the findings published in the World Happiness Report, debunks three major happiness myths, and then introduces the Triple-H Equation — the simple but profound formula about what makes life worth living. Dr. Obayuwana’s discovery offers individuals a simple but scientific way to self-assess their levels of fulfillment; provides happiness seekers with a proven routine for achieving and sustaining a flourishing life; and offers a strong theoretical basis and a firm practical structure for happiness coaches. In 1979, Dr. Obayuwana (then a medical student) was awarded a national research grant and Smith-Kline Medical Perspective Fellowship to develop an instrument for measuring human hope, with the purpose of detecting hopelessness in time to prevent suicide. The result was the widely used and often cited Hope Index Scale (HIS). This progressed into decades of research that ultimately resulted in The Happiness Formula. “For full disclosure, my own PHI is 2.923, and that means I am a ‘very happy’ person but not yet ‘flourishing’ by definition,” Dr. Obayuwana added. “Like everybody else, I could be happier, and with the formula revealed in this book, I now know where I am compared to anyone else in the world — who also knows his or her PHI.” About the Author Alphonsus Obayuwana, MD, Ph.D., CPC, is a physician-scientist, a happiness coach, and the founder and CEO of Triple-H Project LLC, an entity that trains and certifies happiness coaches. He is a Literary Titan Gold Award–winning author who has published several peer-reviewed articles in the national medical journals about human hope and happiness. His other works include How to Live a Life of Hope (2022), The Five Sources of Human Hope (2012), Hope and Pregnancy Outcome (1984) and Hope Index Scale (1980). After 30 years of relentless research on human hope and happiness, he successfully derived the Triple-H Equation that is at the core of his newest book, The Happiness Formula. Throughout his faculty tenures at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Toledo, he has taught and mentored medical students, resident physicians, nurses, and fellows in the art and science of caring and promoting happiness for themselves and their patients. Dr. Obayuwana is also a retired major in the United States Air Force (Reserve). He is married to Ann Louis, his wife of 47 years. Together, they have two sons and three granddaughters. For recreation, he loves walking, reading, listening to music, and playing on his drum set. Connect with the author at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alphonsusobayuwana - Or: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/alphonsus-obayuwana-md-phd-cpc Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Formula-Scientific-Groundbreaking-Fulfillment/dp/0757325084/ To learn more, please visit: www.triplehproject.com < Previous News Next News >

Enjoy A Movie With Friends & Family Under The Stars April 17, 2024 Share There's something magical about watching a movie under the twinkling stars, surrounded by the company of friends and family. And what better way to experience this enchantment than at the City of Aventura's Movie Night Series? Offering an opportunity to revel in the beauty of a South Florida evening while enjoying a family-friendly movie, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. A Night of Entertainment Mark your calendars for the upcoming screening of "Trolls Band Together" on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at Peace Park, nestled at 3200 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. The park opens its gates at 7:00 p.m., allowing attendees to find their perfect spot and settle in comfortably before the movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Get ready for an all-star family reunion like no other in the next chapter of DreamWorks Animation's Blockbuster Musical Franchise! As Poppy: Anna Kendrick grows closer to her now boyfriend Branch: Justin Timberlake, she discovers his secret past as a member of her favorite boy band, BroZone, with his four estranged brothers. When Branch's bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious popstars, Branch and Poppy embark on an action-packed journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd. Along the way Poppy uncovers a family secret of her own, a long-lost sister named Viva: Camila Cabello. Trolls Band Together features the franchise's signature psychedelic joy-bomb of new and classic pop hits that will have you singing and dancing along over and over again! "Wow, Trolls Band Together is an absolute explosion of joy! Our family was dancing and singing along from the very beginning. This movie is like a party in a box, packed with vibrant colors, catchy music, and a heartwarming story that captivated both the kids and adults in our house. The animation is stunning, bringing the magical world of Trolls to life with even more brightness and flair. The music, as always, is a highlight, with new songs that are just as infectious as the classics. It's not just a film; it's an experience that lifts your spirits and gets your feet moving." Ticket Reservations Ticket Reservations are Required for every individual and can be completed online only with a valid and existing account at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors - the City’s Online Registration System (ORS). The Cost is $2 Per Person. Everyone including young children and babies is Required to purchase a ticket. All tickets are Non-Transferable and cannot be duplicated! Each ticket can only be scanned once! Tickets will be attached to your receipt upon submission of payment. In order to enter the event, you must pick up your wristbands at the Community Recreation Center PRIOR to the day of the event. Please keep in mind everyone entering the event MUST have their wristband on, including young children and babies. Parking & Additional Information Parking is available at the Aventura City of Excellence School and the 10x Centre garage, ensuring convenient access to Peace Park. As spaces may fill up quickly, it's advisable to arrive early, allowing ample time to park and settle in before the movie begins. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create cherished memories with friends and family in the picturesque setting of Peace Park. For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Founders Park at: (305) 466-0183. < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood Resident Brings the Top Flooring Brand to South Florida: Floor Coverings International’s Mobile Showroom Arrives at Your Door with 3000 Flooring Options February 8, 2024 Share (L) Leandro Rodriguez and his FCI Mobile Showroom (R) Pet friendly flooring is most popular in 2024. 42-year-old Hollywood resident, Leandro Rodriguez, relocated to Florida from his native Argentina in April 2023 and launched Floor Coverings International of Southwest Fort Lauderdale, serving customers throughout Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Davie, and Southwest Fort Lauderdale. Floor Coverings International has already revolutionized the market as it consistently ranks as the No.1 Mobile Flooring business in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. As projected by Hardware Retailing, home improvement sales are expected to reach $625 billion by 2025 worldwide. The flooring industry is undergoing significant changes and innovations as consumers demand more quality, variety, and sustainability in their flooring choices. “It’s so exciting to see some of the unbelievable, engineered floors,” said Rodriguez. “They are gorgeous, so many colors and textures and look like hardwood, but sturdy and durable. Kids and pets can run around all day on these and a simple mop does the trick.” According to publications Southern Living and Florida Homes and Living here are the most popular flooring choices right now in south Florida. Floor Coverings International has over 3000 choices and samples to bring to your door and install. • Patterned wood flooring: This style creates a bold statement with chevron and herringbone patterns that add a decorative base for the rest of the room’s design. • Large format flooring: This trend uses terrazzo, wood planks, or other materials that are larger than usual to create a smooth and seamless surface with no interruption. • Classic carpeting: Carpeting is making a comeback as a cozy and comfortable option for bedrooms and family rooms, especially with subtle patterns and variegated colors. • Mixed tone wood floors: Medium-toned and varying floor colors are replacing the dark and light extremes of previous years, giving a more natural and rich look to the floors. • Natural stone tile: Natural stone tile is a timeless and elegant choice that can withstand the humidity and heat of Florida, and it comes in various colors and shapes4. When asked how and why he decided to leave Argentina, Rodriguez replied, “I would say it’s a story of overcoming and reinventing oneself, even if it means emigrating and starting from scratch to seek a better future for my family,” Rodriguez said. “I spent the past decade in real estate development in Argentina, involved in a variety of projects ranging from the development of neighborhoods and gated communities to the construction of single-family homes and condominiums. The experience gave me the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on this new adventure,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez wanted to find a business opportunity that best aligned with his background and skillset. While the task was arduous, the payoff was worth it. “It wasn’t an easy quest, but then I discovered Floor Coverings International,” Rodriguez said. “I found a robust company, backed by excellent support, featuring an innovative business model, and, above all, a truly wonderful team of individuals.” It all bodes well for Rodriguez. Now in a new home, with a new career and new opportunity with his small business, Rodriguez has some sound advice for those contemplating taking a similar trek. “To those contemplating the journey of starting a business, my advice is clear: embrace the decision without hesitation,” he said. “If fear accompanies your choice, acknowledge it and proceed despite it.” For more information about a consultation go to Floor Coverings International of Southwest Fort Lauderdale. About Floor Coverings International Norcross, GA-based Floor Coverings International ranks consistently as the No. 1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. The 240 franchisees (with 95 more under development) and their Design Associates offer a unique in-home experience with a mobile showroom that comes directly to the client’s door. More than 3,000 flooring choices are available to view in the home with and alongside existing lighting, paint, and furniture. The company will open several more locations throughout the U.S. and Canada through franchise expansion. For franchise information, please visit: www.flooring-franchise.com < Previous News Next News >

A Look At History And Challenges: Global Athletes Unite At The 2023 Maccabi Games Thu Aug 10 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Summer Camp 2021 May 13, 2021 Share There’s a camp for everyone this summer at the City's 2021 Summer Camp program, which includes a variety of special interest camps starting Monday, June 14th, 2021. There’s a camp for everyone this summer at the City's 2021 Summer Camp program, which includes a variety of special interest camps starting Monday, June 14th, 2021. Online registration is open. Campers will spend their summer break making new friends and enjoying plenty of activities in their camp of interest. Schedule All camps (unless specified) will be held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting Monday, June 14th, 2021 through Friday, August 20th, 2021. Two-week session rates are available and vary, based on the selected camp. Camps will be held at the Aventura Community Recreation Center and Tennis Camp, will be held at Founders Park. Registration Online registration is open and can be completed exclusively online at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors, the City’s Online Registration System (ORS). All registrations must be received by the Saturday prior to the selected session. Any registration received on or after the Sunday prior to the selected week, will incur a $20 late registration fee. Complete details and rates are available online at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors. Camp Programs The following camps are available for registration for the Aventura Community Recreation Center, the session rates are two weeks: Art Camp (Ages 5-12) June 14th – July 23rd introduces different artists, media and techniques through art history and multicultural appreciation. Residents: $500 / Non-Residents: $600. Basketball Training Camp (Ages 5-15) June 14th – July 23rd introduces and emphasizes the fundamentals of basketball. From skills and drills to the importance of teamwork, this camp is for athletes of all skill levels. *Some groups may be held at the Don Soffer Aventura High School gymnasium pending enrollment. Residents: $450 / Non-Residents: $540. Dance Camp (Ages 5-10) June 14th – July 23rd concentrates on teaching technique and choreography as well as preparation for performance at the end of the summer show. Residents: $420 / Non-Residents: $504. General Camp (Ages 5-12) June 14th – August 20th provides the enjoyment of arts & crafts, games, sports and special events. Residents: $350 / Non-Residents: $420. Soccer Camp (Ages 5-12) June 14th – July 23rd introduces and emphasizes the fundamentals of soccer. From skills and drills to the importance of teamwork, this camp is for athletes of all skill levels. Residents: $420 / Non-Residents: $504. STEM Camp (Ages 7-12) June 14th – July 23rd explores the interconnectedness between science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while creativity and problem-solving skills get challenged. Residents: $500 / Non-Residents: $600. The following camp is available for registration at Founders Park, the session rates are two weeks: Tennis Camp at Founders Park (Ages 5-18) June 14th – August 20th, Morning Session 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. provides a fun, high-quality level of instruction, where players of all skill levels may improve their tennis skills, make new friends and challenge themselves. Campers are required to bring their own tennis racquet and refillable water bottle. Residents: $275 / Non-Residents: $330. Health Guidelines: Please be advised that complete details may be subject to change, due to any updated safety restrictions and guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and Miami-Dade County. In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic and the return to the new normal phases of operations, the City of Aventura’s Community Services Department has carefully planned and prepared this Summer Camp program with guidelines to safely protect the health and welfare of the community it serves. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at: (305) 466-3883. Or via e-mail at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >

"A Whoville Holiday": The 67th Annual Candy Cane Parade on Hollywood Beach Wed Nov 29 2023 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

THE GRINCH Is Coming: To Steal Christmas In Fort Lauderdale Fri Sep 20 2024 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Spine-Tingling October: Musical Thrills And Supernatural Chills All Month October 13, 2022 Share There is no need to wait for Halloween to experience spine-tingling excitement this October when the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker hosts musicians Tauren Wells, Weird Al Yankovic, YES, Steve Vai and Amos Lee along with the jaw-dropping stage antics of Bill Blagg and an incredible evening with paranormal expert Josh Gates. "Weird Al" Yankovic presents his “The Unfortunate Return Of The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” with Special Guest Emo Philips on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 and Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. on both evenings. For the second time in his storied career, the world's foremost musical satirist and five-time Grammy Winner foregoes his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music, focusing on original non-parody songs from his 14 Album Catalog. The biggest selling comedy recording artist of all time, he saw his 2014 release Mandatory Fun become the first Comedy Album in history to debut at Number 1 on Billboard’s Top 200. Yankovic is one of only five artists along with Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2 and Kenny G. to have Top 40 Singles in each of the last four decades. Philips has performed more than 7,000 stand-up comedy shows across the globe including a two week theater run in London’s West End. Tickets for the show are $47.50 - $97.50 with $339 VIP Tickets that include a meet and greet with the artist and other exclusives. An Evening with YES: Close To The Edge “50th Anniversary Tour” comes to the Lillian S. Wells Hall in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, October 14th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. A pioneer of progressive rock, YES has achieved worldwide success through a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 Studio Albums. The band's current line-up consists of core members: Steve Howe on Guitars along with Keyboardist Geoff Downes, Singer Jon Davison and Bassist Billy Sherwood. With an ever growing fan base, YES continues to electrify audiences with its daunting virtuosity, cosmic lyrics, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. It’s an unforgettable evening of YES at its best, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Tickets are $59.50 - $129.50 with VIP Packages priced at $219 and $249 that offer various exclusives. Called "Unbelievable!" by USA Today and "Absolutely Incredible!" by Chicago Tribune, The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! is presented on Sunday, October 16th, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Blagg's show combines his mind-blowing magical talents along with his trademark off-the-cuff personality that takes audiences on a magical journey as they witness objects float in mid-air and vanish in the blink of an eye in an interactive magic experience of jaw dropping illusions. Tickets are $29 - $39. Virtuoso Guitarist, visionary composer and consummate Producer Steve Vai brings his “Inviolate Tour” to The Parker on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Sculpting musical sound with infinite creativity and technical mastery, Vai continues to use unbridled guitar virtuosity and soulful artistry to explore the spectrum of human emotion. At age 12, he started taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani. At 18, he began his professional musical career transcribing for and then playing with the legendary Frank Zappa. More than three decades later, he has 15 Million Album sales and three Grammy Awards. Tickets are $40.50 - $72.50 with VIP Packages ranging from $207.50 - $1,582.50 offering varying exclusives. Josh Gates Live! delivers “An Evening of Ghosts, Monsters and Tales of Adventure” on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Gates is an explorer, author and intrepid investigator from Discovery Channel's smash-hit series Expedition Unknown and Syfy's Destination Truth. He will share lore and legends from his most spine-tingling expeditions from cases involving puzzling paranormal encounters to reports of cryptozoological creatures. Gates transports his audience into the world of the unexplained and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Tickets are $37 - $75 with a $100 VIP Package that includes a meet and greet with the artist. Amos Lee with Special Guest Slim Dan performs Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. With one foot in the real world and the other in a charmed dimension of his own making, Lee creates the rare kind of music that's emotionally raw yet touched with a certain magical quality. On his eighth album, Dreamland, the Philadelphia-born Singer/Songwriter intimately documents his real-world struggles with alienation, anxiety, loneliness, despair, an outpouring born from deliberate and often painful self-examination. Tickets are $54.50-$79.50. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. You can purchase tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com and at: www.Ticketmaster.com ; By phone at: (954) 462-0222. In person at The Parker box office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. About The Parker The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The Neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, the intimate Haller Club and the Private Member’s Lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. The Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 for more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com . < Previous News Next News >

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center October Lineup Aventura Digest Sep 5, 2025 The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (AACC) Kicks Off Its 15th Anniversary Season, Celebrating A Legacy Of Enriching The Vibrant Community Of Aventura, Known As The City Of Excellence. Since Opening Its Doors, The Aacc Has Welcomed More Than 375,000 Guests And Presented 437 Sold-Out Performances, Becoming A Cultural Cornerstone In South Florida. With A Commitment To Inclusivity And Diversity, Its Programming Has Included Sensory-Friendly Experiences And Multilingual Performances In Spanish, French, Arabic, Turkish And Haitian Creole. As It Enters This Milestone Year, The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Continues To Elevate Aventura’s Cultural, Educational, Institutional And Artistic Landscape, Promising A Season Filled With Exciting, Unforgettable Moments In One Of The City’s Most Cherished Spaces. October Show Lineup: Friday, October 10th - Doctor My Eyes, A Tribute to Jackson Browne Saturday, October 11th - Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Program I Firebird – Classical and Neoclassical Ballets Saturday, October 18th - Migguel Anggelo's ICONS: Celia Cruz Sunday, October 19th - Miami International Piano Festival: Concerto Night – 3 Concertos with 3 Pianists Friday, October 24th - Joshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight – An Evening of Hilarity and Horror! Saturday, October 25th - Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute Doctor My Eyes - A Tribute to Jackson Browne Friday, October 10th at 8:00 p.m. Hayden Greyson presents Doctor My Eyes - A Tribute to Jackson Browne on Friday, October 10th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Don’t miss the world's most passionate salute to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a lead singer who not only looks like Jackson Browne did in the '70s but sounds and emotes just like Browne. Audience toes will tap into earthshaking hits including: “Doctor My Eyes,” “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” “Here Come Those Tears Again,” “Somebody's Baby, Take It Easy,” “That Girl Could Sing,” “Tender is the Night,” “Stay” and more, and hearts will melt to beloved ballads like “Late for the Sky.” Doctor My Eyes – A Tribute to Jackson Browne includes a full all-star band with a Latin Grammy-winning producer, harmony vocals a la Rosemary Butler and Bonnie Raitt, and the sounds of the lap steel and slide guitar made famous by David Lindley. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Program I: Firebird - Classical and Neoclassical Ballets Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida opens its 2025-2026 Season with a dynamic evening of classical and neoclassical works, ABT Program I: Firebird - Classical and Neoclassical Ballets on Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The program begins with “Glinka Suite Fantastique” by Vladimir Issaev, a stylish neoclassical piece for a small ensemble that showcases technical brilliance and musicality. Next is the elegant “Talisman Pas de Deux,” a classical gem set in mythological India, followed by Vicente Nebrada’s vibrant “Double Clef,” where 13 couples—each representing a different musical instrument or orchestra section—bring Benjamin Britten’s score to life. The evening culminates with Issaev’s spectacular “Firebird,” a magical tale of love and triumph set to Stravinsky’s thrilling music. Featuring dazzling costumes, new sets, and special effects, Firebird is a feast for the senses and a triumphant finale to a remarkable performance. This performance also features a free 30-minute pre-show discussion for all patrons inside the theater. VIP tickets are also available for this show, which include preferred seating and one drink voucher per ticket. Arts Ballet Theatre maintains a very strict late seating policy. Please arrive early as latecomers will not be admitted until intermission. Migguel Anggelo's Icons: Celia Cruz Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center kicks off its 15th Anniversary Season as the City of Aventura presents the second installment of Migguel Anggelo’s episodic concert series, Icons, highlighting artists who break barriers, challenge norms and inspire the audience to see themselves and the world in new ways and also celebrate the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz in honor of her 100th birthday year. Migguel Anggelo's Icons: Celia Cruz lights up the stage at the Aventura Arts & Culture Center on Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. Directed and developed by Adrian Alea, led by Musical Director Jaime Lozano and backed by an all-star lineup of live musicians and local special guest performers, this concert pays tribute to the “Queen of Salsa” and delves into themes of Latin cultural identity, resilience and the transformative power of music. Miami International Piano Festival: Concerto Night – 3 Concerts with 3 Pianists Sunday, October 19th at 5:00 p.m. Miami International Piano Festival opens its new season at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center with Concerto Night featuring three acclaimed pianists and conducted by Igor Gruppman on Sunday, October 19th at 5:00 p.m. The program features Dmitry Ablogin performing Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, Ilya Itin performing Beethoven Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 and Alexander Gavrylyuk performing Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16. J oshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight: An Evening of Hilarity and Horror! Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. Get in the spooky spirit just in time for Halloween with this one-man show as Joshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight: An Evening of Hilarity and Horror!, presented by the City of Aventura, on Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The Demons of Darkness have come to Aventura for an evening of ghostly and ghastly tales. Experience a roller coaster ride of terror and laughter as New York City-based actor Joshua Kane populates the stage with unforgettable characters. Inspired by the old-time radio dramas of Orson Welles and Vincent Price, Kane bewitches audiences with a devilish sense of fun and whimsy. Drawing from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Ambrose Bierce and other classic creepsters, Kane "amuses you with his antics, frightens you with his intensity and charms you with his tales of the fantastic," according to The Charleston City Paper. This show is recommended for audiences ages 10 and older. Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute featuring Debbie Taylor Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 p.m. Back by popular demand, Debbie Taylor and her seven-piece band bring “It’s Yesterday Once More” with the unforgettable, exquisite music of The Carpenters when Debbie Taylor and Paul Stewart present Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute featuring Debbie Taylor in this return engagement at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 p.m. This very talented and accomplished group of musicians brings to life the most authentic versions of the songs. The warmth and tone of Taylor’s vocals are so reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, audiences will think they're listening to Karen herself. The ensemble performs many memorable hits including "We've Only Just Begun," "Close to You" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" and is a must see for any and all Carpenters fans. This show sold out seven times since 2017, only missing 2020 due to the pandemic. Tickets: Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Please note that not all events scheduled for the 2025/2026 Season are currently on sale and additional performances will be added throughout the season. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Previous Next

City Of Aventura Hosts Community Bike Event: Promoting Safe Cycling And Community Engagement Thu Sep 07 2023 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The State of the City: An Eye to The Future of Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper June 8, 2023 Share This past Tuesday, I had the honor to deliver “The State of the City Address,” I want to thank the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber for their honor and the many stakeholders that joined in the event. I will be sharing my speech over the next few weeks. Please note it is in speech form. Over the past year, I think we have all moved out of COVID-19 with an eye to the future. Obviously, we are still faced with many social and economic problems. Insurance Costs, Housing Costs, the Stock Market, the War in Ukraine, Gun Violence, just to name a few. What will the future look like? All of these issues have a direct or indirect impact on the way we run our cities, how you run your businesses and how our residents go through their daily lives. But as we move forward, I believe we all are striving and working towards stability and hopefully growth, the state of our City in one word: Stable, I do not want to go too far back in our past. As it is said that we cannot change it, but we can learn from it. A little over 5 years ago, I came back as Mayor. At that time, the City was in financial dire straits. As a matter of fact, the reserves had dropped to $11 Million Dollars, They were projected to dip to $8 Million then Financial Insolvency. As a rule of thumb, our City’s goal is to have a minimum of 16% percent of General Fund Reserves in case of an Emergency. Currently, due to the hard work of our City and sacrifices of our taxpayers we have over $24 Million in Unaudited Reserves as of last month. That sounds fantastic, right? Well, it is but there are still past issues that are a threat to the stability of our Budget. We are still facing a $6 Million Dollar Judgment for the firing of Former City Manager Daniel Rosemond. The Case is on Appeal, so we need to ensure we have savings if the Appeal Court supports the ruling. Even with that large use of reserves to pay this unfortunate debt, we will not go back to where we began five years ago. I do not want to place blame on any one thing or person, but this situation reinforces that leadership truly matters and the buck stops with the Commission! To those of you that are new to our community, this history explains why and where we are today. In 2016, the City Commission changed due to Elections. The silver lining at that time was the recruitment of Dr. Jeremy Earle from Fort Lauderdale to Hallandale Beach to become Executive Director of the CRA. You see, Dr. Jeremy Earle has Public Service in his DNA. I first met Dr. Jeremy Earle as a Board Member of the Florida Redevelopment Association where we both served. He became President, turned the organization around and made it solvent. This is proof of his strong leadership, financial knowledge, strategic vision and most of all integrity. We all know that ethics and morals are part of one’s character, but the “reporting of true facts” is actually integrity. This one thing my Dad taught me: you should never allow anyone to take away from you. That is why I fought my biggest battle. I believe that Dr. Jeremy Earle was also raised with those values and never forgets them no matter what position he holds. So, he deserves the super majority of credit and recognition of why we are stable. W. Clement Stone, an entrepreneur who was born into poverty during 1902 worked tirelessly and turned one hundred dollars into a billion-dollar insurance company. He believed in some truths when it comes to business practices. One is doing things and being happy doing them. It makes the difference between good and great. He must have been right and happy as he lived to be one hundred years old. He also authored a book on leadership. I found this particular quote of his very apropos. “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” To me this summarizes not only leadership, but the qualities that Dr. Jeremy Earle has brought to our table. He is not a “YES MAN.” Too often City Managers are more worried about job security and counting to three rather than doing the right thing for their cities. I do believe that if stars had not aligned with the hiring of the right City Manager, and the right City Commission was not on the Dais, our City would be in Chapter Nine Bankruptcy. This is not to spread fear but truth. You have heard it and it is true. A city, like all businesses, if it is not run properly, can go Bankrupt. Even before COVID-19 there were 69 Government Bankruptcies filed since 2010. Detroit, being the most notable. Dr. Jeremy Earle was tasked once again to right a ship and make our City solvent to avoid fiscal collapse. This City Commission, free from drama and united, embraced the no nonsense straight forward approach of Dr. Jeremy Earle. I must say. Do not mistake his “by the book manor” as a sign of indifference or lack of empathy. Quite the contrary. He is an analytical person, protector of the City, creative and genuinely cares for what is best for everyone that is concerned. And yes, he does listen to his bosses and to our community. He does what is right because it is right! Since he came on board, he has added new Staff Members to our City. This amazing group of public servants have created a five-year stability plan to rebuild. He led with the Motto “NO MORE KICKED CANS.” I joke once in a while and say “Kicked Cans down the road do not disappear, they just stack up at the end. Well, we were at the end of that road and started to address not one can, but all of them.” The journey began. A year later, we all were faced with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Next week, I will continue my State Of The City Address. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

Push Past Your Excuses: We Must Accept and Realize That Others Needs Are Greater Than Our Fears By Tracy Renee Lee December 9, 2021 Share “The truth of the matter is that I had an aunt who needed me to visit her and I rarely did. I justified my failings and perpetuated her sufferings.” I wish I had a dollar for every time I have said, “Death is never convenient.” If so, I would be a millionaire many times over. Because death is inconvenient, people come up with excuse after excuse to ignore it. This is true for survivors, as well as for their supporters. Good supporters, in my book, are human angels. I believe that surviving our loved ones is the most difficult thing we do as humans. I buried my great aunt a few years back. Upon her death, she was 104 years old. She would often visit me and through great sadness and extreme loneliness, she would cry out to me, “Tracy, why can’t I die?” She once stated, “Everyone I know and love is dead. I have no friends, no one to love me, and no one to share my life with.” She yearned for death.” Over the years, I have reviewed her statements many times. My great aunt had grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren living right next door to her; a son and daughter-in-law within a 6-hour drive from her; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews living within 30 minutes from her. My great aunt had enough relatives living all around her to fill a small city. So why did she feel that she had no one around her that she knew or loved? It was because of excuses. Each of my great aunt’s relatives had an excuse that justified their failure to comfort her through her decades of loneliness and grief. I admit I had excuses. I live 20 minutes away from her home, I live in a different state than she does, I’m busy because I own and operate a small business, I have children and grandchildren to love, my husband and I have meetings to attend, my husband is a professional speaker and so we travel, I have to cook dinner, I’m too tired to drive to her home, she probably goes to bed before 4:00 p.m. so it’s too late to drop by and so on. The truth of the matter is that I had an aunt who needed me to visit her and I rarely did. I justified my failings and perpetuated her sufferings. I excused myself from my duty to help her. Eventually, my great aunt became blind and lost her hearing. These physical failures separated her even further from the world of the living. At 104, her balance began to waiver, restricting her to be home. Obviously, she could no longer drive and became 100% dependent on others for her life’s necessities. My poor-aged aunt, during the last stages of life, could rely very sparingly on those with whom she was related. We, those who should have been her comforters and caregivers, were all too busy with our own lives to be bothered with hers. Eventually, my great aunt passed away. I can only imagine her great joy as she crossed over to the other side of life. She was finally in heaven with those who loved and cared for her, those whom she had missed and yearned for over half a century. What a joyous day her death must have been for her and for them. As I reflect back and try to learn from her experience, I have discovered great treasures of knowledge. I have learned that you and I must push past the inconveniences and less than ideal circumstances, surrounding death and grief recovery. We must overcome our reasons for shirking our duties and realize that they are nothing more than excuses. HOW DO WE PUSH PAST OUR EXCUSES? To push past our excuses, we must knock down the barriers of travel and timing and go around them. Although it may not be the right time for us, we must go anyway. Additionally, we must overcome the obstacles of inconvenience. We must take the initiative to rearrange our schedules, put aside our discomforts and insecurities about death, seize the opportunity to help someone who is suffering the worst experiences in life and rely upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit to guide us. Moreover, we must accept that it is hard to know what to say when someone is grieving but realize that their needs are greater than our fears. We must be brave. We must not worry that we might say or do something that might make it worse. We must understand that just being there is more than enough. Talking or counseling are required. Listening is enough, even when silence is all that we hear. Being there provides security to the survivor, shores up their foundation with support, quiets their fears and passes along the comforts of love. There are not enough excuses in the universe to change the reality of death and it will happen to each of us. The most valuable assistance we can give a survivor is to mourn with them. Be the answer to someone’s prayer. Quell their fears by being with them in their hours of worry, fear, loneliness and heartache. Assist them through the trials of recovery by being their friend through their darkest moments. Be the comfort promised in the scriptures by sharing Christ’s love and His great Plan of Happiness with them. In rendering these most precious services, you will witness your own pains and fears dissipate, then you will be blessed beyond comprehension as you fulfill, in part, this prophetic promise… “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, Podcaster and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” at: https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at "Deadline_TracyLee." < Previous News Next News >