The State Of Medicaid And Human Services: We All Can Agree That Efficiency and Transparency Are Excellent Goals, But Who and What Is Cut By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Mar 6, 2025 Over the past months, the federal government has been evolving under new leadership. While our President has been pushing the boundaries there are still certain guardrails in place. Many laws that govern our democracy still require controlling votes of the Senate and Congress. We all can agree that efficiency and transparency are excellent goals but who and what is cut will have a direct effect on our delivery of services. Checks and balances that seem to slow down the delivery of services are there to protect our tax dollars. We do not want them to be wasted or doled out by fraud. On the other hand, we as taxpayers should not be waiting months for services like Social Security, Medicare and Veterans benefits that we paid for and depend on. I have had a direct experience sadly within the past year, trying to get benefits from the VA for our mother. Our Dad was in WWII. He served in the Navy on a hospital ship. She was due to a reimbursement for her out of pocket cost for nursing care. I had submitted an application over a year ago for her that was rejected for more information. It was resubmitted and the benefits were still not paid. I am sure I am not the only person that has come across this type of problem. DOGE seems like a worthy attempt to clean up abuse and create efficiency. The issue is how they are going about it. Even with technology, you need human resources to work in departments. Disrupting the workflow with firing employees without technology improvement in place will only create more hardships for individuals dependent on these resources. As Congress works on a budget, we are already seeing across the board outcries from both Republican and Democrat individuals to preserve our social nets. The U.S. Conference of Mayors held our recent leadership meeting. Our Executive Board and all committee chairs review the changes taking place. Medicare was one of the topics that was discussed. As municipal leaders we do not directly manage Medicare, which is a national and state function. It does, however, directly impact all of our constituents. We passed a joint letter to Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader Jeffries, urging them to strengthen Medicare and not cut this vital program. The National State Legislators, The Council for State Governments, National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and The International City County Management Association, all signed on to protect Medicare. Medicare does not simply provide health insurance to seventy-nine million Americans, it impacts all areas of healthcare, including hospitals. Another issue that is now being implemented is the increase of tariffs on Mexico and Canada. I think all of us realize that Mexico has created issues with illegal immigration and illegal drugs. We all were caught off guard with the Canadian Tariff plan. Illegal drugs are being shipped to Canada and are finding their way to the United States. Our partnership with Canada is the largest Bilateral trading relationship in the world. $2.5 Billion dollars cross the border daily. Eight million jobs in the U.S. are tied to the Canadian trade industry. There are thirty-six states with Canada as their top exporters and Florida is one of them. Florida exports over $5.2 Billion to Canada including these top three agricultural, chemicals and equipment/ machinery. So, when tariffs go up, it will not just impact on the cost of what is imported but will affect what goods and services that are exported out of our state. The other top concern of all Mayors was ICE. Florida was already at the forefront of this issue with our Governor trying to implement far-reaching laws that would impact our local Law Enforcement. It needs to be made noticeably clear that city Law Enforcement enforces all the laws. If they find a person is here illegally, they take them to the county. The county is tasked with jailing all criminals. They work directly with ICE by notifying their agents and undocumented immigrants that are in their custody. The issue arises with our officers being taken off the road to enforce national immigration law. To date, we have not been approached by ICE to help them. If we are, it means less officers to protect our community, when it comes to Public Safety. Our officers are not directly trained to perform immigration enforcement. Taking officers off their regular duties for training also has an adverse effect on Public Safety. The Acting Deputy Director of US ICE Kenneth Genalo, attended our meeting and shared an update of their activity. We were all informed that they were and continue to target specific undocumented immigrants. Their main targets are known criminals that include murderers, violent offenders’, gangs and drug related crimes. They have no intention of targeting churches, schools, or hospitals. If they are aware of a criminal at any of these locations, they are required by law to work directly with local agencies, in ensuring innocent civilians are not placed in harm's way. We are all now waiting to see what their next steps are. The Police Athletic League of Hallandale Beach, announced the 2nd Annual One Hallandale Beach Family Fun Field Day. PAL Hallandale Beach is a national organization that police departments in different cities across the country implement to foster a greater connection between Law Enforcement, cities and communities through recreational sports. The event features a robust Resource Fair, entertainment, field games, prizes, food and much more on April 5th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., in Hallandale Beach at O.B. Johnson Park 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, the event is free. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And Share! Previous Next

The Passing Of Sarge Pickman By Neil Keller Dec 10, 2025 The world of comedy lost a bright light with the recent passing of Steve “Sarge” Pickman at the age of 64 years old. If you ever saw him perform, you would have never forgotten the joy he brought. A fixture in South Florida and beyond, Sarge was a comedian who lived to make people laugh. I moved to south Florida 4.5 years ago and met Sarge a half dozen times, and each conversation left me impressed by his warmth and his ability to bring smiles to everyone around him. Even his last Facebook post, on November 27th, 2025, reflected his spirit: “Wishing a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your loved ones! See you soon! – SARGE.” That was who he was — always spreading cheer. From Miami Beach to Great Neck Born in 1961 to an Orthodox Jewish mother and an African American father in Miami Beach, Sarge — originally named Stephen — was adopted into a Jewish family in Great Neck, New York. His grandfather, Herman Shane, played a pivotal role in sparking his love of comedy. At Grossinger’s in the Catskills, Herman would tell young Stephen jokes, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion. Sarge’s early years were marked by talent and discipline. From ages 7 to 12, he studied at Juilliard in Manhattan. Later, at South Kent School in Connecticut, he excelled both academically and athletically, playing on the football team’s offensive and defensive lines. At Boston University, he earned the nickname “Sarge” — a moniker that stuck for life. Struggles and Redemption Like many entertainers, Sarge faced personal battles. In the mid-1980’s, drugs and alcohol nearly derailed his life. He candidly admitted to stealing from a friend’s apartment to fuel his addiction. But on December 26, 1990, he made a life-changing decision: to stop drinking and using drugs. That commitment to sobriety became the foundation for his future success. Breaking Into Comedy Sarge’s first paid comedy gig came in 1992 in New York City. His routine was only six minutes long, but he repeated it ten times to fill an hour slot every Sunday. The venue later turned out to be a mafia front under FBI surveillance — and Sarge discovered he had been hired to distract the agents. It was an unusual start, but it didn’t stop him. His career soon intertwined with sports. Working for ABC Wide World of Sports and CBS’s The NFL Today, he received advice from Greg Gumbel: “To be a sportscaster you have to be careful with what you say. You’re very talented — you should be a comedian so you can speak whatever you want.” Sarge took that advice to heart. Sharing the Stage With Legends In 1994, he was asked to replace Jerry Seinfeld at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner. He recalled joking with the crowd about being mistaken for Mets outfielder Cleon Jones — a moment that brought the house down. Soon after, Hall of Famer Bob Gibson invited him to perform at a charity event in Omaha, where Sarge entertained an audience that included George Brett, Sandy Koufax, Steve Carlton, and Willie Mays. Koufax even arranged to sit next to him on the flight back to Los Angeles, intrigued by Sarge’s Jewish identity. From there, his career soared. He performed at Radio City Music Hall, entertained at Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in 1997, and worked on cruise ships across the globe. He hosted his own Fox Sports Radio show, Sarge in the Foxhole, which aired on Armed Forces Radio, and he visited troops in Iraq three years in a row. He later created and produced Fox’s Best Damn Sports Show Period. Along the way, he opened for icons like Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, the Beach Boys, the Four Tops, Taylor Dayne, and Donna Summer. A Life of Joy and Identity Sarge often said he never faced racism or antisemitism in his career. “I am an American. Race should not matter,” he explained. His favorite comedians — Alan King, Gilbert Gottfried, and Robert Klein — reflected his appreciation for sharp wit and cultural humor. In 2007, he married Ania, who converted to Judaism, and together they raised their son Zander, now 17. He authored “Black Boychik” and recently appeared in the film A Brooklyn Love Story, available on Amazon. His website: www.IamSarge.com offers a glimpse into his multifaceted career. Remembering Sarge What made Sarge special wasn’t just his talent, but his outlook. He lived each day to the fullest, and added. “I love where I am right now. I have no agent, a wonderful son. I do not have to travel if I do not want to.” I will miss Sarge deeply. He was always filled with love, laughter, and the ability to brighten any room. His legacy is one of joy — and that is the greatest gift a comedian can leave behind. Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish. Steve “Sarge” Pickman & Neil Keller - Photo Credit Alyse Sachs Previous Next

A Conversation With The 'Queen Of Air Fryers,' Cathy Yoder By Merilee Kern, MBA Jul 3, 2025 Widely Regarded As The "Queen Of Air Fryers," Cathy Yoder — A Mother Of Eight—Wanted To Prove That Air Fryers Could Do More Than Reheat Frozen Foods And Leftovers. So, She Documented Her Journey On Youtube. Now—With Nearly 730,000 Subscribers, Over 6 Million Video Views And 35,000 Cookbooks Sold—Her Channel And Thought Leadership Platform Draws Over A Million Monthly Visitors, Fuels Speaking Engagements, Attracts Marquee Sponsors, And Drives Significant Affiliate Revenue. As an influencer in the digital marketing world, she has also utilized her experience and knowledge to guide other aspiring bloggers and marketers. She frequently shares valuable insights and strategies that have proven to be instrumental in her own success. With remarkable ingenuity, tenacity, and an uncanny knack for anticipating trends, her viral YouTube videos and influential status within the digital marketing community continue to make her a force to be reckoned with in the world of online content creation. However, most important to her air fryer empire is that Cathy empowers hundreds of thousands of people to dust off their air fryers and embrace using them to make simple, delicious meals in minutes. With this in mind, and the holiday cooking and gifting season on fast approach, we caught up with Cathy to discuss how she can help make celebratory meals quicker, easier and healthier by using an air fryer as well as the profound success realized through her entrepreneurship, digital marketing and Social Media influencer endeavors. MK: You are a mother of eight, and it’s been said that you don’t like to cook? Is that what made using the air fryer appealing to you? CY: Yes, that’s true. I don't like to cook. But, as a busy mom of eight kids, I needed a way to put food on the table fast--several times a day. I tried meal prep, delivery services, eating out (not good), and more. Nothing worked. Meal prep required too much time in the kitchen. And the other options were too pricey for my deal-seeking nature. That's when I started experimenting with an air fryer—which also appealed to my penchant for new technology. Soon, I discovered I could make simple, delicious, and mostly nutritious meals in minutes. When my kids ate those first dinners without complaining, I had an "aha moment" that dramatically changed how I cook and the trajectory of my business. In 2020 during the Pandemic, with a house full of family members needing to eat, I used my phone to record videos of the food I cooked in the air fryer. The kids tried and rated each recipe. Some even pitched in to help chop, mix, and measure. I posted the videos and recipes on YouTube, and here we are. I now have a family full of air fryer enthusiasts. The recipe portion of Fabulessly Frugal, which is my original business started to help families save money while enjoying delicious meals, has grown so much that we spun off the cooking content into a site called Empowered Cooks. As a complement to that, I also launched Pine & Pepper, which is a physical product line of cooking accessories. Ironically, my reluctance to cook was an essential ingredient for building this thriving culinary business that helps people (like me) feel more confident in the kitchen. MK: I understand your Empowered Cooks multimedia platform is designed to guide everyday home cooks on the use of air fryers. What will folks find there? CY: At Empowered Cooks online, my "Air Fryer Recipes" cookbook filled with over 150 recipes is available. To date, it has sold over 35,000 copies worldwide, giving folks the confidence and inspiration to enjoy all that an air fryer has to offer. Other resources on the: https://EmpoweredCooks.com platform include access to an air fryer cooking catalog with over 300 video recipes, accessories, a transformative video course, and interactive cooking class sessions where new and experienced air fryer enthusiasts gather with me to cook and chat as we air fry foods in real time! Overall, this platform motivated home cooks to learn the basics of air frying and feel empowered to experiment with more recipes as they progress with the appliance. MK: Also a prolific Social Media influencer, your YouTube channel, itself, boasts over 730,000 subscribers. What resources do you provide there? CY: On my YouTube channel users will find endless air fryer inspirations! I share easy, delicious ways to make the most of your air fryer. With it, I'm on a mission to empower everyday cooks like me to feel more confident in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, every air fryer recipe on this channel will help you make delicious, and mostly nutritious, air fryer meals in minutes. We make recipes ranging from amazing air fryer chicken to salmon, steak, veggies, baked goods, and desserts in a fraction of the time it normally takes. Some of my most popular videos include "4 of THE BEST Air Fryers in 2023--And What to AVOID," 15 Things You DIDN’T KNOW the Air Fryer Could Make, "Top 12 AIR FRYER MISTAKES," and "These 15 Recipes Will MAKE YOU WANT an Air Fryer." MK: To what do you attribute your book, “Easy Air Fryer Recipe Book: Best Airfryer Cookbook Recipes for Beginners to Advanced,” having realized such tremendous success? CY: Yes, the book project has been such a joy. Inside, readers find more than 150 easy and delicious recipes complete with gorgeous photos. This includes delicious, healthy and effortless meals conveniently organized into six sections: Breakfast, Main Dishes (grouped by protein), Veggies & Sides, Snack & Sandwiches, and Desserts. At the end of the book, you’ll find additional quick tips, cheat sheets, conversion charts, and other resources. Overall, this book is written to transform your air fryer into your all-time favorite kitchen appliance, and teach you how to use your air fryer to create recipes everyone will love. Yummy Air Fryer Recipes aren't full of complicated recipes or crazy ingredients. Each recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, and includes pictures. Plus, the index is arranged to help you quickly find recipes in different categories and ingredients so that you can easily use items you already have on hand in your fridge or your pantry. If you want to up-level what you make in your air fryer, Yummy Air Fryer Recipes is the cookbook recipe book providing simple-to-follow recipe guidelines getting you top notch results every single time. MK: You mentioned that you also offer kitchen accessories and resources—what’s available for sale? CY: Through our Pine & Pepper online eCommerce store that’s linked with Empowered Cooks, we offer nearly 30 helpful tools, books and recipe resources—some available for as little as 99 cents—to help users make air frying simple, accessible and to get food on the table fast. One of my favorites is a handy magnetic air fryer cheat sheet, which is designed to help prevent overcooked food, helping users cook over 85 foods to perfection. There are also gadgets like the Mistifi 6-ounce Oil Spray Bottle; Premium Air Fryer Liners Premium Air Fryer Liners and an Instant Read Food Thermometer. And, of course, there is the paperback cookbook as well as a wide range of general and specialized digital recipes books—all under $8—available for immediate download. From Protein-focused, dessert, kid-friendly, pizza pleasers and meals for two, to Diabetic, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and Dairy-Free recipe books, we have something for everyone. For those who really want to dig in, there’s also my “Air Fryers Unleashed! Digital Course” as well as the “Cooking with Cathy” 6-month subscription. MK: What does the “Cooking with Cathy” 6-month subscription entail? CY: This is a really exciting, immersive option that provides 6-Months of live online cooking classes designed to help participants make fast, delicious, and easy air fryer meals in the comfort of their own kitchen. It's about so much more than just following a recipe; it's about having a group of people to share it with. Our "Cooking with Cathy Community" allows users to actively participate, learn, ask questions and get premium support when needed. The format is an online Zoom class with recipe cards to print at home. The subscription provides a monthly live cooking show plus access to past recorded shows. MK: I believe Fabulessly Frugal has an app as well. Tell us about that. CY: Yes, shopping smart has never been easier. The Fabulessly Frugal app is a mobile database of the best online deals available. Users get deal alerts when you select your favorite brands, shopping categories, or products. And you get access to a price comparison tool that ensures you never fall for "marketing math tricks" again. MK: You had published findings from a survey you conducted unveiling insights into air fryer enthusiasts’ preferences—what did you glean from that? CY: The insights gained from that survey, conducted among our audience of nearly 650,000 subscribers, were compelling, with participants representing a diverse audience demographic. This ranged from empty nesters to a growing cohort of younger enthusiasts between their teens and mid-20s. Among the findings, the survey revealed that owning an air fryer led to faster and more efficient cooking for well over half (67.8%) of users, a shift towards healthier cooking for 44.5%, and increased culinary experimentation for 43%. The usage pattern indicated that 39.7% utilize the air fryer several times a week, 36% use it daily or almost daily, and 9.6% use it once a week. It's been amazing to get these survey results. The insights are opening up new ways for us to support our air fryer community. It's pretty cool to think that air fryers, once just a gadget for zapping frozen foods, have become a kitchen game-changer. We're here to keep bringing everyday cooks the best tips, recipes, and advice, whether they're just starting with an air fryer or have been experimenting with it for a while. It's awesome to be part of the journey with this fantastic kitchen innovation. Cathy and her multi-faceted Empowered Cooks and Pine & Pepper platforms are bringing the delight of air frying to countless kitchens—and her overarching business insights are inspiring other aspiring entrepreneurs. She's thoughtfully curated a collection of high-quality kitchen tools and recipe books designed to help you prepare air fryer meals quickly and easily, without sacrificing flavor or quality. In all, Cathy's endeavors are making every day air fryer cooking fun and accessible for everyone, transforming kitchens into a place of joy and creativity. (Photo Credit Cathy Yoder) Previous Next

An Acoustic Evening With Matisyahu March 10, 2023 Share Gelb Productions, LLC. Presents An Acoustic Evening with Matisyahu on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 and Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Described by the Miami New Times as "tremendous, zen-like and enlightening," Matisyahu performs a stripped back acoustic show with his long-time friend, collaborator and Local Guitarist Adam Weinberg. Presented in his repertoire’s most raw form, Matisyahu allows his voice and beatboxing, paired with inventive guitar arrangements, to expand through lyrical intensity and musical improvisation. This format naturally digs deep into the meaning of the song itself, and lays Matisyahu's spiritual journey bare, bringing a closeness to the artist-fan relationship. Like only the most gifted storytellers, Matisyahu spins the rare kind of stories that simultaneously enlighten and enthrall and expand the audience’s sense of possibility. On his eponymous new album, the Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter/rapper shares his most autobiographical work to date, merging that personal revelation with a shapeshifting collision of reggae and hip-hop and boldly inventive pop. Produced by Salt Cathedral (a Brooklyn-based duo comprised of Colombian musicians Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada), the result is an undeniably transformative album, one that invites both intense introspection and unbridled celebration. “Throughout my life so much of my music has come from struggling with a sort of existential loneliness, even though a lot of the music is very joyful,” says Matisyahu. “I ended up in a place where I’ve found the person who’s my soulmate and made a beautiful life with her and that’s the place where this record was born.” The seventh studio album from the New York artist, Matisyahu arrives as the latest achievement in an extraordinary career that’s included landing a #1 hit on alternative rock radio (with his Billboard Hot 100-charting breakthrough single “King Without a Crown,”) collaborating with the likes of reggae legends Sly and Robbie, and amassing a global following largely on the strength of his transcendent live show. In bringing the album to life, Ronderos and Losada joined Matisyahu at his former home on the Hudson River in Nyack, where the three musicians soon immersed themselves in an unfettered and improvisation-fueled creative process. “Working with Juli was the first time I’ve ever had a female producer, and it influenced the record in an amazing way,” says Matisyahu, who first collaborated with Salt Cathedral on his 2016 EP Release the Bound. “I felt free to bring more sensitivity or sensuality to my vocals, and really explore the subtleties of my voice.” Rooted in a lushly detailed yet minimalist sound, Matisyahu sheds light on the shadowy complexities of his psyche while endlessly radiating a euphoric energy. On the album’s dancehall-infused lead single “Chameleon,” for instance, he presents a potent piece of self-reflection spiked with equal parts idiosyncratic wordplay and warmly expressed wisdom (“Turn an evil eye inverted to let the light in/Illuminate the evil till dem heart get sizzlin”). “There are some people who are like a rock, who never change, but I’ve always been able to shed my skin to fit with whatever I wanted to be part of,” says Matisyahu of the song’s origins. In a perfect counterpart to its kaleidoscopic rhythms and otherworldly textures, “Chameleon” also features a spellbinding guest verse from Ronderos, who adds her own rapturous perspective. 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 noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Tickets are $60 with $120 VIP Tickets that include premium seating in the first two rows. Parking Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

The Mad Tea Party at WMODA Thu Mar 24 2022 04:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Can I Come Live With You: I Want A Family To Call My Own July 13, 2023 Share Hey everyone, I’m Baloo (ID A668749)...can I come live with you? I’m just over a year old and weigh 72 pounds. Don’t let my size scare you, I’m a well-behaved fellow who showed off all that I know during my recent photo shoot for this cute picture. I will sit, give paw and even give you the other one if you ask. I might talk to you, so you'll throw a ball for me to chase after. It is unknown how I am with other dogs or cats, but we can do a meet and greet if you have another dog at home. I will admit I pull on the leash, but that's just because I'm excited to go somewhere. Thanks to Dolly's Dream my adoption fee is sponsored and I get to go home with goodies to help me settle in. Cute and cuddly, that’s me Tristan (ID 670065)! I’m a youngster at 15 weeks old and I have a lot of growing to do. The volunteers and staff keep me entertained, but I want a family to call my own who will spoil me with lots of fun toys and treats. Can you make my wish come true? Adoption Specials Diamond in the Ruff: Since 2016, longtime Humane Society of Broward County supporter J.R. Dunn Jewelers has been helping to create true love – by sponsoring pet adoptions so that more dogs and cats can find happy homes. The program is called “Diamond in the Ruff” and who knows diamonds better than J.R. Dunn? J.R. Dunn features a pet each week – yes, 52 pets every year – and underwrites the entire adoption fee for that dog, puppy, cat or kitten. “Diamond in the Ruff” is promoted through J.R. Dunn’s Local Radio Spots and Social Media and the HSBC will do its share of promotion as well. What a fabulous way to put their money where their heart is and to bring attention to all the amazing dogs and cats that are so ready to be loved. Furry little diamonds in the rough – just waiting for their “perfect setting!” Be sure to visit J.R. Dunn’s Facebook Page each week to see who the featured pet is and you might just find your next family member. Of course to meet the pet, contact the Humane Society of Broward County at: (954) 989-3977 Extension#: 6. Dolly’s Dream: In the Winter 2016 Paw Prints we introduced Dolly’s Dream Project funded by the Levitetz Family Foundation. The project covers the cost for Spay/Neuter Surgery for American Staffordshire Terriers and Mixes and helps with Surrender Prevention. Dolly’s Dream has expanded and now they are underwriting the adoption fee of select Bully Breed Dogs. In addition to underwriting the fee, they will cover the costs for the basic items that the dog will need to succeed in their new home. This includes a Training Crate, Sensation Harness or No-Pull Harness, Chew Toys, Collar, ID Tag, Leash, Training Treat Bag and basic dishes. If necessary, they will also cover the cost of Obedience Classes here at the Humane Society of Broward County. Current Dolly’s Dream Dogs Luna ID A667990: After having a home for three years I was brought to the shelter because the landlord said I had to go. Now, that might sound bad, but honestly...I’m happier now. My name is Luna (ID A667990) and since I was a little pup, I had to live outside 24/7 and was never allowed in the house. It’s hot here in south Florida and I was miserable outside. Now that I’m at the shelter, I love the cool air-conditioning, but I especially love the belly rubs the staff and volunteers give me and I LOVE toys! I just want to be with people and get lots of attention and cuddles. I’m good with people of all ages and if you have a dog then a meet and greet would be recommended to make sure we get along. I’ve never been around felines, so not sure how that would go. To meet me or any other pet, complete the Pre-Adoption Application at: www.humanebroward.com and if you have questions, call: (954) 989-3977 Extension#: 6. The Adoption Kennels open daily at 11:00 a.m. and the shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Thanks to Dolly’s Dream my Adoption Fee is sponsored and I get to go home with goodies to help me settle in. Cassie ID 629208: I was adopted a few years ago by a wonderful man and we had so many great times together. Sadly, he passed away and now I’m back at the shelter hoping another wonderful family will adopt me. When he was sick, I didn’t leave his side and often slept in bed with him. My name is Cassie and I’m a six-year-old gal who is loyal, good with kids ages 7 and up and I’m very friendly. While I have never lived with felines, I’m going to do best in a home where I’m the only dog. I enjoy belly rubs and being where you are. One thing you should know, I’m not a fan of loud noises, so no heavy metal music for me. To meet a pet, complete the Pre-Adoption Application at: www.humanebroward.com and then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and the Adoption Kennels open daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, call: (954) 989-3977 Extension#: 6. And if you can’t adopt, please tell all your friends about all the wonderful pets waiting for a second chance. < Previous News Next News >

The State Of The City Part VI: We Have Stopped “Kicking The Cans Down The Road” By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 13, 2023 Share Over the weeks, I have shared The State of the City Series. This is Part VI and the Final Portion. It covers the threats our City is facing in the coming years. While we are very proud, our city’s fiscal situation is stable due to the hard work of our City Manager, Commission and Staff. We have stopped “Kicking the cans down the road” and are addressing the most vital parts of our City’s Infrastructure. We still have plenty of work to do. So, what threats can unbalance this stability? There is always the threat of Hurricanes, Economic Instability, Supply Chain Issues, Workforce Issues, Pension and Labor Costs and God forbid, another Pandemic! But we do have current threats that we have already geared up for and are working with our neighboring cities. Seaweed. Yes I did say Seaweed. The Sargassum Bloom is coming and we have seen some bands from it already. We had to invest in new tractors and are keeping up with cleaning. We all are extremely concerned about the large cost of disposal. Our Staff has even set up a specific landing page to inform our residents. The other threat is not a surprise, Housing Costs. While many people have migrated here our population has not really grown significantly. Recent figures show that the majority of growth is North and to the West due to the Cost Of Living. The rent for two-bedroom one bath apartments is going upwards to $2,000 - $3000 Dollars. The other side of that sword. We continue to focus on creating more units that are affordable. Our Sustainable Development Department under the Leadership of Director Vanesa Leroy has already requested and received five hundred units to be utilized for housing. We are also laying the groundwork to apply for an additional four thousand to be built within our Regional Activity Center. This is the area between Federal Highway and the FEC. If these units are applied for, there must be a percentage of inclusionary units. While many developers prefer to pay as you go, that model simply has not worked. I mentioned the City Center but there are also many infill developments including Solaris which will be affordable units. This would not be possible without the County and the CRA. In addition, our CRA has been helping residents with Rental Assistance. We created a program where if someone’s rent has increased over 20% we will help pay the difference to the property owner for 12 months up to $6,000 dollars in assistance until renters can catch up financially or find other housing. We all know about the astronomical insurance costs but that is a job for our Legislators. This year, though, we approved restarting our Hurricane Window and Retrofit Program East of the CRA. This was possible due to cost savings measures and will help reduce Windstorm Costs for those and make our City safer. The other issue, while certainly not new, seems to have resulted from a combination of COVID-19, the Cost Of Living and the Opioid Crisis. Increases in the Homeless population. It is truly tragic, but it is something every city is dealing with. We are trying to do what we can with these needy individuals, but we cannot force them to get help. Some things to know. It is illegal to Loiter on Private Property that is posted “No Trespassing.” On Private Property we can make the homeless leave and share with them where to get help. It is illegal to sleep in public right away. We can ask individuals if they want help or ask them to move along. Now there is an added issue, it is now legal for people to Panhandle on public property. The Supreme Court ruled that is a form of Free Speech. Our City Attorney is reviewing our current Law that regulates Safety and the Blocking Of Traffic to see if it can still be Enforced. But for now, anyone on our Sidewalks or at our Parks is FREE to Panhandle. To address this issue in an empathic manner we have hired a Community Service Officer, Iman Sandman in the Police Department. Please call the Police Non-Emergency Number to report the homeless person and he will collaborate with you at: (954) 764-4357. You can always call me as well at: (954) 632-5700. I have been studying this issue and while some people are simply down on their luck, but many homeless are Mentally Ill or have Addictions. Not everyone has a family, a support group, or resources to get help. And some are so entrenched in their reality they simply refuse help. This does not mean we cannot avoid tough decisions to address this quality-of-life issue for all our residents. Mental Health actually for everyone has become an issue. We do not always talk about it, but it has gotten to unbearable proportions. Even the U.S. Conference Of Mayors began a Mental Health Task Force. It is not just about the homeless but all of us. Since COVID-19 many of us, whether it's family, school or business Stress, adapting back into the new routine has not been easy. In Florida, the lack of Gun Regulations has made Stress even more deadly. For our children we held the opening of the new home of our Police Activities League. Children can go there and enjoy after school activities, sports, the arts, or simple quiet time in the library. Our partner’s at Memorial have also partnered with PAL. “One City At A Time:” Offering FREE Health Checkups, Testing and Assistance to all ages every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the next year this includes a Woman’s Health and a Mental Health Component. I have one thing to ask you. On your tables are cards and information about PAL. Readers can get involved too! Visit PAL Facebook for more information. Please consider supporting their efforts. You don’t have to commit full time as they want to work with your desires to help our students within your availability. 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 >

Six Ways to Stretch Your Medicare Dollars: Look For a Plan That Gives You a Monthly Allowance To Spend on Groceries and More By Bruno Piquin, President CarePlus Health Plans October 27, 2022 Share If you’re eligible for Medicare, selecting a 2023 Medicare plan that helps you maximize your healthcare dollars is especially important during the current economically challenging times. The good news is that it is possible to stretch your healthcare dollars by finding a Medicare Advantage plan that offers extra benefits and services. According to the Better Medicare Alliance, members of Medicare Advantage plans reported saving nearly $2,000 a year, while experiencing better health outcomes. And the time to shop is now. During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period from Saturday, October 15th, 2022 to Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, people eligible for Medicare select a plan for coverage taking effect on Sunday, January 1st, 2023. If you want to save money and still get quality healthcare, consider these options when shopping for your 2023 Medicare Advantage plan: Plans that put money back in your pocket – Did you know you may be able to add money to your Social Security check by selecting a Medicare plan that offers a premium giveback? You can also save money on select over-the-counter products, such as cold medicines, if the plan offers a monthly allowance. Help paying for groceries, rent, utilities, and more – If you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, look for a plan that gives you a monthly allowance to spend on groceries, rent, utilities and even pet care. Dental, hearing and vision coverage – Taking care of your dental, hearing and vision needs is important to your overall health. When researching plans, be sure to ask: What are the copays for going to the dentist and the eye doctor? Is there an allowance to buy dentures, hearing aids and eyeglasses? Transportation – Does the plan offer free rides to medical appointments? There are plans available that provide rides to see your primary care doctor, specialists, and to have lab work done. Fitness and wellness benefits – Once you identify your basic health needs, think about what else is important to your overall health and well-being. For example, if you like to exercise, look for a plan that includes a fitness benefit. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans include gym memberships. Some plans also offer in-person and virtual health and wellness classes, and even reward you with gift cards for completing certain healthy activities. Extra features for individual needs - If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease, you may find a plan specifically designed to care for that condition, while adding dollars back to your Social Security check. And, if you’re a Veteran, look for a plan designed to complement VA health care by covering services at non-VA facilities, including dental coverage, transportation and fitness classes. As you shop for your Medicare plan, I encourage you to look for ways to maximize your healthcare coverage, while minimizing your costs, to help ensure the healthiest you in 2023. To learn more about your options, visit: www.Medicare.gov Or call: 1 (800) MEDICARE (800) 633-4227; TTY Or TDD users should call: 1 (877) 486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For information about CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans, visit: www.careplushealthplans.com , visit: es-www.careplushealthplans.com (SP) or speak with a licensed CarePlus sales agent by calling: 1 (855) 450-1352 (TTY: 711). Hours of operation: Saturday, October 1st, 2022 - Friday, March 31st, 2022 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. < Previous News Next News >

Making Strides Walk-A-Thon To Thwart Breast Cancer Thu Nov 03 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Calling All Big Dog Lovers: You'll Fall In Love With These Big Boys November 17, 2023 Share Calling all big dog lovers...can Bella (ID 674393) or Scrappy (ID 672002) go home with you? Beautiful Bella would love to go home with you! This sandy, blonde beauty is 73 pounds, 11 months-old and still has some growing to do. Sadly, she was given up because she got too big. Bella is good with other dogs and enjoys playing with dogs her size. Her profile says she is also good with cats, so please do a slow introduction if you have a resident feline. Older kids might be best, we wouldn’t want her to knock down any little ones by accident. Bella can be a little shy at first but give her a few minutes and she warms up and wants to play. Would she be a good fit for your family? Scrappy is an adorable fellow and can’t wait to meet you at the Humane Society of Broward County. Scrappy is a friendly, five-year-old, 72-pound fellow who loves to be petted and hang out with people. The volunteers and staff at the Humane Society of Broward County say he is affectionate, curious, and calm. If you’re looking for a walking partner… he could be perfect for you. A family with older kids might be best, he wouldn’t want to accidentally knock over any little kids. If you have a dog at home, a dog meet would be recommended. It appears Scrappy is not that into toys, he prefers to be where you are and rest his head in your lap. Thanks to our friends at Buy Fire Alarm Parts, they have kindly paid Scrappy’s adoption fee. Could you be the perfect family for Scrappy? If a big feline is your thing than five-year-old Kimura (Kimmy) ID 674446 is a BIG lap cat, who loves attention and pets. She is good with well-mannered dogs, is talkative when she sees you, and she will do best in a home with kids ages 8 and up. Kimura is front declawed. Preparing to Adopt If you lease your home, check with your landlord before adopting to be sure you are allowed to have a pet and can afford all required pet deposits. Pets are sometimes returned because of lease restrictions and/or landlord’s disapproval of the pet chosen. This can be an expensive lesson since the adoption fees are non-refundable and being returned to the shelter can be a stressful experience for the animal. Adopting a pet is not a one person decision. Make sure other members of your household are aware you want to add a pet and should meet the pet before you decide to adopt. Also consider: • Does anyone have allergies? • Are other members of the household, including children, afraid of animals? • Are you expecting other members of the household to share in the care of the pet? Another factor to consider is cost. The initial and on-going costs of a new pet can add up. These costs include: Adoption fees, Food, Grooming, Obedience training, Pet supplies, and Licensing. Additional veterinary care such as diagnostic testing and preventative medication can add up in the future, so make sure to take this all under consideration prior to adopting. These costs can easily be $200-400 or more within the first few weeks of adoption. Other Pets The Humane Society of Broward County recommends that you do not immediately expose your existing pets to a new pet. Consider how you will manage an isolation period and be sure all existing pets are up to date on vaccinations and other routine health care before bringing a new pet home. Facilitating positive pet-to-pet introductions will require some management on your part too. Not all pets are instant friends and may require temporary or intermittent separation to ensure a smooth transition. Some pets are happy to share their home within a week or two, others may take a month or longer to adjust. Our adoption staff will be happy to review steps to properly introduce your new pet to your resident pets. Time commitment All dogs and cats making the transition to a new home will need time to adjust to a new family and may require house training and behavior training to correct problem behavior. If you aren’t prepared to invest your time to teach your new pet appropriate behavior and help the animal adjust, you should not consider adopting a pet at this time. Positive reinforcement-based training is recommended for all newly adopted dogs and puppies. Please make a lifetime commitment to your pet. Remember that the animal you choose has already been abandoned or unwanted at least once in its life. Dogs and cats may live 12 to 15 years or more. Your thoughtful consideration, preparation and commitment will help ensure a lifelong placement. Supplies Before bringing your dog, cat, or critter home, make sure you have the supplies to properly care for the newest member of your household. From toys and leashes to treats and litter pans, the adoption centers have a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right products for your pet during the adoption interview process. To meet Bella, Scrappy, Kimura, or any other pet and fill out the Pre-Adoption Application, please visit: www.humanebroward.com - Appointments are not necessary, so stop by the Humane Society of Broward County located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The Adoption Department opens daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6. < Previous News Next News >

SplashPad Is Open Fri Apr 08 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Don't Be An April Fool: The Parker Has A Lot In Store For You This Month April 13, 2023 Share Comic Sarah Millican, Musical Production Icons Don Felder and Brazil’s Djavan, Inspirational Medium James Van Praagh and Musical Fan Favorites Live, Postmodern Jukebox and Leonid and Friends and are all coming to Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker this April. One of the most innovative, riff-generating songwriters of the modern Rock Era arrives at The Parker when Don Felder performs on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Renowned as the Former Lead Guitarist of The Eagles, Felder is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. He continues to build upon his rich legacy while continuing his growth as a featured touring and recording solo artist. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Tickets are $45-$80. Get ready for the most sensational '20s party this side of The Great Gatsby with Jazz covers of Pop hits from artists like: Sia, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga when Postmodern Jukebox brings its “Life In The Past Lane Tour” to The Parker on Friday, April 14th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. The group features an ensemble of multi-talented singers and musicians who bring Scott Bradlee's generation-spanning arrangements to life. Returning to a style that embodies the music of past generations, the famed musicians pair the right talent with the right material to create an unforgettable experience for fans. The core ensemble is often joined by surprise guests to make each concert unique, unpredictable and one of the most thrilling live music experiences of this and any other time period. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Tickets are $34.50-$99.50 with $160 and $210 VIP Packages offering premium seating and other exclusives. James Van Praagh, a pioneer of the Mediumship Movement and considered one of the most widely recognized and accurate Spiritual Mediums working today, comes to Lillian S. Wells Hall in The Parker on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. A “Survival Evidence Medium,” he provides evidential proof of life after death through highly detailed messages from the Spiritual Realm. He is recognized annually on Watkins List of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People – a prestigious list of spiritual teachers, activists, authors and thinkers. He has worked with international heads of state, religious world leaders and Celebrities including: Cher, Goldie Hawn, Shirley Maclaine, Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Rivers, Katie Couric, Loretta Lynn, Chelsea Handler, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Wesley Snipes. The Number 1 New York Times Best-Selling Author of over a dozen International Best-Sellers, including his debut, Talking To Heaven, Van Praagh’s book titles include: Reaching To Heaven, Healing Grief, Heaven And Earth, Looking Beyond, Meditations, Ghosts Among Us, Unfinished Business, Growing Up In Heaven, Adventures of The Soul, How to Heal A Grieving Heart And The Power Of Love. Tickets are $45-$75 with $125 VIP Tickets that offer a Meet and Greet with the artist. Leonid & Friends return in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. With the help of YouTube, this 11-piece miracle band has blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of the American Supergroup Chicago. What is even more stunning is that Leonid & Friends haven't seen Chicago perform live yet replicates the band's complex arrangements amazingly note for note. They became an internet phenomenon with more than one million followers hooked by the group's 20 spot-on versions of beloved hits by Chicago that have received over 40 million views worldwide. This concert is generously underwritten by AARP. Tickets are $39.50-$69.50 with $149.50 VIP Tickets that include a Meet and Greet with the artists. He may be calling it “The D Tour” but fans will want to head straight to The Parker with no detours to see four-time Latin Grammy®-Winner Djavan on Friday, April 28th, 2023 and Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. After a 14-year hiatus, one of the greatest icons of Brazilian music makes his return to the U.S. Djavan will present a brand-new show with his full band featuring songs from his 25th studio album entitled D, as well as major hits from his 45-year career. Aside from new hit songs such as "Iluminado" and "Num Mundo de Paz," the set list will also include classics from Djavan's legendary career, such as "Se," "Flor de Lis," "Eu te Devoro" and "Samurai,” among others. Tickets are $65-$100. Also in April, audiences can enjoy HITS! Earth, Wind and Fire Alumni presented by Substantial Music Group on Thursday, April 13th, 2023 SFL Legends Presents Martin & Lewis on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023; Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s 25th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, April 23rd 2023; South Florida Symphony: Masterworks V on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 and Arbat, Inc. Presents Carmen by Balleto di Milano on Sunday, April 30th, 2023. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com and at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222 Or in person at The Parker box office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >