Serving Broward County's Underserved Youth: Museum of Discovery & Science Receives Nasa Stem Grant September 5, 2024 Share The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) has received a Community Anchor Award from the NASA Office of STEM Engagement. This funding will both bolster the Museum’s impact on underserved youth in Broward County and transform it into a regional NASA STEM informal education community resource. MODS’ award is part of NASA’s $3.7 Million Grant funding to 17 museums, science centers, and other informal education institutions as part of their TEAM II initiative to ignite STEM excitement. It is one of 13 institutions across the country to share $510,000 in NASA Community Anchor Award funds. “We are over the moon to have been awarded this prestigious NASA Grant,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This funding will allow us to increase Museum access and offer inquiry-based learning experiences for underrepresented youth via MODS STEM outreach efforts at no cost. By enhancing our local impact and strengthening sustainable connections between the Broward community and NASA, we seek to ignite, instill and further a passion for space science and STEM in the next generation of explorers.” MODS’ Community Anchor Award programming will impact 500 learners by providing two STEMobile outreach programs with a NASA-driven curriculum and one mobile GeoDome planetarium program. Fifty additional students will participate in a Kennedy Space Center field trip to explore the facility and engage with NASA. MODS will partner with Title I schools in low-income zip codes to deliver programs to youth most in need including girls, minorities and low-income youth. Outreach programs will be delivered by trained MODS STEM educators via the MODS STEMobile, which delivers project-based learning experiences to 75,000 learners annually across Broward County – 90% of which are delivered at no cost to low-income and underserved youth. All programs follow the Authentic STEM Experience (ASE) framework, actively engaging youth in collaborative, developmentally appropriate experiences that generate real-world understanding. “We’re excited to grow the community of informal education organizations through these awards,” said Torry Johnson, Deputy Associate Administrator of STEM Engagement Programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “These organizations bring the excitement of STEM and spaceflight to students where they are, helping us inspire the Artemis Generation of future explorers and innovators. These awards are a real catalyst for partnerships that connect STEM education and NASA’s missions to communities across the nation.” The Museum of Discovery and Science Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at: 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org or call: (954) 467-MODS (6637). Follow them on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl Twitter: www.twitter.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl < Previous News Next News >

City Of Sunny Isles Beach: The Charter Revision Commission Has Proposed 14 Amendments April 13, 2023 Share The Charter of the City of Sunny Isles Beach calls for an evaluation and review by its residents (collectively known as the Charter Revision Commission or “CRC”) every ten years. Upon review, the CRC may propose any amendments it deems appropriate. If the CRC recommends any revisions, they are required to submit the proposed revisions to the City Commission who in turn will call for a special election for a referendum. At its regular meeting in December 2022, the City Commission established the CRC and appointed five residents and a current sitting City Commissioner as a non-voting member. During the months of January and February, the CRC met a total of six times to evaluate the City’s Charter and make recommendations on possible changes. The proposed changes are outlined below. At the Regular City Commission Meeting on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, the City Commission adopted an ordinance to submit these revisions to the electorate. A Special Election will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023. The CRC has proposed the following 14 amendments: 1. Appointment of Vice Mayor. The City Charter currently provides that the Commission shall elect one of its members as Vice Mayor. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the Vice Mayor be elected by nomination of the Mayor, subject to Commission approval. 2. Limitations on Lengths of Service. The City Charter currently provides that a Commission member’s “term” shall be deemed commenced upon Election. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that a “term” shall be deemed commenced upon the 14th day after certification of the General or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon, or immediately upon certification of the results of a Special Election. 3. Commencement of Terms. The City Charter currently provides that the term of office of any elected official will commence on the 30th day following the day of the general or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the term of office of any elected official will commence on the 14th day after certification of the general or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon, or immediately upon certification of the results of a Special Election. 4. Qualifications. The City Charter currently provides that candidates for Commissioner or Mayor shall pay a qualifying fee to the City Clerk in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the qualifying fee be in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00). 5. Filling of Vacancies. The City Charter currently provides that in the event that all members of the Commission are removed by death, disability, recall, forfeiture of office and/or resignation, the Governor of the State of Florida shall appoint interim Commissioners who shall call a Special Election within not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after such appointment and that such Election shall be held in the same manner as the first Election under the Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that Elections called for above shall instead be by Special Election pursuant to the Charter and the Code of Ordinances. 6. Compensation; reimbursement for expenses. The City Charter currently provides that the Mayor and Commissioners receive compensation in the amount of $1,250 and $1,000 per month, respectively, increased in accordance with the CPI Index. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to clarify that the compensation be increased annually according to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida Consumer Price Index in October of each year. 7. City Manager. The City Charter currently provides that no Commissioner shall be eligible for appointment as City Manager during the term for which she/he has been elected and until two (2) years after its expiration. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that no Commissioner shall be eligible for appointment as City Manager during the term for which she/he has been elected and until five (5) years after its expiration. 8. City Clerk. The City Charter currently provides that the City Manager appoints the City Clerk and he/she reports to the City Manager. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended so that the Mayor shall nominate the City Clerk and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority, shall confirm an individual to serve as the City Clerk under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with the Charter and that the City Clerk shall report to the Commission and after full consideration, may be removed by a majority vote of the total membership of the Commission. 9. City Attorney. The City Charter currently provides that the Mayor “may” nominate and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority shall confirm an individual attorney or a law firm to act as the City Attorney under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with this Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the Mayor “shall” nominate and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority shall confirm an individual attorney or a law firm to act as the City Attorney under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with the Charter. 10. Holding Other Office. The City Charter currently provides that no former elected City Official shall hold any compensated appointive City Office or City Employment until one (1) year after the expiration of his/her term. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that no former elected City Official shall hold any compensated appointive City Office or City Employment until three (3) years after the expiration of his/her term. 11. Run-Off Election. The City Charter currently provides for the manner of conducting Run-Off Elections following General Elections; however, it does not include the manner of conducting Run-Off Elections following a Special Election, nor does it provide for how a winner shall be determined in the event of a tie after a Run-Off Election. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the provisions in the Charter governing Run-Off Elections apply to Special Elections as well and to further provide that in the event of a tie after a Run-Off Election, the winner shall be determined using a method and in a manner prescribed by ordinance. 12. Form of Ballots. The Charter currently provides that the ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal title and shall be a clear, concise statement describing the substance of the measure. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to delete the provision that allows the ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal title. 13. Appointment of Charter Revision Commission. The City Charter currently provides that the City Commission shall appoint a Charter Revision Commission at its first meeting in December of the fifth (5th) year after the adoption of the original Charter, in December 2002 and thereafter every tenth (10th) year commencing December 2012. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the City Commission shall appoint a Charter Revision Commission at its first meeting in January 2033 and thereafter every tenth (10th) year commencing January 2043. 14. Timeframe for Submitting Charter Revision Commission Charter Amendments. The City Charter currently provides that if the Charter Revision Commission determines that a Charter revision is needed, the amendments shall be submitted to the City Commission no later than the one hundred twentieth (120th) day after their appointment by the Commission and that the same shall be submitted to the electors of the City in accordance with the Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the amendments shall be submitted to the City Commission no later than the one hundred fiftieth (150th) day after their appointment by the Commission and that the Commission shall submit them to the electors of the City at the next regularly scheduled General Election, or call a Special Election for that purpose alone. For more information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at: (305) 792-1703. Or via email at: cityclerk@sibfl.net . < Previous News Next News >

July Is Heating Up: Music and Comedy Coming To The Broward Center Thu Jun 22 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stars & Stirrups Market At Carousel Club At Gulfstream Park South Florida Sun Times Jul 2, 2026 Celebrate Independence Day With An Afternoon Of Shopping, Live Horse Racing, And Outdoor Entertainment At Carousel Club At Gulfstream Park's Stars & Stirrups Market On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Guests Can Enjoy A Lively Open-Air Market Featuring A Variety Of Local Vendors Offering Unique Gifts, Jewelry, Housewares, Pet Treats, Food, Body Care Products, Apparel, And More — All While Taking In The Excitement Of A Thrilling Day At The Races. Food And Beverage Offerings From Gulfstream Park Will Also Be Available For Purchase Throughout The Event. Guests can shop a growing lineup of local vendors, including Candle Café, featuring handmade candles, body oils, body butters, and apothecary products; King of Hummus, offering homemade hummus, Mediterranean olives, and tapas-inspired specialties; and By Ari, a trendy boutique showcasing curated apparel and accessories ranging from trucker hats and keychains to dresses and designer bikinis. Additional vendors and offerings will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested vendors are invited to inquire about participating by contacting Lindsay Rousso at: Lindsay.Rousso@gulfstreampark.com . For more information, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/stars-and-stirrups-market-at-carousel-club/ Taste at the Track: Tacos & Tequila Enjoy an unlimited tasting experience and take in the live racing action at Taste at the Track: Tacos & Tequila, Saturday, July 25th, 2026. Sip and sample your way through bold bites and smooth cocktails while you watch and wager on live thoroughbred racing. Indulge in a variety of Latin-inspired dishes, paired with your favorite premium tequilas, mezcal, and handcrafted cocktails. The Flamingo Room, located on the 3rd floor of Gulfstream Park, boasts elevated views of the racetrack. General Admission: $65 per person, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. VIP: $85 per person, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Get a bonus hour of food and tastings, plus priority seating). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/Tacos-and-tequila-july-2026/ Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Must be 21+ to attend, tax and fees not included. Gulfstream Park Located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, owned and operated by 1/ST, the consumer-facing brand of The Stronach Group, has been one of the country's premier Thoroughbred horse racing venues since 1939. In addition to live Thoroughbred horse racing, Gulfstream Park offers two floors of exciting casino gaming entertainment. Level 1 features the perfect blend of racing simulcasts and slot machines, while Level 2 offers additional slot gaming, live entertainment, and interactive promotions. Guests can enjoy more than 600 Las Vegas-style slot machines, including electronic table games, as well as a variety of engaging promotions and tournaments. Ideally situated between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport, and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida's premier entertainment destination. The property features an open-air lifestyle center with an international collection of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafés, fashion boutiques, health and beauty services, and a diverse array of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 Instagram: @gulfstreampark For more information about Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, please visit: www.gulfstreampark.com . Enjoy the excitement of a thrilling day at the races. - Credit Adinayev Gulfstream Park is located at: 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 - Credit Gulfstream Park Previous Next

Delray Beach Named Florida's Top Spot For A 'Micro-Retirement' South Florida Sun Times Jun 5, 2025 It’s Not About Dropping Out. It’s About Stepping Back - Intentionally - For A Few Months Or More, To Rest, Reflect, Or Pursue Something Outside Of The Usual 9-To-5. For Some, It’s A Break After Burnout. For Others, It’s A Planned Gap Between Roles, A Chance To Travel, Recover From Stress, Or Finally Try That Thing They’ve Always Wanted To Do. Unlike sabbaticals or short vacations, a micro-retirement has a different feel. It’s a personal reset, not tied to productivity or paychecks. And increasingly, people are choosing very specific places to do it. Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,007 workers to find out where they'd most like to spend their micro-retirement. The results show a strong lean toward places that offer calm, nature, and room to breathe. Below are the top 5: #1 Hilo, Hawaii Topping the list, Hilo is more than just scenic - it’s serene. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a rich local culture make it easy to slow down and breathe differently. You don’t just visit Hilo; you settle into it. #2 Kauai, Hawaii Coming in second, Kauai offers raw, unfiltered beauty. The pace here is unhurried, the landscape lush, and the days often spent in quiet awe, on cliffside trails or tucked away on Hanalei Bay. #3 Delray Beach, Florida This South Florida favorite blends easy beach living with a creative buzz. In third place, it’s ideal for those who want sunshine, yes, but also a bit of stimulation — art galleries, live music, and that walkable charm of Pineapple Grove. #4 Big Sur, California You don’t come to Big Sur to be busy. You come to listen to the ocean, to the wind through the redwoods, to your thoughts. For many, it’s the perfect place to clear mental clutter and just be. #5 Paia, Hawaii This Maui gem is a mix of surf town and soulful retreat. It’s colorful, artistic, and unpretentious. Many respondents saw Paia as a place to create, journal, or simply exist without a schedule. Infographic showing the top 150 locations across America that workers would most like to micro-retire in. Five other locations in Florida were named among the best in the country to micro-retire in: #6 Jupiter In Jupiter, micro-retirees can enjoy pristine beaches, scenic waterways, and a strong outdoor spirit. Kayaking the Loxahatchee River, visiting the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, and basking in the town’s easygoing nature become part of daily life. #7 St. Augustine St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets, ocean breezes, and centuries-old charm create a soulful atmosphere for micro-retirement. Wandering through historic districts, exploring Castillo de San Marcos, and savoring café life offer a pace rooted in tradition and tranquility. #11 Vero Beach Vero Beach’s quiet shores, artistic community, and welcoming spirit offer a nurturing environment for micro-retirees. Days are filled with beachside reflection at South Beach Park, gallery visits at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and relaxed coastal living. #21 Winter Park Winter Park’s lakes, botanical gardens, and elegant downtown provide micro-retirees a harmonious lifestyle. Meandering through Mead Botanical Garden, enjoying museums, and leisurely afternoons on Park Avenue foster a daily rhythm of beauty and ease. #22 Mount Dora Mount Dora’s vintage charm and lakeside serenity create a peaceful retreat for micro-retirees. Strolling the historic downtown, taking relaxing boat tours on Lake Dora, and enjoying the town’s many festivals provide an inviting, slow-paced rhythm. What People Want From Their Time Off The survey also explored what people would prioritize during a micro-retirement, and the results show it’s not just about hammocks and hikes. For many, this time is deeply purposeful: 26% said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while 23% cited health and wellness, and 21% simply want rest and recovery. Other responses included learning new skills (12%), creative projects like writing or art (7%), volunteering (6%), and starting a business or passion project (5%). Others saw it as a chance to grow or give back - 12% wanted to learn something new, 7% were eager to dive into creative projects, and a smaller group (6%) said they’d volunteer. Just 5% were looking to start a business or pursue a long-held passion project. How Long Would They Step Away? Turns out, people aren’t thinking small. Only 16% said they’d opt for a break under a month. Most envisioned something more substantial: nearly a quarter would take 1-3 months, another 24% would stretch it to 4-6 months, and, notably, 24% said they’d step away for a year or more if they could. This isn’t about squeezing in a breather - it’s about real time to reset. What’s Holding People Back Of course, it’s not all daydreams and open calendars. The biggest obstacle by far is money. Half of the respondents said financial stability is the main thing stopping them. Losing health coverage was another major concern (17%), along with fears of career damage from resume gaps (10%) or losing purpose and daily structure (10%). And while we often romanticize a solo break, 9% admitted they’d worry about feeling isolated during such a stretch. How Would They Pay for It? 55% say they’d rely on personal savings. 19% would take on freelance or part-time work during their time off. Others mentioned family support (11%), severance packages (8%), or employer-funded sabbaticals (7%). Will They Do It? The idea is gaining traction, but not everyone’s ready to jump. Just under one in five (19%) say they’re very likely to take a micro-retirement in the next five years, with another 18% saying it’s somewhat likely. A quarter of people are on the fence. And 29% say it’s very unlikely, citing, once again, the realities of income, insurance, and job security. “Micro-retirement isn’t about quitting. It’s about taking the space to reimagine what life could look like - before burnout forces the issue. These cities reflect what people are yearning for: peace, beauty, and time that feels well-spent,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds. (Credit: Careerminds) For more information, visit: https://careerminds.com/report/survey-micro-retirement Previous Next

Three ‘Must-See’ Comedies - At The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival South Florida Sun Times Jan 21, 2026 The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), Presented By MorseLife, Will Launch Its Fourth Season With Screenings Of 28 Memorable, World Class Movies, Including An Audience-Wowing Assortment Family Dramas, Suspense Thrillers, Revealing Documentaries And Three “Must-See” Comedies. “Whether your ideal comedy experience evokes belly laughs or smiles of delight, we have it all, from a look back at the still fresh and funny legacy of a daring American comic to an array of European box office hits,” promises Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director. Sunday, January 25th, 2026 – 7:30 p.m. ETHAN BLOOM (Coming-of-age Comedy, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Herschel Faber. USA, 90-minutes) The Opening Night Screening of The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife. This delightful film paints a revealing portrait of adolescence, humorously exploring the struggles of an awkward teenager navigating the loss of his mother, his search for faith, and the pressures of his father’s expectations. Starring Hank Greenspan from the CBS hit comedy The Neighborhood and movie/TV actress Rachelle Lefevre (White House Down, Proven Innocent, Boston Legal, Big Wolf on Campus), ETHAN BLOOM captures the perils of first love, religion, and speculation about the afterlife as the 13-year-old title character attempts to evade his Bar Mitzvah by converting to Catholicism. Meanwhile, his widowed dad (played by Joshua Malina from The West Wing) has engaged curvaceous redheaded Rabbi Dani to administer private instruction in the Torah. Talk about complications. Torn in multiple directions, Ethan communes nightly with his mom and dead dog in the heaven he imagines for them, while struggling by day with his enthusiastic discovery of solo pleasures of the flesh. It all comes together in a spectacularly moving finale when faith, sex, love, and family all coalesce in well-deserved harmony. Note: Director Herschel Faber and screenwriter Maylen Dominguez will be present for audience discussion. At the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach Wednesday, January 28th – 7:00 p.m. THE MARCHING BAND (En Fanfare) (Culture-clash Comedy with Music, 2024, Florida Premiere. Directed by Emmanuel Courcol. France, 103-minutes—In French with English subtitles) A music-filled and oh-so-French comedy/drama reunites two brothers separated in childhood by adoption. The strains of Ravel’s “Bolero” run through this tale of family lost and found when Thibault (Benjamin Lavernhe), an orchestra conductor, is compelled by a medical emergency to seek a DNA match and discovers the brother he never knew. Just when it appears that refined Thibault and wrong-side-of-the-track Jimmy (Pierre Lottin), a smalltown factory worker, will never reach a meeting of the minds, a musical crisis that threatens Jimmy’s beloved hobby, the factory employee’s band, becomes the catalyst for a finale that spectacularly merges community, family, and rousingly tuneful innovation in a way sure to bring audiences to their feet. At the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. A WORLD APART (Un Monde a Parte) (Comedy/Drama, 2024, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Riccardo Milani. Italy, 113-minutes—In Italian with English subtitles) Disillusioned primary school teacher Michele (Antonio Albanese) requests reassignment from Rome to a remote snowbound village in the Italian Alps where the air is pure, the students less jaded, and where he will teach in the equivalent of a one-room schoolhouse. The idyllic life he envisions comes with its own unique obstacles in this Italian hit comedy-drama that radiates warmth and humanity even as the teacher faces community rancor, a romantic temptation, and the challenge of an administrative plan from above to close the area’s only school for good. The solution to the problem is pure genius, opening this isolated little town to a new vision of their place in the world. At Hooky Entertainment Delray Marketplace in Delray Beach For more information about SASIFF or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.sasiff.org . About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival: The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, it represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County and returns next month for its fourth season with screenings at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse from Sunday, January 25th, 2026 - Saturday, January 31st, 2026, Hooky Entertainment Delray from Sunday, February 1st, 2026 - Thursday, February 5th, 2026 with the closing night screening at glamorous new Glazer Hall in Palm Beach on Friday, February 6th, 2026. SASIFF was co-founded by film buffs and cultural philanthropists Donald M. Ephraim and Terri Sriberg. For more information about purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, please visit: www.sasiff.org . Or: www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF . And: www.twitter.com/dmesasiff . Or: www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff . Email: info@sasiff.org . Or call: (561) 220-6735. About MorseLife: MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit: https://morselife.org . Or: www.facebook.com/MorseLife . Or: www.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealth . Or: www.instagram.com/morselifehealth . Or: www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ . Or contact: info@morselife.org . (Photo Credit: Sun & Stars International Film Festival) Previous Next

Government Ethics: With Power and Authority Comes Responsibility and Obligations Wed May 31 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

More Than Just Tennis: Summer Fun And Skill-Building At Founders Park Tennis Camp Thu Aug 03 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pneumococcal Pneumonia: These Well-Known Friends Want To Help October 19, 2023 Share Do you know that Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers Pneumococcal Shots (or Vaccines). You can get the Pneumococcal Shot as a Single Dose Vaccine or a 2-Dose Series. Do you know that Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers Pneumococcal Shots (or Vaccines). You can get the Pneumococcal Shot as a Single Dose Vaccine or a 2-Dose Series. In most cases, Part B covers the Single Dose Vaccine or the 2-Dose Series once in your lifetime. For Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, life after football has been full of taking his shot at some new things. Actress, Comedian, Author and Award-Winning Broadcaster Sherri Shepherd is joining him. They're taking their shot at a range of activities while helping spread the word about Pneumococcal Pneumonia - a potentially serious Bacterial Lung Disease. This duo is helping protect themselves against Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and then taking their shot at new activities - while encouraging others to do the same. We posed a few questions to Sherri and Joe about what their favorite activities took a shot at? Sherri: I always enjoy spending time outdoors so having the experience of photographing nature was really up my alley. It was also really fun to switch things up from my usual Tennis game and team up with Joe here for Pickleball. We make quite the team. Joe: We sure do. And you know I love a challenge, which is why I was excited to put my chef hat on and try out artistic baking. It's out of my comfort zone, but I was pretty happy with the final product. Q: We understand you're both teaming up with Pfizer to help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Joe, you've done this once before, what made you return for round two? Joe: Well, I now understand how important it is to help prevent Pneumococcal Pneumonia, so I want to make sure others understand it too. Pneumococcal Pneumonia doesn't take an off-season. It's a potentially serious Bacterial Lung Disease that could have the ability to put people in the hospital and can even be life-threatening. And because I'm over 65, I'm at an increased risk. Others 65 or older should know they are, too. Q: Sherri, we see you've joined in on this effort too. Why is raising awareness for Pneumococcal Pneumonia important to you? Sherri: Well, living with Diabetes also puts me at increased risk for Pneumococcal Pneumonia. I want to help other adults with certain underlying medical conditions - like Asthma, COPD or Chronic Heart Disease - to understand they are at an increased risk, too. It all starts with understanding your risk. Then, learn the steps to help protect yourself. Q: How can people help protect themselves against Pneumococcal Pneumonia? Joe: Vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect ourselves. Sherri: And even if you've been vaccinated against Pneumococcal Pneumonia in the past, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend another vaccination for additional protection. Joe: Everyone's situation is different though, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about vaccination. Q: When can you catch Pneumococcal Pneumonia? Sherri: There's a misconception that you can only get Pneumococcal Pneumonia in the winter or during Flu Season, but it can strike at any time. Joe: And vaccination is available all year round. That's why we're encouraging people to ask their doctor or pharmacist today about getting vaccinated during the "preseason" - before Flu Season starts. Q: Thanks so much for the information, Joe and Sherri. I'm excited to see you both in action. Where can people find out more? Sherri: To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit: www.KnowPneumonia.com < Previous News Next News >

Inflation Abandonment: The Humane Society of Greater Miami is Over Capacity and Asking For Support July 21, 2022 Share Pet abandonments are at a steep incline and the Humane Society of Greater Miami is over capacity. For the past several months, the Animal Welfare Organization has been overwhelmed with the number of pets being abandoned at their shelter. In the best of times, this would be a difficult challenge, but it is made even more daunting when there is no space left to house them. Many of the animals arrive in heart-breaking condition and need extensive Medical Care before being made available for Adoption. The marked increase of abandoned animals along with the significant decrease in adoption numbers has forced the limited-admit facility to close their animal intake for several weeks. Leaving the community with one less resource to aid them in managing the homeless pet population. Currently, the Humane Society of Greater Miami has over 135 available animals at their Soffer and Fine Adoption Center – nearly twice their regular capacity. The Shelter is bursting at the seams and has had to maximize space by transforming their Grooming Salon, a portion of their Quarantine Building and Adoption Rooms into available animal space. In addition, they are preparing to launch a program that would allow foster parents to take home long-time shelter residents for up to three-months to help them acclimate to a home environment and get them adopted sooner. They also continue to recruit foster parents who can provide at-home care for kittens that need extra TLC. Although this has helped alleviate some space, it is not enough and the Shelter needs help. Rising rent prices and the overall increase in cost of living has contributed immensely to the increase in pet abandonments. With more families unable to financially care for their animals, the number of pets being returned, surrendered and abandoned at Shelters throughout South Florida has risen. In order to help families keep their pets during the toughest of times, the Humane Society of Greater Miami created the Community Pet Support Program and Pantry. This Program provides pet owners in need with valuable tools like training, food, minor financial support and other pet resources. They hope this program will lend a hand in keeping families together and keep more pets off the street and out of shelters. Looking for ways to help during this difficult time? We highly encourage those looking for a furry companion to adopt, not shop. When you adopt, you not only give a deserving pet a home, but you will also be making space for another dog or cat in need. If you can’t adopt, you can advocate adoptions and share information about the dogs and cats at the Shelter by sharing and posting about them on your Social Media: On Instagram at: @humanesocietymiami. On Facebook at: @HumaneSociety305. On Twitter: @humanemiami. You can also donate to the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s Community Pet Support Program and Pantry. They are always in need of unopened food, treats, or new/lightly used pet supplies. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, you can visit: https://www.humanesocietymiami.org/#donate and select Community Pet Support Program and Pantry from the options listed. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties caring for your pet and are thinking about surrendering to a Shelter, we encourage you to first ask about the Community Pet Support Program and see how they can help you keep your furry family member. The Staff and Volunteers at the Humane Society of Greater Miami continue to work tirelessly to care for each pet in their care but they can’t do it without the community’s support! For ways to offer help and/or to adopt a pet, visit: /www.humanesocietymiami.org/ < Previous News Next News >

Plastic Surgery Bundling Booms: Post Pandemic Facial Plastic Surgeries Are The New Trend - But Beware October 27, 2022 Share Social Media, cell phone cameras and video conferencing apps like Zoom and Teams drove a significant uptick in facial plastic surgeries over the past couple of years. Now, the trend is pivoting back to the body, says top New York City Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich. “Body Contouring is surging and in demand,” said Dr. Westreich. “Now that we're getting a level of normalcy, the boom from Zoom is switching back to focusing on the body.” Also on trend? Bundling more than one procedure in one surgical appointment — Liposuction and Rhinoplasty, for example. This approach can save money and time for cosmetic surgery patients. Whatever procedure a person is considering, due diligence is the best defense against potential Post-Op problems, Dr. Westreich cautioned. “My best advice to people is to go back to the mindset before the Zoom boom,” he said, explaining that virtual consults have streamlined the process and tightened the timeline between concept and completion. “Don’t rush into something just because it’s easy or convenient.” Popular procedures include: Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Rhinoplasty, Eyelid Surgery and Facelifts. Less invasive procedures like Botox injections are skyrocketing. If you’re considering any cosmetic procedure, these safety tips from Dr. Westreich can improve your chances of a better outcome: Tip 1: Make sure any doctor you schedule through a virtual visit allows you to cancel AFTER an in-person meeting for surgery. There is no substitute for face to face. Tip 2: Your health doesn’t belong in the bargain bin. Tip 3: Medical tourism can be dangerous. Laws may differ; regulations may differ; problems with after care may arise. Tip 4: Understand informed consent. Ask for examples of not only the good outcomes but also the potential bad ones. Ask for data specific to the procedure and the doctor performing it (complication rates, death rates). Tip 5: Surgery belongs in accredited operating rooms. Ask to see Accreditation Certificates (AAA, AAAA, JCAHO). Tip 6: Make sure the Board Certification of a doctor makes sense for the procedure they are performing. Tip 7: If significant issues arise after a procedure (surgery or office injection), seek a second opinion on management. More on Dr. Richard Westreich Dr. Richard Westreich graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior, Neuroscience concentration in 1995 from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his medical school training at the New York University School of Medicine in 1999 with an M.D. and Honors in Cell Biology Research. Dr. Westreich then did his post-graduate training in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology at the prestigious Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has been selected multiple times by Castle Connolly and New York magazine as one of the top doctors in Facial Plastic Surgery. He is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and is on staff at Lenox Hill and Mount Sinai Hospitals. He is a Faculty Member and teacher at a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Mount Sinai. His private practice is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where he specializes in Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, Secondary and Reconstructive Rhinoplasty, Facelifts, Eyelid Surgery and nonsurgical procedures. He can be seen regularly on several National News Programs, including: ABC, CBS, FOX and Newsmax. Dr. Westreich is also an accomplished artist and musician. His band, Big Rich Energy, is currently touring, making limited stops across New York City. For more information on his band: https://bigrichenergy.com/ < Previous News Next News >

We Must Remain Vigilant Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach, Mayor Joy Cooper October 10, 2024 Share Once again, we are under an emergency declaration this past weekend into today. I continued to respond to many residents and kept them up to date over the course of this storm. We were blessed once again not to have been in the eye of the storm, but we still feel Milton’s effects. Helene and Milton both left massive devastation. It continues to worry me that so many people are simply not heeding our warnings and messages to be prepared. Many newer residents have shared with me that they purchased their homes not knowing it was in a Flood Zone. Some knew but did not research the specific areas that are considered repetitive loss. The sellers and or realtors did not explain the history. In some instances, they bought homes that were repaired without Permits. In these cases, it is even harder dealing with rebuilding without having current plans to rebuild. This past year every property was put in the Flood Zone. This means they must have Flood Insurance. Even the Three Islands neighborhood is now in a Flood Zone even though they have never flooded. Commissioner Lazarow inquired about these changes at a recent meeting. She requested we see if Three Islands can be removed. We support the request. It will be interesting if it can be changed but I am thinking due to the Sea Level Rise and the Storm Surge possibilities it may not be removed. The point is we are a Flood Zone. There are only four miles between our western border of I-95 and the ocean. Unless, if you consider the Intracoastal Waterway. Many residents in the City believed that since we put in pumps on 14th and on the Shaffer Canal this will guarantee they will not Flood. Everyone after June realized we are in a new normal. I tell everyone we cannot engineer our City out of every Flood. I cannot stress enough that we will Flood depending on the amount and duration of rain events. This means every homeowner and condominium needs to properly prepare in the event of natural disasters including hurricanes and extreme rain events. June was the beginning of Hurricane Season, and we always promote being prepared. The state provides a Sales Tax Holiday for everyone so they can get a break on purchasing supplies, equipment and other items that will help residents prepare themselves and their homes in the event of a storm. I received multiple text messages and calls about sandbags. While I felt terrible knowing they were in fear of Flooding I thought it was a bit late to be securing a home. Our City has not distributed sandbags for years. I know many cities do supply sand, some supply bags and sand. This process is labor intensive if you want to do it right. It takes Staff, Volunteers, and Police to perform the distribution properly. We gave out two to four bags to residents with ID. The question becomes, does four bags even help secure your home? It may help but it is not the best form of protection and it pulls our Staff away from their duties preparing the City for the storms. Bags are often one and done. Many would dump the sand rather than saving it for the next storm expecting we do another distribution. It bothered me when we stopped this program, so I decided to do research on other applications to secure properties. Since climate change and extreme weather events are taking place everywhere many products have been developed to dry proof homes. One simple example is water barriers that are reusable and much easier to utilize. There are water dams for doors and garages. There are large waterproof sacks to store everything from clothes to entire rooms of furniture. Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise has exacerbated the intensity of the storms, and we will not always have days to prepare. Recently, we held Hurricane Preparedness Courses. One was geared for businesses and the other for residents. The instructor, Ms. Lynville from Optimum, presented an excellent curriculum. Many residents continue to ask about what the City is doing to address Flooding. We are doing our part and have plans for more Infrastructure. We have a robust preparedness plan and implement improvements. We can and will continue to do our part, but we cannot emphasize enough, property owners also play an integral part in prevention, preparation and recovery. I have requested the next session be held to share what products, programs and services are available through FEMA to help our owners. I was hoping to announce a date but between Helene and Milton it was pushed off. I am in communication with Optimum and believe we can host a meeting at the end of this month. I will have a firmer date after Wednesday. I do hope everyone weathered the storm. The mental scars are the ones that may take more time to be healed. I was impressed watching one of the news channels listening to one of the victims of Helene. She said it was not their first hurricane but was the worst so far. She said we are staying put and rebuilding. That is the price we pay to live in Florida. The goal must be for communities to build back stronger and smarter. After Andrew, the South Florida Building Codes were created. They are now statewide. Currently, homes are being built eighteen inches higher. Seawalls are being built higher. We need to evaluate planning with a goal towards stronger drainage requirements and retrofitting private properties as we face the new normal. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place by 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 News Next News >