KIWANIS Club of Hollywood: Announces 2023 Scholarship Awards By Stephen P. Cummings June 29, 2023 Share Mr. Saied Taie, Chairman of the Mary and Ken Rhodes KIWANIS Scholarship Committee, recently announced the 2023 award recipients at a luncheon hosted at the Jaycee Hall of Hollywood. The event was sponsored by the Community Service Foundation of Broward County, Robert Giacin, Trustee and KIWANIS member. This year the KIWANIS Club of Hollywood awarded a total of $59,000 to 29 graduating seniors from 7 Hollywood high schools. Mr. Taie addressed the students, parents and school educators commenting, “Every member of the KIWANIS Club of Hollywood looks forward to this day each year. It’s a wonderful reminder of the excitement of completing one’s high school studies and taking the next steps toward a rewarding future. We hope these scholarships will facilitate your journey.” The Kiwanis Club of Hollywood meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon at Piccadilly Restaurant, 4500 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021. KIWANIS is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Those interested in learning more about KIWANIS are welcome to join us. < Previous News Next News >

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy April 13, 2023 Share Steve Solomon’s Award-Winning one-person comedic tour-de-force will be back at the Broward Center for a limited 2-show engagement on Thursday, April 20th, 2023 and Friday, April 21st, 2023. A native of Brooklyn, Steve grew up in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay. This was the perfect training ground for a dialectician and comedian. Steve learned at an early age how to use his gift for imitating accents to his advantage. Using his gift for mimicry, he would fool most people with his antics. Steve remembers the day he played "hooky" from school. Back then the Truant Officer would call each parent and verify the fact that their child was home. Steve, using a rough growly voice, took the initiative and called the school. He asked for the Truant Officer's Office. The officer answered, "Can I help you?" Steve, using as deep a voice as he could muster said, "Yes, Steve won't be able to come into school today, he's sick." The Truant Officer said, "And who am I talking to?" Steve cleared his throat and answered, "Um, this is my father speaking!" He also realized that he was a prolific writer of jokes and stories; real jokes and cranked them out for special events at the local Church and Synagogue. Solomon’s humor is universal and universally loved. Enhanced by his talent for impersonation and his mastery of different dialects – he does approximately 20 different characters and voices in his shows – his stories about his Mixed Heritage Italian/Jewish Family resonate with everyone, no matter what their ethnicity and have delighted and entertained audiences for thousands of performances. The show, which is constantly evolving, has been updated and is, as audiences will attest, “funnier than ever!” Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Steve’s new therapist Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer) and a myriad of other astounding characters will populate the Amaturo Stage during his performances. The show is now one of the longest running one-man comedies in history! The Multi-Faceted Solomon (from physics teacher, to school administrator, to entrepreneur, to comic, to Award-Winning Playwright, to performer – who still performs) has now added author to his list of accomplishments. His new book, Comedian? Don’t Do It! They’ll Just Laugh at YOU!” Mom, has recently been published and is now available on Steve’s own website at: www.stevesolomon.net - There is also a Kindle Version available on: www.Amazon.com “The book is packed with hilarious anecdotes and relatable humor,” Solomon said recently. “It’s a true “Rocky” story of my unbelievable adventures – going from Brooklyn to Broadway in ONLY 60 years!” Tickets for My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! range in price from $29 – $49 and are available at: www.browardcenter.org Or by calling: (954) 462-0222. For more information about Steve Solomon, please visit: www.stevesolomon.net Or: www.carolkassie.com - To arrange to for interviews or to see the production, please contact me at: carol@carolkassie.com Or call me at: (561) 445-9244. < Previous News Next News >

City Of Hollywood Launches Turtle-Friendly Lighting Recognition Program Thu Mar 02 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

$5,000 Scholarship To Interested Students: DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship Is Accepting Applications Wed Jan 15 2025 16:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

On A Mission: It Has Been A Struggle To Get A Slow Speed Zone On The Intracoastal Waterway in Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper April 14, 2022 Share For over twenty-five years the Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood, Hallandale Beach Marine Advisory Board and the Golden Isles Homeowners Association have been struggling to get a slow speed zone on the Intracoastal Waterway in Hallandale Beach. This small stretch was never addressed years ago when they began to focus on speeding all along Broward waterways. Those of us that have lived here over the years remember the multiple times we attempted. I along with the HOA request that we establish a Marine Advisory Board. One of our neighbors Mr Barry Webber, Esq. was already serving on the Broward Marine Advisory Board and had knowledge and insight into the process and grant opportunities. I championed boating and speeding issues on the commission level to establish a Marine Patrol and apply for a Slow Speed Zone. The finding was put in the budget every year and I had to fight to keep it. Finally, I had three likeminded commissioners that agreed we would make the zone a permanent zone, but it is not 24/7. Our patrol focuses on weekends and holidays. The officers are specifically trained for this duty. A few years have passed and we tried again to get the speed reduced. Our main obstacle was Broward County, without their blessing the State Fish and Wildlife would not even consider an amendment. Many Broward County Advisory Board members, including their executive, would not support it. Many boaters despise the slow speed because it takes longer to get from home to ocean inlets. Personal watercraft owners are not fans either. I even spoke with the boat industry leaders that did not weigh in. My argument with them was all the empty boat slips that should be filled but people would not consider them. Along the stretch many homes could not even safely have a boat and if they did it was extremely dangerous getting on and off. The Condominiums on A1A that had docks also suffered the same fate. Many of their docks were vacant. Some installed lifts over the last few years. During King Tides properties would witness waves crashing over the seawalls from all the waves created from speeding boats. I reported the news a few months ago that Bradley Weitz, Esq. Barry Webber, Esq., and other residents rekindled the interest to establish the zone. They created Slow HB Facebook and rallied residents to get involved. Mr Weitz is owner of the two point properties on Palm that are surrounded by water. He invested in line-of-sight surveys to show how dangerous ingress and egress is into the ICW. The group worked with our marine patrol to crack down on the excessive amount of speeding boaters. Due to covid and everyone boating the number of tickets combined with the surveys created a compelling argument for regulation. The group resubmitted the application with support of our Hallandale Beach Commission and the Broward County Commission. The Slow Speed/Minimum Wake Zone application was approved at the FWC meeting in Bonita Springs. There was a 21-day publication period for other parties to challenge it. There was not a one. Mr. Weitz noted when this occurred, the head of FWC‘s Boating Section, Major Rob Beaton, personally congratulated the group and said that our 150-page application is the new ‘gold standard’ for future cities to follow. At that time due to supply shortages and staffing shortages it took time to get the signs installed on the ICW. I am happy to report that they are being installed now. I want to thank Slow HB team and our staff that worked tirelessly to make sure this much needed safety improvement was implemented. I am proud to announce and invite our readers to attend my State of the City Address that is being presented by the Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce at Gulfstream Park on May 4th at 12 PM. Reservations are required. Thank you to Gulfstream Park for being the Tile Sponsor and hosting lunch in the Flamingo Room. The lunch is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. I send a big Thank you also to the additional sponsors; Realtors Broward, Palm Beach and St Lucie, Memorial Healthcare System, Shutts and Hallandale Beach. Please contact the chamber at 954-454-0514 or visit their website Hallandalebeachchamber.org or email them at info@hallandalebaechchmber.org for more assistance. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook & Web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com < Previous News Next News >

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: From the Hollywood Police Department December 23, 2021 Share The holidays are a joyous time to spend with loved ones and many of us enjoy exchanging gifts and donating to charitable causes. While we continue to navigate the Pandemic, many people have chosen to stay home and shop online, however with shipping deadlines creeping up, many people are hitting the stores to finish up their holiday shopping. Unfortunately, crowded stores aren’t all that shoppers have to be aware of. There are a high volume of thieves and scam artists who want to take advantage of the holiday spirit of giving. Here are some tips from the Hollywood Police Department to help you ensure your purchases and donations don't end up costing you more than you expected: Shopping in Stores Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking someone with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car. Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders. Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook, an enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information. Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit or walking to and from your car. To deter pick-pockets, carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket. Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When shopping with small children, keep them close to you and make a plan in case you are separated from each other. Select a central meeting place and teach them how to identify mall personnel or security if they need help. Teach children to never leave the store until you find one another. When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it! Always park in a well-lit and well-traveled area. Do not park in a remote dark area. Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys. When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed. Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk or if possible, take them directly home. Do not leave any valuables (i.e. your purse, wallet or cellular telephone) in plain view in your vehicle. Lock your vehicle and put up your windows, even while you are driving. If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around you and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location. Drive defensively and traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers may also have indulged in too much holiday spirit. Shopping Online When shopping online, it’s wise to pay with a credit card instead of a debit card if possible. Both allow you to dispute a charge if the merchandise never arrives or is different from what was ordered. However with a debit card, the price will have already been deducted from your bank account and it will take time to get your money back. When ordering online, look to ensure that your browser is a secure connection. In the address bar, a padlock should appear if your browsing session is secure. Some credit card providers offer one-time card numbers to be used for online transactions to further protect your financial information. Contact your financial institution to see if they offer such a service. Keep your personal information safe. Never provide your credit card, bank account information or social security number to a stranger. No reputable vendor or service provider will ever initiate a call and ask you for this information over the phone. Save all receipts, you never know if you will need them. Also, print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in. Beware of the "good deal" scams because things are not always what they appear to be. Holiday Charity Scams If making a donation for the holiday be sure the charity is legitimate. Check to see if they are a registered charity with the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities Or by calling: 1 (800) HELP-FLA: 1 (800) 435-7352. While there, be sure you check to understand how much of the donation will actually go towards the work of the charity as opposed to administrative expenses. Contact the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at: http://give.org Or by calling: (703) 247-9321 to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them. Watch for similar sounding charities. It’s not unusual for scam artists to choose names that sound like the names of legitimate, widely known charities. Never give your credit card number or bank account information to a caller on the phone or someone who sent you an unsolicited email. If you are interested in donating to a charity that has initiated contact with you, ask them to send you a pledge form and information about the charity in the mail. Legitimate charities should have no problem with this request. Most tax-exempt organizations are also required to file an annual return or notice with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS Code requires automatic revocation of a charity’s tax-exempt status (some charities are exempt from this requirement) if it fails to file a return for three consecutive years. Publication of an organization’s name on the Auto Revocation list on the IRS website helps potential donors determine the status of a charity. To learn more about the tax-exempt status of a charity, to search and get information about Non-Profit Topics, go to: www.irs.gov To help ensure that you are having a happy, healthy and safe holiday season by being mindful of these important tips to safeguard your identity, avoid scams and shop safely. < Previous News Next News >

Get The Ultimate Backstage Pass October 3, 2024 Share Friday Night Sound Waves Returns With A Free Outdoor Concert Series - The ultimate backstage pass to iconic music under the stars! Everyone under the sun is invited to join The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” Series, where iconic tribute acts will light up Las Olas Oceanside Park with legendary hits. The ultimate backstage pass to iconic music under the stars! Everyone under the sun is invited to join The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” Series, where iconic tribute acts will light up Las Olas Oceanside Park with legendary hits. From the yacht rock and disco grooves of the Bee Gees and the electrifying energy of Prince to the rock anthems of Rod Stewart and Journey, every Friday night will celebrate the music that shaped generations. Guests will groove into December as the soulful performances of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Neil Diamond will set the tone for a festive and unforgettable season. Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5:00 p.m., along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during and after the show. The free concert series will take place every Friday, from November 1st through December 13th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Optional VIP experiences are available for purchase on select dates. The series culminates with the Fourth Annual Christmas Eve with Sinatra dinner show on Tuesday, December 24th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., wrapping up the year with timeless elegance. Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District, Friday Night Sound Waves welcomes locals and visitors, the young and the young at heart, to enjoy some of South Florida’s best musical talents, performing an eclectic range of genres. Scheduled performances include: November: Friday, November 1st – Bee Gee’s Now – Tribute to the Bee Gees Bee Gees Now is an exceptional tribute band that captures the timeless music and spirit of the legendary Gibb Brothers. The band is composed of highly skilled musicians who bring decades of experience to the stage. Together, Bee Gees Now delivers a powerful performance, blending technical skill and theatrical production, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through the music of the Bee Gees. Friday, November 8th – Sir Jac is Prince Sir Jac is a dynamic Florida-based Prince tribute artist who brings an unmatched level of authenticity to his performances, captivating audiences with the look, sound, and energy of the legendary Purple One. With over 10 years of experience impersonating Prince across the U.S., Sir Jac has mastered the essence of the music icon, even earning admiration from Prince himself during a chance meeting at Paisley Park. Backed by a professional band recreating the magic of Prince’s "Revolution," Sir Jac’s performances are known for their stunning visuals, incredible costumes and electrifying stage presence. Friday, November 15th – Barry Britton is Rod Stewart Barry Britton is an international tribute artist with over two decades of experience bringing the music of Rod Stewart to life on stages across the globe. From the energy of “Maggie May” to the timeless ballads of the "Great American Songbook," Barry’s performances capture the essence of Rod Stewart’s legendary career. With singalongs and dancing guaranteed, Barry Britton as Rod Stewart promises a night of unforgettable entertainment that celebrates the hits spanning Rod Stewart’s 40-year career. Friday, November 22nd – Never Stop Believin’ – Tribute to Journey Never Stop Believin' is the premier tribute to the iconic rock band, Journey, delivering an authentic experience that transports audiences back to the late 70’s and 80’s. Known for their remarkable ability to capture the look and sound of Journey, this band recreates the magic of seeing Steve Perry and Journey at their peak. Friday, November 29th – Hotter Than July – Tribute to Stevie Wonder Hotter Than July is a high-energy Stevie Wonder tribute band that celebrates one of the most iconic and versatile artists in music history. Fronted by the talented Gerry Williams, a seasoned vocalist, percussionist, and keyboardist, the band delivers soulful and infectious performances of Stevie Wonder's greatest hits. December: Friday, December 6th – Latraia Savage is Whitney Houston Latraia Savage leads an unforgettable tribute to Whitney Houston with her stunning performance in Remembering Whitney. Backed by an exceptional six-piece band and vibrant dancers, Latraia captures Whitney’s signature grace, power, and style, captivatingly celebrating one of music’s most beloved voices. Cost: Optional VIP Experiences are available starting at $10 per person. Friday, December 13th – Nearly Diamond, a Tribute to Neil Diamond Nearly Diamond is a captivating tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond, led by the talented Jonathan Elgart. With a powerful voice and stage presence, Jonathan channels the charisma and spirit of Neil Diamond, bringing to life the timeless hits that have made him a global icon. Backed by a seasoned band, this tribute delivers all the classics, including “Solitary Man,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Cherry,Cherry,” creating a show that transports audiences back to the magic of Diamond’s live performances. Cost: Optional VIP Experiences are available starting at $10 per person. Tuesday, December 24th – Sinatra and Friends Back by popular demand, Sinatra and Friends on Christmas Eve will be a night to remember filled with classic Sinatra tunes and holiday hits. Featuring Jeff Grainger, backed by his six-piece band with Rat Pack buddies Sammy and Dean, guests will feel like they are back in the Swing Era. Bring the whole family and start a new Christmas Eve tradition. The concert is free to attend and welcomes all ages. A limited number of VIP Supper Club-style tables are available for purchase. Cost: FREE open lawn seating or VIP Supper Club-style seating is available for purchase ($30-135). A limited supply of chairs are available to rent for $7.50. Time: Seating opens at 6:00 p.m.; Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/christmas-eve-with-sinatra/. Friday Night Sound Waves will take place every Friday, from November 1st through December 13th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sinatra and Friends will take place on Tuesday, December 24th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” series will be held at Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone App. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit: www.FridayNightSoundWaves.com . The LOOP A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 million greenspace investment at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public green spaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including free concerts, holiday happenings, farmer’s markets, community workouts, and more. The LOOP was voted for six accolades in Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s “The Best of Fort Lauderdale 2024” readers’ poll, including Best Outdoor Space, Gold; Best Park, Silver; Best Place to Take Kids, Silver; Best Farmers Market, Silver; Best Event: Fur the Love Pet Fest, Silver; and Best Event: Arts & Crafts Festival, Bronze. For more information, visit: www.theloopflb.com - Or contact: info@theloopflb.com . Follow The LOOP on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theloopflb and Instagram at: www.instagram.com/theloopflb/. < Previous News Next News >

The Ultimate Guide To A Bygone Era: The 2024 Florida Renaissance Festival Returns To South Florida January 31, 2024 Share The clock is ticking and every second brings you closer to a bygone era when Lords of the Realm donned tunics, stockings, broad-brimmed hats, and puffed sleeve shirts, and their Ladies showcased era garb like laced gowns, strapped dresses, petticoats, cloaks, and aprons. Get ready for the 32nd Annual Florida Renaissance Festival returning February 3rd and running through March 24th, 2024 at the beautiful Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. This one-of-a-kind festival features eight consecutive themed weekends, starting February 3. Each weekend promises a captivating inside look at a legendary time when Pirates, Vikings, evil villains, and unsung heroes ruled the kingdom. While costumes are not required for admittance, thousands of people elect to wear historical clothing to immerse themselves in the true spirit of the renaissance period. The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Productions who creates an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike. “For more than 30 years the Festival has been a most unique event,” said Rodriguez. “It is one of the most anticipated events in South Florida, and each year it gets better with new and different activities and entertainment.” Explore artisan markets, savor delicious food, and immerse yourself in a world of merriment. Step into an adventure, where myths and history collide! At the Florida Renaissance Festival, you'll be transported to an era where knights, jesters, and royalty reigned supreme. It's a magical journey that blurs the lines between fantasy and fact. New this season is the Adrian Empire, a living history encampment that will be doing live steel fighting on the tournament field twice daily. They will also host for one week only, a large gathering of warriors from across the country for a convention and battle. Also new is Pirates Creed, a high energy duo of musical buccaneers that will be performing in the Biergarten. A popular returning attraction is Knights, presented by DeBracey Productions. This live action stunt show combines trick riding, vaulting, chariot racing, and death-defying stunts as the warrior princess searches for her knight in shining armor. The masses decide the fate of the princess in this winner-take-alls scenario. The Jackdaws Trio will appear in the Biergarten, delivering contemporary and traditional Irish Rock with driving melodies and relentlessly aggressive lyrics, while the alluring full run Washing Well Wenches will be at the Washing Well Stage—a pit where women rule, and men drool over their stunning good looks! Enjoy the earthier aspects of humor with the Splattertime Players, a duo of adventurous storytellers, who return for a full run in the Mud Pit. While wallowing in the pit they will add a new dimension to filthy humor and “groundbreaking” entertainment. Masala Music and Dance appears in full run on the Checkmate Stage. Crowds will be captivated by world-class musicians, as their mesmerizing drum rhythms and enchanting melodies echo throughout the kingdom. Witness fantastic Flamenco footwork, swift canes, and dangerous swords of the most beloved dances from the mysterious east to the passionate west. Moonie the Magnificent, a juggler, ropewalker, and an in-your-face comic will appear in full run on the Tudor Stage, performing a one-of-a-kind audience interaction show. Not for the easily intimidated, he dresses like a clown but acts like the devil! Les S. Moore specializes in “now you see it, now you don’t” and appears in full run on the Crown Stage, where pickpocketing is his specialty. What you think is in your pocket will end up in his! Knightwings featuring master falconer Ash Cary is in full flight with an incredible exotic bird show, featuring hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and vultures in three amazing performances in the Jousting Arena. Tam Tam Congo – is a new troupe of dancers and drummers, straight from the Ivory Coast of AFRICA. They will dazzle you with Impossible African Dances, like the Zaouli. Appearing on the Good Knight Pub Stage, Jacques ze Whipper, is a second-generation circus performer who specializes at performing at renaissance fairs. This light-hearted entertainer is charming personified with performances filled with wit and a whip! This year’s Living History Encampments: The Ottoman Empire include Royal Artillery, Merchants of Brittany, and Pirates of Tortuga Bay. Florida Renaissance Festival 2024 Themed Weekends Weekend One: February 3rd - February 4th Cauldron of Chaos: The Rise of the Wizards Embark upon a magical journey between good and evil. As the mystic forest comes to life, the sounds of thunder and havoc break the peaceful morning. Wizards and Mages of Light assemble to protect the Free Realm in a fierce battle against Sorcerers, Enchantresses, Witches, and Warlocks who use wild and ancient magic from the Cauldron of Chaos. A time of conflict is approaching, so prepare your force fields and become invisible to the fear that the Cauldron emits. Set yourself upon breaking spells, defending allies, and heeding the call of the Great Sage. All Realms are called to the frontlines as this passage in Their Future has been determined in Your History. The Grand Opposition awaits. Weekend Two: February 10th - February 11th Star-Crossed Lovers: Romance and Love Letters “In the bright moments when two hearts learn to beat together, their shared memories, experiences, and lives are tied together by their strong commitment. What makes this connection so special is its genuine intensity and authenticity. Whether it’s for yourself, a friend, a partner, a lover, family, or even a stranger, these expressions of love can take on countless forms, each unique and filled with kindness. Upon stepping through our castle gates, venture into a world where you experience the power and warmth of something truly unconditional. This love is written in heartfelt letters across time, echoed through generations, and felt throughout the universe. Love is all around us if we open our eyes. It’s in every moment, every breath, and every sigh. It’s the power of life and the force of connection. Be present in these precious moments and rediscover a deeper meaning of love, as it’s beautifully written in the stars.” Weekend Three: February 17th - February 18th Odin’s Wrath: Vikings, Dragons, and Trolls…oh my!! Once known to shake the cosmos when unleashing his infamous anger, Odin’s Wrath unintentionally ignited the emergence of once-fabled creatures. Upon this Titan’s wake, from the depths of the earth, an ancient magic—once banished, was released. What arose from the dirt were trolls and goblins, and from the trees came fairies and elves. From the stones and sulfur came the fiercest of all: the Dragons. As the storied creatures continued to materialize from the depths of ancient legends, a harmonious connection formed between them and the world of Viking and Valkyrie. Elves shared their wisdom, Dwarves crafted wonders, and Goblins, Pixies, and Fairies added enhancement to the natural world. Dragons soared majestically across the skies, while Trolls and Frost Giants found common ground with the inhabitants of Midgard. It wasn’t just the resurgence of mythical beings, but the dawn of an era where the mystical and the ordinary coexisted in perfect balance, weaving a tapestry of magic and wonder that would be celebrated for generations to come. Weekend Four: February 24th - February 25th Steampunk & Time Travelers: The Spirit of Invention EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Screeching winds gust by as damp vapors whistle into the air, as a signal for miles to make way for the epoch age when Humanity enters the Victorian Era of Industrialization. Roaring steam engines on tracks hissing to a stop at your new destination of the automaton future! Engineers and Technologists create innovative gadgets and mechanisms to excel us to the modern day with the introduction of Quantum Sciences made by Steam-Powered Creations! Artificial lighting emitting from mist-driven atomistic devices are charging up the static of excitement throughout the Village. STOP THE PRESSES! THIS JUST IN! Travelers have invented portals that can bring anyone in from another space and time! Anything is possible and you can only find it here, folks! You can hear the New World now, ringing in the exosphere: Out with the New—in with the Old. Weekend Five: March 2rd - March 3rd Lord of the Ring: A Battle Royale As the rooster crows at first light, the gleam of tarnished and worn metal-plated armor shines brighter upon any Knight with knowledge of the upcoming days. Be fooled not, young Nobles and Squires, what lay before you these exciting times are greatly damaged shields, war-torn armor, and blades to be swung fast and true. A constructed battleground to be met with Established Heraldries, Emblems, and Houses, coming together to fight for the revelry—above all other Cavaliers. A single chance to prove their mettle, and seize the title for House and Glory, in full view of all and for all to see. Grab your Mead, raise your Turkey Leg, and let your Huzzahs be heard across the fields ‘till the final strike! This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, so cheer for your Warrior and House, and bear witness to the live steel combat until the Last Knight is Standing! Pray tell, dear Patron, which Banner will you cheer for? Weekend Six: March 9th - March 10th Scoundrels of the High Seas: The Pirates Be Coming… Ahoy, me hearties! Gather ‘round and lend an ear, for the scoundrels of the high seas are on the horizon, and the pirates be comin’! These daring rogues of the open ocean are the stuff of legends, with their tattered sails billowing in the salty breeze and their Jolly Roger flags proudly flying. They’re the masters of hidden treasure maps, expert sword fighters, and lovers of rum and adventure. With a twinkle in their eye and a mischievous grin, they roam the seven seas in search of plunder and glory. But beware, for while they may be a rowdy and unruly lot, their swashbuckling tales and free-spirited ways have captured the imagination of many a landlubber. So, brace yourselves, me hearties, for the pirates are on the prowl. Not on land nor sea be any further safe from the scoundrels disguised as righteous sailors. A grand adventure awaits! Huzz Arrrgh! Weekend Seven: March 16th - March 17th Shamrocks & Shillelaghs: A Leprechaun’s Shenanigans The Shenanigans begin as this lively Irish holiday is celebrated around the world! Raise your tankards and sing a tune, it’s time for dance as we are surrounded by merriment and revelry! Amidst the festivities, the mischievous and elusive leprechauns take center stage. Give a cheer for someone dear and count your Lucky Stars should you find a Wish Monger! Legend has it that if you catch one, they must grant you three wishes. These pint-sized, bearded sprites are known for their love of gold and their crafty tricks. So, keep an eye out for leprechauns, and join in the joyful celebrations filled with parades, traditional music, Irish dancing, and a good dose of Irish luck. Remember, it’s not simply finding your joy in life; it’s about what you find in life that makes you joyous! Let your stories echo throughout the kingdom! Grab your Kilts and hitch your Sporrans because it’s time to roast and celebrate Saint Paddy’s! Sláinte! Weekend Eight: March 23rd - March 24th Into the Woods: A Fairytale Finale In a mystical realm where the boundaries between worlds dissolve, a multi-dimensional adventure awaits. An extraordinary tale of collaboration becomes that of legend across the land; Reminding all that when dreams and tales converge, that the most unlikely alliances, can bring forth great experiences that one can never forget. Through the freedom of imagination, the chains of reality loosen, allowing for your chronicles to breathe and come to life. It is not in the retelling of what you’ve written, but in the writing on the pages that you’ve left blank. Come with us, into the woods, and be sure to remember, that what you don’t write is just as important as what you do write. Not every child knows how to be an adult, but every adult can set their inner child free. This is the opportunity to express the story you’ve always wanted to tell. Prices range from $32 for Adults and $14 for Children, ages 6 to 11 years of age. Children 5 and younger are FREE. Special Seasonal Passes are available for $160 Adults and $70 for Children. Group Ticket Rates are also offered. ***During opening weekend only, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, ages 18 and under will have FREE Entrance to the Festival while wearing their scouts’ uniforms or their troop t-shirt. In addition, kids ages 6 to 11 years old will enjoy FREE Entrance during the opening weekend only. Everyone is required to pay the $1.50 Broward Parks Entrance Fee at the Festival’s Box Office to attain Admission receipt for Front Gate Entrance. For tickets and more information visit: www.ren-fest.com - Or call: (954) 776-1642. < Previous News Next News >

“Hello Gorgeous” The Jewish Museum Of Florida-FIU, Presents Its Fall Lineup Thu Sep 09 2021 04:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Technocensorship: When Corporations Serve As A Front For Government Censors Thu Mar 07 2024 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Files Criminal And Ethics Complaints Against Konrad Berkowicz After Nazi Symbol Display In Polish Parliament Jewish Connection News Apr 23, 2026 The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) Filed A Criminal Complaint With Polish Prosecutors On Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 Against Far-Right Lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz After He Displayed An Israeli Flag Defaced With A Nazi Swastika Inside Poland’s Parliament, Drawing Immediate Condemnation From Lawmakers Across The Political Spectrum. The complaint, submitted to the Warsaw prosecutor’s office by the foundation’s Polish entity, Fundacja Edukacyjne Centrum Zydowskie w Oswiecimiu (the Auschwitz Jewish Center in Poland), alleges violations of Polish laws prohibiting the promotion of totalitarian ideologies and the incitement of hatred on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. AJCF also filed a separate ethics complaint with the Sejm, urging disciplinary action. The filings stem from a parliamentary session on Tuesday during which Berkowicz took the rostrum and unfurled an Israeli flag with a Nazi swastika substituted for the Star of David, declaring Israel the “new Third Reich.” The timing intensified the reaction. The incident occurred on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, as Holocaust survivors, officials, and thousands of students from around the world gathered at Auschwitz-Birkenau to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. In its complaint, the foundation emphasized that the use of Nazi imagery in Poland, particularly within the national legislature, carries profound legal and historical weight. It added that the amplification of the act through official proceedings and media coverage heightens the seriousness of the offense. “This is not about Poland. It is about whether democratic institutions are used to uphold history or to distort it. What we witnessed was not criticism of a state, but the inversion of the Holocaust itself. To take the symbol of the Jewish state and deface it with a Nazi emblem on Yom HaShoah is not political expression. It is the deliberate abuse of history to incite hatred. We work in Oswięcim, where the consequences of that hatred are not theoretical. They are counted in the more than one million people who were murdered. If we allow history to be inverted, we should not be surprised when its consequences return,” said Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Director General Jack Simony. “This complaint is not symbolic. Polish law prohibits what occurred in that chamber, and we expect it to be enforced. Democratic institutions either hold the line or they do not,” said Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Chairman Simon Bergson. Poland maintains strict legal prohibitions on Nazi symbolism. Polish legal experts note that the parliamentary setting, an official proceeding of the state, may weigh significantly in any prosecutorial assessment of the offense. Sejm Speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty condemned the incident as a violation of parliamentary dignity and indicated that disciplinary measures, including financial penalties, may be pursued. AJCF’s ethics complaint argues that introducing Nazi imagery into an official proceeding corrodes the standards that democratic legislatures exist to uphold and that allowing it to pass without consequence sets a precedent the institution cannot afford. “Our work in Oswiecim exists for precisely this reason, to preserve the memory of what happened here, to educate against the hatred that made it possible, and to ensure that history is transmitted honestly to future generations. When that history is inverted and its symbols are weaponized to incite new hatred, it is not only an offense against the dead. It is a direct assault on everything this institution stands for,” said Tomasz Kuncewicz, Director of the Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oswiecim. The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the lessons learned from the Holocaust to combat hatred and bigotry through educational programs and by providing direct humanitarian aid to victims of mass atrocities. It supports survivors of genocides and other tragedies, including Ukrainian refugees and those impacted by Hamas's October 7 attacks. The Foundation maintains the Auschwitz Jewish Center, the last remaining synagogue in Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and serves as the primary institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the town's Jewish community while addressing hate. To date, over a million people have visited the center, more than 300,000 students participated in its educational programs and tens of thousands of diplomats, military and law enforcement personnel and educators, have taken part in its educational initiatives on tolerance and the Holocaust. For more information, visit: https://ajcfus.org/ . Previous Next

The War Continues By City Of Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Oct 8, 2025 This Past Tuesday October 7th Marked The 730th Day Since The Horrific Attack On The Nova Musical Festival And Israel. It Is Unimaginable 48 Hostages 26 Confirmed Dead, 20 Are Presumed Alive And Remain In The Hands Of Palestinians. 251 hostages were taken. Of those innocent victims, 148 were released through negotiations of whom 8 were dead. IDF forces recovered 51 dead hostages and rescued 8 during the war. This war was started by Gazans fueled by hate and Hamas terrorists. It was unprovoked and still continues. It is unimaginable that war could end with their release but the refusal to release the hostages has continued loss of lives. Since the terrorist organization Hamas launched its unprovoked attacks on Israeli 1,200 innocent Israelis died, 5,431 have been injured. 913 IDF soldiers have lost their lives and over 20,000 have been injured. Through the war to rescue the hostages by the Israeli armed forces against Hamas in Gaza. 61,158 Palestinians were killed, and 151,442 were injured. This does not include the second front on the West Bank fueled by both Hamas and Hezbollah. As noted, the Gaza numbers are UN Aid numbers which should be questioned. What many people are forgetting, and the news is not covering Israel has been attacked for years. Hammas, Hezbollah and other terrorists have attacked Israel with over 2,000 bombs and attacks. In all, over 3,800 thousand have died. One cannot avoid the point that this is a War and Israel has the right to protect themselves and fight for the hostages and peace. Just like any other country. I am so frustrated over the one-sided media that continues to fuel misinformation, ignorance, and antisemitism. No one person wants war and death, but it is the reality when one country attacks another. I have spoken to others about what is a one-sided hostage exchange. The goal was 500 so-called political prisoners. I considered this such a lie. They are criminals. They have killed, murdered, injured, manned and plotted against Israel for years. Imagine the United States returning the 1993 World Trade Center bomber who is serving a life sentence. Barghouti, 68, from the West Bank village of Kobar, has spent over 45 years in Israeli prison and was serving a life sentence. First arrested in 1978 for his role in an attack that killed an Israeli bus driver. Ghanem, 31, from east Jerusalem, was serving three life sentences and 60 years for a bus attack in 2015 that killed three Israelis. One of those killed was Richard Lakin, an American educator who marched for civil rights and coexistence between Muslims and Jews. Al-Ziben, 50, is from Nablus, in the West Bank. He was sentenced to 27 life terms for planning a bombing in a Jerusalem market in 1997 that killed 16 people, including a U.S. citizen. Abu Shakhdam was sentenced to the equivalent of 18 life sentences over his involvement in Hamas attacks that killed dozens of Israelis during the second intifada. They included a suicide bombing that blew up two buses in Beersheba in 2004, killing 16 Israelis, including a 4-year-old. These are just a few. We need to commend Israel for working with the U.S. Envoy, Steve Witkoff and allies in the Middle East to get hostages out through political prisoner trades. As a parent, yes, I would do absolutely everything to get my child out. Negotiating with Hamas one could say has been one sided. It has also torn many Israelis apart. Two years of pain, suffering, war, and family members fighting in combat have taken its toll. We all need it to end. We need to bring all the hostage’s home. Israel needs to continue what I call the World’s work fighting against terrorists and terrorism. The rhetoric and blatant attacks on Israel and their leaders over their rights to defend its people which include Jews, Christians and Muslims are a disgrace. The Americans fueling the hate and lies need to remember 911 and the terrorist attack on our soil. Many also need to do their homework before believing every headline. BRING THEM HOME!! 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