Yellowbird Estate: Bahamian Vacation Villa Exemplifies Eleuthera Island Hospitality By Merilee Kern, MBA September 19, 2023 Share Tucked away in the Bahamas Out Island of Eleuthera is Yellowbird Estate, an expansive private villa that stands as a beacon of coastal charm and tranquility. With its idyllic oceanfront location, this unique vacation rental captures the essence of island living, while offering an unforgettable escape for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. Yellowbird Estate welcomes guests with an interior that seamlessly combines seaside elegance with modern comfort. The spaces are adorned with carefully selected furnishings and décor that create an atmosphere that is both soothing and invigorating. Large hurricane impact glass doors, windows and ample open spaces allow the sunshine to weave its way through the rooms, enhancing feelings of being connected to the natural world. The most enchanting feature of Yellowbird Estate is undoubtedly its oceanfront location. A Private stretch of Pink Sand Beach invites guests to unwind under the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shoreline, or simply listen to the serenade of the waves that ceaselessly ebb and flow. The estate’s outdoor spaces are designed to maximize the beauty of the surrounding environment, offering stunning views of the Ocean that stretch as far as the eye can see. Luxurious Interior Amenities Abound While Yellowbird Estate embodies the laid-back spirit of island living, it doesn't compromise on luxury and convenience. The home is equipped with modern amenities that cater to the needs of travelers seeking comfort and relaxation. From a Fully Equipped Chef’s Kitchen to spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, each detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay. This Nine-Bedroom, 9.5-Bathroom treasure, which can fully accommodate 22 guests, sits on a lush 2.3 Acre Ocean View property that is nestled between a 20-Acre Pond and a beautiful Private Pink Sand Beach. With a main house boasting 8,400 Square Feet, there are four beautifully appointed En-Suite Bedrooms, plus a stunning separate Primary Suite with its own Private Entrance. The bed in the Primary Suite is oriented so that the moment a guest opens their eyes in the morning, they are greeted with unforgettable vistas of the Caribbean Blue Sea. The property’s Chef-Inspired Kitchen features a gorgeous custom rock wall, large island with seating, gas range, double oven and a wide array of appliances and cooking tools sure to meet any culinary need. Guests can on their own, or for dinner, elicit the services of Island Hospitality Group, visit: https://www.islandhospitalitygroup.com/ - or other area private chef services that can facilitate wonderfully immersive gastro-travel experiences. Yellowbird Estate also features a spacious Living Room with a Bar—boasting soaring 28-Foot Ceilings—which offers a cozy, communal space perfect for family game night, conversations or a sunset cocktail that can be viewed from the large attached Pergola overlooking the Heated Infinity Pool and Private Beach. The house also has a super comfy Media Room for watching movies or TV and playing games. Oceanfront Indulgence Outside of the Main House sits a Detached 2,200-Foot Guest Casita that also overlooks the Pool, which has its own large Living Space and Eat-In Kitchen. This Luxury Casita has Three En-Suite Bedrooms with an additional Bunk Room with Top Twin Bunks, and Bottom Full and Double Bunks, plus a Full Bathroom. Rounding out the incredible lot is a large Covered Cabana—affectionately known as “The Office”—that faces the Private Beach. Aside from serving as the perfect space to feel the omnipresent breeze in your hair, this multi-functional space can be used for Yoga, Massages, cocktails, coffee breaks or a quiet dinner right next to the melodic Ocean. It’s also noteworthy that Yellowbird Estate comes Fully Staffed with a cook for Breakfast and Lunch, Housekeeping and Concierge Services to facilitate Guest requests. While Guests pay for their own groceries and other provisions, grocery stocking is available at no charge. Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off is additionally included with each stay. Beyond its own captivating beauty, Yellowbird Estate also serves as a gateway to exploring the wonders of Eleuthera and the Bahamas at large. Guests can indulge in Water Sports, Fishing, Snorkeling and Diving Adventures to discover the Vibrant Marine Life that resides beneath the waves. Additionally, nearby attractions such as swimming with Pigs, Cliff Jumping, ATV Riding and more offer endless opportunities for exploration and Entertainment. Resources like those offered by: www.EleutheraVacationRentals.net provide a comprehensive list of things to do on the island by visiting: https://eleutheravacationrentals.net/site/33187/Things-to-do-in-Eleuthera.aspx The Owner of Yellowbird Estate, Ann Bakhaus, has been venturing to the island for over 40 years, having fallen in love with Eleuthera on her very first visit. She fondly upholds a childhood memory of the iconic Dr. Sea breeze, visit: https://www.facebook.com/DrSeabreezeBook/ who sang the song “Yellowbird” to her father, which was his favorite, eventually inspiring the moniker for this distinctive estate home. Yellowbird Estate Bahamas is more than a vacation rental; it's an embodiment of the beauty and allure of Eleutheran Island Living. With its Beach-Chic Interiors and breathtaking Oceanfront Location, it invites travelers to experience a slice of paradise. As Guests immerse themselves in the tranquility and coastal charm of the Yellowbird Estate, they forge a connection with the Bahamian Spirit sure to leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and souls. For information, visit: https://eleutheravacationrentals.net/Unit/Details/219090 < Previous News Next News >

Why Are Airlines Being So Nice To You? Thu Jul 18 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rise Of The Underdog: Remarkable Shift Towards Adoption Of Shelter Dogs Over Purebred Purchases August 31, 2023 Share In the past, the sight of Purebred Dogs like Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs was common in American neighborhoods. However, recently a notable shift in consumers' preferences has steered away from these Purebreds despite their previous popularity. For some, the exorbitant cost of Purebred Dogs, which can reach up to $10,000 for Breeds such as Rottweilers and Chow Chows, is a considerable deterrent. For others, the concern is over health issues commonly associated with Purebreds. English Bulldogs and Pugs, for instance, are often plagued with Respiratory problems. Also, many individuals also feel a moral obligation to provide homes to Shelter Dogs. Bone Voyage Dog Rescue recently conducted a Study revealing a significant shift towards Adopting Shelter Dogs over purchasing Purebreds from Breeders. A Survey of 3,000 potential Dog Owners in Florida revealed that an impressive 45% of them expressed an intent to Adopt from Shelters, marking a 5% swing towards possible Shelter Dog Ownership when contrasted with older data from the Humane Society of the United States, which indicated that 40% of Pet Dogs in households were previously Shelter Dogs. “This increasing trend towards Shelter Dog Adoption promises substantial improvements in the Welfare of Homeless Animals. The shift could lead to a decrease in the number of Dogs in Shelters, as more are adopted,” says Annette Thompson, Executive Director of Bone Voyage Dog Rescue, when commenting on the Study. A state-by-state analysis of the Survey data revealed the strongest preference for Shelter Dog Adoption is in Nebraska, with a remarkable 81% expressing a preference for Shelter Dogs over Purebred Breeds. In Florida 45% of residents surveyed stated they would rather Adopt from their Local Shelter vs purchasing a Dog from a Pet Store or Online. In a complementary Study, Bone Voyage Dog Rescue used Google Search trends to understand the public's interest in Shelter Dogs over the past year. The insights from Google mirrored the Survey data, reinforcing the shift towards Shelter Dog Ownership. Among the top 25 states most interested in Shelter Dog Adoption, 22 demonstrated a marked shift towards this preference, as per the Survey data. Wyoming, for instance, had the highest proportion of Shelter Dog searches, reflecting its second-place ranking in the Survey. Similarly, New Mexico ranked third in Google searches for Shelter Dogs, aligning with its second-place position in the Survey for those most likely to Adopt a Shelter Dog. The rising trend of Shelter Dog Adoption holds considerable potential for improving Animal Welfare in the U.S. This shift could have multi-faceted benefits, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the lives of the individual Dogs adopted. Decreasing the number of Dogs residing in Shelters is a primary benefit. With more Dogs finding homes, the overall population in Shelters would shrink. Consequently, Shelters would have more resources available per Animal, including space, Staff attention, and Medical Care. This shift would result in better living conditions for the remaining Animals while reducing the strain on Shelter Resources. Secondly, an increase in the Adoption of Shelter Dogs could influence the supply-demand dynamics of the Pet Industry. If consumers choose Adoption over purchasing from Breeders, it might discourage Unethical Breeding Practices, including those prevalent in Puppy Mills. This change would further contribute to enhancing Animal Welfare on a larger scale. Finally, each adopted Dog's individual Quality Of Life would likely see significant improvements. Home environments typically offer more space, personal attention, and stability than Shelters. Adopted Dogs receive consistent Care, Training, and Socialization Opportunities, leading to better Physical Health and Behavioral outcomes. This transformation enriches the adopted Dog's Life and can bring immeasurable joy and companionship to the family adopting. “This rising trend of adoption not only promises a brighter future for Shelter Dogs but also signifies a broader cultural shift towards responsible Pet Ownership and empathy towards Animal Welfare,” adds Thompson. “The data certainly supports the trend, and it’s a trend that would have immense impact across the Animal Welfare Field.” Looking To Adopt? If you are looking to Adopt a Pet the Humane Society of Broward County is the place to visit. Here are a couple of possible family members for you to go see, you just might find the love of your life. Sweet Diego is an energetic 3-year-old fellow who gets the zoomies when he first goes outside. Once he runs and plays a bit, he settles down and just wants to be with you and get lots of pets. Diego even enjoyed lounging in the kiddie pool to cool off, so if you have a pool, you might find him swimming in it. He weighs about 47 pounds, and the Staff say he walks well on a leash and when he was spending time with them at the front desk, Diego was a perfect gentleman. If you have a dog at a home, a meet and greet would be recommended just to make sure everyone gets along. Thanks to a Dog lover, Diego’s Adoption Fee has been Sponsored – he just needs a chance. Will you be the one that gives him that? If you’re looking for a Feline friend, then 8-year-old Oscar would love to go home with you. Sadly, his owner died and now he is all alone. Oscar previously lived with Dogs, so if you have one or two and they like Cats, with a slow introduction, everyone will hopefully get along. He will need time to adjust to his new home, so please give him time to settle into his new place. Thanks to Cat lovers at Real Res, they have kindly Sponsored Oscar’s Adoption Fee. To meet Diego (ID 669775), Oscar (ID 671904) or any other pet at the Humane Society of Broward County, complete the pre-adoption application at: www.humanebroward.com and then stop by. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and the Adoption Kennels open daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6 and if you can’t Adopt, be sure to share. < Previous News Next News >

Easter Delights Made Easy With A Delicious Breakfast At Home & Easter Apps With Friends & Family Make This Holiday Special By Family Features Mar 27, 2025 A Cozy Morning At Home Sharing A Delicious Breakfast - For Many Families, It's A Picture Of Perfection. Whether Your Brunch Favorites Include Pastries And Pancakes Or Fruits And French Toast, Enjoying A Meal Together Is A Heartwarming Way To Start The Day. Now, you can savor all your favorite flavors inspired by wish kids. These Bananas Foster French Toast and Peanut Butter and Apple breakfast recipes are made with the freshness and irresistibly soft texture of Butterbread from Nature's Own, which partnered with Make-A-Wish on a $500,000 donation to highlight and support wish kids through 2026. To learn more about the campaign, visit: www.naturesownbread.com/make-a-wish Since 1980, the global NonProfit has granted more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. to children with critical illnesses, helping them build the strength and hope needed to fight their illnesses. Granted wishes can be life-changing, bringing a sense of normalcy to families that can impact entire communities. To celebrate the partnership, the Slice of Hope Campaign was launched, introducing in-store displays as well as a digital "Well Wish Wall" where shoppers can submit their well wishes for kids to see. Special-edition bread loaf packaging also highlights the collaboration by sharing inspiring stories from three wish kids: Addison, who fulfilled her dream of experiencing the wonders of Pearl Harbor; Aden, who ventured out for an epic fishing trip and Joanna, born with an adventurous spirit that wouldn't rest until she learned to surf the breathtaking shores of Hawaii. "We are truly honored to partner with Make-A-Wish on this meaningful two-year journey, committing to help grant life-changing wishes," said Krystle Farlow, Senior Director of Brand Management for Nature's Own. "Together, we hope to continue to inspire and spread goodness, one wish at a time." Bananas Foster French Toast Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 French Toast: 4 Eggs 2 Cups of Half-And-Half 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 1/2 Cup of Sugar 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract 1/4 Stick of Butter 1 Loaf of Nature's Own Butterbread Bananas Foster Sauce: 1/2 Stick of Butter 1 1/2 Cups of Brown Sugar 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 3 Bananas, sliced lengthwise and quartered To make French toast: In a mixing bowl, combine the Eggs, the Half-And-Half, the Cinnamon, the Sugar and the Vanilla. Beat it until it is well blended. On a nonstick griddle or griddle pan on medium heat, melt the Butter. Dip each Bread Slice into the Egg Mixture until it is fully coated, two times each. Place on the griddle and cook it on each side until it is slightly brown. To make the Bananas Foster Sauce: Melt the Butter and the Brown Sugar together; then, add the Cinnamon. Once melted into the Caramel, add the sliced Bananas. Continue spooning the sauce over the Bananas in the pan. Plate the French Toast and spoon the Bananas with the Sauce on top of each French Toast Stack. Peanut Butter and Apple Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 2 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter 1 Slice of Nature's Own Butterbread 1/2 Apple, thinly sliced 1 Teaspoon of Honey Spread the Peanut Butter on one side of the bread, arrange the Apple Slices on top of the Peanut Butter and drizzle the Honey over the Apple Slices. Easter Apps With Friends & Family If you'll be hosting friends and family for Easter this year, creating the perfect spread doesn't have to be hard. Make your gathering as simple as it is delicious by serving dishes that can be made ahead of time then easily put together on the big day. Opting for an array of appetizers can help keep hungry people out of the kitchen until the main course is ready. Featuring easy prep and short cook times, these apps from "Cookin' Savvy" can let you spend more time creating memories with loved ones. Whether you're celebrating with your nearest and dearest or hosting a larger crowd, these Deviled Eggs, Pimento Cheese Bites and Spinach Bites recipes can be halved or doubled to fit your needs. Plus, they feature many ingredients you may already have on-hand, making them easy to prep ahead of time to avoid spending too much time in the kitchen while trying to host. Deviled Eggs Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" Yield: 16 Deviled Eggs 8 Boiled Eggs 1/2-3/4 Cup of Mayonnaise 2 Tablespoons of Mustard 2 Tablespoons of Dill Pickle Juice 1 Package, 2 1/2 Ounces of Real Bacon Pieces 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder 2 Teaspoons of Onion Powder Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Smoked Paprika, for garnish, optional Slice each Egg and place the Egg Whites on a plate and the Egg Yolks in a bowl. In a bowl of Egg Yolks, add 1/2 Cup of the Mayonnaise, the Mustard, the Pickle Juice, the Bacon Pieces, the Garlic Powder, the Onion Powder and the Salt and the Pepper, to taste. With a fork or hand mixer, blend until smooth. Add more of the Mayonnaise until the mixture reaches the desired smoothness. Spoon or pipe the mixture into the Egg Whites. Garnish with the Smoked Paprika, if desired. Note: Deviled Eggs can be made the day before and kept covered in the refrigerator until needed. Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" Yield: 12 shells and 12 tops 2 Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese 8 Ounces of Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 Cup of Mayonnaise 1 Jar, 4 Ounces of Pimentos, drained 1/4 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder 1/2 Teaspoon of Onion Powder 1 Package, 2 1/2 Ounces of Real Bacon Pieces Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 Packages of Frozen Puff Pastry Shells With a hand mixer, blend the Cheddar Cheese, the Cream Cheese, the Mayonnaise, the Pimentos, the Garlic Powder, the Onion Powder, the Bacon Pieces and the Salt and the Pepper, to taste, until it is smooth and set it aside. Heat the oven to 400 F. Thaw them then bake the pastry shells for 15 minutes. Remove the tops and set them aside. Spoon the Pimento Cheese Mixture into each shell. Place a dab of the Pimento Cheese mixture on the tops for the smaller appetizers. Notes: Pimento Cheese Mixture can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator up to 5 days before using. Recipe can be halved or doubled depending on needs. Spinach Bites Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" Yield: 24 Spinach Bites 1 Package, 8 Ounces of Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 Cup of Mayonnaise 1/2 Cup of Sour Cream 1 Cup of Thawed Frozen Spinach 1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese 1/2 Cup of Mozzarella Cheese 1 Package, 2 1/2 Ounces of Real Bacon Pieces 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder 2 Teaspoons of Onion Powder Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 1 Package, 2 sheets of Frozen Puff Pastry With a hand mixer, blend the Cream Cheese, the Mayonnaise, the Sour Cream, the Spinach, the Parmesan Cheese, the Mozzarella, the Bacon Pieces, the Garlic Powder, the Onion Powder and the Salt and the Pepper, to taste. Heat oven to 400 F. Thaw and roll out the Puff Pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 12 squares. Place each Puff Pastry Square into a hole in the muffin pan then spoon the Spinach Mixture into each square and pinch corners together. Bake them for 15 minutes and serve them warm. Notes: Spinach Mixture can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator up to 5 days before using. Recipe can be halved or doubled depending on needs. Find more recipe inspirations to make your Easter celebration extraordinary at: www.Culinary.net Previous Next

Summer Fun Has Just Begun Thu Jun 16 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood Celebrates Black History Month Thu Feb 08 2024 17:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Do You Know Your 'Calcium Score?' That Number Could Help Save Your Life or Someone You Love July 14, 2022 Share With Heart Disease causing one in every four deaths among American adults, it couldn’t be more crucial to know how healthy your heart is. Fortunately, there is a quick and simple way to get a detailed look inside with a specialized heart scan known as a Coronary Calcium scoring CT Scan. The non-invasive procedure takes a series of X-ray images of the Heart, looking for Plaque inside the Arteries. This makes it an excellent option for many patients to determine their risk of serious problems. Scans are particularly useful for people who don’t necessarily have any heart-related symptoms, but who may be at increased risk for Heart Disease or other conditions. The higher the score, the more likely it is that arteries carrying blood could become blocked. “That knowledge is something that will change the management of the patient both from the patient's perspective and the physician’s perspective,” said Wayne Pollak, MD, a Cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute. The scan looks in the Heart’s Arteries for Plaque, which is made up of materials like Cholesterol, Fats and Calcium. Once Plaque is present, it can begin building up over time. This narrows the size of the Artery’s opening and restricts blood flow. Restricted blood flow to the heart can cause blockages that put a patient at greater risk of severe issues, including Heart Disease or a Heart Attack. In addition to restricting blood flow, Plaque Deposits can break open and form a clot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These clots can cause Heart Attacks, which happen in more than 800,000 Americans every year. Getting a Calcium Score detects these Plaque build ups early, before they get worse. The earlier these buildups are detected, the sooner doctors can prescribe medications or suggest lifestyle changes that may decrease the risk of Heart problems down the line. Scans are most useful for those with an increased risk of Heart Disease or Diabetes but do involve Radiation and require a prescription. Some of the factors considered in determining risk include a family History of Heart Disease, age, Diabetes, Cholesterol Levels, Blood Pressure Levels and lifestyle habits. To learn more about this procedure visit: https://www.mhs.net/services/cardiac-vascular/services/heart-scan Or call: (954) 276-5500. < Previous News Next News >

How Stressed Is Your Child? Far Too Many Young People Are Struggling Thu Aug 18 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sick of Feeling Like a Helpless Bystander? People Feel Powerless and Hopeless, But We Aren’t September 30, 2021 Share Elaine Parke, MBA, CS, CM, NSA, is the author of The Habits of Unity America is in a dark place right now. If you’re frustrated by the dissension and angst going on at every level of government and citizen life, you’re certainly not alone. But Elaine Parke has a rather pointed question for you: What are you doing, right now, to change it? “People feel powerless and hopeless, but we aren’t,” insists Parke, author of The Habits of Unity: 12 Months to a Stronger America…one citizen at a time. “We don’t have to accept self-interest, intolerance, and incivility as the new normal. In fact, if we’re not intentionally living in ways that counter these forces, then we are part of the problem.” Parke is on a campaign against insensitive compliance with the status quo. She is convinced we can create a better, more unified America. We can drastically improve our own mental health at the same time. And it’s not just that we can. It’s that we must. “We don’t have to be helpless bystanders,” she says. “We can transform our own lives; treat others with dignity, respect, and kindness; and create a healthier nation in the process. Mental wellness and good citizenship go hand-in-hand.” Parke admits her book might appear a bit “lightweight” given its emphasis on subjects like peace, helpfulness, and gratitude. But look deeper. You’ll see that it’s a statement of reckoning on where the buck stops: squarely at the doorstep of each American who isn’t leading their life to the best of their abilities with respect and regard for others, our democracy, and our environment. Plus, it lays out a solution that actually works. Parke, who has a background in advertising and marketing, has nine studies to back up her assertion. For 30 years, her scalable, outcome-proven, and habit-forming 12-month model has transformed lives across the USA’s Midwest and in Rwanda. In 1993, it was deemed a “Social Invention” by the London Institute for Social Inventions. “My plan uses the same marketing principles that corporations and politicians use to sell their stuff and their ideas to Americans,” she asserts. “It’s just that, in this case, what we’re selling is a 12-month protocol for good health and good citizenship.” The idea is that as the campaign goes viral, everyone is focused on the same branded behavior each month. The easy-to-grasp, color-coded, one-month-at-a-time plan is easy to put into practice. It feels good, so people want to keep doing it. Over time, rather than dissipating, communities of shared monthly practices emerge and can be sustained, just like holidays. Her book’s 365 one-magic-minute-a-day motivational format is designed to serve as “mental nutrition” for readers. Parke believes our mental consumption matters just as much as our calorie consumption. “If we spend time each morning reading and absorbing that day’s entry, we can intentionally fill our minds with positivity,” says Parke. “We can let it drive our actions. We can build life-affirming habits. We can share these messages on social media to motivate others. I’ve seen it over and over: We become what we consistently think and do.” Here is a glimpse of the 12-month framework laid out in The Habits of Unity: JANUARY: Help Others Color Cue—Gentle Aqua Goal for the Month: To lift our spirits, and the spirits of others, by caring, sharing, and giving. January is the beginning of a fresh new year. It’s a great time to carry on the spirit of holiday giving, hopeful celebration, and goodwill, which too often just ends abruptly. TIP (January 13) Spend today acknowledging how other people’s lives are intertwined with your own. Look around you. Ask yourself who made the chair you’re sitting on. Think about who stocked the shelves at the grocery store. Write a note to a person from your past who intertwined their life with yours when you needed it and made a difference. Give them the gift of appreciation. FEBRUARY: You Count Color Cue—WOW! Fuchsia Goal for the Month: To know that you count and to BELIEVE it. Appropriate for Black History Month, February’s focus is on knowing that you have a purpose and were born with gifts to fill that purpose. TIP (February 4) If you have children at home, spend extra time with them or with your grandchildren or with the neighbor’s children. Let children know you value and respect them. Encourage them to know they count. Be patient with them. MARCH: Resolve Conflicts Color Cue—Peaceful Dove Gray Goal for the Month: Patch up a relationship with at least one person. Even if you began this month like a lion, decide to go out like a lamb. Work on calming yourself down and taking timeouts when you feel your emotional temperature rising. TIP (March 10) Successfully using humor in a “resolve conflicts” situation is a matter of timing, but it can be done. When anger is high, humor can be interpreted as a belittling lack of respect for the other person’s point of view. Begin to resolve a conflict by listening and negotiating. Use humor later in the process to bring emotions back together into a renewed common bond. APRIL: Take Care of Our Environment Color Cue—Spring Green Goal for the Month: Select an environmental project as simple as planting a tree in your own yard. Let’s renew our commitment to the outdoor environment and to the future of the fragile planet we share. What we take care of today will be preserved for future generations. This is a time for us to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. TIP (April 25) Water is precious; conserve it. Like the Amish, use a broom when it’s raining and not a hose to clean your driveways, paths, and steps. Save hundreds of gallons of water. Put on that raincoat, or not, and let the warm rain cleanse your soul too. Then, sweep your driveway clean in the rain! MAY: Be Grateful Color Cue—Grateful Pink Goal for the Month: In addition to appreciating others, take time to appreciate yourself—do something you’ve always wanted to do! “Be Grateful” is a perfect mental health habit for May. During this special month, we celebrate both Memorial Day and Mother’s Day. TIP (May 13) One of the most difficult aspects of appreciation is expecting it. We know that we “shouldn’t” expect anything in return when we give to others—but it is easier said than done. Building our habit of giving without expecting to be thanked is a good thing to work on this month. JUNE: Reach Higher Color Cue—“JOLT” Orange Goal for the Month: Break free of procrastination. Do the important task you have been putting off for too long. June is the month to break free from the boundaries around you. We are able to bloom and grow in direct proportion to our willingness to dream. TIP (June 2) Stop waiting for life to get easier. So often, we postpone our dream until “things smooth out” or until our problems disappear or we have more time. Dreams will never happen in our lives unless we start toward them now. Tough times are often the most fertile ground for converting problems into opportunities we never believed would come our way. JULY: Become Involved Color Cue—Patriot Red Goal for the Month: Have a great summer by volunteering at least some of your time. Good citizenship is more than just voting. July is a great month to give meaning to your Fourth of July celebration by volunteering your time to a cause that is important to you. TIP (July 20) Activism is not often popular. When great changes have been needed in our democratic society, the courageous people—like Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a bus—suffered greatly. If you truly believe in an issue, take a stand for it—even if it’s unpopular. AUGUST: Know Who You Are Color Cue—Thoughtful Blue Goal for the Month: Be able to write down your own values about family, children, personal behavior, work performance, and your role in your community. August is a slower-paced month of vacations—a time to relax and also to reflect. Encourage yourself to reflect on your values and where “you” are taking your own future. TIP (August 21) Look around you. Unless you are in the woods surrounded by pure nature, you are surrounded by items that were once ideas and beliefs that began in someone’s mind and heart. Every great invention was at first a frail idea. What do you believe in? What frail idea can you contribute? SEPTEMBER: Do Your Best Color Cue—AWARD Gold Goal for the Month: Pick a task, even a small one, and give it all you’ve got! As kids go back to school and vacation season ends, it’s time to anchor our resolve and begin again. September is a good time to celebrate our contemporaries and people down through the centuries who have contributed the best of themselves to us and to the world we share. TIP (September 7) Be inspired by the words of James Todd Smith—a.k.a., LL Cool J—who grew up in a climate of domestic violence: “Destructive behavior and a lack of focus will cause you to neglect yourself, your spirit, God, and your family. I can’t make sure my family is okay if I’m concentrating on the pain of my own past. I just have to forgive and get on with my life.” (reprint from USA Today, June 1998) The point? Turn the pains of your life into gifts you can bestow on others. OCTOBER: Be Patient and Listen Color Cue—Slow-Down Lavender Goal for the Month: Find the patience to make cherished memories out of more moments this month. There is a sparkling spectrum of color in every moment, every person, and every autumn leaf. Let the leaves remind you to enjoy the colors of each moment and to appreciate the treasure of “moment jewels” that you will find when you are patient with yourself and listen to your heart. TIP (October 4) Take a few minutes to listen for the guidance that comes from within your own heart. Everything we create in life comes from our inner silence. Give this resource time to bloom. Close your eyes and sit in silence for five minutes. NOVEMBER: Show a Positive Attitude Color Cue—SUNNY Yellow Goal for the Month: On every excursion, wear JOY in your smile. Sometimes it is necessary to “fake it ’til we make it.” When we do, we may find that a “true” positive attitude will come about more quickly. Enjoy the moments as they happen, especially the joy of Thanksgiving. Make positive memories to savor again and again. TIP (November 15) Keep a positive attitude during adversity. This is easier when we remember that we actually do “get through” the tough setbacks. Quite often, something better happens. Some people have lost their jobs—then gone on to find a new job in a direction they wouldn’t have dreamed of. DECEMBER: Celebrate Community, Family, and Friends Color Cue—EVER-Green Goal for the Month: Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Whether finely seamed or tattered and torn, relationships are the threads that connect us to one another. “Celebrate Community, Family, and Friends’’ wraps up the year and captures the essence of the holiday season, no matter what religious or humanist belief you hold. TIP (December 19) Just say, “I’ll be there.” Being there for a friend is the greatest gift we can give. When we help others, healthy things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and our spirits soar. “When you face a crisis, you know who your true friends are.” - Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers Parke’s dream is to spark a unity revolution across various groups—communities, workplaces, schools, etc.—that rises from the ground up and sweeps across the nation. The sooner we realize that we’re not helpless bystanders (far from it!), the sooner we can get the revolution underway. “If we haven’t learned much else from social media, we’ve learned that shared thoughts, for good or bad, become powerful beyond measure when they reach lots of people at the same time and are repeated over and over again,” she says. “Together, we can overcome the pain of a divided America with the power of goodness.” About the Author: Elaine Parke, MBA, CS, CM, NSA, is the author of The Habits of Unity: 12 Months to a Stronger America…one citizen at a time. For 30 years, her scalable and evidence-driven 12 habits of social unity model has transformed several million community citizens and youth across the USA’s Midwest and in Rwanda, helping them feel more caring and connected to one another. In 1993, her monthly branded and colorful habit-forming model was deemed a “Social Invention” by the London Institute for Social Inventions. Parke spent 25 years fine-tuning her mass-market media skills in corporate America. Then, in 1987, she redirected her focus to helping people get along better. Her first book, Join the Golden Rule Revolution: Practice One Habit…Each Month of the Year, was published in 2000. She has won many awards and recognitions for her work. Parke is certified in public speaking, violence prevention, conflict management, and mediation, as well as meditation, and has been a popular speaker in her field of driving health and positive social and civic engagement with managed media strategies. She has been an occasional guest marketing lecturer at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carnegie Mellon University. To learn more, please visit www.12habits4allofus.org About the Book: The Habits of Unity: 12 Months to a Stronger America…one citizen at a time ( Outskirts Press, 2021, ISBN: 978-1-977-24276-1, $21.95, www.12habits4allofus.org ) is available at bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers. < Previous News Next News >

Broward County Public Schools Named Guy Harvey Conservation District South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2026 Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, Florida, June 2026 – Broward County Public Schools Has Been Named A Guy Harvey Conservation District For The 2025-2026 School Year, Signifying The School System’s Commitment To Environmental Education Through Teacher Professional Development, Experiential Learning And Environmental Leadership. “We are inspired by the work and commitment of the educators and schools in Broward County Public Schools that, through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, promote Marine Science and strengthen conservation education,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), the global Non-Profit Organization that supports scientific research, advances education, and drives advocacy that protects Marine Ecosystems to keep the ocean a place for exploration for generations to come.” Through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, educators, and by extension schools and school districts, can participate in regional professional development opportunities dedicated to environmental STEAM education. Following their training in the program, participants become Guy Harvey Conservation (GHC) Educators who are then empowered with recognition, knowledge and resources they can share with students to foster environmental awareness and contribute to a sustainable future. The program offers supplies and grants for field trips enabling GHC Educators to enhance their teaching and instill conservation values in students. Open to all elementary, middle and high school educators, the immersive and experiential education program training includes all the materials, classroom supplies and educational content they need to inspire and excite the next generation of stewards of ocean conservation. “Having these types of hands-on opportunities, professional development and resources for our teachers is essential for quality student learning,” according to Dr. JP Keener, Science Supervisor for the District. “We are grateful to the GHF for providing these valuable resources.” There are 11 schools in Broward County Public Schools that are recognized as Guy Harvey Conservation Schools and 86 educators in the District are Guy Harvey Conservation Educators. “The commitment of school systems across the nation dedicated to environmental STEAM education creates a ripple effect as educators become catalysts for positive environmental change in the minds and actions of their students,” Harvey added. “Our goal is to educate and enlighten more than 50 million students and more than five million teachers globally with our educational initiatives.” About the Guy Harvey Foundation With a focused mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective. GHF’s educational efforts include professional development opportunities for educators and creation of resources for students and marine enthusiasts to better understand the importance of our oceans and their inhabitants. For more information, visit: www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org . Follow the GHF on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOcean . On LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/guyharveyfoundation . Or connect on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/GuyHarveyOcean . Guy Harvey is a world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. Previous Next

This Year's Budget Is Almost Complete: Is A Tax Increase For The Upcoming Fiscal Year Necessary? Thu Aug 19 2021 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Attention Drivers: Hallandale Beach Boulevard To Close For a Week November 25, 2021 Share The South Florida Railroad Traffic Authority (SFRTA) will close Hallandale Beach Boulevard at the railway crossing just west of I-95 beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m. If necessary to complete the scheduled work, this closure will extend to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 9th. The closure is part of the SFRTA Railway Grade Crossing Rehabilitation Project and will allow for crews to safely perform necessary repairs to the railway, including repairing rails and replacing the crossing surface. Traffic detours will be in place directing motorist to the following: Hallandale Beach Blvd Eastbound: Traffic that wants to head eastbound on Hallandale Beach Blvd (SR858), will be directed as follows: • Traffic on Hallandale Beach Blvd eastbound will be directed to turn left (North) at USR7/US441 • At Pembroke Rd, traffic will be directed to turn right (East) to I-95 • At I-95, traffic will be directed to turn right (South) • On I-95, traffic will be directed to exit right to Hallandale Beach Blvd (Exit 18) Hallandale Beach Blvd Westbound: Traffic that wants to head westbound on Hallandale Beach Blvd (SR858), will be directed as follows: • Traffic on Hallandale Bch Blvd westbound will be directed to turn right (North) at I-95 to Pembroke Rd Exit • On I-95, traffic will be directed to exit right to Pembroke Rd (Exit 19) • At Pembroke Rd, traffic will be directed to turn left (West) to USR7/US441 • At USR7/US441, traffic will be directed to turn left (South) to Hallandale Beach Blvd I-95 Southbound: Traffic on I95 Southbound that wants to head westbound on Hallandale Beach Blvd (SR858), will be directed as follows: • Traffic on Southbound I95 will be directed to exit at Pembroke Rd (Exit 19) • At Pembroke Rd, traffic will be directed to turn right (West) to USR7/US441 At SR7/US441, traffic will be directed to turn left (South) to Hallandale Beach Blvd I-95 Northbound: Traffic on I95 Northbound that wants to head westbound on Hallandale Beach Blvd (SR858), will be directed as follows: • Traffic on Northbound I95 will be directed to exit at Pembroke Rd (Exit 19) • At Pembroke Rd, traffic will be directed to turn left (West) to USR7/US441 • At SR7/US441, traffic will be directed to turn left (South) to Hallandale Beach Blvd Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route to avoid anticipated traffic delays. Hollywood Traffic Alerts S. 20th Avenue & Alleyway Closure - From November 15th through December 3rd, S. 20th Avenue between Harrison Street and the Boulevard will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. One lane will be open to vehicular traffic from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. It is anticipated, after December 3rd, one lane will then remain open. Sidewalks will remain open during the construction period. This closure will allow for the installation of permeable concrete in the alleyway that runs parallel between Harrison Street and the Boulevard. The alleyway will be closed to the east and west of 20th Avenue for the duration of the construction project, which is expected to last for approximately 3 months. Southwest Broward Mobility Improvements Project - One lane in each direction of N 56th Avenue from Pembroke Road to Douglas Street will be closed 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for sidewalk construction, swale improvements, and asphalt placement. Detours might be implemented through adjacent roads if necessary, to improve safety. Flaggers will be present and detour signs will be in place to direct motorists around the work zone. Additionally, pedestrian signal improvements will take place at the intersections of S 56th Avenue/N 56th Avenue with Pembroke Road, Washington Street, Hollywood Boulevard, Johnson Street, Taft Street, Sheridan Street, and Stirling Road from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Workers will be present and lane closures will be placed in the vicinity to direct motorists around the work zone. Work is underway through spring 2023. < Previous News Next News >