Comedy Icon Yakov Smirnoff To Perform At Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Jewish Connection News Mar 17, 2026 The City Of Aventura Presents Yakov Smirnoff, A Legendary Figure In American Comedy, At The Aventura Arts And Cultural Center On Thursday, March 26th, 2026 At 8:00 p.m. The Performance Marks The Final Show Of The 2025/2026 Aventura Comedy Series. After emigrating from the former Soviet Union in 1977, Smirnoff arrived in the United States with little more than a dream. He began his career working as a bartender at Grossinger’s Catskill Resort in New York, where he started telling jokes to customers each evening while still learning English. As his language skills improved, his humor quickly gained attention and popularity. Smirnoff later moved to Hollywood to pursue comedy full time, where his unique perspective as an immigrant and his optimistic view of life resonated with audiences nationwide. He rose to prominence through appearances on The TonightShow with Johnny Carson and numerous other television programs, including a recurring role on Night Court. He also starred in his own television show, titled after his well-known catchphrase, “What a Country.” VIP tickets are available as an add-on and include a post-show meet and greet/photo opportunity with Smirnoff. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org . By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter . The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

Seeing Stars In Broward: You'll Be Laughing, Crying, and Filled With the Spirit of The Season Fri Nov 17 2023 17:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Arlene Lakin’s Clarifying Concepts: Educate Yourself On A Life With Developmental Disabilities South Florida Sun Times Sep 10, 2026 Ann Storck Center – A Fort Lauderdale-Based Private NonProfit Organization Dedicated To Enriching The Lives Of Children And Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities – Will Host A Free Seminar Entitled “Arlene Lakin’s Clarifying Concepts: Educate Yourself On A Life With Developmental Disabilities” With A Panel Of Community Experts On Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 From 6:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m., At The Ann Storck Center Adult Day Training Building. During the free seminar, the Ann Storck Center team and a panel of community experts will discuss navigating the needs of children with developmental disabilities. Ann Storck Center CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy will moderate the panel alongside one of the Center’s residents, Jimmy’s mother, Mimi Tracey. Veteran, Advocate, Author, Founder and CEO of Special Compass, Jim Sayih, will welcome the crowd. Topics and speakers include: • Navigating Florida's Medicaid Waiver – Regional Medicaid Waiver Supervisor, Agency For Persons With Disabilities, Pamela Romack • Supporting the Supporters: Caregiver Wellness, Advocacy & Resources – Executive Director of Family Network on Disabilities, Wendy Bellack • Prepared, Protected & Empowered: Safety Strategies & Emergency Preparedness – Emergency Management Specialist, Josette Hemingway • Finding the Right Fit: Navigating Therapy Services & Community Resources – Assistant Executive Director of Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center at Broward Health, Kristen Ely Guests in attendance will enjoy delicious refreshments and complimentary Ann Storck Center merchandise. The Arlene Lakin Advocacy Fund is a legacy program established to carry forward the inspired work of Arlene Lakin, who devoted her life to serving those who could not serve themselves, advocating for improved services and benefits for the disabled and their families. Lakin's indelible impact on the developmental disability landscape is profound, and the Fund is a fitting, enduring recognition of a tireless, selfless do-gooder. Lakin's youngest son Douglas has been a permanent resident of the Ann Storck Center since 1991. The Center seeks to sustain the fund as a thoughtful reflection and show of gratitude. Ann Storck Center’s commitment is to an ongoing, innovative and accessible educational and informational platform to assist the entire developmental disability community, professionals, community agencies and partners, children and families, to better understand, access, navigate and manage the sometimes difficult and seemingly isolated pathways to resources and supports. Ann Storck Center recently acquired Victory Living Programs (VLP), expanding its comprehensive network of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Florida. The acquisition brings VLP's respected supported living, employment, community inclusion, and recreational programs into the ASC family, strengthening resources, enhancing opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the individuals and families both organizations proudly serve. When: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: Ann Storck Center Adult Day Training Center 1790 Southwest 43rd Way Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33317 Cost: The event is free and open to the community. Registration is required to attend. How: For more information, please visit: https://www.annstorckcenter.org/arlene-lakin-seminar . To RSVP, please visit: Bit.ly/ArleneLakinRSVP . About Ann Storck Center: Ann Storck Center (ASC) is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs. ASC has been serving the community for more than 70 years, originally known as the Pediatric Care Center, then in 1981 becoming ASC. Today, ASC accommodates over 400 individuals on eleven separate sites, including a school/therapy center, adult day training program, two intermediate care facilities offering specialized residential services, as well as four group homes embedded in the community offering a more independent lifestyle. In 2026, ASC acquired Victory Living Programs (VLP), expanding its comprehensive network of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Florida. The acquisition brings VLP's respected supported living, employment, community inclusion, and recreational programs into the ASC family, strengthening resources, enhancing opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the individuals and families both organizations proudly serve. For more information, visit: www.annstorckcenter.org/ . Or on Social Media, visit: www.facebook.com/annstorckcenter . Or: www.instagram.com/annstorckcenter/ . Or: www.twitter.com/annstorckcenter . Previous Next

Fall In Love February: Sinatra, Swans & Serenades Thu Feb 03 2022 05:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spice Things Up This Spring: Two Unique Dining Experiences At Arc Culinary's Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen South Florida Sun Times Mar 6, 2025 One of South Florida’s most unique dining venues is spicing things up this March with two tasty Chef Experience Dinners at Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen. Ticket sales from every Chef Experience Dinner support Arc Broward’s mission of providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. Get ready to twist and twirl your way through a night of noodle perfection at Crazy for Noodles on Thursday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m. The four-course menu features vegetable pho soup with a flavorful vegetarian broth, bean sprouts, scallions, carrots, yellow onions, cilantro, Thai basil, shiitake mushrooms and rice noodles, finished with a crispy wonton; shrimp pad Thai with local Key West shrimp and rice noodles stir-fried with shallots, garlic, tofu and eggs, flavored with tamarind, fish sauce, a touch of red chili peppers and palm sugar, topped with crushed peanuts and lime; ramen served in a simmering miso broth with seaweed, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, green onions and sliced pork, topped with a soy-marinated egg; and a tropical fruit spring roll with a pistachio dipping sauce. Spice things up with an exploration of global flavors at Curious About Curry on Friday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. This four-course culinary adventure starts with Thai red curry chicken in a red curry paste and coconut milk broth with Thai basil leaves, cilantro, onions, red bell peppers, garlic, ginger and green beans, served with jasmine rice; mouthwatering vegan green curry with cassava roti bread, featuring a green curry and coconut milk broth with sliced eggplant, firm tofu, lime leaves, Thai basil and bell peppers, served with fresh, Arc-made cassava roti bread; yellow fish curry with yellow curry and fish broth, snapper, shallots, peppers, garlic, coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, dried chili peppers, cinnamon and lemongrass, served with rice noodles; and saffron panna cotta with tropical fruit. Tickets for the March chef experience dinners are $99 for the chef’s table or $89 for communal seating. Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are included in the ticket price. Arc Culinary's Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen offers a blend of mid-century classic and modern elegance, featuring a Chef’s Table, refined décor and an outdoor patio. Beyond Chef Experiences, the catering venue hosts private cooking classes, corporate meetings and events, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, small weddings and more for seated guests up to 49 and buffet or cocktail-style events up to 125 guests and provides full-service off-site catering. Arc Culinary and Arc Educates are revenue-generating social enterprises of Arc Broward that directly support programming for 1,200 children and adults with disabilities. Chef Experiences are sponsored by Amazon. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise, Florida 33351. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/ - Or call: (954) 299-7515. About Arc Broward Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community, changing how people with disabilities and other life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, Florida. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit: https://arcbroward.com - Or call: (954) 746-9400. Follow along on Social Media: @arcbroward. Previous Next

Celebrate The Season Part 1 - Spectacular December Performances At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts November 28, 2024 Share Light up the holiday season with a festive lineup of unforgettable shows and performances that are sure to bring joy and cheer to audiences of all ages at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this December. From theatrical productions that include Broadway in Fort Lauderdale’s presentation of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” “Anastasia,” and “Narnia” to comedy from Pinky Patel, Ben Brainard and Ryan Sickler, all genres of music from The Outlaws, Levi Kreis, Whiskey Myers and tribute bands bringing the music of Queen and the Beatles, there is something for everyone this December. In a show that was rescheduled due the hurricane, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico brings its Latin music sounds to the Au-Rene Theater on Sunday, December 1st at 8:00 p.m. as part of the Mosaic Series. Decades after its inception, the 13-piece salsa group continues to inspire dancers with its horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies. Officially named "Ambassadors of Our Music" by the Puerto Rican Senate, El Gran Combo's many hits include such classics as "El Menu" and "Timablero." Their 1978 album, “En Las Vegas,” sold more than one million copies, while its follow-up, “In Alaska: Breaking the Ice,” was nominated for a Grammy® Award. A longtime member of popular Latin band Cortijo y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo in 1962 with eight of his bandmates, including Percussionist, Dancer, Chorus singer, and Salsa Bandleader Roberto Roena. This legendary Puerto Rican Salsa Orchestra is now over six decades old, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. These revered Salsa gods will be pumping out their unrivaled and florid arrangements of colorful, horn-driven music all night long. Students who take classes in the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center take the Amaturo Theater stage for the Broward Center Education 10th Anniversary Student Spectacular on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Celebrating 10 years of classes and the 10-year anniversary of the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center, this fun-filled and family-friendly performance features students of all ages, who will showcase song and dance from favorite Broadway shows. Audiences can expect spectacular performances from the top-level vocal ensemble The Broward Center Spotlights, the Advanced Musical Theater Workshop and Adult Musical Theater Singing class. The Broward Center Spotlights are supported by Funding Arts Broward, supporting innovative local visual and performing arts in Broward County. AEG and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present The Outlaws as they return to celebrate their 10th annual homecoming concert, "Green Grass and Yuletide Jam," with special guest John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock series, on Wednesday, December 4th at 8:00 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater. Formed in Tampa in 1972, The Outlaws, known for their triple-guitar rock attack and three-part country harmonies, became one of the first acts signed by Clive Davis at the urging of Ronnie Van Zant. The band’s first three albums, “The Outlaws,” “Lady In Waiting” and “Hurry Sundown,” featuring such rock radio favorites as “There Goes Another Love Song,” “Green Grass & High Tides,” “Knoxville Girl” and “Freeborn Man,” would become worldwide gold and platinum landmarks of the Southern rock era. Known as The Florida Guitar Army by their fans, The Outlaws earned a formidable reputation as an incendiary live act while touring with friends The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Charlie Daniels Band, as well as The Doobie Brothers, The Who, Eagles and The Rolling Stones. Tony® Award Winner Levi Kreis brings his Home for The Holidays Tour to the Amaturo Theater as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series on Thursday, December 5th at 8:00 p.m. With a seamless blend of Jazz, Gospel, Country and Rockabilly, Kreis delivers a fresh and unique perspective to a flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. From uproarious storytelling to soul-stirring renditions, Kreis will leave audiences laughing, crying and filled with the spirit of the season. Comedian and podcaster Ryan Sickler brings his Live and Alive tour to the Amaturo Theater on Friday, December 6th at 8:00 p.m. as part of the Truist Comedy Series. After creating three thriving podcasts (“The HoneyDew,” “The HoneyDew with Y'all” and “The CrabFeast”), Sickler launched “The Wayback” in 2024 and immediately claimed the number one spot on the charts among comedy interview podcasts in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. His comedic credentials include skillfully guiding stand-up comics and storytellers through humorous explorations of life's lowlights on “The HoneyDew.” Sickler secured the number one spot on the Billboard and iTunes comedy charts with his album “Get a Hold of Yourself.” In 2023, he starred in, directed and produced the standup special “Lefty's Son.” This event contains adult language or content. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Emery Entertainment present Christmas with C.S. Lewis starring David Payne in the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The year is 1962, and C.S. Lewis, the famous British author who gave the world “The Chronicles of Narnia” and a Christian legacy that few can match, is hosting a group of American writers at his home just outside of Oxford during the twilight years of his life. They have come to hear him speak about significant events and people that shaped his life. As it is Christmas time, Lewis also reflects on how he views this festive season in a display of oratory and humor that made Lewis one of England's most famous public speakers. One of the world’s most spectacular Queen tribute bands comes to the Au-Rene Theater with One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel, part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Sunday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. “We Will Rock You,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We are the Champions” and the legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody” are songs that just scratch the surface of Queen’s legacy. The one and only Freddie Mercury’s unique vocals have made it nearly impossible to perform his music as he did. Finally, Marc Martel and One Vision of Queen perform Mercury’s music the way it is meant to be performed. Legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor remarked to the Daily Record, “That voice. You listen, close your eyes and you think it’s Freddie. It’s really uncanny.” Martel performs vocals on the Oscar®-Winning Queen biopic film, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” With unique theatrical performance style and eye-popping production, One Vision of Queen gives audiences a front row seat to one of the greatest bands of all time. Generously underwritten by Richard Herter & Dennis Baney and by Rachel & Ron Antevy. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation present the Whiskey Myers Acoustic Tour 2024 with special guests Cody Canada and Wade Bowen on Tuesday, December 10th at 8:00 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater. Described by USA Today as “a riff-heavy blend of Southern rock and gritty country that has earned comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin,” genre-bending band Whiskey Myers has played more than 2,500 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows from coast to coast at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater and Ryman Auditorium and performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Download and more, the six-piece opened for The Rolling Stones’ 2019 Chicago stadium show. Their self-produced album “Tornillo,” available via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, features the number 17 most-played Americana song of 2022 “John Wayne,” and follows their fifth studio album, “Whiskey Myers,” which debuted at number one on the country and Americana/Folk sales charts, at number two on the rock chart and number six on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. Whiskey Myers has sold more than 1.65 million albums and amassed more than 2.25 billion streams while earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications as an independent band. Known for their high-energy live show and unique sound, the band, praised by Esquire as “the real damn deal,” has also earned sync success with features and an on-screen appearance in Paramount’s hit show “Yellowstone” as well as the Netflix series “What/If,” Angelina Jolie film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and CBS series “SEAL Team.” As Rolling Stone noted of Whiskey Myers, “it’s the seminal combination of twang and crunchy Rock & Roll guitars that hits a perfect sweet spot.” The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, AEG Presents and Emporium Presents bring The Fab Four: U.S.A. Meets the Beatles to the Au-Rene Theater as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. Acknowledged as the ultimate tribute to The Beatles, The Fab Four delivers uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics such as "Can't Buy Me Love," "Yesterday," "A Day In The Life," "Twist And Shout," "Here Comes The Sun," and "Hey Jude." Their stage performance combined with three costume changes representing every era of The Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world including in Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, the UK, Germany, Mexico and Brazil. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Performance Project present “Narnia,” a musical adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series on Friday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The first and most famous novel of acclaimed British author C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, the musical follows four English schoolchildren, brothers and sisters, sent away from London during World War II to stay in the manor house of their uncle. They stumble upon the magical kingdom of Narnia held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.” In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world. Featuring the Performance Project students and the professional actors who mentor them, the musical soars from the excitement of the opening number, "Doors and Windows," to the poetry of "Narnia (You Can't Imagine)" to the stirring "To Make the World Right Again." Also at the Broward Center in December: Men Who Dance from November 30th – December 1st, Florida Grand Opera: The Magic Flute on December 5th, Symphony of the Americas: Holiday POPS! on December 8th & December 10th and Gold Coast Jazz: Bobby Watson Quartet, Post Motown Bop on December 11th. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. < Previous News Next News >

A Taste Of Country, A Season Of Culture Jewish Connection News Sep 10, 2026 When Music, Food And Community Come Together, An Ordinary Sunday Can Become A Memorable Celebration. On Sunday, October 18th, 2026, The David Posnack Jewish Community Center In Davie, Will Host An Afternoon Designed To Do Exactly That: The Kosher Chili Cook-Off & Concert, Featuring Country Singer Joe Buchanan. Billed As “A Taste Of Country, A Season Of Culture,” The Event Promises An Engaging Combination Of Live Music, Friendly Competition And Plenty Of Chili. The festivities will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the David Posnack JCC, located on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for the chili tasting, giving guests an opportunity to sample a variety of Kosher chili recipes and cast their votes for the best one. The concert begins at 4:00 p.m., allowing the afternoon to transition naturally from culinary competition to live entertainment. At the heart of the event is Country Singer Joe Buchanan, whose performance brings a distinctive musical element to the celebration. Buchanan is known for blending country music with Jewish themes and experiences, making his appearance especially appropriate for an event centered on Jewish community and culture. His acoustic guitar, country style and warm stage presence are highlighted prominently in the event’s promotional artwork. "When I converted to Judaism about 11 years ago, it felt like coming home. There was so much healing and so much goodness, and I needed a way to process that. Music is the way I made sense of that journey. I grew up with country music. The storytelling, the big sound, and the honesty really spoke to me as a young man. When I found Judaism, I found that same heart in Hebrew prayer: longing, gratitude, and connection. My songs aren’t trying to sound “Jewish” or “Christian.” They’re just trying to sound honest. Honest to who I am. I’m a Jew AND I was born and raised in Texas. Yes, I wear a cowboy hat, boots and a big belt buckle (that has a star of David on it). Yes, I love going to the rodeo and yes, smoked brisket is my blood type. I like honky tonks and backroads." Credit: https://joebuchananmusic.com The Cook Off The chili cook-off adds another layer of community participation, rather than simply attending a concert or tasting prepared food, guests can become part of the the event. For chili enthusiasts, the afternoon offers an opportunity to discover new recipes, compare flavors and perhaps settle the important question of what makes a truly outstanding bowl of chili. The event also offers different ticket experiences. Early-bird tickets are advertised at $45 and include the chili tasting and concert. For guests looking for a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets are available for $85, including reserved seating and a meet-and-greet opportunity. The two options provide flexibility for attendees who want either a casual afternoon of food and music or a more personal concert experience. Beyond entertainment, the event reflects the importance of cultural programming within the South Florida Jewish community. The event is presented through the Arts, Culture & Education program of the David Posnack JCC in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Bringing together culinary traditions, contemporary country music and Jewish community life, the gathering illustrates how cultural events can create connections between different interests and generations. There is also a practical community-minded component to the event. There are sponsorship opportunities are available, such sponsorships can help cultural and educational organizations continue offering programs that bring people together throughout the year. The David Posnack JCC is located at: 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328 and will serve as the backdrop for an afternoon centered on community connection. Guests will have the chance to socialize, enjoy food, listen to live music and participate in an event that celebrates both Jewish identity and the broader American country-music tradition. For those planning to attend, the schedule makes it possible to enjoy the event in stages. Arriving at 2:30 p.m. allows plenty of time for chili tasting and voting before the concert starts at 4:00 p.m. The afternoon concludes at 5:30 p.m., making the event a relaxing Sunday. Ultimately, the Kosher Chili Cook-Off & Concert is about more than a bowl of chili or a country song. It is an invitation to gather, taste, listen and celebrate culture. With Chili on the menu, live music on the stage and community at the center, the Sunday, October 18th, 2026 event offers a distinctly South Florida afternoon—one where a shared meal and a shared love of music can bring people together. For attendees, the recipe for the day is simple: bring an appetite, bring an appreciation for music, and be ready to discover a new favorite chili. For more information, visit: https://www.dpjcc.org/chili Previous Next

Knowing The Signs Of Stroke: If You See Certain Signs You Must Act F.A.S.T. Thu Jul 04 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Role Revolution: Florida Managers Identify 3 AI Careers Expected To Boom Locally South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2025 While Much Of The Public Conversation Around AI Fixates On Job Loss, A Quieter - And More Optimistic - Shift Is Underway. Across The Country, New Career Paths Are Emerging Not In Opposition To AI, But In tandem With It. These Aren’t Science Fiction Roles Of The Distant Future; They’re Already Being Hired For Today, Often Far From Silicon Valley. A survey of 3,003 decision makers by Snowfire, an adaptive decision intelligence AI platform for decision makers and executive leaders, pinpointed the specific AI-forward careers expected to boom locally in Florida. The top 3 are: 1. Conversational AI Designer With Florida’s massive tourism and hospitality sectors embracing automation, companies similar to Disney, Universal, and major cruise lines are turning to AI to elevate customer service. Conversational AI designers work behind the scenes to create virtual assistants, chatbot experiences, and voice interfaces that actually sound human. Whether it’s helping a guest book a ride, reorder room service, or navigate an airport terminal, these pros shape digital interactions that feel smooth, not scripted. 2. AI-Augmented Disaster Response Analyst In a state where Hurricanes are a seasonal reality, AI is playing a bigger role in keeping people safe. At agencies akin to the Florida Division of Emergency Management or NextEra Energy, analysts use predictive models to track storm paths, estimate damage zones, and coordinate faster relief efforts. It’s a role that blends meteorology, logistics, and machine learning - all aimed at protecting lives and Infrastructure before the winds even hit. 3. Smart Marine Systems Technician With Florida’s extensive coastline and booming maritime industries, AI is diving into the blue economy. Ports, fisheries, and environmental groups are hiring technicians to work with underwater drones, AI-enhanced sonar, and smart buoys that monitor ocean health, track vessels, or detect red tide outbreaks. Think Marine Biology meets robotics - and it’s happening everywhere from Tampa Bay to the Keys. AI in the Broader Workplace The study also explored how businesses are adapting internally. Nearly one in three organizations (29%) now report having a Chief AI Officer - a role that didn’t exist a few years ago. And AI is leaving a measurable financial mark: • 26% of managers say AI has improved productivity • 25% point to enhanced customer satisfaction • 23% cite cost reductions • 13% note revenue growth • 12% see gains in risk or compliance management Despite these benefits, challenges remain. When asked about barriers to transformation, 25% of leaders cited a shortage of skilled talent, and an equal number pointed to cultural resistance within their organizations. Budget limitations (21%), poor strategic alignment (15%), and unclear ROI (14%) also held companies back. Tech budgets are gradually shifting: on average, 15% of annual spend is now earmarked for AI-related Infrastructure. But many leaders still worry about knowledge gaps at the top. Just 15% of C-suite teams are described as having a “deep understanding and regular use” of AI, while 22% fall into the “very low” category. Looking ahead, executives believe AI will most significantly reshape the roles of CEOs (29%) and CFOs (27%), with CTOs, CMOs, and CHROs close behind. “AI isn’t wiping out work - it’s reshaping it. What we’re seeing is a nationwide pivot toward roles that pair human creativity with machine intelligence. The smartest organizations are already hiring for this future, not waiting to catch up,” says Greg Genung, CEO & Founder of Snowfire. See The Interactive Map of the Top Micro-Retirement Locations Across the Country - https://www.snowfire.ai/research/role-revolution-ai-integrated-careers-on-the-rise Previous Next

The New Year For Trees By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil Feb 18, 2025 When’s the last time you wished a tree Happy New Year? Coming up this year on Thursday, February 13th, is a great opportunity to do exactly that. The day is known as Tu B’Shevat, and Jewish people throughout the world celebrate it as the New Year of Trees. Well, it’s the trees that will celebrate, but we’ll celebrate together with them! After all, the Torah says, “Man is a tree of the field.” We are nurtured by deep roots, as far back as Abraham and Sarah; we reach upwards to the heavens while standing firmly on the ground; and when we do all this right, we produce delicious fruit that benefits the world—namely, our good deeds. Since Tu B'Shevat is known as the "New Year for Trees," this would naturally be a time for trees to engage in soul-searching — the same way people do on Rosh Hashanah. Here is a tree's New Year Checklist by Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe which we have posted on: www.ChabadChayil.org/tubshvat • Did I shelter the seedlings that live in my shade — so they will grow up to be a next generation like myself? • Did I grow towards the sun as a tree should, reaching up higher and higher towards that which I can never grasp, but which nurtures me all the same the more I strive towards it? • Did I make sure my roots remain firmly planted in the soil that nurtures them, and did I drop my leaves there in the fall to give back life to that which sustains me? • Did I ensure that my fruits were sweet and nourished all that came to enjoy them? Did everyone walk away from me with a smile? • Did I bend gently in the wind, accepting what G‑d sends but never breaking or giving up hope? • Did I grow in strength and wisdom with each new ring this year? Come to think of it, it’s not a bad checklist for us humans either! Traditionally, we make sure to eat fruit on this day. After all, that's what the fruits were created for. And like us, they are happy and feel fulfilled when they serve their purpose. We try to include some of those fruits for which Israel is famous, like olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates. But regardless of which fruit we eat, as with any food, we always precede it with a blessing, thanking G-d for sharing with us his delicious creations. The blessing for fruit in Hebrew is Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam borei pri ha-aitz. If it’s a fruit that we haven’t yet enjoyed this season we make an additional blessing of Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-noi E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v'ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh. This year we will host a special workshop on growing MicroGreens and Sprouts at home. It will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. at Chabad Chayil in the Highland Lakes section of Miami-Dade North. You can learn more about this holiday at: www.ChabadChayil.org/tubshvat . We wish all of our neighbors and friends a Happy Tu B’Shvat! May all our trees grow forth beautifully, giving off delicious fruit! About the Author : Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org Previous Next

Celebrating Their 11-Year Anniversary Mon Mar 15 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A New Affordable "High-Rise": The City of Hollywood Welcomes Hudson Village To Downtown Thu Sep 08 2022 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)