Consumer Alert: Attorney General Moody Warns of Payment App Hack Attacks Thu Nov 11 2021 05:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

2023 Spring Camp Programs Are Open March 10, 2023 Share The City of Aventura has opened the online registration for its 2023 Spring Care Programs. Spring Camp programs will be held Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24, 2023. This year, the City is offering a traditional camp program and specialty programs that focus on particular interests like basketball, soccer, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), art, dance and tennis. Each program provides not only the chance for children to make new friends and memories, but to also experience a one-of-a-kind adventure over their spring break vacation. Camp Programs The following camp programs will be held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Aventura Community Recreation Center located at 3375 N.E. 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. The weekly rate for General Camp is $185 for Aventura residents and $222 for non-Aventura residents. The weekly rate for specialty camps is $210 for Aventura residents and $252 for non-Aventura residents with the exception of Travel Camp, $265 for Aventura residents and $318 for non-Aventura residents. General Camp keeps participants ages 5-12 engaged with supervised interactive activities including arts & crafts, games, sports, special events and in-house field trips. Soccer Camp is perfect for participants ages 5-12 with an athletic interest in soccer. Campers will learn skills and be given the opportunity to compete while also enjoying the week filled with an emphasis on sportsmanship, playing with character, and fitness. Basketball Camp is perfect for participants ages 5-12 with an athletic interest in basketball. Campers will learn skills and be given the opportunity to compete while also enjoying the week filled with an emphasis on sportsmanship, playing with character, and fitness. STEM Camp provides participants ages 7-12 with the chance to explore the connectedness between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while their creativity and problem-solving skills get challenged. Art Camp participants ages 5-12 will learn about artists, techniques and gain hands-on experience with a variety of media used throughout art history in a fun and educational environment. Dance Camp provides participants ages 5-8 an opportunity to explore a variety of dance and music styles while inspiring them to learn and perform choreography in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Travel Camp provides participants ages 8-12 an opportunity to take the road and enjoy new experiences by taking trips every day of the week. Tennis Camp is ideal for participants ages 6-17 of all skill levels. Campers will enjoy fun, high-quality instruction and improve or learn tennis skills while challenging themselves on the court Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park located at 3105 Northeast 190th Street. The weekly rate is $325 for Aventura residents and $390 for non-Aventura residents. Registration Participants must be registered prior to attending the program. Registration can be completed exclusively online. Please visit: www.cityofaventura.com/ors to complete the registration process with a valid account. There is a $20 late registration fee applied to all registrations received on or after the Sunday prior to the program start date. For more information, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at: (305) 466-3883. Or via email at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com < Previous News Next News >

A Season of Visionary Leadership at The Sterling Aventura - Introducing Kristin Landahl, Executive Director and Community Servant Thu Dec 19 2024 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Condo Problems? The 'Ombudsman' Just Might be Able To Help Thu Jun 09 2022 04:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood is Plastic and Foam Free Tue Jun 15 2021 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zaka Modern Japanese Cuisine: Head North or South For This Upscale All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Experience Tue Sep 19 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Passover Seder, Amid Ukraine Catastrophe: Passover Is About Our Own Personal Liberation – Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil April 14, 2022 Share The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated this year from sundown on Friday evening, April 15th, 2022, until after nightfall on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, with its highlight, the festive “Seder” dinners on the first 2 nights of the holiday. The festival of Passover commemorates the freedom of the Jewish nation from enslavement in Ancient Egypt in 1313 BCE. After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian Pharaohs, G‑d sent Moses to the Pharaoh with a message to: “Let My People Go.” When Moses’ warnings were dismissed, G‑d sent upon Egypt ten plagues, the last one being the killing of the Egyptian firstborn while “passing over” the Jewish homes—hence the name of the holiday. To commemorate the unleavened bread that we ate when we left Egypt, we don’t eat—or even retain in our possession—any leavened grains known as Chametz during the holiday. Chametz includes any food or drink that contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives and which weren’t guarded from leavening or fermentation. Instead, we eat Matzah—flat unleavened bread, at least for the two Seder nights, when it's a Mitzvah (biblical commandment). Our Rabbis explain that Chametz is symbolic of haughtiness and egotism - traits so harmful that they are at the root of all negative traits. This is one of the reasons why even the most miniscule amount of Chametz is forbidden - for these negative traits must be completely nullified. Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine are poured, the four questions asked and the Matzah served, all contribute to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish Community. Bringing the warmth and tradition of this festival to every major city in the world, The Chabad is inviting all residents to participate in Community Seders to be held on April 15th, 2022 and on April 16th, 2022 at locations throughout South Florida. The Passover Seder is a feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing and other Passover traditions. The central observance of Passover—eating Matzah, the unleavened bread—will take center stage at the Seder, with handmade round Shmurah Matzah, “The Rolls-Royce of Matzah,” available to all. The Seders take participants through the wondrous liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage, while sharing the relevance and beauty of the age-old festival in our modern lives. Included in the Seder will be a delectable catered dinner paired with a variety of fine imported wines and handmade round 'Shmurah' Matzah. This year, as we sit down to our Seder, we will be welcoming those in need locally, as well as the needs of those suffering across the globe who will be on our minds as well. In Kabbalistic teachings, Matzah is referred to as the “Bread of Faith” and the “Bread of Healing,” we will be sharing Matzah with the community at a time when faith, hope and healing are needed more than ever. Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbis throughout Europe will be hosting more than 30,000 refugees from Ukraine at their Passover Seders as part of a massive humanitarian effort that The Chabad has led in response to the crisis. Thousands more refugees will receive Passover food packages, enabling them to celebrate the holiday, despite the difficulties they face. South Florida has joined in the efforts to save lives, as many community members have contributed to the Ukraine Jewish Relief Fund at ChabadChayil.org/Ukraine, while some from the community have actually traveled to Europe to volunteer in the aid efforts. Passover is not simply a celebration of the historic liberation of an ancient people. Passover is about our own personal liberation – physically, emotionally and spiritually, a message that rings true this year perhaps more than ever before in our lifetimes as we still face the challenges throughout the world. Passover inspires us to break free from the shackles restraining us from reaching new heights – in our lives, relationships and connection with G-d. For those unable to attend the Seder, this year Chabad Chayil is offering Seder-Kits to-go, including hand-made Shmura Matzah, the Seder plate with all the traditional seder-plate foods, packaged and ready for your Seder. The Seder plates and Shmura Matzah will be available at: ChabadChayil.org/Passover. The Chabad's Community Seder is part of a global Passover campaign that began in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson launched the Shmurah Matzah Initiative. The Rebbe, who was born in the Ukraine 120 years ago, has done everything possible to encourage Jews all over the world to do everything they possibly can to ensure that every Jew has a Seder to attend, no matter where they are, or what level of observance they usually practice. This year, over 500,000 people will participate at Seders at over 4,000 Chabad Centers throughout the world and an estimated four million hand-baked Shmurah Matzahs will be distributed. We encourage you to contact your local Chabad or Synagogue to join the Seder nearest you. You are of course welcome to join us at our Seder in Highland Lakes. To learn more about the holiday, order a ready-made fully-prepared Seder plate, Shmura Matzah, RSVP for the Seder or need help selling your Chametz, Call: (305) 770-1919. Or Visit: https://www.chabadchayil.org/templates/section_cdo/aid/4343279/jewish/Pesach.htm where you can also download for free a beautiful brand new Haggadah with easy to understand explanations. About the Author: Rabbi Kievman is the ambassador of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, Florida. He is founder of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish Children in Public Schools, The Rabbi at The Family Shul & together with his wife, direct Chabad Chayil. He can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or E-mail to: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . < Previous News Next News >

Broward County Transit Ridership Surges in March 2024 June 6, 2024 Share Broward County Transit (BCT) experienced a significant ridership increase in March 2024, reflecting growing community confidence in public transportation. Systemwide boardings reached 2,250,557, marking a 2.3% increase over March of 2023, and a remarkable 7.5% year-to-date increase. This surge brings BCT to nearly 89.1% of pre-pandemic ridership levels, highlighting a positive trend. Fixed Route Shines with Strong Growth: Fixed Route services, the backbone of BCT’s system, saw impressive gains. Boardings reached 2,055,273 in March, a 6.6% increase compared to March 2023 and a significant growth of 7.6% year-to-date. Notably, average weekday, Saturday, and Sunday boardings all increased with Sundays exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Breeze Remains Reliable Choice: BCT's convenient Breeze service maintained its commitment to riders. While total monthly boardings remained steady at 100,902, average weekday boardings saw a notable increase of 9.5% over March 2023. This resilience brings Breeze service to 73.5% of pre-pandemic ridership, solidifying its enduring appeal. Express Service Shows Promise Despite Challenges: Average weekday boardings offered a promising sign with a 4.9% year-to-date increase. Despite shifts in the ridership and commuting patterns, BCT’s Express service remains a vital link for many, with ridership reaching 66.3% of pre-pandemic levels. Community Shuttles Connect and Grow: Community Shuttles, essential for linking neighborhoods, showcased remarkable growth. Total monthly boardings increased by 6.6%, and average weekday boardings rose by an impressive 16.8%. This growth emphasizes the shuttles' role as lifelines for many in the community. Paratransit Service Prioritizes Inclusivity: Committed to accessibility, BCT's Paratransit services saw a significant rise in both total monthly boardings (up 6.3% from March 2023) and average weekday boardings (up a substantial 27.3%). This growth underscores BCT's unwavering dedication to serving all members of the community. Balancing Ridership with Fiscal Responsibility: While ridership thrived, BCT acknowledges the financial realities of operations. Despite a 6% decrease in farebox revenues compared to March 2023, the commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth remains strong. Revenues currently stand at 82.5% of pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating BCT's proactive approach in navigating financial challenges. Looking Beyond Numbers: A Story of Community: BCT views these figures as more than just data, but rather stories of resilience, determination, and community spirit. Every boarding represents a journey, every increase a triumph, and each milestone a testament to the enduring strength of Broward County Transit. "We are thrilled to see ridership steadily climbing across all our services," said Broward County Transit CEO/General Manager Coree Cuff Lonergan. "This growth reflects the increasing importance of reliable and accessible public transportation in our community. We remain committed to providing efficient, affordable, and sustainable options for all residents." < Previous News Next News >

Holiday Splashtacular: Celebrations Begin At Tidal Cove Waterpark In Aventura Fri Dec 08 2023 17:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Audiences Are In For A Treat: This October 4th Music, Comedy And More On Stage At The Parker Thu Sep 12 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Prom To Remember: Their Health Didn't Stop Them From Celebrating Thu Jun 29 2023 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Focusing On People: From Real Estate To Firefighting By David L. Snelling April 24, 2022 Share J. Scott Cowles was seven years-old when he wanted to follow in his mother's footsteps and become a Real Estate Agent. Not only is he a successful Real Estate Broker, President and CEO of Esquire RE Brokerage firm in Fort Lauderdale, but he is also a Volunteer Firefighter for the City of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and loves running in Marathons across the United States. He also enjoys challenges in his professional career and even in his spare time. But most of all, he loves to give back to his community and don the modern turnout gear and personal protective equipment to help his colleagues put out fires. "Giving back to the community, that's key for me, and that's what I like to focus on." But Real Estate was his first calling. He has been selling Residential and Commercial Properties for the past 30 years. He started in his native home of Louisville, Kentucky before moving to South Florida eight years ago. His Commercial and Residential Real Estate Listings stretch from Boynton Beach to Miami and his career volume of sales record is $200,000,000 to $300,000,000. "I have been in the industry for years, I moved down here because of the wealth in the area, the amount of people I can serve and the ocean lifestyle." "The difference with the Real Estate Markets in Louisville and South Florida is the latter region has six to nine times greater volume than Louisville. The average prices for Residential Properties is between $400,000 and $900,000 and $900,000 to $6 Million for Commercial Areas. "That's a big difference than selling Real Estate in Louisville. The prices are typically higher in South Florida and there are a lot of diversified people. It's truly a melting pot." Scott also sells Real Estate for Condos, Apartment Complexes, Duplexes and Multi-Family Units. To help his clients find the best and most suitable location to live, he listens to their needs and wants, such as breathtaking views overlooking the water, waterfront properties and lifestyle amenities offered in the community for them to enjoy. "Sometimes it can be a challenge because the inventory is smaller while the competition in Real Estate is large such as properties in Downtown and Oceanfront Properties in Fort Lauderdale." Some of his clients are Real Estate Inventors who are seeking to buy up properties. "In looking for a scenario, multi-family complexes are good for investors. Get ready to be on your toes and act decisively, there are many different options. The market is so high and in demand." On some occasions he will even cold call properties that aren't currently on the market for sale to help his clients find properties that suit their requests. In Kentucky he worked with Goodwill Industries and helped the organization acquire property with cold-calling. The company was looking for a large private community with a great view and the property they purchased is next to a park in Downtown Louisville. "And it's nice," he said. He used the same method to help Easter Seals in Kentucky buy a big piece of property for a larger office space. A dedication to the Real Estate industry runs in the family. His mother still sells Real Estate in Kentucky and has been doing it for the past 55 years. When he told his mother that he was moving to South Florida, she understood. "She knew I needed a change," he said. "I had three boys who went off to college and it was time for a change. And being a runner, the beaches are the natural progression to come this way." Cowles started running in marathons across the country five years ago, taking on another challenge to help him stay active and spry. He has run in 40 half marathons and five full marathons in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. He is currently planning to run in the Chicago Marathon later this year. He frequently vacations in cities where people are running in marathons. "I enjoy traveling to places to run... I will make it a vacation, I started running marathons to do something challenging to reach another goal." Another challenge he was excited to take on was becoming a FireFighter, he was recently voted on the Board Of Directors for the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s Fire Department several months ago. The department trained him so he could earn his certification to Volunteer as a fully certified FireFighter. He actually drives the fire engine on many occasions. "It's always thrilling and exciting focusing on community, other FireFighters and your own health." Scott Cowles lives across the street from the Fire Department, he's on call only when he is available. "When I'm available I will answer the call." He has a 31-year-old son who's an Arborist in Denver, a 30-year-old son who's an Entrepreneur and a 23-year-old son who's a student at the University of Louisville. If you are interested in a Residential or Commercial Property and would like a Realtor who has a passion for the business and lifestyle that Florida has to offer, then Scott will be happy to assist you. J. Scott Cowles Esquire RE Brokerage, LLC 430 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite#: 130-689 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Phone: (502) 641-3526 < Previous News Next News >