Nice People Finish First October 28, 2021 Share If You Don’t Respect Your Own Limits, No One Else Will Chances are that you’ve heard the expression, “nice guys finish last.” Nothing could be further from the truth. This statement is used by many to justify less than ethical treatment of others. Under the guise of not wanting to finish last, people engage in inconsiderate conduct. At best, this type of behavior will give the illusion of short-term gains. These apparent gains come with a high price; the forfeiture of building a solid foundation of living which will last a lifetime. Being nice is not synonymous with subjugating your dignity or your right to assert yourself. Don’t allow yourself to be used as a doormat. Everyone, at one time or another, has been in a situation where they felt obligated or pressured to agree to do something that they didn't want to. Being nice entails being considerate, polite, respectful and thoughtful. Being nice means not elevating yourself by stepping on others. Being nice requires understanding that you are not better than someone else and no one is better than you. Being nice compels you to help people without expecting anything in return. Unfortunately, there are those who view being nice as a sign of weakness and as an invitation to take advantage. However, no one can take advantage of you without your permission and participation. Your response when someone tries to take advantage of you sets a precedent that determines how you are subsequently treated. Unless you make your limits clear, people will continually try to push your boundaries. Your limits will be tested on several fronts: at work, by family, and by friends. Each situation requires a different approach. At work you have an obligation to perform certain services in return for your pay. But when requests fall outside your normal job responsibilities, you must decide whether you want to or should comply. It's not uncommon to experience direct or implied pressure that your employment or advancement might be affected if you say no. This is a very uncomfortable position to be in, but it happens. Be clear in your own mind what your limits are. Don't allow yourself to be held hostage because you are afraid to say no to unreasonable or inappropriate requests. If you are so concerned by job security that you won't say no, you essentially broadcast that you have no limits. As a result, you will continually be taken advantage of. When appropriate, say no, and you will usually find that nothing bad happens and you are treated with more respect. Requests from family and friends are somewhat different. Guilt and peer pressure is used to cajole you into doing what someone else wants. Exceed your boundaries and you will be taken advantage of repeatedly. Decline requests with politeness and a smile. Be diplomatic by saying things like "Thank you for asking, but I have a prior obligation" or "I've already made other plans" or "If you had only asked me sooner" or "Thanks for thinking of me but that's not something I'm interested in." Sometimes you will decline a request because of the way you’ve been treated. If this is the case, don't express it as your reason for saying no. Take the high road and don't get caught in the trap of retribution. All that matters is that you don't do what you don't want to do. You are not obligated to justify your actions or explain yourself. If you don’t respect your own limits, no one else will. Demand respect and you’ll receive it. Get in the habit of not allowing others to take advantage of you. Bryan is the author of Dare to Live Without Limits, the popular book that is helping people to maximize their potential in order to attain their dreams. His nationally syndicated weekly newspaper column, Dare to Live Without Limits, has been published since 2002. The column is avidly read and elicits a steady flow of ebullient comments from its ardent followers. About Bryan Golden Bryan is a recognized self-development and motivational expert, speaker, author, syndicated columnist and highly rated adjunct professor. He is also listed in Who’s Who in America. Bryan is noted for his concise, easy to understand and direct style of communicating. He has an exceptional ability to distill any principle to its essential elements. Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com < Previous News Next News >

Sweeten Up Mom's Day: With an 'Eggstra' Creative Mother's Day Brunch Thu Apr 21 2022 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

www.Winbidsauctions.com : A New Aventura Company With A Rich History And A Heart Of Gold February 6, 2023 Share A New Aventura Company With A Rich History And A Heart Of Gold www.Winbidsauctions.com is an Online Auction House established in 2021, in Aventura, Florida. Owned and operated by Javier Linari and Janaina Basilio, specializing in Antiques, Art, Collectibles and Fine Jewelry. For Janaina, the Jewelry Trade has been a family business for three generations. www.Winbidsauctions.com is your one stop Online platform for exquisite finds at exciting reserves, whether you’re looking for a Vintage Rolex for yourself, a unique art piece, or a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. With years of combined experience in appraising, buying, consigning sales and the selling of Quality Jewelry, Gold, Silver, Estate Jewelry and Antiques, www.Winbidsauctions.com is sure to please. In 2019, Janaina studied Graphic Design in Argentina. Her plans to move to New York in 2020 to pursue studies at the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A), involving the study of Gemology, Diamonds and Precious Gems, came to a halt during the Pandemic. She found herself, like so many, unable to leave Florida due to restrictions on travel during the Pandemic. However, with her background in art and fine jewels, an eye for beauty and luxury, she along with her husband Javier made the most of an unfortunate situation. Javier and Janaina opened Basilio Jewelry, followed by www.Winbidsauctions.com . She takes pride in providing her clients with personalized service to meet their needs, as well as quality products. Janaina’s love of jewels stems from her experience in her father’s jewelry store, Banco De Joias, originally founded in Brazil. Daughter of Oscar and Dulce Basilio, Janaina was exposed to the world of Fine Art and jewels at an early age. Janaina believes, “Every piece has a history.” She sees each piece as a beautiful and unique piece of art and is willing to help her customers find exactly what they are searching for. In September 1985 her family’s Auction House, Antique Art, made headlines in O Globo with their first auction, in Rio De Janeiro. O Globo, a well-known Brazilian Newspaper, reported the gallery at full capacity. A three-day exhibition preceded the auction, with impeccable organization and planning, a large quantity of exquisite luxury items, art and Fine Jewelry were on display for auction. Among the items displayed was a Portuguese Silver Tea Set estimated at $26.5 Million (Brazilian Cruzeiros), as well as an 18K Gold Rolex with a hammer price of $18.5 Million (Brazilian Cruzeiros). Janaina carries on her family’s legacy with an eye for detail, quality, value and above all exceptional customer service. Janaina and Javier are located at the International Jewelers Exchange as Basilio Jewelry. Javier’s dream was to one day own a business, build his own team and give back to the community. He pursued his dream with determination, persistence and a degree in business management. Having gained experience in different companies and various aspects of the business world, his father-in-law Oscar Basilio introduced him to the jewelry trade. This ignited a passion in Javier, he was drawn to the world of fine art and jewels. With his love for art and history, it was a perfect fit for Javier, along with his wife Janaina, they opened Basilio Jewelry at the International Jewelers Exchange, followed by www.WinBidsauctions.com . This opened a wide range of opportunities for Javier. He enjoys meeting new people and building lasting friendships, traveling to jewelry shows, as well as the time management aspects of having his own company. www.Winbidsauctions.com is a customer-oriented company, serving the needs of individuals, estates, attorneys, trust departments, banks, insurance companies, families of seniors, as well as art and jewelry dealers. A variety of services are offered, such as professional auctioneer services, certified appraisals, buying, selling and consignment. Estimates are available for individuals, as well as assessment of entire estates and loss appraisal for insurance purposes. Janaina and Javier offer expert advice to the current market value of fine estate jewelry and art. Customers can choose whether to auction one piece or the entire collection through www.Winbidsauctions.com Assessments of items can be done in person at the gallery, by appointment, for those living in or visiting the Aventura area. If in person is not an option, assessments are available via email with photos and basic information about the object in question. This can be done using clear overall photos of the item along with a brief description, the item’s dimensions, history of item, a list of any damages, as well as the signatures or hallmarks on the item. Customers who choose consignment for auction, will receive a formal consignment agreement. This will include all the terms and conditions of the sale, including a list of objects to be sold along with contact information. All items selected for auction will be shown in the www.Winbidsauctions.com catalog for two weeks prior to the auction date. The catalog can be viewed on platforms such as: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/ - www.bidsquare.com - and advertisements at: https://auctiondaily.com - The winbids app for smart devices allows viewing of upcoming auction catalogs as well as bidding on the items. www.Winbidsauctions.com can be found on Social Media such as: Instagram@winbids and Facebook. This allows for maximum exposure for your items to be seen by potential buyers. At the end of the auction consignment customers will receive a settlement statement and check for the items sold. Unsold items will remain at: www.Winbidsauctions.com for one week after the end date of the auction, to allow potential buyers to make offers. At the end of that week, all unsold items will be returned to the owners. Winning bidders can pick up their lots at the www.Winbidsauction.com location at 19275 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite#: 51 Aventura, Florida 33180. A Photo I.D. must be presented at pick up along with a copy of the invoice. Buyers are responsible for shipping costs. www.Winbidsauctions.com offers several auctions per year of fine art, fine and estate jewelry, silver, gold, furniture, fashion design and more. Special occasion sales such as holiday auctions featuring specialty jewelry and gift auctions can also be found at: www.Winbidsauctions.com . Janaina and Javier will professionally handle every aspect of your auction and purchases to accommodate your needs, always putting you first. Resizing of purchased jewelry items is available by request. Whether you’re looking for a unique one-of-a-kind gift, or considering selling an estate, www.Winbidsauctions.com is there to serve you. Janaina and Javier believe in giving back to the community. In March 2022, Winbidsauctions held a Fundraiser Auction,” The Ukraine Aid Jewelry Sale, “where a portion of the proceeds went to aid those in need worldwide in support of the Red Cross. www.Winbidsauctions.com is currently looking for a local organization to collaborate with, for more information on how your organization's cause could benefit contact Janaina at: (786) 609-5146. Excellent customer reviews can be found on www.liveauctions.com - Office hours are Monday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and are closed on Sundays, gallery visits are welcome, for an appointment call: (786) 609-5146. Or email for more information to: info@winbidsauctions.com . To receive up to date information about exciting, upcoming auctions, sign up for the www.Winbidsauctions.com mailing list. You might run across that special item you’ve been searching for. From exquisite art décor to fine jewelry, and so much more, www.Winbidsauctions.com is sure to delight the antique, art, or jewelry enthusiast in you. With unbeatable quality and excellent reserves, friendly customer service and years of professional, knowledgeable experience www.Winbidsauctions.com - is there to serve your needs. New auctions are listed throughout the year. Schedule your gallery visit today. < Previous News Next News >

BECON-TV to air Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community during LGBTQ History Month October 20, 2022 Share The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is partnering with BECON-TV to screen the Center’s award-winning documentary film short Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community to commemorate LGBTQ History Month in October. The 20-minute film premiered on the 10th and will be shown throughout October in recognition of National Coming-Out Day. In total it will air 13 times through the remainder of the month. This marks the first time Stories From the LGBTQ Community is being shown on an over-the-air television channel. BECON-TV is an FCC-Licensed Station that broadcasts Educational and Public-Interest Programs to nearly 2.5-million households in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce Media Markets. It is available on WEBC-Channel 63 for Subscribers to ATT U-Verse, DirecTV and Dish Network, while Xfinity subscribers can tune in on Channel 19 or 488 (HD). “The Center is thrilled to partner with BECON-TV to make our first Open Dialogues film, Stories From the LGBTQ Community, accessible to viewers throughout the tri-county region,” said Joy Satterlee, the Center’s Executive Director. “BECON provides such a valuable learning resource for South Florida households by airing locally produced programming such as Open Dialogues. We look forward to reaching new audiences for our film as part of LGBTQ History Month.” Eric Powell, Task Assigned Director/General Manager at BECON, added, “The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is to be commended for creating such a compelling film as Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community. This film reflects our goal at BECON to air high-quality, local programming that invites informed discussion while showcasing the talent and creativity in our diverse community.” Open Dialogues captures in rich, black-and-white photography the intimately told coming-out narratives of seven Broward County residents. Directed, shot and edited by Miami Filmmaker Freddy Rodriguez, the film explores how the LGBTQ Community is marginalized within families, schools, churches and public spaces – and how individuals interviewed for the film learned to empower themselves in these spaces. The newsletter Queer Guru described Open Dialogues as “exactly what most Queer People would have loved to [have] been able to view on the verge of ‘coming out’ as Gay. Listening to the stories of seven South Florida members of the LGBTQ Community articulate on their own journeys is such an uplifting experience.” Support for Open Dialogues has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, Frederick W. Jaqua Fund, Deinhardt Charitable Fund, Ruth H. Brown Fund for the Arts and Anna Bloeser Fund. BECON-TV scheduled screening dates – Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community: Friday, October 21st, 2022, 10:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, 12:00 a.m., Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, 10:30 p.m., Monday, October 24th, 2022, 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 27th, 2022, 9:30 p.m., Friday, October 28th, 2022, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 29th, 2022, 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 30th, 2022, 11:00 p.m. Cable Channels Channel 63: ATT U-Verse, DirecTV and Dish Network Xfinity: Channel 19 or 488 (HD) About The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, The City of Hollywood, The Broward County Board Of County Commissioners as recommended by The Broward Cultural Council and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work. < Previous News Next News >

Turkey Travels: How Far Are You Willing To Travel For Mom's Turkey November 23, 2023 Share From the aromatic allure of Roast Beef at Christmas, the sizzle of BBQ’s on Labor Day, to the tender succulence of Easter Lamb, American home cooking is a variation of traditions that kindles anticipation throughout the year. Yet, it's the Thanksgiving Holiday that captivates the hearts of many as the quintessential culinary celebration. A time when Turkey, Stuffing and Pies transform dining tables into centers of gratitude and togetherness. In a bid to capture the essence of this festive spirit, Gunther Mazda commissioned a nationwide survey via QuestionPro of 3,000 people to gauge the lengths Americans are willing to go to savor their mother's home cooked Thanksgiving Feast. The survey revealed some rather interesting results! The findings paint a vivid picture of American dedication to family and feasting: the average American is willing to embark on a 4.6-hour journey for a taste of home. Wyomingites, with their legendary spirit, top the charts, willing to drive an astonishing 14 hours to reunite with family and feast. Floridians, on the other hand, are prepared to travel 5.8 hours for home cooking this Thanksgiving. Contrastingly, Rhode Islanders show a preference for proximity, with a maximum travel threshold of one hour. Interestingly, when respondents were asked how far they would be prepared to travel for their in-laws' Thanksgiving cooking, the average respondent said 2 hours was the maximum travel time. When survey respondents were probed about which Thanksgiving dish motivates them to pack up and hit the long road, a hearty 62% voted for the Turkey, that glistening centerpiece that commands the holiday spread. Not far behind, with a 24% slice of the Pie, were the Pumpkin Pie enthusiasts, ready to cross state lines for that perfect blend of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and creamy Pumpkin goodness. The humble Stuffing, often a mosaic of family recipes and secret ingredients, enticed 10% of the folks to gear up for a gastronomic pilgrimage. And in a surprising twist, a dedicated 4% professed their willingness to travel for the sweet, Marshmallow-topped indulgence of Sweet Potato Casserole, a dish that brings a touch of dessert to the dinner plate. Moving away from the culinary canvas, the poll also revealed that Americans' favorite post-dinner pastimes include settling into the couch for some football, lining the streets for parades, sinking into a well-earned nap, or mapping out the best routes for the Black Friday Sales — each a beloved act in the great Thanksgiving Day Pageant. So if you are about to take the journey, here are some tips on how to stay safe on the roads over Thanksgiving, particularly if mom is 5 or 6 hours away: Embark With Preparation and Patience: Prepare for heavy traffic on the highways as families travel from different places. Plan ahead for potential delays and detours. The road often presents unforeseen challenges, so patience is key to a smooth journey. Chart Your Course By The Skies: Let the weather be your guide. Consult the skies to choose a day when the sun presides over clear roads, reducing the drama of travel and ensuring an encore of safety. Stay Connected With Care: The call of kinship is strong, but let it not be a siren song while driving. If the urge to update loved ones becomes irresistible, choose the interlude of a rest stop to indulge in digital catch-ups. Curtain Call For Car Care: Like any star performer, your vehicle deserves a rehearsal before the big day. A thorough check ensures that you’ll be remembered for your timely arrival, not a roadside encore. Encore For Flexibility: Sometimes, the best experiences are unplanned. Be flexible with your travel itinerary to avoid rush hour traffic and discover quieter, alternative routes. "As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, let's remember that the journey is an integral part of the celebration," says Joseph Gunther IV at Gunther Mazda. "It's a time-honored passage that reunites us with those we hold dear. We encourage every traveler to embrace the road with joy and caution, making the pilgrimage itself a cherished part of your holiday tradition." < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood Historical Society: Historic Preservation Grant Initiative Wed Feb 28 2024 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Office Party Pitfalls - The Worst Holiday Party Mistakes Revealed By Florida Office Managers December 19, 2024 Share Holiday parties are a festive highlight of the work calendar - but they can also be a professional minefield. It’s the one night when questionable dance moves, overshared gossip, and a little too much eggnog can collide in full view of your colleagues - and, worse, your boss. While these celebrations are meant to bring teams together, they can sometimes lead to career-damaging moments that overshadow years of hard work. The career experts at resume.io ran a survey (3,000) of managers in Florida to uncover the most memorable mistakes they’ve witnessed in office parties across the Sunshine State. The top 15 worst party pitfalls among Americans are: #1 Drinking Too Much Booze Overindulging in alcohol is a classic party misstep, say managers. Slurred speeches, embarrassing confessions, or even a stumble into the Christmas tree can leave lasting impressions - and not the good kind. #2 Not Showing Up Skipping the party altogether can come off as aloof or disengaged. Managers often notice who makes the effort, and an absence could send the wrong message about your team spirit. #3 Flirting with Co-Workers What might feel like harmless banter after a few drinks could easily cross professional boundaries. Awkward Monday morning meetings or whispers around the office aren’t worth the fleeting thrill. #4 Oversharing Personal Gossip Revealing too much about your private life—or someone else’s—can quickly backfire. “Remember, the office party is not a confessional booth, and trust is hard to rebuild,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert at resume.io. #5 Bringing Leftovers Home Yes, the food is free, but loading up Tupperware for the week ahead sends a message that’s more “desperate” than “resourceful.” Enjoy the buffet, but leave some for everyone else. #6 Inappropriate Dancing Managers cited inappropriate dancing as the sixth biggest party pitfall. The dance floor is no place to unleash moves better suited to a nightclub. “Keep it light and fun—no one wants to become the star of the office party’s viral video,” she continues. #7 Bringing an Uninvited Plus-One Arriving with a surprise guest can create logistical headaches for organizers and awkwardness for the group. Always respect the invite’s parameters. #8 Unfiltered Opinions A few glasses of wine can loosen tongues, but airing grievances about the company, coworkers, or even the boss is a fast track to career trouble. “Stick to neutral or positive topics,” advises Augustine. #9 Gift-Giving Fails Whether it’s a thoughtless Secret Santa gift or something wildly inappropriate, gift blunders are hard to forget. Aim for something simple and workplace-appropriate. #10 Social Media Missteps The 10th biggest festive fumble is posting unflattering photos or videos from the event—it can damage reputations—not just yours but also your colleagues. “Always think before you tag,” warns Augustine. #11 Aggressive Networking While it’s great to connect, monopolizing a senior manager’s time with career ambitions can come off as pushy. Save those conversations for a formal meeting, not the dance floor. #12 Disrupting the Speech Heckling the boss during their toast or making loud side comments can turn you into the office Grinch. Augustine suggests remaining “respectful and attentive during every company speech or presentation—no matter where they are held.” #13 Cliquey Behavior Try mingling with different colleagues throughout the night rather than staying with your usual work group. It's a great chance to get to know people from other teams and helps everyone feel included in the celebration. #14 Wardrobe Malfunctions A too-tight outfit, overly casual attire, or a malfunctioning zipper can quickly overshadow your professionalism. “Aim for festive but appropriate attire that won’t cause distractions,” says Augustine. #15 Winning Ugly Finally, and in 15th place, whether it’s a raffle, trivia contest, or party game, or gloating about a victory can dampen the festive mood. Celebrate gracefully or lose with humor. In addition to identifying the top 15 career crashers, resume.io's survey shed light on the dynamics of office holiday parties - from themes that spark the most mischief to the best ways to bounce back after a party blunder. Here’s what managers revealed: The Mischief-Making Power of Themes The format and theme of holiday parties play a significant role in how events unfold. Unsurprisingly, holiday parties with open bars are the most likely to encourage mischief, with 72% of managers citing this setup as the biggest culprit. Comparatively, ugly sweater contests (9%), karaoke nights (9%), and game nights (10%) lead to significantly less chaos. Awkward Conversations Overheard Holiday parties may bring people together, but they can also create conversational minefields. Managers shared the most uncomfortable topics overheard at office parties: • Inappropriate personal stories: 36% • Politics or religion: 23% • Office gossip: 21% • Complaints about the company: 20% Redeeming Yourself After a Blunder If you find yourself guilty of a party faux pas, the managers surveyed identified the most effective ways to recover: • Apologize to the affected parties: 59% • Make light of it with humor: 20% • Pretend it didn’t happen: 13% • Volunteer to plan the next party: 8% Memorable Moments That Last Not all party moments are career-ending; some activities lead to positive and lasting memories: • Group games or competitions: 35% • A lively dance floor: 23% • Karaoke performances: 26% • Speeches or awards: 17% Avoiding Career-Ending Mistakes When it comes to steering clear of trouble, the most popular strategies include: • Sticking to one or two drinks max: 38% • Focusing on enjoying the event without overthinking: 34% • Avoiding controversial topics: 29% Augustine adds: "Holiday parties are a great time to unwind with coworkers, but keep in mind that people will remember how you acted. You can have a good time while still maintaining your professional reputation—it's all about finding the right balance." < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Financial Literacy Workshop, Book Discussion And Much More May 6, 2022 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Preschoolers, a book discussion group, chess/checkers club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512. Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing for Preschoolers Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers. A grab and go craft will also be available to take home. Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch. 3 - 5 Years of age. Financial Literacy Workshop Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Learn how to protect your identity, debt relief, budget and more. Each session will cover a different topic. Presented by a representative from the Miami-Dade County Federal Credit Union. Space is limited. Registration is required. 12 Years of age & up. Building Blocks Family Club Saturday, May 21st, 2022 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for an hour of family fun building and creating with our building blocks. Themes, challenges as well as the building block pieces will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged. 6 Years of age & up. Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers Monday, May 23rd, 2022 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Join us for stories, songs, and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. Space is limited. Registration is required. A grab and go craft will also be available to take home. 19 Months - 3 Years of age. English Conversation & Reading Circle Monday, May 23rd, 2022 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Practice your English conversation and reading skills with other learners. This session is appropriate for beginning to advanced level learners. You can join us from home via Zoom or in person at the library! Space is limited for the On-Line and In-person event. Registration is required. For On-Line event, a Zoom link will be E-mailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For in-person event, masks are required and social distancing is encouraged. 19 Years of age & up. Book Discussion - The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Saturday, May 28th, 2022 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join us online or in person for a lively book discussion! Space is limited. Registration is required for this In-person and On-Line event. For On-Line event, Zoom link will be E-mailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. 19 Years of age & up. Furry Tales - Reading with Ailani Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us in the library for a reading session with Ailani the Brittany Spaniel, a registered therapy dog who loves lively stories and colorful picture books! Reading to a therapy dog helps improve literacy skills and boosts confidence. Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch. 6 - 11 Years of age. English Conversation & Reading Circle Monday, June 13th, 2022 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Practice your English conversation and reading skills with other learners. This session is appropriate for beginning to advanced level learners. You can join us from home via Zoom or in person at the library! Space is limited for the online and in-person event. Registration is required. For online event, a Zoom link will be E-mailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For in-person event, masks are required and social distancing is encouraged. 19 Years of age & up. Some of the above events are On-line. To register, go To: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch At: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

It's Time To Register Sunny Isles Beach: There Are New Rules To Scoot Safe Throughout The City Thu Mar 21 2024 16:17:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Broward County Classroom Transformed Into Innovative STEM Lab Wed Oct 16 2024 16:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Puttshack Lights Up The Holidays Wed Dec 18 2024 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The State Of The City Part III: Revenues And Many City Issues Are In Focus By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper June 22, 2023 Share This article is the continuation of my State of the City Series of articles. This is Part III. Part I and II can be found on the South Florida Sun Times website: https://www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news - As we are in the midst of Hurricane Season please make sure you have your plan, place, and your supplies. The first Revenue Generating Program was to adopt a citywide parking program. This program was a huge change for many of our residents. It had more benefits that I will highlight than just revenues that helped address some of those cans I have mentioned. Many people were storing cars and personal recreation vehicles. Some residents were parking their personal cars on the street and renting their condominium spots. Vacation rentals were bringing in many vehicles for units intended for one car. We had residents from other cities storing their work vehicles. We even had one company using 3rd Avenue to run a rental car business. It was truly a mess. With the parking fees we have ensured that our residents can access monthly parking passes that equate to only a dollar a day and made sure individuals with Disabilities are not burdened. This year we amended the program as promised and made changes to help the workforce particularly home care workers. Her program was implemented and actually opened up spots for residents, their visitors, and local businesses customers. The first year generated approximately $1 Million. Revenues paid for operations and some of those cans I have mentioned. The second Revenue Program was the new Certificate of Use Program. Many cities have had this program to ensure properties are being utilized for their intended use. This law will protect buyers from illegal conversion and ensure rental and commercial properties are being used properly, safely and are not homesteaded. This past year our legislature reacted to COVID-19 by allowing 50% percent of any residential property to be used as a business. This is different from at home. When I say business, I mean businesses where customers come and go, employees can come and go. Obviously, there are some controls for hazardous businesses and parking regulations, but without the ability to inspect we cannot tell what is inside. More importantly, we cannot ensure that people or surrounding property owners are not being put at risk. This issue combined with the extensive amount of VRBO made the Certificate of use program essential. The program was approved. Since the recent roll out, $80,000 dollars in review was generated so costs are being covered. I must share that the roll out of this new program was not without glitches. The startup was both manual and technology driven. The rollout resulted in many problems with the burden of manual computer entries, payments and printing of certificates. I apologize to those of you who have lost sleep over it and the Staff is working hard to address all your concerns. One more Revenue generating policy was for our Utility Franchise Agreement. This idea came from our wonderful Finance Director Neste. Many cities are struggling regretfully to sell their utilities to private entities to gain Revenue. We own and operate our Utility. The fund pays the Franchise Fee to the General Fund which helped with an infusion of $1.5. This Revenue will continue for years to come. Another critical issue has been the Building Department. I am happy to say we have filled all positions through a unique contract. Our City did not want to contract out the entire division. I have spoken before about the pitfalls of privatization. This new contract is with the CAP Government. They have worked as sole providers in many cities. Our agreement is unique because typically CAP wants all or nothing in a deal. Dr. Earle negotiated a hybrid model, so all positions will be filled, our existing Staff will remain and our goal remains to hire permanent employees when we can. So, we are now fully staffed and also have additional access through the Broward County Contract. This summer we are planning to open a service center for applicants that cannot utilize the online services. This has been the greatest problem. Our technology is similar to other cities. I am not saying it is perfect by any means, but some residents, companies and contractors have difficulty navigating it. Our City has also begun reinvesting in our Technology Division. These systems are vital, and their secure operation is critical. Due to the reductions in investment and lack of oversight our City actually suffered a security breach 6 years ago, We have updated the system, increased capacity, and beefed-up security. I do encourage everyone to visit our State-Of-The-Art website: www.hallandalebeachfl.gov - it is a wonderful resource. You can take a deeper dive into many issues. It includes great video clips explaining many projects and programs. We have an interactive budget page where you can evaluate each department, project and program. You can also go to the site and sign up for all city notifications. They include meetings for special events and emergency notification. Don't like surfing? You can get the myHBapp at: https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/1356/Download-our-apps - on it you can also get information and also report issues. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >