My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous March 9, 2023 Share Brad Zimmerman’s newest show, My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous will make its South Florida debut March 22nd, 2023 and March 23rd, 2023 at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts. Zimmerman’s hilarious and poignant story is still universal in its message: If you embark upon the journey to follow your dream, demonstrate the grit and passion required to ‘make it’ as an artist, the rewards that come from never giving up are very much worth the ‘blood, sweat and tears.’ “I have been working on this show for about 6 years,” Zimmerman explains. “It is not a hybrid as the first piece was - which means half standup/half theater. This is more of a play. As the first one does, it chronicles my journey - starting when I was very young - and takes the audience right up to the present. But it is done in more of a play format. There is lots of humor but also poignancy. “The reason I started to work on this is that even while performing the first show it gave me a creative outlet – and without that, I wouldn’t have known what to do with myself,” he continues. “In this second piece I don’t glaze over things... I dive into them more deeply than in the first piece, which I think makes for a more universal and relatable performance. And even if the audience is familiar with my story in general, they will find this play to be nothing like the first one. Of course,” he concludes, “There are stories about my childhood and my education and my introduction to theater and comedy and my social life ...and naturally... my mother!” Brad Zimmerman moved to New York and 'temporarily' worked as a waiter for 29 years while pursuing his career as an actor. Eventually he got a role on the Sopranos and worked as a comedian, opening for Joan Rivers for eight years, as well as for Brad Garrett and George Carlin in 2006. Brad had the great honor of opening for George Carlin and that relationship lasted until George passed away in 2008. The first time Brad opened for George, at the Paramount Theatre, just outside Chicago, right after finishing his act, George approached Brad backstage and said, as only George could have said, "f**kin great!" Brad combines years of acting, training and standup, which is evident in Brad's true pride and joy; his one man show. It is called, "MY SON THE WAITER, A JEWISH TRAGEDY" and he has been working on it since 2005. In this part standup/part theatrical piece Brad tells a story of one man's lengthy and we do mean lengthy struggle to make it as an actor in New York. His send-ups on his childhood, his family, his misbegotten love life and his career are as warm and poignant as they are hysterical. He performed the show Off Broadway in New York City for 15 months and played throughout the United States for over ten years to great reviews. "Delicious! Distinctly Original & Powerfully Poignant. Great Comedy!" - New York Times "You'll Laugh Your Tuchas Off!" - Huffington Post "I've had three great opening acts in my lifetime: Billy Crystal, Garry Shandling and Brad Zimmerman." - Joan Rivers "AN ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE! You'll laugh and you'll walk out of the theater with a lesson: If you can find something that you truly love, it gives your life meaning." - Palm Beach Arts Brad is now back on tour throughout the country. My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous will run March 22nd and 23rd at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at: https://mysonthewaiter.com/ Or by phone at: (561) 483-9036. Tickets range from $46.50 - $61.50. < Previous News Next News >

Brighten Dental Care: Keeping Their Patients Healthy Through Modern Dentistry Wed May 17 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Medicare Fraud: Beware of Scammers Offering Older Americans In-Home Perks Thu Sep 19 2024 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Make America Sane Again? A Look Into the Psychological Issues Facing Individuals In Contemporary America July 21, 2022 Share Has America gone completely off the rails? Is the country on the precipice of a total collapse? Not quite yet, at least not from a psychological perspective, said Dr. Michael Adamse in his new book, Make America Sane Again: A Mental Health Expert Weighs In. “A strong case can be made that it’s too late to change society’s course. The good news is that it’s not too late to alter your course,” Adamse wrote in the book’s introduction. In Make America Sane Again, Adamse uses his background in philosophy and clinical psychology to tackle the critical topic of America’s mental health from two important — and completely nonpolitical — perspectives. First, Adamse explores the myriad nationally scaled issues such as addiction, violence, loneliness, the double-edged sword of technology and other concerns that continue to undermine America’s mental health. Then, after taking readers on a deep dive into the factors influencing the current mental health crisis, Adamse emphasizes personal responsibility and offers readers practical suggestions on how to address these challenging sources of stress and what they, as individuals, can do to contribute to America’s welfare. Written in a conversational style, Make America Sane Again uses well established psychological principles to evaluate what is happening in this country on a deeper level and what readers can do to improve their own well-being, which, in turn, helps everyone. “I think we should be aware and concerned about America’s mental health, but not panicked,” Adamse added. “Panic subverts rational thinking and simplifies complex issues into a primitive state of fear … The path forward is clear if we intelligently learn to manage the influences that work to distract us.” About the Author Michael Adamse received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami after completing a pre-doctoral fellowship at Yale University. He was appointed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at both the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, where he lectured worldwide. He also served as a Captain in the Medical Corps, U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Adamse specializes in relationship issues and has practiced for over forty years. He is an expert psychological commentator and has participated in over 300 radio, print and TV interviews. His first book, Affairs of the Net, published by HCI Books in 1996, represented a cutting-edge online relationship study. In addition, Dr. Adamse has appeared on multiple national media outlets in recognition of his expertise in this area. He also hosted a weekly National Public Radio Show, On the Couch, which featured interviews with various nationally recognized leaders in literature, the arts, entertainment, politics, and the media. For more information, please visit https://makeamericasaneagain.net/ < Previous News Next News >

Addressing Food Insecurity In Miami-Dade: How JCS Senior Services Programs Support Vulnerable Older Adults Jewish Connection News Jun 18, 2026 Food Insecurity Continues To Be A Growing Concern Across Miami-Dade County, Particularly For Older Adults Living On Fixed Incomes. Rising Food Costs, Housing Expenses, And Transportation Barriers Have Made It Increasingly Difficult For Many Seniors To Access Consistent, Nutritious Meals. For Frail And Vulnerable Individuals, Food Insecurity Is Not Simply A Matter Of Hunger. It Is A Critical Issue That Affects Health, Threatens Independence, And Reduces Overall Quality Of Life. A core part of Jewish Community Services of South Florida’s (JCS) mission is addressing food insecurity – particularly for vulnerable seniors. Through a multitude of food-focused programs such as the JCS Delivers, Senior Ride, Congregate Meals, Kosher Food Bank, and Kosher Home Delivered Meals Programs, the agency works to ensure that older adults have access to nutritious, kosher food, social engagement, and supportive services that allow these treasured community members to age in place with dignity. Many seniors in Miami-Dade County rely on fixed incomes from Social Security or other public benefits. A portion of the clients served by JCS live on less than $1,300 per month, with some surviving on as little as $900 monthly. For these individuals, even small increases in food costs can make it extremely difficult to eat three meals a day. Public benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) often help fill gaps in seniors’ diets. However, when SNAP benefits were suspended for the month of November 2025, many seniors faced an immediate food crisis. Without their life-sustaining SNAP benefits, purchasing groceries became nearly impossible for many of the clients served by JCS. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, JCS stepped in to provide grocery gift cards to seniors who rely on SNAP benefits. This emergency assistance ensured that vulnerable older adults could continue purchasing food during a particularly challenging period. The response from clients was one of profound gratitude. For many, this support meant the difference between having food on the table and going hungry. JCS Programs Supporting Senior Food Security To address both immediate and long-term food insecurity, JCS operates several interconnected programs designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults. JCS Delivers Shopping Program The JCS Delivers Shopping Program provides extremely low-income, homebound seniors with personalized grocery deliveries and essential household items, ensuring they have access to the necessities needed to live safely and independently. Each delivery also serves as a wellness check, offering regular contact and care to some of the most isolated members of our community. JCS Kosher Home Delivered Meals Program JCS’ Kosher Home Delivered Meals Program provides pre-made, frozen Kosher meals to homebound, nutritionally insecure seniors across Miami-Dade County who are unable to prepare meals for themselves due to frailty. Clients range in age from 60 to over 100, with many living on fixed incomes. Often, clients are below the poverty line of $15,560 annually for a single person. Many live alone, making this program a vital source not only of nutritious meals but also of social connection, regular wellness checks, and compassionate human contact. JCS Senior Ride Program The JCS Senior Ride Program provides reliable transportation for seniors to attend JCS’ congregate lunch meal sites, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, and community activities. The program provides more than just transportation, it offers seniors a vital connection to the services, support, and community they need to live independently. By offering safe, reliable rides to congregate meal sites, grocery stores, and community activities, the program helps older adults maintain their health, autonomy, and social engagement. JCS Congregate Meal Program The JCS Congregate Meals Program serves a hot, Kosher lunch five days a week (excluding federal and Jewish holidays) in Miami Beach, and four days a week in Aventura. By providing nutritious, Kosher meals in a welcoming community setting, the JCS Congregate Meals Program supports the well-being of older adults while fostering meaningful social connection. The program offers more than just a meal; it creates a vibrant environment where seniors can engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and social health. With no income restrictions and inclusive participation, the program ensures all older adults have access to nourishment, community, and friendship. Maria’s Story Maria (name has been changed), a JCS client and 82-year-old Miami Beach resident living alone, survives on less than $900 per month in Social Security income. After paying rent, utilities, and medication expenses, very little remained for groceries. When her SNAP benefits were temporarily suspended in November 2025, Maria did not know how she would afford to feed herself. Through JCS services, she received assistance that helped stabilize her situation. She was provided with grocery gift cards during the SNAP disruption, transportation to grocery stores, and access to meals at the JCS Miami Beach Congregate Meal Site. These supportive services ensured that she continued to enjoy balanced, nutritious meals during a difficult time. Today, she regularly attends the JCS Miami Beach Congregate Meal Site, where she not only receives a nutritious Kosher lunch, but also participates in activities such as art classes and Bingo. She often shares that the program has helped her feel healthier, more connected, and less isolated. Food insecurity among older adults remains a significant challenge in Miami-Dade County. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated staff, and the support of generous donors, JCS helps ensure that vulnerable seniors have access to nutritious food and compassionate care. For many, these services are a lifeline, providing the stability and support they need to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and avoid the devastating consequences of hunger and isolation. To learn more, visit: www.jcsfl.org . To make a contribution, visit www.jcsfl.org/donate . Previous Next

A Harmonious Journey: The Gesualdo Six Presented By RK Cultural Productions Fri Dec 08 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival: Never-Before-Seen International Feature Premieres, Documentaries And Shorts Fri Sep 20 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Sigh Of Relief: Hallandale High School Progress And Changes By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper March 22, 2024 Share A few weeks ago, I wrote to our readers about changes that were taking place in Broward County Schools. There was a sigh of relief that they were not closing Hallandale High School. This did not mean their work re-defining our schools stopped. Dr. Licata made it clear to all stakeholders that in fact everything was on the table. There could still be closed, combined schools, reproduced schools, investments in partnerships between cities and the school board, Mayor and all stakeholders have a task with making suggestions on the possibilities. The following is a letter that I submitted with a list of observations that I had gleaned from visiting all the schools and centers within the community. I had a chance to speak with many individuals about their ideas and suggestions. The work of the School Board will continue and we all need to keep an eye on their progress and changes. I want to thank you for your generosity of time during this process. While under-enrolled schools partially prompted the discussion I understand there are many other factors that have impacted our district. I commend you and the board for taking these bold steps to address vital needs to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. I know we have discussed many of the items below but wanted to at least document them. There will always be opportunities to partner on many levels. I have discussed housing opportunities at GELC, and you mentioned opportunities at Lanier. The other is with HACC fields, but I am not certain if our own budget restraints or commission policy could support partnership investments there. Through my conversations at schools and with other stakeholders I wanted to make sure you and the board know from my observations what is lacking and what is envisioned. Programming is important and may be beneficial on a financial level as well. As long as it is in the right place and managed properly. Hallandale High School: Upgrades, Additional Programming and After-hours use. The school was slated to be rebuilt and the state stopped funding. While we all know that education for students and teaching staff is the top priority, school buildings matter. School buildings create a place of pride for students, teachers and the community. The piecemeal improvements over the years are great but some are still not complete. The school does not have proper Baseball Fields. The Football Field needs upgrades that are found at other schools. The school has lost many sports programs due to this. Parking lots are shabby. Stakeholders think the single point entry is good but could be embellished to make the entry more appealing. While these items are not critical they are important to build pride and make the school welcoming. Before I cover suggestions on programs I would like to share a global observation. “Every” principal and parent I have had a chance to speak with supports uniforms 100%. The key component was the time consumed over discipline issues over clothing. This takes administration and teachers away from their key goal of education and safety. School uniforms create a point of pride, respect, discipline, remove inappropriate distractions and create a springboard of being part of something greater than oneself. The argument of letting someone be able to express their uniqueness should be through class education and activity not clothing. In fact, bullying will always be taking place, but implementing a Countywide policy for all students will certainly help to preempt some harassment and shaming. Magnet programs serve a purpose and are a great option for focused studies, but they seem to have caused more competition among regular schools when they already face challenges from charters and choice. The way magnets are established, funded, and teachers are hired is not always maintainable. Stakeholders would like to see more training programs that will develop job skills and ability to join the workforce. I have heard many times that not all students are suitable for or can afford college. Automotive, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Computer Skills and other trades could be offered. These courses could be given at existing schools during and/or after hours. They could be combined with GED Courses and Language Courses. Leaving school resources idle after the school day ends is not a good use for an existing school. Graduation is paramount and those students wanting and able to further their education by attending college should also be given every opportunity and access to resources found in every private school. The rest of this correspondence will be published next week, better! As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . Or Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call my Office number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700. Working for you! Always have! Always will! < Previous News Next News >

Attention High School Students: Scholarship Application Available For Local High School Seniors January 19, 2023 Share The Hallandale Community Council Scholarship Fund has recognized the achievements of hundreds of Hallandale Beach resident high school graduates with financial awards ranging from $100 to $5,000 each, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 1960, Mrs. Chester Norteman attended Class Night at South Broward High School and was disappointed when not one civic or service organization from Hallandale Beach appeared on the stage to present an award to a Hallandale student. Mother of a graduate, she realized how much an award of even $100 (then) would mean to a student planning to work their way through college. To arouse interest in scholarships, she wrote to the organizations in town saying “discuss it, give it some thought and perhaps, take some action.” In September 1960, S. Lee Crouch, President of the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, urged by Ross Amos, invited all Hallandale civic and service organizations to form a Council of their Presidents or Representatives to serve as a clearinghouse for community projects and a vehicle for cooperative action. At the October meeting of the newly formed Hallandale Community Council, Ernie Pinto, Kiwanis representative, suggested scholarships as a Council project. After meeting with Frank Schwall, Guidance Counselor at South Broward High School, the Council named its first Scholarship Fund Committee: Charles Knorr, Edna Norteman, Betty Sapienza, Theresa Wipple and Chairman Pinto. Donations from twelve organizations netted $400 that year and the first award was presented by President Ernie Pinto to Richard Sullivan on June 7, 1961. Since then, the Hallandale Community Council Scholarship Fund (as it was known) has recognized the achievements and promises of hundreds of Hallandale Beach resident graduates with financial awards and plaques to Honor Cord Graduates (many who do not have a need for financial assistance). Students apply for scholarships through the aid of the Guidance Counselors at their own schools. In turn, the Counselors provide the Committee with additional information, cumulative average, extracurricular activities, results of achievement, aptitude and college entrance tests. The choice of school is left to the student, but the Committee requires that his or her application be accepted and the student enrolled, before any funds are disbursed. Scholarship students have attended local community colleges, state and private universities across the country (including Harvard) and such foreign universities as Universidad de las Americas and Columbus International in Spain. Some students also receive financial help for continued studies in vocational/trade schools. Usually, scholarships are for the first year of advanced education. If a student proves to be good college material during his or her first year, supplemental financial assistance is available to continue. In 2009, the Hallandale Community Council Scholarship Fund, Inc. became the Hallandale Scholarship Fund, Inc. and continues to provide scholarship awards to graduating residents of Hallandale Beach in area high schools. Scholarship applications are now being accepted, and the application deadline has been extended to May 1. Qualifications and applications are available at: https://www.hallandalescholarshipfund.org For more information, contact: (954) 454-9070 or e-mail: hallandalescholarshipfund@gmail.com < Previous News Next News >

Open Dialogues: Black Voices | Black Stories Film Wins Emmy Award December 13, 2023 Share L-R: Joy Satterlee - Executive Director and Executive Producer for the film, Freddy Rodriguez - Films Director, and Jeff Rusnak - Executive Producer for the film The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is the proud recipient of a 2023 Suncoast Regional Emmy Award for its documentary film short, Black Voices | Black Stories, the first award of its kind for the Center and its Open Dialogues series. The Center’s film was honored in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Long Form Content Category at the 47th Annual Suncoast Emmy Awards presented on Thursday, December 2nd at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood. The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences comprises television markets in Florida; five markets in Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Thomasville, Georgia and Puerto Rico. Emmys were presented to the Black Voices | Black Stories Production Team of Joy Satterlee, the Center’s Executive Director and Executive Producer for the film, Producer Jeff Rusnak, the Center’s Director of Development and Director Freddy Rodriguez of Miami-Based 66 Films. “We are ecstatic to win this Emmy Award for Open Dialogues: Black Voices | Black Stories,” Ms. Satterlee said. “Thank you, Jeff Rusnak, for serving as our Producer, Freddy Rodriguez for his brilliant filmmaking, our advisory group that gave us their invaluable insight and expertise, and the incredible cast of eight community members who shared their stories so openly and honestly. “Thank you as well to the Community Foundation of Broward for funding Black Voices | Black Stories through its Art of Community Social Justice Grant. And South Florida PBS for broadcasting our film as part of its film-maker initiative. We share this success with these dedicated community partners.” Photographed in Black-And-White, Black Voices | Black Stories focuses on what Social Justice looks and feels like for eight Black residents in South Florida. The film was created to inspire conversation about Inequality and Equity for the African Diaspora in America. The on-camera interviews feature Darius V. Daughtry, Henry Graham, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., Rudy Jean-Bart, Niki Lopez, David Weaver, Venis Wilder, M.D., and Natacha J. Yacinthe, Ph.D. The 24-minute film includes a musical performance by Violinist Ian Mann, written works performed by Daughtry and Jean-Bart, and music by Dr. Wilder performing as V. Tiarra. The film can be viewed at the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood galleries, located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 and at the South Florida PBS Film-Maker’s Webpage Open-Dialogues Film-PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/open-dialogues-black-voices-black-stories-film-maker-501-3fqrds/ Black Voices is the second film in the Center’s Open Dialogues Film Series, which also comprises Stories From the LGBTQ Community (2020), Queer Allies and Gen QueerZ (both 2023). Each film is directed by Freddy Rodriguez. Open Dialogues: Black Voices | Black Stories is funded by an Art of Community Grant from the Community Foundation of Broward. Support was provided by the following Funds at the Foundation: Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, Ruth H. Brown Fund for the Arts, Dot and Keith Cobb Fund, and Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund. 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. Visit the centers website at: www.artandculturecenter.org < Previous News Next News >

No Home Surprises Act: 4 in 5 Florida Landlords Want Federal Protection From Surprise Regulations Thu Apr 21 2022 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prepare For King Tides City of Hollywood Sep 17, 2025 Unusually high tides, also called King Tides, are expected periodically through early December. These seasonal high tides occur when the moon’s proximity to Earth causes tides to rise higher than normal. Combined with rising sea levels and stormy weather, King Tides can significantly increase the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Rainfall, wind direction, and wind speed can all affect how high the tides come in, sometimes pushing water levels higher than predicted. With seven miles of shoreline, nearly eight miles of canals and a flat topography, Hollywood is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and tidal flooding. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), above-average high tides are expected on the following dates: September 6–12 (Full Moon) September 19–25 (New Moon) October 3–25 (Full and New Moon) November 1–10 (Full Moon) November 18–20 (New Moon) December 2–7 (Full Moon) High seasonal tides can flood coastal roads, parking lots and docks. Motorists should use caution, avoid driving through flooded streets and plan alternate routes when possible. During peak high tides, water levels may rise more than two and a half feet. The City of Hollywood is actively working on both short- and long-term solutions to minimize the impacts of tidal flooding. Flap gates have been installed in the stormwater system to block tidal water from flowing back through drains. Auxiliary pumps are also stationed in high-risk areas to help clear flooded streets as quickly as possible. Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood Heavy rainstorms and King Tides increase the chance of localized flooding. City crews work hard to maintain more than 157 miles of stormwater piping and nearly 4,900 catch basins, but residents can help too. By adopting a catch basin in your neighborhood, you can help keep debris out of the storm system and reduce flooding. Participation is simple: sign up to adopt, inspect the basin at least once a month, clean it as needed and submit proof of your efforts. You can even earn rewards for helping to prevent flooding and waterway pollution. Sign up today at: www.hollywoodfl.org/adoptacatchbasin - You can also help by placing coconuts in your garbage cart for collection and disposing of lawn clippings and yard waste properly to keep them from entering storm drains. For catch basin issues in the City of Hollywood, call the Underground Utilities Division at: (954) 921-3046. Stay Safe During Flooding Events, for tips on flood safety, visit: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/692/Flood-Safety Experience Creativity at the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of creativity at the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk, happening Saturday, September 20th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., and every third Saturday of the month. Whether you're an art enthusiast, foodie, music lover, or just looking for a fun night out, this free community event offers something for everyone. Wander through charming streets lined with local galleries, shops, and restaurants, and discover a colorful blend of live music, interactive art, and open-air markets. The Artisan Market kicks off at 6:00 p.m., showcasing handmade goods, jewelry, and crafts by local makers. Enjoy an energetic music lineup starting at 6 p.m. with DJ Tony Tiru, followed by Karaoke Night at 6:30 p.m., and a live performance by Jah Steve & the Counteract Crew at 8 p.m. Take in a guided mural tour at 6:00 p.m., explore the chalk art displays, and don’t miss the Gallery Tour at 7:00 p.m. It’s more than an art walk—it’s a night of inspiration, community, and culture. Come explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories at the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. Previous Next