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

Vegas, Baby! Hits Of The Headliners Comes To Aventura Fri Jun 09 2023 16:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Indulge Taste Buds With Better-For-You Snacks By Family Features May 15, 2024 Share The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals. Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day. According to an online survey conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older across the U.S. by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board, Americans love snacks, and reach for them an average of three times a day. However, where and when those snacks are eaten can vary from on the move to on the couch, from sunrise to after bedtime. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents are munching on snacks while in bed, calling it their favorite snacking spot. However, only 35% of their snack choices are considered healthy. Fueling busy days can be easy with an option like Pecans. According to the survey, 66% of snackers enjoy pecans on their own with 58% eating them as part of a Trail Mix. If you're among the 50% who reach for a snack in the late afternoon, you can turn to nutritious, satisfying solutions to indulge afternoon cravings without the guilt. With a pleasing crunch, comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, Pecans are the "no sacrifice" nut that can punch up your routine with both delicious taste and plant-based nutrition. Just a handful of Pecans - about 19 halves - provides a good source of Fiber, Thiamin and Zinc and an excellent source of Copper and Manganese, a mineral that's essential for Metabolism and Bone Health. They also provide a mix of Protein and Good Fats - 18 Grams of Unsaturated Fat, including Oleic Acid, and only 2 Grams of Unsaturated Fat - to help keep you full and energized throughout the day. As an added bonus, their versatility and easy-to-pair profile makes them a perfect ingredient in recipes you can prepare in a cinch. For bite-sized treats that are packed with flavor and perfect for snack time, these Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites swap out Flour and Sugar in favor of blended Pecans, Chickpeas, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon and Sea Salt with Dark Chocolate Chips folded in for a sweet finishing touch. Or you can simply toss warm Pecans with Olive Oil and Sea Salt in this Roasted Pecans recipe for a grab-and-go snack that can be prepared in advance without worrying about spoiling. Another benefit of Pecans: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or frozen up to 2 years, giving them a longer shelf life than many pantry favorites. Plus, they can be thawed and refrozen without losing flavor or texture. Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites Recipe courtesy of Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 24 • 1 Cup of Raw Pecan Pieces • 1 15 Ounce Can of Chickpeas, rinsed and drained • 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract • 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon • 1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt • 1/2 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips In a blender or food processor, blend the Pecan Pieces, the Chickpeas, the Vanilla Extract, the Cinnamon and the Sea Salt for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally, until it is smooth and creamy. Fold in the Dark Chocolate Chips. Form into 24 cookie dough balls. Eat them as-is; no baking required. Note: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Roasted Pecans Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: 8 • 2 1/4 Cups of Raw Pecan Halves • 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil or Pecan Oil • 1 Teaspoon of Flaky Sea Salt Preheat the oven to 300˚ F. Place the Pecans on a baking sheet and bake them for 15 minutes. In a heat-proof bowl, toss the warm Pecans with the Olive Oil and the Sea Salt, crushing larger salt grains with your fingers while sprinkling. Return the Pecans to a baking sheet in a single layer and bake them for 20 minutes, or until they are slightly browned and dry. Remove them from the oven and cool them on a baking sheet. Note: Store the Pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or freeze them for up to 2 years. Pecans can be thawed and frozen repeatedly without loss of flavor or texture. To find more surprisingly delicious nutritional facts or recipe inspiration, visit: http://EatPecans.com < Previous News Next News >

Truly Exceptional Gifts All Month Long Fri May 17 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Creating The Coffee Shop Vibe at Home Thu May 09 2024 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spring Into Enjoying Great Entertainment: Hilarious Comedy, Heartwarming Cinema, Unforgettable Music And Jaw-Dropping Magic February 23, 2023 Share In the Spring an arts lover’s fancy turns to thoughts of hilarious comedy, heartwarming cinema, unforgettable music and jaw-dropping magic which can all be found this March as Becky O'Brien Celebrates the Music of Judy Garland. The City of Aventura Presents The Beat Goes On Starring Lisa McClowry as Cher on Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. This international touring show features American Singer/Actress Lisa McClowry as the “Goddess Of Pop” in her one woman Broadway-style live stage show. The concert features Cher's hits spanning from the '60s to now including "I Got You Babe," "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves," "I Found Someone," "If I Could Turn Back Time," "Woman's World," "Welcome to Burlesque," "Believe" and ABBA songs from her Dancing Queen Album. The Beat Goes On features a live band, video, multiple costume changes, dynamic dialogue, humor and fun-filled audience participation. Tickets are $53-$57. The City of Aventura Presents The Latin Divos as they add their Latin flair to “Divo-ise" Latin pop, traditional opera and timeless classics on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at 8 p.m. The Miami-based trio has performed in prestigious theaters and venues in the U.S., Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Panama and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Latin music. Their newly-released album, Forever Classics, contains audience favorites such as "Hallelujah," "Caruso," "O sole mio" and "Quizas Quizas." Born and raised in Cuba, where music and arts vibrate on every corner, it's no wonder that The Latin Divos have quickly captured the attention and hearts of audiences around the world. Tickets are $50-$55. The Aventura International Film Series continues with EO, the winner of the 2022 Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. A gray donkey with melancholic eyes and a curious spirit, EO begins his life as a circus performer before escaping on a trek across the Polish and Italian countryside in a journey marked by absurdity and warmth in equal measure. Legendary Filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski directs one of his most free and visually inventive films yet, placing the viewer directly in the heart and mind of the four-legged protagonist. Not Rated, the film is presented in Polish, Italian, French and Spanish with English subtitles. The Aventura International Film Series, presented by the City of Aventura, is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Screenings are general admission with the lobby doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida Presents Chipollino, a two-act ballet on Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 12th, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.This fun and enjoyable ballet is adapted for American audiences with music by Karen Khachaturian and under the artistic direction of Vladimir Isaaev, who also choreographed. Based on a fairy tale by Gianni Rodari, the story tells the adventures of a group of fruits and vegetables living within The Town of Limonia where little green onion Chipollino and her friends Ms. Carrot and Ms. Daysi live funny adventures. Naughty Chipollino steps on the foot of Prince Lemon and his father Chipollone is taken to prison by mistake. At the castle, Ms. Cherry and her beautiful flower friends help him liberate his beloved father but not before facing a series of mischievous and risky moments. Tickets are $40. Pop, Rock & Doo Wopp Live! Presents Chris Ruggiero on Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. If you love songs like "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," "My Cherie Amour," "One" & "This Magic Moment," you'll relish an evening spent with Ruggiero and his unique interpretations of those and more that are vocal triumphs featuring brand new orchestrations by Pop-Rock Legend Charlie Calello. Ruggiero, who has also collaborated with Legendary Pop Stars such as Darlene Love, The Cyrkle & Peter Noone, takes his audiences on a journey through the golden age of rock and roll and breathes new life into the timeless music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets are $49-$59. The City of Aventura Presents an evening of the impossible with Mike Super Magic & Illusion: Third Time’s a Charm! on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This bigger and better show features some all new, never before seen magic, along with a few new twists on some old favorites. Super’s imaginary friend Desmond is again summoned and this time causes a table to float out over the audiences' heads and around the audience. Audiences should be careful what they text as Super impossibly predicts information on their cellphones. Except for one bewildered spectator, Super turns the entire audience into magicians by letting them in on the secret of having the power to read minds. Called “truly unbelievable” by Ellen DeGeneres, Super has been seen on her show as well as America's Got Talent, NBC's Phenomenon and Penn & Teller's Fool Us. Tickets are $42-$47 with $25 student tickets for 18 and under and $5 lap tickets for children 12 months and younger. Gelb Productions, LLC. Presents An Acoustic Evening with Matisyahu on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 and Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Described by the Miami New Times as "tremendous, zen-like and enlightening," Matisyahu performs a stripped back acoustic show with his long-time friend, collaborator and Local Guitarist Adam Weinberg. Presented in his repertoire’s most raw form, Matisyahu allows his voice and beatboxing, paired with inventive guitar arrangements, to expand through lyrical intensity and musical improvisation. This format naturally digs deep into the meaning of the song itself, and lays Matisyahu's spiritual journey bare, bringing a closeness to the artist-fan relationship. Tickets are $60 with $120 VIP Tickets that include premium seating in the first two rows. The 2023 Stand-Up Comedy Series Presented by the City of Aventura culminates with the family-friendly, clean and hilarious comedy of Henry Cho on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Heard daily on Sirius XM Blue Collar Radio and Pandora, Cho is a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry and his one-hour Comedy Central Special, What's That Clickin Noise? is currently on Netflix. Cho was co creator, co producer and co writer of The Henry Cho Show on GAC in addition to his two-year stint as host of NBC's Friday Night Videos. His many other television appearances include numerous sitcoms, NBC's The Tonight Show, CBS's The Late, Late, Show and NBC's Young Comedians Special. The evening begins with a performance by Singer-Songwriter Vanessa Le Grand. Tickets are $52-$57. Following sold-out shows, South Florida Legends Presents Bee Gees NOW back by popular demand on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Taking the audience on a masterful musical journey, the concert delivers the Bee Gees songbook of beautiful love ballads and dance fever hits that made the Gibb Brothers a musical sensation. This international touring tribute has been performing to standing ovations and sending audiences dancing in their seats throughout the show. Tickets are $49-$59. Miami International Piano Festival Presents Reed Tetzloff (U.S.) on Sunday March 26th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The program of Sonatas features Works by Berg (Sonata Op. 1) Ives (Three-Page Sonata), Beethoven (Sonata No. 21 in C major Op. 53 "Waldstein") and Brahms (Sonata No. 3 in F minor Op. 5). In a review of a September 2021 concert, South Florida Classical Review reported, “Tetzloff's reading of Beethoven's Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101 was deeply reflective and illuminating. This first Sonata of Beethoven's late period finds its creator in his most experimental and striking mode….Played with expansive range and luminous tone…Tetzloff captured the music's stillness and pathos. There was boisterous spirit and rhythmic buoyancy in the final Allegro. The fungal voices were fully transparent under Tetzloff's agile fingers." Lecturer in residence Professor Frank E. Cooper offers a pre-concert introduction. Not suggested for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are $45-$55. The City of Aventura presents Over The Rainbow: Becky O'Brien Celebrates the Music of Judy Garland on Friday, March 31st, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. O'Brien has met with great critical acclaim from her many performances at the London Palladium, as a finalist on Britain's Got Talent and with a hugely successful Off Broadway run of A Garland For Judy. Broadway World reported, "The audience was awed. Each note that came from her tiny frame soared. O'Brien exuded in her words a trait she shares with her inspiration for the show, Garland… a glass half full optimism." Tickets are $50-$55. 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 noon to 5 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. < Previous News Next News >

Military Parents Turn Lived Experience Into Lifeline For Families Navigating Autism Aventura Digest May 20, 2026 For Many Military Families Raising A Child With Autism, The Most Trusted Guidance Doesn’t Come From Programs Or Policies, But From Other Parents Who Have Walked The Same Path. In This Time Of Increasing Uncertainty And More Frequent Or Unexpected Deployments, That Peer-To-Peer Support Can Become Even More Critical. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and Autism specialist Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, say that firsthand guidance became an essential source of support when their son was first diagnosed. As they navigated a complex maze of healthcare, education and support services — all while managing frequent relocations and the demands of military life — they found their most trusted resource in other families facing similar challenges. “We learned quickly that the best resource available was other families just like us who had already walked part of the journey we were just beginning,” Jaime Parent said. “We made a pact that when it came time for us to give back, we would.” Today, they are fulfilling that promise with their new book, The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum. Based on decades of experience, their insights blend practical strategies with empathy, helping readers manage healthcare, education, benefits, and transitions during service and beyond. “Even when services technically exist, waitlists, eligibility differences between states, and gaps between military and civilian systems can leave families feeling like they’re always starting over,” Tracy Parent said. “The emotional labor of this repetition — on top of the everyday demands of military life — can be exhausting.” Honest and thorough, The Mission at Home is the only book of its kind that goes beyond school and healthcare concerns and provides additional information to help families: • Ease transitions for children with Autism after a military move • Manage a military career with a child with Autism or another disability • Plan for school transitions and advocate effectively for their child • Navigate TRICARE, EFMP, and other military programs with confidence • Develop a long-term financial strategy • Prepare for life after service, including housing and employment options • Reduce stress and strengthen family resilience through proven tools “Autism requires lifelong work and strategies,” Jaime Parent added. “Your mission at home matters as much as the one in uniform.” The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum Publisher: Bloomsbury Release date: February 19, 2026 ISBN-13: 978-1538196823 Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Home-Navigating-Assignments-Education/dp/1538196824 Previous Next

2021 Business Woman of The Year Sun Apr 24 2022 04:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Eat The Rainbow: Pair Seafood And Seasonal Produce For Colorful, Healthy Recipes Fri Mar 10 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rent Prices Are Finally Falling: But These 20 Cities Missed The Memo For Single-Family Homes Thu Feb 02 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Protecting Our Paradise: Navigating Hurricane Season By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper May 15, 2025 We Are Honored To Recognize Our First Responders During National Police Week. Our Brave Officers Of The Hallandale Beach Police Department Who Risk Their Safety To Protect Us. Thank You, We Appreciate Your Dedication, Service And Sacrifice. As the City is creating a Transportation Master Plan to improve how we walk, bike, ride the Cloud bus and drive around the City. Help us shape the future of our City’s transportation by completing this short 10-question survey on the City's website. Now, as we move into Hurricane Season, preparation becomes paramount. Living in South Florida, we understand the potential impact these powerful storms can have. While we always hope for a quiet season, being proactive is the most effective way to safeguard our families, homes and businesses! The City is committed to ensuring our Infrastructure is as resilient as possible, with ongoing assessments of drainage systems and emergency response protocols. It’s Infrastructure Week, the City of Hallandale Beach, does not just talk about it—we’re investing in it. Our investments, today, are building the Hallandale Beach of tomorrow. Learn more about our 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan, discover more at the Budget and Program Monitoring at the city's website. However, individual preparedness is equally important. As we are now just weeks away from the official start of Hurricane Season on June 1st and with early forecasts indicating an above-average season for 2025, it is paramount that every resident and business prepares proactively! The Climate Adaptation Center and other leading forecasters are predicting an elevated risk for Florida due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. Here are some essential storm preparations for residents & businesses: 1. Make a Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes, meeting points and communication strategies. Businesses should have continuity plans for operations and staff. 2. Build a Supply Kit: Stock at least 7 days' worth of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day), medications, first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, portable chargers and hygiene items. Don't forget pet supplies! 3. Know Your Zone, Know Your Home: Understand if you are in an evacuation zone. If your home was built after 2004, it is likely built to higher Florida Building Codes, but all properties benefit from proactive protection. PLAN A Evacuation - Areas east of Intracoastal Waterway, typically a Category 1-2 hurricane. PLAN B Evacuation - Areas east of U.S. 1 (Federal Highway), typically, a Category 3 or higher Hurricane. 4. Secure Your Property: Trim trees, clear gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and ensure windows and doors are protected with impact glass or shutters. Businesses should secure signage and exterior equipment. 5. Fuel Up: Keep vehicle fuel tanks and generator tanks at least halfway full. Crowds and lines will be part of pre-storm activities, so planning ahead saves valuable time. For comprehensive guides and local updates, please visit the City of Hallandale Beach website and sign up for emergency alerts. Download these important apps and sign up for our Everbridge emergency alerts. City’s Everbridge alerts: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085617939/new - City’s HB Connect app (coming soon!), NOAA Live Weather Radar, NWS Weather, FEMA, FPL & Red Cross. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay strong, Hallandale Beach! As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share. Hallandale Beach Cloud Bus System Previous Next

Give The Gift Of History This Holiday Season - Meet Florida Panthers Alumni Serge Payer and Peter J. Worrell Plus Receive A Yearly Membership Gift To History Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Dec 17, 2025 As The Excitement Mounts For History Fort Lauderdale’s 29th Annual History Makers Fundraiser Presented By Alligator Ron & Ali Bergeron, Miles & Tara Forman And Murphy Family Charitable Trust Honoring The Florida Panthers, So Do The Perks! Florida Panthers Alumni Players Serge Payer And Peter J. Worrell Have Been Announced As Special Guests To The January 8th, 2026 Milestone Event From 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At The Newly Revitalized War Memorial Auditorium, 800 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 And Will Meet And Greet Attendees, Offering Photo And Autograph Opportunities. As A Holiday Promotion Through December 24th, Event Ticket Purchasers Will Now Receive The Gift Of A Yearly Family Membership To History Fort Lauderdale With Many Benefits. These new announcements complement the recently added exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the venue for 30 VIP ticketholders which includes the hidden world beneath the Baptist Health IcePlex — a marvel of sports engineering and the sanctum of the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers — their official locker room. “We are thrilled to welcome Florida Panthers players Serge Payer and Peter J. Worrell to our History Makers Fundraiser honoring the past, present and future of our hometown heroes sports franchise,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “What makes this fundraiser extra special is that every ticket purchased will directly support our local efforts to preserve our heritage and foster a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region's history.” Serge Payer, a Canadian and American retired professional hockey player, engaged in 12 years of professional hockey, retiring in 2011. He played in over 119 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators. In 1996, Payer also won a gold medal with Canada's National U18-Team, In 1999, Payer's career nearly ended when he was diagnosed with Guillain–Barre Syndrome. After an 11-month battle with the disease, he returned to play major junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers before eventually making his NHL debut in 2000 against the Atlanta Thrashers. That same year, he was the Florida Panther nominee for the NHL Bill Masterton League Trophy Nominee. Now, as a highly regarded speaker, Payer shares his leadership, teamwork and life lesson experiences. He is an energetic entrepreneur, an NHLPA certified agent, a current asset manager and realtor. He continues to serve and impact lives through his namesake foundation, a NonProfit Organization that raises funds for those afflicted with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), for single parents in need and post-secondary school scholarships. In his free time, Payer is a youth mentor, coaching the Panthers Selects U8 and U10/U12 Clubs. Peter J. Worrell is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player known as one of the NHL's most feared enforcers during his seven-season career with the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Drafted in the 7th round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, he debuted in 1997 and led the league in penalty minutes in 2001–02. Worrell also contributed offensively, scoring 19 NHL goals, and was recognized for his physicality and commitment to his role. Before turning professional, Worrell excelled with the Hull Olympiques in junior hockey, winning two QMJHL championships and the 1997 Memorial Cup. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, leading Florida Atlantic University's hockey team and later working with the Fayetteville Marksmen in the Southern Professional Hockey League. His contributions to hockey as a player and coach continue to inspire, making him a respected figure both on and off the ice. Event attendees, honoring South Florida’s back-to-back 2024 & 2025 Stanley Cup Champions, will enjoy wine and spirits with culinary delights plus an opportunity to view Florida Panthers memorabilia and other collectibles from the exclusive Wayne Huizenga collection, which was donated to History Fort Lauderdale. WSVN 7 Sportscaster Donovan Campbell will be the special guest host of the awards portion of the event, which recognizes individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the growth of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Since taking to the South Florida ice in 1993, the Florida Panthers have established an unmatched legacy of award-winning sportsmanship, economic development, corporate philanthropy and civic responsibility. According to the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, the Panthers have impacted the local economy by at least $110 Million over the last two seasons during the team’s long playoff runs; a number that is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. As a catalyst for urban growth in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, the Florida Panthers have invested $100 Million into the construction of their official practice facility Baptist Health ICEPLEX with two NHL-regulation sized ice rinks and the recently revitalized historic War Memorial Auditorium, a 44,000-Square-Foot multipurpose concert venue. As part of the project, the Panthers renovated all veteran art and monuments around the venue (which has drawn visits from U.S. Presidents and celebrity icons from Buddy Holly to World Boxing Champion Hector Camacho over the decades) including the merchant marine monument outside the venue, the red flags along the exterior walkway which represents soldier art, one plaque representing Broward County Veterans that served in the Vietnam War and a second plaque representing those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. Overlooking the main lobby from the top of the wall, patrons will find a soldier statue that was donated in the early 1970s by Gold Star Mothers, which is a group of mothers who lost a child or loved one during the Vietnam War. This statue is now located in a more prominent location inside the lobby and serves as a representation of all Broward County soldiers. Philanthropically, the Florida Panthers Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on the South Florida community and beyond. The Florida Panthers Foundation was established to benefit the South Florida community by focusing on four priority areas: building the game of hockey for children and youth, supporting health and education initiatives for children, advocating for and supporting Veterans’ issues, and raising awareness about the endangered Florida panther. The Foundation fundraises through several events and in-game initiatives that have helped them donate over $8 Million to local NonProfits in the South Florida community since the 2016-17 Season. The South Florida community can visit: https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/foundation - for more information on how to support. History Fort Lauderdale’s 29th Annual History Makers is presented by Alligator Ron & Ali Bergeron, Miles & Tara Forman and Murphy Family Charitable Trust and is sponsored by Hudson Family Foundation, FPL, The Kelley Law Firm, Miller Construction Company, Waste Management, Denison Yachting, Pier Sixty-Six, Hooper Construction, Inc., Wards Marine Electric, Cathy & James Donnelly Charitable Fund, CBI, Gulf Stream Distillery, Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, 41 North and Sun Sentinel Media Group. Event tickets are $125. Only 30 VIP tickets with the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour are offered for $250. From now through December 24th, ticket purchasers receive an added bonus of a complimentary Sustainer Family Membership to History Fort Lauderdale, which includes free entry to the 1905 New River Inn Museum, exhibit openings and special events, benefits for up to four family members, a 10% Museum Store discount, four additional free Museum guest passes and an annual Southeastern Reciprocal Membership that includes free admission to hundreds of national museums. All tickets are available for purchase online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . For sponsorships or more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . About The Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers enter the 2025 - 2026 Season as the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, having gone to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past three seasons. The National Hockey League’s southernmost team, the Panthers, have reached the postseason in a club-record six consecutive campaigns. The Panthers operate four facilities in Broward County, Florida: Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, the new state-of-the-art practice facility Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the renovated War Memorial Auditorium, which hosts concerts and events for the South Florida faithful. An organization with deep roots in the community, the Panthers are owned by Vincent J. Viola, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Emphasizing a culture of selfless service both on and off the ice, the Panthers pillar program ‘Heroes Among Us’ honors a United States military veteran at every game and the Florida Panthers Foundation has four main focuses including veterans affairs, children's health and education, raising awareness for the endangered Florida panther and growing youth hockey. About War Memorial Auditorium War Memorial Auditorium is South Florida's newest premier entertainment destination, located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale while still only minutes away from the city’s scenic beaches. The recently revitalized venue offers 44,000 Square Feet of versatile space with a 3,400-person capacity featuring a general admission floor and premium seated mezzanine level. Originally opened in 1950 and situated in the 93-acre Holiday Park, the venue combines historical significance with modern amenities, including state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. War Memorial Auditorium can host a diverse range of events, from concerts and performances to community gatherings, galas/dinners, graduations or reunions and more. For more information, visit: www.FTLWarMemorial.com . Follow us on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook at: @ftlwarmemorial. History Fort Lauderdale Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region's history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, we strive to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 SW Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Museum tickets are available online at: HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - And on Instagram: @ftlhistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www, Youtube.com/user/FTLhistory . Serge Payer - Photo Credit: Andrew Duany Photography Peter J. Worrell - Courtesy of Peter J. Worrell Previous Next