Get ready for spooky fun! Sleepy Hollow Halloween Comes To Gulfstream Park Village October 27, 2022 Share Get ready for some ghostly fun! This Halloween, one of South Florida’s favorite events returns to Gulfstream Park Village. On Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Halloween will transform the open-air lifestyle center into a haunted adventure that is sure to spook even the bravest of souls. The event is free and open to all ages. As South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward & Miami-Dade Counties, Gulfstream Park Village provides year-round programming and events, including its renowned Halloween extravaganza. This year’s event has been reimagined with a new, spooky theme and plenty of thrills for all ages. Families are encouraged to dress in costume as they stroll through Gulfstream Park Village to collect candy and sweets, watch performances, and take photos. Guests tagging their photos with #GulfstreamVillage and posting them on Instagram can enter a contest for a chance to win a Gulfstream Village Merchant Gift Card. The multi-faceted event begins as the storied horseman embarks on a journey to find his missing head with a canter into the Village. All guests are encouraged to catch a glimpse of the Headless Horseman at 7:00 p.m., rearing his horse as he enters a spooky fog-filled entrance at the Gulfstream Park Walking Ring before haunting guests at the start of the evening. After spotting the Headless Horseman, keep an eye out for a series of flash mobs. These hidden-in-plain-sight performers will transform themselves into a dancing mob of ghoulish tricksters throughout the night, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Their performances will be splashed against a backdrop of laser lights and fog machines to set the perfect stage. From 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Gulfstream Park Village will feature spooktacular themed candy stations through the Village, a safe alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating. With approximately 2,000 pounds of candy, each station also features music, lights, and live strolling performers. The ‘Carn-Evil Performers’ will spook and delight near each candy station, with themes including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Creepy Carnevil Circus, Zombies, Mummies, Vampires, and scary creatures from Stranger Things—like Vecna and a Demogorgon! Beginning at 8:15 p.m. in the Gulfstream Park Walking Ring is the highly anticipated Evil Costume Contest with up to $4,000 in cash up for grabs. Guests can also enjoy a selection of food trucks including Cuban Guys, Pollo Tropical and La Nostra Pizza, and bars with refreshments for purchase as well as music, performers and Miami’s very own Chris Cruz as the evening’s emcee and DJ. “We are excited to present our reimagined Halloween event, Sleepy Hollow Halloween,” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing for Madison Marquette, the management company for Gulfstream Park Village. “This event is guaranteed to bring plenty of thrills, chills and ghoulish fun to all who attend. We look forward to welcoming the community to the best Halloween celebration in town!” The event takes place on Saturday, October 29 and is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit: https://gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/sleepy-hollow-halloween Hungry for more? Gulfstream Park Village offers a variety of dining options, so there is something to keep everyone satisfied! Guests can enjoy options including Yard House, Christine Lee’s, Texas de Brazil, Häagen-Dazs, Pastry Is Art, Belly Fish, Bissaleh and Ten Palms at the Gulfstream Park Clubhouse. About Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

City Of Aventura Releases Its Fall Recess Program Schedule Fri Nov 10 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Eighteen-Year Breast Cancer Survivor: Shares Her Journey Of Healing - Through Song Thu Jul 20 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Open Swim: At BF James Pool in Hallandale Beach July 20, 2023 Share Come on in, the water’s fine! Are you looking for a refreshing and fun way to beat the summer heat? Look no further than BF James Pool, conveniently located at 111 Northwest 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. This fantastic community pool offers a wide range of activities and amenities that are perfect for individuals and families alike. With its temperature-controlled water and welcoming atmosphere, BF James Pool is the ultimate destination for those seeking relaxation and aquatic adventures. One of the highlights of BF James Pool is the Open Swim sessions. From Monday to Saturday, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a leisurely swim. Open Swim is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal activity for families and friends to bond over. Whether you're looking to perfect your strokes or simply float lazily on the water, BF James Pool has something for everyone. In addition to Open Swim, BF James Pool also offers Learn to Swim Group Lessons and Learn to Swim Private Lessons. If you or your children are interested in acquiring essential swimming skills or improving existing ones, these lessons provide a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced instructors. From beginners to advanced swimmers, the lessons cater to individuals of all abilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth. To gain access to BF James Pool, make sure to Register In-Person. Resident Day Visit Fees are $1.50 per adult and $1.00 per youth, offering an affordable way for locals to enjoy the pool. Non-residents are also welcome to join the fun with a Day Visit Fee of $5.00 for all ages. If you plan on bringing a larger group, such as a camp or an outside organization with more than 10 participants, it is necessary to Preregister to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. At BF James Pool, your Health and Safety are of utmost importance. Therefore, it is essential to observe ALL Pool Rules and Regulations for the well-being of all guests. These guidelines are in place to create a secure and enjoyable environment, so everyone can make the most of their time in the water. If you're a regular visitor or plan on frequenting BF James Pool, ask about their Discounted Annual Pool Passes. These passes provide excellent value and give you unlimited access to the pool throughout the year. It's a fantastic way to stay active, have fun, and make the most of the wonderful facilities offered by BF James Pool. For individuals requiring ADA or mobility assistance, BF James Pool is committed to ensuring a pleasant and inclusive experience for all. Simply contact them and they will be more than happy to assist you at: (954) 457-1321. By Registering for any Program or Activity at BF James Pool, you are agreeing to adhere to ALL Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines that are in place at the time of your visit. These measures are put in place to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. For more information, including our Pool Rules and Regulations, visit our website at: www.cohb.org/swimhb There, you can also find additional details about the various Programs and Services offered at BF James Pool. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the excitement and embrace the joy of swimming at BF James Pool. With its inviting waters, friendly staff, and engaging activities, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories and make a splash this summer. Cool Off at the Open Swim at the BF James Pool! < Previous News Next News >

60 Years, 280 Artists, 15 Mediums The Harmony of Creativity at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival February 15, 2024 Share The Coconut Grove Arts Festival steps into its 60th year, marking a significant milestone in the world of creativity and expression. In this celebration, the festival not only goes big but also finds its way back home, connecting with its roots and core purpose. This momentous journey commenced with a visionary spark, evolving from an outdoor exhibition to a celebration of art, community, and enduring creativity. During the festival, attendees are set to encounter a mesmerizing variation of artistic styles and mediums, creating a vibrant tapestry that seamlessly weaves together both returning and newly introduced talents. From the captivating lens of photography to the allure of innovative jewelry designs, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival emerges with the mission to reaffirm its standing as one of the nation's Top 10 festivals. Each medium serves as a brushstroke in the canvas of this celebration, an exploration of the limitless realms of artistic imagination and expression. The 60th iteration of this highly frequented outdoor festival promises to display a diversity of styles, textures, media, colors, and cultures to fill the senses. Camille Marchese, the Executive Director of CGAF, sheds light on the curation process, explaining, "Our artists come from all around the globe and are carefully selected by a team of highly skilled art professionals." Five independent judges, from museum curators to art educators, converge to review each application, selecting artists based on the exceptional quality of their work. This rigorous selection process elevates the Coconut Grove Arts Festival into an unparalleled showcase of talent, where every piece tells a unique story and contributes to the festival's legacy.” The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is slated for Presidents’ Day Weekend on February 17, 18 and 19, 2024. General Admission and VIP Collector’s Club tickets have already gone on sale at: www.cgaf.com and start at $25 online. Meet some of the diverse artists participating at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival: NICHOLAS BARNES, Woolwine, VA. A second-generation artist, Nicholas Barnes introduces the captivating technique of Wood Cloisonné. Starting with wood collected from his Appalachian home, he employs woodturning to craft intricate designs. His focus on color, shape, and edge creates a blend of vision and natural materials, offering a look unattainable by nature or man alone. View his work at: https://www.instagram.com/nbarnesdesign/ ANNIE BISONE, Milwaukee, WI. Advocating for zero-waste and ethically made garments, Annie Bisone is a champion of Slow Fashion. Her creations prioritize design, comfort, and utility, sourced from discarded high-quality fabrics from design houses. Each garment becomes a unique piece, a testament to her commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. View her work at: https://www.laloworkshop.com/ REY D’ALFONSO, Greenville, SC. Born and raised in Cuba, Rey D'Alfonso infuses his mixed-media paintings with vibrant expressions of contemporary culture. Utilizing Baltic birch, he layers pigments through carving and torching to create dynamic pieces inspired by Art Deco, old American cars, and the vivid colors of Cuban tropical splendor. His work delves into the experiences of migrants and immigrants, incorporating artifacts that emphasize our shared human history. View his work at: https://reyalfonsostudio.com/ KIMBER FIEBIGER, Minneapolis, MN. With 45 years of experience, Kimber Fiebiger sculpts bronze masterpieces using the lost wax method. Her journey began in high school, overcoming gender barriers to pursue her passion. Her body of work has pieces that are funny, sensual, feminist, abstract, elegant whimsical, and entirely original. Currently finishing a large commission for Colorado Springs, she adds the 19th large-scale sculpture to her impressive portfolio, spreading art around the city. View her work at: http://artbykimber.com/ KATE ROTHRA FLEMING, Charleston, SC. Born in Miami, Kate Rothra Fleming is a glass artist and jewelry designer. Her journey began in Botswana with the US Peace Corps, creating flamework glass pieces mimicking natural materials. Self-taught and award-winning, she has been featured in books, magazines, and museum exhibitions, showcasing her commitment to artistic excellence. View her work at: https://www.katerothrafleming.com/ ERICA IMAN, Kansas City, MO. Sculptor and painter Erica Iman molds clay and raw earth materials into forms inspired by geology and fragmented landscapes. Her global experiences, including two years in the U.S. Peace Corps in Mongolia, contribute to her award-winning creations, such as Best in Show at Denver’s Cherry Creek Art Festival in 2021 and in Miami’s Coconut Grove Arts Festival in 2023. View her work at: http://ericaiman.com/ LISA KRISTINE, Sonoma, CA. Internationally recognized humanitarian photographer, Lisa Kristine captures the essence of Indigenous cultures and social causes across more than 100 countries. Using a 19th-century 4x5" field camera and Hasselblad, Kristine's work not only documents but actively supports charities and humanitarian organizations. Her impactful photography serves as a powerful narrative, resonating locally and globally. View her work at: https://lisakristine.com/ LAWRENCE PACKARD, Winter Haven, FL. Lawrence Packard specializes in pen and ink drawings of ships lost at sea. Executed freehand on nautical charts, each drawing is a meticulous layering of thousands of pen strokes, capturing historical records with unparalleled precision. His unique approach pays homage to maritime history and the stories woven into the depths of the ocean. View his work at: https://packardnauticalart.com/ EVEN REINHEIMER, Boca Raton, FL. Award-winning artist Evan Reinheimer excels in the unique technique of "Kite Aerial Photography." Using kites to lift his camera into the air, he captures breathtaking aerial photographs worldwide. His childhood love for kites and photography converges, allowing him to create a body of work that spans various climates, fueled by a passion for travel. View his work at: https://evanreinheimer.com/ HERNAN RODRIGUEZ, Homestead, FL. Born in Güines, Havana, Cuba, Hernan Rodriguez is a self-taught contemporary landscape painter. Using oil on canvas, he translates the unique and exotic landscapes of his Cuban hometown into captivating works of art. Rodriguez's instinctive approach to painting reflects his deep connection to the countryside, creating pieces that resonate with the beauty of his current surroundings in Florida. View his work at: https://www.hernanart.com/ ANDREW SOVJANI, Conway, MA. Scientist-turned artist Andrew Sovjani combines his scientific background with traditional photographic materials. Utilizing alchemy in a hybrid analog/digital technique, he creates prints from B&W film negatives chemically altered by hand. The result is a unique blend of art and science, offering viewers a visual experience that transcends traditional photography. View his work at: https://www.andrewsovjani.com/ PAIGE WHITCOMB, Springfield, MO. Paige Whitcomb utilizes one of the oldest photographic methods to capture images, employing Civil War-era cameras from the 1860s. Using a 19th-century large format camera, she seamlessly photographs people and places, creating a nostalgic portrayal of memories and dreams from another time and place. Each image, a 1/1 original piece, captures the essence of a bygone era, resonating with a timeless charm. View her work at: https://www.paigewhitcomb.com/ The Festival The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is not just about art; it’s also the social event of the year. Over 80,000 attendees from across the region pass through the gates of The Coconut Grove Arts Festival to experience one of the nation’s top outdoor, fine-arts festivals that dates back to 1963. This iconic South Florida event presents 285 internationally recognized artists who were selected during a blind jury process based solely on artistic merit. The jury panel is comprised of art professionals from around the country. Original pieces are displayed in the following categories: mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking and drawing, watercolor, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry and metalwork, sculpture, and wood. It offers culinary experiences and has featured celebrity chefs including Giorgio Rapicavoli, Ralph Pagano, and Allen Susser. The festival has been honored to have some of the world’s premier artists officially create the commemorative poster, including Romero Britto, Guy Harvey, Clyde Butcher, Benjamin Frey, Jacqueline Roch, Xavier Cortada, Rick Garcia, Lisa Remeny, and Alexander Mijares to name a few. The festival is operated by the 501(c)(3) Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association and produced by EngageLive, LLC. Proceeds go towards funding year-round arts programs such as providing art supplies to a variety of schools and organizations, hosting a Visiting Artist Program with Miami-Dade County Schools, and our nationally recognized Emerging Artist Program. In addition, the festival awards over $70,000 in scholarships benefiting graduating seniors from local public magnet arts high schools and art students from Florida International University. For more info, go to: https://cgaf.com < Previous News Next News >

New Experiences for Your Next Vacation in Myrtle Beach Thu Apr 18 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Weapons Of Love - Lag Ba'Omer 101 By Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil May 15, 2025 Lag Baomer Is A Festive Day On The Jewish Calendar, Celebrating The Anniversary Of The Passing Of The Great Sage And Mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Also Known As The Rashbi (An Acronym For His Name), He Was The Author Of The Zohar, A Foundational Work Of The Kabbalah Which Is The Basis For Chassidus. He Requested That The Day Of His Passing Be Celebrated, And Not Mourned. It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. The Talmud tells us that the plague affected the students of Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Thus, Lag BaOmer carries the theme of the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow (ahavat yisrael). Lag BaOmer teaches us that while working to help improve our fellow man, we must never allow these efforts to compromise our love and respect for him. It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve, commemorating the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings. Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime. Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when G‑d promised to never again devastate the world. When the world is deserving of punishment, G‑d sends a rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous. But there’s a much deeper meaning behind the bow and arrow game, with a lesson not just for Lag BaOmer, but something we can apply every day of the year. The first weapons devised by man were designed for hand-to-hand combat. But a person's enemy or prey is not always an arm's-length away, or even within sight. Soon the warrior and hunter felt the need for a weapon that could reach a target a great distance away, or which lies invisible and protected behind barriers of every sort. With a bow and arrow, the tension in an arched bough of wood is exploited to propel a missile for great distances and slash through barriers. The inventor of this device first had to grasp the paradox that the deadly arrow must be pulled back toward one's own heart in order to strike the heart of the opponent, and that the more it is drawn toward oneself, the more distant an adversary it can reach. Chassidus teaches us that the same rules that apply to tools of destruction, apply to tools of construction - the tools we use to help build each other. And this is the deeper theme and lesson of Lag BaOmer: In order to reach a friend or relative who is otherwise unreachable, we have to first dig deep within our own heart. The deeper place from within our heart this love comes from, the deeper it will penetrate in our loved ones heart. The more we work on our own character, the more our children will work on theirs. The Rebbe writes in Hayom Yom “If you rebuke your brother and he does not listen, then it is you who is to blame. Because words that come from the heart, enter the heart.” If you haven't penetrated their heart, dig deeper within your own heart. This year, Lag BaOmer is Thursday Night - Friday, May 15-16, 5785 / 2025. I encourage you to reach out to your local Chabad or synagogue and find out what they’re doing to celebrate this special day. You are of course welcome to join me at our annual bonfire, where you can enjoy a BBQ, music, sign along kumzitz and plenty of fun. We will do it behind the construction site of the new Chabad Chayil Education Center in West Aventura. There’s no charge to RSVP at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Events . For the complete history and more lessons you can learn from this fun and Kabbalistic holiday visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/LagBaomer . 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 . You can also support the community with your partnership at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner . Previous Next

Head to Downtown Hollywood: Kick off the Holiday Season With Free Family Fun This Weekend November 17, 2023 Share Make plans to spend an evening full of free holiday family fun at the ArtsPark at Young Circle this Friday, November 17th. Arrive early and check out the Visual Arts Pavilion that hosts live glass blowing demonstrations. It’s that time of year - the Annual Tree Lighting takes place at 7:00 p.m. In addition to the tree lighting, the festive evening features holiday music and a special appearance by Santa, Admission is FREE! Artspark Movie Night Spread out on the lawn this Friday, November 17th and watch the sequel to “The Santa Clause 2,” where Santa discovers that his run as Father Christmas will end if he doesn’t find Mrs. Claus. Showtime is on the Amphitheater stage at 8:00 p.m. Reminder: Single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers are prohibited at the ArtsPark, including plastic bottles and bags. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3500. Downtown Hollywood Artwalk Start that holiday shopping, grab a bite to eat, or pop into an art gallery while enjoying art, cultural entertainment, live music and the murals at the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. A FREE Guided Mural Tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the information tent at the corner of 20th Avenue and Harrison Street. At 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., meet at the information tent and learn the stories behind the art and artists on a Gallery Tour guided by Evan Snow of Choose954. Live performances on the Main Stage at Harrison Street at 21st Avenue: • 6:00 p.m.: DJ Tony Tiru
• 8:00 p.m.: The Flyers The Downtown Hollywood Artisan Market at ArtWalk on Harrison Street between 20th and 21st Avenue, features pop-up shops, artist showcases, handmade items, local purveyors, vintage shopping and fun! At 10 p.m., catch an amazing sleight-of-hand performance by "Magic Jack" Maxwell at Cinema Paradiso at 2008 Hollywood Boulevard. Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage location: 251 South 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street). Valet parking is available for a $10 flat rate Thursday - Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., and is conveniently located in front of 1932 Hollywood Boulevard. For additional information, please call: (954) 924-2980. Or visit: www.hollywoodcra.org/ArtWalk < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Charter Schools Adopt Miami-Dade County Public Schools Policies February 7, 2022 Share Due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Miami-Dade County, the City of Aventura’s municipal charter schools (ACES and DSAHS) have implemented the same health and safety protocols as issued by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Miami-Dade County Public Schools COVID-19 Protocols Beginning January 3, 2022, and until further notice, the following COVID-19 protocols will be implemented: All M-DCPS employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors, and contractors are required to wear facial coverings while indoors at any District school or facility. Facial coverings are not mandated for students, but they continue to be highly encouraged. The following policies apply to both Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) and Don Soffer Aventura High School (DSAH): • All staff and visitors to the schools must wear a mask. • Students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. • Any student who is experiencing symptoms of illness should test and not attending school while experiencing symptoms. Students exhibiting symptoms will be isolated and parents will be asked to pick them up. • Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform their school nurse via email. Please contact your school (ACES 305-466-1499, DSAHS 786-481-3032) to obtain the corresponding nurses' contact information. M-DCPS Updates Protocols to Address Surge in COVID-19 Cases Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been closely monitoring local COVID-19 conditions and following the guidance of the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical experts when developing protocols to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees. Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases during the holidays, driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant, M-DCPS is modifying its existing protocols. • All M-DCPS employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors, and contractors will be required to wear facial coverings while indoors at any District school or facility. • Transportation employees will also be required to wear facial coverings while transporting children. • Facial coverings will not be mandated for students, but they will continue to be highly encouraged as this practice provides an additional layer of protection against COVID-19. • All spectators at school sporting events will be required to wear facial coverings. • Protocols for the enhanced sanitization and cleaning of classrooms and common areas, which were implemented at the beginning of the pandemic, will continue. Self-isolation and quarantine protocols for students will remain the same. Prior to sending their children to school, parents/guardians are asked to complete the At-Home Daily Student Health Screening which can be found at http://pdfs.dadeschools.net/reopening/Parent_At_Home_Daily_Student_Health_Screening-English.pdf Parents of students who are home self-isolating or quarantining due to exposure to COVID-19 should contact their children’s teachers for makeup assignments and links for remote access via Teams or Zoom. More information about remote learning options during quarantine can be found at ICP.dadeschools.net Frequent handwashing, social distancing, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination will continue to be encouraged. Additionally, the District will leverage its existing partnerships with local health and municipal entities to further expand COVID-19 testing and vaccinations in our schools. M-DCPS will analyze available data on local conditions each week and follow the guidance of medical experts to identify opportunities for additional adjustments to its health and safety protocols. For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on Twitter @mdcps and @miamisup, on Instagram @miamischools and @miamisup, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools. < Previous News Next News >

Gulfstream Academy Rain Garden Thu Oct 28 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hurricane Season Is Here: Do You Need a Standby Generator For Your Home? June 6, 2024 Share Hurricane season is here! Every day on the news, it seems, there's a report about another extreme weather event across the U.S. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for extreme weather. The U.S. experienced 28 separate, billion-dollar weather disasters last year, the highest number ever. That averages out to more than one every two weeks. Widespread power outages are one of the byproducts of these mega-storms, but it doesn't take a once-in-a-century flood to cause them. Blackouts happen regularly due to more "mundane" causes, like power grid glitches, high winds, hurricanes, even lightning in a garden-variety thunderstorm taking out a power pole. And you're left in the dark. Depending on the severity of the outage, that darkness could last awhile. When the power goes out in your home, so does the air conditioning. And the internet. And the electricity needed to keep food at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. All of your "smart" electronics and appliances that talk to each other (and to you) go silent. Owning a standby generator is the best way to keep your household humming during a power outage. Because of all of the extreme weather we've been experiencing, it's moving from the nice-to-have category into a necessity. Here's what you need to know before buying one. A standby generator is different than a portable generator like many of us have in South Florida. Most people are familiar with the type of bulky generators their fathers kept in the garage, noisy contraptions that needed to be hooked up when the power went out. You could run the refrigerator or a microwave, but not both. We've come a long way since then. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. These sleek, permanently installed units are a bit like having a power plant on reserve. Some models are able to power the electricity to your entire home. The switchover from the power grid to your generator is completely automatic and usually so seamless, homeowners don't even notice a disruption. “Home standby generators are expensive, but they're the gold standard in backup power, and they outperform all other types of generators in our ratings,” says Dave Trezza, who heads the generator testing program for Consumer Reports. “If you can afford it, I'd tell you to pick a home standby generator every time.” You must own your home to install a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home - just like an AC unit or solar panel system - and routed to your home's electrical and gas systems. For this reason, you must own the property your generator will power. The type of home matters. A condo or apartment, even if you own it, isn't conducive to having a generator. If you live in a townhome complex, consult your community's by-laws before purchasing a generator. Typically, single-family and fixed mobile homes are qualified for generator installation. Typically, your generator will be installed alongside your home's exterior in a discrete area, but it is still considered a modification to your home's appearance. This means you'll likely require approval, and perhaps permits, prior to installation if you live in a community regulated by an HOA or other governing board. Consider your home's power needs ... and your own. Do you want to power your entire home during an outage, or can you get by with only select appliances or systems running? Analyze your home's electrical load and your power priorities. This will help you determine potential generator models to choose from. Some are equipped to power your entire home, while others are better for powering the necessities. Not all generators are created equal. You can find any number of generators on the market today with just a few mouse clicks online. But this is your family's safety and well-being in a potential disaster we're talking about. It's not the time to take chances on an untested product or company. Go with a trusted name in the industry you can count on to keep your household running. KOHLER generators have been on the market for over 100 years and each model has endured hundreds of performance tests to ensure total reliability. They're built with commercial-grade engines designed to outlast the outage. And they use state-of-the-art technology so you can monitor it on your mobile device or computer. Once hurricane season is here, now is the time to start doing your research. When a power outage strikes, a standby generator ensures that your family won't miss a beat. If you want to learn more, visit a few manufacturers websites for more information: www.KOHLERhomeenergy.com . < Previous News Next News >

Camp VS. School: Is There Enough Value To Camp Thu Jun 15 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)