“Ode to Joy” SFSO’s Milestone Musical Performance of Beethoven’s Choral Masterpiece Thu Feb 15 2024 17:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

No Great Shakes (At Last): Brain Implant Helps Essential Tremor And Parkinson’s Disease Patients Regain Control Fri May 17 2024 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stage 954: One Of The Hottest Concert Venues In Broward County For Live Music December 1, 2022 Share December in Dania Beach is filled with live concert performances at Stage 954, one of the hottest concert venues in Broward County for live music. At the beginning of the month is SoulTown To MoTown featuring The Sensational Soul Cruisers on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. “Soultown to Motown” is the new show for 2022 from The Sensational Soul Cruisers. This 11 piece, choreographed band delivers a show that has audiences on their feet, singing and dancing to the greatest hits of the Temptations, the Jackson Five, The Spinners, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and so many others. It is a full multi-media show with an incredible live band that many described as a cross between Kool and the Gang, Chicago and the Temptations, delivering a “WOW” show, time after time. “Soultown to Motown” will take you on a musical journey from Memphis to Philly to Detroit. The music that reflected a generation that wanted to be heard…and they were! Tickets are $30-$35 and VIP Tables are $65 per person. Next up is An Intimate Evening with Jeffrey Osborne on Sunday, December 4th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Five decades into a genre-crossing and prolific career, Osborne’s chart-topping hits include: “On The Wings Of Love,” “‘Back In Love Again,” “Love Ballad” and more. The special benefit concert returns by popular demand to raise funds for the non-profit that provides uplifting, girl-centric programming for hundreds of girls in public and private elementary and middle schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Tickets are $65-$150 per person. Where else can you hold a beauty contest in the middle of December? The Lady Of World International Beauty Contest will grace South Florida on Stage 954 on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Watch and root for your favorite international beauty as they compete for the prestigious title, Lady Of The World. Tickets are $30-$50 and VIP Tables are $125 per person. One of the most iconic bands of all time will be honored with 'Absolute Queen,' the most authentic Queen Tribute Show band on the planet. Absolute Queen has spent hundreds of hours in the studio studying Queen's many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation to bring you the most authentic sounding Queen Live experience. The show is more than just a Queen Tribute band, the music and stage production will blow you away. The Oscar Winning Bohemian Rhapsody film's success has elevated Queen music to a whole new level and has exposed them to a new generation of fans. They are excited to play the entire movie soundtrack at every show plus all of the hits! This show is returning to Stage 954 on Thursday, December 15th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Performing the beloved band’s iconic hits and meticulously reproducing layered harmonies and instrumentation, the performance has been blowing audiences away for years. Tickets are $25-$30 and VIP Tables are $60 per person. Have you ever thought that you could live the Pink Floyd Experience in your city? Get ready, that moment has come with PRISMA - The Pink Floyd Experience, the Latin American band that reproduces faithfully the essence of Pink Floyd. In the middle of the month PRISMA will perform Pink Floyd’s timeless classics on Friday, December 16th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Composed of nine extraordinarily talented musicians who are passionately dedicated to carrying on Pink Floyd’s legacy, PRISMA will perform songs from classic albums such as: “The Wall,” “The Dark Side Of The Moon,” “Animals” and “The Division Bell.” Without a doubt you’ll be seeing the most passionate interpretation of Pink Floyd’s music. Tickets are $35-$45 and VIP Tables are $65 per person. The always hilarious Marvin Dixon, comedian extraordinaire who makes people laugh all over the United States and beyond is back by popular demand. Marvin will be joined by Special Guest Comedians: Malik S., Damon Williams and Ashima Franklin for the Marvin Dixon: 50 Shades of Comedy “The 30th Anniversary Edition” on Saturday, December 17th, 2022 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$40 and a VIP Table is $75 per person. Who remembers the 80's? Well if you are a fan of that era this is the band to see. Los Angeles based STRANGELOVE - The Depeche Mode Experience delivers a career spanning, pitch perfect “best of” concert that transports the listener through time and touches on several key points in Depeche Mode’s 40+ year career. Songs from throughout the Depeche Concert are lovingly recreated; from favorites on DM’s debut Speak and Spell to the newest fare from ‘Mode’s latest- 2017’s “Spirit.” No detail of STRANGELOVE’s presentation has been overlooked. The visual presentation with stage set pieces and in-show costume changes reflecting different eras of Depeche Mode’s story. STRANGELOVE – The Depeche Mode Experience will also have a Special Guest, Electric Duke – A David Bowie Tribute. Both artists will be taking the stage on Friday, December 30th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The full-production, arena-scaled performance recreates a classic-era Depeche Mode concert and the audience will be mesmerized by Julian Sah-Tayler’s impeccable tribute to David Bowie which pairs flawlessly with its fellow British band. Tickets are $27-$32 and VIP tables are $65 per person. For ticket information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Stage954/ Or call: (954) 920-1511. < Previous News Next News >

“Anthropologist’s Delight,” Opens October 4th: ArtServe Invites Local Artists To Imagine How They’ll Be Remembered In a Thousand Years Thu Sep 12 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Dental Group: Combining The Latest Technology With A Professional And Compassionate Staff Tue Aug 15 2023 16:19:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stabilization Efforts Have Truly Paid Off By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 12, 2024 Share We are required by law to conduct two formal Budget Public Hearings. The first is being held this Thursday the 12th at 5:00 p.m. and the second and final hearing will be held on September 26th at 5:05 p.m. Annual Budget planning is kicked off in March by the Budget Department under directions from City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The team does not just plan for one year but develops a 5-year financial projection. Our stabilization efforts over the previous 5 years have truly paid off. These unified efforts have resulted in a balanced budget with thirty-one million dollars in undesignated reserves. This has allowed us to remain true to our mission to reduce taxes while continuing to address our many Infrastructure needs. Promises Made, Promises Kept. At our last meeting, there were still questions being raised on the budget, regarding millage and financial data. While we had a long debate, we eventually set the tentative millage rate in a 5-0 vote. Last week, I had requested to conduct a sunshine meeting for the commission to hold a policy discussion on the items that were still being questioned. This would allow us to hopefully get to a clear and united policy going into the first hearing. The one main issue raised was what more we could do to provide additional relief to our residents that are struggling. Thirty-one million in undesignated reserves is over the targeted amount of 16 percent of the over operating budget. The tax rate reduction to 7.5 did not use any reserves. The reduction was in the form of cuts to vacant staff positions and reductions in the cost of employee benefits and other adjustments. The tax rate reaction will provide relief as I shared with our readers last week. The issue became the proposed increase in the Fire Fee Rate. The Fire Fee had not increased since 2018 when it was raised to $265 dollars per residential unit. This rate is a flat fee that is calculated with a formula. It takes into consideration the overall fire costs of providing services. They are calculated and 90 percent of the costs are allowed by state statute to be paid through the fee. The cost is distributed on a per foot basis and according to the type of property. Fire Fees are assessed and utilized to pay for services rather than having all the costs budgeted into the General Fund. Our cost of Fire/EMS Services this year is twenty-three million dollars with thirteen million allocated to Fire. The only costs allowed are those that directly benefit from the protection of property. Costs within each fire class are then divided by unit counts which can be acres, residential dwelling units, or square footage. The city has typically assessed square footage for each one hundred. The proposed rate could have been as high as $385 dollars per residential unit, but a lower rate was recommended at $347.98 per residential unit. This came to an $82.92 increase. This is a flat rate, so it is charged equally whether you own a $150,000 home or a million-dollar home. State law does not allow rates based on values. This means that a homesteaded property at $150,000 may see a decrease in taxes but that tax relief is lost. It is not unrealized due to the Fire Fee increase. Every city in Broward and unincorporated Broward County charges a Fire Fee. Fees vary from city to city, the highest being $758 dollars charged by Southwest Ranches to $190 dollars. The major cost drivers for fire are personnel, building maintenance, equipment, training, and vehicle replacement. A fire truck alone can cost ten million dollars or more. Rather than have that cost in one year the recommendation was to spread it out over the course of 5 years. We debated the pros and cons of two alternatives. One was not increasing the fee but keeping the millage rate at 7.9 then 7.5. The other was to keep the 7.5 tax rate but reduce the proposed increase of eighty-two dollars. The consensus was to reduce the reduced rate. At these meetings, no formal decisions are made. They are a way for us to meet in the sunshine setting and have open discussion to reach consensus. The actual change will need to be calculated by our professional budget staff before our hearing on Thursday. Please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place! I’m reachable at the Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Mobile/Text: (954) 632-5700. Or visit my website at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com - Working for you! Always have! Always will! < Previous News Next News >

It's Important To Move Over: Two Emergency Responders, Including Tow Workers, Are Struck And Killed Every Month Thu May 11 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Attitude of Gratitude: Each Day Is a Special Opportunity For a New Start By Bryan Golden August 4, 2022 Share Every day you wake up is a special day. It is filled with potential and opportunity. Yet too many people start their days in a foul mood. They drag themselves out of bed to prepare to endure another day. Starting on Monday, their objective is to make it to Friday. Then, on the weekend, Sunday becomes stressful as the clock clicks down to Monday. It’s a shame to allow a bad attitude to cause you to lose sight of how special each day is. As you become jaded, each day looms as a challenge to get through rather than something to savor. Although we all face problems, it is our outlook that determines how successful we are in dealing with them. Here are some tips for getting back on track so that you begin recognizing every day as special. Start with appreciating all of the things in your life you can be thankful for. Look past the fog and negativity. Regardless of what you are dealing with, there are many things which you can be appreciative of. Developing this attitude of gratitude grounds you in the positive. Review your list of good things on a daily basis. This habit gets your day started on the right foot. The foundation you build makes it easier to recognize each day as special. The things you are thankful for are your bright spots. They will energize you when you appreciate them. One bright spot alone can outshine all of your problems. Even if yesterday was a low point, every new day is a special opportunity to turn things around. An appreciation of all the miracles in your life will boost your attitude of gratitude. Start with the miracle that is you. This wonder dwarfs the challenges you are facing. Pay attention to details. All miracles, regardless of how small, should be fully appreciated. Adjust your perspective. Instead of looking at what’s wrong, identify what is right with each day. Everyone has problems and each problem has a solution. Rather than being saddled with another day of problems, you have a new opportunity to find solutions. Taking this approach lets you focus on what is right instead of fixating on what is wrong. Determine what needs to be fixed. This means separating problems from symptoms. Problems are a cause while symptoms are the result. When ignored, symptoms will create secondary problems. Every day is another special opportunity to identify and fix problems. You will become more frustrated and problems will worsen when you fail to take corrective action. Cut free from the shackles of the past. Don’t lament what you could have, would have, or should have done. When you hold onto your past it pollutes your future. The value of the past is to teach us what didn’t work and what did. Each day is a special opportunity for a new start. Every day is another chance to accomplish what you put off yesterday. Taking action is the only way to accomplish anything. Stop procrastinating today and get into gear. Each day you delay is a day lost that you will never get back. Cultivate positive thoughts. Purge negative words and concepts from your self-talk. Your mind believes whatever you tell it without discrimination. If you tell yourself you can do something, you are right. If you tell yourself you can’t do something, you are also right. Your thoughts are as special as each day because they determine the direction of your life. As you can see, every day is indeed special. Take advantage of the new opportunities that constantly present themselves. Use the time you are given rather than wasting it. Believe in yourself and your ability to have the life you want. Bryan is the Author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." You can contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: http://daretolivewithoutlimits.com/ < Previous News Next News >

Let Your Voice be Heard: Biden Policy Jeopardizes the System That Gave Us Gene Editing Wed Jan 31 2024 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Health Care Premiums Rising: Some Just Cannot Afford To Have Insurance - And That Is Alarming September 22, 2022 Share This year when the talk about health insurance came up, everyone was warned that premiums could go up as much as 50%. Guess what? The reality has hit home - and as many are renewing for next year - they are being hit in the face - in ways financially that all of us have never seen before. Alice and Greg Wilson are being affected in a way where both Hallandale Beach residents are in fear of losing their home. That is how bad things have gotten. Alice, 62, is a part time employee - and her husband, 63, works full-time, making just over the amount that is allowed - where neither are eligible for a subsidy. The panic has already set in for Greg, who now pays $1,245.00 a month and his wife, who found a less expensive $950.00 a month policy that is a bare minimum - with higher co-pays and a deductible that is laughable. “I am ready to scream,” Alice said. “I have cried myself to sleep many a night, thinking how are we going to make it - when we are not making any money and living paycheck to paycheck. We are being penalized for working our tails off for over 40 years and now having to wait three years to get any assistance. We will be out on the street.” Alice has contacted the Government and marketplace a number of times - and while they are sympathetic about what is going on - they are not helping at all. “We live in South Florida - which is one of the most expensive areas to be,” Alice pointed out. “When awarding subsidies that could make life easier for people in their 60’s, they are doing the opposite. There are so many people I talked to - in our age group - that are not taking insurance, opting to pay the much cheaper penalty.” The Wilson’s are certainly not alone. This is a problem that will end up affecting everyone - over time. The reality of all this, is premiums are up, deductibles and out-of-pocket caps are higher and provider networks are smaller for the most affordable plans. Consumers who have been affected the most include working-age individuals who expect to make more this year and don’t qualify for employer based insurance. In that group are small business owners, early retirees with lucrative investment incomes, real estate sales reps, accountants, insurance brokers, some doctors and nurses, accountants and bookkeepers and other independent contractors. Employers Hold The Key The days of your employers paying for the entire insurance premium are over. The rising cost has forced these companies to make adjustments and over time, everyone is not thrilled. The employer portion of health insurance that you pay varies depending on your business’s size and the type of coverage. Though there is no single answer to how much employers do pay for health insurance, there are average amounts. Most insurance companies require employers to cover at least half of the employee’s premium. This makes insurance more affordable for employees. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sets the rules for employer-sponsored health insurance. Whether you have to provide coverage depends on your business size. An employer’s size is determined by the number of its full-time employees, including full-time equivalents. Some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, or health care law, apply only to small employers, generally those with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees. If your employer has fewer than 50 employees, but is a member of a group with a certain level of common or related ownership with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, the business is subject to the rules for large employers. The ACA represents a tremendous step forward on the path toward meaningful health system reform. Under the Affordable Care Act, patients who may have been uninsured due to preexisting conditions or limited finances can secure affordable health plans through the health insurance marketplace in their state. In a recent effort to improve access to health care for millions of Americans, the Biden-Harris Administration proposed a new rule to overhaul the enrollment processes for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Programs (BHPs), and eliminate arbitrary coverage caps for children in CHIP. In a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is working to reduce red tape and simplify application and verification processes to make it easier for children, older adults and people with lower incomes with Medicaid and CHIP coverage to enroll in and retain vital health insurance. This proposed rule follows President Biden’s executive orders in April 2022 and January 2021 directing federal agencies to take action to expand affordable, quality health coverage, including by strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. A recent study estimated that only about half of eligible low-income individuals enrolled in Medicare were also enrolled in Medicare Savings Programs. This proposed rule would automatically consider older adults for Medicare Savings Programs enrollment when they apply for low-income subsidies to help pay for Part D Medicare coverage, reducing the burdens of both time and expense by eliminating the need to complete multiple applications. < Previous News Next News >

Cheers To 30 Years - Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Returns South Florida Sun Times Apr 9, 2026 The Iconic Las Olas Wine And Food Festival Is Turning 30, And It’s Throwing The Ultimate Birthday Bash On Las Olas Boulevard Between Southeast 6th Avenue And Southeast 11th Avenues From 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. With VIP Experiences Beginning At 5:30 p.m. On Friday, April 24th, 2026, South Florida’s most stylish street transforms once again into a culinary playground, packed with elevated experiences, next‑level entertainment, and flavors that have made this festival a can’t‑miss tradition for three decades. This year, the festival pays tribute to its roots with a 90’s‑themed anniversary celebration, transporting guests back to 1996; the year the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival’s magic began. Attendees can expect nostalgic vibes with a modern twist, complete with specialty cocktails, and VIPs will have access to a dedicated retro‑chic lounge where guests can sip, snack, relax, and vibe to throwback beats. And that’s just the beginning! Wine lovers, prepare yourselves: the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden sponsored by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale returns with its most impressive lineup yet. Partiers will sip their way through exclusive pours, wines from around the world, and limited‑release bottles, plus enjoy elevated bites from Shooters Waterfront. More than 200 domestic and international wines and spirits from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will be featured at onsite tasting pavilions at the venue; and festival foodies will find more than 40 of your favorite South Florida restaurants in the festival’s 30th‑anniversary lineup. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of signature bites, new flavors, and crowd-favorites that all bring something bold and delicious to the Boulevard. Festivalgoers will also be treated to a VR golf experience. Attendees will get to compete with friends, and enjoy immersive, tech‑driven play. The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival has been Fort Lauderdale’s signature celebration of food, wine, culture, and community since 1996; supporting the American Lung Association through every pour and every bite. This year’s event features two ticket tiers: a general admission ticket for $175 and a VIP Grand Cru ticket for $300. General admission ticket: • $150 with Discount Code: SIPANDSAVOR for $25 off • Access to three main tasting pavilions and all-inclusive food and beverage • All access to the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden hosted by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale after 9:00 p.m. VIP Grand Cru Ticket: • Cost $300 • All-access pass to VIP Kick-Off Pre-party at the Riverside Hotel from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., presented by Florida Power & Light and Amerant Bank • 30-minute early admission to festival • All-Access to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden with elevated wine pours, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., hosted by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale. • Access to 90s themed VIP Party featuring specialty cocktails, private lounge, and more! 100% of the proceeds from the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival will help support Lung Association programs and research to help nearly 2.8 million Floridians living with lung disease. Visit: www.LasOlasWFF.com for more information on tickets and the festival, and remember if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. If you’re interested in scheduling an interview or segment that showcases the fun and flavor of the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival, please email: Janye.Killelea@Lung.org . Or call: (312) 940-7624. The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival is sponsored by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Ombelle Fort Lauderdale, Memorial Cancer Institute, The Las Olas Company, The Swezy Foundation, Florida Power & Light, Demesmin and Dover Law Firm, Cadillac, Amerant Bank, Abiaka at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Shooters Waterfront, LaCroix and Evian. The festival’s Title Sponsors are Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Espolon Tequila, Aperol, Jim Beam, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and LALO Tequila. The Riverside Hotel is the official hotel of The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival.  Sun Sentinel Media Group and Greater Fort Lauderdale TravelHost Media Group are the festival’s media partners. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call: 1 (800) LUNGUSA. Call: 1 (800) 586-4872. Or visit: www.Lung.org . To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at: www.Lung.org/events . Previous Next

City of Hollywood Recapture the Swale Program June 2, 2022 Share Did You Know… The City of Hollywood is in the process of restoring swales throughout the City through the Recapture the Swale program. Swales are a key component of the stormwater management system that reduce flooding and improve water quality. These sloped grassy areas between roads, sidewalks, and homes are part of our green infrastructure solutions that beautify the City and improve the City's quality of life. This program is partly funded by a grant through the Resilient Florida Grant Program. What are swales? Swales are sloped grassy areas alongside sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and driveways designed to capture and convey rainwater (runoff) from ponding on permeable surfaces. Swales are natural drainage features, working in conjunction with our stormwater management systems to prevent flooding and naturally replenish our underground drinking water resources. Benefits of Swales: Swales filter runoff pollutants from entering aquifers and our nearby waterways as swales filter stormwater through layers of plant roots, soil, and rocks. Well-maintained swales provide temporary rainwater storage and help reduce flooding. Help Protect Hollywood’s Water Quality: 1. Minimize use of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. This helps prevent algae blooms, fish kills, loss of native species, and other water quality problems. 2. Prevent oil, grease, and other toxic chemicals from entering the storm systems by properly maintaining cars, boats, lawnmowers, and other mechanical equipment. 3. Mulch or bag lawn clippings, leaves, and other organic debris to avoid storm drain clogs or input to bodies of water. 4. Pick up pet waste. Pet waste carries harmful bacteria. 5. Do not feed birds or other wildlife bread or other human food, especially near the beach or other body of water. Feeding birds is harmful to their health and can lead to unnatural flocking behavior. Feeding birds also increases bird droppings and bacteria input that has been directly linked to beach advisories (closures). Do’s • Do mow your swale periodically and maintain the grass no shorter than 3 to 6 inches. • Do allow for ponding in swales. The water will slowly evaporate and filter down into the ground. • Be a good neighbor and share with others the importance of protecting swales. Dont’s • Avoid parking cars or paving swales. This compacts the soil, limiting their ability to filter pollutants and absorb and drain rainwater. • Keep swales free of bulk trash, dead leaves, or yard clippings. This may clog storm drains located in swales and induce pollution. • Do not fill or flatten the swale and do not plant new vegetation, unless authorized by the City, as it may obstruct the water flow and make swales less effective. < Previous News Next News >