Sip, Savor, Celebrate Easter And Mother’s Day Seaside At Oceanic South Florida Sun Times Apr 10, 2025 Oceanic at Pompano Beach Pier is serving up a bite of paradise with fresh seafood and savory dishes this Easter and Mother’s Day. Guests can celebrate seaside and enjoy chef-driven holiday brunch specials and warm hospitality surrounded by stunning ocean views and swaying palm trees. The casual oceanfront atmosphere allows guests to enjoy elevated cuisine while dining in resort wear and beach-chic clothing. This Easter and Mother’s Day, guests have the option of indulging in a buffet on the expansive second-floor oceanfront patio with boundless views of the beach. Or to enjoy Oceanic’s signature weekend brunch menu and exclusive chef features on the covered downstairs patio with the iconic Pompano Beach Fishing Pier as the backdrop and tunes by the tides. Make this Mother's Day special with brunch by the beach on Sunday, May 11th. Give mom the gift of relaxation with an oceanfront seat and a delicious meal with the sounds of the waves and live music. On Sunday, April 20th, celebrate an egg-stra special Easter with friends and family. Between a buffet or a la carte, the whole family will be satisfied with coastal-inspired cuisine. On both occasions, the brunch buffet menu is $69 for adults and $20 for children 10 and under and includes a Prime Rib carving station, an omelet station, scrambled eggs, French toast, kid's mac 'n cheese and chicken fingers, seasonal vegetables and crudité display, spring vegetable pasta, seafood display (ceviche tuna tostada and smoked salmon platter), seasonal fruit display, meat and artisan cheese display, Greek yogurt parfait station, Caesar salad, oceanic mixed greens, applewood-smoked bacon and sausage, home fries and rolls and assorted pastries. Oceanic’s signature brunch menu, offered every weekend, includes brunch classics such as grand Marnier French toast, sweet-tea brined chicken and waffles with drunkin' bourbon peaches and crab cake benedict with potato hash. Lunch favorites include sun-kissed shrimp, fresh watermelon and grilled shrimp salad, the New England lobster roll and the fresh catch of the day. Guests can build their own mimosas and bellinis and sip bubbles by the beach. The Mimosa Bucket includes Mionetto Prosecco, orange juice, pomegranate juice and strawberry purée for $29 and the Bucket of Bubbles includes six bottles of Mionetto Rosé and Brut for $68. Oceanic serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Brunch Unplugged featuring live acoustic music takes place on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. When: Easter Brunch: Sunday, April 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mother’s Day Brunch: Sunday, May 11th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Where: Oceanic at Pompano Beach 250 North Pompano Beach Boulevard Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 For more information, please visit: https://www.oceanicpompano.com/events - To make a reservation, please call: (954) 366-3768. Or visit: https://resy.com/cities/pompano-beach-fl/venues/oceanic-pompano Oceanic at Pompano Pier With the iconic Pompano Beach Pier as the backdrop, Oceanic boasts boundless views of the Atlantic Ocean. The chef-driven menu features coastal-inspired cuisine with fresh seafood and creative dishes crafted with high-quality ingredients. Oceanic is dedicated to delivering a high-quality dining experience and warm hospitality, making it the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions or grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach. With spectacular views from every angle of the restaurant, the space is artistically designed with flexibility in layout, with the ability to host private events from intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Oceanic’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Happy Hour is offered weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., exclusively at the bar. Oceanic’s Brunch Unplugged live music series takes place on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Oceanic is in Pompano Beach Village at 250 North Pompano Beach Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062. For more information or to make reservations, please visit: www.oceanicpompano.com - Or call: (954) 366-3768. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram at: @OceanicPompano. Previous Next

Welcome To 2025: Where Your Freedoms Go To Die Wed Jan 15 2025 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Serving Broward County's Underserved Youth: Museum of Discovery & Science Receives Nasa Stem Grant September 5, 2024 Share The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) has received a Community Anchor Award from the NASA Office of STEM Engagement. This funding will both bolster the Museum’s impact on underserved youth in Broward County and transform it into a regional NASA STEM informal education community resource. MODS’ award is part of NASA’s $3.7 Million Grant funding to 17 museums, science centers, and other informal education institutions as part of their TEAM II initiative to ignite STEM excitement. It is one of 13 institutions across the country to share $510,000 in NASA Community Anchor Award funds. “We are over the moon to have been awarded this prestigious NASA Grant,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This funding will allow us to increase Museum access and offer inquiry-based learning experiences for underrepresented youth via MODS STEM outreach efforts at no cost. By enhancing our local impact and strengthening sustainable connections between the Broward community and NASA, we seek to ignite, instill and further a passion for space science and STEM in the next generation of explorers.” MODS’ Community Anchor Award programming will impact 500 learners by providing two STEMobile outreach programs with a NASA-driven curriculum and one mobile GeoDome planetarium program. Fifty additional students will participate in a Kennedy Space Center field trip to explore the facility and engage with NASA. MODS will partner with Title I schools in low-income zip codes to deliver programs to youth most in need including girls, minorities and low-income youth. Outreach programs will be delivered by trained MODS STEM educators via the MODS STEMobile, which delivers project-based learning experiences to 75,000 learners annually across Broward County – 90% of which are delivered at no cost to low-income and underserved youth. All programs follow the Authentic STEM Experience (ASE) framework, actively engaging youth in collaborative, developmentally appropriate experiences that generate real-world understanding. “We’re excited to grow the community of informal education organizations through these awards,” said Torry Johnson, Deputy Associate Administrator of STEM Engagement Programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “These organizations bring the excitement of STEM and spaceflight to students where they are, helping us inspire the Artemis Generation of future explorers and innovators. These awards are a real catalyst for partnerships that connect STEM education and NASA’s missions to communities across the nation.” The Museum of Discovery and Science Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at: 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org or call: (954) 467-MODS (6637). Follow them on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl Twitter: www.twitter.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl < Previous News Next News >

City Of Sunny Isles Beach: The Charter Revision Commission Has Proposed 14 Amendments April 13, 2023 Share The Charter of the City of Sunny Isles Beach calls for an evaluation and review by its residents (collectively known as the Charter Revision Commission or “CRC”) every ten years. Upon review, the CRC may propose any amendments it deems appropriate. If the CRC recommends any revisions, they are required to submit the proposed revisions to the City Commission who in turn will call for a special election for a referendum. At its regular meeting in December 2022, the City Commission established the CRC and appointed five residents and a current sitting City Commissioner as a non-voting member. During the months of January and February, the CRC met a total of six times to evaluate the City’s Charter and make recommendations on possible changes. The proposed changes are outlined below. At the Regular City Commission Meeting on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, the City Commission adopted an ordinance to submit these revisions to the electorate. A Special Election will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023. The CRC has proposed the following 14 amendments: 1. Appointment of Vice Mayor. The City Charter currently provides that the Commission shall elect one of its members as Vice Mayor. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the Vice Mayor be elected by nomination of the Mayor, subject to Commission approval. 2. Limitations on Lengths of Service. The City Charter currently provides that a Commission member’s “term” shall be deemed commenced upon Election. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that a “term” shall be deemed commenced upon the 14th day after certification of the General or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon, or immediately upon certification of the results of a Special Election. 3. Commencement of Terms. The City Charter currently provides that the term of office of any elected official will commence on the 30th day following the day of the general or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the term of office of any elected official will commence on the 14th day after certification of the general or Run-Off Election in which he/she is elected, unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case it shall be the next Monday immediately following at 12 o’clock noon, or immediately upon certification of the results of a Special Election. 4. Qualifications. The City Charter currently provides that candidates for Commissioner or Mayor shall pay a qualifying fee to the City Clerk in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the qualifying fee be in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00). 5. Filling of Vacancies. The City Charter currently provides that in the event that all members of the Commission are removed by death, disability, recall, forfeiture of office and/or resignation, the Governor of the State of Florida shall appoint interim Commissioners who shall call a Special Election within not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after such appointment and that such Election shall be held in the same manner as the first Election under the Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that Elections called for above shall instead be by Special Election pursuant to the Charter and the Code of Ordinances. 6. Compensation; reimbursement for expenses. The City Charter currently provides that the Mayor and Commissioners receive compensation in the amount of $1,250 and $1,000 per month, respectively, increased in accordance with the CPI Index. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to clarify that the compensation be increased annually according to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida Consumer Price Index in October of each year. 7. City Manager. The City Charter currently provides that no Commissioner shall be eligible for appointment as City Manager during the term for which she/he has been elected and until two (2) years after its expiration. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that no Commissioner shall be eligible for appointment as City Manager during the term for which she/he has been elected and until five (5) years after its expiration. 8. City Clerk. The City Charter currently provides that the City Manager appoints the City Clerk and he/she reports to the City Manager. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended so that the Mayor shall nominate the City Clerk and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority, shall confirm an individual to serve as the City Clerk under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with the Charter and that the City Clerk shall report to the Commission and after full consideration, may be removed by a majority vote of the total membership of the Commission. 9. City Attorney. The City Charter currently provides that the Mayor “may” nominate and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority shall confirm an individual attorney or a law firm to act as the City Attorney under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with this Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the Mayor “shall” nominate and the Commission, including the Mayor, by majority shall confirm an individual attorney or a law firm to act as the City Attorney under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Commission, from time to time, consistent with the Charter. 10. Holding Other Office. The City Charter currently provides that no former elected City Official shall hold any compensated appointive City Office or City Employment until one (1) year after the expiration of his/her term. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that no former elected City Official shall hold any compensated appointive City Office or City Employment until three (3) years after the expiration of his/her term. 11. Run-Off Election. The City Charter currently provides for the manner of conducting Run-Off Elections following General Elections; however, it does not include the manner of conducting Run-Off Elections following a Special Election, nor does it provide for how a winner shall be determined in the event of a tie after a Run-Off Election. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the provisions in the Charter governing Run-Off Elections apply to Special Elections as well and to further provide that in the event of a tie after a Run-Off Election, the winner shall be determined using a method and in a manner prescribed by ordinance. 12. Form of Ballots. The Charter currently provides that the ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal title and shall be a clear, concise statement describing the substance of the measure. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to delete the provision that allows the ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal title. 13. Appointment of Charter Revision Commission. The City Charter currently provides that the City Commission shall appoint a Charter Revision Commission at its first meeting in December of the fifth (5th) year after the adoption of the original Charter, in December 2002 and thereafter every tenth (10th) year commencing December 2012. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the City Commission shall appoint a Charter Revision Commission at its first meeting in January 2033 and thereafter every tenth (10th) year commencing January 2043. 14. Timeframe for Submitting Charter Revision Commission Charter Amendments. The City Charter currently provides that if the Charter Revision Commission determines that a Charter revision is needed, the amendments shall be submitted to the City Commission no later than the one hundred twentieth (120th) day after their appointment by the Commission and that the same shall be submitted to the electors of the City in accordance with the Charter. The Charter Revision Commission has proposed that the Charter be amended to provide that the amendments shall be submitted to the City Commission no later than the one hundred fiftieth (150th) day after their appointment by the Commission and that the Commission shall submit them to the electors of the City at the next regularly scheduled General Election, or call a Special Election for that purpose alone. For more information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at: (305) 792-1703. Or via email at: cityclerk@sibfl.net . < Previous News Next News >

July Is Heating Up: Music and Comedy Coming To The Broward Center Thu Jun 22 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stars & Stirrups Market At Carousel Club At Gulfstream Park South Florida Sun Times Jul 2, 2026 Celebrate Independence Day With An Afternoon Of Shopping, Live Horse Racing, And Outdoor Entertainment At Carousel Club At Gulfstream Park's Stars & Stirrups Market On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Guests Can Enjoy A Lively Open-Air Market Featuring A Variety Of Local Vendors Offering Unique Gifts, Jewelry, Housewares, Pet Treats, Food, Body Care Products, Apparel, And More — All While Taking In The Excitement Of A Thrilling Day At The Races. Food And Beverage Offerings From Gulfstream Park Will Also Be Available For Purchase Throughout The Event. Guests can shop a growing lineup of local vendors, including Candle Café, featuring handmade candles, body oils, body butters, and apothecary products; King of Hummus, offering homemade hummus, Mediterranean olives, and tapas-inspired specialties; and By Ari, a trendy boutique showcasing curated apparel and accessories ranging from trucker hats and keychains to dresses and designer bikinis. Additional vendors and offerings will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested vendors are invited to inquire about participating by contacting Lindsay Rousso at: Lindsay.Rousso@gulfstreampark.com . For more information, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/stars-and-stirrups-market-at-carousel-club/ Taste at the Track: Tacos & Tequila Enjoy an unlimited tasting experience and take in the live racing action at Taste at the Track: Tacos & Tequila, Saturday, July 25th, 2026. Sip and sample your way through bold bites and smooth cocktails while you watch and wager on live thoroughbred racing. Indulge in a variety of Latin-inspired dishes, paired with your favorite premium tequilas, mezcal, and handcrafted cocktails. The Flamingo Room, located on the 3rd floor of Gulfstream Park, boasts elevated views of the racetrack. General Admission: $65 per person, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. VIP: $85 per person, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Get a bonus hour of food and tastings, plus priority seating). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/Tacos-and-tequila-july-2026/ Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Must be 21+ to attend, tax and fees not included. Gulfstream Park Located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, owned and operated by 1/ST, the consumer-facing brand of The Stronach Group, has been one of the country's premier Thoroughbred horse racing venues since 1939. In addition to live Thoroughbred horse racing, Gulfstream Park offers two floors of exciting casino gaming entertainment. Level 1 features the perfect blend of racing simulcasts and slot machines, while Level 2 offers additional slot gaming, live entertainment, and interactive promotions. Guests can enjoy more than 600 Las Vegas-style slot machines, including electronic table games, as well as a variety of engaging promotions and tournaments. Ideally situated between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport, and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida's premier entertainment destination. The property features an open-air lifestyle center with an international collection of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafés, fashion boutiques, health and beauty services, and a diverse array of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 Instagram: @gulfstreampark For more information about Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, please visit: www.gulfstreampark.com . Enjoy the excitement of a thrilling day at the races. - Credit Adinayev Gulfstream Park is located at: 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 - Credit Gulfstream Park Previous Next

Delray Beach Named Florida's Top Spot For A 'Micro-Retirement' South Florida Sun Times Jun 5, 2025 It’s Not About Dropping Out. It’s About Stepping Back - Intentionally - For A Few Months Or More, To Rest, Reflect, Or Pursue Something Outside Of The Usual 9-To-5. For Some, It’s A Break After Burnout. For Others, It’s A Planned Gap Between Roles, A Chance To Travel, Recover From Stress, Or Finally Try That Thing They’ve Always Wanted To Do. Unlike sabbaticals or short vacations, a micro-retirement has a different feel. It’s a personal reset, not tied to productivity or paychecks. And increasingly, people are choosing very specific places to do it. Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,007 workers to find out where they'd most like to spend their micro-retirement. The results show a strong lean toward places that offer calm, nature, and room to breathe. Below are the top 5: #1 Hilo, Hawaii Topping the list, Hilo is more than just scenic - it’s serene. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a rich local culture make it easy to slow down and breathe differently. You don’t just visit Hilo; you settle into it. #2 Kauai, Hawaii Coming in second, Kauai offers raw, unfiltered beauty. The pace here is unhurried, the landscape lush, and the days often spent in quiet awe, on cliffside trails or tucked away on Hanalei Bay. #3 Delray Beach, Florida This South Florida favorite blends easy beach living with a creative buzz. In third place, it’s ideal for those who want sunshine, yes, but also a bit of stimulation — art galleries, live music, and that walkable charm of Pineapple Grove. #4 Big Sur, California You don’t come to Big Sur to be busy. You come to listen to the ocean, to the wind through the redwoods, to your thoughts. For many, it’s the perfect place to clear mental clutter and just be. #5 Paia, Hawaii This Maui gem is a mix of surf town and soulful retreat. It’s colorful, artistic, and unpretentious. Many respondents saw Paia as a place to create, journal, or simply exist without a schedule. Infographic showing the top 150 locations across America that workers would most like to micro-retire in. Five other locations in Florida were named among the best in the country to micro-retire in: #6 Jupiter In Jupiter, micro-retirees can enjoy pristine beaches, scenic waterways, and a strong outdoor spirit. Kayaking the Loxahatchee River, visiting the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, and basking in the town’s easygoing nature become part of daily life. #7 St. Augustine St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets, ocean breezes, and centuries-old charm create a soulful atmosphere for micro-retirement. Wandering through historic districts, exploring Castillo de San Marcos, and savoring café life offer a pace rooted in tradition and tranquility. #11 Vero Beach Vero Beach’s quiet shores, artistic community, and welcoming spirit offer a nurturing environment for micro-retirees. Days are filled with beachside reflection at South Beach Park, gallery visits at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and relaxed coastal living. #21 Winter Park Winter Park’s lakes, botanical gardens, and elegant downtown provide micro-retirees a harmonious lifestyle. Meandering through Mead Botanical Garden, enjoying museums, and leisurely afternoons on Park Avenue foster a daily rhythm of beauty and ease. #22 Mount Dora Mount Dora’s vintage charm and lakeside serenity create a peaceful retreat for micro-retirees. Strolling the historic downtown, taking relaxing boat tours on Lake Dora, and enjoying the town’s many festivals provide an inviting, slow-paced rhythm. What People Want From Their Time Off The survey also explored what people would prioritize during a micro-retirement, and the results show it’s not just about hammocks and hikes. For many, this time is deeply purposeful: 26% said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while 23% cited health and wellness, and 21% simply want rest and recovery. Other responses included learning new skills (12%), creative projects like writing or art (7%), volunteering (6%), and starting a business or passion project (5%). Others saw it as a chance to grow or give back - 12% wanted to learn something new, 7% were eager to dive into creative projects, and a smaller group (6%) said they’d volunteer. Just 5% were looking to start a business or pursue a long-held passion project. How Long Would They Step Away? Turns out, people aren’t thinking small. Only 16% said they’d opt for a break under a month. Most envisioned something more substantial: nearly a quarter would take 1-3 months, another 24% would stretch it to 4-6 months, and, notably, 24% said they’d step away for a year or more if they could. This isn’t about squeezing in a breather - it’s about real time to reset. What’s Holding People Back Of course, it’s not all daydreams and open calendars. The biggest obstacle by far is money. Half of the respondents said financial stability is the main thing stopping them. Losing health coverage was another major concern (17%), along with fears of career damage from resume gaps (10%) or losing purpose and daily structure (10%). And while we often romanticize a solo break, 9% admitted they’d worry about feeling isolated during such a stretch. How Would They Pay for It? 55% say they’d rely on personal savings. 19% would take on freelance or part-time work during their time off. Others mentioned family support (11%), severance packages (8%), or employer-funded sabbaticals (7%). Will They Do It? The idea is gaining traction, but not everyone’s ready to jump. Just under one in five (19%) say they’re very likely to take a micro-retirement in the next five years, with another 18% saying it’s somewhat likely. A quarter of people are on the fence. And 29% say it’s very unlikely, citing, once again, the realities of income, insurance, and job security. “Micro-retirement isn’t about quitting. It’s about taking the space to reimagine what life could look like - before burnout forces the issue. These cities reflect what people are yearning for: peace, beauty, and time that feels well-spent,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds. (Credit: Careerminds) For more information, visit: https://careerminds.com/report/survey-micro-retirement Previous Next

Three ‘Must-See’ Comedies - At The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival South Florida Sun Times Jan 21, 2026 The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), Presented By MorseLife, Will Launch Its Fourth Season With Screenings Of 28 Memorable, World Class Movies, Including An Audience-Wowing Assortment Family Dramas, Suspense Thrillers, Revealing Documentaries And Three “Must-See” Comedies. “Whether your ideal comedy experience evokes belly laughs or smiles of delight, we have it all, from a look back at the still fresh and funny legacy of a daring American comic to an array of European box office hits,” promises Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director. Sunday, January 25th, 2026 – 7:30 p.m. ETHAN BLOOM (Coming-of-age Comedy, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Herschel Faber. USA, 90-minutes) The Opening Night Screening of The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife. This delightful film paints a revealing portrait of adolescence, humorously exploring the struggles of an awkward teenager navigating the loss of his mother, his search for faith, and the pressures of his father’s expectations. Starring Hank Greenspan from the CBS hit comedy The Neighborhood and movie/TV actress Rachelle Lefevre (White House Down, Proven Innocent, Boston Legal, Big Wolf on Campus), ETHAN BLOOM captures the perils of first love, religion, and speculation about the afterlife as the 13-year-old title character attempts to evade his Bar Mitzvah by converting to Catholicism. Meanwhile, his widowed dad (played by Joshua Malina from The West Wing) has engaged curvaceous redheaded Rabbi Dani to administer private instruction in the Torah. Talk about complications. Torn in multiple directions, Ethan communes nightly with his mom and dead dog in the heaven he imagines for them, while struggling by day with his enthusiastic discovery of solo pleasures of the flesh. It all comes together in a spectacularly moving finale when faith, sex, love, and family all coalesce in well-deserved harmony. Note: Director Herschel Faber and screenwriter Maylen Dominguez will be present for audience discussion. At the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach Wednesday, January 28th – 7:00 p.m. THE MARCHING BAND (En Fanfare) (Culture-clash Comedy with Music, 2024, Florida Premiere. Directed by Emmanuel Courcol. France, 103-minutes—In French with English subtitles) A music-filled and oh-so-French comedy/drama reunites two brothers separated in childhood by adoption. The strains of Ravel’s “Bolero” run through this tale of family lost and found when Thibault (Benjamin Lavernhe), an orchestra conductor, is compelled by a medical emergency to seek a DNA match and discovers the brother he never knew. Just when it appears that refined Thibault and wrong-side-of-the-track Jimmy (Pierre Lottin), a smalltown factory worker, will never reach a meeting of the minds, a musical crisis that threatens Jimmy’s beloved hobby, the factory employee’s band, becomes the catalyst for a finale that spectacularly merges community, family, and rousingly tuneful innovation in a way sure to bring audiences to their feet. At the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. A WORLD APART (Un Monde a Parte) (Comedy/Drama, 2024, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Riccardo Milani. Italy, 113-minutes—In Italian with English subtitles) Disillusioned primary school teacher Michele (Antonio Albanese) requests reassignment from Rome to a remote snowbound village in the Italian Alps where the air is pure, the students less jaded, and where he will teach in the equivalent of a one-room schoolhouse. The idyllic life he envisions comes with its own unique obstacles in this Italian hit comedy-drama that radiates warmth and humanity even as the teacher faces community rancor, a romantic temptation, and the challenge of an administrative plan from above to close the area’s only school for good. The solution to the problem is pure genius, opening this isolated little town to a new vision of their place in the world. At Hooky Entertainment Delray Marketplace in Delray Beach For more information about SASIFF or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.sasiff.org . About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival: The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, it represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County and returns next month for its fourth season with screenings at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse from Sunday, January 25th, 2026 - Saturday, January 31st, 2026, Hooky Entertainment Delray from Sunday, February 1st, 2026 - Thursday, February 5th, 2026 with the closing night screening at glamorous new Glazer Hall in Palm Beach on Friday, February 6th, 2026. SASIFF was co-founded by film buffs and cultural philanthropists Donald M. Ephraim and Terri Sriberg. For more information about purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, please visit: www.sasiff.org . Or: www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF . And: www.twitter.com/dmesasiff . Or: www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff . Email: info@sasiff.org . Or call: (561) 220-6735. About MorseLife: MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit: https://morselife.org . Or: www.facebook.com/MorseLife . Or: www.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealth . Or: www.instagram.com/morselifehealth . Or: www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ . Or contact: info@morselife.org . (Photo Credit: Sun & Stars International Film Festival) Previous Next

Government Ethics: With Power and Authority Comes Responsibility and Obligations Wed May 31 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

More Than Just Tennis: Summer Fun And Skill-Building At Founders Park Tennis Camp Thu Aug 03 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Remodels and Traditions: Creating Some of My Most Treasured Moments In Life By Tracy Renee Lee May 26, 2022 Share Is remodeling a home ever fun for anyone? My husband and I have built (from the ground up) our funeral home and apartment and fully remodeled two additional homes. We are currently remodeling our third home and I can assure you, we are not having any fun whatsoever. One might ask, why, if we already know that we do not enjoy construction, would we undertake a fourth home? If you are my age, the answer is perfectly reasonable and simple; grandchildren! Our grandchildren want to come stay the summer with us and we live in a micro mini apartment within our funeral home. Not only that, but currently, we have our grandchildren’s very large and extremely active puppy staying with us. There is not even room within our apartment for an extra pair of socks, let alone two very active young children. We have tackled this mountainous task because we are short on space and need adequate room for our grandchildren’s visits. Actually, we purchased this home quite some time ago, even before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in 2020. Our daughter and her family were stationed in Hawaii when the Pandemic was announced. With the emergent threat of disease, we had her and the children return to the mainland. We all stayed in the house next door, hunkered down for safety, before we had time to update it. I believe its last updates were in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. Whichever it was, updating was certainly overdue. We have struggled, as many have, trying to find someone even moderately qualified, willing to do the remodel. I can’t fathom it. People not wanting to work when there is work to be done; it’s unbelievable. I love working and would never give it up unless forced to due to incapacitation. Working is part of who I am. If I’m not working, there is something dreadfully wrong. My children wouldn’t know what to do if their mother wasn’t working. I have always been self-employed and that means I have always worked, even when I had small children trailing behind me. If there are things I would never give up, they would be my family, my faith and my work, in that order. Those are my three passions in life. Without them, life would be meaningless to me. As amazing as this may sound, my husband and I finally found someone willing to work. Well, we thought we had. Demolition began and we were on our way to a complete remodel. Unfortunately, the first forecasted date of completion came and went, then the second followed suit. After noticing that not much was going on at our little house, we contacted our remodeler (again) to see what was up. He said he might come back over in a few weeks, delaying construction yet again. Our completion date is now over two months past due and we are only in the demolition phase. Our home is in worse condition than it was when the remodel began. At least then it had two working bathrooms and a functioning kitchen. Currently, we can’t even claim running water. Our outdated home in which we resided during the COVID-19 Pandemic, is now completely uninhabitable. Our grandchildren call us daily wanting an update and all we can tell them is that we are trying to find someone willing to work. My heart is broken. Time is slipping away. Soon school will reconvene and our opportunity to enjoy our grandchildren this summer will slip beyond our grasp. During COVID-19, my grandchildren and I began painting rocks together. Before we built our funeral home, my husband and I were artists. Since we were forbidden to exit our property during the health scare, we bought and installed playground equipment, plenty of toys and art supplies for at home activities. My grandchildren enjoyed their COVID-19 year confined in an outdated home, playing and painting with their grandparents. I must admit, COVID-19 was a fun year for me too. Thankfully, none of us became ill and we were with each other 24 hours a day. That was heaven on earth. The final half of 2020 was spent helping my daughter and her husband transfer their lives from Hawaii to Washington DC. Washington DC is still a very long way from East Texas, but it is much more accessible than Hawaii. Now, my husband and I find ourselves in a terrible dilemma. We have anxious grandchildren waiting on our home next door that is completely uninhabitable and sadly, we cannot find anyone willing to show up to work and repair the demolition that has been havocked within its walls. Additionally, we have suffered multiple deaths within our family and we are trying to settle the tasks that accompany such experiences. As people of our generation do, we continue to move forward. We search for someone to help us through our situation, someone who wants to earn their living, retain their dignity and provide for their family, rather than sit at home doing nothing. Additionally, each morning, I speak with my grandchildren and we make our plans for activities once they eventually get here. Our grandson wants to go fishing with his PaPa. His first fishing experience was in the height of COVID-19 and he loved it. This year, our granddaughter wants to join them. I think this will become a yearly tradition for them. My grandson asks to set up rules, as he calls them, each day during our conversations. One of his rules is that we paint a rock together each morning and that we find a magical spot to place it for other children to find. On the underside of our rocks, we inscribe an uplifting quote. We call our rocks “COVID Rocks Motivation” and we place them around playgrounds, libraries, fishing ponds, school yards and other places where children will most likely visit. For us, the grandparents, completing the remodel of our small home next door is paramount. Our traditions, developed during the COVID-19 Crisis, are wonderful because they have welded the generations of our family together. That weld will strengthen over time, even after we are gone. We want to keep those traditions alive by repeating them yearly. Our grandchildren will always remember my husband and I, their time with us during the COVID-19 Crisis, the fun and conversations we shared and the love that runs deep within our souls for each other. COVID-19 Prison wasn’t all bad. Our activities together, now traditions will forever inspire love and lead my grandchildren to improve themselves and the world around them. Traditions Traditions are a wonderful tool for grief recovery. Observing traditions that were once enjoyed with the deceased helps us accept that they are gone from us physically, yet with us still through the activities and love we shared together. Such activities, now traditions, will aid your family by anchoring them securely to their heritage. Observing traditions stabilizes a family through loss, expansion and changing environments. Traditions with my grandparents are some of my most treasured moments in life. They comfort me when I need comforting and they bolster my strength when I suffer weakness and fear. I love my grandparents, I appreciate the time they invested in me, the lessons they taught me, the importance of self-reliance they instilled in me and I treasure the unconditional gifts of love with which they showered me. I visited my grandmother’s grave last week; the week of Mother’s Day. As I stood at the foot of her grave, I played my harp and sang her a song. I will never forget her stories of hardship during the Great Depression, her recovery from poverty, her absolute refusal to be a victim and her triumphs through faith. I hope my grandchildren will have these same tools, passed along from their grandparents to them during a time of incredible growth and hardship, companioned with unconditional love, sacrifice and solidified through traditions. The only things standing in the way of having my grandchildren here are a few demolished bathrooms and a gutted kitchen. I guess I better start developing construction skills; otherwise, it is going to be a summer of camping and although I loathe camping, I love and cherish my grandchildren and my time with them. They’ll be here with me soon because I will be next door with a hammer, a roll of duct tape and a tube of super glue starting tonight! Armed with my tools of choice, that house is going to get finished one way or another! My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), Published Author, Syndicated Columnist, Podcaster and Founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” at: https://open.spotify.com/show/... or at https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at: "Deadline_TracyLee." < Previous News Next News >

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