City Of Aventura Hosts Community Bike Event: Promoting Safe Cycling And Community Engagement Thu Sep 07 2023 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 11th Annual 5K Thu Apr 21 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Parenting In The Digital Age: Tips To Uphold Kids’ Mental Health Tue Sep 19 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The STEM Factory: Opening Doors to Lifelong Learning & Success May 12, 2022 Share It’s said that a passionate teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill the love of learning. Mrs. Charmaine Silvas-Price does all that and more as the Executive Director of The STEM Factory After School Tutoring Programs & Camps, Inc. based in Hollywood, Florida. The program assists students in kindergarten through fifth grade with tutoring. “Reading and reading comprehension is the foundation of our program and what I do,” states Mrs. Charmaine. “A child must be able to not only read, but comprehend what is written to be successful.” The STEM Factory offers a hands-on, problem-solving approach which engages students by combining Montessori, traditional and a method that she calls “processing to channel STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. A strong STEM education is recognized as a driver of lifelong learning and opportunity, opening the door for students to succeed in their future careers. My joy is watching them smile as they figure out solutions.” She, and her STEM Factory coaches, show that knowing how to teach children to learn, be confident and excel in life goes beyond their teaching degrees. For prospective students, a complimentary session is offered where the child participates in hands-on take away science experiences, teachable moments and socializes with other children in the program. An assessment, which includes questions below and at grade level, is then given to see if a child is working at grade level, or if there are lessons that were missed or not mastered in the previous grade. Parents are also empowered as Mrs. Charmaine teaches classes for parents–at no charge on Saturdays and some evenings. Many parents struggle with the New Math, reading and reading comprehension. To overcome challenges, Mrs. Charmaine connects with their child’s teachers and obtains the lessons that will be taught in class. With all of her experience, certifications and skills, Mrs. Charmaine still goes to school—on behalf of the parents. She accompanies them to parent conferences so that she can hear what is going on academically and ask specific questions that a parent may not think to ask. She also checks in weekly with teachers to see how each student is doing and gets the homework they need. When students arrive at The STEM Factory, homework is done before the tutoring sessions. All work is checked and initialed by a STEM Coach. Six STEM coaches to a maximum of 30 students, personal attention gets gold stars for greatness. Mrs. Charmaine traces her passion for education back to her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Albury, in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas where she was raised. Mrs. Albury left a lasting impression. “She would tell us it was ok to make mistakes and let’s fix it in a positive way.” That lesson has been carried on. Mrs. Charmaine uses a “no erasing” policy to help children succeed. “We don’t allow children in our program to erase a wrong answer. We put a line through it, see what was missed and correct it. If it is erased, we cannot learn from our mistakes.” After graduating from high school, Mrs. Charmaine took a job as a bank teller. But with her love for helping children learn and succeed, she knew she had to do something different. She started a preschool in her mom Michelle’s house in Nassau, Bahamas. Services included breakfast and transportation to help working families. Her father, Livingston, who was also an educator and a government administrator at the time, encouraged her to move to Florida to make an even greater impact. In Florida, Mrs. Charmaine applied her belief that knowledge is not power if you don’t use what you learned, to key educational positions including curriculum director for a private school, nutritionist, staffing consultant and administrator. But to ensure no child is left behind, she needed to tutor and teach. She began by advertising her tutoring services on Craig’s List with the help of her husband, Charles “Charlie,” who she says is not only her best friend but #1 supporter and prayer warrior. “He keeps me grounded so that I get it right.” Her success blossomed into the STEM Factory, located at 6241 Pembroke Road in Hollywood, with a second location set to open by early June in Hallandale. She is also an approved vendor to offer services in Broward County Public Schools. Like learning, Mrs. Charmaine never stops. When the pandemic paused traditional teaching, she knew students would need her even more. She safely beat the challenges and kept connected with parents, students and their teachers to ensure learning would be seamless. “I win when my students win.” At The STEM Factory, every student crosses the finish line feeling confident. They are celebrated, especially every Friday at “happy hour.” Together, they talk about their week and each student is recognized for trying their best. Beyond books, personal interest and caring builds hope and self-esteem. Parents say she is making a positive impact through one on one and group tutoring. Students agree. They proudly wear t-shirts she had made for them. Emblazoned on the front are the words, ‘I’m a big deal.” The back? “My friends are too.” That message can also be an answer to a question they are asked daily, “What is your life lesson for today? Life skills are a part of the STEM system, which goes beyond simple test performance and connects classroom learning to the real world. STEM focuses on the child as a whole. Students learn collaboration, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and other skills that are needed to be successful, survive and thrive in today's world. At The STEM Factory, situations children may face are replicated and they learn how to respond calmly. For example, Mrs. Charmaine, a certified CPR instructor, ensures every child learns children’s CPR. This enabled a 10-year-old student to save her grandmother's life from a heart attack last year. Mrs. Charmaine and her teaching coaches are dedicated to ensuring our future leaders are prepared and feel empowered to turn challenges into rewarding opportunities. All children need to know that they can do it! This is where I come in,” says Mrs. Charmaine, who is the proud mother of two children, doting grandmother to Arielle and bonus mom of six. Not only is Mrs. Charmaine making a positive contribution and change in the community, so are her children. Her daughter Gianna is an herbalist and her son Algernon is a police officer. “All children deserve a good education and a fair shot in life no matter their ethnic backgrounds, race or abilities. This is my passion, my purpose and my calling. I love them all.” says Mrs. Charmaine. And she does. One moment in her class and you will see her words come to life through heartfelt actions to empower students to succeed. The STEM Factory offers tutoring and homework help as well as mini–STEM Camps for children and parents. Tutoring is specifically provided for grades K-5th grade. But as the child comes first, they will provide or refer for tutoring beyond 5th grade. For information, please call 954-251-1890 or email: stemfactory123@yahoo.com Additional information is available on the website, www.stemfactory.net < Previous News Next News >

Every Resident’s Hard-Earned Dollar Is Important By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 28, 2023 Share Over the past months, I have been writing this column informing the residents about our Budget. Our Staff begins the Budget Cycle in early March, and it culminates in a final reading of Ordinances adopting the Tax Rate and Budget at a Formal Public Hearing. On Tuesday, we Adopted the 2023-2024 Budget. I authored this article before the Final Vote. With great certainty I can say we did Adopt “a Budget” the question remains what passed? Either, it passed at the current Tax Rate of 8.2466 including the Expansion of Road Paving to from 1 million to 500,000 and adding a Project to Clean and Paint the west side of the Hallandale Beach Bridge on A1A or 7.9998 Millage Reduction with or without the projects. At the last Budget Hearing we had a longer debate over the Rate and these items. The debate after months of forecasts planning and budgeting with a set plan to support that body of work was spurred after two landlords asked for us to remain sensitive to cost increases. While nobody likes to pay Taxes and politicians would love to say they cut Taxes, the devil is always in the details. I must without hesitation say there is not one commissioner including myself that does not care deeply about every resident’s hard-earned dollar. We make sure we watch every Tax Dollar and execute our Services with deep consideration and respect for the trust that is put in our Service. I need to share information about Taxes before discussing this debate. Our City Tax is only one part of the Tax Bill. One Mill in Tax Rate raises approximately $9 Million in Revenues in our community based on our values. In a $200-Million-Dollar Budget, Property Taxes are only a portion of City Revenues. $94 Million Dollars are generated in Revenue annually, all in. So, we need to look at the whole picture. Any changes in the Budget can offset all Budget Projections. Less Revenue means more Deficits, which in turn means cuts that impact Service Levels. So, one increase or decrease can change the course of many parts of the Overall Budget. We also never look at just one year. This year if the Rate were reduced by the suggested amount the Deficit would need to be accounted for through use of Reserves or Budgeted items and would need to be cut to an equal amount. The added projections also would need to come out of Future Budgets as a Deficit. Currently, the Hallandale Beach Budget is balanced without the use of any Reserves. In addition, we have approved over $80 Million Dollars in Overdue Infrastructure Projects that will be implemented. This is a Good Budget and addresses many needs that if not implemented would directly impact on our community and our ability to provide Services. I must share that we all have truly been collaborating as a unified Commission with our Staff to bring Fiscal Stability to our City. Since 2021 when we were faced with only $14-Million Dollars in Reserves and Fiscal Insolvency we implemented a strategic five-year plan to stabilize the Budget while planning for many Infrastructure Projects. This year we are still working on what has been a successful plan. Projects have been right on point. This year has been an outlier with a large Property Value Increase. On average projections are at 3 percent not 17. We have been focused on every component of government. We have made many tough decisions to make sure that we can maintain and deliver Services to our community. We were down to the bones but still the City Manager went in with the goal of Reducing Costs where they could be reduced. We have maintained and in some cases increased the Level Of Service in Departments. We have added programs to generate other revenues. In June, the City Commission set a Tentative Millage Rate and had vetted many necessary Budget Items and Projects. For years we have not played games with the Millage Rate. Many cities will set a higher Tentative Rate than reduce it later. While setting the Tentative Millage Rate I asked about setting it to 8 Mills. I had two reasons. At that point in time, we had Unaudited Reserves well over the 16% target with General Fund Reserves of over $24 Million Dollars. If we had rolled back to 8 we would have ended up well over our targeted amount. The other main issue that I considered before suggesting a Millage Rate Reduction was the Current Tax Rate prevents both Safe Neighborhood Districts from utilizing their Max Rate of 2 Mills to borrow Capital for Improvements. The suggestion, while not a large Reduction, did not garner support from my colleagues. Fast forward to August with Property Values released. Reserve increase to almost $28 Million. So, one has the right to ask the same question I raised in June. Do we lower the Tax Rate? The catch is we still have a Pending Lawsuit for over $4.5 Million from the firing of City Manager Rosemond. What will next year look like? Increase in Values? Decrease due to Economic Conditions? Increases in GPI Governmental Cost of doing business? We still have room. The major question is do we say the course? Last week we held a workshop for two hours with the same question being asked on. Do we stay on the course or go to 7.9998 Mills? To be continued……. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place. I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or at: joycooper@aol.com . On my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at: Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >

The Hollywood Beach Half Marathon & 5K: Sun, Surf, Sand & A Premium Running Experience Fri Aug 23 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Enjoy the New Year at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center Wed Dec 18 2024 19:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Melissa Errico Crowns The Season: Aventura Broadway Concert Series Finale Thu Mar 07 2024 17:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Complimentary Yoga Every Friday: Connection To Nature In This Tranquil Oasis Tue May 16 2023 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate Hollywood's History: At The Liberia 100th Anniversary Celebration This Weekend Thu Nov 02 2023 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hurricane Season is Around the Corner: Now’s the Time to Get Your Emergency Plan In Place May 12, 2022 Share With the June 1st start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season just three weeks away, now is the time to get ready. Reduce your stress during an emergency by having your family’s plan in place in advance. A hurricane can cause major disruptions to your family, the power grid and the supply chain. The best way to minimize these and many other problems is to be prepared. Sit down with your family and determine essentials such as how much water your family needs, where you will go if you need to evacuate and how you will stay in contact with loved ones. You will also need to be able to be self-sufficient for at least 7 days after a storm hits our area. To help you prepare, here are some tips from the Florida Department of Health: • Your emergency plan should include: a) All members of your household, b) Special medical conditions, c) When and where to evacuate, d) Special transportation needs, e) Emergency meeting place, f) An out-of-town contact who everyone can call to stay in touch, and g) Pet plan. • Gather emergency supplies: a) A gallon of water per person for 7 days, b) Non-perishable foods such as canned meat, fish, veggies, fruits and nuts, c) Can opener, disposable plates and utensils, and d) Matches and cooking gel. • Stock up on medical needs: a) 30 day supply of prescription medications from your doctor, b) Over the counter pain reliever, antacids, anti-diarrhea medicine and children’s medicine, c) List of all medications and essential medical devices, d) Physician contact number, and e) Blood type and allergies for all household members. • Assemble a first-aid kit with sterile bandages, cleansing agent, safety pins, gauze pads, scissors, sewing needle, moist towelettes and tape. • Collect essential data in a waterproof container: a) Contact information for property insurer, official emergency agencies, family and friends, b) Credit card and bank information, c) Portable computer storage device with electronic copies of mortgage, home deed, car title, etc. d) Instructions for shutting off utilities, and e) Pet health records. • List your major home belongings and back it up with photos. Sign Up for New "Alert Hollywood" Emergency Notifications The City of Hollywood has launched a new emergency notification system called Alert Hollywood. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a hurricane watch or warning, flash flood warning, tornado warning, serious police situations and other critical incidents. To register, visit www.hollywoodfl.org and click on the Alert Hollywood graphic under “Hollywood Happenings.” On the registration page, click on the "Sign Up" link located just below the login fields. After you submit your information, you will receive Alert Hollywood notifications whenever an alert is issued. Alerts may be received by phone and/or email address. Severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service are automatically issued through the Alert Hollywood system if you elect to receive those notifications. The Alert Hollywood service is free to the public. Text message fees by your wireless carrier may apply depending on your mobile phone plan. Already Have An Alert Hollywood Account? If you already have created an Alert Hollywood account, simply type your username and password in the appropriate fields on the Alert Hollywood registration page and click on the "Sign In" button to log into your account. Important Note For Hollywood CodeRED Subscribers The City of Hollywood no longer uses the CodeRED emergency alert system. If you would like to receive emergency notifications from the City of Hollywood, you must register for the Alert Hollywood service. Alert Hollywood is powered by the Everbridge critical event management software platform. Stay informed - register for Alert Hollywood today at: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood For more information, the City of Hollywood’s 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Guide, shelter information and more, please visit the City’s website at www.HollywoodFL.org/Hurricane < Previous News Next News >

November Performances At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center October 21, 2021 Share The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s performances this November feature an array of musical, dance and international film presentations The Aventura International Film Series continues with There is No Evil on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. After being banned from filmmaking for life and sentenced to jail, Iranian Director, Mohammad Rosoulof returned with There is No Evil, winner of more than a dozen awards at film festivals in the U.S. and abroad including the Golden Bear Award for best film at the Berlin Film Festival. The film offers four tales of those given death penalties by the state and those ordered to carry it out. According to Variety, “‘There Is No Evil’ comes across as four films for the price of one, none of its segment’s anemic, and each contributing fresh insights to the paradoxes of capital punishment in Iran.” The Aventura International Film Series presented by the City of Aventura is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Not rated, this film is in Farsi with English subtitles and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are $12.00. The New World School Of Arts presents The New World Dance Ensemble on Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. This varied and uplifting program of dance works are performed with passion and skill by the talented New World School Of The Art’s dancers and professional alumni. The performance will include an excerpt of the renowned Ronald K. Brown's work, Dancing Spirit, created as a tribute to former Alvin Ailey dancer Judith Jamison and a solo excerpt of Robert Battle's Channels. This lush and lyrical solo work is set to Brahms’ beautiful work, Immer Leiser Wird Mein Schlummer, Opus: 105, Number: 2. The program also includes a mini-event staged by choreographer/dancer Silas Riener of the work of Merce Cunningham as well as Uri Sands' undulating and mysterious work, Something Amber. Finally, the audience will be treated to Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's witty and lively short dance film, Zootcase, this program is appropriate for audiences of all ages and tickets are $12.00. Choreographed by Artistic Director, Vladimir Issaev, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Viva España takes the stage on Saturday November 13th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. with the exhilarating music by Massenet and based on the epic story of El Cid, Issaev delivers pure bravura in the Spanish style to South Florida audiences. Included in the program are: Tchaikovsky; Pas de Deux with choreography by Vladimir Issaev based on the original by Dolgushin and most recently performed at the International Ballet Festival Of Miami by Moegi Matsuzawa and Remina Tanaka. Suite of Waltzes, also choreographed by Vladimir Issaev with music by Venezuelan pianist and composer, Teresa Carreño follows. Plus, a recent, contemporary piece by nouvelle choreographer Lusian Hernandez, CORPUS with music by Frederik Chopin and tickets are $35.00. The Miami International Piano Festival presents Kemal Gekic on Sunday, November 21st, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Flamboyant, daring, provocative, exciting, seductive and sensitive are some of the words used to describe one of today’s most formidable pianists. Gekic’s playing has been acclaimed worldwide by public and critics alike. “Gekic rides the charismatic edge of genius.” said R. Dyer of the Boston Globe. As a recording artist, he’s won accolades in Europe, America and Japan for insightful and original music. This program includes interpretations of works by Handel, Liszt, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Schumann and more. This performance is not appropriate for children under the age of 12 and tickets are $45.00 - $55.00. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has implemented a number of changes to ensure an enjoyable experience. Health & safety guidelines have been developed in conjunction with its management company, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic and have been informed by the guidance of public health officials including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These guidelines will be continuing to evolve as the environment changes and may be accessed on the venue’s web-site. Click here to access print quality images of select performances from the upcoming season, representing all genres. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets on-line at: www.aventuracenter.org . By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or by phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office Tuesday through Saturday from noon 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura Florida 33180. Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at: @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter < Previous News Next News >