Celebrating Black History Month By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper February 23, 2024 Share (Left to Right) Oreste Blake (O.B.) Johnson was a visionary in the Northwest Quadrant whose vision and dedication impacted residents throughout the City and Broward County. • On June 5th, 2001, Commissioners voted unanimously to designate the gymnasium at O.B. Johnson Park as the Nelson "Butch" Brown Activity Center. • Mary Washington started one of the first city-run social services programs in Broward County. Many cities later followed her example. • Austin Hepburn, Jr., was a Hallandale Beach Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty on July 27, 1973, at age 26. As a tribute the City honored him by naming the Social Services Center, the Austin Hepburn Center. Recognizing The State Championship Lady Chargers After All These Years! Hallandale Beach’s rich history goes back well over 95 years before it was even incorporated. Our city was a farming town with mostly Tomatoes, Squash, and other Vegetables. We had a train stop on the Flagler Railroad right at the corner of Hallandale Beach Boulevard and 1st Avenue. There was a Post Office and Store. Just north on 1st Avenue was our Fire Station which is now Val’s Glass and now a second-generation shop. At that time just west of the railroad lay an open land area that was to become one of the very first Black Enclaves, Carver Ranches. Many Bahamians and Jamaicans and other Islanders made their way to South Florida and settled in Miami. Rents were high and people could not afford to own nor were able to buy. That changed and Carvers Ranches was the first place many could buy homes. In 1940 Carver Ranches was fully Segregated and was one of the few places men and women of color could feel safe with a place to call their own. I often try to imagine what it was like back then. This area was not incorporated at the time like Hollywood, Miramar, or Hallandale Beach. I have heard so many stories from friends and families about growing up in the area. Families were close knit and like back in the old days everyone had each other’s backs. Friends and residents have shared some great stories about those times but have also shared the dark history of Segregation. It was not until 2005 that the 300 acres were divided and became West Park and Pembroke Park. But it was shortly before that in the 1970’s that the South was still Segregated. I have heard many times from friends that once it turned dark you needed to be back home west of the tracks. This was not because you had to do your homework, it was because parents and children were in fear of being attacked simply for being Black. These stories, while painful, are of such importance. We cannot allow them to be forgotten. It is disgraceful that our Legislators are continuing to whitewash the history of the South. It is akin to saying the Holocaust never happened or that the Japanese were never encamped by the United States. These are extremely important to remember and know so when we fight for preservation of our Civil Rights and particularly schools. We need to understand that these places are more than homes or buildings. One such story I just learned of during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was about Hallandale High's Women’s Basketball Team. HHS was built in the seventies. One could speculate that it was built so children would not have to be bused to other White schools or it simply was needed due to the amount of children now in the area. I would like to think the latter. Hallandale High is now one of schools considered for closing due to under i=enrollment.. I will write more about that in a future article. What I want to share is the fact Hallandale High has generated some great athletes. Not all were Football stars, there were Track and Field and Basketball. Not all were young men. I found out the very first Championship win for HHS was won by their Women’s Basketball Team. Their Championship Banner is still hung in the gym. During MLK, a friend approached me with great passion and anger that the team was never given their proper recognition. She was one of the original players. They did not even receive a Championship Ring. I committed to her that moment I would correct this wrong. Before that time, women were actually playing Half-Court Ball. The year they went on to win the championships was when the first-year Women's Full-Court started. The team did not only succeed as the first Full-Court Team they became the first Boward and then State Champions and the very first championship for the new Hallandale High School. I had the great opportunity to recognize them at our Commission Meeting with a Proclamation. I am also working with our Hallandale High School to have them recognized at the school as they should have been long ago. Congratulations to Hallandale Beach’s very own Lady Chargers, Broward County Champion Women’s Basketball Team for two years 1974-75 and 1975-76 and State Champions 1975-76. Not only were they a fighting force that had to share and practice with the boys team at McNicol and outside at Dixie Park. One of their members even sewed bras for the girls so they could play comfortably. They were the gold standard for Women’s Basketball with 65-67 games won! Janis Drummond, Rosalyn Stubbins, Darlene Brown, Mattie Crawford, Kim Walmley, Dina Cooper, Qunea Gordon, Diane McCay, Karen McCrae, Patricia Rivers, Kim Sparks, Debra Shannon and Patricia White. These women are and should remain an inspiration to all young ladies that have the drive to excel not simply at Academics but Sports. As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . Or Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700 Working For You! Always Have! Always Will! < Previous News Next News >

Ancestry Databases: We’re All Suspects in a DNA Lineup, Waiting to be Matched with a Crime By John & Nisha Whitehead August 4, 2022 Share “Solving unsolved crimes is a noble objective, but it occupies a lower place in the American pantheon of noble objectives than the protection of our people from suspicionless law-enforcement searches... Make no mistake about it... your DNA can be taken and entered into a national DNA database if you are ever arrested, rightly or wrongly, and for whatever reason... Perhaps the construction of such a genetic panopticon is wise. But I doubt that the proud men who wrote the charter of our liberties would have been so eager to open their mouths for royal inspection.” — Justice Antonin Scalia dissenting in Maryland v. King Be warned: the DNA detectives are on the prowl. Whatever skeletons may be lurking on your family tree or in your closet, whatever crimes you may have committed, whatever associations you may have with those on the government’s most wanted lists: the police state is determined to ferret them out. In an age of overcriminalization, round-the-clock surveillance, and a police state eager to flex its muscles in a show of power, we are all guilty of some transgression or other. No longer can we consider ourselves innocent until proven guilty. Now we are all suspects in a DNA lineup waiting to be matched up with a crime. Suspect State, meet the Genetic Panopticon. DNA technology in the hands of government officials will complete our transition to a Surveillance State in which prison walls are disguised within the seemingly benevolent trappings of technological and scientific progress, national security and the need to guard against terrorists, pandemics, civil unrest, etc. By accessing your DNA, the government will soon know everything else about you that they don’t already know: your family chart, your ancestry, what you look like, your health history, your inclination to follow orders or chart your own course, etc. It’s getting harder to hide, even if you think you’ve got nothing to hide. Armed with unprecedented access to DNA databases amassed by the FBI and ancestry website, as well as hospital newborn screening programs, police are using forensic genealogy, which allows police to match up an unknown suspect’s crime scene DNA with that of any family members in a genealogy database, to solve cold cases that have remained unsolved for decades. By submitting your DNA to a genealogical database such as Ancestry and 23andMe, you’re giving the police access to the genetic makeup, relationships and health profiles of every relative — past, present and future—in your family, whether or not they ever agreed to be part of such a database. It no longer even matters if you’re among the tens of millions of people who have added their DNA to ancestry databases. As Brian Resnick reports, public DNA databases have grown so massive that they can be used to find you even if you’ve never shared your own DNA. That simple transaction — a spit sample or a cheek swab in exchange for getting to learn everything about one’s ancestral makeup, where one came from, and who is part of one’s extended family — is the price of entry into the Suspect State for all of us. After all, a DNA print reveals everything about “who we are, where we come from, and who we will be.” It can also be used to predict the physical appearance of potential suspects. It’s what police like to refer to a “modern fingerprint.” Yet in the police state’s pursuit of criminals, anyone who comes up as a possible DNA match—including distant family members—suddenly becomes part of a circle of suspects that must be tracked, investigated and ruled out. In this way, “guilt by association” has taken on new connotations in a technological age in which one is just a DNA sample away from being considered a person of interest in a police investigation. Indeed, the government has been relentless in its efforts to get hold of our DNA, either through mandatory programs carried out in connection with law enforcement and corporate America, by warrantlessly accessing our familial DNA shared with genealogical services such as Ancestry and 23andMe, or through the collection of our “shed” or “touch” DNA. Get ready, folks, because the government has embarked on a diabolical campaign to create a nation of suspects predicated on a massive national DNA database. All 50 states now maintain their own DNA government databases, although the protocols for collection differ from state to state. Increasingly, many of the data from local databanks are being uploaded to CODIS, the FBI’s massive DNA database, which has become a de facto way to identify and track the American people from birth to death. Even hospitals have gotten in on the game by taking and storing newborn babies’ DNA, often without their parents’ knowledge or consent. It’s part of the government’s mandatory genetic screening of newborns. In many states, the DNA is stored indefinitely. What this means for those being born today is inclusion in a government database that contains intimate information about who they are, their ancestry, and what awaits them in the future, including their inclinations to be followers, leaders or troublemakers. The ramifications of this kind of DNA profiling are far-reaching. At a minimum, these DNA databases do away with any semblance of privacy or anonymity. These genetic databases and genomic technology also make us that much more vulnerable to creeps and cyberstalkers, genetic profiling, and those who would weaponize the technology against us. Unfortunately, the debate over genetic privacy — and when one’s DNA becomes a public commodity outside the protection of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on warrantless searches and seizures — continues to lag far behind the government and Corporate America’s encroachments on our rights. What this amounts to is a scenario in which we have little to no defense against charges of wrongdoing, especially when “convicted” by technology, and even less protection against the government sweeping up our DNA in much the same way it sweeps up our phone calls, emails and text messages. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, it’s only a matter of time before the police state’s pursuit of criminals from the past expands into genetic profiling and a preemptive hunt for criminals of the future. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted At: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available At: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Fuel Up For Summer Fun: Dietitian-Approved, Family-Friendly Healthy Recipes By Family Features May 24, 2023 Share Summer sun brings an abundance of outdoor activities from jumping in the pool and playing in the yard to simply lounging in the shade. Making the most of those warm weather moments with loved ones means maximizing your time and fueling up for adventure with easy, kid-friendly recipes the whole family can enjoy. From favorite snacks to homemade lunches, flavorful dishes that are quick to make using nutritious Fruits and Veggies can help keep your family ready for whatever summer brings. Dietitian-approved Recipes like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sweet Potato Taquitos and Easy Homemade Salsa offer better-for-you summer solutions with healthy ingredients like: Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Sweet Onions, Roma Tomatoes and more. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these taquitos let you enjoy the convenient benefits of cooking with an air fryer, including: * Healthier cooking: Requiring little to no oil, air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. * Timesaving: Air fryers can cook foods faster than traditional methods and typically with less cleanup. * Versatility: From vegetables and meats to desserts or reheating leftovers, air fryers can cook a variety of foods. "Get into the kitchen together as a family and get cooking," said Julie Lopez, Registered Dietitian and Culinary Nutrition Chef. "Cooking together can help kids build self-confidence and lay down the foundation for healthy eating habits." While shopping for your family's preferred ingredients, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful Fruits and Veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community. To find more summer recipe inspirations, visit: www.HealthyFamilyProject.com Peanut Butter and Jelly Sweet Potato Taquitos Recipe courtesy of Tracy Shaw on behalf of Healthy Family Project Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 8 • 1 Cup of Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced small • Non-Stick Olive Oil Spray • 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter, preferred Nut Butter or Nut-FREE Butter • 8 Small, Low-Carb Flour Tortillas • 1 Cup of Blueberries, washed and dried • 1 Cup of Raspberries, washed and dried Preheat the air fryer to 400˚ F. Add the diced Sweet Potatoes to the air fryer basket and lightly spray it with the Olive Oil Spray. Cook the Sweet Potatoes for 10 minutes, shaking the basket 1-2 times to toss the Sweet Potatoes. Transfer the cooked Sweet Potatoes to a medium bowl; add the Peanut Butter and mix it well. Lay the Tortillas on the counter and place 1-2 tablespoons of Sweet Potato Mixture on each Tortilla. Add the Blueberries and the Raspberries next to the Sweet Potato Mixture. Roll each Tortilla tightly. Place the rolled Tortillas, seam sides down, in the air fryer. Spray the Tortillas lightly with the Olive Oil Spray. Cook in the air fryer for 6-7 minutes. Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 • 1/2 Small RealSweet Sweet Onion, halved • 5 Mini Sweet Peppers, seeded and quartered • 3 Roma Tomatoes, quartered • 1 1/2 Limes, Juice only • 1/4 Cup of Fresh Cilantro • 1 1/2 Teaspoons of Garlic Salt, or to taste vTortilla Chips In a food processor, blend the Onion, the Peppers, the Tomatoes, the Lime Juice, the Cilantro and the Garlic Salt until the desired consistency is reached. Serve it with the Tortilla Chips. < Previous News Next News >

Medicare Annual Enrollment Carol Foley October 19, 2023 Share There's A Smarter Way To Shop For Coverage. By Carol Foley, Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist As we approach the Medicare annual enrollment period, it's essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. My name is Carol Foley, and I am a licensed insurance agent, Medicare specialist, and small business benefits counselor with over 25 years of experience. Our offices are conveniently located right here in Hallandale, and we've dedicated ourselves to helping seniors, individuals, families, and small business owners find the coverage that suits their needs and budgets. Our commitment is to guide you through the complex landscape of Medicare and insurance options. Before diving into the details of supplement plans, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of Medicare itself. At our agency, we've made it our mission to simplify Medicare and ensure you comprehend it thoroughly. What makes us stand out? Our dedication doesn't end after you choose a policy; we're here to support you throughout the life of your coverage. We offer a wide range of insurance options, including Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, dental, vision, hearing plans, gap insurance, cancer policies, long-term care, life insurance, and final expense coverage. For those who aren't yet eligible for Medicare, we also specialize in health insurance solutions for the under-65 market, working with all major carriers and offering options under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). My clients describe me as patient, consultative, and ethical. They know I always have their best interests at heart, checking in frequently to ensure their plans continue to meet their needs. I'm accessible during evenings and weekends, and everyone has access to my cell number in case of emergencies. The best part? Our services come at no cost to you; we're compensated by the insurance companies we represent. Medicare Open Enrollment Medicare Open Enrollment is a crucial period for beneficiaries, occurring from October 15 to December 7 each year. This window offers beneficiaries the opportunity to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. There are several compelling reasons why this period demands your attention: Plan Review and Comparison: During open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can assess their current Medicare plans, including Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans. Comparing plans can help you find better options tailored to your specific needs. Medicare Supplement Price Shopping: Did you know that all supplement plans are standardized? Plans like F, G, or N offer identical coverage, so why do prices differ so significantly among carriers? Open enrollment is the perfect time to price shop and secure the best pricing for your chosen plan. Changes in Health Needs: Health requirements can change over time. During open enrollment, beneficiaries have the opportunity to evaluate whether their current coverage adequately meets their evolving healthcare needs. Cost Savings: Medicare plans can alter their premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coverage from year to year. Beneficiaries can potentially find cost-effective options that better align with their financial circumstances. Prescription Drug Coverage: Medicare Part D plans may change the drugs they cover and their pricing. Open enrollment ensures that Part D beneficiaries continue to receive coverage for their medications without substantial cost increases. Network Changes: Medicare Advantage plans come with provider networks. Beneficiaries should verify whether their preferred doctors and healthcare facilities remain in-network with their chosen plan. Plan Ratings and Quality: Medicare assesses the quality and performance of healthcare plans, including Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Utilize open enrollment to select plans with higher ratings and superior quality of care. Medicare Savings Programs: Some beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help, offering assistance with Medicare costs. We can check your eligibility and help you enroll in these programs if you qualify. Medicare open enrollment is the annual opportunity for beneficiaries to evaluate their healthcare needs, explore their Medicare coverage options, and make informed decisions to secure the most suitable and cost-effective coverage for the year ahead. Please take advantage of this time and speak with a Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist. Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams As a Medicare specialist, part of my role is to guide clients on protecting themselves from Medicare scams. Safe-guarding your personal information and finances is vital to avoid falling victim to fraudsters. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself: Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Emails: Medicare will not initiate contact via phone calls, emails, or in-person visits. Be cautious if you receive unsolicited communications claiming to be from Medicare. Never Share Personal Information: Refrain from sharing your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If someone claims to be from Medicare, request their name, phone number, and a callback number. Verify their identity independently by calling Medicare directly at: 1-800-MEDICARE. Protect Your Medicare Card: Keep your Medicare card in a secure location and only carry it with you when necessary. Avoid sharing your Medicare card or number with anyone except trusted healthcare providers. Beware of Free Offers: Scammers often use the lure of "free" services, equipment, or medical supplies to trick individuals into sharing personal information. Medicare does not make such offers via phone calls. Avoid Calling 1-800 Medicare Ads: Calling the numbers advertised on television can put you on call lists, leading to incessant phone calls. Instead, seek assistance from an independent agent you trust. Protecting yourself from Medicare scams necessitates vigilance and skepticism when dealing with unsolicited communications or offers related to healthcare services. Always verify the identity of individuals or organizations claiming affiliation with Medicare before sharing any personal information. If you have any questions or need assistance, I'm here to help. My team looks forward to working with you, and remember, our services come at no cost. We are also happy to simply review your current policy and review your coverage with you. Carol Foley, Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist Main Line Benefits Co. 1980 South Ocean Dr, Hallandale Beach 610-639-5616 www.mlbenefitsco.com < Previous News Next News >

Navigate Chronic Illness Adversities: Organ Transplant Recipient Details Ways to Live a Joyful Life Amid Long-Term Adversity Wed Oct 18 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Numbers Have Increased: What Can Be Done About Hate Crimes Thu Mar 23 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New Rules And Regulations Regarding Condominium Safety Measures For Buildings By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 8, 2021 Share “Our residents can be confident, that our City has been working to assure that all buildings, are up to date with their inspections and those that are not in compliance, will be addressed” Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper As we all are shocked and saddened by the horrific collapse of the Champlain Tower, my prayers go out to all that have lost loved ones. I want to send special condolences to the Tennenhaus Family who lost a sister and brother-in-law, Reb Tzvi and Itty Ainsworth. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Tennenhaus have become an integral part of our community. Their religious leadership and altruism have become a beacon for so many. I also want to thank, The Hallandale Beach Police Department that has been assisting the City of Surfside and the recovery crews. I know how concerned, many of our condominium owners are. Our residents can be confident, that our City has been working to assure that all buildings, are up to date with their inspections and those that are not in compliance, will be addressed. We have set up an entire landing page with information, on our web-site at: www.cohb.org . Sadly, we do not know for sure, why the building collapsed, but it is pointing to lack of maintenance, which is what led to structural failures. 40-year inspections can cost, millions of dollars. Boards and unit owners are often at odds, when it comes to the money required that makes the buildings whole. They fight the boards, do recalls and hire attorneys to fight against assessments, when boards are required to maintain the buildings, just like taxes. No one likes to levy them or pay for them, but, they are what maintains, our services. Many unit owners can afford assessments, but, others simply cannot, which is creating a very complex set of issues, by this catch 22. Many of our unit owners that live in our condominiums, are retirees that are on fixed incomes. They moved here, with the hope, to live out their golden years in peace. With Social Security, not keeping up with the cost of living and with health insurance costs rising, many are living paycheck to paycheck and are faced with a large financially devastating assessment. I am aware, that one building in Hallandale Beach, is having major issues, due to unit owners defaulting on their payments. The condo went bankrupt and now, is in receivership. They are working hard to perform work and get through the process. Everything for them is more complex, than ever, since the board does not hold any power to execute contracts. Everything must go through the receiver. Senior poverty is growing. There is now a term for it, “Silver Tsunami.” During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was interesting to find out where the major demand for assistance came from. One would think, it is mainly west, but, data has shown, this is citywide. Dr. Earle shared with me, at the time of pointing out facts for the data drawn up, for the census, it showed that our seniors, are living on the east side of the city, in condominiums, that are at the poverty level. This fact, combined with 40-year inspections, has really set off an alarm bell for me. This week, I scheduled a Zoom call with The Broward County Human Services, to discuss the COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Funding, what resources are available for our seniors, when it comes to housing issues. I also have reached out to Broward County, Senator, Steve Geller to discuss, setting up a meeting with our local mayors to address the resources for inspections and building services. Our City, has currently been inundated with permit requests, also, we recently let our Building Officials go and two Permit Clerks quit. We are doing a total revamp of our department and hiring Permit Inspectors. Like all businesses, it has been difficult with hiring staff, in the building, it is getting even more difficult. We are bound by the Board of Rules and Appeals. BORA is statewide, but, each county has a separate board. The Broward's Board has handcuffed the cities, when it comes to hiring experts. Obviously, they have to pass a test and be certified, but Broward County requires, years of government experience. For example, I could be a Structural Engineer, that built skyscrapers in New York for years, but I could not work in a city in Broward without having any, government experience. I have asked Broward's Mayor to work with the city's to ensure that we can all have flexibility, when it comes to hiring individuals to work in a building. Please remember that the City will be hosting a special telephone Town Hall meeting to discuss the Citywide On-Street Parking Program, on Monday, July 19th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Please sign up on our web-site, where we have a landing page with all of the information. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City, a better place, on my phone/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

Dementia & Heat Safety: Heat Is Especially Dangerous For Someone With a Dementia-Related Illness July 6, 2023 Share With heat indexes well over 100 degrees creating dangerous conditions for millions of Americans during a prolonged heat wave, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing important tips to help caregivers keep their loved ones living with dementia safe. “Triple-digit temperatures and heat indexes are especially dangerous for someone with a Dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s Disease, because the effects of Dementia can impair their ability to notice if they are developing heat stroke or dehydration,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, SIFI, Director of Educational and Social Services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “Taking a few simple steps will go a long way to help caregivers keep their loved one with dementia safe during the heat wave.” Watch Out For Wandering Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior for individuals with Dementia, as they can get lost or become disoriented, and not know how or who to call for help. It’s even more dangerous in extreme heat conditions, where heat stroke (a serious elevation in body temperature that is sparked by exposure to extreme environmental heat or a mixture of heat and humidity) can develop in minutes. There are many reasons why someone with dementia wants to go outdoors. Being outside may provide a feeling of purposefulness or satisfaction; be a response to excessive stimuli, be triggered by the need to get away from noises and people; or is a response to an unmet need (i.e., hunger, thirst, boredom). Reduce the chances of wandering by identifying consistent and sustainable ways to support these experiences in a safe environment: create walking paths around the home with visual cues and stimulating objects, engage the person in simple tasks, or offer engaging activities (i.e., music, crafts, games). Ensuring basic needs are met can also reduce the chances of wandering. Keep a recent photo and medical information on hand, as well as information about familiar destinations that are currently, or formerly, frequented, that can be shared with emergency responders if the person wanders. This will expedite search and rescue efforts. Monitor the person’s fluid intake. Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia-related illnesses can affect a person’s ability to know when they are thirsty, thus making it critically important for caregivers to monitor fluid intake and encourage them to drink frequently. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these drinks may contribute to dehydration. Observe the person for heat stroke warning signs. Dementia-related illnesses can make it harder for a person to detect temperature changes, putting them at greater risk for heat stroke. Watch for warning signs such as excessive sweating, exhaustion, hot, dry, or red skin, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or sudden changes in mental status. If the person is exhibiting these warning signs, such actions as resting in an air-conditioned room, removing clothing, applying cold compresses, and drinking fluids can all help cool the body. If the person faints, exhibits excessive confusion or is unconscious, call 911 immediately. Know where to cool down. Many municipalities will open up air conditioned “cooling centers” so that people who do not have air conditioning can go cool down. These centers can include senior centers, libraries, community centers and other municipal/public buildings. If your person does not have air conditioning, find out if there are cooling centers are nearby. Plan ahead. Blackouts and other power failures can sometimes occur during heat waves. Make sure that cell phones, tablets, and other electrical devices are fully charged. Flashlights should be easily accessible in case of a power failure. Have the emergency contact numbers for local utility providers, as well as the police and fire departments, readily accessible. Have a long-distance plan if necessary. If you don’t live near your loved one, arrange for someone nearby to check on them. Inform this contact person about emergency contacts, and where important medical information, such as an insurance card, is kept. Make sure your loved one has plenty of water, and has access to air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms. The Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program The Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is a 24-hour nationwide identification, support and enrollment program. They work with law enforcement to quickly identify and return to safety a person with Alzheimer’s or a related Dementia who has wandered, locally or far from home. How It Works A MedicAlert membership plan with Wandering Support helps first responders and families reconnect with individuals living with Dementia who experience a medical emergency or have wandered. When an incident call comes in, MedicAlert’s Emergency Response Team collects all the relevant information on the missing or found person. For missing incidents, a missing person report is generated and distributed to local police, EMS and other authorities as appropriate. MedicAlert continues to follow up on the case until it is resolved. The member’s profile contains medical conditions, allergies, medications taken, past surgical history, and other important information. In an emergency, the MedicAlert Emergency Response Team relays this information to first responders to enable fast, accurate care. In a wandering incident, MedicAlert collaborates with emergency responders and provides the member’s information to facilitate a safe return. MedicAlert communicates with the member’s emergency contacts during and after a wandering incident. If the person is reported found by law enforcement or another official agency, when provided with the member’s ID number from an ID bracelet or ID accessory, MedicAlert will release the person’s personal details, emergency contacts and medical information to first responders. If the person is reported found by a good Samaritan, MedicAlert will reach out directly to the member’s emergency contacts to assist in a safe return to their family. Membership Plans & ID Bracelets Members are required to purchase an ID bracelet or accessory, and an Advantage or Advantage Plus membership to participate in the Wandering Support program. Products can be purchased through MedicAlert, including ID bracelets, necklaces and other accessories for men and women. The cost for an ID bracelet or another product is dependent upon the style selected. All IDs are custom engraved with the member’s medical information and unique MedicAlert member number. To learn more about and purchase a MedicAlert membership plan and ID products: • Online: Go to: https://www.medicalert.org/our-partners/alz/ and use the promo code ALZ. • Phone: Call MedicAlert’s Member Services line 800.ID.ALERT (800.432.5378) and use the promo code ALZ. Local Law Enforcement If you rather work directly with local law enforcement to inform them of a loved ones home address and description, in case they ever wander away from home, many police departments have programs to assist with persons with Dementia or Autism. Here is the contact information for a few local police jurisdictions to contact in your loved one lives within that city: Sunny Isles Beach Police Department: Cautism@sibpd.net or call: 305.947.4440 Hallandale Beach Police Department: 954.457.1400 Hollywood Police Department: 954.764.4357 Aventura Police Department: 305.466.8989 Dania Beach Police Department: 954.926.2400 Caregivers who have questions or need additional information can contact the AFA Helpline by phone: (866-232-8484), text: (646-586-5283), or webchat: (www.alzfdn.org ) to speak with a licensed social worker. The Helpline is available seven days a week. < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood is Plastic and Foam Free June 15, 2021 Share On Hollywood Beach at City-Owned Properties & by City Vendors The City of Hollywood, is committed to reducing their environmental impacts and becoming, more sustainable. One step the City has taken, is achieving this goal and to ban the use of, non-biodegradable containers, like plastics and expanded polystyrene foams (EPS), used for serving, food products. On October 1st, 2018, any establishment, located east of the Intracoastal Waterway, selling food intended for consumption by customers off the premises of their business, was included in the ban. On October 21st, 2020, the City Commission approved, a ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene foams, on City-owned properties and by City vendors. City-owned properties include: Community Centers, The Hollywood City Hall, The Fire Stations and more. A six month grace period, is now in effect, prior to citation for violations. What types of food packaging are banned? Cups, lids, straws, plates, bowls, utensils, sandwich containers or other packaging, which are made of plastic, polystyrene plastic or of any non-biodegradable materials that are banned. What is polystyrene and why did the City of Hollywood ban it? Polystyrene, best known as “styrofoam,” is a non-biodegradable plastic material made from Petroleum. It is commonly used in takeout containers, disposable coffee cups, single-use utensils and dinnerware. The material breaks apart easily and is often found, littered throughout the waterways and can harm wildlife, if, ingested. How do you identify polystyrene packaging? Polystyrene material can be identified with the "6" symbol marked on the packaging. What types of food packaging can be used? Businesses may use any compostable materials or paper. Businesses may also access the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), which is an online catalog of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). What will happen if my business does not comply with the ban? Businesses found in violation, will be issued a Code Violation and could face fines for failing to comply. If a business has questions about complying with the ordnance call (954) 921-3061. For more information about the products included in the ban, please refer to Code of Ordinances 97.05. You may also contact the City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division at: 954-921-3061 or beach compliance 786-202-3957. Polystyrene Foam Grows In addition to the City of Hollywood in the U.S., a considerable number of cities and counties have passed ordinances banning foodservice disposables made from polystyrene foam. Some localities have even banned a wider range of consumer products made of polystyrene foam, such as beach and pool toys, coolers, egg containers and marine navigation markers. While polystyrene foam bans have not made a large impact on total U.S. demand yet, an increase in bans throughout the US by municipalities and foodservice companies, could impact sales, in the future. < Previous News Next News >

Cancelling Christmas? The FDA’s Gut vs. Your Child’s Heart Mon Dec 13 2021 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Registration Open For All Abilities Spring Classes: Four Different Dance And Sing-Along Classes Are Available At The Broward Center February 20, 2025 Share Made possible through the generous support from the Taft Foundation, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is hosting All Abilities classes beginning in February with interactive and engaging arts experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment for those with physical and developmental disabilities. Registration is now underway for dance-along classes on February 16th and Sunday, March 2nd and sing-along classes on April 27th and June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Broward Center’s Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. Each class is divided into two age groups, 4 to14 year olds and from 15 years old and older. The entire family will join Broward Center teaching artists as they lead fun, interactive dance and singing experiences. Up to three parents and siblings are welcome to stay and participate. Complimentary beverages and cookies are provided to encourage socialization among participants. Complimentary parking is also included. For more details and to register, please visit: www.browardcenter.org/education/programs/classes/sensory-inclusive-programs For complete class information and registration, visit: www.Browardcenter.org/classes - Email: registrar@browardcenter.org - Or call: (954) 468-2689. For classes requiring auditions, visit: www.browardcenter.org/auditions To view and download visuals and social narrative please visit: https://padlet.com/NeuroConsultingSolutions/broward-center-for-performing-arts-all-abilities-2025-season-5jodm1bozyecicfi The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Spring Is Sweeter In Florida: Citrus Has Got All Dishes Covered March 16, 2023 Share Spring isn't just the start to a new season, for many of us throughout the country it signals sunshine, longer days and the chance to renew your palates with fresh flavors - like the juicy goodness of seasonal Citrus. In Florida we experience this beautiful sunshine year round and citrus is literally growing in the trees, so this is the perfect time to take advantage of locally grown Citrus fruits. With the beginning of Spring a few days away on Monday, March 20th, 2023 go outside, enjoy the sunshine and simply embrace the opportunities that this new time of year brings. As we have many celebrations this time of year and food remains the centerpiece when bringing people together, make citrus a part of each moment. From baking to cooking to snacking, you name it, citrus has got all dishes covered. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a dish with citrus and it's worth picking that perfect fruit from your nearest market or from your yard, in fact, National Sunkist® Citrus Day was on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 when they celebrated the 130th Anniversary of the Multi-Generation Growers who remain at the heart of their sweet legacy. When it comes to spring, citrus knows its way around the season. Here are three easy tips to stay fresh with your citrus fruits: • Get your Vitamin C: Oranges are a popular Citrus, with many varieties ripe for spring picking. Impress any guest with a super sweet, seedless Cara Cara Orange, which is pink on the inside and thanks to the Antioxidant Lycopene it has 100% of your daily recommended Vitamin C. Or opt for the iconic Blood Orange, with ruby red flesh and a bold, berry flavor. Yes, this Orange is both eye-catching and complementary to the flavors of many meals. • Freeze your citrus: Citrus doesn't just go far on your plates; it can liven up leftovers and last for weeks with the right tips and tricks. Freeze lemon peels to use in soups or broths, store citrus in the fridge for a snack that lasts and keep juice in the freezer to toss into a Sunday sauce. • Add zest to your routine: From zest to juice to a bright aroma, Lemons are the best way to freshen things up in time for Spring. Try their zest in desserts, a squeeze onto main courses, a garnish for cocktails or fresh, healthy dressings for salads. Plus, if you're looking to lower sodium intake, fresh juice makes lemons the supreme s'alternative. To help ring in Spring and celebrate the possibilities of Citrus, Sunkist® has new seasonal recipes, including a standout Lemon Loaf starring Sunkist® Lemon Juice and zest, ideal for brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat. Find more Citrus recipes at: www.Sunkist.com/Recipes Sunkist Lemon Loaf Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 55 minutes Ingredients: Loaf: • 1/2 Cup of Butter, room temperature • 1 1/2 Cups of Sugar • 3 Eggs, room temperature • 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract • 1 1/2 Cups of Cake Flour • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda • 1/2 Cup of Sour Cream • 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice • Zest from 2 Sunkist® Lemons Glaze: • 3/4 Cup of Powdered Sugar • 1 Tablespoon of fresh Lemon Juice • Zest from 1 Sunkist® Lemon Directions Preheat the oven to 350˚ F and line your 8” x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream the Butter and Sugar together in a large bowl until it is light and fluffy. Add in your Eggs one at a time and the Vanilla Extract. Into a smaller bowl, mix together your Flour, Salt and Baking Soda. Alternate adding your dry ingredients with your Sour Cream. Fold in the fresh Lemon Juice and zest and mix it until it is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the oven for about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare the Glaze by mixing the Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice and Lemon zest together until it is smooth.Remove the loaf from the oven and let it completely cool before topping it with the Glaze. < Previous News Next News >