Critical Race Theory: Explained and Opposed By Black Americans Thu Feb 17 2022 05:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

City Launches New Customer Service App Called “Hollywood Connect” Thu Aug 05 2021 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Expedition Dinosaur - Embark On An Epic Journey 66 Million Years Into The Past South Florida Sun Times May 15, 2025 Uncover The Mysteries Of Earth’s Greatest Transformation On An Epic Journey Through The Final Days Of The Dinosaurs When Expedition: Dinosaur - Rise Of The Mammals, Presented By Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital, Roars To Life At The Museum Of Discovery And Science (MODS) On Friday, May 23rd! This Captivating Traveling Exhibit Kicks Off MODS’ Summer Of Dinosaurs, A Larger-Than-Life Celebration Filled With Prehistoric Adventures, Hands-On Discovery And Dino-Sized Fun For The Whole Family. The Exhibit Runs Through Monday, September 1st, 2025. “Nothing fascinates families more than the magnificence and majesty of dinosaurs and we’re ready to transport guests back in time to investigate the end of their earthly reign,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This immersive exhibit shines a light on the plight of these prehistoric creatures through STEAM-based creative and investigative explorations. It’s a perfect complement to MODS’ Dino Dana Exhibit that encourages young paleontologists to dig deeper into the science of fossils and to our new HoloTheater, set to debut this summer with Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure.” Guests can expect to be awed as they encounter 12 gigantic animatronic dinosaurs and mammals including the mighty T.Rex, the armored Ankylosaurus and the curious Anzu brought to life with jaw-dropping movements and sounds. Guests can excavate fossils, create dinosaurs at the art spinner and test their skills in the Dino Operation Game. They can also dive into a 3D topography sandbox, scan fossils and explore a paleontologist’s field tent to uncover prehistoric secrets. Plus, guests can snap a selfie inside the mouth of a full-size T.Rex skull replica. “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital believes in the power of play. For our patients this means healing, and kids being kids while in the hospital. For our children in the community, it means encouraging wonder and imagination,” said Caitlin Stella, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “Expedition: Dinosaur – Rise of the Mammals gives children the chance to learn through play, exploration and fun. Partnering with MODS allows us to connect with the community and encourage healthy child development in meaningful ways beyond hospital walls.” Adding to MODS’ Summer of Dinosaurs is the new, revolutionary HoloTheater, set to debut Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure, a stunning visual journey through 140 years of paleontology that brings dinosaurs to life in jaw-dropping fashion. This dynamic and immersive storytelling attraction, the first of its kind on the East Coast of the United States, uses three-dimensional holographic technology, precise laser-projection and video mapping to bring audiences up close and personal to life-size dinosaurs. Developed by BASE Xperiential, producers of mixed-media and live holographic entertainment and brought to market in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF), the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen films, the HoloTheater redefines museum storytelling offering an interactive learning experience that blends advanced holographic projection, panoramic visuals and spatial audio to engage and inspire guests of all ages. Expedition: Dinosaur - Rise of the Mammals is included with admission to MODS. For more information about the exhibit, visit: https://mods.org/expeditiondinosaur. About Stage Nine Exhibits Stage Nine Exhibits is a full-service developer of creative, unusual exhibits for permanent or temporary display. Stage Nine Exhibits owns, operates and tours eight internationally acclaimed exhibitions including: Toytopia, Hall of Heroes, POPnology, The Animation Academy, Sweet: A Tasty Journey, Rock U: The Institute of Rock ‘N’ Roll and The Lost World of Dragons. For more information about Stage Nine Exhibits, call: (916) 246-0445. Or visit: www.stage9exhibits.com About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A Level One Trauma Center, the hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System, combines advanced technology, the expertise of one of the largest and most diverse groups of Board-Certified Pediatric Specialists in the region, with a focus on patient and family-centered care to heal the body, mind and spirit. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com - Connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram at: @jdchospital. About 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 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. 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 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Starting in June 2025, on select dates, MODS will remain open one hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637. Previous Next

Avoid Falling For Fraudulent Tax Schemes: Attorney General Moody Launches 2024 Tax Season Scam Series To Help Floridians April 4, 2024 Share As Tax Day approaches, Attorney General Ashley Moody is launching the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series to help Floridians avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes. In 2022, Internal Revenue Service data revealed that consumers lost $5.7 Billion to Tax Scams and Fraud. As part of the series this Tax Season, Attorney General Moody will be issuing warnings about Pre-Filing Scams, Tax Debt Relief Scams and Direct Deposit Refund Scams. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Tax Season is upon us, and as Floridians prepare their taxes ahead of the April 15th Deadline, I am launching the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series. Scammers may look to exploit the stress many may feel when preparing their taxes to steal Personal and Financial Information. It is crucial to stay on guard against potential schemes—so I am releasing this series to help Floridians avoid falling prey to fraudsters.” One of the best ways to prevent getting caught in a scam during Tax Season is to file early to prevent fraudsters from stealing Tax Refunds. Between 2021 and 2022, the amount of fraudulent Tax Refunds identified by the IRS increased from about $16 Million to more than $800 Million, commonly occurring through Pre-Filing Schemes. In Pre-Filing Tax Schemes, scammers target taxpayers by first acquiring a victim’s name and SSN. Schemers then file returns in the target’s name to collect refunds. When taxpayers wait to file returns, it allows scammers more time to exploit potential victims. Throughout the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series, Attorney General Moody will also highlight the following schemes: Tax Debt Relief Scams: Scammers may claim to be a representative of a company offering to settle tax obligations for pennies on the dollar. The schemers request upfront payments, and then disappear. Direct Deposit Refund Scams: Scammers may call, text or email potential victims posing as IRS Agents claiming a mistake was made with the person's Tax Return. The fraudsters then demand that the victim must refund the money immediately, usually in the form of a Wire Transfer or Gift Cards. Report Tax Scams or other Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at: www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov . The IRS has online tools to help track Tax Refunds. You can use the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ webtool at: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/ - Or download the IRS2Go Mobile App to check the Status of a Refund. To watch the Attorney General's "Consumer Alert" video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_y-TYpNRns < Previous News Next News >

Seven Most Common Symptoms of Grief By Tracy Renee Lee March 2, 2022 Share Sadness is Often Confused With Depression By Survivors The seven most commonly reported symptoms suffered by survivors during grief are sadness, shock, disbelief, guilt, anger, fear, and physical ailments. There are numerous other symptoms; however, these are the seven most common. Sadness is the most universally experienced symptom of grief. You may also have feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness. Sadness is often confused with depression by survivors. However, when suffering sadness, survivors do not experience the loss of self-worth as those who suffer depression. Sadness is transient and will lessen as time passes. Survivors will begin experiencing normal happiness levels as they adjust to their new reality of life without their loved ones by their side. Unlike depressed individuals, survivors suffering sadness are also able to be distracted. They can set their dismay aside and participate in important and uplifting events. Of course, their participation in such events may be less animated and more of an obligatory nature than usual; nevertheless, they are able to participate to a degree. Although you may be expecting your loved one to die, the actual moment of death seems to shock you into an awareness of the depth of your loss. No matter how anticipated or expected the passing of your loved one is, the actual time and date remain a mystery. For that reason, death seems to shock your awareness of the finality of death and usher in the reality of other ailments. You may feel numb, have trouble believing that the loss is real or permanent, or even deny the truth. Disbelief is there for your protection. The shock of surviving your loved one signals the stress hormone cortisol production. The production of this hormone in excess can cause severe complications to your health. Extended production of this hormone may lead to your death if you do not engage in grief recovery. Disbelief is not denial. You may feel guilty about things you did or didn’t say or do, or about feelings (e.g., feeling relieved when the person dies after a long, complex illness). Survivors may feel guilty upon the death of a loved one that they perhaps treated poorly. It is important to realize that these feelings are usually regret rather than guilt. These feelings are normal and may motivate the survivor to change their ways to treat others more kindly and politely. Doing so assists the survivor in overcoming their negative feelings toward themselves. Feelings of guilt over a person dying after a long or complex illness are feeling of relief. These feelings are generated through kindness between human beings and should not distress you. It is the love that you have toward another that brings on these feelings. You may be angry with yourself, God, the doctors, or even the person who died for abandoning you. Anger is a normal symptom that should pass as the survivor accepts the reality of their new existence. You may feel angry toward your loved one for things they left undone, or for new skills that you must now learn in their absence. You may feel angry because you suffer loneliness or because you didn’t have the chance to say goodbye. Perhaps you are angry at yourself because you left things unsaid, or you are frustrated and afraid. Whatever brings on your anger, understand that as you adjust to your new life, anger will diminish and be replaced with loving memories of your loved one (if they were a lovable person). The death of a loved one can trigger fears about your mortality, of facing life without your loved one, or the responsibilities you now face alone. Fear is a common symptom of grief. If you have lived with your loved one for decades, being without them beside you can cause you to fear being at home alone or perhaps going to the grocery store alone. The fact is that we are social beings and suddenly being without your companion is frightening. Perhaps your loved one was a child. If you are a parent who suffers the loss of a child, you may have fears that other of your children might also die, especially if the cause of death were genetic. Maybe your children were involved in an activity together that caused the death. In such a case, your fears that your other child may suffer from the activity may be valid. If you have lost a child, my sincerest condolences go out to you. Grief often involves physical ailments such as fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity, weight loss or weight gain, aches and pains, and insomnia. Physical symptoms often accompany the loss of a loved one. If your symptoms are persistent, it is suggested that you seek out your physician for consultation. If you have pre-existing conditions, you should likewise consult your physician. Sometimes these physical ailments are associated with the inability to rest due to a pre-occupation of your decedent. Often physical symptoms may be related to your lack of self-care while suffering such enduring stress. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your self-care while enduring bereavement. In your self-care journal, track your medications, the times you eat, and especially write down the amount of water you drink. The physical ailments of grief are often related to dehydration. Once dehydrated, you will feel terrible, and it can become hazardous very swiftly. Please keep yourself well hydrated. Each of these seven common symptoms accompanying grief usually lessens over time as you adjust to your new reality as a survivor. If you find that these symptoms remain persistent (lasting over six months), it is suggested that you consult your physician. If at any time these symptoms become severe, or you fear that you may harm yourself, immediately seek out medical intervention. Additionally, your usual health care practitioner may not be educated in grief recovery. For this reason, I suggest that if these symptoms persist or become ailments, you also seek out a grief recovery specialist. Grief recovery specialists are schooled to recognize coping discrepancies and will be able to assist you in applying strategies that are geared directly toward grief recovery. 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/7MHPy4ctu9OLvdp2JzQsAA or at https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at "Deadline_TracyLee" < Previous News Next News >

Felicia Ray The Artist Wed Jan 05 2022 10:00:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Small Business, Big Dreams: Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders Can Enter To Win $15,000 September 14, 2023 Share One woman-owned small business will walk away from BankUnited’s Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Summit with a $15,000 Grand Prize to help grow their business as part of BankUnited’s Annual Celebration Of National Women’s Small Business Month in October. The annual gathering, attended by leaders of business and industry, women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs and featuring inspirational talks, tips and networking opportunities, will take place on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale, 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. “Our Annual Summit in honor of businesswomen is one of the most inspiring and uplifting aspects of the work we do at BankUnited,” said Lisa Shim, BankUnited Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer and Small Business Banking. “BankUnited is in the business of building relationships and helping business owners thrive as they strive for and reach new goals. The fact that we can gather together with some of the most inspiring women in the country is both personally and professionally meaningful to me. I always come away feeling empowered and energized listening to the journeys of boss ladies overcoming very unique challenges to creatively benefit their businesses and communities.” The Summit will feature a keynote address by Rachel Sapoznik, Founder, President, and CEO of World Insurance Associates, and a panel discussion moderated by Shim and featuring last year’s Grand Prize Winner, Ivelices Linares Thomas, Founder & CEO, HR & Beyond; Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman, Merrimac Ventures; Marie Gill, Founder and CEO, M. Gill & Associates; and Durée Ross, President/Founder, Durée & Company, Inc. Enter To Win In addition to inspiring talks and networking opportunities, the Summit is a culmination of the Small Business, Big Dreams Challenge, which is now open and encourages Small Business owner women to upload a video-recorded three-minute pitch that addresses how their business would benefit from the $15,000 Grand Prize that is awarded to one of three finalists during the live-pitch portion of the October Summit. Ten semi-finalists will be notified in September and will receive a free ticket to the event. Following one-on-one presentations to BankUnited Executives, three finalists will move on to the live-pitch round before a panel of judges and Summit attendees. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner: $15,000, First Runner-Up: $5,000 and Second Runner-Up: $2,500. The contest closes September 15. To enter, eligible business owners must complete an application and submit an original “elevator pitch” video of up to three minutes. Businesses must be based in Florida or New York, and must be at least 51 percent women-owned. For official contest rules and entry forms, please visit: https://www.bankunited.com/small-business/small-business-big-dreams-challenge Tickets to attend the Summit are $25 per person and include continental breakfast and a grab & go lunch. Advance Registration is Required. For more information and to Register, please visit: https://bankunited.eventbrite.com < Previous News Next News >

More Summer Cruise Options From Port Everglades In 2024 September 7, 2023 Share Port Everglades is an easy choice for cruise guests because of its proximity to exciting Caribbean destinations and direct access via highways and three international airports. For summer cruisers in 2024, there are new reasons why the third busiest cruise homeport in the world is an ideal choice. Next summer, the port will host five cruise ships from Award-Winning Brands Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. The variety the lines offer is sure to appeal to discerning guests -- from the New Kids On The Block (Celebrity Beyond and Enchanted Princess) to the one-time world’s largest ship (Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom Of The Seas) to ships offering shorter itineraries (Celebrity Reflection and Disney Magic). Additionally, the port offers a near-daily Ferry Service by Baleária Caribbean to the Bahamas. “We have been extremely successful in meeting the cruising public’s expectations by attracting Ultra-High-Luxury and Premier Brands, further developing our summer offerings, and expanding popular short cruise options,” said Jonathan Daniels, CEO and Port Director. “These new additions to our summer 2024 Portfolio are a direct result of us putting the customer experience first.” Currently, Port Everglades’ offerings provide cruise guests with unique experiences. Homeporting at Port Everglades this summer are Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox, Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess and Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas. Travelers have additional reasons to sail from Port Everglades and extend their summer vacation with pre - and post-cruise stays in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Port Everglades is a short drive to Sweeping Beachfronts, a Vibrant Art Scene, World-Class Restaurants, Craft Breweries, Entertainment, Shopping, Casinos and family-friendly activities -- including the area’s namesake, the Florida Everglades. View details on the latest cruise offerings at: www.PortEverglades.net and check out Visit Lauderdale for extended vacation options. About Port Everglades As one of Florida’s leading economic generators, Broward County’s Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Consistently ranked among the top three busiest cruise homeports in the world, Port Everglades is also one of the nation’s leading Container Ports and South Florida’s main Seaport for receiving energy products including Gasoline, Jet Fuel and Alternative Fuels. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of the Broward County, Florida government with operating revenues of $151.7 Million in Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022). It does not rely on local Tax Dollars for operations. The total value of Economic Activity related to Port Everglades exceeds $33 Billion. More than 216,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including nearly 9,600 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades. For more information on Port Everglades, visit: www.PortEverglades.net - Or email: PortEverglades@broward.org . < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Calligraphy, Meditation & Exercises And Much More September 10, 2022 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers, a Book Discussion Group, Building Blocks Family Club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register at: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura Or for more information prior to attending the event, call: (305) 931-5512. Online Event: Story Hour for Adults Tuesday, September 13th, 2022, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Do you have a favorite short story or a story you wrote and would like to read to others? Are you a storyteller that wants to share stories with an audience? Then join us for a story hour just for adults! Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 years old and up. Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits Saturday, September 13th, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This workshop will cover how new legislation has changed your Social Security (SS) claiming options, how SS affects your spouse, how SS taxation affects you, how to plan appropriately for retirement income and more. Presented by the Federal Benefits Educational Association. Please contact the Branch for more information. Ages 19 years old and up. Online Event: Falun Gong Meditation & Exercises Wednesday, September 14th, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Falun Gong is an Ancient, high level Chinese practice that uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 years old and up. Homework Help and Tutoring Saturday, September 17th, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide homework help and tutoring in reading, math, and science. Students are encouraged to bring homework material or school assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. Funded in part by The Children's Trust. For course offerings, location information and to register, please visit: https://www.mdpls.org/tutor/ Building Blocks Family Club Saturday, September 17th, 2022, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for an hour of family fun building and creating with our building blocks. Themes, challenges and building block pieces will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged. Ages 6 years old and up. Talking is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers and Preschoolers - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Tuesday, September 20th, 2022, 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for stories, songs and activities for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the Branch. Ages 18 months - 5 years old. Color Your Cares Away Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Relax and relieve stress while coloring to the soft sound of relaxing music. Choose from a variety of colors. Registration is required. Please contact the Branch for more information. Ages 19 years old and up. Online Event: Book Discussion - Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate Saturday, September 24th, 2022 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join us on Zoom for our monthly book discussion. The selected book is available for checkout at the Branch or as either an eBook or an eAudiobook. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 years old and up. Online Event: Wisdom Circle Thursday, September 29th, 2022, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us to share your special knowledge or offer advice about a life experience important to you. Both speakers and listeners are welcome. Space is limited. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 years old and up. Mandala Art Class - A Tool for Self-Discovery Saturday, October 1st, 2022, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The word "Mandala" means circle in Sanskrit. It represents wholeness and connects us to our center. Instructor Monica Saul takes adult participants on a journey to learn to use this unique art form as a means for self-discovery, healing, strengthening your inner sense of well-being and creativity. Ages 19 years old and up. Some of the above events are Online. To register, go to: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch at: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

Comforting Holiday Classics (Family Features) December 23, 2021 Share Whipping up family favorites all season long is a perfect activity to keep loved ones happy in the kitchen. Delicious, heartwarming snacks offer a simple and savory way to bring everyone together while enjoying comforting food flavors. Lean on beloved ingredients like go-to RAGU sauces when it's time to come together for quick bites. The possibilities are nearly endless with delicious recipes using classics like the RAGU Old World Style Traditional or RAGU Simply Traditional options. Hearty flavorful recipes can get you into the holiday spirit, like Snowman Pizza Bombs, Polenta Bites and a Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip. Easy to make and fun to create together, these simple snacks are perfect for a family afternoon spent together in the kitchen or watching a holiday movie marathon. Originally started by an Italian mother more than 80 years ago, RAGU sauce, known for its distinctive yellow cap, is the perfect have-on-hand pantry staple to help you create easy and delicious home cooking. As an invaluable resource and family favorite since 1937, RAGU sauces easily allow anyone, regardless of gender or culinary skills to "cook like a mother" and serve up delicious, homemade favorites. The brand's rich heritage and array of sauce choices ensures that your next day spent with family will be elevated with family-favorite snacks, easy and taste-tempting meals made with RAGU. Find more recipes perfect for warming up your family at www.Ragu.com Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Recipe courtesy of Marzia Aziz of "Little Spice Jar" Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4-6 • Nonstick cooking spray • 2 cups RAGU Simply Traditional Sauce • 3 cloves garlic, divided • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, divided • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 1 log (10-10 1/2 ounces) goat cheese, softened at room temperature • 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing, divided • 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme • kosher salt, divided • pepper • 1 large baguette, sliced on bias • blistered tomatoes, for serving (optional) Position one rack in the upper third of the oven and one in the lower third. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Spray a small, round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Add sauce to a small bowl. Grate in two garlic cloves then add 1/8 cup basil and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine then pour sauce into the baking dish. Smash goat cheese into a ball. Place the ball between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using your hands, flatten cheese into a thick, round disc about 1 inch smaller in diameter than a baking dish. Remove goat cheese from plastic wrap and place in the center of the sauce. Drizzle cheese with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, kosher salt and pepper. Bake on lower rack, uncovered, 20-25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is warmed through. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake crostini on the upper rack for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When bread is done, remove from the oven, cut the last garlic clove in half and rub the cut side on the bread. Top dip with remaining basil and blistered tomatoes, if desired and serve with crostini. Note: To make blistered tomatoes: Heat skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes to the dry skillet and let it sit for 1 minute. Lower the heat to low, toss the tomatoes with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and cook 2-3 minutes or until tomatoes are about to burst. Remove from heat; sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Polenta Bites • 1 tube (18 ounces) polenta • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil • 1 jar (24 ounces) RAGU Chunky Tomato, Garlic and Onion Sauce • 1 package (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella • 2 sprigs, rosemary, de stemmed and chopped • 3 basil leaves, chopped • 1 block (8 ounces) hard Parmesan cheese Cut the polenta into slices. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat; fry the polenta slices 10-12 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the sauce. Place the polenta slices on a tray and sprinkle with mozzarella. Place 1/2 teaspoon warm sauce on each slice then sprinkle with chopped rosemary and basil. Grate hard Parmesan onto each slice for topping. Snowman Pizza Bombs • 1 tube (11.8 ounces) pizza dough • 1 jar (24 ounces) RAGU Old World Style Traditional Sauce • 1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices • 1 package (6 ounces) Canadian bacon slices • 1 package (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese • 4 tablespoons melted butter • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning • 1 package (8 ounces) mozzarella cheese slices Decorative vegetables (optional): • multicolored sweet peppers • olives • spinach • mushrooms • cherry tomatoes Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut pizza dough into 12 squares. On each square, place a 1/2 teaspoon of sauce and evenly top with pepperoni, Canadian bacon and cheddar cheese. Pinch the corners of the dough together to round into balls then place them in the muffin tins. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder and Italian seasoning; brush generously over dough balls. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from muffin tin and carefully shape dough balls into circles; place on baking sheet. Cover with mozzarella slices and bake until melted. Create snowman faces by decorating each with peppers, olives, spinach, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, if desired and use the remaining sauce for dipping. < Previous News Next News >

Happy 101st Miriam Esther Schwartz
 Aventura Digest January 22, 2025 Share Reaching the remarkable milestone of a century is a momentous occasion, and brothers; Wayne and Les Schwartz are blessed to announce the 101st birthday of their mother, Miriam Esther Schwartz. Her journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by decades of living in the vibrant communities of Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Hallandale. We delve into the story of a woman who has witnessed the transformation of a city and embraced the joys of family, community service, and a love for classic music. Miriam's connection to the sun-kissed shores of Miami Beach runs deep for over 75 years. She first discovered the allure of this coastal paradise in 1948 when she started vacationing here with her parents. Over the years, she witnessed the evolving landscape of Miami Beach as it transitioned into an internationally acclaimed destination. As Miami Beach changed, so did her life, and her resilience in adapting to these shifts is nothing short of inspiring. Miami Beach has been her permanent home since 1965. Both of her sons attended Miami Beach High School and graduated the University of Florida. With a family, that extended beyond her sons, Miriam has also had the joy of three stepdaughters. Her family has grown to nine grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Her goals in these late years of life have been to outlive her mother who lived to 101, two months and 10 days -which she has done- and her current goal is to live long enough for the birth of her first great great grandchild from her oldest granddaughter, timed for June 2025. Miriam worked as a bookkeeper for two independent small businesses on Miami Beach for over 35 years. Her work ethic then transitioned to community service and volunteering. Miriam's talents also extended to knitting and crafting beautiful Afghan blankets. These handmade creations have become cherished heirlooms for her family. Miriam's love for Asian cuisine and appreciation for classical music enriched her life in countless ways. She savored trying different Asian dishes and reveled in the melodies of classical composers. One of the greatest gifts she ever received was a full series of CDs featuring the works of classical composers. As we celebrate Miriam Esther Schwartz's 101st birthday, we honor not only her longevity, but a life worth living. Happy 101st birthday, Miriam Esther Schwartz. < Previous News Next News >

“Chubby The Bear’s Big Choice” December 13, 2023 Share New Children’s Picture Book Addresses Bullying, Body Image, Weight-Shaming And Self-Esteem Author Daryl R. McCullough’s second book, “Chubby The Bear’s Big Choice,” is set in a California redwood forest and tells the story of a sensitive, young bear struggling with bullies and Self-Esteem Issues. This tender new book offers children, parents, and others of all ages an engaging story with several timely lessons on bullying, body image, weight-shaming, and Self-Esteem to be shared and discussed. Parents and children’s therapists have already heralded the book as an essential tool on the subject matter. Order now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target or Archway Publishing. Chubby is a fitting follow-up to McCullough’s Award-Winning first book “The Story of Tree and Cloud” — 1st Place, Pen Craft Awards; Finalist/5-Stars, “Reader’s Choice Book Awards”; 1st Place, “Firebird Awards”; and 3rd Place, “Best Children’s Book" and "Best Illustrated & Picture Book," Spring 2022, Outstanding Creator Awards. “Tree and Cloud” is a story about loss and managing grief, also set among California’s natural beauty, starring a California live oak tree named Folie and her new friend Puddle. “Chubby the Bear’s Big Choice” is similarly illustrated — not as a cartoon, but in a pure and naturalist style — by McCullough’s 80-year-old aunt Maryanne Smith, an acclaimed nature artist from Pennsylvania. “I grew up a chubby child who was bullied and weight-shamed by my peers and even by teachers and staff in grade school,” McCullough said. “I hope that by sharing this story, any child who might be dealing with these issues and feelings can find the strength to talk about it with their parents and learn self-care. “Of course, I also hope the story might thwart a bully or two, providing a teachable moment for them that our individuality is powerful, and compassion is paramount in any friendship,” McCullough said. The story follows its hero, Chubby, a sensitive young bear cub with a rare talent for befriending honeybees and perhaps enjoying too much of their honey. Bullied by other bear cubs in the forest, Chubby finds solace by retreating up in the air, high in the branches of the redwood trees. One day, Chubby’s mood gets lifted by his forest friends — a sweet raccoon and a wise beaver — and Chubby embarks on a journey to reclaim his Self-Esteem, choosing to teach the other cubs a lesson along the way. Ultimately, Chubby takes the high road and shows others he is emotionally mature enough to stand up for himself while showcasing his strengths in a thrilling culmination of the tale, which ends happily for all. Available now, the book invites readers of all ages to embark on a powerful journey of self-discovery and empathy and helps foster essential conversations and empower the next generation. “This magical story touched my heart and reminded me how, as a mother of two fabulous daughters, I always had my eye on bullying, particularly when it came to body shaming. Bullies teach us all how not to behave! Conversely, I taught my girls that staying connected with their bodies and loving and sharing their unique gifts with others were some of the healthiest ways to care for themselves and live fulfilled lives. Life is indeed a gift, so like Chubby, let’s all choose love, acceptance, and kindness!” — Melora Hardin, Emmy-nominated star (“The Office,” “Transparent,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Monk”) About The Author Daryl McCullough is a Professional Writer and Marketing Communications executive who loves creative expression. He lives and works in the Los Angeles area with his husband George Griffin; together, they have a Marketing Communications and Social Media Business, McGriffin Media. He is formerly CEO and now Chair Emeritus Of Citizen Relations, a global brand marketing firm. The family adores their dog, Ferdinand, named after another delightful book. About The Illustrator Maryanne Smith is a talented 80-year-old artist. She has designed and painted many high-end wallpaper designs for the premier York Wallcoverings. She has sold many works of art drawn from nature, and “Chubby the Bear’s Big Choice” is her follow-up to “The Story of Tree and Cloud.” She is from York County, Pennsylvania. Prints of images from each book are available for purchase. < Previous News Next News >