The Beach Boys Bring Those Good Vibrations To The Broward Performing Arts Foundation’s Annual Celebration Thu Feb 20 2025 21:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

We Were Spared By Hurricane Helene Thu Oct 03 2024 16:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Get Engaged In 2024! Downloaded The App For Citizens "My Aventura" January 26, 2024 Share The landscape of urban living is rapidly transforming, propelled by technological innovations that redefine the way citizens interact with their cities. In the ever changing realm of civic engagement, the City of Aventura stands at the forefront of this revolution with seamless connectivity and participation through the My Aventura App powered by GOGov. This groundbreaking digital platform is not just an App; it's a catalyst for change, empowering citizens to shape the very fabric of their city. At its core, the My Aventura App serves as a comprehensive gateway to vital city-related information. Its user-friendly interface provides seamless access to real-time updates on Public Transportation, Traffic Alerts, Upcoming Events, and Community Initiatives. Gone are the days of searching multiple websites or grappling with fragmented information—citizens now have a centralized hub that keeps them informed and connected, enriching their daily lives. Yet, the true essence of this app lies in its ability to foster collaborative civic engagement. Engagement is not merely a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of a vibrant, thriving city. The My Aventura App bridges the gap between citizens and local authorities, offering a dynamic platform where opinions matter and voices are heard. Through feedback submissions, suggestions, surveys, and polls, citizens actively contribute to decision-making processes, providing invaluable insights that shape policy and initiatives. A key feature is its streamlined service delivery mechanism. No longer do citizens need to navigate bureaucratic hurdles or struggle to find the right channels for reporting issues. With a few taps, citizens can report concerns—be it potholes, graffiti, or other issues—complete with Geolocation Tags and detailed descriptions. This efficient reporting system ensures swift action from the City Administration, fostering a sense of accountability and ownership among residents. However, the impact extends beyond problem-solving; it's about community building. GOGov doesn't just connect users; it nurtures a sense of belonging. Through interest-based groups and collaborative projects, the app becomes a conduit for social connections, uniting like-minded individuals in shared initiatives that bolster the city's cultural richness and inclusivity. Moreover, the My Aventura App isn't just beneficial for citizens; it's a strategic move for local governments. By digitizing services and reducing reliance on traditional office setups, it's a cost-effective solution that streamlines processes and minimizes environmental impact through decreased paper usage. In an era defined by technological advancements, the My Aventura App emerges as a beacon of citizen empowerment. It's not merely about connectivity; it's about actively participating in the metamorphosis of urban landscapes. Whether it's accessing information effortlessly, engaging in decision-making processes, or fostering community bonds, this app encapsulates the essence of a city that thrives on its citizens' involvement. As we step into early 2024, the My Aventura App stands as a testament to the potential of technology in shaping this vibrant community for the better. It's not just an app for citizens; it's a tool that propels cities towards a future where connectivity, collaboration, and civic pride flourish. So, join the movement, download the My Aventura App from Google Play or the Apple App Store, and be a part of the transformative journey toward a more connected and empowered city life. The future is at your fingertips, download it today! < 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 >

Chabad Of Poland Marks Record Year Of Impact As Poland Continues To Serve As Refuge For Jews From War-Torn Ukraine Jewish Connection News Oct 23, 2025 As The Jewish Calendar Turns To The New Year, Chabad Of Poland Is Marking A Record Year Of Humanitarian And Spiritual Impact, Driven By An Ongoing Commitment To Serving Jews In Crisis And Rebuilding Jewish Life In A Country Historically Associated With Loss. In 5785, Chabad of Poland expanded its transitional housing program for Ukrainian Jewish refugees to include 20 fully furnished apartments. These homes provide more than shelter. They are the first step toward rebuilding, a dignified space where families begin the process of resettlement, search for work, enroll children in school and reconnect with Jewish life. Over the past year alone, nearly 10,000 meals were distributed to Ukrainian Jewish refugees on a monthly basis and more than 5,200 joined Chabad of Poland hosted Shabbat meals. As part of its broader support system for refugees, Chabad of Poland hosted the Jewish community of Kamianske, Ukraine for a two-week retreat that provided engaging activities for participants of all ages while giving them reprieve from the war and a safe environment to relax, attend Torah classes and heal. At the same time, Chabad of Poland continued its core mission of revitalizing Jewish life among Polish Jews and Jewish visitors. This year, more than a dozen Jews in Poland, long disconnected from their faith, rediscovered their Jewish identity through Chabad of Poland. A daily men’s Kollel and twice-weekly women’s Torah program led to over 330 classes and reached more than 6,000 participants. Chabad of Poland hosted 20 major holiday meals and five community challah bakes. Visitors from Israel, the United States and around the world encountered not only the memory of prewar Jewish life but the vibrant presence of living Judaism in the heart of Europe. Looking ahead to the High Holidays, Chabad of Poland is preparing to welcome hundreds for davening and meals in Warsaw. Over 5,000 meals and food packages will be distributed across Poland and Ukraine. Ten rabbinical students from Israel are flying in to help lead davening and blow the Shofar in Chabad’s shul and at satellite sites across Warsaw. “This was a year of continued unprecedented demand but also of unprecedented response,” said Chabad of Poland Director Rabbi Shalom Ber Stambler. “We were called to do more and with Hashem’s help and the partnership of the global Jewish community, we were able to say yes. Every apartment, every food package, every class points to the same goal: to help each Jew feel safe, seen and spiritually supported.” “In a year marked by uncertainty, we witnessed something extraordinary,” said Chabad of Poland Co-Director Rabbi Mayer Stambler. “Poland, historically etched with the memory of the Holocaust and Jewish communities devastated, has become a place of return not only physically but spiritually. What we are continuing to see is the slow, steady rebuilding of Jewish life and the emergence of something lasting.” As 5786 begins, Chabad of Poland continues its work with resolve, ready to support every Jew who walks through its doors whether they come as refugees, as seekers, or simply looking for a place to belong. Since the start of the Russian incursion into Ukraine, Chabad of Poland based in Warsaw has opened its doors to Ukraine’s Jewish community offering refuge, transportation, Kosher food, medical aid, financial and material assistance, childcare, educational and social services, communal activities and administrative and legal aid to tens of thousands displaced by the conflict. For more information or to contribute to relief efforts, please visit: www.saveajew.org . Previous Next

The American Kleptocracy: A Government of Liars, Thieves and Lawbreakers Thu Sep 08 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stay, Play & Save This Summer - There’s Much For Locals To Love This Summer, And For Those Seeking A Quick Daycation Trip South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2025 This Summer, Visitors And Locals Looking To Save On Travel Without Sacrificing Style Or Sunshine Can Find Their Idyllic Getaway Just Steps Away From The Sand And The Hustle And Bustle Of The A1A Strip At The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. With Summer Marking Florida’s Slow Season, Guests Can Enjoy Reduced Hotel Rates While Soaking Up Everything This Boutique Beachside Resort Has To Offer – From Two Pools And Day Access To Amenities Via ResortPass, To Entertainment And A Bevy Of Daily Food And Beverage Specials That Bring A Flavorful Experience To Each Day. Whether You're A Savvy Traveler Visiting The Sunshine State, Or A South Florida Resident Looking For A Staycation Retreat Close To Home, The Kimpton Shorebreak Delivers An Affordable, Laid-Back Escape In The Heart Of Fort Lauderdale That Offers The Opportunity To Unwind And Save In Style All Summer Long. Florida Residents Rate Those who live year-round in the Sunshine State know that they don’t have to travel far to enjoy a sunny beachside getaway, and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is welcoming all Florida residents with discounted accommodations. Anyone who can show valid Florida ID will receive 20 percent off the best available rate and have the resort fee ($40/day) waived for their stay. Raise the Rooftop Enjoy a $50 credit and explore the innovative new food and cocktail menus at Escape Rooftop Bar – the property’s welcoming rooftop pool and lounge. Soak in the best views of Fort Lauderdale, including magnificent western-facing sunsets and Escape’s Sunset Happy Hour offering drink specials 30 minutes prior to, and after, sunset. All summer long, “Raise the Rooftop” every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with guest DJs. #SquadGoals Summer is a great time for bachelor and bachelorette gatherings and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place to get the party started for gals and guys wishing to honor their nuptials-bound pals. For any room block of six or more rooms, receive 10 percent off, and the same discount applies to the group’s dinner bill at the hotel’s delicious coastal Italian restaurant, La Fuga. Upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary Limoncello toast to set the tone for the stay while daily beach yoga offers a refreshing recovery from the night before. The package also includes a VIP amenity for the group host and a reduced resort fee. To book this package, contact: sales@shorebreakfortlauderdale.com. For more information on the summer specials listed here as well as special rates for IHG Rewards One members, longer stay specials and many more, visit: https://www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com/hotel-deals/ ResortPass There’s much for locals to love this summer, and for those seeking a quick daycation trip in Fort Lauderdale, the Kimpton Shorebreak is the perfect destination to relax, soak up the sun and take advantage of the property’s special Day Pass and Day Room offers available via ResortPass. For the reduced rate of $40 per adult (ages 21+ only), purchase of a Day Pass grants visitors access to spend the day enjoying the resort’s rooftop and courtyard pools, lounge chairs and towel service, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 10% discount on food and beverages from La Fuga or Escape Rooftop Bar, and $10 valet parking. Additionally, visitors can enhance their daycation with the Shorebreak’s Day Room offer which is available for the reduced rate of $119 for two people. Purchase of a Day Room includes use of a private guest room from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with in-room seating and work areas, mini-fridge and Cable TV, fitness center access, plus Day Passes for up to two guests including all of the amenities within the Day Pass offer. Room type will be assigned at check-in and will be based on availability. All room cancellations require 72-hour notice. For more information or to purchase a ResortPass, visit: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/kimpton-shorebreak-fort-lauderdale-beach-resort Sip & Savor Shorebreak-Style at La Fuga Located on the lobby level of the Kimpton Shorebreak, La Fuga is the resort’s signature restaurant that showcases spectacular coastal Italian cuisine from Executive Chef Michael Mayer. The charming restaurant welcomes guests with comfortable booths and a buzzy central bar, complemented perfectly by stellar live jazz performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with no cover charge! The perfect spot to enjoy Happy Hour, which is available daily from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and offers specially priced bites and drinks at the bar and lounge, La Fuga also features an exciting lineup of nightly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the week including: Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Negroni Night – specialty negronis and classic negronis for $10 each; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; and Spritz Night – signature and classic spritz cocktails for $9 each; every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Making the destination even more enticing to residents and visitors looking to savor exclusive dining deals this summer, La Fuga is participating in Visit Lauderdale’s annual Dine Out Lauderdale Restaurant Months which kicks off on August 1st and runs through September 30th, 2025. As part of the annual culinary celebration, La Fuga is offering a special three-course dinner menu for just $60++ per person which includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a pour of Limoncello and a glass of wine. The restaurant’s Dine Out Lauderdale menu will be available nightly to guests from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Savory items from the special menu include Bruschetta – oven roasted tomato, basil, olive oil and balsamic; Polpette di Vitello – veal meatballs, mascarpone polenta, puttanesca and parmigiano; Tagliatelle al Ragù' Bolognese – house made pasta with bolognese; Pappardelle – San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and olive oil; and Pollo alla Cacciatora – roasted chicken, porcini, tomato, ligurian olive & polenta. For dessert, guests can indulge in sweet treats on offer including Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Cannoli. Escape Rooftop Bar In addition, the Kimpton Shorebreak is also home to Escape Rooftop Bar, offering loungey poolside vibes and spectacular rooftop views of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal. Serving sunsets daily, the west-facing rooftop is an imbibers paradise and the ideal location to sip stellar cocktails and wines, and enjoy delicious bites and tapas, all while watching the sunset. In addition to Escape’s daily Sunset Hour featuring specially priced wines-by-the-glass, cocktails and bottles of rosé, 30 minutes prior to and after sunset, the rooftop bar and lounge offers a vibrant lineup of weekly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy. Weekly programming at Escape includes In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from Noon – 9:00 p.m.; Tequila Tuesday – house margaritas or tequila straight up for $10; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Soundscape by Escape – enjoy the Soundscape of DJ Reall and refreshing cocktails poolside on the rooftop; every Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturdaze at Escape – refreshing cocktails, skyline views and live set from DJ Blcknsss; every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from Noon – 10:00 p.m. The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. For more information, visit: www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com - Telephone: (954) 908-7301. Previous Next

Florida Attorney General Fights To Protect Women And Girls Fri May 17 2024 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Working Side By Side: Hallandale Beach Police Department Hires A Community Relations Specialist To Help Assist With Connecting Individuals To Resources By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper May 11, 2023 Share Over the years our City has seen its share of homeless people. We always have had individuals at the Off Ramps of I-95 Panhandling and on our main corridors. Throughout time there are always some people that fall into hard times and need basic necessities like food and shelter. Today’s reality is that increasingly we are seeing Panhandlers and individuals sleeping in bus shelters or even worse simply on the ground. Let me make it clear, it is not legal for people to be camping out. We are trying what we can within the Law and the parameters of human kindness to address this new reality. Recently, Chief Michel hired a Community Relations Specialist Iman Sandifer to work directly with homeless people and other quality of life issues. He will be working side by side with the Hallandale Beach Police Department to help answer complaints and other situations where he can assist with connecting individuals to resources. There are many reasons why there are more homeless people. In my opinion there are many but there are four major reasons. Changes in the Laws, Drugs and Mental Illness. Years ago, Police Officers would pick up indigents on drugs or alcohol and take them to jail. From there, they would end up in the system or transferred to a Mental Health Hospital. In the 1980’s President Reagan moved to shut down the Mental Hospitals as this continued over the years. It is not a Democratic or Republican Issue, it is a Societal Issue. Mental Health Treatment was moved to a Community Based System. There was a big push to stop forced treatment of the Mentally Ill. This combined with Big Pharma pushing Oxycontin giving us the Opioid Epidemic and then with COVID-19 has cities around the country witnessing and trying to deal with a real crisis. With this said there is very little we can do when it comes to the many homeless people who are simply unwilling to get help. Our Police Officers can offer to take individuals to the Broward Outreach Center. We cannot force them to go. We can encourage them to get help if they are medically in need and take them to a hospital. I have met with a few chronically homeless people over the past years and tried to help. They continued to not want to get help or change their circumstances. With homelessness comes Panhandling. Recently there was a Supreme Court Ruling that has drastically changed a Municipalities’ ability to regulate any type of Panhandling. The ruling did not get much fanfare due to other rulings like the Roe Decision. The Supreme Court ruled that solicitation of money is a form of Free Speech. Our City to my knowledge has never fined or arrested anyone for Panhandling, we simply have taken a move along approach, but now we will see more Panhandling. A few years back we adopted an Ordinance Banning Panhandling on our roadways. The Ban was based on Safety Issues. At that time there was a Shelter in Hollywood. As a way to support the Homeless Shelter, the CEO had Clients selling a newspaper called the “Homeless Voice.” They began a Legal Challenge to our Rule that does not allow the selling of items, especially on our medians. Rather than going to court, we made an annual donation to the center which actually helped people and eventually, it closed. This New Ruling still has not been fully evaluated to see if it nullifies our Current Regulations. It does, however, allow Panhandling at our City Hall, in Parks, Bus Shelters and Sidewalks. People can hold signs and ask for money. There is a difference between Passive Solicitation and Aggressive Solicitation. Holding a sign and asking for a donation is different from harassing and threatening someone for money. Our City Attorney will be analyzing the New Ruling and our Ordinance. The Law impacts Public Property only. It does not prevent Stores and Business Owners from having Panhandlers removed from their property for Trespassing. We all empathize with the homeless people. San Francisco took the approach to keep piling on assistance. They also allow Quality-Of-Life Issues to be ignored. This pattern has been repeated in many cities. There needs to be a better way, but small cities like Hallandale Beach cannot do it on our own. I always tell people to call me directly with these issues. Or you can call the Hallandale Beach Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line to report situations at: (954) 765-4321. Many people just turn the other way. Others like to give money and food. There is no right and wrong. With Mr. Sandifer joining the Hallandale Beach Police Department, hopefully we can change the pattern of Chronic Homelessness here. Happy Mother’s Day! As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

From Iowa to Elvis: Destined to Fly, The Fascinating True Story of the Pilot to the King Thu Oct 27 2022 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cinema Paradiso: New Programming Brings More Hollywood Thu Jul 15 2021 05:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Head To Bikini Bottom: The SpongeBob Musical Presented By Slow Burn Theatre Thu May 30 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)