Shop With A Cop: The City Of Hallandale Beach Defines The Spirit Of A Community Stephen Cummings December 29, 2022 Share As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves defines the spirit of a community. The Hallandale Beach Police Department in conjunction with the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League brightened the lives of 110 deserving children showering them with gifts and encouragement building gingerbread houses together celebrating the annual tradition of Shop With A Cop. Foster Park has become the newest venue for the Police Athletic League hosting their various programs and PAL Program Director, Jonathan Carrillo decorated the facility with great assistance from Laqueshia Brinson and fellow staff members from Gulfstream Academy reflecting a scene from a winter wonderland. The children were chosen by the Police Department and the schools as each child created a wish list for Santa Claus and the presents were purchased at a local Walmart. Carrillo is grateful to the lead sponsors for their continued generosity who include Harry Escandon from Crosstown Towing and Recovery and David Burton who serves as the fundraising chair for the PAL as well the Windhover Foundation with Richard Quadracci. Also, this event is made possible by local Attorneys Robert and Stephanie Fehnstersheib, AIG Technologies, Page Properties LLC. and Kiwanis Member Stephen Cummings. Prior to Santa delivering the gifts to the anxious children, Ricardo Mendez, Director Of Community Relations for Chick Fil A ensured that all the guests and volunteers were well fed with chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies and juice packs. Mendez has been a huge supporter of the Police Athletic League often providing complimentary food. Shop With A Cop takes place in several communities, but none to my memory serve as many needy kids as in Hallandale Beach. This program was implemented in Hallandale Beach in the late nineties and often took place inside Walmart, but Jonathan Carrillo has slightly redesigned the program since the wave of COVID-19 swept the nation. Hallandale Beach Police Chief Michel Michel, a twenty year Veteran of the Police force proudly watched scores of officers volunteer their time sitting with the children making the gingerbread houses presenting themselves in a very positive fashion. The reality is that we usually see police officers when we are in trouble or receiving a traffic citation, but they relish the opportunity to perform community service with our youth. The world has been plagued by the rising costs of goods and services due to inflation, but the City of Hallandale Beach rallies each year ensuring smiles and laughter to those children who are selected to participate in this altruistic program. Stephen Cummings is a Past LT. Governor with Kiwanis International and can be reached at: (954) 907-2392. < Previous News Next News >

Girl Scouts Of Southeast Florida Kicks Off 2026 Cookie Season - New Rocky Road Ice Cream-Inspired Cookie, Exploremores, Join This Year's Lineup South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is gearing up for the sweetest season of the year with the launch of the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season, set for January 12th through February 15th. Beloved by families and cookie fans across the region, the annual season invites the public to support local Girl Scouts as they build critical business and leadership skills. New this year is Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored creme. The cookie’s name and design reflect the limitless curiosity and spirit of adventure that define the Girl Scout experience. In addition to the delicious new cookie, the 2026 lineup will include fan favorites including Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs and more. Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, Girl Scouts develop essential skills in goal setting, money management, decision-making, people skills and business ethics. Every box sold fuels their confidence and proceeds stay local, directly supporting Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida funding inspiring activities such as service projects, outdoor adventures, travel opportunities and other experiences that help girls explore new interests and expand their horizons. The business skills the girls develop are crucial, particularly since 46% of female K-12 students in Florida do not perform on grade level in math and 13% fewer girls met grade-level math standards in the year following the COVID-19 Pandemic, as highlighted in the Girl Scouts of Florida Association’s State of the Florida Girl Report. In addition to building business skills, the Cookie Program is designed to teach the girls about setting goals, making decisions, handling money, talking to people, and being honest and responsible. It’s more than a fundraiser, it’s a hands-on business, entrepreneurship and leadership experience for girls. “Every cookie season reminds us of the limitless potential within every Girl Scout,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “The Cookie Program is a powerful, hands-on learning experience that builds confidence, leadership and essential life skills. At a time when girls need strong support systems more than ever before, we are proud to provide opportunities that help them grow into the leaders our communities and our world need.” To further inspire goal setting and reward dedication, Girl Scouts who sell at least 100 boxes of cookies during the 2026 Season will receive their membership for the following year at no cost, courtesy of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. High school senior Girl Scouts who reach 100 boxes or more will have their lifetime membership fully funded, celebrating their commitment as they transition into Girl Scout alumnae. How to Purchase Girl Scout Cookies in 2026 From a Girl Scout You Know: Reach out directly to a Girl Scout to purchase cookies either in person or online. Use the Cookie Finder Tool by visiting: https://www.gssef.org/en/cookies/find-cookies.html to find a booth near you. Online Orders: Starting January 12th, those who do not know a Girl Scout can enter their zip code into the Cookie Finder to purchase cookies for direct shipment to their home. In addition to supporting Girl Scouts locally, community members can participate in the 18th Annual Cookies for the Military Program. This initiative allows customers to donate cookies to service members both domestically and overseas, sending them a comforting “taste of home.” Last year, more than 44,947 boxes were donated. Since the program began, more than 858,000 boxes have been shipped through partnerships with nonprofit organizations that provide care packages and support to troops and their families, including Forgotten Soldiers, Operation Homefront, the American Legion and Soldiers’ Angels. To support Cookies for the Military, donations can be made by purchasing a box ($6) or case ($72) from a Girl Scout or by visiting: www.cookiesforthemilitary.org . For more information about the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida or to find a local booth, visit: www.gssef.org . About Girl Scouts The preeminent leadership development organization for girls, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida provides a safe, supportive environment for girls to learn, lead and thrive, surrounded by a supportive network of peers and caring adult mentors. Through unique, impactful experiences, girls from kindergarten through 12th grade are empowered to become confident, capable and compassionate leaders who engage their communities, inspire lasting change and make a positive difference in the world. They are encouraged to explore their full potential, dream big and act boldly. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves 6,100 girls and engages 3,600 volunteers across Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer, donate or partner with Girl Scouts, call: (561) 427-0177. Or visit: www.gssef.org . 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Gulfstream Park Adds Live Monday Racing Beginning July 13th With $3 Specials, New Wagers & Weekly Chef Features South Florida Sun Times Jul 9, 2026 Beginning Monday, July 13th, 2026, Gulfstream Park Introduces Live Horse Racing Every Monday Afternoon, Giving Fans A New Way To Kick Off The Week With Thrilling Racing, Affordable Dining, And Exciting Wagering Opportunities. Guests can enjoy $3 Mondays at Silks and the Breezeway Bar, featuring a selection of fan favorites—including a 12 oz. Budweiser, large soft-baked pretzel, slice of pizza, or hot dog—for just $3 each. For a more elevated lunch experience, Ten Palms will debut a rotating lineup of weekly chef specials, including featured dishes such as Chicharron Tacos, Smoked Brisket & French Onion Grilled Cheese, Garlic Bread Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Steak Frites, Fried Shrimp Po' Boy, and Carolina-Style Pork Ribs. Horseplayers can also look forward to the return of premium turf racing, four new player-friendly wagering options, and the excitement of the Rainbow Pick 6 Mandatory Payout every Monday. Plus, the first guests onsite each Monday will receive complimentary Gulfstream Park swag while supplies last. UPCOMING MONDAY SPECIALS AT TEN PALMS Monday, July 13th, 2026: Chicharron Tacos (3) $18 Crispy Pork Belly, Onions & Cilantro, Queso Fresco, Guasacaca Sauce Monday, July 20th, 2026: Smoked Brisket & French Onion Grilled Cheese $19 Sourdough Bread, Swiss, Provolone & Cheddar Cheeses, Caramelized Onions Monday, July 27th, 2026: Garlic Bread Chicken Parm Sandwich $19 San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Basil Pesto Monday, August 3rd, 2026: Steak Frites $23 Medium Sliced Sirloin, Truffle Fries, Chimichurri Monday, August 10th, 2026: Fried Shrimp Po Boy $18 French Bread, Lettuce, Tomato, Remoulade Sauce Monday, August 17th, 2026: Carolina Style Pork Ribs $21 Creamy Cole Slaw, French Fries Gulfstream Park Located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, owned and operated by 1/ST, the consumer-facing brand of The Stronach Group, has been one of the country's premier Thoroughbred horse racing venues since 1939. In addition to live Thoroughbred horse racing, Gulfstream Park offers two floors of exciting casino gaming entertainment. Level 1 features the perfect blend of racing simulcasts and slot machines, while Level 2 offers additional slot gaming, live entertainment, and interactive promotions. Guests can enjoy more than 600 Las Vegas-style slot machines, including electronic table games, as well as a variety of engaging promotions and tournaments. Ideally situated between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport, and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment destination. The property features an open-air lifestyle center with an international collection of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafes, fashion boutiques, health and beauty services, and a diverse array of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 For more information about Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, please visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Previous Next

Ways You Can Help Local Small Businesses Thrive Thu Jan 20 2022 05:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Passion Meets Paradise - The 2025 Festival Runs Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 - Sunday, November 16th, 2025 South Florida Sun Times Oct 8, 2025 The Key West Film Festival Announced Today The Recipients Of Its Golden Key Award For Artistic Excellence, Honoring Legendary Comedian And Performer Billy Connolly. The Festival Also Celebrates Its Tenth Annual Golden Key Award For Excellence In Costume Design, Honoring Award-Nominated Costume Designer Deborah L. Scott. Mr. Connolly will be in attendance at the festival to coincide with a screening to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Aristocrats, the groundbreaking film about the dirtiest joke ever told, in which Connolly is featured. As part of the Golden Key Award for Excellence in Costume Design honor, Scott will participate in a discussion of her work, to be moderated by Addie Morfoot of Variety. Ms. Scott will accept her award in person at the festival, which will feature a pre-recorded presentation by Oscar nominated Costume Designer, Dr. Deborah Nadoolman Landis. Sir William Connolly (born 24 November 1942) is a Scottish actor, musician, television presenter, artist and retired stand-up comedian. He is sometimes known by the Scots nickname the Big Yin ("the Big One"). Known for his idiosyncratic and often improvised observational comedy, frequently including strong language, Connolly has topped many UK polls as the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. In 2017, he was knighted at Buckingham Palace for services to entertainment and charity. In 2022, he received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. As an actor, Connolly has appeared in various films, including Water (1985), Indecent Proposal (1993), Pocahontas (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), Mrs. Brown (1997) (for which he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role), The Boondock Saints (1999), The Last Samurai (2003), Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), The Aristocrats (2005), The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008), Brave (2012), What We Did On Our Holiday (2014), The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). Deborah L. Scott is an award-winning costume designer known for her outstanding design, intuitive looks, and trailblazing techniques that elevate each and every character she costumes. Scott’s latest work can be seen in the highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash, set for release on Friday, December 19th, 2025. She reunites with James Cameron for this third installment, helping to further expand the vibrant, immersive world of Pandora. For this chapter, Scott and her team are once again pushing the boundaries of costume design, spending years developing intricate textiles, beadwork and embroidery, and fusing traditional handcraft with cutting-edge digital innovations. The result continues to bring the Na’vi to life with a richly detailed culture inspired by indigenous craft traditions and realized through thousands of bespoke costume pieces and props. Her previous work includes Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), the record-breaking film that earned her a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination for Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film. In 2023, she also received the CDG Career Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field. Previously, Scott collaborated with Cameron on Titanic (1997), for which she took home the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. She also received a BAFTA nomination, in addition to ACCA, OFTA, and Golden Satellite Award wins. Scott later joined Cameron to work on Avatar (2009). Her first film as a costume designer is Never Cry Wolf (1983). She is also known for her work on films such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Back to the Future (1985), Legends of the Fall (1994), Heat (1995), Wild Wild West (1999), The Patriot (2000), Minority Report (2002), Transformers (2007), Love & Other Drugs (2010), and Aloha (2015). Scott is a sought-after designer whose work is respected globally. Scott's additional award nods include a CDG Award nomination in Excellence in Fantasy Film for Avatar; a Golden Satellite nomination for Best Costume Design for Roland Emmerich’s The Patriot; and Saturn Award nominations for Back to the Future and Minority Report. She is also an active member of the Costume Designers Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In spring 2023, Scott became Designer-in-Residence for the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design, which gives students the chance to study under the wing of a seasoned professional. Michael Tuckman, Director of Programming of the Key West Film Festival, commented: “What can’t Billy Connolly do? From acclaimed roles in Mrs. Brown and The Last Samurai to action heroes in The Boondock Saints and The Hobbit, to his ability to charm international audiences with his wit and candor on stage and screens big and small, he’s an international treasure living right here in Key West. The Aristocrats broke both box office records and set a new ceiling for laughter levels in theaters when it was released 20 years ago, and Billy’s performance in the film shows his rightful place among comedy giants.” Tuckman continues: "Deborah Scott has brought characters to life in some of the most consequential and culturally important films of the last five decades. From creating the world of the crossing of the Titanic, to worlds that can only be imagined through the Na’vi in Avatar, her vision has constructed characters that inspire and amaze us.” Visit: https://keywestff.com for full program information – which will be announced on Friday, October 10th, along with a schedule of events. About The Key West Film Festival: Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, The Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place from Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 - Sunday, November 16th, 2025. A diverse, entertaining and artistically rigorous selection of films will be represented through a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to commune and exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in an historic and artistically vibrant tropical paradise. For more information, visit our website: https://keywestff.com Twitter - @keywestfilmfest Instagram - @keywestfilmfestival Facebook - Key West Film Festival #kwff #kwff2025 Previous Next

Precision Legal: "Florida's Game-Changer For The Restoration Industry" By David L. Snelling April 24, 2022 Share For the past two years Precision Legal has specialized in property damage law by representing restoration companies and homeowners whose claims were denied or underpaid by their insurance companies. While the firm handles some cases for homeowners' claims, the bulk of its work focuses on restoration companies that provide services such as water mitigation, mold testing, mold remediation, leak detection and plumbing issues, just to name a few. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this boutique law firm specializes in handling high volume collections for the restoration companies. “When restoration companies would come to us for help, their most common complaint is that they can never reach their prior attorneys," says Precision Legal founder, Jesse O’Hara. "We always asked potential new clients what specific information they would like to know if they could reach their lawyer. However, clients were never really able to tell us. So, we embraced a unique, tech-savvy approach to our law firm and developed a data analysis service to calculate the most important metrics that a restoration company would want to know when taking on a claim." According to Jesse, restoration companies perform their work through Assignment of Benefits which allows an insurance company to pay them directly. But when the amounts of the claims fall short or are denied, Precision Legal steps in to ensure the insurance companies honor their policies and pay the full amounts owed to their clients. The procedure is an extension of the company's collections department which collects data to argue their clients' actual insurance payouts. "Because most of our clients are operating at a high volume of claims, we have been able to gather data, over thousands of cases, to project cash flow and to help our clients determine how much payment they can expect to receive from the insurance company," said O'Hara. "In our data collection, we also provide reports to our clients to show them their open claims and their amount in outstanding payments and provide updates on their cases. We are extremely client centered and strive to be the most responsive, flexible and effective firm for our clients in order to make them more money, more efficiently." He added: “We aren’t just a law firm, but an extension of your restoration company’s collections team. Our litigation analytics reports help our clients to have a firm grasp of their numbers so they can make better business decisions." He also says that the data allows Precision Legal to advise their clients whether they should expand or not. Litigation accounts receivable and monthly payment reports help our restoration company's clients know if they can hire more staff and buy more equipment. "They have a better grasp of their business because we’ve taken the major step of a law firm, figuring out what data is important to clients and assuming the responsibility of providing transparent monthly litigation reports to clients with litigation strategies based upon the numbers," O'Hara said. " At Precision Legal, lawyering is not just an art – it is very much a science. Our data-driven solutions drive justice right down to the decimal point." Jesse said the more cases his firm receives from its clients, the more accurate the data becomes and the better Precision Legal can project their cash flow. "We go after the insurance companies when they are unpaid or underpaid so that they do not lose money on their hard work." For homeowners, determining their payouts for damages is slightly different, for instance, in the event of a storm, a homeowner’s insurance policy will require the homeowner to ‘mitigate’ or stop further damage to the property. However, most homeowners are unaware that their property insurance policies often cover this type of ‘mitigation’ service. When a homeowner hires a restoration company to protect their property from further damage, they have two options: (1) pay the restoration company’s bills out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement from the insurance or (2) the restoration company can negotiate its bills directly with the insurance company. Most of Precision Legal's clients are small, family-owned companies that prefer to avoid billing other families at the time of an emergency. Instead, our clients prefer to bill the insurance companies directly. After all, if Florida families are already paying record-high premiums for insurance, why should they pay extra hard-earned money for services their insurance already covers? "If they are smart, Florida families can obtain cost-free restoration services through our clients and we will help ensure that those bills get paid by the insurance companies – not by the homeowners – but the real value that Precision Legal provides to restoration industry clients is in the numbers," O' Hara said. In addition to providing data-driven solutions, Precision Legal litigation services are cost-free to their clients. If an insurance company refuses to pay a restoration company's bills, the invoice can be sent directly to Precision Legal and begin the collection process. Precision Legal will front all of the firm’s costs (e.g. court filing fees, depositions, etc.) and get paid separately for its services by the insurance companies. This means that restoration companies can hire Precision Legal for free and still keep 100% percent of the settlements that have been awarded. "It’s a risk-free solution for restoration companies that have difficulty getting their invoices paid by the insurance companies." Precision Legal 1700 East Las Olas Blvd, Suite#: 102 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 https://www.flatfeelegalservice.com/ (954) 361-7878 < Previous News Next News >

"The Most Urgent Movie of 2022": The Aventura International Film Series Presents “Happening” October 27, 2022 Share Fresh from wins at film festivals around the world, Happening comes to the Aventura International Film Series at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival and best film honors from the International Cinephile Society Awards and Lumiere Awards, Happening is directed by Audrey Diwan who won the “Directors to Watch” and “New Voices/New Visions Grand Jury Prize” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Rated R, the film is shown in French with English subtitles and follows a bright young Parisian college student in 1963 who becomes pregnant and sees the opportunity to finish her studies and escape the constraints of her social background disappearing. With her final exams fast approaching and her belly growing, she resolves to act, even if she has to confront shame and pain and risk prison to do so. The film has received wide-spread critical acclaim including from Rolling Stone that declared Happening as “the most urgent movie of 2022” that “has gone from international sensation to a call to arms.” Anamaria Vartolomei, the film’s star, has been honored with awards for her role from César Awards, Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards, Dublin International Film Festival, International Cinephile Society Awards and Lumiere Awards. Admired film expert Shelly Isaacs curates the series and hosts each film with an introduction and a post-screening discussion. Isaacs is known for his Café Cinematheque programs at many venues throughout South Florida. He enjoyed a 30-plus year career as a creative director/writer specializing in creating print ads, commercials and trailers for feature films, TV and Radio Studios. He teaches foreign-language film appreciation in the Life Long Learning Society at FAU and FIU. In 2009, Isaacs launched Cinematheque at Sea and served as the film expert for Celebrity Cruise Lines at The Cannes International Film Festival. The Aventura International Film Series continues with Hit the Road on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, Lost Illusions on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, Petite Maman on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 and three yet-to-be-announced films on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, on Tuesday, April 4th, 2022 and on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023. Screenings are general admission with the lobby doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the auditorium at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $12. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: https://www.aventuracenter.org/ - By phone at: (877) 311-7469 Or: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Where Public School Ends, Jewish Learning Begins By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil Aug 27, 2026 Absolutely! And When It's Fun, Happens Every Day Right After School, And Children Actually Look Forward To It, The Answer Is Obvious. As South Florida public schools begin a new school year, hundreds of Jewish children will also be starting an exciting year at CHAP—Chabad Chayil's daily after-school Hebrew School. More than a traditional once-a-week Hebrew school, CHAP is a comprehensive educational program designed specifically for Jewish children attending public schools who do not receive a formal Jewish education. The program serves boys and girls ages 5–12 from schools including Aventura Waterways K–8, American Heritage, BridgePrep, Charter, Country Dade, Nova, Ojus, Pine Crest, Riviera, Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary (VABHOE), and many others. Any family looking for a high-quality daily after-school Jewish education is welcome. Before Rosh Hashanah, every Jewish child is invited to experience CHAP completely free of charge, with no obligation to enroll. Simply choose one of the CHAP Trial Days. No membership, prior Jewish knowledge, or synagogue affiliation is required. Following the holidays, regular classes continue at affordable tuition rates. The program follows the public school calendar and meets every weekday immediately after school at Chabad Chayil in West Aventura, conveniently located across from Aventura Waterways K–8. The curriculum includes Jewish traditions, holidays, history, Parshah, Hebrew reading, prayer, Judaic studies, and creative art projects. A primary emphasis is placed on personalized Hebrew reading instruction, allowing each child to progress at his or her own pace. Our goal is to give every child a joyful first taste of Jewish learning through creative, hands-on, and engaging lessons. We strive to instill a lifelong love of Judaism and Jewish tradition by combining timeless values with innovative teaching methods. This is a Hebrew school where children genuinely look forward to coming each day. CHAP's commitment to excellence has been recognized throughout Miami-Dade County. An independent educational consulting company hired by the county to evaluate after-school programs rated Chabad Chayil's program among the very best. After spending two weeks observing every aspect of the program, Cynthia Serure, President of A Gift for the Soul, Inc., described it as exemplary. "This program scored at the top on virtually all analytical criteria, including quality of staff, student-teacher interaction, and curriculum. It is a model program." Study after study has shown that meaningful Jewish education is one of the strongest factors in fostering lifelong Jewish identity, involvement, and continuity. Our mission is to ensure that every Jewish child has access to a warm, meaningful, and high-quality Jewish education. CHAP provides an environment where parents feel comfortable, children thrive, and Jewish learning becomes something they eagerly anticipate. Today, CHAP serves children from numerous public and private schools throughout the area and is popular among homeschooling families as well. As enrollment continues to grow, Chabad Chayil remains committed to expanding its educational facilities to meet the community's needs. Transportation is currently available for students attending Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary (VABHOE), Ojus Elementary, and BridgePrep Academy. Families from other schools often organize carpools, and when enough students enroll from a particular school, additional transportation can often be arranged. Everyone is welcome. CHAP embraces every Jewish child regardless of religious background, affiliation, or level of observance. Membership is never required for enrollment. Chabad Chayil's mission is to strengthen Jewish awareness, pride, and observance by providing educational, cultural, and social opportunities for every Jewish individual and family. One of our flagship programs, CHAP, exists to provide affordable, high-quality Jewish education for children who are not enrolled in Jewish day schools. We also aim to give parents peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, happy, active, and growing in a warm Jewish environment that nurtures a lasting love for their heritage, Torah, and Israel. To register or learn about our additional after-school programs—including Leadership 4 Kids, Homework Help, Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation, the JewQ International Torah Championship, once-a-week Hebrew School, private tutoring, and Camp Gan Israel—please contact our School Director, Mrs. Layah Kievman at: (305) 770-1919. Or visit: HebrewSchool.info. A Jewish day school remains the ideal educational choice for every Jewish child. But for families who, for whatever reason, are unable to choose that option, CHAP provides an outstanding alternative—offering children the opportunity to build a strong Jewish identity, develop Hebrew literacy, and experience the joy of being part of the Jewish community every single day. About the author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools, Gan Chabad Preschool and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org, where you can also sign up for his weekly Torah Thought & Newsletter. Visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner Previous Next

Go Green Recognition: City Of Aventura Invites Aventura Property Owners To Apply February 3, 2023 Share The City of Aventura invites residential and commercial property owners who have practiced environmental sustainability to apply for its annual Go Green Recognition Program Award. To be considered, all property entries must contain an address within Aventura city limits. Online applications are available on the City’s website and must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24th, 2023. Go Green is the City’s initiative encouraging its community to make responsible decisions that reduce negative impacts on the environment, save energy and lower operational costs. The City is committed to reducing its carbon footprint on the environment and it is proud to be a Green Local Government, as certified by the Florida Green Builders Coalition (FGBC). The FGBC designates Green Cities and Counties for outstanding environmental stewardship. The program focuses on improving environmental performance through waste reduction, water conservation, air quality improvements and many other criteria. The process of becoming a Green City is an opportunity to improve existing programs, start new programs and set an example to the community in order to improve environmental sustainability. The City of Aventura annually invites residential and commercial property owners who have practiced environmental sustainability to be recognized with a Go Green Recognition Program Award. The prestigious award is presented by the Community Services Advisory Board to those properties whose efforts have and continue to keep Aventura Green. Aventura’s Green Local Government Practices Green Cleaning and Maintenance, in accordance with Florida Department of Environmental Resources: Aventura contracts out cleaning services that use Green Seal certified cleaning products to improve air quality and reduce employee, visitor and student exposure to toxic chemicals. HVAC equipment is regularly maintained and inspected to ensure efficiency. Green Fleet: Aventura’s Public Works vehicles are regularly maintained by recycling all fluids, batteries and tires. Techniques to minimize environmental impact are practiced for spill containment, including berms at both ends of the bays and many others. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP): The City adopts the EPA EPP practices as part of its Go Green initiative, which reduces environmental impact; energy and water use; reduces waste and operational costs. The Aventura Community Services Advisory Board presents the prestigious award to those property owners whose efforts have and continue to keep Aventura Green. Awards will be presented at the City’s Earth Day/Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at: (305) 466-8930. Or visit: https://www.cityofaventura.com/192/Go-G < Previous News Next News >

Temple Beth El Centennial Gala Celebrates 100 Years In Spectacular Purim Style (L to R) Rebbetzin Susan Bell and Gala Co-Chairs Jill Weiss and Caren Winer Mar 17, 2026 On March 1, 2026 – exactly 100 years to the day since Temple Beth El was founded – more than 110 guests filled the Lake Pavilion in downtown West Palm Beach for the Centennial Gala: Purim Style – a celebration that many are already calling one of the most memorable celebrations in synagogue history. “It was a night for the ages,” said Caren Winer, Co-Chair of the event with Jill Weiss. “Seeing our community come together – dancing, laughing, reflecting on our history and committing to our future – was incredibly moving. It was everything we hoped this milestone celebration would be.” A NIGHT OF JOY, MUSIC AND CELEBRATION DJ Shaq kept the dance floor packed all night long as guests celebrated to a vibrant mix of disco, pop, and traditional hora dancing. Colorful costumes, festive Purim spirit, and joyful laughter filled the room. A stunning belly dance performance brought the crowd to its feet, while guests enjoyed delicious cuisine, flowing cocktails and spirited bidding during the silent auction. A MOVING ON-SCREEN PRESENTATION During the evening, guests paused to reflect on the remarkable journey of Temple Beth El through a moving centennial video presentation honoring the generations who built and sustained the Jewish community. “From its early years through times of challenge and renewal, Temple Beth El has grown into Palm Beach County’s first Conservative synagogue and a thriving center of Jewish life,” said Rabbi Alan Bell. A POWERFUL MOMENT FOR OUR FUTURE One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Centennial Chair and Past President Ilan Kottler spoke from the heart. Just before the gala began, Ilan had spoken with his mother, who was taking shelter during the ongoing conflict with Iran. His emotional reflection reminded everyone in the room why Jewish community matters — and why Temple Beth El must continue to grow and thrive for future generations. That message led into an exciting announcement about the new Beth El Center for Jewish Life and the launch of the “100 Shares Campaign.” This innovative Initial Philanthropic Offering (IPO) invites 100 donors to contribute $1,000 each, becoming forever recognized as Century Founders in Temple Beth El’s next chapter. “The Centennial Gala was more than a celebration of the past,” noted Kottler. “It was the beginning of Temple Beth El’s next century of Jewish life, learning, and community. We hope that our Temple Beth El family and the greater Jewish community will join us in this exciting new initiative.” About Temple Beth El of West Palm Beach Founded in 1926, Temple Beth El is a vibrant center of Jewish life, learning, and community in Palm Beach County. For 100 years, it has served as a spiritual home for generations – rooted in tradition, dedicated to education and committed to the values of faith, compassion and inclusion. LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY: https://www.bethelwpb.com/100/gala/photos Previous Next

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