Helping Your Pet With Separation Anxiety September 12, 2024 Share If you have ever lived in a household alongside a pet that excessively howls, scratches at the door, or exhibits an overall sense of panic when a loved one leaves the home, it can be beneficial to speak with a veterinarian about the potential diagnosis of separation anxiety. Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, unpacks the actions linked to separation anxiety with methods of how to alleviate the pet’s stress and behavioral responses associated with it. Unwelcome Changes Separation anxiety occurs when an animal — most commonly a dog, though some cats may experience this type of Anxiety as well — becomes upset due to being apart from their owner or any individual to whom the pet has grown attached. While Anxiety, in general, has many triggers and is frequently multifactorial, Teller said there are specific life-events or experiences that may contribute to a dog’s development of separation anxiety, including: • Abandonment when young • Poor socialization, especially when young • Lack of training to be left alone and to entertain itself • Divorce of a family member • Death of a family member • Sudden change in work or school schedules According to Teller, a dog’s personality may also contribute to Separation Anxiety, as some dogs may be naturally more clingy than others. Stage-Five Clinger Because anxiety looks different for every pet, it is important to differentiate excitement or a lack of training from Anxiety. Several identifiable canine behaviors that signal Separation Anxiety are: • Pacing • Whining • Shaking • Excessive barking, drooling, or panting • Destructive behavior, including digging out of the yard, or urinating and defecating in the house Cats also experience Stress when there are major changes in their lives or in the household, but they express it differently. Signs that a Cat is experiencing separation anxiety may include: • Urinating in inappropriate locations • Lack of appetite • Loud, excessive meowing If you have concerns about behaviors your pet is displaying, Teller says it’s important to discuss those with your veterinarian. Videos of the behavior can be helpful in determining what is going on. Prescribed Chill Pills Teller says treating separation anxiety requires more than a little “chill pill.” “Medications alone will not resolve separation anxiety,” Teller said. “There are a variety of medications that are used to help alleviate anxiety and make it easier to institute a behavior modification plan. “Your veterinarian will work with you to create a behavior modification plan to help eliminate undesirable behaviors and replace them with more appropriate ones,” she said. Another way to help your pet is that when you know a big change is coming, helping them prepare by introducing activities to their routine also may help prevent Anxiety when that big change eventually comes. “Prevention is key, and there are a variety of things that can be done to help prevent Separation Anxiety in pets,” Teller said. “Pets need to learn that it is OK to be alone and to entertain themselves, even when someone is home.” Introducing puzzle toys, food-stuffed toys, and long-lasting chews are options that can help to replace that comfort person with a comfort item. And for sense-based comfort, playing the radio and keeping consistent pheromone diffusers in use can create a safe and recognizable space without their favorite human by their side. According to Teller, another method to potentially reduce Anxiety is to encourage your pet to exercise and release some energy prior to leaving for your day at school or work. A long walk or run or game of fetch may do. Through exercise, a dog trades morning stress-filled yelps with a morning nap instead. Comfort In Confinement Finally, when dealing with an anxious dog, crates can offer an enclosed sense of security in their distress. “When putting a dog in a crate, use lots of praise and make sure the dog has a puzzle toy or chew treat when it goes into the crate,” Teller said. “As a dog feels more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of space it has access to — moving from the crate to a room and then hopefully to most of the house. It is important that a dog learns from early on that a crate is a safe place. Some dogs may not be amenable to crate training until their separation Anxiety has lessened.” Likewise, cats also need safe places, though usually not crates. These safe spaces can include a room with perches at different levels or nooks where they can hide, Teller says. “If you notice a change in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, speak with your veterinarian, have a complete physical done, and be sure to let your veterinarian know that there have been changes in the pet’s lifestyle or household,” Teller said. It is important to recognize that separation anxiety is a medical condition and needs to be treated appropriately. By encouraging your pet’s independence, and working with a veterinarian, as necessary, owners can help instill in their beloved companions behaviors that allow them to thrive on their own. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/ - Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . < Previous News Next News >

Six Ways To Build Lasting Healthy Habits By Family Features January 19, 2023 Share Starting on a path toward healthy habits is often easier than maintaining them long term. This year, you can avoid a major pitfall of healthy resolutions and build healthy habits that stick by working small, positive steps into your daily life. In fact, healthy habits are the first suggested treatment strategy for people whose Blood Pressure and Cholesterol levels are creeping higher than normal, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement. "The current guidelines for managing high Blood Pressure and Cholesterol recognize that otherwise healthy individuals with mildly or moderately elevated levels of these cardiovascular risk factors should actively attempt to reduce these risks, and increasing physical activity is a great place to start," said Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., chair of the statement writing group and chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health. These six ideas from the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Habit Coach can help. Best Common Habit-Building Myths You may be surprised to learn the truth about creating and sticking to healthy habits. One myth is getting healthy means doing things you don't like. Research shows positive emotions make habits stick, so set your intentions on something you enjoy. Another misconception is that big results require big changes, which may lead to overly ambitious habits. However, the simpler the routine is, the more likely it is to become a habit. Work with Your "Brain Loops" Your brain creates "loops" for habits made up of three things: a cue, a routine and a reward. Each time the loop is repeated, it becomes more routine and may become automatic. Knowing this, you can design cues for developing new, healthy habits, such as setting walking shoes by the bed to start a walking habit. The routine is putting on the shoes and walking around the block, and the reward is the pleasant sensations and brighter mood from a morning stroll. Create Cues That Work for You Most successful health habits begin with a cue. The cue can be external in your environment or internal in terms of your mindset. The more consistent the cue, the more likely it is to trigger the habit. Hacking your brain's reminder system can help you remember your cue. Some examples of visual cues are placing a sticky note where you'll see it often, keeping a water bottle on your desk or refrigerating fresh veggies at eye level. Build A Routine That Supports Your Goals Positive and consistent habits are important to achieve your personal goals. Small habits done consistently can add up to big results. To create a new healthy habit, think through the steps that could lead to your desired outcome. Ask yourself whether you want to do it, if it's easy and if it's high impact. It's important to choose habits that make a difference and move you closer to your goals. For example, if one of your goals is improving your heart health, a meaningful habit might be to move more. Increasing physical activity can help lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol along with many other health benefits, Gibbs said. "Every little bit of activity is better than none," she said. "Even small initial increases of 5-10 minutes a day can yield health benefits." Use Rewards to Make Habits Stick Start by choosing a habit you enjoy that's rewarding by itself. If you're more of a dancer than runner, increase your physical activity with an upbeat dance class. You might also look for a more enjoyable version of a new habit, such as getting more fruits and veggies by sipping on a delicious smoothie. Understand Resets are Part of the Process New habits are experiments. If they don't stick, you haven't failed. Instead, you've learned what doesn't work, which is useful. Get curious and ask yourself which part of the habit didn't work for you. Maybe the cue was ineffective. Maybe the steps of the routine were too ambitious and you need to split them into smaller, easier steps. If you realize you don't enjoy the habit, stop doing it and try something else. Find more inspiration and ideas to jumpstart healthy habits this year at: www.heart.org/habits < Previous News Next News >

Stop the Paid Parking Plan By Alexander Lewy July 22, 2021 Share Alexander Lewy was elected to the Hallandale Beach City Commission in 2010 and served until 2014. He has worked for national non-profit organizations since leaving office and serves on the Board of Trustees for Temple Beth El of Hollywood. As a former Hallandale Beach City Commissioner now enjoying family life with my wife and two small kids, I rarely have time to speak up on issues. I respect the City Commission and value our city staff, but I've been gravely concerned about Hallandale Beach's plans to start a citywide paid parking plan since the moment I heard about it. The more I researched, the more I see that this plan does nothing to help residents or increase quality of life; and according to public records, this paid parking plan is strictly focused on revenue. Public emails between the City Manager and the City Commission state "...the creation of a parking management program are key aspects of our long term plan for increasing revenues..." (Dec. 2020) and that they "…are very focused on our revenue creation in the City from a parking perspective... We are also working on rolling out the parking program to the rest of the City as well, which will definitely mean an increase in revenue from just this one source. " (Feb. 2021) I have had the privilege to speak to four members of the City Commission (including the Mayor) and the City Manager about the proposed paid parking changes and greatly appreciate their willingness to listen. It is my hope that if you read this and agree, our combined voices will encourage the Commission to reevaluate these drastic measures that will reduce our quality of life and impact everyone in the city. Mayor Cooper (whom I voted for and consider a friend) wrote a recent article that mentions a “new on street parking program.” She went further to write that “parking will now be a $30 monthly rate.” Frankly, no new laws exist until the Commission votes to change our City Ordinances. I am told those votes are currently planned for August. In the past, the Commission asked for vast public input prior to making such sweeping changes and that unfortunately did not occur here. What is worse, is that the City’s parking consultant, Diane Burgess, is the former Director of Sales for PayByPhone and, according to her own public LinkedIn profile, was “responsible for bringing PayByPhone to Municipal Government locations as well as to private property owners who charge for parking.” You can review the city’s initial parking proposal here: https://tinyurl.com/dd7f6fsh It compares Hallandale Beach to Lauderdale by the Sea and Surfside which are both small towns on the barrier island which means all street parking is beach parking. It also compares us to Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. None of those three cities charge for parking in front of their city parks or in residential areas west of the intercoastal. Hallandale Beach would be the only city to make people pay to park in front of their condos like on Three Islands Blvd., Parkview Drive, Golden Isles Drive, NE 14th Ave., and NE 3rd Street. Passholders aren’t even guaranteed a parking spot. None of these areas are tourist destinations and many are home to working class families. Look at these city websites for a TRUE comparison: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/291/Location-Map https://daniabeachfl.gov/183/Parking-Division https://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/parking_street I am also curious why the only park NOT included in the City’s presentation was the Golden Isles Park and Tennis Center which also has on-street parking like B.F. James, O.B. Johnson, and Bluesten Parks and others around the city which are all part of the on-street paid parking plan. We all understand and expect to pay for beach parking, but this plan forces us to pay for street parking at the city’s largest parks. The same parks where the Police Athletic League and others regularly hold sporting & cultural events. Paid parking is against recommendations from consultants who developed our Parks plan, after all, these public open spaces were paid for by our taxes and a bond in which taxpayers voted to approve. It’s reprehensible to now charge to access these parks when the motive is purely profit. Furthermore, while answering questions from the Commission this May, city staff mentioned that the new money collected would go towards the general fund and is not dedicated to any infrastructure improvements. While the City points to the "International Parking Institute" for research indicating each space costs at least $400 annually to maintain, we know our City has not been spending that. It was also said that condos “are not paying a thing to utilize City property.” That is an insult to every condo taxpayer who disproportionately pays more for the frontage of their public streets, sidewalks, and parking spaces. There are areas with parking deficiencies in Hallandale Beach, but those were created by the City's willingness to allow parking variances for developers letting them build more units with less parking claiming that "public transit" will soon be the norm. This is a myth many have peddled, and yet south Florida does not have the infrastructure to make meaningful public transit a reality. The City also allows developers to count on-street parking towards their parking allotment! This happened as recently as the building of Arts Square on NE 3rd Street which was approved by the Commission with less parking than code required and now the Commission wants to charge for that parking. Join me in urging the Commission to scrap this plan and start fresh. If the Commission's goal is to improve parking management and public safety, there are other enforcement methods to ensure public parking is not abused, allows for turn over, and does not hurt families with no choice but to use street parking. The City can ticket and tow vehicles illegally parked or parked for an extended period and generate revenue from enforcement without charging law abiding residents. If the Commission's goal is to increase revenue, that is what we pay property taxes for. As a proud American and Hallandale Beach property owner, it's my responsibility to pay my fair share. Please make your voice heard by emailing the Commission at publicparticipation@cohb.org or by submitting a voicemail to 954-457-1482. < Previous News Next News >

CIRQUE AT THE DIPLOMAT: Coming This Holiday Season POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance Wed Dec 13 2023 17:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fight Hunger, Serve Hope: Selfless Ways To Support Community Members In Need By Family Features August 24, 2023 Share With hectic day-to-day schedules and varying dietary needs, many families face the dreaded daily question: "What sounds good for dinner?" In contrast, millions struggle to put food on the table each night, impacting about 1 in 8 children, according to Feeding America. You can help support those in need through the Albertsons' "Fight Hunger, Serve Hope" Cause Program - an initiative to fight hunger in local communities during summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. The company's private label will donate one meal for every O Organics product purchased, up to $7 Million and the equivalent of 28 million meals. Donations will be made to Nourishing Neighbors, a Program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, to Fund Grants dedicated to providing healthy meals for at-risk youth throughout the summer. "While summertime sparks excitement for countless students, it also marks the unfortunate reality that millions of children face when they lose access to school cafeteria lunches and breakfasts they depend on throughout the school year," said Jennifer Saenz, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Albertsons Companies. "As a company, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in need. For the first time, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to support this mission by connecting each purchase of our O Organics Brand to hunger relief efforts in the communities we serve." Following the campaign period, families looking to help in their communities can give back in a variety of ways. Donate Canned Goods Once school is in session, many classrooms participate in canned food drives for a variety of causes while serving a dual purpose: feeding those in need and teaching children the importance of giving back. Sending your students to school with canned goods can show them the value of helping others and instill a sense of responsibility. Volunteer At A Food Pantry Sharing valuable resources like canned goods helps make a difference in communities, but local food pantries also need willing volunteers to sort and distribute food, among other duties. It can provide a unique sense of perspective as you meet other volunteers, improve the lives of people in your community and gain new skills. In fact Hallandale Beach has a Food Pantry at The Hepburn Center. For additional information or to volunteer to drop off goods call: (954) 457-1460. The Hepburn Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feeding South Florida, in Pembroke Park also has volunteer opportunities, visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/volunteer/ - Or call: (954) 518-1818 for more information. Promote The Power Of Family Meals Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three, sharing a meal with neighbors can be a powerful moment. It provides an opportunity to connect while enjoying easy-to-make recipes like Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs; Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Raspberries and Pecans; and Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and Granola. Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs Total time: 30 minutes • 2 Cloves of Garlic • 1/2 Small bunch of Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley • 1/4 Cup of O Organics Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1/8 Cup of Red Wine Vinegar • 2 Teaspoons of O Organics Dijon Mustard • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper • 3/4 Pound of O Organics Ribeye Steak • 1/2 Pint of O Organics Grape Tomatoes • 1/4 Pound of O Organics White Mushrooms • Green Pepper, sliced optional • 1/2 Medium Red Onion • 6 Skewers Peel and mince the Garlic. Wash and dry the Parsley. Shave the Leaves off the Stems; discard the Stems and mince the Leaves. In a large bowl, whisk the Minced Garlic, half the Minced Parsley, reserve the remainder for the Garnish, the Olive Oil, the Vinegar, the Dijon Mustard, the Salt and the Pepper. Cut the Steak into cubes; transfer them to the Marinade bowl and toss to coat. Wash the Tomatoes, the Mushrooms and the Green Pepper. Halve the Mushrooms. Add the Tomatoes, the Mushrooms and the Green Pepper to the Marinade. Peel the Onion and cut it into chunks and add them to the Marinade. Toss the Beef and the Vegetables until they are well coated. Heat the grill pan, outdoor grill or skillet to Medium-High Heat. Thread the Steak and the Vegetables onto the six skewers. Cook the Kebabs in batches until the Steak is browned and the Vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer them to a plate and repeat with the remaining Kebabs. To serve, plate the Kebabs and sprinkle them with the remaining Minced Parsley. Grilled Chicken Salad With Goat Cheese, Fresh Blueberries and Pecans Total time: 20 minutes • 3/4 Pound of Boneless, Skinless O Organics Chicken Breasts • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/8 Teaspoon of Black Pepper • 2 Teaspoons of O Organics Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1 Package 5 Ounces of O Organics Spring Mix • 1 Package 6 Ounces of O Organics Blueberries or desired Berry • 1/4 Cup of O Organics Pecan Halves • 3 Tablespoons of O Organics Olive Oil • 1 Tablespoon of O Organics Balsamic Vinegar • 1/2 Log 4 Ounces of O Organics Goat Cheese Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board. Cut chicken in half horizontally to form thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat the grill pan, the outdoor grill or the skillet to Medium-High Heat. Once the pan is hot, coat it with the Oil. Add the Chicken to the pan and grill it, turning it once, until it is cooked through for 3-4 minutes per side. Wash and dry the Spring Mix. Place in a medium bowl. Wash and dry the Blueberries. Add to a bowl with the Mixed Greens. Using a clean cutting board, roughly chop the Pecans. Add to the bowl. Transfer the cooked Chicken to a cutting board and cut it into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the Olive Oil and the Balsamic Vinegar to create the Dressing. Add the Chicken and the Dressing to the Salad bowl; toss to combine. To serve, divide the Salad between the plates or the bowls and crumble the Goat Cheese over the top. Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl With Banana and Granola Total time: 10 minutes Yield: 3 cups • 1 Banana • 1/2 Package 6 Ounces of O Organics Blackberries • 1/2 Lime • 2 Cups of O Organics Frozen Mixed Berries • 1 Cup of Plain O Organics Greek Yogurt • 4 Fluid Ounces of O Organics Whole Milk • 1/8 Cup of O Organics Honey • 1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon • 2/3 Cup of O Organics Granola of choice Wash and dry the Banana and the Blackberries. Peel and thinly slice the Banana and set it aside. Zest and juice the Lime into a blender. Add the Frozen Mixed Berries, the Yogurt, the Milk, the Honey and the Cinnamon. Blend them on high speed until they are smooth for 1-2 minutes. To serve, divide the Smoothie between the bowls and top them with the Banana, the Blackberries and the Granola. Find more meal ideas by visiting: www.Albertsons.com or www.albertsons.com/lp/o-organics-organic.html < Previous News Next News >

What You Need To Know About Cholesterol - Stay In Control To Help Prevent Heart Disease, Heart Attack And Stroke Family Features November 21, 2024 Share Understanding and improving Cholesterol is important for people of all ages, including children and teens. Maintaining healthy Cholesterol levels can help keep your heart healthy and lower your chances of getting Heart Disease or having a Stroke. High Cholesterol usually has no symptoms. In fact, about 38% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with High Cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Understanding what Cholesterol is, the role it plays, when to get screened and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your overall health and preventing a Heart Attack or Stroke. Understanding Cholesterol A waxy, fat-like substance created by the Liver and consumed from meat, poultry and dairy products, Cholesterol isn't inherently bad for you. In fact, your body needs it to build cells and make Vitamins and other Hormones. However, too much Cholesterol circulating in the blood can pose a problem. The two types of Cholesterol are Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), which is considered "bad," and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which can be thought of as "good" Cholesterol. Too much of the "bad" kind, or not enough of the "good," increases the risk of Cholesterol slowly building up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Cholesterol can join with other substances to form a thick, hard deposit on the inside of the arteries called plaque. This can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible - a condition known as Atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms, it may be more likely to get stuck in one of these narrowed arteries, resulting in a Heart Attack or Stroke. Understanding Risk Your body naturally produces all the LDL it needs. An unhealthy lifestyle can make your body produce more LDL than required. Behaviors that may negatively affect your Cholesterol Levels include lack of physical activity, obesity, eating an unhealthy diet and smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. In addition to unhealthy habits, which are the cause of High LDL Cholesterol for most people, some people inherit genes from their parents or grandparents - called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) - that cause them to have too much Cholesterol and can lead to Premature Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. If you have a family history of FH or problems related to High Cholesterol, it's important to get your levels checked. Getting Cholesterol Checked Adults aged 20 and older should have their Cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every 4-6 years as long as their risk remains low. After age 40, your health care professional will use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of Heart Attack or Stroke. People with Cardiovascular Disease, and those at elevated risk, may need their Cholesterol and other risk factors assessed more often. Managing Cholesterol If you have High Cholesterol, understanding your risk for Heart Disease and Stroke is one of the most important things you can do, along with taking steps to lower your Cholesterol. Often, simply changing certain behaviors can help bring your numbers into line. Eating a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean or plant-based protein, fish and nuts while limiting red and processed meats, sodium and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages is one of the best ways to lower your Cholesterol. While grocery shopping, look for the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark to help identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern. Other lifestyle changes include losing weight, quitting smoking and becoming more physically active, as a sedentary lifestyle can lower HDL. To help lower both Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as walking, biking or swimming. For some people, lifestyle changes may prevent or manage unhealthy Cholesterol Levels. For others, medication may also be needed. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. If medication is required, be sure to take it as prescribed. Controlling your Cholesterol may be easier than you think. Learn more about managing your Cholesterol at: www.heart.org/cholesterol < Previous News Next News >

Mutts & Meows For Military July 14, 2022 Share The Humane Society of Broward County is thrilled to announce a new Adoption Program for Military Veterans. As a thank you for their dedicated service Veterans will now be able to Adopt a pet, from the main shelter, one year of age or older for half price! Pets available include Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and even Guinea Pigs on occasion. Studies have shown that people with pets have lower Blood Pressure, fewer Heart Attacks and less illness. They live longer and happier lives. According to Christopher Agostino, HSBC President and CEO, “Veterans have proven to be heroes in the lives of others, now we offer them the opportunity to be a hero for a shelter pet.” All pets are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, given Preliminary Vaccinations, a Microchip, Heartworm Test for Dogs seven months and older, Feline Leukemia Test, a 14 Day Health Care Plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospitals, a bag of Purina ONE Food and of course you are getting a friend for life. Up For Adoption Dexter (ID 657002) may just be one of the most handsome Dogs at the Humane Society of Broward County this week. This blonde Retriever Mix is four years old and 69 pounds of sweetness. He walks great on a leash, is very gentle, knows to sit – especially when a yummy treat is involved and appears to like people of all ages. Can he be part of your family? My name is Atlas (ID A655158) and I’m a 1 year old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix who is full of love! I’m very friendly, I love to be petted, I am extremely well behaved and I come when called. My friends at J.R. Dunn Jewelers have kindly sponsored my Adoption Fee. If I sound like I might be a good fit for you, please fill out a Pre-Adoption Application (unless you have in the past) and come to the shelter to meet me. Mittens (ID A582546) originally came to us from the Florida Keys. Before Hurricane Irma made landfall, the Humane Society of Broward County took in this fellow and his friends at Upper Keys Animal Shelter in Key Largo so they could ride out the storm in a safer place. After the storm passed he stayed at the shelter until he was adopted. Mittens now finds himself back at the shelter because his family is moving and can't take him along. This fellow's favorite thing to do is look out the window. He will sleep in bed with you, he loves kids and paws at you to pet him. Can he go home with you? July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and the Humane Society of Broward County will be offering 500 FREE Microchips for Pet Owners. The Chips are available in the Shelter’s Vaccine Clinic at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The Clinic is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. no appointment necessary (it is closed daily from 11:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) Microchipping is crucial to your Pet’s well-being. In addition, a collar and ID Tag are a visible sign of identification and should be kept on your pet at all times. That way, if your Dog or Cat wanders from home and is found, you can be reunited quickly. Dolly’s Dream Dolly’s Dream has expanded and now they are underwriting the Adoption Fee of select Bully Breed Dogs. In addition to underwriting the Fee, they will cover the costs for the basic items that the Dog will need to succeed in their new home. This includes a training crate, Sensation harness or No-Pull harness, chew toys, collar, ID Tag, leash, training treat bag and basic dishes. If necessary, they will also cover the cost of obedience classes here at the Humane Society of Broward County. Each week there will be two Dogs featured who are part of the Dolly’s Dream Project and a sign is on their kennel door so potential Adopters know about the offer. For more information about the dogs being featured visit: https://humanebroward.com/dollys-dream/ To meet a Pet at the Humane Society of Broward County please fill out a Pre-Adoption Application at: www.humanebroward.com (unless you have in the past) and stop by. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and opens daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977 Extension: 6. Can’t Adopt, but want to help? The Dogs at the shelter would really love some delicious treats and durable toys! Order directly from the shelter’s Amazon or Chewy wishlist or pick up a few things in the Pet Boutique located in the shelter lobby to Donate. < Previous News Next News >

America's Moldiest Cities - Study Reveals 8 Florida Cities (Led By Fort Lauderdale) With The Highest Respiratory Risk For Residents Mon Dec 30 2024 19:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

If You Can Dream It: You Can Build It April 25, 2024 Share If you can dream it…you can build it at the new, first-ever MAGNA-TILES Studio set to open at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS). This one-of-a-kind partnership is a celebration of endless creativity and Meaningful Play, inspired by America’s #1 Magnetic Building Sets Brand*. From crafting spring flowers to erecting skyscrapers, guests will discover the boundless potential of MAGNA-TILES imagination. It’s not just a studio; it’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for Friday, April 26th, at 10:30 a.m. A MODS Member Morning, an exclusive Members-only exhibit time before the Museum opens to the public, will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at 9:00 a.m. "In the limitless expanse of open-ended play, where imagination knows no bounds, the MAGNA-TILES brand shines as a guiding light of opportunity. Within the studio walls, these magnetic marvels ignite curiosity, inviting children on a journey where every path leads to endless discovery," said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. "In this creative studio, each tile is a stepping stone to confidence, empowering children to follow their instincts, chart their own course and revel in the joy of exploration. As they build, stack and experiment, MAGNA-TILES sets transcend mere toy status, becoming steadfast companions in the journey of lifelong learning.” The MAGNA-TILES Studio is designed as an immersive educational world where young minds will flourish. Activities focus on enhancing early cognitive skills and understanding of primary colors, small hand muscle development, finger strength and wrist stability, pattern recognition, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination development, early literacy and mathematics exploration. MODS’ new MAGNA-TILES Studio will feature more than 10,000 MAGNA-TILES pieces across the following creation stations: Magnetic Marvels: Experience the magic of magnetism. Witness MAGNA-TILES pieces effortlessly attract and repel, providing a hands-on lesson in shaping our world. Explore and consider how magnetic forces contribute to the art concepts of shape and form and the fundamental building blocks for creating masterpieces. Colorful Discoveries: Dive into the vivid world of primary colors. Turn MAGNA-TILES play into a palette for artistic expression, exploring the interplay of light through the colorful tiles to create mesmerizing hues and shades that captivate the senses. Engineering Excellence: Channel your inner engineers at the Innovation Station, where MAGNA-TILES pieces transform into the building blocks of inventions with each magnetic connection, exploring the art concept of form as structures come to life in 3D. MAGNA-TILES Builder, Metropolis and House sets are featured, allowing children to construct and explore the physics of building, enhancing the understanding of engineering principles. 3D Build Extravaganza: Step into the expansive 3D Build Area, where imagination knows no boundaries. Construct towering sculptures, intricate landscapes, or a MAGNA-TILES® masterpiece. This area seamlessly integrates art concepts such as shape, form, and color recognition as children combine basic shapes to create new patterns, objects, animals and more, unlocking endless possibilities along the creative journey. The "Garage" Shop: Discover the heart of creativity in our dynamic "Garage" shop, complete with a garage and refrigerator doors. It's the spot where magic happens, inspiring tactile creativity in the most ordinary places to tell unique stories. “We’re thrilled to partner with a world-class institution like the Museum of Science and Discovery on this one-of-a-kind MAGNA-TILES experience. This interactive exhibit was designed for children of all ages and their families to experience the joy of Meaningful Play with the MAGNA-TILES brand. We’re honored to help play a small role in encouraging the next generation of designers, dreamers, architects, astronauts and engineers,” said Michael Valenta, President at MAGNA-TILES. The new MAGNA-TILES Studio will be open during Museum hours of Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/exhibit/magna-tiles-studio-coming-soon/ - Or call: (954) 467-MODS - (954) 467- 6637. What Are MAGNA-TILES? For those of you unfamiliar with MAGNA-TILES, it's the original magnetic construction brand, born in the classroom in 1997. Invented by an educator, for educators, and from these humble beginning, MAGNA-TILES has grown to become America’s #1 Magnetic Building Sets Brand and an essential tool for every child’s growing mind. Through word of mouth and hands-on experience, MAGNA-TILES sets steadily found their way into neighborhood toy stores, at the urging of families who were seeking ways to bring education, enrichment and meaningful play to their home. Today, MAGNA-TILES sets are a staple in millions of homes and classrooms across 80+ countries. For more information visit: www.magnatiles.com The Museum The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of Science Education, Innovation and Exploration. 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. MODS is located Downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS - (954) 467-6637. < Previous News Next News >

Keller's Korner - Todd Golden By Neil Keller Feb 18, 2025 Pictured: Florida Gators men’s basketball Head Coach (L) Todd Golden with Neil Keller. (Photo Courtesy of Alyse Sachs) Welcome to Keller’s Korner. This column will cover the men’s basketball Head Coach for the Florida Gators, Todd Golden. He was born on July 7, 1985 and as of this writing, he is coaching the sixth ranked team in the country. The Florida Gators had a huge and loud crowd when we attended the February 4, 2025 game against the Commodores of Vanderbilt. Todd always loved the sport of basketball. He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and led Sunnyslope High School to the 2002 Arizona 4A state championship in basketball. From there he played guard for St. Mary’s College of California from 2004 to 2008. The Gaels made the 2005 and 2008 NCAA Tournaments. Todd graduated as the Gaels' all-time leader in free-throw percentage (83.2%) before the record was broken by future NBA player Matthew Dellavedova. From 2008 to 2010, Todd played for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He also competed in the 2009 Maccabiah Games playing for the USA. Todd added to me, “Bruce Pearl also coached me in 2009 in Israel in the Maccabiah Games.” Bruce is now the Head Coach of the Auburn Tigers. After playing a few years in Israel, Todd became an Assistant Coach for Columbia University and then Auburn and finally the University of San Francisco. Todd’s big promotion happened on April 1, 2019, when USF announced Todd would be the Head Coach of the Dons. Todd stayed there until the 2021-2022 season as bigger developments came into his life. At the age of 36 years old, Todd was named the Head Coach of the University of Florida on March 18, 2022. Now Todd was coaching in the big-time Southeastern Conference. The Gators won 24 games during the 2023-2024 season and Todd led them into the SEC finals against his mentor Bruce Pearl and Auburn. The Gators fell to the Tigers but the campus in Gainesville got Gator fever. One of their biggest fans is freshman Eden Rose. She is a die-hard basketball fan that gets in line hours early to sit in the front row. Eden is easy to spot wearing her foam Gator hat. She added, “I love the games, but it is also very exciting to wait in line with other students who love the team too.” Now in the 2024-2025 season, the Gators are rolling. As of February 7, 2025, they are ranked 6th in the country. I mentioned to Todd that of the 6 top ranked teams in men’s basketball, three had Jewish coaches. He is aware that they are Bruce at Auburn, Todd at Florida and Jon Scheyer at Duke. When asked if he had any comments to three Jewish coaches who have had such similar success, he responded, “It is definitely something that I am proud of. I think it is a really unique situation and cool to see. Obviously, I know Jon (Scheyer) pretty well, but Bruce is family to me.” As of this writing, Auburn is ranked #1 in the nation and they have a showdown with Florida on Saturday, February 8. It will be Jewish coaches Bruce Pearl vs. Todd Golden. Also, it should be noted that Steven Pearl, Bruce’s son, is an Associate Coach for the Tigers. When asked about Steve, Todd said, “Steve is one of my best friends.” As for the showdown, Todd said, “I owe a lot to them (Bruce and Steve) in terms of my success as a coach. I am proud to be coaching Florida, and I am excited to try to beat Bruce on Saturday." Note, on February 8, the Gators did upset the #1 ranked Auburn Tigers in Auburn, 90 to 81. Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit his website: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish. Previous Next

Community Cooperation of the Year Award Recipient Thu Dec 23 2021 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Transformative Educational Experience - A New Platform Connects American Jewish Students with World-Class Israeli Universities Jewish Connection News Feb 12, 2026 A Compelling New Initiative Is Opening Life-Changing Pathways For American Jewish Students To Access World-Class Higher Education In Israel, Addressing The Growing Demand As Applications Jump From American Students Seeking Academic Excellence In A Supportive Jewish Environment. TheFutureIsCalling.org , launched by the Tzemach David Educational Foundation, provides families with comprehensive resources to navigate Israel's premier university system, where students can earn globally recognized degrees at a fraction of U.S. costs. According to: EducationData.org , Americans pay 5.5 times more at public universities compared to Israeli universities' international rates. Unprecedented Opportunities Await The initiative connects students with some of Israel's most prestigious institutions, including Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, known as "Israel's MIT," where a remarkable 67% of Israel's Nasdaq-listed companies have been founded or led by Technion graduates. Students can also explore Tel Aviv University, which is leading breakthrough research in spinal cord engineering and medical innovation, or Hebrew University of Jerusalem, home to world-renowned research and Nobel Prize winners. Bar-Ilan University offers access to award-winning researchers in cutting-edge fields like marine virology, while Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Jerusalem College of Technology provide additional pathways to academic excellence. Transformative Benefits for American Students There is an exception to every rule and "you get what you pay for" is NOT true for Higher Education in Israel. American students gain access to globally-ranked universities at 60% to 75% less cost compared to comparable U.S. institutions, with over 100 degree programs taught entirely in English. These universities have collectively produced 9 Nobel Prize winners and hold more than 10,000 patents from their affiliated research institutions. Beyond academics, students experience vibrant Jewish campus life with diverse Orthodox-friendly options and comprehensive transitional programs designed to support academic, social, and emotional adaptation from day one. Meeting Growing Demand The Orthodox Union has documented a dramatic increase in American Jewish students applying to Israeli universities—from just 2-2.5% eight years ago to nearly 20% today. This surge reflects students' desire for academic excellence in environments that embrace Jewish identity and values. "By coming to Israel for their education, students don't just earn a degree—they join a network of peers, mentors, and opportunities that will carry them forward for life," explains the Tzemach David Educational Foundation. "Through TheFutureIsCalling.org , families gain peace of mind, students step into their futures with confidence, and Israeli universities gain a generation of leaders with deep ties to Israel." Comprehensive Support System The platform addresses the informational, emotional, and practical gaps that previously made studying in Israel seem daunting for American families. Students receive clear, reliable information about university programs and campus life, along with transitional support programs designed to ensure successful adaptation. The initiative provides guidance on Orthodox-friendly campus environments and facilitates connections to student communities and established support networks, ensuring students can thrive from their very first year abroad. About The Tzemach David Foundation The Tzemach David Foundation goal is to open new doors in education and opportunities in Israel. Our entry point has been supporting olim—helping families integrate and thrive in Israel's schools. Today, that mission has taken on a new focus: helping students and families see Israel itself as a first-choice destination for higher education. This campaign is at the heart of that work—bringing together parents, students, and universities to imagine a future where Israel is not only the homeland, but a place of world-class learning, belonging, and growth. Choosing Israel opens doors that last a lifetime—opportunities for networking, professional development, and friendships that root students both in the Israeli and global community. For more information, visit: TheFutureIsCalling.org . Previous Next