A Genetic Connection To Kidney Disease: How Kidney Disease Can Impact You, Your Kidneys And Your Family Wed May 15 2024 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Holiday Classics, Music And Laughs Part 2 - Fun Is Waiting To Be Unwrapped This December At The Parker Thu Dec 05 2024 19:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Slow Burn Theatre Company Presents "Parade": A Story Of A Newlywed Jewish Couple, Who Are Struggling To Make A Life In The Old Red Hills Of Georgia Photo Credit Broward Center for the Performing Arts Feb 18, 2025 Slow Burn Theatre Company presents “Parade,” a powerful and poignant musical revival based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, as part of its 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale through Sunday, February 23rd in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Winner of the 1999 Tony awards for Best Score, Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics and Best Book of a Musical, Alfred Uhry as well as the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade,” co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Hailed as an “an essential American musical” by Variety, “Parade” is a “phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Time Out New York writes, “What you hear at this Parade…will echo for a long time to come.” Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), Slow Burn’s riveting and gloriously hopeful production features lead actors Justin Albinder* (Leo Frank) and Mikayla Cohen (Lucille Frank) joined by Kevin Patrick Martin* (Hugh Dorsey), Michael Hunsaker* (Britt Craig), Erik Schark* (Judge Roan/Old Soldier), Jessica Balton (Mary Phagan), Joel Hunt (Frankie Epps), Kareema Khouri* (Minola “Minnie” McKnight/Angela), Chaz Rose* (Newt Lee/Jim Conley/Riley), Michael Materdomini (Governor John Slanton), Landon Summers (Tom Watson/Detective Starnes), Ana Marie Calise (Mrs. Phagan), Nolan Montgomery (Young Soldier/Fiddlin John/others), Bridget Rose Pirrota (Iola Stover), Erica Gouldthorpe (Monteen/others), Sofie Poliakoff (Essie/others), Allyson Rosenblum (Sally Slanton), Steven Ross-Dybash (Mr. Peavy), Eli Jacobson (Officer Ivey/others), Austin Gladstone (Luther Rosser/others), Elizabeth Sackett (Nurse/others), Sam Hoffman (Mr. Turner/others) and Sara Sun Park (Nina Formby/others). The creative team features direction and musical staging by Fitzwater joined by Music Director Travis Smith, Lighting Designer Eric Norbury, Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Technical Director Timothy Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jeffry George* and Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik*. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 Season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Something Rotten!” from Saturday March 29th – Sunday, April 13th and “The Bodyguard The Musical” from Saturday June 7th – Sunday, June 22nd. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter . Major support of Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at: http://slowburntheatre.org/ Previous Next

‘A Journey Through Life’ - This New Book Inspires Readers To Rewrite Their Story Through Faith, Resilience And Personal Growth Aventura Digest Sep 17, 2026 What If The Most Difficult Seasons Of Life Could Become The Foundation For A More Joyful, Peaceful And Purposeful Future? In Her Debut Book, “A Journey Through Life” (Published By Balboa Press), Stephanie Sivadge Delivers A Heartfelt Message Of Hope, Reminding Readers That Every Person’s Story Matters, Every Journey Has Value, And Meaningful Transformation Is Possible For Anyone Willing To Learn And Grow. The inspiration behind the book began when Sivadge retired after a successful 38-year career as a cosmetologist. Unsure what the next chapter of her life would hold, she began working with a life coach — a decision that completely changed her perspective. Inspired by her own transformation, she became a certified life coach, attended wellness retreats, immersed herself in personal development, and discovered a passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges. That journey ultimately became the foundation for this book. “A Journey Through Life” is all about hope. Combining personal stories with coaching principles, biblical encouragement, and reflective exercises, the book explores topics including resilience, emotional healing, healthy relationships, faith, and self-discovery. Each chapter concludes with thoughtful questions designed to help readers examine their own beliefs, choices, and life experiences while encouraging intentional steps toward lasting change. The central message is simple: life’s journey is rarely easy, but growth is possible for those willing to learn, adapt, and move forward. Sivadge's wish is that readers will leave the book believing they are capable of creating a more joyful, peaceful and purposeful life — and then use their own experiences to encourage others. “I completely changed myself and some of my not-so-great personality traits. If I can do it, anyone can,” the author states. “A Journey Through Life” By Stephanie Sivadge Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 168 pages | ISBN 9798765270714 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 168 pages | ISBN 9798765270721 E-Book | 168 pages | ISBN 9798765270707 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Stephanie Sivadge is a Certified Life Coach, Speaker, Founder of Journey Ahead Coaching, and Creator of Synergy Women's Circles. Inspired by her close relationship with God and a lifelong passion for helping others, she transitioned from a 38-year career as a cosmetologist into coaching women toward greater emotional wellness, resilience, and purpose. Through coaching, wellness retreats, extensive personal study, and decades spent building meaningful relationships with clients, she has developed a compassionate approach to helping others navigate life's challenges. Sivadge has been married to her husband, Dan, for 35 years, and together they have four children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, hot yoga, traveling, and spending time at the beach. “A Journey Through Life” is her debut book and the first of what she hopes will be many. For more information, visit: www.JourneyAheadCoaching.com . Previous Next

Understanding, Awareness, And Safety - Inside Sunny Isles Beach’s Autism Outreach Program South Florida Sun Times Jul 10, 2025 The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department Has Always Been Progressive And Community-Minded, As Part Of That Mindset Is Its Autism Outreach Program — A Dedicated Initiative Aimed At Enhancing Safety And Communication For Residents With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In A World Where Understanding Neurological Diversity Is More Critical Than Ever, This Program Is A Significant Step Toward Inclusive Policing That Emphasizes Preparedness, Compassion, And Effective Response. The Autism Outreach Program recognizes that traditional emergency response protocols don’t always account for the unique behaviors and communication styles of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. What might seem like noncompliance, confusion, or even aggression in a high-stress encounter with law enforcement could, in reality, be signs of sensory overload, limited verbal communication skills, or anxiety. The department’s outreach program works proactively to address these gaps through preparation, awareness, and a strong community connection. At the heart of the initiative is a voluntarily maintained database of individuals with ASD who live in Sunny Isles Beach. This confidential registry is managed by the Communications Unit of the police department and is designed to provide officers with critical information before arriving on scene. When a call is dispatched to a residence or a vehicle connected to someone in the database, officers will be alerted ahead of time that a participant of the program may be involved. That foreknowledge helps responding officers tailor their approach—often slowing down interactions, modifying their tone, and focusing on de-escalation strategies. The significance of this kind of preparation cannot be overstated. By knowing who they’re about to assist, and understanding their communication needs or behavioral tendencies, officers can reduce misunderstandings, prevent unnecessary escalations, and foster a sense of safety and trust. Participation in the Autism Outreach Program is voluntary and designed to be as straightforward as possible. Family members or caregivers fill out a detailed form with relevant information about the person with Autism—such as preferred methods of communication, sensory sensitivities, and identifying behaviors. This form is then securely submitted to the police department’s communications unit. Importantly, the department handles all data in accordance with Florida Public Records law, with protections in place to ensure that confidential or exempt information is not disclosed to the public. This balance between public safety and personal privacy is a core principle of the program, assuring families that their loved one’s information will be respected and protected. To further assist officers in identifying individuals with ASD during traffic stops or emergency calls, the department offers specially designed decals for use on vehicles and residences. These decals act as quiet, visible alerts—subtle but important signals that someone with Autism may be present inside the car or home. Vehicle decals are intended to be placed inside the bottom left-hand side of the rear window, on the driver’s side. For homes, the decals are best positioned on the front door or a front-facing window. These decals help bridge the communication gap when verbal explanation might be difficult or impossible during a crisis. They prepare officers, paramedics, or firefighters to approach the situation with appropriate expectations and strategies. The decals can be picked up free of charge at the police department’s records window in the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center during standard weekday business hours. The initiative ensures access is easy and inclusive, removing logistical barriers to participation. Enhancing Safety Through Empathy and Awareness The most profound benefit of the Autism Outreach Program is its impact on safety—not just in the immediate physical sense, but emotionally and psychologically for both residents with Autism and their families. For caregivers, having their loved one registered with the department can offer peace of mind. Knowing that officers will respond with knowledge, patience, and understanding helps ease the fear that a misinterpreted behavior might lead to a negative or even dangerous outcome. For officers, the program is a valuable resource. It doesn’t just add data to their systems—it adds insight. When law enforcement professionals are trained and informed about Autism, their effectiveness increases. Their ability to assist, protect, and de-escalate is strengthened, and their relationships with the community grow more trusting and collaborative. The initiative also reflects a larger, growing movement across the country—police departments adapting their practices to meet the needs of neurodiverse citizens. These efforts stem from increased public awareness, calls for reform, and a collective commitment to equity in public service. Currently, the Autism Outreach Program is available exclusively to individuals who reside within the city limits of Sunny Isles Beach. Programs like this one set a new standard for how law enforcement agencies can—and should—interact with vulnerable populations. They demonstrate that safety doesn’t just come from enforcement, but from understanding. Real community policing isn’t about power; it’s about partnership. And by investing in initiatives like the Autism Outreach Program, Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is building a community where every resident, regardless of their neurological makeup, can feel seen, safe, and respected. Families or individuals interested in enrolling can request additional information or begin the registration process by emailing: autism@sibpd.net . (Photo Credit: www.sibfl.gov ) City of Sunny Isles Beach Autism Awareness Program badge Previous Next

Supreme Court Sides With ZAKA Legal Affairs Unit - The Project Dignity Of Deceased After Fatal Jerusalem Nursery Tragedy Jewish Connection News Feb 12, 2026 Following The Tragic Deaths Of Two Infants At A Jerusalem Nursery, ZAKA Search & Rescue’s Legal Affairs Unit Played A Central Role In Safeguarding The Dignity Of The Deceased And Representing The Families During A Sensitive And Legally Complex Process That Rose To Israel’s Supreme Court. Immediately after the incident, as authorities began to investigate the fatalities, ZAKA’s Legal Affairs Unit was asked by the families to provide legal guidance and representation. From the outset, the unit ensured that investigative procedures would respect Kavod HaMeit, the obligation to preserve the dignity of the deceased. When the Israel Police and State Attorney’s Office petitioned the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court for full invasive autopsies, ZAKA’s Legal Unit made the case to the court that preliminary medical assessments already indicated the likely cause of death and should be accepted in lieu of invasive procedures. Despite this, the Magistrate’s Court approved the autopsies. Within hours, ZAKA filed an urgent appeal to Israel’s Supreme Court, exhausting every legal avenue to preserve Kavod HaMeit. At the Supreme Court hearing, ZAKA’s team, led by volunteer Attorney Dror Shosheim and Legal Affairs Unit Coordinator Michael Gutwein, presented an alternative framework balancing investigative needs with human dignity. The high court overturned the lower court ruling, ordering no autopsies be completed and emphasizing the importance of preserving the infants’ dignity while releasing their bodies for burial. “This decision reflects not only religious law and legal reasoning, but human sensitivity,” said ZAKA’s Legal Affairs Unit Coordinator Michael Gutwein. “Our role is to stand beside families at the most painful moment of their lives and ensure that their children are treated with respect and care, even after death.” Throughout the process, ZAKA coordinated with rabbinic authorities and forensic professionals, including Rabbi Asher Landau and the staff at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine, exploring non-invasive investigative alternatives. The Legal Affairs Unit also guided families through the legal system, explaining proceedings and ensuring their voices were heard. “ZAKA exists to protect dignity where it is most vulnerable,” said ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern. “Our Legal Affairs Unit ensures that even in the most sensitive and complex investigations, families are not left alone and dignity is preserved.” “Our Legal Affairs Unit is a critical tool in ZAKA’s holy work of Kavod HaMeit,” added ZAKA U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “In this case our incredible volunteers, who are attorneys who have dedicated themselves and volunteered their time to stand by families in their darkest hours, were able to prove to the court that the tools exist to bridge both investigative needs and preserving the dignity of the deceased.” Founded to honor the dead in accordance with religious tradition, ZAKA has evolved into a full-scale emergency response network, with over 4,000 trained volunteers operating 24/7 across Israel to honor the dead, aid the living and bring dignity in times of devastation. Today, it operates a wide range of units – from rapid medical response and search and rescue to water recovery to culturally sensitive burial teams serving Israel’s Jewish, Bedouin, Arab and Druze communities to international units deploying at a moment’s notice to crises across the globe. For more information, visit: https://zakaworld.org/ . ZAKA Ambulance at High Court of Justice Previous Next

Combine Christmases Past And Present - Comforting Taste Of The Past With Special Seasonal Spin Of Today Family Features November 14, 2024 Share If holiday gatherings have started to feel more overwhelming than celebratory, it's time to go back to the basics with seasonal dishes that are easy yet elegant. Don't let Turkey and Ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes. These hearty solutions are inspired by harvest season, offering comforting taste of the past and mouth watering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. There's nothing wrong with the classics - Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole and the like - but these recipes from "Cookin' Savvy" can give your gathering a special seasonal spin. For dessert, wow your crowd this year with a mouth watering Hummingbird Cake or Coconut Cake that call to mind holidays past without requiring hours spent in the kitchen (like grandma used to do). Or for a classic take on an old favorite, these Christmas Cinnamon Cookies can even let the kiddos get involved - just make the dough then have your little helpers use their favorite cookie cutters to make festive shapes before the oven does the rest of the work. Hummingbird Cake Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" 1 Spice Cake Mix 1 Cup of Sugar 1 Cup of Banana Cream Greek Yogurt 3 Eggs 1 Cup of Crushed Pineapple 1 Cup of Crushed Pecans 1 Cup of All-Purpose Flour 2 Tablespoons of Melted Butter Frosting: 1 Stick of Butter, softened 1 8 Ounce Package of Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream 5 Cups of Powdered Sugar 1 Package of Pecans (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, mix the Spice Mix and the Sugar. Blend in the Yogurt, the Eggs and the Pineapple. In a separate bowl, mix the Pecans, the Flour and the Butter then add it to the Cake Mixture. Grease the two 8-inch cake pans with the Butter. Pour half of the mixture into each pan then bake them for 45 minutes, then cool them on the rack before icing them. To make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, mix the Butter, the Cream Cheese and the Heavy Whipping Cream. Slowly blend in the Powdered Sugar. Ice the Cake then decorate it with the Pecans, if desired. Coconut Cake Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" 1 Vanilla or White Cake Mix 1 Cup of All-Purpose Flour 1 Cup of Sugar 1 Cup of Coconut Greek Yogurt 1 Cup of Milk 2 Tablespoons of Melted Butter 3 Eggs Frosting: 1 Stick of Butter, softened 1 8 Ounce Package of Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream 5 Cups of Powdered Sugar 2-4 Cups of Shredded Coconut Heat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, mix the Cake mix, the Flour and the Sugar. Blend in the Yogurt, the Milk, the Butter and the Eggs. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with the Butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan and bake it for 45 minutes. Cool on the rack before icing it. To make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, mix the Butter, the Cream Cheese and the Heavy Whipping Cream. Slowly blend in the Powdered Sugar. Ice the Cake then pat it with the Shredded Coconut gently into the Icing. Christmas Cinnamon Cookies Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" 1 2/3 Cups of Self-Rising Flour 2 1/2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon 1/4 Teaspoon of Ginger 1/8 Teaspoon of Cloves 1/2 Cup of Sugar 1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar 1 Egg 2 Tablespoons of Water (optional) 1 Cup of Powdered Sugar (optional) In a mixing bowl, combine the Flour, the Cinnamon, the Ginger, the Cloves, the Sugar, the Brown Sugar and the Egg to make the Dough. If the Dough is too dry to form into a ball, add the Water. Form it into a log and wrap it into the parchment paper and refrigerate it for 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 F. < Previous News Next News >

Get Ready for King Tides Hollywood Thu Oct 20 2022 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Gulfstream Park: Ring in 2023 with a Multi-sensory Experience at South Florida’s Favorite Entertainment Destination Thu Dec 29 2022 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Easy Ways To Brush Up On Your History IQ By Family Features Oct 23, 2025 Learning More About Events From The Past Can Help Make Sense Of Current Circumstances And Inform The Future. Equipping Yourself With Historical Knowledge Gives You The Ability To Understand How Contemporary Society Came To Be. By taking advantage of the wealth of resources available today, you can take a deeper dive into past events and learn how they affected individuals and larger groups alike, such as U.S. military members. Head To Your Local Library If you haven't spent much time in a library, you may be surprised by the wealth of information available. You can find letters and other documents - whether in physical copies or accessible via online records with a library card - that provide a first-hand perspective of the historical period or event you're exploring. In addition, libraries often offer access to databases and other information that is not always readily available from basic online searches. Research Trusted Sources Online To complement what you find in the library, you can also explore a wide range of information online. The key is to read critically and evaluate your sources, as not everything you find online is reliable or true. However, resources curated by trusted organizations can offer deep insight into the past. For example, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. Military Veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand Veterans' service and sacrifice. Through its website, you can watch oral history interviews and comb through original manuscript material, such as memoirs, letters, diaries and artwork, as well as original photographs. Interact with Older Adults Reading and watching accounts of historical activities gives you valuable insight, but speaking directly with those who lived through notable periods of American history can also illuminate what it meant to experience those times. Reminiscing and recounting memories of the past can serve as a bonding experience while giving you a more personal, emotional connection to facts you might not uncover elsewhere. Encourage Engaging School Curriculum If you're a teacher or leading a lifelong learning course, you can use the Library of Congress Veterans History Project as a resource to support your efforts. Jonathan Bickel, an English teacher in Pennsylvania, has made Veteran history a focus in his classroom since 2009. He taps into the large pool of personal accounts available through the collection to support his lessons. He also uses the project as a model in the classroom, challenging high school students to record an interview with a local person or relative who is a veteran and then present their work to the school as a multimedia project. As an example to his students, Bickel interviewed and submitted his father's World War II story. Teachers interested in creating a history curriculum that honors veterans can access research guides that can provide a curated starting point for exploring the collections. To find the wealth of personal stories from veterans, visit: www.loc.gov/vets . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

You're Invited: Hallandale Beach Has Advisory Board Vacancies October 7, 2021 Share The City of Hallandale Beach invites you to get involved on matters relating to our community by volunteering on a board and/or committee. These Boards and Committees are made of volunteer effort by our citizens. The Commission may be created by ordinance boards, authorities and agencies and may specify their membership and duties. Such boards, committees, authorities and agencies shall be a part of the municipal government and shall utilize the services when available through the regular departments and offices of the City, including the City attorney. There are currently thirteen (13) Boards and Committees. The Boards and Committees provide non-binding strategic advice/recommendations to the City Commission. Each Board and Committee is tasked with a specific purpose for Community development. Application Process: All persons serving on boards shall be residents of the City except in the case of boards having special occupational or professional qualifications as to membership, or whose membership qualifications are established by general law, state or federal regulation, county ordinance or inter-local governmental agreement. A person shall serve on no more than two such boards or committees or any combination, authority or agency; and members of such boards or committees or any combination, authorities or agencies shall serve without compensation except for necessary expenses approved by the Commission. All candidates for Board/Committee membership should complete an application and provide proof of residency (Driver’s License/ID) as part of the advisory board application except for those appointments that are exempt from this requirement. They must also provide proof of Voter’s Registration and all members to be in good standing with the City, i.e., no debt with the City or litigation against the City. The application is then provided to the City Manager for review and then brought before the City Commission at the next Regular City Commission Meeting for adoption. Please see below for a list of current Boards & Committees vacancies: • NEW Beach Preservation Advisory Board - 2 Vacancies • Beautification Advisory Board 1 Vacancy • Education Advisory Board* - 3 Vacancies • Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood Board - 1 Vacancy • HBCRA Quadrant Safety Board* - 4 Vacancies • Historic Preservation Board - 1 Vacancy • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - 3 Vacancies • Planning & Zoning Board - 1 Vacancy • Sustainability and Flood Mitigation Advisory Board - 1 Vacancy • Three Islands Safe Neighborhood District Advisory Board - 1 Vacancy • Unsafe Structure Board* - 1 Vacancy *Prerequisites Apply Should you wish to serve on a board and/or committee, please complete the Boards and Committees Application for consideration of appointment and forward the completed application to the City Clerk’s office, apply on-line at: https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/FormCenter/City-Clerk-8/Committee-Member-Application-Form-55 Or contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information at: (954) 457-1340. Appointed members duties will conclude on the date of the City Commission’s organizational meeting following an election, typically in late November. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach Infrastructure And Paid Parental Leave Thu Nov 11 2021 05:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)