Hollywood Police Department To Host Hollywood Night Out By City of Hollywood Nov 5, 2026 The Hollywood Police Department Invites Residents And Families To Come Together For Hollywood Night Out, A Free, Family-Friendly Community Celebration On Tuesday, November 10th, 2026, From 5:30 p.m. To 9:30 p.m. At ArtsPark At Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33020. The event will feature activities for all ages, public safety demonstrations and opportunities for residents to connect with local law enforcement, community organizations and neighbors in a fun, welcoming environment. This year's celebration will feature a patriotic red, white and blue theme. Attendees are encouraged to dress in patriotic colors and join participating organizations in decorating their booths to create a festive atmosphere. Local businesses, NonProfit Organizations, vendors and entrepreneurs are also invited to participate at no cost. The event offers an opportunity to showcase products, services and community initiatives while connecting with Hollywood residents. In support of the City's sustainability efforts, single-use plastics are prohibited at the event. No sales will be permitted. Hollywood Night Out is free and open to the public. Local vendors and organizations interested in participating may contact the City's Community Affairs team at: communityaffairs@hollywoodfl.org for additional information. Hollywood Holiday Toy Drive: Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 to Saturday, December 5th, 2026 Help make the holidays brighter for local families! Hollywood Fire Rescue and the Hollywood Police Departments are teaming up for a community Toy Drive benefiting children in need. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys from Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 through Saturday, December 5th, 2026. Donations may be dropped off at City Hall, any Hollywood Fire Station or the Hollywood Police Department. For more information, email: piofire@hollywoodfl.org . Previous Next

Caring For The Caregiver: 7 Ways To Support Those Who Care For Others By Feature Impact Nov 5, 2026 Caregiving Is Some Of The Most Important Work A Person Can Do, Yet It's Often Overlooked And Undervalued In Society. Whether It's Helping An Older Family Member Manage Appointments And Medications, Caring For A Sick Child Or Coordinating Disability Services For A Loved One, Almost Everyone Will Be A Caregiver, Need A Caregiver Or Both At Some Point In Their Lifetime. In fact, more than 53 million Americans support the health, quality of life and independence of an older adult or family member with a serious illness or disability each year, according to the Administration for Community Living. Caregiving can be exhausting, stressful and overwhelming at times. In fact, research shows caregivers face real health impacts from physical and emotional strain, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. Having the right support, however, can improve life for them and those they care for. Consider these practical, accessible ways to support caregivers from the experts at Community Catalyst. Build a Caregiving Team Support can begin with reimagining caregiving as a team effort instead of expecting one person to handle every task. Involving other family members, neighbors, local support services and healthcare professionals means many hands and lighter work, whether their help comes in the form of cooking meals, handling transportation or assisting with paperwork. Make Time for Your Own Health and Emotions As a caregiver, you may be tempted to put the needs of others before yours. In fact, many caregivers find themselves scheduling doctors' appointments for others while skipping their own. Remember your needs are just as important, and you can't pour from an empty cup. Carve out time for self-care activities like healthy eating, movement, therapy and time with friends. Online support groups and forums can connect you with people who understand, so you feel less isolated. Look for Respite Care Opportunities Even if an ill or disabled loved one doesn't require full-time in-home support, it may be possible to arrange occasional professional respite care. Depending on where you live, Medicaid waivers or local grants could help cover costs - but keep in mind that waitlists can be long, so don't wait to start exploring these opportunities. For help accessing respite care and other caregiver support, reach out to your state's "No Wrong Door" center, which can connect you to long-term services and assistance. Talk to Your Employer Juggling full-time work and caregiving can be a recipe for burnout, but an understanding employer can make a world of difference. Discuss possibilities like flexible scheduling, remote work, expanded family leave or intermittent leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act, dependent care assistance options and peer support networks. Get Help Navigating Coverage and Benefits Between insurance coverage, benefits programs, medical bills and more, the logistics of caregiving can make your head spin. Organizations like Community Catalyst work with local, state and community partners to help caregivers sort through the noise and take actions to improve their families' lives, like signing up for Medicaid or Medicare. Through a program funded by the Administration for Community Living, the organization is helping states build systems designed to support caregivers' health, well-being and financial security. Furthermore, it shares education around family caregiving issues, features the stories of real people who often feel invisible and provides practical, usable guidance for those struggling to navigate insurance and healthcare. Stay Connected and Organized with Technology Coordinating care often feels like staying on top of hundreds of details simultaneously. Tools like group chats, video calls, shared calendars, medication apps, remote monitoring devices and telehealth portals can streamline some everyday logistics and keep you in touch with your support network. Discuss Long-Term Plans Openly Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Open, honest conversations about the future can help caregivers make more informed decisions, share responsibilities and have greater peace of mind. Discuss medical care, living arrangements, finances, future goals and your loved one's preferences as you look toward the years ahead. When caregivers have the support they need, the people they care for - and the communities around them - are stronger. Learn more and find additional caregiver resources at: https://CommunityCatalyst.org . Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

ZAKA Search & Rescue Operating NonStop Amid Operation Roaring Lion Jewish Connection News Apr 23, 2026 Since The Launch Of Operation Roaring Lion, ZAKA Search & Rescue Has Been Operating Around The Clock, Responding To The Full Spectrum Of Emergencies Across Israel While Maintaining Its Core Mission Of Kavod Hameis, Honoring The Deceased. Beyond Routine Responses To Accidents And Fatalities, Zaka Volunteers Have Been On The Front Lines Of Every Iranian And Hezbollah Missile, Rocket And Drone Strike. Full-time ZAKA Search & Rescue liaisons are embedded with the IDF Homefront Command, mobilizing and directing ZAKA’s units even before the impacts occur. Equipment and personnel are continuously deployed to the field, with temporary trailers strategically deployed across the country to ensure rapid restocking and immediate return to service, often responding within the very neighborhoods volunteers have lived in for years. Since the operation began, all special operations teams have been on emergency standby, operating under the guidance of ZAKA Search & Rescue’s national command center. “Our incredible volunteers in the field are the first to arrive and the last to leave each scene of devastation, helping to extricate those trapped under the rubble so emergency medical services can triage, treat and transport, and helping recover those for whom medical treatment is no longer possible, giving their families as much closure as we can,” said ZAKA Search & Rescue Chief of Operations Chaim Weingarten. “Whether it’s a car accident, terror attack, rocket strike or complex recovery, our volunteers demonstrate extraordinary expertise, compassion and sensitivity on every scene.” In addition to wartime operations, ZAKA Search & Rescue volunteers continue their broader emergency response work, responding to fatalities, traffic accidents, work accidents, drownings and other tragedies, as well as search and rescue missions for missing persons. “ZAKA Search & Rescue’s responsibility is to the deceased and to the families who depend on us for certainty and dignity,” said ZAKA Search & Rescue CEO Dubi Weissenstern. “Our volunteers are not responding to abstract scenes, they are responding to homes they grew up in, to neighbors they saw hours ago. For the first time during this war, we have deployed our Resilience Unit to the scene of every rocket and drone strike scene where volunteers may encounter fatalities, ensuring our holy volunteers receive the support needed, on site, to continue their holy work and return back to their families.” “Even in times of war, ZAKA Search & Rescue’s volunteers work tirelessly to ensure every individual is treated with respect and that families can lay their loved ones to rest with clarity and honor,” said ZAKA Search & Rescue’s U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “Each volunteer embodies our mission nonstop, standing beside families and authorities so dignity, compassion and closure remain at the center of every response.” 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/ . Previous Next

How To Buy A Home In A High Interest Rate Environment June 27, 2024 Share Following years of all-time low mortgage interest rates, 2023 saw rates fluctuate between 6% and 8%, complicating the plans of some homebuyers, particularly those looking to purchase their first home. What many renters who are looking to become homeowners may not realize is that mortgage rates are only one aspect of affordability, which should be viewed as a three-legged stool: home price, mortgage interest rate, and down payment. Even in a challenging interest rate or home price environment, private mortgage insurance (MI) can be used to help low down payment borrowers achieve the American dream of homeownership. In some markets, high interest rates have cooled the trajectory of home price appreciation; with home sales dropping 18.7% from 2022 to 2023 and the national median home price increasing less than 1% in 2023. This is good news for first-time homebuyers who saw home prices in some markets increase 20% or 30% in prior years. So, if the home price is within range, how much cash do you need for a down payment? You may think it is 20%, but the truth is, you can qualify for a mortgage with as little as 3% down. According to U.S. Mortgage Insurers, private MI has helped nearly 39 million borrowers access homeownership with low down payments. Further, private MI helped nearly 800,000 homeowners purchase a home or refinance a mortgage in 2023, with nearly 35% having incomes below $75,000 and more than 64% of those loans going to first-time buyers. In addition, the most common form of private MI, paid monthly by the borrower, helps homeowners begin building equity sooner and is also only a temporary cost that can be canceled after 20% equity is established. Importantly, once private MI is canceled, the monthly mortgage payment goes down, unlike loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government program featuring monthly MI premiums that are generally not cancellable. Each homebuyer's finances are different, therefore it is important to do the math before buying a home. Home prices and interest rates impact the monthly cost, but luckily the private MI industry is able to help homebuyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership: the need for a large cash down payment. Before you select a low down payment mortgage, it’s important to do some homework. Compare loans and do the math to find what works best for you. You should consider how much cash you need in hand, the monthly mortgage payment, and if that payment will go up or down in the years to come. In most cases, for example, buying with a 5% down payment versus a 3% results in savings to the monthly mortgage bill due to more attractive loan terms. So what are the plus and minuses of each loan type: Conventional Loan with PMI A conventional loan is a traditional mortgage from a lender that is not insured by a government agency, but rather guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (“the GSEs”) and—for those borrowers who put down less than 20% of the purchase price, is backed by private capital in the form of PMI. + A borrower can get a conventional loan with PMI with as little as 3% down. PMI can be canceled once 20% equity in the home value is reached, which means your monthly bill decreases. In the event that borrowers experience financial hardships, PMI companies have strong incentives to work with the GSEs and others to help borrowers avoid foreclosure, often through loan modifications. - For some borrowers, a 5% versus 3% down payment may be a better deal as costs may be lower. However, for many prospective homebuyers looking to lock in low interest rates, build equity and home appreciation faster, an option to get into a home with a lower down payment may be better. FHA Loans FHA Loans are mortgages insured by the government through the Federal Housing Administration. However, FHA mortgage insurance cannot be canceled and must be paid for the life of the loan. FHA has other specific requirements, like the condition of the home. + A borrower can get an FHA Loan with as little as 3.5% percent down and a FICO Score as low as 580 may qualify. - For almost all loans backed by the FHA, mortgage insurance cannot be canceled, so your monthly bill won’t be reduced the way it is with a conventional loan with PMI. Also, FHA Loans are subject to an upfront fee of 1.75% that is typically financed over the life of the loan. FHA mortgages are subject to more stringent restrictions, especially for condos which are often the desired property type for many first time homebuyers. A Combo Loan (aka Piggyback Mortgage) A piggyback involves two separate simultaneous loans, often structured with an 80% first line mortgage, a 10% Second Lien Mortgage, and a 10% down payment (“80-10-10”). Piggybacks are often more expensive than conventional loans because borrowers are paying closing costs on two loans and the second mortgages often carry higher interest rates that are adjustable. + The borrower will not pay PMI. - It may be more expensive as the borrower will pay closing costs on two loans and the second loan often comes with a higher interest rate. This mortgage option typically has more stringent credit score and debt-to-income (DTI_ requirements than a traditional conventional loan with PMI. Borrowers with piggyback mortgages may find it more difficult to receive a loan modification or workout in the event of financial hardship. For 66 years PMI has helped more than 38 million families of all income levels buy homes without putting 20% down. The best part? It’s only a temporary cost, as PMI cancels after the homeowner builds 20% equity in their mortgage. When the insurance is canceled, the borrower’s monthly payment goes down. There is a saying, "date the rate, marry the home." Borrowers should always stay within their budget, but those who purchase a home now with a low down payment may be able to refinance later when rates decrease. These borrowers can achieve the American dream of homeownership sooner, start to build equity and avoid some competition from other borrowers who are waiting on rates to drop. If you're interested in learning more about private MI, visit: www.lowdownpaymentfacts.com to learn more about your homeownership options and make sure to speak with a Real Estate Attorney before moving forward with any contract. < Previous News Next News >

Caring For Older Adults: Managing Heart Attack Signs And Follow-up Care Family Features March 10, 2023 Share As the proportion of older adults in the U.S. continues to increase, appropriate care for older people becomes increasingly important. In fact, caregivers and loved ones should be aware of age-appropriate care for Heart Attack or chest pain. The first step is to call 911. Once medical care is started, age-related changes in general health and in the heart and blood vessels require consideration and likely modifications in how people aged 75 and older are treated, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in its flagship, peer-reviewed journal "Circulation." The statement, "Management Of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in the older adult population," highlights evidence to help clinicians better care for older patients. According to the statement, 30-40% of people hospitalized with ACS, which includes Heart Attack and unstable Angina (heart-related chest pain) are ages 75 or older. "Older patients have more pronounced anatomical changes and more severe functional impairment and they are more likely to have additional health conditions not related to Heart Disease," said Abdulla A. Damluji, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, chair of the scientific statement writing committee, Director of The Inova Center Of Outcomes Research and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine. "These include frailty, other chronic disorders (treated with multiple medications), physical dysfunction, cognitive decline or urinary incontinence." Normal Aging And Age-Related Changes In The Heart And Blood Vessels Cardiovascular changes that occur with normal aging make ACS more likely and may make diagnosing and treating it more complex. These changes include large arteries becoming stiffer, the heart working harder but pumping less effectively, blood vessels becoming less flexible and less able to respond to changes and the heart's oxygen needs and an increased tendency to form Blood Clots. Sensory decline due to aging may alter hearing, vision and pain sensations. Kidney Function also declines with age, with more than 1/3 of people ages 65 and older are experiencing Chronic Kidney Disease. Multiple Medical Conditions And Medications As people age, they are often diagnosed with health conditions that may be worsened by ACS or complicated existing ACS. As these chronic conditions are treated, medications prescribed may result in unwanted interactions or medications that treat one condition may cause or worsen another. "Geriatric syndromes and the complexities of their care may undermine the effectiveness of treatments for ACS, as well as the resiliency of older adults to survive and recover," Damluji said. "A detailed review of all medications - including supplements and over-the-counter medicines - is essential, ideally in consultation with a pharmacist who has geriatric expertise." Steps for Heart Attack Care And Follow-Up For Older Adults • Call 911 if you notice someone experiencing Heart Attack warning signs. These include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body (one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach), shortness of breath or other symptoms such as a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. • Consider treatment needs for co-existing conditions. An individualized, patient-centered approach is best for older adults. • Get input from multiple specialists, including a pharmacist, to manage care and medications. • People with cognitive difficulties and limited mobility may benefit from a simplified medication schedule, with fewer doses per day and 90-day supplies of medications so fewer refills are necessary. • The goals of care for older people with ACS should extend beyond clinical outcomes and focus on quality of life and the ability to live independently. • Do-not-resuscitate orders should be discussed before any surgery or procedure. For more information about managing ACS in older adults, visit: www.Heart.org < Previous News Next News >

Just In Time For Hanukkah And Christmas Jewish Connection News Nov 28, 2024 Comes The Hysterically Funny Interfaith Comedy BAD SHABBOS With Hanukkah starting on Christmas Day this year, BAD SHABBOS is just the ticket for a fast-paced comedy about a Jewish family meeting their future non-Jewish in-laws over a Shabbat dinner. Directed by Daniel Robbins, and co-written with Zack Weiner, this "one-night-in-New-York" story delivers laugh-out-loud performances by an ensemble cast led by Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff "Method Man" Smith, along with David Paymer, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Bass, Meghan Leathers, Catherine Curtin, John Bedford Lloyd, and Ashley Zukerman. “When we tested the film, we shared it with many different audiences to make sure it works for everyone. The goal was to make a film like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which is specific to a certain culture, but universal in its humor and its heart. The reaction (from Jews and non-Jews) has been amazing from both.” In the film BAD SHABBOS, David and his fiancée Meg, who is converting to Judaism, have invited her devout Catholic parents to meet David's Jewish family for the first time at a Shabbat dinner. David’s mother Ellen and his dad, Richard, are preparing for the dinner. Meanwhile, David’s sister Abby and her boyfriend Benjamin are running late, and his younger brother Adam is an anxious ball of nerves. Just when everything starts to simmer, an accidental death gets in the way and the uproariously funny dark comedy is filled with twists, turns, and laughs you won’t see coming. From Menemsha Films, the theatrical premiere of BAD SHABBOS starts Friday, December 6th exclusively at the Movies of Delray, located at 7421 West Atlantic Avenue on the corner of Hagan Ranch Road in Delray Beach. Director, Daniel Robbins and Producer, Adam Mitchell will be on-hand for audience discussions at several weekend showtimes for three weeks, December 6th - December 8th, December 13th - December 15th and December 20th - December 22nd. Check showtimes and purchase tickets at: www.moviesofdelray.com BAD SHABOSS won the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the Boston Jewish Film Festival and the Audience Award and Jury Award at Cordillera International Film Festival in Reno, Nevada. The film has also played to sold out crowds at film festivals, including the Hamptons, Rutger University in New Jersey, and Pittsburg among others. In January 2025, the comedy will screen in West Palm at the Sun and Stars International Film Festival from January 23rd - February 2nd and at the Miami Jewish Film Festival on January 9th - January 23rd. After, BAD SHABBOS will roll out to additional theaters in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. Courtesy of Menemsha Films Previous Next

Broward County Transit Offers Free Fares For Voters This Election Season October 31, 2024 Share In a move to encourage civic engagement, the Broward County Board of Commissioners has announced that voters can take advantage of FREE bus and Paratransit fares during the Early Voting Period and on Election Day. This initiative allows residents to travel on Broward County Transit (BCT) without any fare on November 2, November 3, and Election Day Tuesday, November 5, 2024, facilitating easier access to polling places. In Broward County, polling locations are open now through November 3, and then again on Election Day, operating from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. According to the 2022 U.S. Census, nearly 30,000 Broward households are without a vehicle, while close to 240,000 rely on a single vehicle for their transportation needs. With Broward County serving as the home to 1.94 million people—1.5 million of whom are older than 18—the fare-free transit initiative supports residents who may otherwise struggle with access to reliable transportation for voting. As of October 18, 2024, more than 3.3 million ballots have been cast in Florida’s 2024 election. This included more than 108,000 early voters and nearly 146,000 vote-by-mail ballots from Broward County alone. By offering free rides, BCT aims to make voting easier and remove any transportation-related barriers during early voting and on Election Day. “I’m so glad that BCT made transit free during the general election,” Broward County resident Adora Griffith said as she was leaving an early voting site. “When I shared a vehicle with my family, transit was a reliable option. I didn’t have to worry about getting around or parking, which can be a real hassle.” Transit can pose a challenge for residents without a vehicle or those with limited mobility. Luckily, BCT offers ADA-accessible buses, as well as numerous accessible stops across the county. BCT's Paratransit service, also known as TOPS, is also fare-free on November 2, November 3, and Election Day Tuesday, November 5. “Offering free rides is a huge commitment to ensuring everyone can fulfill their civic duty,” emphasized Griffith who relied heavily on transit prior to her recent car purchase. To support riders heading to the polls, BCT has posted a dedicated webpage listing all 28 early voting sites and vote-by-mail drop-off locations, including information on which bus routes serve each location. For Election Day, riders can find their polling location, plan their trip through the BCT mobile app, or contact BCT’s customer service team for assistance. “We’re always ready to assist passengers on their trips,” BCT CEO/General Manager Coree Cuff Lonergan explained. BCT Customer Service is staffed with highly certified and qualified personnel fluent in multiple languages. The team is well prepared to receive calls from new riders during the fare-free days. “We’re excited to assist first-time transit riders, helping them get confidently to their polling locations and back home,” Cuff Lonergan continued. For more information on getting to a polling location, visit https://www.broward.org/BCT/Pages/default.aspx or call Customer Service at 954-357-8400. < Previous News Next News >

“Art on the Plaza” Temporary Public Artworks By Local Artists At MOCA June 23, 2022 Share The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to announce two new site-specific installations coming to the MOCA Plaza on Friday, July 29th, 2022 and on Friday, October 14th, 2022 for Autumn Casey’s “Cliff and April” and Chire “VantaBlack” Regans’ “To What Lengths” were selected following MOCA’s 2022 open call to artists for its “Art on the Plaza” Series. The successful open call received applications from over 75 Professional Artists in an effort to promote temporary installations on its Public Plaza and inspire the Community and Museum Visitors. The competitive review process and artist selections were overseen by a MOCA-Appointed Selection Committee. On view from Friday, July 29th, 2022 through Friday, October 7th, 2022, Casey’s “Cliff and April” is a sculptural installation featuring two swans, each secured on their respective plinths. The sculptures are illuminated from within via solar-powered lights. Existing as a pair to echo the natural practice of swans who mate for life, “Cliff and April” creates a tender space for the contemplation of beauty, love, ideas of worship and familial bonds. Included with the installation is a performance with a written prompt of questions to inspire conversation between the artist and the audience. Casey draws on the ambiguity of personal memory and pop-cultural ephemera, to fantasize and elaborate on reflections of the world. Her practice moves from sculpture to collage, as well as video and performance. She enjoys redeploying existing materials or moments in unexpected, idiosyncratic ways. Casey received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the New World School of the Arts, Miami, Florida and a Master’s Degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her work has also been included in Group Exhibitions at The Pérez Art Museum Miami, Florida; The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, Florida; Vox Populi, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Practice Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; among others. Her work is collected by The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, The Pérez Art Museum Miami and in private collections in Miami and New York City. She was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and currently lives and works in Miami, Florida. On view from Friday, October 14th, 2022 through Friday, January 20th, 2023, VantaBlack’s “To What Lengths,” will Showcase a key component to her Artistic Practice by reflecting on legacy building and preservation as foundational to Black Culture and other diasporic peoples. VantaBlack will explore how ideas about legacy are woven into everyday actions by activating five palm trees on the MOCA Plaza with large-scale braids, adorned with beads, metal, artificial sunflowers and gardenias. The braids of each tree will follow styling representatives of the women in VantaBlack’s family. “Hair grooming through different braiding techniques has been passed down through the matriarchs of my family,” said VantaBlack. “It is a vehicle for sharing oral history, bond building between generations, a form of caregiving, amongst many other traditions. The positioning of one body between another creates a space of vulnerability. Valuable memories are created and exchanged through this process which also helps develop a lifelong skill.” At the base of each tree will be a round mat with cushions for seating, inviting viewers to engage with the work while looking up. “My goal is for anyone who interacts with this work to embrace feelings of comfort, relaxation and vulnerability,” she continued. VantaBlack was born in Saint Louis, Missouri and currently works in Miami, Florida. VantaBlack received a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida A&M University in 2005. VantaBlack’s Art Practice exists at the intersection of Social Justice and Storytelling. Her work responds to urgent societal concerns and functions as a critical platform to amplify the voices of the communities she engages with. VantaBlack works with acrylic, charcoal and textiles. Selected Solo Exhibitions include: “A Reflection of the Times” (2021), Bakehouse Art Complex, Wynwood, Florida and “I Felt Your Gaze Upon Me, I Knew You Were Watching” (2021), Hollywood Art & Culture Center, Hollywood, Florida. Selected Group Exhibitions include: “On the Frontline” (2021), Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida; “Familiar Distances” (2021), Edgezones Art Gallery, Wynwood, Florida and “Where There is Power” (2021), Miami Beach, Florida. VantaBlack received The Home & Away Residency at Anderson Ranch (2021), the Inaugural Ellies Social Justice Award (2020) and the Racial Equity Initiative Award (2021). “We are pleased to support Local Artists by offering them the opportunity to showcase their work on MOCA’s Plaza. ‘Art on the Plaza’ offers a boost of creative energy accessible to visitors and passersby,” said Chana Sheldon, Executive Director of MOCA. “Autumn and VantaBlack align with the Museum’s Mission to make Contemporary Art accessible to everyone and connect diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas and voices.” The Museum inaugurated “Art on the Plaza,” a Series of Temporary Public Art Installations on MOCA’s Plaza in 2021, to invite artists to activate the space and connect the Museum to the community. Amanda Sanfilippo Long, who currently serves as Curator and Artist Manager for the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Art in Public Places Program, is organizing the Program. The Museum will host a series of Programming to coincide with the Art Installations throughout the year. The 2021 Series featured South Florida Artists: Reginald O’Neal, Morel Doucet, Stephen Arboite, Najja Moon, Nice n’ Easy and Studio AMLgMATD. To kick off the 2022 Season, the Museum displayed the Public Artwork, “Her Touch Smooths Rough Waters” by Miami-Based Artist Onajide Shabaka. Completed in October 2018, the MOCA Plaza Renovation was made possible due to a Grant from the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA) to cover construction costs of nearly 33,000 square feet of brick pavers, new landscaping, new LED lights and necessary equipment. MOCA’s “Art on the Plaza” Program is made possible with major support from the NMCRA. About the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami: MOCA North Miami Presents Contemporary Art and its Historical Influences through Exhibitions, Educational Programs and Collections. Inspired by its surrounding Communities, MOCA connects diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas, voices and nurturing a lifelong love of the Arts. MOCA developed from the Center of Contemporary Art which was Inaugurated in 1981. The Establishment of the Permanent Collection coincided with the Institution’s move into their current building designed by Charles Gwathmey of GSNY in 1996. Under the direction of Executive Director Chana Sheldon and a newly installed Board of Trustees, MOCA premiered AFRICOBRA: Messages to the People during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2018. AFRICOBRA: Nation Time, the next Chapter of the Exhibition, was selected as an official Collateral Event of Biennale Arte 2019 in Venice, Italy. Original Exhibitions include: My Name is Maryan Curated by Alison Gingeras (2021). Michael Richards: Are You Down? Co-Curated by Alex Fialho and Melissa Levin (2021), Raul de Nieves: Eternal Return and The Obsidian Heart Curated by Risa Puleo (2020) and Alice Rahon: Poetic Invocations Curated by Teresa Arcq (2019). Support: Art on the Plaza is Presented by MOCA with Major Support from the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA) and is Organized by Amanda Sanfilippo Long with Commissions being selected through an Open Call to Artists in South Florida. MOCA North Miami is generously funded by the North Miami Mayor and Council, the City of North Miami; The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes); the National Endowment for the Arts; The Nathan Cummings Foundation; the Sol Taplin Charitable Foundation; and The Cowles Charitable Trust. We also thank our Board of Trustees, Curator’s Circle and MOCA Members for their meaningful support. < Previous News Next News >

Does Your Management Company Work For The Board...Or The Owners? Thu Jul 20 2023 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Local EDM Artist Epidemika Kicks off July 4th Weekend in South Beach Thu Jun 24 2021 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach: Receives a $6,000 Matching Grant From the Florida Kiwanis Foundation Thu May 04 2023 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Finding Forever Families - Meet Luna And Topaz, Two Pets Waiting For Love South Florida Sun Times May 15, 2025 In A World Where Thousands Of Pets Are Seeking Homes, Every Animal Has A Story—And Sometimes, All It Takes Is A Little Attention To Change Their Lives Forever. At The Humane Society Of Broward County, Two Very Special Animals, Luna And Topaz, Are Waiting For Someone Like You To See Their Potential And Open Their Heart And Home. If you’re searching for a loyal, loving and adventure-ready dog to add to your family, allow us to introduce you to Luna (ID 697634). Luna is a six-year-old shepherd mix with a golden heart and a gentle soul. Though she’s past the puppy stage, Luna has all the charm and energy of a younger dog—plus the bonus of being house-trained, calm and well-behaved. Luna’s journey hasn’t been easy. She was surrendered to another shelter, where despite her sunny disposition, she sat day after day without any adoption interest. Luckily, her story didn’t end there. She was transferred to the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, where the staff quickly fell in love with her affectionate nature and sweet demeanor. Now, Luna is hoping her next chapter will be the one where she finally finds her forever home. Don’t be fooled by her age—Luna still loves to play, explore and spend time with her people. She walks beautifully on a leash and knows a few basic commands, making her an ideal companion for families who want a dog they can take to the park, out for hikes, or even just for a relaxing stroll through the neighborhood. Luna’s greatest joy is being with her humans, she thrives on attention, belly rubs and cuddles. Her warm eyes and wagging tail are constant reminders that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. Sadly, Luna has been at the shelter for over a month with no takers. Many potential adopters overlook her simply because she isn’t a tiny puppy. But anyone who’s owned a dog knows that adult dogs offer just as much love—often more—and they come with the added bonus of being past the teething and potty-training stage. Thanks to the generosity of Real Res, Luna’s adoption fee has been fully sponsored, so the only thing standing between her and a happy ending is someone willing to give her a chance. While Luna’s spirit is bright and resilient, a more delicate soul is also waiting for love just a few kennels away. Meet Topaz (ID 697955), a stunning 11-month-old feline with a soft, velvety coat and eyes full of longing. Topaz is the kind of cat who blooms in the right environment. At the shelter, the constant noise and unfamiliar faces have been stressful for her—but give her a quiet home and a little time and you’ll see her true personality shine. According to her previous owner, Topaz is a delightful mix of playful and serene. She enjoys curling up in cozy spots, chasing the occasional toy and—perhaps best of all—loves receiving belly rubs. She’s also great with children and small dogs, making her a versatile addition to a variety of households. Topaz’s sensitive nature means she’ll need a patient adopter who understands that good things take time. The Humane Society staff are confident that once she feels safe and loved, Topaz will form a strong and lasting bond with her new family. Her capacity for affection is enormous—she just needs the right person to bring it out. So, are you ready to make a difference? Whether you're looking for a dog to jog beside you or a cat to curl up on your lap, Luna and Topaz represent the best of what shelter pets have to offer: resilience, affection and the ability to bring joy into any home. The Humane Society of Broward County is open for adoptions every day at 11:00 a.m., located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. If you’d like to meet Luna or Topaz or any of the other wonderful animals waiting for a home, start by filling out the pre-adoption application online at: www.humanebroward.com under the "Adopt" tab. Questions? You can call the shelter at: (954) 989-3977 for more information. Adopting a pet is more than just bringing home a companion — it’s giving a second chance, building a bond that will last a lifetime and receiving unconditional love in return. Luna and Topaz have so much love to give. All they need now is someone like you. Could that someone be you? See Luna - ID#: 697634 at the Humane Society of Broward County. Previous Next